RF Ideas PCPROXM101 PCProx for Indala/Motorola User Manual pcProxV4
RF Ideas Inc PCProx for Indala/Motorola pcProxV4
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Users Manual
pcProx®
pcProx® &
RFID1356-ID®
USB & RS-232 Configuration Software for use
with
pcProx ® Proximity Readers,
Wiegand to xxx Converters, and
RFID1356® Contactless Smart Card Read-Only
Readers
HID, Motorola, Indala, Casi-Rusco, MIFARE,
iCLASS Compatible Readers
User’s Manual
www.RFIDeas.com
ii
© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
pcProx®
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
End-User License Agreement for RF IDeasTM SOFTWARE and
HARDWARE - RF IDeas’ pcProx®, RFID1356®, and pcProx
Proximity Activated Systems.
IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This End-User License
Agreement ("EULA") is a legal agreement between you (either
an individual or a single entity) and the manufacturer RF IDeas
("Manufacturer") with which you acquired the RF IDeas
software and hardware product(s) identified above
("PRODUCT"). The PRODUCT includes the pcProx Base Unit,
RFID1356 reader,computer software, the associated media,
any printed materials, and any "online" or electronic
documentation. By installing, copying or otherwise using the
PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
The SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT includes the
computer software, the associated media, any printed
materials, and any "online" or electronic documentation. By
installing, copying or otherwise using the PRODUCT, you
agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not
agree to the terms of this EULA, RF IDeas is unwilling to
license the PRODUCT to you. In such event, you may not use
or copy the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT, and
you should promptly contact the vendor you obtained this
PRODUCT from for instructions on return of the unused
product(s) for a refund.
The products described in this publication are intended for
consumer applications. Radio interference can occur in any
place at any time, and thus the communications link may not be
absolutely reliable. pcProx or RFID1356 must be used so that a
loss of communications due to radio interference or otherwise
will not endanger either people or property, and will not cause
the loss of valuable data. RF IDeas assumes no liability for the
performance of product. RF IDeas products are not suitable
for use in life-support applications, biological hazard
applications, nuclear control applications, or radioactive
areas. None of these products or components, software or
hardware, are intended for applications that provide life
support or any critical function necessary for the support
of protection of life, property or business interests. The
user assumes responsibility for the use of any of these
products in any such application. RF IDeas, Inc. shall not be
liable for losses due to failure of any of these products, or
components of these products, beyond the RF IDeas
commercial warranty, limited to the original purchase price.
iv
© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
SOFTWARE PRODUCT LICENSE
The PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international
copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws
and treaties. The SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT
is licensed, not sold.
1. GRANT OF LICENSE. This EULA grants you the following
rights:
* Software. You may install and use one copy of the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT on the
COMPUTER.
* Network Services. If the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE
PRODUCT includes functionality that enables the COMPUTER
to act as a network server, any number of computers or
workstations may access or otherwise utilize the basic network
services of that server. The basic network services are more
fully described in the printed materials accompanying the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT.
* Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of
the computer SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT on
the COMPUTER to allow your other computers to use the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT over an internal
network, and distribute the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE
PRODUCT to your other computers over an internal network.
However, you must acquire and dedicate a license for the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT for each computer
on which the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT is
used or to which it is distributed. A license for the SOFTWARE
PORTION OF THE PRODUCT may not be shared or used
concurrently on different computers.
2. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
* Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation and
Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or
disassemble the PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that
such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law
notwithstanding this limitation.
* Separation of Components. The PRODUCT is licensed as a
single product. Its component parts may not be separated for
use on more than one computer.
* Single COMPUTER. The PRODUCT is licensed with the
COMPUTER as a single integrated product. The PRODUCT
may only be used with the COMPUTER.
* Rental. You may not rent or lease the PRODUCT without
permission from RF IDeas.
* Software Transfer. You may permanently transfer all of your
rights under this EULA only as part of a sale or transfer of the
COMPUTER, provided you retain no copies, you transfer all of
the PRODUCT (including all component parts, the media and
printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA and, if applicable,
the Certificate(s) of Authenticity), AND the recipient agrees to
pcProx®
the terms of this EULA. If the PRODUCT is an upgrade, any
transfer must include all prior versions of the PRODUCT.
* Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, RF IDeas
may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms
and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy
all copies of the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT
and all of its component parts.
