The following diagram depicts the high-level MCAS components:
 

The BL1810 controller is a single-board computer featuring onboard battery-backed SRAM user database, Rabbit-2000 processor, and RS-485 multi-drop communication link.  It can accept magstripe or RFID proximity readers.  Supported reader interfaces include RS-232, TTL (clock/data), and Wiegand.  It  also has the capability for optional serial RS-232 host comm.  Although the BL1810 does not include Ethernet capability, Kadtronix can apply an add-on option if desired.


Low-Cost BL1810 Controller

If desired, you may obtain the OP6700 operator interface terminal.  Like the BL1810, the OP6700  interfaces to a host PC using RS-485 multi-drop and includes 1000-user onboard database.  The OP6700 also features 12-key membrane keypad and LCD display (with backlight), making it ideal for PIN entry systems.  The OP6700, shown below, also features Ethernet communication in addition to standard RS-485.


OP6700 Terminal for PIN-Entry

MCAS controllers are compatible with a variety of card-reader types including barcode, magstripe, and proximity readers.  Available card-reader interfaces include TTL (clock/data), serial (RS-232), and Wiegand (BL1810 only),  The image below shows a ProxPoint Plus Proximity Reader (#6008).  This item, made by HID (www.hidcorp.com) is fully compatible with the MCAS.






The following diagram illustrates MCAS connectivity and the ability to expand the system by adding readers and controllers.  The entire system is controlled by a host PC via a single serial cable.  The RS-485 multi-drop network supports up to 32 MCAS controllers.  Reader controllers are linked together in daisy-chain fashion.  The host accesses an individual controller by its unique board (station) address.  (Note:  The diagram below shows a RS-232 link between card-reader and controller, indicating an ASCII card-reader. )

The OP6700 controller features Ethernet (TCP/IP) connectivity in addition to RS-485 multi-drop.
 
1. System Requirements

MCAS software requires a Windows laptop or desktop PC with the following minimum capabilities:
 

Pentium CPU

8 MB RAM

1 MB Available Hard Disk Space

VGA Monitor

RS-232 serial port (if applicable)

RS-485 converter (if applicable)

Ethernet port (if applicable)

Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista

 

2. Card-Reader Compatibility

MCAS accepts magstripe and proximity card-readers.  The following list contains readers that are known to work with MCAS.  Other readers are also possible:

 

MagTek Single-Track (2) TTL Reader (part no.21050002)

MagTek Dual-Track (1,2) TTL Reader (part no.21050004)

MagTek RS-232 Reader (part no. 21040071)

HID ProxPoint Plus (6008B), compatible with HID 1326 ProxCard-II cards

HID EntryProx w/keypad  (4045CGNU0), Wiegand mode, BL1810 only


Typical magstripe card-reader specification:

Card speed:  3 to 50 ips (7.6 to 127 cm/sec)

MTBF:  1,000,000 passes


TTL (clock/data), Wiegand, or RS-232 card-reader interfaces may be used with the MCAS card-reader controller.  With There is no special setup or intialization required for using one reader type or the other.  The controller will automatically detect the reader type being used.  (Refer to the Card Reader Controller section for pin assignments.)  A barcode scanner may also be used.

Note:  Field-wiring terminal boards used with BL1810 controllers now provide 2 setup DIP switches to specify either Wiegand or clock/data.  These switches will be set prior to shipping and should not be adjusted in the field.

MCAS utilizes numeric data from card-reader track-2, extracting the first 8 ASCII digits from the track for ID storage and comparison.  When using a barcode scanner, a string of numeric digits is extracted from the device.  Most barcode devices also append a carriage-return and/or linefeed character terminator.  The terminator is ignored by MCAS.
 

3. Features

MCAS features include the following:

 

Door/gate access-activation

Configurable activation  timer keeps door/gate open for specified time period

RS-485 host comm. supports distances of 1000 feet or more to the controller

Optional RS-232 host communication instead of RS-485 (BL1810 only)

Ethernet (TCP/IP) support for even greater flexibility

Supports barcode, magstripe, and proximity card readers

Accepts standard track-2 magstripe cards

Uniquely addressable

Onboard battery-backed database maintains user access even if host link is lost

Firmware supports 20+ host PC commands

Add, modify, and delete users

Card-access logging

Date-based processing for removing expired user records

Photo-based enrollment and identification

Automatic upload for date-based expiration & compatibility with external databases

Department-based user uploads

Windows PC software for command and control

Compact size (BL1810): controller board measures (3.5" x 2.5") - (available from the manufacturer)

Field wiring terminal board (FWTB) also available (BL1810)

Keypad, LCD display (OP6700)

Expandable up to 32 reader controllers (RS-485)

Supports up to 1000 users (BL1810) or 250 uses (OP6700)

