NAPCO Introduces Indoor/Outdoor BioReader Keypad

Dec. 3, 2009
The BioReader is easy to program, and functions as a mean and lean biometric access controller when deployed as a standalone, or an element in a powerful security management device when integrated with a GEM or other alarm panel.

Napco recently added its long anticipated indoor/outdoor biometric keypad to its Gemini product line. The BioReader keypad is designed to be used as a standalone alarm and garage door access control. It also integrates with most brands of alarm panels to allow arming/disarming with a keyswitch.

The BioReader works with all Gemini and Express security systems (3 and 4-wire bus) and operates electric garage doors and lighting systems. This allows the BioReader to be the nucleus of a powerful security tool, providing protection the premises, access control into the premises, and ambush/holdup reporting capabilities all in one system.

When combined with a full featured alarm control panel such as the GEM-X255, the BioReader provides a comprehensive security solution suitable for virtually any installation environment.

Users can arm/disarm the system and/or activate relay groups with the touch of a finger and not require keys or memorized codes. For example when integrated with the GEM-255, access control for multiple openings, and arming and disarming of the premises alarm can be assigned to up to 100 users.

Biometrics eliminates the possibility of code ‘pass-along’ and ends rekeys due to lost misplaced or stolen keys.

Napco’s BioReader three-way “live” finger detection verification technology ensures reliable use by those considered hard to print, such as persons whose fingerprints are worn out such as manual laborers, elderly, etc. and also thwarts use by imposters using photocopies or fake rubber impressions while anti-substitution prevents unauthorized keypad replacement.

The BioReader is small and offers a unique flip up cover to protect the fingerscanner. The scanner remains dormant until a finger is placed on the scanning window, at which time the scanner wakes up and within a second begins strobing the individual’s finger. The whole process takes about three seconds.

Fingerprint enrollment and deletion are simple and quick tasks to perform.

The time required to present a finger and get accepted (referred to as throughput) takes a few seconds with the BioReader, which is typical for this type of device.

Once users are properly enrolled, their fingers allow them to control entry into residential, commercial properties and parking as well as restrict unauthorized personnel access to sensitive areas, files, pharmaceuticals, expensive equipment, weapons and more.

Napco’s BioReader is rugged, vandal-resistant and is made with durable alloy metals to withstand temperatures ranging from 14 to 122 degrees F (-10 to 50 degrees C).

The BioReader includes a high-security biometric ambush feature that allows pre-selected buttons and your enrolled finger to silently call police during robberies. Additionally the BioReader has a tamper switch. Should vandals attempt to rip the BioReader keypad from its building, an alarm will trip and alert the authorities to the scene.

Audible piezo and visual LED indicators piezo sounder alerts users of the keypad’s armed status.

In high traffic environments such as entrances to busy office buildings, BioReader includes Stealth/Blanking Mode for no-show alarm status LEDs. This feature reveals alarm status only to authorized users without arming/disarming first. The alarm status captured in BioReader’s memory is automatically displayed with an LED indicator as a precautionary warning to returning visitors before they enter.

A durable scratch-resistant optic glass removable privacy shield is provided for privacy and extra privacy from passers by.

STANDALONE MODE

When used in the Stand-Alone Mode, the GEM-BIOPRINT provides integral relay activation to control an external device. When a valid PIN Code is entered or a valid finger’ print is presented, the GEM-BIOPRINT activates its integral relay.

When an invalid PIN Code or an invalid fingerprint is presented, a red LED flashes and a long “rejection” beep sounds.

The ENTER key must be pressed after entering a PIN Code. Entering a PIN Code without pressing ENTER will result in a time out in 10 seconds, and access will not be granted.

When a correct code is entered or a valid finger is presented,the integral relay activates, the green LED flashes and three beeps sound.

The Stand-Alone Master Code is used when enrolling and deleting User IDs or when programming the system.

