Radio Key 600 Frequently Asked Questions
How many users can the Radio Key 600 accept?
600 Users
Does the number of users decrease as cards are deleted from the system?
No. Each Key Tag is assigned to a User Number (1-600). Once a Key Tag is deleted, the User Number is available for re-assignment of another Key Tag.
Can the RK600 keypad be used for PIN entry?
Yes. Any user can be assigned either a Key Tag or a PIN Code. The keypad is also used for programming (adding/deleting cards, setting operating parameters).
How does the RK600e differ from the RK600?
The RK600e functions exactly like the RK600 except that it does not have a keypad. This makes the RK600e more weather-resistant than the RK600. Programming is accomplished by using the RK-PD1 program card deck. Because the RK600e has no keypad, there is no PIN code capability.
Can I use one program deck for more than one RK600e?
Yes. One RK-PD1 may be used with any number of RK600e units and any RK-PD1 may be used with any RK600e. All programming functions begin with a numeric password.
What components do I need for a complete single-door RK600 system?
You need the following:
• RK600
• DC Power Supply for RK600, 9-14VAC, 150mA (such as RK600-PS - 9VDC Supply, requires 120VAC input)
• RKKT-01 Keytags (available in bags of 10 / 25 / 50)
• Door locking device (strike / magnetic lock / gate controller)
• Power supply for the door locking device.
• 2-conductor, 16 - 18AWG wire for power, strike circuits.
Do you need to purchase the RKAR Auxiliary Reader with the RK600?
No; the RKAR is optional; the RK600 has a built-in reader and can be used alone for most applications.
Can the RK600 be used outdoors?
The keypad is sealed and a mounting gasket kit is supplied but the RK600 should not be installed in direct exposure to rain, snow or water spray.
What is the reading distance of the RK600?
About 6" (5" when used with the RKAR Auxiliary Reader)
Can the RK600 read key tags through glass?
Yes. The RK 600 (or RKAR) can be mounted on the inside of a glass window, for the ultimate protection against vandalism and weather. The RK600 keypad can face inward, and the Key Tags can be read through the back of the reader. The RK-GM Glass Mount Kit is available for easy installation to glass surfaces.
Can the RK600 read tags through plastic, wood, or marble?
Yes. The RK600 or RKAR can be concealed behind any non-metallic architectural surface that is less than 4" thick. It is recommended that you test the reading distance before putting holes in any architectural material.
Can the RK600 read tags through metal?
No. Metal absorbs the radiated RF energy and prevents it from reaching the key tag. We recommend that you use a non-metallic enclosure (fiberglass, ABS) in installations where the RK600 needs to be mounted outside and protected from attack.
Can the RK600 be mounted on metal?
A slight decrease in reading distance will occur. DYNASCAN ® technology tunes the unit to even metal mounting surfaces.
What precautions should I take when mounting the RK600?
Maintain at least a two (2) foot distance from computers or computer monitors. Do not mount the RK600 or RKAR adjacent to a radio transmitter. When running a cable from the RK600 to the RKAR, route cabling away from RF / EMI sources. Do not mount the RKAR directly opposite the RK600 on the same wall; offset them by at least 6". Do not mount an RK600 within 2 feet of another RK600, and use separate power supplies for each unit.
Why do I need the RKAR Auxiliary Reader?
Use it for areas where vandalism or extreme weather are present. The RKAR is an epoxy-sealed waterproof unit. Entry cannot be obtained by tampering with the RKAR.
How far away from the RK600 can the RKAR be mounted?
30 cable feet away without significant loss of reading distance. This can be increased to 40 feet with a slight decrease in reading distance.
Can an intruder compromise the RK600 by "playing" with the keypad?
Not likely. After 5 unsuccessful PIN attempts, the unit temporarily shuts down and sounds a piercing alarm for 30 seconds. However, if the unit is removed from the mounting surface the wires will be exposed and the lock may be "jumped out".
What cable type is used to connect the Auxiliary Reader to the RK600?
There are actually two cables: one non-twisted, non-shielded cable for the antenna and one four-conductor shielded cable for the LED and Buzzer.
What is the life expectancy of the key tags?
Indefinitely. There is no battery to wear out, and the circuit and antenna are protected by a hard plastic case.
Are the key tags water-resistant?
Water on the surface is not a problem. If the tag is immersed in water, it may not work until it dries out for several days. Do not try to disassemble or force-dry a key tag.
When installing a DC Magnetic Lock, can I connect the lock to the optional RK600-PS power supply?
No. The RK600-PS power supply is rated to power the access unit and Auxiliary Reader. Electric locking devices should always be connected to a separate power supply.
Can RK600 run on any other voltage besides 9VDC?
Yes, the RK600 runs on any DC voltage between 9 - 14 VDC.
How does proximity technology work?
The Reader RK600 (or RKAR) continuously generates low-power radiofrequency energy. When a Key Tag enters the field, it receives enough energy to power a microchip inside the tag, which transmits the Key Tag ID number back to the reader. The reader then checks its internal memory to verify that the tag number is programmed, and if so, activates a relay which operates the door locking device.
Does the RK600 have Audit Trail Capability?
Yes, when the optional RKAT Audit Trail Module is installed. You can connect a PC or Serial Printer to add Audit Trail Capability.
Can I program the RK600 from my PC?
RK-LINK software allows you to program Key Tags or PIN Codes, Names and Data, remotely lock or unlock the door, configure the reader, upload history, and print reports. This software is free of charge and requires the RKAT Audit Trail Module to be installed.
How do I connect the PC or Printer to the RKAT Audit Trail Module?
The module is supplied with a cable assembly with a pre-wired DB-25 Female connector. The cable can be cut and spliced to the desired length. The pre-wired connector can be installed in a 25-Pin PC COM Port, or a commercially available 25-to-9-Pin adapter can be used if the computer has a 9-Pin COM Port. To connect a serial printer, install a commercially available Gender Changer to match the RKAT’s pre-wired connector to the printer’s DB-25 Female connector.
How many Transactions does the RK600 (with RKAT) store in memory?
The RK600 stores the last 150 transactions with time, date, key tag number, and transaction type.
Can I connect multiple RK600's to a PC?
Yes, but not simultaneously. RK-LINK is designed to connect to and program a single RK-600. However, you may run communication lines from multiple RK600s to an "A-B Data Switch" and connect the PC to each RK600 one at a time, or you could install an RJ-11 wall jack at each reader, and use a laptop PC and a CBLSA cable kit to go to each reader and program or upload information.
Can I program RK600s at multiple sites with one PC?
Yes, but you must install a separate copy of RK-LINK for each site on your Laptop. Put each copy in a separate directory (or folder) and change the name on the desktop icon to correspond with each site.
If I have multiple RK600s, do I need an RKAT for each reader?
Yes, because the RK600 will not store transactions unless the RKAT is installed, and because the RKAT’s real-time clock is required to "time and date stamp" transactions as they occur at each reader.