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FAQ
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General Questions
Functionality
Installation
Operation
Mobile Apps
General Questions
Where can I buy an ECKey reader?
See our Certified Partners page.
How does ECKey work?
All ECKey readers utilize Bluetooth technology for triggering.
After the reader has been installed, a user will typically enroll his Bluetooth enabled phone on the reader. To trigger the reader, the user will enable Bluetooth on his phone and move within range of the ECKey reader (configurable up to 30 feet). The reader recognizes the user’s phone as an authorized device and unlocks the door. It’s that easy!
Are ECKey readers and Bluetooth secure?
Yes, both the ECKey reader and your phone are hidden from everyone else. Every ECKey implementation has a unique PIN. This PIN is entered once to register the device and create a private 128-bit key. The PIN and key are never transmitted. Eavesdropping on the transmissions will not reveal any private information and the reader will only communicate with enrolled devices that already have the 128-bit key. Click here for more information on Bluetooth security.
Will using Bluetooth with ECKey drain the batteries on my phone?
Each trigger of an ECKey reader will use approximately the same battery consumption as a 5 second phone call. Bluetooth does use the main phone battery on the phone, but unlike a Bluetooth headset the additional drain when using with ECKey is so small that it will be unnoticeable to most customers.
What if I don't have a Smartphone?
Virtually any device with Bluetooth technology can work with an ECKey reader - that means older phone models, tablets, laptops, GPS units, even your car kit! No need for additional components like NFC tags or WiFi routers!
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Functionality
What Wiegand format is used on the EK6?
26- or 48-bit Wiegand from the factory, however we can also do custom Wiegand formats if necessary. Contact us for more details: +1 (717) 327-4244 or
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What if I lost my phone?
Unlike when you lose a standard key which then has to be replaced (or worse, replacing the lock), simply delete the old phone from the ECKey reader and enroll a new one. Your lost phone can also be blacklisted on the ECKey reader to ensure that someone who finds your lost phone cannot gain access to the facility. Deleting or blacklisting a phone will not affect other users on the reader/system.
Can I still use my existing key, prox card, or keypad?
Yes, your existing key, prox card, and keypad can still be used. ECKey readers are designed to be an additional option. In most cases you can install an ECKey reader in-line with existing readers.
Can I still use my phone and Bluetooth headset while triggering an ECKey reader?
Yes, you can still use your phone, even when using a Bluetooth headset, while simultaneously triggering an ECKey reader.
Can my Smartphone work with multiple ECKey readers?
Yes. Each reader at a facility can be configured independently of each other, and may (or may not) have the same users associated to each ECKey reader.
What is the maximum number of users per ECKey reader?
25 enrolled users; Unlimited when using an access control system (EK6) or VIZpin.
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Installation
How do I install an EK6 or EK7 reader?
Please see our Quick Install Guide for the detailed procedure and wiring pinouts.
What type of power supply is needed?
12-24 VAC/VDC for both EK6 and EK7 readers. See the wiring diagram in our Quick Install Guide or Installation and Operation Guide for wiring pinouts and more details.
What is the EK7 relay rated for?
2A at 24v, latching or pulse.
What is the operating temperature range of ECKey readers?
-40°C (-40°F) to +85°C (+185°F) for both the EK6 and EK7 models.
Can I control the on-board status light of the ECKey reader?
Yes, the EK6 will allow an access control system control the on-board status light colors using the pink (red status light) and purple (green status light) wires. The EK7’s status light cannot be controlled in this manner.
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Operation
What is the default USER PIN?
For both the EK6 and EK7 models, the default USER PIN is 1234.
What is the default MANAGEMENT PIN?
For both the EK6 and EK7 models, the default MANAGEMENT PIN is 12345678.
How do I enroll a user into an ECKey reader?
The process is very similar to pairing with a Bluetooth headset. You will place the reader into Pairing Mode, locate the reader from your phone, and enter the correct PIN. We have videos that cover the enrollment procedure for several different phones and methods. Please visit our Video Tech Tips page.
Can I trigger a reader without enrolling a phone on it?
Yes, you can set the Identification setting to ‘All Phones’. The ECKey reader will now recognize all discoverable Bluetooth devices within range. ECKey also recommends requiring a PIN to trigger the reader and/or the use of an access control system for authentication (EK6 only). See the Installation and Operation Guide for more details on Identification and Trigger settings.
How do I trigger my reader to unlock my door (EK7) or generate a virtual card number for my access control system (EK6)?
In most cases, enrolling your device on an ECKey reader and making it Bluetooth discoverable within range of the ECKey reader will trigger the reader. Here are some examples on how to make your phone discoverable: Android & iPhone (Your phone may vary slightly. Consult your phone’s manual for specific instructions).
My phone is triggering the reader too far away from (or too close to) the reader. How do I correct this?
In short, the best method is to delete the user from the ECKey reader and re-pair at the desired trigger distance. Additionally, we have can adjust range settings through our Management Application and Installer App. See the Range Tuning section in the Installation and Operation Guide for more details.
What is the most recent firmware available?
For our current models, the EK6 and EK7, the latest firmware available is v4.1.0. The connected reader’s firmware can be located under the ‘ECKey’ tab in the Management Application.
To update firmware, connect your reader to a PC using the programming cable. Launch the ECKey Management Application and connect to your reader. Select the Upgrade menu, and then choose ‘Update Firmware’. Select the appropriate firmware version, and click the Update button. Follow the prompts, and do not disconnect or power off the reader until the firmware upgrade is complete.
How do I install the ECKey Installer App for Android?
See the Android Installer App Guide or visit our Video Tech Tips page for a video on this procedure.
What is Open Mode, Keypad Mode, Prox Card Mode, Prox Keypad Mode?
Open Mode: All discoverable devices will trigger reader when in range.
Keypad Mode: All discoverable devices will receive a PIN prompt when in range. The reader will trigger when the correct PIN is entered.
Prox Card Mode: The reader will be triggered only when an enrolled device is in range.
Prox Keypad Mode: The reader will be triggered only when an enrolled device is in range AND the correct PIN is entered.
If I have multiple EK6 readers at one site, will they all generate the same virtual card number for the same phone?
Yes, assuming settings are the same on both readers, specifically the Passkey. The EK6 readers generate a virtual card number based on a Passkey and the Bluetooth address of the user’s phone. The configurable Site Code is then attached to this card number when it is sent to the access control system.
I have multiple ECKey readers at my site. Do I need to program each reader individually, or can I copy settings and users from one reader to another?
Administrators can utilize Profiles (pre-defined or user-created) to save all settings from a reader as a backup, or to copy settings from one reader to another. Likewise, you can use the Export/Import functions to copy settings and users to a backup file. Be aware that range settings may not be ideal for subsequent readers when using this method. See the Installation and Operation Guide for more details.
My reader shuts off or reboots after unlocking my door. What is wrong?
Check wiring and use separate power supplies for your reader and the powered device. Likely the current draw between both devices is too much for the power supply to handle during the relay trigger, which then forces reader to reboot.
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Mobile Apps
What mobile apps are available for configuring my reader?
We’ve developed the ECKey Installer App for Android for this exact reason. This app will allow an installer to change the majority of ECKey settings directly from an Android Smartphone (Android OS v2.3 and higher). We also have a Site Admin version available for Android. See our app page for more details.
Are there any other apps available?
Yes, we have a widget for Android and an app for iPhones that will allow you to enable Bluetooth more conveniently than going through your phone’s settings. Both apps can be located by searching for ‘ECKey’ in the appropriate app store, or using the links below.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eckey.android&hl=en
iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eckey/id349450289?mt=8
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