1.0 Introduction
The following document explains how to setup an NXT 6RK keypad in Borealis. The document then goes on to explain some basic reader configuration. The NXT-6RK connects to a Standard NXT, Keri KB or NXT-MSC controller via a Reader Interface Module (RIM). The keypad can be configured for card-only or requiring an access credential and a PIN.
- When using the NXT-MSC controller types the NXT-6RK offers PIN only mode, Card + PIN and Card OR PIN modes. Standard NXT and KB controllers support Card-only or Card + PIN modes.
- The NXT-6RK keypad is compatible with NXT formatted cards and fobs. For the Wiegand equivalent keypad, refer to the P-640H.
- The NXT-6RK keypad is only compatible with the NXT and NXT-MSC controller types.
- When using Card + PIN it is strongly recommended that you use the Borealis user interface to generate unique PINs as this will reduce the possibility of assigning common PINs that are easy to guess.
This document assumes that the reader has already been installed and is connected to a correctly program reader interface module. Refer to the NXT-R6K installation guide for installation instructions.
2.0 Keypad Data
The keypad data is transmitted via the reader's data lines is either 8-Bit Burst or 26-Bit Wiegand data format.
Note: When using NXT-MSC controller types you MUST ensure the keypad is set to output the PIN in 8-Bit Burst. Configuring the keypad data format is done using a control card that is sent with the reader.
2.1 Configuring the Keypad for 8-Bit Burst
- Down-power the NXT-6RK.
- Locate the keypad data control card that is shipped with the reader.
- Power-up the NXT-6RK - the reader will beep.
- Present the control card within 10 seconds - the reader will beep twice when the card is presented.
- Press the # twice to exit programming.
- The NXT-6RK will now be programmed for 8-Bit Burst.
3.0 Verify the Reader is Online
- The following steps explain how to verify in Borealis that the reader is online.
- From the main menu click on Hardware >> Readers.
- Locate the controller which has the 6RK reader connected and verify it is showing as online.
- An online status indicates that the controller is communicating to the RIM which the keypad is wired into.
4.0 Enable Keypads on the Site
To use the Card + PIN functionality of the keypad you would need to enable keypads both on the site and on the individual reader settings.
- From the main menu, click on Sites.
- Use the Actions menu on the right side of the screen and select Edit.
- Ensure there is a check mark in the Enable Keypads option.
- Save the site settings.
5.0 Enable Keypads on the Reader
Once the Keypad option has been enabled for the site you will then need to enable the Keypad option for the individual reader.
- From the main menu click back to Hardware >> Readers.
- Locate the reader which is the NXT-6RK keypad.
- Use the reader's Action menu (located on the right side of the screen).
- Select Edit.
- The reader properties will appear.
- Place a check mark in Keypad Enabled.
- Save the reader settings.
The next step is to setup the system-wide PIN settings. This will determine if the PINs will be applied to the cardholder or the individual credentials, you can also decide if the system will use unique PINs that are generated by the system or if the system operator will be able to create PINs (not unique).
Notes:
- For enhanced security Keri Systems recommends using the 'Unique PINs' option.
- When using NXT-MSC controllers you MUST use the Unique PINs option.
- You will not be able to change PIN settings when there are existing cardholder records that have PINs assigned. For example, you will not be able to change from Per Cardholder to Per Credential and you will not be able to increase or decrease the Max PIN digit values when there are existing PINs in the system database.
- From the Borealis main menu, select System Settings (near the bottom of the list).
- The system settings form will appear.
- For the PIN settings, set the level to either 'Per Cardholder' or 'Per Credential'.
- No PIN - This is essentially the same as disabling the PINs for the system.
- PINs Per Cardholder - If the cardholder has multiple credentials they will all use the same PIN - because the PIN is applied to the cardholder.
- PINs Per Credential - If the cardholder has multiple credentials then each credential will be assigned its own PIN - Because the PINs are applied to each of the credentials.
- Require Unique PINS MUST be set to True when using NXT-MSC controllers. This controller type supports the use of PIN only - and unique PINs will ensure access is accurately recorded in the system if PIN only is in use.
Note: Using unique PINs is the recommended option for all hardware types as this eliminates the possibility of using common-used PINS which are easy to guess.
- Set the maximum number of PIN digits to be used. Valid selections are 4 - 15.
- Click the SAVE button to apply the settings to the system.
The following steps explain how to configure the reader for Card + PIN mode. This means access will only be granted at the reader/keypad following a valid card reader and then a valid PIN number.
- Return to Hardware >> Readers.
- Use the NXT-6RK Actions menu - located on the right side of the screen. Select Edit.
- The reader properties will appear.
- Select a time schedule to assign as the the Dual Verification time schedule. This is the time period during which the Card + PIN function will operate.
Important Note: A valid dual verification time schedule is a mandatory requirement when using the Standard NXT controller type. NXT-MSC controllers can use the Card + PIN function without using a dual verification time schedule. When using a dual verification time schedule with NXT-MSC controllers, this time zone will override other reader settings (such as disabling the reader). When using NXT-MSC controllers, Card + PIN will ALWAYS function within the assigned Dual Verification time schedule.
- Click the SAVE button to save the reader settings.
8.0 Changing the 6RK Reader Mode
The final step is to set the correct reader mode (such as; Card + PIN).
Important Note: If you are using the NXT-MSC controller type, it is also possible to set the mode to Card OR PIN or PIN only (these 2 modes are ONLY supported with the NXT-MSC controller type and require Unique PINs for all cardholders.
8.1 Set the 6RK to Card AND PIN Mode
- In Borealis, from the main menu, click on Hardware >> Readers to display the readers.
- Place a checkmark against the reader you wish to configure.
- Use the command button to set the reader to Card + PIN.
- Click CONFIRM to go ahead with changing the reader mode.
- The reader will now be in Card + PIN mode.
8.2 Set the NXT-6RK to PIN-Only Mode
On the readers screen you will see there is also an option to set the reader to Card Or PIN or PIN-Only
Notes:
- The Card OR PIN and PIN Only modes are only supported when using NXT-MSC controllers.
- If the controller loses power or goes offline, the reader will go to its Default Online Mode when the controller is powered back-up or comes back online.
The reader's Default Online Mode is also set in the reader properties. If you always need the 6RK to be in Card and PIN mode after the controller loses power then this setting should also be set to Card and PIN.