Configurable activation parameters including "door open" delay

Commerical off-the-shelf controller hardware

In-house firmware programming

"Open door" digital input for easy exit


MCAS software is  purchased is licensed in one of 3 available editions:  Lite, Standard, and Premium.  The following chart compares the editions:
 

Feature	Lite	Standard	Premium
Serial communication including RS-232 & RS-485
Ethernet TCP/IP communication option
Auto-detection of card-reader controllers
Door/gate access-activation with configurable timer
Add, modify, and delete users
PC database supports up to 1000 users
Dynamic card-monitoring utility
Add / configure card-reader stations
Free unlimited e-mail support
Card-access logging - stores access attempts to ASCII formatted log files
Date-based processing - automatically disables expired card users
Automatic upload for date-based processing; also for import of user records from external databases
Department-based access - grants user access to specific readers only:  (two available access levels: single reader & all readers)
Photo enrollment - compatible with digital webcams
Automatic photo identification - displays employee/user photo on card-access attempt

 
 
4. Ordering

MCAS reader controllers and host software are available at the following source:

    Kenneth Delahoussaye Consulting
    web: http://www.kadtronix.com
    email: info@kadtronix.com
 
 

5. Installation

Before installing the software, be sure to uninstall any earlier version.  To start the installation process, locate and run  the self-extracting setup file (setup.exe) on the install media.  Pay careful attention to the selection and installation of MCAS hardware. Refer to the Resources section of this manual for suggested hardware suppliers.  Allow only a qualified technician to perform your MCAS installation.

Where possible, the reader controller should be located in close proximity with the card-reader (24 inches or less).  Ideally, the reader would be located on an outside wall, while the controller (BL1810) would be installed behind the wall, out of view and inaccessible to others.  If using the OP6700, mount the device on the wall, close to the card reader.  Place the unit in a location that allows easy access to the keypad and unrestricted viewing of the LCD display.  For RS-485 communication, MCAS requires a compatible RS485 converter for communicating with card-reader controller(s) over a RS-485 network.   (Converters are available from a number of suppliers including B&B Electronics.)  Attach the RS-485 converter to an available USB or RS-232 serial port on your computer.  Attach a length of cabling between the converter and the desired reader controller unit.  (Refer to section 2.5.2 of the BL1800 User's Manual for details concerning RS-485 hook-up.)  If using Ethernet TCP/IP communication, attach appropriate broadband cable to the RJ45 connector at the controller.

MCAS (BL1810) controllers also offer the option of RS-232 host comm. instead of RS-485 (default). When RS-485 host comm.is  active, the RS-232 port (C) may be used with a serial card-reader or barcode scanner (9600 baud).  If RS-232 host comm. is desired, you must tie PD2 high (+5V).  In doing so, RS-485 comm. will be disabled.  In addition, using a RS-232 card-reader will not be possible.  RS-232 host comm. rate is 115,200 baud.

For the BL1810, apply a voltage of 7.5VDC to 25VDC at the Vin input.  (Refer to the sample hookup schematic for details.)

For the OP6700, you may use any available power supply ranging from 9VDC to 40VDC.

For best results, MCAS power should be supplied from an uninterrupable power source to allow the reader station to continue to operate even if primary power is temporarily lost.


Ethernet Setup (OP6700 only):

If using the OP6700 with Ethernet, attach the communications cable to the appropriate port on the back of the unit.  Refer to the OP6700 User's Manual for additional details.  The unit's network IP address can be viewed and/or configured by performing the following steps:

Power on the OP6700 device and press the "Enter" key within 3 seconds.  A set of configuration menu choices will appear as shown below:

   1 - IP = 10.10.6.100
   2 - Net = 255.255.255.0
   3 - Port = 3000
   4 - Save & Exit

The menu shows 4 configuration options along with the present setting of each option.  Press the "1" key to configure IP address.  After entering the desired address, press the "Enter" key.  This will return you back to the main menu.  Press "4" to save the new IP address to the device's non-volatile memory and exit the configuration menu.

Ethernet Setup (BL1810 only):

The BL1810 does not include Ethernet capability.  However, Kadtronix can apply a special Ethernet option if desired.  The field-wiring terminal board (FWTB) may be adapted with an Ethernet interface including RJ45 port.  Network settings can be viewed and/or configured using the MCAS host software.   Refer to Configure LAN Devices for details.
 

