Keypad Tutorial

Step 1: Determine the number of users
(How many individual codes should the keypad hold?)

Step 2: Indoor / Outdoor
(Where will the keypad be located?)

Step 3: Features
(Do you require any special features?)

Examples of Special Features

Timer Some keypads come with a built-in timer, which is a big advantage. Every system needs a timer and it is better to have it in the keypad than in the power supply.

External Outputs All keypads are designed to tie into a power supply. But some models have extra terminals that allow for tying in other systems as well. One example of an external system would be a fire alarm system. Another would be the building's security system.

Panic Button Panic button circuitry ties into a security system. When the panic button is pressed, it sets off a silent alarm. The alarm alerts the building's security team and/or the police of an emergency situation.

Keypads are the most popular and most versitile type of access control.

Keypads receive their power from a power supply wire that is constantly ''on''. When a user enters a correct code, the keypad signals the power supply through a 2nd wire.

The power supply knows to unlock the door when the signal is received. Should the keypad contain a built-in timer, the timer determines the duration of the signal (8 seconds for example).

Keypads that have no timer simply send a short ''pulse'' type signal. The power supply must contain it's own timer, since the keypad does not have one.

CONCLUSION: It's a big advantage to have a timer built into the keypad. It is both easier to set the time and it is much less expensive. Adding a timer to a power supply is expensive.

The ''brains'' behind a keypad is it's circuitry.

It contain two terminal strips, one for input and one for output.

One output terminal goes back to the power supply. This wire signals the power supply to unlock the door.

The other output terminals may be used with a fire alarm system or a building's security system.

Always check the number of output terminals before ordering.

Available features vary from one keypad model to another

Feature	Description
Timer	Look for a keypad that includes a timer. Every system needs one and not all models include a timer.
Gasket	Models that include a gasket can be used outdoors, as long as the unit is not directly exposed to the elements.
Memory	Look for EEPROM memory. Should the power fail, the user codes will be retained in the unit.
Users	The amount of memory determines the number of user codes. It is important to know how many different user codes you system will require before ordering a keypad.
Panic Button	Some keypads include a panic button. This may be a separate button on the keypad itself. Or, it may be a special code all employees know to use in an emergency. Either way, when the panic feature is triggered, a signal will be sent to the building's security system. The signal may also be routed to the police. This feature is sometimes called the ''Ambush'' feature.