What our experts say…
In the current global climate of intrigue and subversion, many users of access control will be considering security upgrades to their existing systems. The HandKey CR, compatible with existing systems, is a distinct front-runner in the field. Marketed by Kantech (Europe), it is Recognition Systems’ fourth generation biometric access control terminal, developed over 15 years. The HandKey CR uses electronic hand geometry technology to record and store the shape of the human hand for comparison and identity verification.
In operation the user enters an ID number, either at the integrated keypad or via an external card reader. The previously enrolled hand is placed in the reader; correct placement is indicated by a hand-shaped LED reinforced logo beside the keypad.
When the image is matched with the stored image, after approximately one second the HandKey CR sends the user’s ID number in card format to an access control panel or host computer for processing. A green light/red light display informs users whether their verification attempt was successful or not. The handreader is very easy to use with an informative combination of visual and audible feedback.
The Handkey CR is flexible in that it can be installed either as a standalone unit, as part of a handreader network, or as part of a handreader network with a controlling PC. Up to 32 can be linked in a network for user populations of up to 512; a larger number of users, up to 32,512, requires a host computer.
Ethernet communications modules are available as an option for TCP/IP communications. These modules are completely internal to the handreader.
The Handkey CR is programmed using five different command mode menus, covering service, setup, management, enrolment and security. Each menu has a separate password, and authority levels can be set to restrict individual system supervisors’ access to their appropriate menus.
Each time a hand is placed in the reader, a hand placement score is calculated and displayed. A low score indicates that the hand was accurately placed. A threshold level is set and scores above this result in the user being asked to try again. After the programmed number of rejections, the user ID number is refused. Scores should average less than 30 and any general increase may indicate the need for cleaning. A run through the Calibrate mode in the security menu will provide a confidence check on reader operation.
Two auxiliary outputs are available; these are of the open collector type which switch to 0 volts on activation and are rated at a maximum current of 100mA each. They can be programmed to respond to inputs from a menu of choices which includes duress, F1 & F2 keypad keys and ID refused.
Construction
The HandKey CR is housed in a plastic enclosure measuring approximately 225mm W x 297H x 214 D. It comprises three sections: a base carrying the platen and guide pins for accurate hand placement and containing the main electronic PCB; a centre section containing a low level infrared light source, optics and a CCD camera; while the keypad, LCD display, red/green verify LEDs and hand placement LEDs are all mounted at a convenient viewing angle on the top panel. All the high quality PCBs are adequately supported – the IR light source and CCD camera PCB receives special treatment in that it is accurately located with dowels and secured by two engineering bolts into brass nuts moulded in the centre section.
All three sections of the enclosure fit neatly together but are not sealed; hence the Handkey CR is not intended for use in exposed positions. The enclosure has a 3mm alloy backplate and in-situ is hinged and locked onto a 1.5mm steel wall plate resulting in a very stable overall structure.
Installation
The manufacturers provide guidance on planning an installation and recommend that the Handkey CR is installed “in an area where it is not exposed to excessive airborne dust, direct sunlight or water and chemicals”. This means that an enclosed lobby will be required for outside access doors. Cabling is required for power input, card reader input (if used), card format output to access control panel and networking connections to other handreaders/host PC. The power requirement is 12 – 24 volts AC or DC, 50-60 Hz, 7W. A stabilised power source is not necessary.
Communications (RS 485 (4 wire)) require two twisted pair, shielded, 22 AWG (0.34 mm sq) cable which should be used in a “daisy chain” connection for the network up to a total length of 1220m. Detailed mounting instructions are provided in the Installation Manual, which should result in the Handkey CR platen being at the recommended height of 102 cm from the floor. Provision has been made for either hidden wiring or surface conduit; the latter requires the removal of a knock-out section in the HandKey CR enclosure. Once the wall plate is secured, the internal dip switches set and the two plug-in terminal strips connected, the HandKey CR hinge is simply hooked onto the bottom of the wall plate (keyhole holes provided), terminal strips plugged in and the reader swung up and locked in the operating position. Any subsequent need to gain access to internal dip switches or even change the complete unit is made very quick and painless by the securing method used.
Programming
Following installation and power- up, the installer is led painlessly into the Setup command menu to programme features such as language, time and date, assigned address, ID length (10 digits maximum) and auxiliary output control. When the handreader forms part of a PC-controlled network, many reader set-up commands can be set by the computer but the first three above mentioned features must be set at each reader.
After an initial familiarisation period, we followed the programming instructions with no real problems occurring, except that while setting auxiliary output controls, it was noticed that the menu contained “tamper” and “on batt backup” options. Our sample of the Handkey CR was fitted “for but not with” both items.
There were tamper contacts on the back of the keypad PCB but no tamper switch fitted to the enclosure. There is a standard lithium five-year memory back-up battery fitted to the main PCB, but this is not the one referred to in the menu. The PCB carries a special battery socket (of an unfamiliar type), with associated connecting jumper link contacts – both empty in our sample but, no doubt, the battery referred to in the menu.
Presumably this is intended for maintaining operations in the event of handreader power supply failure with reporting available – sounds like a good idea. Interested installers should approach Kantech direct. Operational programming – enrolling supervisors, setting passwords and authority levels – is the domain of the system manager rather than the installer.
In operation, the manufacturer recommends keeping the hand flat and landing it “like an airplane”. This was tried several times, including a few bumpy landings, noting the higher hand placement score and entry refusal when the reject threshold was exceeded.
Instructions
Two manuals are supplied – the Installation Manual and the Operations Manual. Strictly speaking, the installer does not need to concern him/herself with the latter, but we found it helpful in gaining a better overview and basic understanding of the system and the command mode structure. Both are clear, logical, well-written documents containing clearly annotated diagrams. They have been written with the first time installer and user in mind. The “getting started” section in the Operations Manual is particularly useful.
What the manufacturer says…
Part of the DSC group of companies, Kantech embraces the group’s philosophy of providing competitive and innovative access control products. Established in 1986, Kantech Systems has been designing and manufacturing integrated access control for industrial, government and military applications in more than 100 countries.
Biometric systems offer superior security because they provide a non-transferable means of identifying people, not just card or pin. The HandKey uses a field-proven hand geometry technology which maps and verifies the size and shape of a hand in less than a second. The benefits of biometrics were once reserved for high security applications, but tens of thousands of HandKeys are now installed in applications ranging from health clubs and day care centres to laboratories, prisons and nuclear power plants. The HandKey provides security and convenience at an affordable price.
Users will also appreciate the convenience of never having to keep track of a card or key. The HandKey is specifically designed to work in conjunction with card-based access control and can easily be added to an existing system at the point it is needed the most. The unit’s card reader port allows the use of a card for identification or use with an integrated keypad. The HandKey can communicate to most access systems through a card reader emulation mode that provides wiegand protocol interface compatibility. Kantech has brought biometric technology easily within reach of most access control applications. Its ease of use and reliability has made the HandKey the biometric standard throughout the access control industry.
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