Farpointe Data 125-kHz MCR Proximity Card Readers User Guide

: June 9, 2024
: Farpointe Data

Table of Contents

Introduction
Mounting Provisions
Reader Wiring
Cable Requirements
Output Formats
Grounding
Power
Voltage and Current
fleaPower™ Control Line
Connection
Troubleshooting
Customer Support Center
References
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Farpointe Data 125-kHz MCR Proximity Card Readers User Guide

This Quick Start Guide is intended for experienced installing technicians. It is a basic reference to ensure all connections are properly made. Models include MCR-30, MCR-50, and MCR-64. For additional information please reference Farpointe Data’s website, www.farpointedata.com.

Introduction

A key component of a physical security electronic access control system, a proximity card reader is based on RFID technology. In operation it is capable of reading data stored on a proximity credential via radio frequency and without physical contact, and then passing the data obtained to the physical access control system. Access control systems typically manage and record the movement of individuals through a protected area, such as a locked door.

Mounting Provisions

Each reader may be installed either indoors or outdoors. Mounting options shown in the table below. Use supplied #6 mounting screws, or equivalent security screws, for installation.

Model	Mullion Mount	Single-Gang Wall Mount*
MCR-30	•
MCR-50		•
MCR-64		•

***** Plastic or metal.

Reader Wiring

| Wiegand| | Magstripe
---|---|---|---
Conductor| Function| Conductor| Function
Red| DC (5-16 VDC)| Red| DC (5-16 VDC)
Black| Ground| Black| Ground
Green| Data 0| Green| Clock
White| Data 1| White| Data
Brown| Red LED a| Brown| Red LED
Orange| Green LED b| Orange| Green LED
Yellow| Card Present| Yellow| Card Present
Blue| Beeper| Blue| Beeper
Violet| fleaPower| Violet| fleaPower
Drain| Shield Ground| Drain| Shield Ground

WIRING NOTES:

a Single Line LED: This is the standard operating mode and does not make use of the Orange conductor. The LED is Red when the reader is idle and flashes when a card is presented. The LED turns Green when the Brown Conductor is pulled low by the access control panel.

b Dual Line LED: This mode makes use of both the Brown and Orange conductors. The Brown conductor controls the Red LED and the Orange conductor controls the Green LED. LED states are determined by the access control system option and capability

Unused conductors should be trimmed, isolated and taped back to prevent unintended current flows. Apply positive voltage only to the Red DC Conductor

Cable Requirements

24 AWG minimum, multi-conductor stranded with an overall foil shield, for example Belden 9535 or similar, supporting the five conductors comprising the physical layer of the Wiegand interface (power, ground, data 0, data 1, and/or beeper and LED). Alternatively, Belden 9539 or similar, for all reader functions. Contact your access control system manufacturer for their specific requirements. Per the SIA’s Wiegand =] specification, maximum cable length is 500 feet (152 m).

Output Formats

Wiegand (industry standard 26-bit Wiegand and custom Wiegand formats)

Grounding

Shield (drain) continuity must run from the reader to the access panel. Shield (drain) and reader ground must be tied together at the access panel and connect to an earth ground at one point

Power

Reader may be powered by the access panel. A linear power supply is recommended for best operation

Voltage and Current

5 to 16 VDC. 12 VDC at the reader is recommended for best operation

Model | Current Draw
MCR-30: 70 to 85 mA
MCR-50: 70 to 85 mA
MCR-64: 85 to 125 mA

fleaPower™ Control Line

To reduce the average current required by the reader, pull the purple conductor low.

Connection

Connection must be done in accordance with NFPA 70. Do not connect to a receptacle controlled by a switch. Connect to a power limited DC voltage source.

Troubleshooting

When the reader is first powered on it will beep 4-times, and the LED will shine red.
Presenting a supported access credential will result in the reader beeping and the LED flashing once.

NOTE: The access panel controls LED functionality, such as switching the LED to green.

If the reader does not recognize the card or tag (no beep, no LED flash) or exhibits short read range, please see the table below for possible causes and solutions.

Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Incorrect cabling	Verify gauge, connections and cabling length
Not enough power	12 VDC recommended, 5 VDC at reader is minimum
Incorrect card used	Verify if card technology is supported
Reader/access panel not properly grounded	Earth ground needed—verify shield

and reader ground are tied at access panel and connect to ground at one point
Supply generating interference| Linear power supply recommended, verify switching power supply before use

Should any of the corrective actions mentioned above not improve performance, disconnect the reader from the access panel and power it with a separate power supply or 9VDC battery, and re-test card functionality. By powering the readers separately, most variables that may lead to reduced performance can be eliminated. Should the problem persist, please contact Farpointe directly

Access Control Performance Levels Conforming to UL STD 294:

Destructive Attack| Line Security| Endurance| Standby Power
---|---|---|---
Level II| Level I| Level IV| Level I

Grade Classification Certified to CAN/ULC STD 60839-11-1:

Risk Level| Application| Skill/ Knowledge of Attackers| Typical Examples
---|---|---|---
Grade 2| Grade 2| Grade 2| Grade 2

For proper PIN security with keypad readers, please review our PIN Best Practices Reference Document

Many Farpointe Data Readers carry the following certifications:

FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Farpointe Data could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Product can be used without license conditions or restrictions in all European Union countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, as well as other non-EU countries, including Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Details on compliance and certifications can be found at:
https://www.farpointedata.com/resources/certifications.php.