3. UPGRADES. If the SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE
PRODUCT is an upgrade from another product, whether from
RF IDeas or another supplier, you may use or transfer the
PRODUCT only in conjunction with that upgraded product,
unless you destroy the upgraded product. If the SOFTWARE
PORTION OF THE PRODUCT is an upgrade of a RF IDeas
product, you now may use that upgraded product only in
accordance with this EULA. If the SOFTWARE PORTION OF
THE PRODUCT is an upgrade of a component of a package of
software programs which you licensed as a single product, the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT may be used and
transferred only as part of that single product package and may
not be separated for use on more than one computer.
4. OEM COPYRIGHT. All title and copyrights in and to the
PRODUCT (including but not limited to any images,
photographs, animations, video, audio, music, text and
"applets," incorporated into the PRODUCT), the accompanying
printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE
PORTION OF THE PRODUCT, are owned by RF IDeas or its
suppliers. The PRODUCT and SOFTWARE PORTION OF
THE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and
international treaty provisions. You may not copy the printed
materials accompanying the PRODUCT.
5. DUAL-MEDIA SOFTWARE. You may receive the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT in more than one
medium. Regardless of the type or size of medium you receive,
you may use only one medium that is appropriate for your
single computer. You may not use or install the other medium
on another computer. You may not loan, rent, lease, or
otherwise transfer the other medium to another user, except as
part of the permanent transfer (as provided above) of the
SOFTWARE PORTION OF THE PRODUCT.
6. OEM PRODUCT SUPPORT. Product support for the
PRODUCT is NOT provided by RF IDeas Inc. or its
subsidiaries. For product support, please refer to the OEM
suppliers support number provided in the documentation.
Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you
desire to contact OEM for any other reason, please refer to the
address provided in the documentation provided.
vi
© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTIES AND SPECIAL
PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO YOUR PARTICULAR
JURISDICTION, PLEASE REFER TO YOUR WARRANTY
BOOKLET INCLUDED WITH THIS PACKAGE OR PROVIDED
WITH THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT PRINTED MATERIALS.
pcProx®
Limited Warranty
RF IDeas, Inc. warrants to the original buyer of this product,
that the hardware and related disk(s) are free of defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of
purchase from RF IDeas or from an authorized RF IDeas
dealer. Should the RF IDeas products fail to be in good
working order at any time during the one-year period, RF IDeas
will, at its option, repair or replace the product at no additional
charge, provided that the product has not been abused,
misused, repaired or modified. This warranty shall be limited to
repair or replacement and in no event shall RF IDeas be liable
for any loss of profit or any commercial or other damages,
including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or
other similar claims.
No dealer, distributor, company, or person has been authorized
to change or add to the terms of this agreement, and RF IDeas
will not be bound by any representation to the contrary. RF
IDeas SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF PURPOSE. Since
some states do not allow such exclusion of limitation of
incidental or consequential damages for consumer products,
check the statute of the state in which your business resides.
This warranty gives you the specific legal rights in addition to
any rights that you have under the laws of the state in which
your business resides or operates.
Returns
RF IDeas products which require Limited Warranty service
during the warranty period shall be delivered to the nearest
authorized dealer or sent directly to RF IDeas at the address
below with proof of purchase and a Return Materials
Authorization (RMA) Number provided by RF IDeas technical
support Dept. Replacement parts or complete boards become
the property of RF IDeas.
If the returned board or unit is sent by mail, the purchaser
agrees to pre-pay the shipping charges and insure the board or
unit or assume the risk of loss or damage which may occur in
transit. The purchaser is expected to employ a container
equivalent to the original packaging.
Copyright
Copyright by RF IDeas, Inc. 1997-2004. All rights reserved.
Reproduction or distribution of this document in whole or in part
or in any form is prohibited without express written permission
from RF IDeas, Inc.
viii
© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Trademarks
All RF IDeas products are trademarks of RF IDeas, Inc. All
other product names or names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
Disclaimer
This User’s Guide is printed in the U.S.A. Any resemblance
mentioned in the User’s guide to persons living or dead, or to
actual corporations or products is purely coincidental. RF
IDeas believes that the information contained in this manual is
correct. However, RF IDeas does not assume any
responsibility for the accuracy of the content of this User
Manual, nor for any patent infringements or other rights of third
parties. RF IDeas reserves the right to make any modifications
in either product or the manual without giving prior written
notification.
pcProx®
Thank You
Congratulations on the purchase of your pcProx
or RFID1356 reader system. We at RF IDeas
hope you enjoy using your new reader system
as much as we enjoyed creating and developing
it! Please share your comments and
suggestions for our future solutions!