Start Menu -> All Programs -> Magstripe Card Access System (2.0) -> Magstripe Card Access System

The user list presents a summary of all users.  (Until you have added new users, the user list display will be blank.)  Beneath the user list are two numeric counter values.  The "Users" value indicates the total number of users.  The "Stations" value is the total number of card-reader stations.  These counters update automatically as users and stations are added or deleted.  The edit field near the bottom section of the display presents status information:






This read-only field typically contains command completion status, network information, and error details.  Just below the status field is a series of read-only edit fields titled, "TCP/IP:".  These controls will be enabled only if you have selected TCP/IP in your communication settings.  They remain disabled (grayed) otherwise.  The left-most field, indicated "Connection(s)=", denotes the number of active network connections.  A connection can be established only when the appropriate IP address has been configured for a controller device.  In addition, the IP address must also be identified in the reader station definition.  The next field, denoted "Pkts:", shows the number of TCP/IP packets which have been written ("w") and received ("r").  The next control is a button titled, "...".  This button is used to reset your network connections and may be useful in situations where you have verified network parameters associated with one or more networked devices, but are unable to establish a connection.

The "Exit" button terminates the application.  If any settings have been modified, the program will prompt you to save them before termination.
 
 

Communication Settings
To access program settings, choose the following from the main menu: "File -> Settings...".  The following dialog will appear on the screen:






First, determine the communications method you will be using: RS-485 multi-drop, RS-232, or Ethernet (TCP/IP).  If using RS-485 or RS-232, select the desired PC communications (COM) port.  (If your computer does not have a serial port, but has USB capability, you may wish to obtain a USB-to-RS232 adapter.)  If you wish to use Ethernet communication, you must choose the appropriate network port.  If you are not sure what value to assign, simply use the default value shown.  Refer to Ethernet setup for details on configuring the reader station for network communication.

Use the "Latency" control to specify message delays.  The latency is necessary to accommodate reader(s) that may be a long distance away from the host PC.  This adjustment is used for RS-485 communication and should be made based on the reader station that is the farthest distance away.  Adjust high for long distances and low for short distances.  Initially adjust to the lowest position.  If message errors result during communication, try using a higher latency.

"Encryption" specifies whether or not messages will be scrambled.  By default, all command and response messages are scrambled as a security measure.

Adding Reader Stations
One of the first actions to perform is adding card-reader stations.  A reader station is defined as the hardware and equipment associated with an access entry location.  This includes the MCAS controller and the associated card-reader.  An access entry location may be a hallway, entrance, gate, door, etc.  You must define at least one reader station.  To do this, use the main menu (top) and choose "Stations -> Add/Modify...".  The following dialog appears:






At the bottom of the display page is a field titled, "Stations List:".  This region shows a summary of all defined reader stations.  This field will be blank if you have not defined any stations yet.  To define a reader station, you will use the remaining controls featured on the  page.

The "Select:" combo-box control at the top of the page selects a station index value from the database.  To add a new station, user the "Add New" button.  (This will automatically choose the correct index within the "Select:" combo box.)  Next, enter the station ID.  This 8-digit field is the board serial number of the MCAS controller.  It may be found printed on a label on the outside of the box or anti-static bag containing the controller.  The station ID allows a specific controller to be addressed and is required for both RS-485 and Ethernet communications.  Enter this number exactly as shown on the label.  Next, enter a text description of the station.  You should make this string something meaningful that will help you easily identify the location of the station.

Once you have defined the station ID and description, you should choose the desired activation time.  The activation time designates a timed delay which occurs after a valid card swipe has occurred.  This parameter defines the amount of time (in seconds) that the door/gate remains unlocked.  When unlocked, one of the available the high-power digital outputs is active.  Each of the high-power digital outputs can each sink up to 200 mA at 30V (BL1810) or 200mA at 40V (OP6700).  This option is ideal for driving relays or solenoids.  (Refer to section 2.2.2 of the BL1800 User's Manual or  section 3.1.2 of the OP6700 User's Manual for details.)  When this method of activation is used, card-swipe by a valid user results in the digital output becoming active.  The output remains active for the time period specified by "Activation Time".  After this time has elapsed, the output becomes inactive.  (The default digital output signal assignment is made in the controller firmware.  If necessary, the assignment can be changed via a manual command.)

The Mode field defines the card access mode for the MCAS controller.  There are three selections:  Card and PIN, Card Only, and PIN Only.  PIN modes require a keypad.  Unless the card reader contains an integrated keypad, only the Card-Only mode will be allowed.    (Note:  Mode may be unused in some MCAS controller firmware revisions.)

The next section of the display allows you to specify how the reader station responds to received broadcast commands.






By default, a reader station will not respond to a broadcast command from the host PC (response latency = "Disabled").  This ensures there are no collisions due to multipe reader stations attempting to respond simultaneously.  However, there may be times when broadcast responses are desireable.  For instance, you may wish to poll all reader stations for system status or card-swipe history.  Rather than issuing individual commands to each reader, you could issue a single broadcast command and await responses from all reader station(s).  However, you must use caution when implementing broadcast commands/responses.  It is imperative that you apply proper broadcast response latency values to each reader station.  (Note:  Be careful not to confuse broadcast response latency with the communications latency described in the settings section.)  The response latency value provides a method of avoiding message collisions.  It tells the reader station how long to delay (in milliseconds) before attempting to issue a response to a broadcast command.  For example, consider a network of 5 reader stations interfaced to a common host via RS-485 bus.  If the user desires to implement broadcast messaging, he might enter the following response latencies:
 

Reader Station ID	Broadcast  Response Latency (mS)
00721205	0
00515333	50
01003411	100
00212334	150
00425221	200

 
 
The latency values you choose will depend on number of factors including the number of reader stations and the distances away from the host PC.  By staggering the response messages, you avoid message collisions.

