Entracomp SA Series Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 26SA and 28SA-Plus?
The 26SA has 3500 card capacity and timed anti-passback, and is programmed with a program deck (a special set of programming cards).
The 28SA-Plus has the features of 26SA plus 65000 card capacity, stores a time-stamped record of up to 5000 transactions and can be programmed with a program deck or a PC. The 28SA-Plus has a communications input that allows the connection of a PC, Serial Printer, ANSI-compatible terminal, or a Hayes Compatible Modem. The 28SA-Plus also has three PC-programmable inputs (define as remote-open, door monitor, arming loop, remote inactive, or bell). 28SA also has a remote reader input, allowing a second reader to control the same door from another location.
28SA-Plus has up to 15 programmable Time Zones, 32 holidays and automatic DST, allowing specific access schedules to be assigned to cards, and has a Door Zone, allowing a door-open schedule to be assigned to the reader. 28SA-Plus has up to 4000 Limited Use cards (assign up to 500 uses, days or weeks to a card).
What components do I need for a complete 26SA installation?
Besides the unit itself, you will need a:
• Power supply or transformer (12-24V AC or DC)
• Strike or other door locking device
• Power supply for the locking device
• 2-conductor cable to power and strike
• PD-26 Programming Deck
• SKC-06 Access Cards (min order, 50 cards)
*Note that many Distributors stock kits of matching program decks and cards in fixed quantities : PDC-50; PDC-100; PDC-250; PDC-500; PDC-1000.
Do I need a Printer interface to connect a 28SA-Plus to a
Serial Printer (RS-232)?
No printer interface is required. All you need is:
• 5-conductor shielded cable (earth-ground shield at one end only)
• DB-25P (Male) connector
• Serial Printer (RS-232)
Do I need a PC interface to connect a single 28SA-Plus to a PC?
No PC interface is required; connect the reader to your PC’s Serial Port (RS-232). All you need is:
• 5-conductor shielded cable
• DB-25S (Female) or DB-9S (Female) connector (depending on your PC).
What are the similarities between the ENTRACOMP® 26SA and 28 SAs?
They both read SKC-06 cards, basic functions can be programmed with a PD-26 program deck, all have the same external dimensions and similar housings, and all can operate on the same voltage range (12-24V AC or DC).
Which reader allows me to void individual cards without affecting others?
Any SA Series reader can accomplish this.
Which unit should I use if I need a record of who is using the
reader and when?
The 28SA-Plus can store a history of card usage and events, and the information can be sent to a printer or a PC.
Which unit can restrict certain card holders to a schedule of specific
days or hours?
The 28SA-Plus can accomplish this with a feature called Card Time Zones.
Which unit can unlock a door on a regular schedule, requiring a card for
use after-hours?
The 28SA-Plus can accomplish this with a feature called a Door Zone.
Which unit should I use if I need a reader on both sides
of a single entrance?
The 28SA-Plus allow the connection of a remote reader for two-way access at a single gate. (Remote reader Model SK-029W, FMT34).
If I have two separate gates, can I just add a remote reader to
the 28SA-Plus?
No, each gate must have its own 28SA-Plus. All SA Units are single-door units.
What is a Program Deck?
It is a special set of 15 program cards which are used for adding or voiding access cards, and programming other parameters in the SA Units. The cards are the same size as access cards, except that they are labeled with large numbers and functions. To use the program deck, the cards are placed on the touch plate in sequence to transmit programming commands to the reader.
Is Touch Card the same as proximity?
No, it is a magnetic technology; the card must be placed flat on the touch plate.
If Touch Card is magnetic, will it erase magnetic stripe cards in the
user’s wallet or purse?
Casual contact between a Touch Card and magnetic stripe cards is usually not a problem. If you keep a Touch Card in your wallet or purse, keep it separate from credit cards.
How can Touch Cards be used as a Photo ID Card?
Touch Cards can be ordered with a Dual-Bond Photo Flap, a Photo Pouch, or with a Polished Surface (Video-Imaging Ready).
What is A Dual Bond Photo Flap?
Dual Bond uses a cold adhesive process which allows you to take a photographic print, stick it to the adhesive surface and press down a clear cover sheet over the photo. If Polaroid® film is used, the photo will bond to the plastic over time.
What is a Photo Pouch?
A photo pouch is a clear vinyl pouch laminated to the card, having one open end for insertion of a photo. The photo can be removed.
What is a Polished Finish Card? Why is it required for Imaging Systems?
It is an optional high-gloss finish card, as opposed to the standard matte finish card. It is available at a slight extra cost and can be ordered on one side or both sides.
Photo Imaging systems use a video camera, a PC with card imaging software, and a thermal dye-sublimation printer, which can print employee photographs, company logos, and other information directly on to the polished surface of a PVC access card. The standard matte finish is not acceptable for direct printing.