If you are interested in our OEM or Independent
Developer’s Programs, please call!
Thank you,
The Staff at RF IDeas
Need Assistance?
Call: (847) 870-1723
Fax: (847) 483-1129
E-mail: TechSupport@RFIDeas.com
Mail to:
RF IDeas
4238B Arlington Heights
#244
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
2
© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
FCC Compliance Statement
FCC ID: M9MPCPROXHUSB100 (HID USB model)
FCC ID: M9MPCPROXH100 (HID RS-232 model)
FCC ID: M9MPCPROXM101 (Indala model)
FCC ID: M9MPCPROXC101 (Casi-Rusco model)
FCC ID: M9MRFID1356I100 (MIFARE/iCLASS models)
According to FCC part 15.21, "The user’s
manual or instruction manual for an intentional
or unintentional radiator shall caution the user
that changes not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment."
Note: This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an output on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
pcProx®
TABLE OF CONTENTS
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT _____ iii
SOFTWARE PRODUCT LICENSE __ iv
Limited Warranty ___________________ vii
Thank You _____________________ 1
FCC Compliance Statement ______ 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS___________ 1
Proximity Activated Products _____ 3
AIR ID ® LT (Active Badge) _____________ 4
Wiegand Converters __________________ 4
pcProx Reader Choices ______________ 4
Understanding Wireless Identification
______________________________ 6
What is pcProx® Proximity Activated
Identification?________________________ 6
The pcProx Reader _________________ 6
The RS-232 Reader _________________ 7
Why is it necessary? __________________ 8
Identification Entry Errors_____________ 8
Magnetic stripe reader and card reliability 8
How Does the System Work? ___________ 8
Who can benefit using the System? ______ 9
What is included with the pcProx Kit? _____ 9
What are the minimum system requirements?
___________________________________ 9
Hardware Installation___________ 10
pcProx Badge (Passive badge users)__10
Software Installation ___________ 11
Software Configuration _______________ 11
Configure pcProx Templates ____ 12
Configuration Choices ________________ 12
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Connect Tab _______________________ 13
Device Connect ___________________ 13
Get/Set Internal Timing _____________ 15
Set Keystroke Data __________________ 17
FAC & ID Data ____________________ 17
Advanced Tab ______________________ 20
LED Control ______________________ 20
Multiple USB Readers on a PC _______ 21
Enter Unique Address ______________ 21
Software Developer Kit Mode ________ 22
Characters Sent When Card is Removed 25
About Tab _________________________ 26
Version Information ________________ 26
Card Formats Tab ___________________ 27
How to determine your format and masking
________________________________ 28
File Open __________________________ 30
File Save __________________________ 30
Save As ___________________________ 30
Auto-Run Operation____________ 31
Application Note: Logon Reader _ 33
Overview __________________________ 33
Configuration Utility __________________ 34
Usage under Windows 98, 2000 and XP__ 35
Change Password _________________ 36
Logon ___________________________ 36
Unlocking the WorkStation___________ 37
Increasing Security __________________ 38
Security Due to Lost/Stolen Cards _____ 38
Security of the Card Data____________ 39
Auto-Locking the Workstation __________ 41
What is Sonar Proximity Detection?____ 42
How Does the System Work? ________ 42
Who Can Benefit Using the System?___ 43
Troubleshooting_______________ 44
No pcProx USB Device Attached _______ 44
Index _____________________________ 45
pcProx®
Proximity Activated Products
RF IDeas offers a variety of wireless products
for hands-free or contact-less identification and
security. Please review the following to choose
which product best fits your need. If you do not
see a solution, please contact us. There are
several software developers licensing our
technology and the solution you are looking for
may already be developed. We welcome your
suggestions!
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Product FEATURE - BENEFIT
AIR ID ® LT (Active
Badge)
♦ Great for multiple users sharing a
computer
♦ Economical solution
♦ Badge transmits, Base Unit receives
♦ Audit Trail
♦ TD2FTM Two-Factor Authentication
Wiegand Converters ♦ Wiegand <-> TTL, RS-485, RS-232,
USB, Ethernet
Supervised Reader
Extenders
♦ RS-485, Ethernet, Wireless (900Mhz,
2.4Ghz)
RFID1356 Readers ♦ Read-only models read the CSN (card
serial number) and Page o of the
iCLASS cards.
