Barcode Access Controller - Installation Guide

Pre-Installation Checklist

Please consult our Bench Test Checklist for prior to installation. A bench test must be performed on the controller hardware prior to installing, or else the warranty will be voided. Call (855) 367-4967 or email [email protected], and we will be happy assist you in completing the bench test and answer all of your questions.

Gym Insight provides support for all the hardware that we sell. Some hardware and services will be needed that we do not provide, and include: a licensed low voltage installer, the locking device, additional Category 5 or serial cable, a Windows PC, and network Administrator access.

We highly recommend scheduling your installation during normal support hours, in order to better assist you.

Overview

The barcode access system consists of an interior mounted network access controller (“Controller”), and an exterior mounted barcode scanner (“Scanner”). The Controller is wired to an electronic locking device (“Lock”) via either normally open or normally closed relay contacts on the Controller. The Lock must be powered by its own power supply that meets the power requirements of the Lock. The Lock cannot be powered directly by the Controller (e.g., the Controller does not provide "wet" contacts) and must be powered by its own standalone power supply. The Controller connects to a front desk or office computer via hard-wired Ethernet cable.

General steps for installing the barcode access system:

1. Ensure an approved electronic locking device (typically an electronic latch or magnetic lock) is installed by a licensed locksmith or low voltage contractor. The locking device must have its own power supply and cannot be powered by the barcode system (this device only provides dry contacts).
2. Mount the Controller. The Controller is typically mounted above the inside of the entry door in either a locking metal enclosure or a large junction box. Alternatively, the Controller can be remotely mounted in an equipment closet; however, high quality shielded cabling must be used, and the total cable run must not exceed 50 feet (see the Cable Requirements section of this document for specific criteria).
3. Connect the Controller to the computer network using the RJ45 jack.
4. Connect the Controller to the locking hardware (“Lock”) using either the Normally Closed (NC1) or Normally Open (NO1) connections according to the type of locking mechanism (generally electronic latches and actuators use Normally Open, while magnetic locks use Normally Closed).
5. Install and configure the Insight Access software (contact us for assistance with this step).
6. Test the installation.

The Barcode Access Controller

The Controller connects to an office or front desk computer via standard Ethernet networking cable (CAT 5, 6, 7, or 8). The Controller connects to the barcode scanner (“Scanner”) using the Scanner’s attached serial cable and DB-9 serial connector.

Controller Connections

You will only be using the NO1, COM1, and NC1 connections for your magnetic lock or electronic latch.

⚠️ WARNING: Do not exceed 1A or 30V across the relay connections. If your locking device exceeds 1A or 30V, you will need to add a high current relay that meets or exceeds the lock manufacturer’s specifications. For example: if you are using a magnetic lock that is rated at 1200mA (1.2A), you will need to use an additional relay, or the device will be irreparably damaged.

Mounting the Scanner

For the exterior Scanner, we typically use either a completely sealed slot-type barcode Scanner where the member card is swiped through the open slot of the Scanner, or a weatherized panel-mount laser scanner. If your facility utilizes traditional keytag type barcode tags (the kind grocery stores use) we will provide the completely sealed slot-type barcode Scanner and your member will swipe their cards through the slot to gain access to your facility. For any other type of barcode, including Digital Keytags generated by our Members App, we will provide a weatherized panel-mount laser scanner.

For Magnetic Locks

If you are connecting a magnetic lock, you will typically use the COM1 (common) and NC1 (normally closed) relay connections to supply a constant current to the magnet until a valid key is presented.

For Electronic Latches and Actuators

Typically, you will use the COM1 (common) and NO1 (normally open) relay connections to only supply current to the electronic latch when a valid key is presented.

Connecting the Scanner to the Controller

If you purchased the Scanner from us, it will already be correctly programmed to communicate with the Controller. If you are using a Scanner third party scanner that was not purchased from us, you will need to ensure that the serial communication parameters are set to 9600bps and 8N1.

You’ll notice that the DB-9 serial connector on the Scanner has a barrel jack for a power adapter.

⚠️WARNING: It is crucially important that you use only the power adapter that was supplied with the Scanner. If you exceed the power rating of the Scanner, the device will be permanently damaged, and the warranty will be voided!

Scanner Cable Requirements

If you need to extend the length of the cable from the Scanner, please splice the wires color for color and try to keep the total cable length under 15 meters (approximately 49 feet) to ensure proper communication. Furthermore, if you intend to run the cable near noisy electrical devices (such as fluorescent lights, power panels, or high voltage wires) be sure to use a shielded cable for the splice.

Ensure that the Scanner cable meets these requirements:

• 22 AWG (or larger, preferably)
• 6 or more conductors, stranded wire (ALPHA 1295 is one recommendation)
  • Prefer larger AWS if you can get it at your local wire and cable house
  • Prefer shielded cable
• Less than 50 feet total distance from Scanner to Controller

Networking Considerations

For simplicity and security, we normally provide dedicated router for your Controller(s) included in your installation kit. The router setup guide is here, and is part of the Bench Test Procedure that must be completed before controller installation.

The Controller should be hard wired directly to the router, hub, or switch that the front desk or Insight Access computer is connected to. Do not use a wireless adapter or wireless bridge to connect the Controller.

Use high quality Category 5, 6, 7, or 8 twisted pair cable and be sure to choose a shielded twisted pair cable if the cabling will run near sources of electrical noise such as fluorescent lights or high voltage transformers.

Create a network segment that will only have the Controller (or Controllers) and the computer that they will connect to. This is VERY IMPORTANT, do not place the Controller on the same network that will be used for general internet traffic (for this reason and simplicity, we typically include a separate router, already programmed, with your hardware). Under no circumstance should you place the Controller on a publicly accessible network (such as a free WiFi network used by gym members). The Controller is susceptible to malformed network packets and malicious software, viruses, and malware commonly found on the Internet. Without exception, you WILL have problems with your access system if you place the Controller on the same network used by employees and gym members.

You can segment your network either by creating a Virtual Lan (VLAN) if you have a high-quality switch or router or, as illustrated above, you can use the firewall appliance we included and place it between your public/employee network and the sensitive Controller and check-in computer.