Does Secura Key sell photo ID Equipment?
No, but for film systems, we recommend the Polaroid ID-4 or ID-100 system, which allow you to photograph cardholders, and for direct print imaging systems we recommend systems by either Fargo Electronics or Ultra Electronics.
Can SA Series Access Units be mounted outdoors?
Yes (one of Secura Key’s biggest selling points). The units have no slot, and no openings on the top, front or sides, and are frequently mounted on building exteriors or posts in parking lots with no protection. Proper installation is required — the reader mounting plate needs to be properly sealed to the mounting surface (Dow Corning RTV Silicone Sealant is recommended). SA Series products are also capable of withstanding extreme temperatures — from -40 to +70 C (-40 to 158F). The Lexan® Surface Mount enclosure is best for exterior use. The Metal Housing and Flush Mount Housings are also suitable for exterior use, but we do not recommend them for direct exposure to heavy rainfall.
What components do I need to connect a 28SA-Plus to a PC?
For a permanent connection, use the following:
• 5-conductor Shielded cable, 18 - 24 AWG (300 feet, maximum)
• (Earth-ground the shield at one end only)
• DB-9 or DB25 Female Connector (depends on your computer)
• Secura Key Software (or terminal emulation software)
For a temporary connection, use:
• Secura Key Model CBLSA Cable Kit
• Secura Key Software (or terminal emulation software)
Can I program a 28SA-Plus with other than Secura Key software?
Any ANSI Compatible terminal software can be used to program a unit, but reports cannot be obtained, and programming cannot be saved.
Is Secura Key Software Windows Compatible?
SA-NET Database / Communications software is a DOS application and is also compatible with Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and Windows NT. SA-LINK Terminal Software is a DOS application and can be run from DOS or Windows 95 DOS Shell, but not from the Windows 3.1 DOS Shell. SK-NET is a Windows 95 application and is also compatible with Windows 98, and Windows NT 4.0 or greater
Is Secura Key Software available for the Macintosh?
No; but you can use any Macintosh terminal software which is ANSI -compatible. (Consult your Macintosh dealer.)
What components do I need to connect a 28SA-Plus to a serial printer?
For a permanent connection, use the following:
• 5-conductor Shielded cable, 18 - 24 AWG (300 feet, maximum)
• (Earth-ground the shield at one end only)
• DB25 Male Connector
For a temporary connection, use:
• Secura Key Model CBLSA Cable Kit
What components do I need to connect multiple 28SA-Plus Units to a PC?
You will need:
• One SK-NM485 Network Module per reader
• Single Twisted-Pair, Shielded Cable, 4000' max. dist.
• Crimp-type connectors to splice network modules to network cable (3/module)
• SK-NET Software (requires Min Pentium 100MHz w/16MB RAM, running Windows 95, 98, or NT 4.0, 100 MB HD Avail)
• One NET-CONV-P, RS-232/RS485 Converter w/Power Supply, connects PC to network
• DB25 Male to DB9 Female adapter, if your PC serial port is DB9 Male
What components do I need to connect multiple 28SA-Plus Units
to a Serial Printer?
You will need:
• One SK-NM485 Network Module per reader
• Single Twisted-Pair, Shielded Cable, 4000' max. dist.
• Crimp-type connectors to splice network modules to network cable (3/module)
• 5-conductor shielded cable w/DB25 Male connector, connects printer to network
Or
• One NET-CONV-P, RS-232/RS485 Converter w/Power Supply, connects Printer to network, also requires Male/Male Gender Converter.
What components do I need to connect a 28SA-Plus to a Modem?
You will need:
• 5-conductor Shielded Cable (from 28SA-Plus to Modem)
• (Earth-ground the shield at one end only)
• DB25 Male Connector (for connection to Modem)
• Modem: Hayes-compatible external dial-up type (e.g. US Robotics Sportster).
• Waterproof enclosure or indoor location for modem
• Dedicated telephone line
What components do I need to connect multiple 28SA-Plus Units
to a Modem?
You will need:
• One SK-NM485 Network Module per reader
• Single Twisted-Pair, Shielded Cable, 4000' max. dist.
• Crimp-type connectors to splice network modules to network cable (3/module)
• NET-CONV-P, RS-232/485 Converter w/Power Supply, connects modem to network
Or
• 5-conductor shielded cable w/DB25 Male connector, connects modem to network.
• Modem: Hayes-compatible external dial-up type (e.g. US Robotics Sportster).
• Waterproof enclosure or indoor location for Modem
• Dedicated telephone line.
How many 28SA-Plus readers can I connect to a PC?
Using SK-NET Software, up to 128 access units can be connected to a PC at a single location. With the Multi-Location / Dialup option, SK-NET software can be used to communicate with unlimited additional 128-reader locations via modem.