♦ Read/Write models are available for
iCLASS contactless smart cards from
HID.
pcProx Developer’s
Kit
♦ Complete API Kit supporting AIR ID, AIR
ID LT, and pcProx
♦ Platform independent
♦ Dynamic range adjustment
♦ Read/write ability with AIR ID
♦ Private label
♦ AIR ID Aware Certification Program
pcProx USB
pcProx-232
♦ pcProx desktop proximity reader
compatible with USB ports.
Configuration application sets devices
as a keyboard, or for use with the AIR ID
SDK.
♦ Serial Port Model
pcProx-TTL and
Keyboard Wedge
Readers
♦ pcProx line of desktop proximity readers
compatible with existing software, PLCs,
and hardware keyboard wedges
(decoders).
pcProx Reader Choices
RF IDeas offers several proximity readers. The
pcProx line is made of several output choices:
(USB, TTL, RS-232, RS-485, Clock/Data).
Within these are several models that support the
pcProx®
individual manufacturer’s proprietary technology
(ex. HID, Indala/Motorola, Casi-Rusco, and
others).
The pcProx & pcProx USB readers are a more
sophisticated design. The reader accepts
commands as well as sends output data to the
port. Each reader can operate in synchronous
(via the software developer’s kit - SDK) or
asynchronous mode. The SDK supports all
readers and is available to developers.
The pcProx-232 serial port reader outputs in an
asynchronous mode outputs data in ASCII
format. Data is ASCII formatted and there are
models for hardware keyboard wedge devices
traditionally found in data capture applications
such as bar code readers. This readers output
at 9600,N,8,1 with no handshaking.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Understanding Wireless Identification
What is pcProx® Proximity Activated
Identification?
The pcProx Configuration software together with
the pcProx proximity reader makes up proximity
activated identification system. This is used to
identify users by using their existing proximity
token.
Typical applications include:
• General identification of badge number
into any application,
• Enrollment of new employees or
badges,
• Verification that badge ID numbers are
written or have the correct information,
• Logon reader that uses the proximity
card number a either the entire
password or a portion of it,
• Purchase meals in cafeterias,
• And much more.
The pcProx Reader
The USB reader has two primary modes of
operation.
First it may be set up to operate as a USB
keyboard. In this mode the user’s ID from the
proximity token is read and is sent as keystrokes
as if the user typed in the ID number using the
keyboard. This is because the USB reader is
actually implemented as a keyboard.
pcProx®
Second, the reader may be set up for operation
under the API (application programmer
interface) as defined in the pcProx SDK. The
pcProx reader attaches to the computer’s USB
port. When a proximity token is read, the active
application will receive the entire proximity
token’s data.
The Configuration application allows the user to
specify which data bits from the proximity card
are used to create an ASCII number.
Additionally, the user may specify additional
keystrokes to be sent.
The RS-232 Reader
The RS-232 reader has two primary modes of
operation.
First it may be set up to operate as a ASCII
output device. In this mode the user’s ID from
the proximity token is read and is sent as a
decimal number in ASCII format. RF IDeas
offers software (SoftKBWedge) that redirects the
data into the keyboard’s buffer as if the user
typed in the ID number using the keyboard.
Second, the reader may be set up for operation
under the API (application programmer
interface) as defined in the pcProx SDK. The
pcProx reader attaches to the computer’s serial
port. When a proximity token is read, the active
application will receive the entire proximity
token’s data.
The Configuration application allows the user to
specify which data bits from the proximity card
are used to create an ASCII number.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Additionally, the user may specify additional
extra RS-232 characters may be sent.
Why is it necessary?
With the proliferation of PC’s, cash machines,
security systems, and electronic locks, users are
increasingly burdened with the requirement of
entering identification information to gain access
or show they have accessed systems.
There are a few reasons for users to investigate
the benefits derived by using this system.
Identification Entry Errors
The pcProx reader eliminates the burden and
typographical errors associated with manual
entry.
Magnetic stripe reader and card reliability
Often times employee identification is done
using magnetic stripe technology. This
technology is very inexpensive, however it is
also prone to read problems due to wear and
dirt. The cards have a limited life since they get
scratched easily. The readers pick up dirt and
oils and this causes damage to the read head
itself.
Proximity technology is based on a contact-less
interface and therefore is not subject to reliability
issues. Users experience a short payback period
since help desks and repeated reads are no
longer necessary.