If you have specified Ethernet communication instead of RS-485, then you must provide the network IP address associated with the reader station.  Each reader station must be configured with a unique IP address.   (Ethernet communication is applicable only to devices having this capability such as the OP6700.)  Refer to sections describing Ethernet setup and communications settings for additional details.  (Note:  A valid 8-digit reader station ID is also required when using Ethenet communication.)






Static IP addressing is required by MCAS host software to allow it to properly locate and identify MCAS controller(s).

(Note:  For proper communication, both an Ethernet (IP) address and station ID must be specified.  To program an IP address at the device, use the LAN configuration tool.  If necessary, you may use auto-detection to identify a controller's station ID.)

When you have completed assignment of the reader station fields, click "OK" to save them and return to the main dialog display.  Now that you have added or modified a station entry, you must update the changes to the reader station(s).  Do this by selecting:

    "Stations->Upload..."

The following message appears:






Choose "All" to update all card-reader stations individually.  Alternatively, you can select "Single" to update one station only.  For this selection, use the combo-box drop-list to choose the desired station.

(Note:  If you have specified Ethernet communication,  the MCAS host application will attempt to establish network connection(s) with the controller(s).  Once connected, the software will issue periodic "ping" messages.  Each controller must respond to these messages in order to keep the network connection alive.  If the station ID has not been properly set up within the MCAS host application, the controller will not respond to the ping message and the network connection will be dropped.  The MCAS host application will subsequently re-establish the connection, but then terminate the link once again if the controller does not respond.  Henceforth, your system will continually establish a connection and then lose the connection.  To remedy this condition, you must provide the proper station ID associated with the controller as indicated above.)
 

 

Adding Users
Each user should be assigned an identification card (track-2 standard) with a unique ID number.  The card may be a driver's license, credit card, or custom-designed card such as the one shown below:






(Note:  If the card designates more than 8 numeric digits, then use only the upper digits.  For instance, consider the following fictitious credit card number:

            0082 1288 7890 3456

To use this credit card number as your ID, extract the upper 8 digits as shown:

            00821288

To add or change a user, click the "Add/Modify..." button.  Alternative, you may select "Users -> Add/Modify"   from the file menu.  The following dialog will appear:

 

To add a new user, click "Add New".  Enter the first and last names of the user being added.  Also enter the user's card ID.  (This field should be an 8-digit numeric value.)  For PIN-entry systems including the OP6700, enter a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN).  This number should be kept secret by the user.  It will be entered by the user at the keypad after a successful card-swipe.  (PINs are not used in BL1810 controllers.)   To add another user, click "Add New" once again and enter his information following the same procedure as before.    The index field (upper left) is a drop-down combo control for accessing a user entry.  (Optionally, you may use the convenience buttons, "<<" or ">>" to quickly locate user records.)  After selecting the desired user entry, you may modify or delete it.  The "Date Activated:" field indicates when the specified user record was defined and added to the database.

Use "Reader Station Access:" if you want to define department-based user records.  This feature allows you to define which department or site is valid for the particular employee or user.  Choose "ALL" if the user is allowed to access all stations.  (This feature is available only in MCAS Standard and Premium editions.)

The check-box titled, "Photo enrollment" is used to activate photo-based enrollment and identification.  (Optionally, you may also use this menu option: "Users -> Enable Photo ID / Enroll...".)  Available in the MCAS Premium edition only, this feature is useful for security and provides quick identification of users entering access-controlled areas.  When properly activated and configured, an employee or user photo is automatically displayed when his card is swiped at a reader station.

When the "Photo enrollment" check-box is enabled, the following dialog appears:






Begin by defining the user fields (name, card ID, PIN, etc.) as desribed above.  To specify a photo, you may import an existing bitmap image or capture a photo using a compatible web-camera such as the Logitech Quickcam.  Once a photo is selected for a specified user, the image will be saved and displayed as shown below:






You may use the "Hide" button to extinguish the dialog.  Or, specify another user record and photo as previously described.

(Note:  For proper operation of photo-based identification, it is necessary to ensure that remote reader stations have the correct date/time.  The time at the readers must match the date/time at the host PC.  See Set Station Date / Time for additional details.)

