Time to go solo?

KeyPAC Solo is a new standalone access control kit. The unit is a combined proximity type reader/controller using proprietary technology to operate a single changeover relay. It includes a 'door open' alarm output and 'request to exit' function, and all programming is affected by addressing the reader with the correct cards, without the use of any keypads or PC interfacing.

The kit comprises the reader with a pre-connected multi-core lead, a metal oxide varistor to prevent back emf damage, and a pack of ten access cards including two master programming cards. Installers will need to supply their own PSU, warning device and door locking device.

The reader is manufactured in Stockport in the UK, has been given the CE Mark and is guaranteed for five years.

Construction

KeyPAC Solo is available in three different housings – universal, standard and vandal resistant. Our sample was supplied in the standard variant, constructed from a hard black ABS plastic which is tough but not entirely waterproof. The KeyPAC Solo is neatly designed to a standard UK light switch size – approximately 84mm square – and in fact can be mounted using the existing screw holes to a single gang electrical backbox.

The rear of the reader is completely sealed with a tough potting compound to protect the electronics from water and mechanical shock, so there are no user serviceable parts to adjust. The pre-connected feed wire, a grey eight-core lead of approximately 5mm diameter, is 1.8m in length. Since there is no data running to a controlling device, installers can make the cable as long as necessary with unscreened cable, simply ensuring the voltage supply at the head remains within a tolerance of 10.5 – 20.0v DC.

A closed circuit anti tamper loop is thoughtfully provided on the rear of the reader to secure to the mounting surface. This actuates a negative output trigger to a (installer supplied) warning device when broken. Installers will do well to consider making use of the anti tamper loop, since entry to the premises could be attained by a knowledgeable person, simply by removing the reader from the mounting surface then bypassing the reading system by shorting the known coloured cables together.In this sense then, the KeyPAC Solo is not a high security product. It does not feature anti passback, print out facilities or any kind of time frame control, but concentrates on doing a simple job well.

Operation

The reader uses PAC's own version of proximity detection. It is a passive system using an embedded coil within the card (or separately available KeyPAC token) to receive the emitted energy and transmit back the handshake to the reader. There are no replaceable parts or batteries inside the cards, and they are available in credit card size at a trade price of (according to PAC) around £ 3.99 each.

The cards are fairly tough and resistant to extremes of temperature and mechanical shock, though not to bending or fracturing of the internal coil. We felt the cards were a little too expensive for what is actually a 'budget' system, though this is a subjective judgment. It can be argued of course that £3.99 is more or less the same cost as cutting a key for a standard mortise lock.

The KeyPAC Solo was found to be trouble-free for the duration of the test, operating consistently at a distance of approximately 200mm. Current consumption was in line with the manufacturer's specification of between 80 and 120 mA at 12v DC.

The proximity reader relay output is contained within the keypad controller. It is a NO/NC changeover type to accommodate any type of electric locking device, and can furthermore be programmed as a toggle switch, latching from open to closed with each successive reading of the card – useful for arming/disarming an intruder alarm control panel.

The reader contains audible and visual verification. When in use, the two LEDs give green or flashing red indications to the user, to show the status of the card. A piezo annunciator is also built in to give a selection of alarms and warning conditions, all of which are cancelled by presenting a correctly programmed card to the reader.

Programming

The design allows users to easily programme their own cards into and out of the system. It is achieved by presenting a master card to the reader three times to enter programming mode, followed by the individual access cards in sequence. The master card is again presented to leave programming mode. Very simple and straightforward. The system usefully allows any number of cards to be made into master card status, and has a capacity of up to 2000 cards or tokens.

All remaining programming, such as lock release time, set/reset mode and add master mode, is affected by a combination of physical re-wiring and powering up and down. Installers will need to attend site to make these changes.

Note. Cards must be presented to the reader in order to delete them from the system. Lost or stolen cards therefore, cannot be deleted individually. The system must be crashed and reprogrammed, and all authorised cards reconfigured back into the system.

Technical backup

We called PAC on a Friday afternoon on the telephone number supplied in the installation manual. The product is new and the technical information technician was unable to answer a few key questions. We were, however, passed on to a member of the development team who was more able to shed light on the subject, though it has to be said he seemed a little wary of our questioning.

The manual supplied for testing is a simple eight page A5 booklet with all the necessary information for installing and programming. A simple diagram identifies the wiring colours for connection, and contains all the installation information for most installers.

We felt that the programming information could have been written more coherently. There is, in fact, very little programming to be done - but the information seems jumbled and could, we felt, benefit from a rewrite.  Reader Service No 121

What the manufacturer says...

KeyPAC Solo is a new, easy-to-programme and operate, combined proximity reader/controller for single door installations with up to 2,000 possible users. The new product is a complete departure for PAC, being our first standalone system to be specifically targeted at the lower cost end of the access control market.

With an attractive price of around £175, KeyPAC Solo will be a prime choice for current or potential users of single keypad-style security systems. We are hoping to attract a much greater number of end users who hitherto may not have considered access control due to the cost or suitability for single door monitoring.

The KeyPAC Solo offers unique IDs and uses PAC's recently developed KeyPAC proximity technology with a range of up to 200mm, which effectively enables two-way reading. We have designed three housings – universal, standard and vandal resistant – which all feature dual LEDs for programming and a built-in sounder which can be programmed to issue an alarm if a door is forced or left open. KeyPAC Solo can also be used as a secure switch to turn on and off such equipment as alarm systems.

The universal housing is suitable for mounting internally or externally and has a smart curved housing to appeal to the design-conscious, and blend in with modern architecture.

KeyPAC is encapsulated in a highly durable resin and carries a five year guarantee. KeyPAC cards and tokens carry a lifetime guarantee against electronic failure.

Available in multiples of ten, each package includes a choice of KeyPAC Solo reader/controller units, ten new-shape KeyPAC tokens or KeyPAC ISO cards (KeyPAC Solo is only compatible with the new KeyPAC tokens and cards) and two master KeyPAC cards for programming.

For a combined reader/controller, we believe KeyPAC Solo is an attractive proposition. The price, reliable proximity reading technology, compact units and ease of use make it a good basic access control system for single door monitoring.