How Does the System Work?
Each time a proximity token is read, the LED on
the pcProx will change from red to green
indicating success.
pcProx®
Who can benefit using the System?
Companies using proximity card/tokens for
building access can immediately benefit since
their employee identification cards may be
useful outside of building security. The majority
of the costs (deployment and enrollment) are
already recovered.
What is included with the pcProx Kit?
• HID, Indala/Motorola, Casi-Rusco or
other compatible Base Unit reader.
• pcProx Configuration Application for
Windows 98 and Windows NT/2000/XP.
You may download the latest at
www.RFIDeas.com using the ‘Support’
button.
• Installation and User Manual on CD.
What are the minimum system
requirements?
• Pentium class PC with CD ROM drive
• 32 MB RAM (25 MB hard disk space
available for installation overhead and AIR
ID software).
• 1 available RS-232 or USB Port
• Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000 or XP
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Hardware Installation
Locate an open USB or RS-232 port on the
system. Plug the connector into the PC’s (or
available on any peripheral) port.
You may place the Base Unit next to your
monitor, beside your PC, or where you feel it is
appropriate.
pcProx Badge (Passive badge users)
The pcProx badge is the same as your supplied
passive proximity badge for your facility access
control system. Since the pcProx reader is
independent of bit length, it is capable of reading
any existing proximity badge format. This is a
passive badge and therefore requires no battery.
Energy required for the badge is supplied by the
pcProx Base Unit once the badge comes within
range (approximately 1-4 inches)
pcProx®
Software Installation
If there is a problem with the installation, allow
the setup program to uninstall. Should you need
to reinstall or remove the software, always use
the Control Panel’s Add/Remove Programs icon
so the system is successfully removed, and
reboot.
Perform the usual entries associated with
installing software.
Software Configuration
In this section you will:
Configure any pcProx settings.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Configure pcProx Templates
The application allows you to save templates
(.HWG files) representing your configuration
choices for retrieval at a later time. The
templates may also be used to auto-run the
application. To use the auto-run mode you need
to save a template file and specify this as a
command line parameter (See Auto-Run
Operation section below).
Configuration Choices
There are many configuration setting choices in
Allows the user to
1. Choose between the pcProx operating
as a keyboard or as an embedded
device requiring the SDK,
2. Specify which bits read from the pcProx
reader are used to construct the ASCII
number,
3. Specify if any additional keystrokes are
added to the ASCII number when it is
sent to the keyboard buffer,
4. Set the data to a fixed length, and
5. Set various timing parameters.
pcProx®
Connect Tab
Device Connect
Connect Device
This check box is used to connect the
Configuration application to the internal storage
in the device. Once selected, you can read,
modify, and write to the device. Once selected,
the application will go out and retrieve the
device’s current configuration.
If you have a connect problem make sure the
reader is connected. If you are using the USB
model, make sure you are running a version of
Windows that supports the USB port. Check the
www.RFIDeas.com web site for up to date
support information.
Status
This field is used to display any error messages.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Device Found
This indicates the type of pcProx reader found
(RS-232 or USB). The configuration program
automatically checks for a USB reader first, and
if it does not find one, it scans COM ports 1
through 8 for a serial port model.
Reset to defaults
This button is used to put the device back into a
know state. All configuration settings are set
back to their factory defaults.
Config changed
This checkbox is selected by the program to
indicate to the user any modifications made to
the configuration which have not been written to
the device.
Test pcProx-232
Check this box to view ASCII card data in the
field below. Note selecting this checkbox
disables the configuration from working with the
devices flash memory. De-select this checkbox
in order to continue configuring the reader.
Read pcProx
Use this button to read the device’s current
configuration.
Write to pcProx
This button is used to write the configuration
settings displayed to the device.
WARNING: Do not write the configuration while
a card is being read on the reader. This may
cause a connect error. If you receive this error,
you may need to detach the reader and plug it
back in to cure the error.
pcProx®
Get/Set Internal Timing
Data is valid for
The time the card ID remains valid in the device.
Once this time elapses, the card data is
discarded. The minimum value is 900.
Inter-key 'Press' time
Sets USB inter-key Press' time delay in msecs.
This is how long the key is held down.
Inter-key 'Release' time
Sets USB inter-key 'Release' time delay in
msecs. This is the delay between keystrokes.