The "Access Period" is used for date-based expiration and defines the time period (in days) that user access will be permited.  If you specify "Unlimited", the user will be allowed system access indefinitely (or until deleted from the database).  If "Limited" is selected, the user will be allowed access privileges up to (and including) the indicated termination date.  After this date, the user will be denied access at the reader station(s).  Date-based expiration is available only in standard and premium editions.

(Note:  If you plan to use date-based expiration as describe above, then auto-upload processing must be active for proper handling of expired user records.)

When you have finished adding user(s), click "OK".  (Or click "Cancel" if you do not wish to store any of the user(s) you've just added.)  The following dialog will appear:

At this time, you must update your changes to the card reader station(s).  Select the reader station(s) you want to update.  Choose "Single" to update a single reader station only.  In most instances, you'll want to update all stations by selecting "All".
 
 
Saving
After making changes such as adding/modifying users or reader stations, you may save the database to a file on your PC.  Do this by selecting:

    "File -> Save..."

The following message appears:






Click "Yes" to save your changes.  (Note:  MCAS software versions 2.1.5 and later have an auto-save feature which periodically checks for modified settings and automatically saves them to your computer's hard disk.)
 

Manual Commands
In most cases you will not have a need to use manual commands.  It is available for advanced users and is a useful for trouble-shooting and testing.  To perform a manual command, click the "Manual Commands" check box near the bottom of the main dialog.  You may manually type a command string and send it to card-reader station(s).  Valid commands are listed in the MCAS Programmer's API section of this manual.

 

Once you have entered the desired command, click the "Send" button.  Specify the desired reader destination(s) using the dialog window below:






Choose "Single" to issue the request to a single reader station only.  In some instances, you'll want to send to all stations by selecting "All".   (Caution:  Manual commands should be attempted only by advanced users and are not recommended for the novice.)
 
 

Enabling Stations
This option enables or disables one or more card reader stations.  This is useful for globally denying access entry to all users at one or more sites and could be useful in situations where safety and/or security are in question.

To enable one or more stations, choose the following menu option:

    "Stations->Enable"

To disable one or more stations:

    "Stations->Disable"

By default, stations are enabled.
 

Tools
MCAS provides the following tool selections.  They are available from the "Tools" menu:

 
Poll Stations
This option issues a presence request to one or more specified reader stations and provides a quick means of determining if a station is responding.  (Note:  This option can be applied for known stations.  If stations are unknown, use the Auto-Detect Stations menu option.)

Auto-Detect Stations
When active reader station addresses are unknown, you may use this option to detect and display them.  A detection request message is broadcast to all readers.  To minimize the liklihood of RS-485 message collisions, a maximum response latency value is provided.  This value allows each reader station to compute a random response latency, allowing each station to respond at different times during the max. latency period.   Choose a maximum response latency appropriate for the number of active reader stations.  The higher the value, the smaller the chance of collision(s).  (Note:  Auto-detect response latency should not be confused with broadcast response latency.)

To use this feature, select the following from the menu:

    "Tools->Auto-Detect Stations..."






Open Door/Gate
The option provides a means of remotely activating access at one or more stations as if a valid card-swipe had occurred.  This feaure is useful for granting entry to vendors, repair technicians, or others who may need one-time access, but who do not have a magstripe ID card.  When the command is issued, the door or gate will be unlocked for the time period specified by station parameters and will then automatically return to the locked state.

Clear Card-Access History
This option erases the card-swipe history.  This data is a list maintained within the MCAS controller hardware that contains card-swipe IDs from the most recent access attempts.  (Note:  Card-swipe data is stored regardless of the card's validity.  That is, the data is stored even if the card ID does not exist in the local MCAS database.)

Configure Auto-Upload
This option allows you to configure a schedule for automatically uploading database user records to remote controllers.  When enabled, uploads occur automatically at the prescribed time each day.  (You must enable this option if date-based expiration of user records is needed.)  To configure auto-upload, selec the following menu item:

    "Tools->Configure Auto-Upload..."






Configure LAN Devices (BL1810 only)
This option is applicable only to BL1810 controllers.  Although the BL1810 does not provide Ethernet capability, Kadtronix can apply a special add-on option enabling TCP/IP connectivity.  Adapted controllers must be configured with static IP addressing for proper communication.  Before using this utility, ensure that your Ethernet-enabled controller is powered on and comm. cable has been plugged in.  To run the utility, select the following from the menu:

    "Tools->Configure LAN devices..."






When invoked, the  utility activates a detection sequence, searching for active devices.  When complete, the dialog lists detected devices available for configuration.  (Note:  Until LAN-enabled device has been properly configured, use a direct connection where possible.  To facilitate proper detection, avoid using a gateway device or router until after the configuration has been completed.)

The dialog is divided into two sections, labelled "Configure" and "Describe".  The configure section provides fields for specifying network parameters.  The following fields must be specified for proper network communication of Ethernet-enabled controllers:
 

• IP address (static)
• Subnet
• Gateway (or router)
• Port No.