This code is managed by the GEM-BIOPRINT internal firmware memory. (The factory default Stand-Alone Master Code is “’123”).

NOTE: To ensure maximum security, it is recommended to change the Stand Alone Master Code. Extreme care must be taken to save and store the Master Code.

The Stand Alone Master Code can be from 1 to 6 digits long, or a fingerprint can be programmed to be used in place of the numeric Stand-Alone Master Code.

User ID

In Stand-Alone Mode, each user must be given a User ID number (from 1-100) to which a fingerprint is then assigned.

A PIN Code may also be assigned to this same User ID number if desired. Therefore, if a User ID number is assigned both a PIN Code and fingerprint, either may be used to operate the integral relay when the unit is in use.

Assigning fingerprints and/or PIN to a User ID number requires first placing the GEM-BIOPRINT into “ADD Mode.” Then User ID numbers can be entered, and newly presented fingerprints (and PINs) can be assigned to the User ID number.

When in ADD Mode, the green LED blinks slowly. After 10 seconds of inactivity, ADD Mode will time-out and exit, so pay attention, and don’t dilly dally. The process is very simple and fast to perform.

Adding “Fingerprint Only”

Enter into ‘ADD Mode’ by pressing “CMD”, followed by “7”; the Standalone Master Code (default is 1-2-3), then ENTER.

The unit will beep and the red and green LEDs will blink in unison three times, indicating you’ve performed this step correctly.

The green LED will blink slowly. You have 10 seconds to begin the enrollment process, or else the BioReader will leave programming mode and you will need to begin all over again.

Next enter a User# ID (from 1 to 100) by pressing the number then ENTER (the unit will beep twice)

lf a User ID number is already used, the GEM-BIOPRINT sounder sounds a one-second steady tone and rejects the entry. Next press “0” and ENTER; (two beeps);

Present the finger to be enrolled to the fingerscanner. Successful enrollment will produce three beeps. You are done enrolling this finger.

Adding “Fingerprint & PIN”

Enter into ‘Add Mode’ by pressing “CMD”; “7”; The Standalone Master Code (default is 1-2-3); then ENTER.

The unit will beep and the red and green LEDs will blink in unison three times indicating you’ve performed this step correctly.

The green LED will blink slowly. You have ten seconds to begin the enrollment process, or else the unit will leave programming mode and you will need to begin all over again.

Next enter a User# ID (from 1 to 100) by pressing the number then ENTER (the unit will beep twice)

lf a User ID number is already used, the GEM-BIOPRINT sounder sounds a one-second steady tone and rejects the entry.

Next press the desired PIN Code, then ENTER; (two beeps).

Present the finger to be enrolled to the fingerscanner. Successful enrollment will produce three beeps. You are done enrolling this finger & PIN Code.

Deleting a Fingerprint

Deleting a fingerprint requires first placing the GEM- BIOPRINT into “DELETE Mode”, then “clearing” the User ID number

Enter DELETE Mode by pressing CMD; “9”; Standalone Master Code (default is 1-2-3); then ENTER (3 beeps).

Note: When in DELETE Mode, the red LED blinks slowly; after 10 seconds of inactivity, DELETE Mode will time-out and exit.

Enter the User lD# associated with that fingerprint; ENTER (3 beeps)

Leave DELETE Mode by pressing “CMD”; “CMD.”

Our BioReader was able to read fingers fast, and displayed a lower false reject ratio than most of the other units we’ve tried. This means faster throughput and better user acceptance once it is deployed.

The 100 user capacity allows flexibility in how the system is deployed such as enrolling more than one finger on a subject, or permitting more trusted employees and managers the ability to enter a PIN code only for entry.

If you’ve been holding off doing biometrics, the BioReader might be a great unit with which you can learn and earn with Biometrics all at the same time.

To learn more about Gemini BioReader keypad, contact Customer Service at 1-800-645-9445 or visit www.napcosecurity.com.