Send Data Upon Read
Immediately sends the card data otherwise it is
held based on the lock-out time below.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Lock-out Time for Repetitive Reads
This parameter can prevent the card’s data from
being sent continuously if the card is left on the
reader.
pcProx®
Set Keystroke Data
FAC & ID Data
This top section of this tab is organized in a
manner consistent with the way the card data is
organized on generic proximity cards; Leading
parity + facility code+ ID code + trailing parity
code.
The bottom section allows the user to specify
keystrokes to be added at the beginning, in the
middle, or at the end of the card’s data.
Strip Leading Parity bit count
The indicated number of Leading Parity bit(s)
are ignored. There are typically only 1 or 2
leading parity bits.
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
Send FAC code
Selecting this checkbox will cause the FAC code
to be sent.
Force data to length
This applies to both Facility and ID code data
fields. Zeroes are added to the front of the data
to create a specific length. For example, if the
data were 567 and the length is set to 6, the
output will be 000567.
FAC fixed to this length
Zeroes are added to the front of the FAC portion
of the data to create a specific length.
Send ID Code
Since there are two fields of data (ID and FAC)
and sending at least one is necessary, this field
really implies send the ID and not the FAC data.
If both fields need to be sent, you need to select
the ‘Send the FAC code’ checkbox.
Bit count of ID portion only
This field is used to define the bit count of ID
portion of the card data. To retrieve this data
properly, you will need to also indicate and strip
the Leading and Trailing parity bits.
ID fixed to this length
Zeroes are added to the front of the ID portion of
the data to create a specific length.
Enable FAC/ID character
This checkbox indicates that a separator
character will be used between the FAC and ID
codes.
This char sent between FAC & ID
This field holds the character that will be placed
between the FAC and ID codes. Note there are
pcProx®
3 special characters (hex 01, 02, 03) that can be
specified. These add an extra measure of
difficulty in reproducing card data directly from
the keyboard. It may be useful when using the
proximity reader as a logon device. Please see
application note for more details.
Strip Trailing Parity bit count
The indicated number of Trailing Parity bit(s) are
ignored. There is typically only 1 trailing parity
bit.
The following keystrokes are sent ahead of card
data
You may specify up to 2 keystroke characters
that will be inserted in front of the card data.
Note there are 3 special characters (hex 01, 02,
03) that can be specified. These add an extra
measure of difficulty in reproducing card data
directly from the keyboard. It may be useful
when using the proximity reader as a logon
device. Please see application note for more
details.
Disable appending keystroke
This checkbox tells the device to not append a
character to the end of data.
This keystroke appended to data
If the previous checkbox is not selected, this
character will be appended to the data. Note
there are 3 special characters (hex 01, 02, 03)
that can be specified. These add an extra
measure of difficulty in reproducing card data
directly from the keyboard. It may be useful
when using the proximity reader as a logon
device. Please see application note for more
details.
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Advanced Tab
LED Control
SDK Controls LED
Using the SDK the software developer has the
ability to control the red/green/amber colors of
the LED on the top of the reader.
Normally, the reader goes from red to green
when a proximity card is read (i.e. HID proximity
card being read by a pcProxH reader). This can
be restricted by the bit count. For example, if
the user configures the reader to ‘read only 26
bit cards’ the LED will go green when any HID
26 bit card is placed on the reader. A HID 34 bit
card, will not turn green.
Selecting this feature will cause the LED colors
to come under the control of the SDK, not the
independent card reading function.
pcProx®
Red LED
When selected, the SDK has control of the RED
state.
Green LED
When selected, the SDK has control of the
GREEN state.
Multiple USB Readers on a PC
This section does not apply to the RS-232
readers since these are attached to individual
COM ports.
This field will show how many readers are
attached to the PC.
User may attach up to 16 different pcProx-USB
devices on their PC at one time. End users may
determine the card reads from the various
readers by configuring a ‘Leading Character’ to
be inserted in front of the card data. You will
need to attach one reader at a time in order to
preset this particular’s reader ‘Leading
Characters’. There is no way to use the unique
addressing without working with the SDK (the
software developer’s kit).
Enter Unique Address
The Unique Address is for software developers
who intend to attach more than one pcProx-U
reader to a given system at a time. This feature
allows the developer to talk to individual reader
and determine which reader the card data came
from.
If you are a software developer, and have
purchased SDK, you will need to write a unique
address into the reader. Once you have written
the unique address, you can selectively
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communicate with each device to learn which
reader sent the card data stream.