(Note:  Remaining fields in the configure section are provided for information only and do not require any changes.)  To view the settings associated with a device, left-click a selection in the list.  Choose the proper settings based on your network.   (Note:  Port number assignment must match the value specified in MCAS settings.)  Once you have specified the desired settings, left-click the "Apply" button to store and implement them at the remote controller.  After the utility completes the configuration, it will automatically initiate a new detection sequence and list the updated parameters.  (You may initiate a detection any time by left-clicking the "Detect" button.)

The "Describe" section is optional and allows you to provide descriptions for your LAN-enabled controller.  This feature is helpful where multiple controllers exist on the network and allows you an easy way of describing each node.  Populate the following fields:
 

• MAC address
• Device Description


You may manually enter the 12-digit MAC address or you can populate it by transferring from the configuration list located left using the "To->" button.  Type a descriptive name or phrase to help you remember the node's purpose and/or location.  Then, left-click "Add/Replace" to add the new description.  To remove a description, select it, then left-click "Delete".

Once you have completed your changes, left-click the "OK" button to save and exit.

Monitor Card-Access
To use this tool, select the following from the menu:

 
    "Tools->Monitor Card-Access"
 





This option retrieves, displays, and logs real-time data containing card-access attempts at reader station(s).   It also provides timestamps indicating the date/time the card-access attempt occurred at the reader station.  The application issues periodic broadcast commands to all readers, requesting card-swipe history.   (Note:  This tool utililizes broadcast messaging and requires that each reader station is configured with the proper broadcast response latency.   Improper configuration could result in missing responses and/or message collisions (RS-485 only).)

This function is required if you desire to store and view log files.  Remote reader stations tempoarily store card-swipe history data until it is requested by the host computer.   (Note:  Since reader stations have limited memory storage, you should execute the Monitor Access periodically to capture/store the records and prevent the loss of data due to buffer overrun at the reader stations.)

To capture card-access data, first enable the check-box titled, "Save log files".  (Note:  File logging can consume a large amount of disk space over time.  If file logging is not necessary for your application, you should leave this check-box empty.)  Next, activate data retrieval & monitoring using the "Start" button.  This will perform periodic uploads from all reader stations and store the data to log files (if enabled).  The retrieval & monitoring operation will also enable the "View Logs..." button, allowing you to view log files which have been stored to your computer.

If you are using RS-232 host communication instead of RS-485 or Ethernet, you should enable the check-box titled: "RS232 Host Comm.".  This will disable broadcast command polling and allow unsolicited received card-swipe messages instead.

If the reader station(s) have not been configured for broadcast response latency, you may do so using the "Configure" section as shown below.  To enable response latency, choose the reader station and enter the desired latency value.  Then, click the "Upload" button.






The "Detections" field lists real-time card-swipe access attempts.  Each record contains timestamp,  card-ID, and reader station address for each access attempt.  (Note:  A detection record may also have the following appended sub-string indicator:  <!>.  This string, when present, indicates the card ID was not found in the controller's local database and represents an unknown card-swipe attempt.)






You may select the desired broadcast command rate from 300 to 5000 milliseconds.   The faster the rate, the more quickly card data is retrieved.  However, if there are multiple readers on the bus, you must allow time for them all to respond based upon their user-defined  broadcast response latencies.






The field at the bottom of the display shows received, unprocessed data characters from reader station(s).  It is this data which is used to extract card-access data displayed in the "Detections" region above.






View Access Logs
This option allows you to view stored card-access log data which has been stored to your computer's hard disk drive.  Log files are created and stored when you enable logging using the "Enable Card-Access Logging" menu selection.   Logging can also be enabled & viewed using the Monitor Card Access  feature.  (Card-access logging is available in MCAS Standard and Premium editions only.)  To view card-access logs, use the fpllowing menu item:

   "Tools->View Card-Access Logs...". .






The large list control within the display is the viewer field and shows card-access log records of interest.  Over time, log files can grow quite large, making it difficult to locate and view specific records of interest.  The combo controls provided at the top of the display allow you to filter the data so you can more easily find the desired information.

The "Terminal:" control allows you to choose the reader station(s) and is useful if you have defined department-based users.  Choose "All" otherwise.

The "Period Begin:" and "Period End:" controls select the desired date range.  Only card-access attempts which have occurred within this range will be displayed in the viewer field.

Use the "Refresh" button at the bottom of the display to refresh the viewer field.  This is useful in the event that new data has been recently stored.  If desired, use the "Auto-refresh" check-box to automatically refresh the display on a periodic basis.

Check the box titled, "24-hour time" to display time entries in military format.  If unchecked, time will be displayed in standard, 12-hour format with AM/PM indicators.