SDK users will use this address field to enter the
address for the attached reader. NOTE: Only 1
reader may be attached when this feature is
used.
List of Unique Reader Addresses
This drop down list box will show all attached
readers that have a unique address.
Software Developer Kit Mode
If you are a software developer, and have
purchased SDK, you can change the mode of
operation of the pcProx reader.
For the USB reader this means from ‘keyboard’
to SDK.
For the RS-232 reader this means from direct
ASCII output asynchronously to the SDK’s
synchronous mode of polling.
In the SDK mode, all data are inhibited. The
card’s data may be read using functions
included in RF IDeas’ SDK. The SDK is sold
separately and is useful to software developer’s
to tightly integrate their software with the card
reader. Please visit www.RFIDeas.com to learn
more.
The following features are useful to those who
have purchased the SDK.
Get ID
This button is active when the ‘Disable Sending
keystrokes as data’ is selected. Pressing this
button, while a proximity card is present on the
pcProx®
reader, will read the card’s data and display the
result in the field next to the button.
Raw Data
This field will contain the number of bits read
from the card (less the parity bits stripped) and
show the card’s data in hexadecimal format.
Filter Mask
If the Filter Mask field is empty, the program will
try to ‘guess’ at the format for the card. Since
there are literally thousands of formats, this truly
a guess.
Facility Code
The Facility Code will represent the decimal
equivalent of the bits defined by an ‘F’ in the
Filter Mask.
ID Code
The ID Code will represent the decimal
equivalent of the bits defined by an ‘I’ in the
Filter Mask.
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Example:
NOTE: Any stripped parity bits will not be
delivered using the GET ID function. Example:
For a 26-bit card, if you have 1 leading and 1
trailing parity bit set to be stripped (see Set
Keystroke Data tab), the GET ID will return 24
bits.
The button calls a SDK (software developer’s
kit) function and shows how and application
would use and see data if the SDK were
implemented.
Example: Filter for a popular 26-bit
Wiegand card format is:
"PFFFFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP". This has:
2 “P” - parity bits,
8 “F” - facility code bits, and
16 “I” - ID code bits.
This will split the bit-stream into the facility and
ID codes.
pcProx®
Characters Sent When Card is Removed
This applies only to the RS-232 reader.
The RS-232 device is capable is sending two
‘Card Gone’ characters whenever the card is
removed. Use the pull-down character selector
boxes to choose the desired ASCII characters.
These characters will be sent once the Lifetime
hold (see Timings Tab) has elapsed.
The SDK is a separate product from RF IDeas.
Enable Output as Hexadecimal
This checkbox allows the user to select a
hexadecimal keystroke data output as opposed
to the standard decimal.
Read only cards with this bit count
No data is sent from the device unless the bit
count is matched. The total bits received from
the card must match this bit count, parity bits
included. If you select this checkbox and set the
field for 26, the reader will only respond to 26 bit
cards.
Invert Wiegand Data
This feature is primarily for those using the HID
version of pcProx-U versions 2.2.1 as they will
need to invert the Wiegand data lines.
Ignore H/W data inversion override
This feature is set only if the user needs to
override the invert the Wiegand data lines. Most
users should use this feature unless their data is
inverted.
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About Tab
Version Information
This screen describes the version and copyright
information.
This area shows the version of the firmware
(device’s software) as well as the version of the
SDK library.
pcProx®
Card Formats Tab
There are several bits constructed together
which make up the data sent from the proximity
token to the pcProx reader. The pcProx reader
reads all bits for any format card produced.
The proximity token has several bits, and these
will vary from customer to customer. There are
literally hundreds of bit formats and lengths for
proximity cards! The most popular is the 26-bit
format card. There are actually 24 bits of usable
information as the first and last bits are really
parity bits to ensure data integrity.
This is typical layout for a 26-bit card.
PARITY BIT
The leading and trailing 1-3 bits are usually the
parity bits. For a 26-bit card, only 1 leading and
1 trailing parity bit is used.
IDENTIFICATION CODE
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Immediately following is the identification code.
For a 26-bit card this is 16 bits.
FACILITY CODE
The next bits are normally used as the facility
code. For a 26-bit card there are 8 bits.
PARITY BIT
The trailing 1-3 bits are usually a the parity
bit(s).
The software does not perform any data
validation checking. This is due to the fact that
the data must be known before the read in order
to verify its validity.