Log files are stored in ASCII text format and can be viewed using any compatible text editor or viewer.  These files can be found at the following folder location:

   C:\Program Files\Magstripe Card Access System 2.0\Data\erpts

The files are named with the following convention:

   _nnnnnnnn.txt

The designator, "nnnnnnnn" indicates an 8-digit numeric card-ID.
 

Set Station Date / Time
This option is used to configure the date and time at card reader station(s).  Each station controller has a built-in realtime clock that is used primarily for time-stamping card-access transactions.  To set date/time select the following menu item:

    "Tools->Set Station Date / Time..."

The following dialog window will be displayed:



Verify that the date and time listed match the computer's system's clock.  (Note:  It is imperative that reader station(s) are closely syncronized with the host PC.)  Left-click the "OK" button to issue the update request to reader station(s).
 
 

   "Help -> Registration..."
 

When the "Register" dialog appears, fill in the requested information as shown in the example above.  When complete, click "Send" to transmit the information to Kadtronix.  (A valid e-mail account and  internet connection are required to perform this operation.)

After you have received a license key from Kadtronix, select the following main menu item:

   "Help -> Enter License Key..."

Enter the encoded key string as shown in the example below.  Click "OK" to accept the new key and enable the edition upgrade.
 

• Easy screw-terminal wiring connections
• Onboard door/gate control relay
• Activity LED indicator

Optionally, you may choose an integrated solution consisting of 12-key keypad, 4x20 LCD display with backlight, and Ethernet communication.  The OP6700 is also available from Z-World and can be easily attached to any wall or suitable surface.

Sample Hookup Schematic (BL1810)
The following schematic diagram shows a typical MCAS (BL1810) hook-up scenario:






Note 1:  Also required (not shown in the diagram above) are pulldown resistors at MCAS controller signals PD0 (J5-19), PD1 (J5-20), and PD2 (J5-21).  Refer to the pin-out signal descriptions for details.

Note 2:  The diagram above indicates a RS-232 card-reader.  A TTL (clock/data) reader, proximity reader, or barcode scanner  may also be used.  Refer to the pin-out signal descriptions for details.  The dashed line indicates a port-powered connection where the reader device obtains its power from the serial port.

MCAS is compatible with RS-232, clock/data, and Wiegand readers as listed in the following wiring guides:
 
 

BL1810 Card-Reader Wiring
Magstripe RS-232 Reader
MagTek #21040075

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	BL1810  Connection
TX (2)	Yellow		RXC  [J5-4]
RX (3)	Green		TXC  [J5-6]
PWR (4)	Orange		VCC  [J5-1]
GND (5)	Brown		Ground  [J5-2]


 
 

BL1810 Card-Reader Wiring
Proximity, Wiegand
HID EntryProx #4045CGNU0  (w/keypad)

Reader Signal	Port/Wire  Color	Notes	FWTB  Terminal
Wieg.  Data 0	P3 / Grn	1	T-5
Wieg. Data 1	P3 / Wht	1	T-6
PWR	P1 / Red		T-2
GND	P1 / Blk		T-8
Note 1:  The reader must be keypad-programmed for Wiegand output mode.  Kadtrpnix can perform this programming for a small fee.


 
 

OP6700 Card-Reader Wiring
MagTek #21040075

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	OP6700  Connection
TX (2)	Yellow		RXC  [J7-7]
RX (3)	Green		TXC  [J7-6]
PWR (4)	Orange	1, 2	-
GND (5)	Brown		Ground  [J7-2]
Note 1:  Since the OP6700 does not provide +5VDC output, an external voltage supply or regulator  is required.
Note 2:  Use 220-ohm resistor in series between VCC and card-reader power input.


 
 

BL1810 Card-Reader Wiring
Magstripe, TTL Reader
MagTek #21050002

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	FWTB  Terminal
Clock	Grn		T-5
Data	Yel		T-6
Card Pres.	Ora		T-4
PWR	Red		T-3
GND	Brn		T-8


 
 

BL1810 Card-Reader Wiring
Magstripe, TTL Reader
MagTek #21040025

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	FWTB  Terminal
Clock	Grn		T-5
Data	Brn		T-6
Card Pres.	Wht		T-4
PWR	Red		T-3
GND	Blk		T-8


 
 

OP6700 Card-Reader Wiring
MagTek #21040025

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	OP6700  Connection
Card Pres.	White		IN2  [J7-10]
Data	Brown	2	IN1  [J7-9]
Strobe	Green	2	IN0  [J7-8]
Vcc	Red	1	-
Gnd	Black		GND  [J7-5]
Note 1:  Since the OP6700 does not provide +5VDC output, an external voltage supply or regulator  is required.
Note 2:  For proper operation of TTL card-readers, resistors R63 and R65 must be shorted or replaced with 0-ohm resistor. This operation should be performed by a qualified technician with proper soldering experience.


 
 

BL1810 Card-Reader Wiring
Proximity, TTL Reader
HID ProxPoint Plus #6008B

Reader Signal	Wire  Color	Notes	FWTB  Terminal
Clock	Wht		T-5
Data	Grn		T-6
Card Pres.	Vio		T-4
Beeper	Yel	1	T-7
PWR	Red		T-3
GND	Blk		T-8
Note 1:  Optional connection

 
 
Pin-Outs
The following table lists the pin-outs and descriptions for MCAS 1810 board connectors.  Note that only a subset of the pins will be used in any given application.  Refer to the sample hookup diagram for more information.
 

Connecting a Power Supply
To activate the MCAS (BL1810) controller, apply a voltage of 7.5VDC to 25VDC to the Vin input (refer to the pin-out table above).  Vin is available on connector J4 as well as J1.  The controller provides a regulated DC output of 5 volts.  You may use this supply for powering external devices, but keep current draw to a minium to prevent damage to the regulator.

To activate the MCAS (OP6700) device, apply a voltage of 9VDC to 40VDC to the PWR input, screw terminal J7-1.  Since the OP6700 does not provide a regulated output for powering external devices such as card-readers, an external source of 5VDC must be provided such as 7805 regulator.  The following table shows the wiring plan:
 

 +5V (7805) Voltage Regulator 
Wiring Plan for OP6700

Regulator Pin	J7 Terminal	Description
1	1 (PWR)	+Vraw (regulator input)
2	2 (Gnd)	Ground
3	-	+5VDC out
Note 1:  Pin 1 is the left-most pin when viewing the front of the 7805 device package.

 
 

Connecting a Door Activation Device
If you wish to use MCAS to electronically control access to a door or gate, the proper connection must be made to your electric door strike or other door actication device.  However, the MCAS controller is not capable of supplying the power required to directly operate such a device.  Instead, a low-power relay should be used (100mA or less recommended).  Connect one side of the relay coil to BL1810 signal HV0 [pin J4-33].  HV0 provides the ground path and can sink up to 200mA.  Connect the other relay coil signal to the desired supply voltage.  Please note that BL1810 signal line K (J4-37) must also be connected to the supply.  K can be any voltage up to 30V.  If using a 5V relay, K may be tied to VCC.  Just remember to connect K to the supply you want to use for controlling the relay.

 (Note:  If using the FWTB, refer to screw-terminal assignments in the appropriate table above.)

If using the OP6700, connect one side of the relay coil to OUT0 [J7-12].  OUT0 provides the ground path and can sink up to 200mA @ 40VDC.  Connect the other relay coil signal to the supply (PWR) voltage [J7-1].
 

Connecting a Door Exit Button
An optional door-exit button may be used with MCAS.  A door-exit button provides the means to activate a door or gate from inside the access area, without the need to swipe a card.  Pressing the switch results in door/gate activation as if a valid card swipe and PIN entry had occurred.  Any suitable single-pole, normally open, momentary contact switch may be used.

If using the BL1810, the door-exit signal is active-high.  Attach one switch terminal to PD1 [J5-20].  Attach the remaining switch terminal to VCC.  Solder a 15K-ohm pull-down resistor between PD1 and ground.  (Note:  If using the FWTB, refer to screw-terminal assignments in the appropriate table above.)

If using the OP6700, the door-exit signal is active-low.  Attach one switch terminal to IN3 [J7-11].  Attach the remaining switch terminal to ground.
 

Enabling RS-232 Host Communication  (BL1810 only)
RS-485 is the default host comm. protocol.  When RS-485 host comm. is active, the RS-232 port (C) may be used with a serial card-reader or barcode scanner (9600 baud).  If RS-232 host comm. is desired, you must tie MCAS controller pin PD2 high (+5V).  Otherwise, solder a 15K-ohm pull-down resistor between PD2 and ground for RS-485.  RS-232 host comm. rate is 115,200 baud.  Refer to the pin-out signal descriptions for additional details.
 

Before beginning, power down the MCAS controller and attach one end of  the programming cable to the host PC.  Attach the other end to the MCAS controller board at connector J3, aligning the red stripe of the ribbon cable with pin 1 on the connector (indicated by a small white dot).  Apply power to the MCAS controller and then activate the upgrade utility program by selecting:

Start Menu -> Programs -> Magstripe Card Access System (MCAS) -> Firmware Upgrade

Select the communications parameters by selecting::
 

 "Setup -> Communications..."

Choose a baud rate of 115200 and the required comm port.  Then, select the binary image file by selecting:
 

"File -> Load Flash Image..."

Use the browse ("...") button to navigate to the folder containing the binary image file.  Select "OK" to load the firmware.  When complete, remove power from the MCAS controller.  Then, detach the programming cable, and re-apply power.  The MCAS controller should now execute the new firmware.