How to determine your format and masking
Rule1: 1st Convert to Binary
Rule 2: Card data format in binary is typically
something like:
parity + facility code + employee ID + parity
You may have 1-3 parity bits at either end. It
looks like you have 1 at the far end.
As an example let’s assume you have a card
and expect to receive the following number:
816159
If all bits are selected you find waving the card
results in the following number:
144238654
Using the Calculator supplied with Windows,
select the scientific mode and find the binary
equivalents for each of the above decimal
numbers.
MSB LSB
1000100110001110100000111110 (144238654)
pcProx®
11000111010000011111 (816159)
Notice how deselecting the 1st 7 bits and the last
parity bit results in the same binary number!
Select bits 2 through 21 and deselect all others
will provide the result desired for this customer’s
format and example.
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File Open
This allows the user to retrieve a configuration
previously saved. The HWG file is useful when
more than one template is helpful.
All data associated with the configuration
selections are saved.
File Save
All data associated with the configuration
selections are saved to the Default.HWG file.
Save As
All data associated with the configuration
selections are saved to the user specified
filename (.HWG ) file.
pcProx®
Auto-Run Operation
In auto mode, the user specifies a configuration
file (ex. Default.hwg) using a shortcut properties
link as defined in the Windows environment.
First, the user makes all desired configuration
settings.
Second, once the settings are defined, the user
creates a (.HWG) by using the Save As
selection under the File menu system.
Third, the user needs to create a shortcut link
and specify the (.HWG) configuration file in this
link. Shortcut links can be created using the
Windows Explorer, selecting the
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
pcProxusbConfig.exe file and then using a right-
click of the mouse. You will see a ‘Create
Shortcut’ menu item.
Fourth, once the shortcut is created, the
Properties need to be modified by adding the
filename of the (.HWG) file after the quote in the
target field as shown below.
pcProx®
Application Note: Logon Reader
Overview
This document describes how the pcProx USB
proximity reader may be used as a logon or
automatic password entry device without the
need to install software at the client or server.
The card can automatically enter passwords into
the operating system, login applications which
require passwords and even password protected
web sites.
This application is possible under Windows 98,
2000, and XP since Microsoft provides the
necessary drivers to recognize and work with
the USB interface of the proximity reader. Since
Microsoft does not provide USB support for
Windows NT, this approach will not work under
NT.
To the operating system, the pcProx-USB is a
USB keyboard. This is the basis for using it as a
password entry device.
In building access systems, the proximity card is
used as a password to unlock a door and permit
entry. This relieves the burden of the user
having to type a password or PIN in order to
gain entry to a building. The concept for
computer access is the same. The proximity
card data will serve as either part of, or the
entire password.
When the user is presented with a dialog field
requesting a password entry, the user will wave
their proximity card over the reader and the
password field will be filled in by the information
read from the card or token.
If higher security is desired, the password can
be made up of the proximity token data plus a
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© 1998-2004 RF IDeas, Inc.
user supplied PIN. This creates a two-factor
authentication system (something you have and
something you know) and protects against lost
or stolen password.
Configuration Utility
The following screen shot shows the
configuration program supplied with the reader.
This program simply configures the reader.
Once the configuration information is set and
written to the device, the device is ready for
deployment. The device will hold this
information until it is updated.
Please refer to the User’s Guide for details on
the usage of this application.
The reader has internal storage memory that
may be configured using the supplied
configuration utility. This may be useful in
sending additional keystrokes such as a TAB, or
ENTER either before or after the card data.
However, it is best to have no appending keys
configured until you have reset all of your
desired passwords using the card.
pcProx®
Usage under Windows 98, 2000 and
XP
In order to use the pcProx-USB reader as a
logon device under Windows there are a few
considerations to review.
Administrator Considerations
The issues the administrator will face include:
Automatic Change Password. To
increase security several company have
adopted a policy that requires users to
change password every xx number of
days. To keep this policy in place, you
will need to have users password
include both the proximity data as well
as a user supplied PIN. The PIN is the
portion that the user will change
periodically.
Complex Passwords. To keep this
policy in place, you will need to have
users password include both the
proximity data as well as a user supplied
PIN. In this case, since the proximity
data is completely numeric, any alpha
and upper/lower case letter constraints
will be handled in the user supplied PIN
portion of the password.
User Password Knowledge. If the
policy requires that the user have
difficulty learning their entire password,
the administrator may configure
parameters in the reader to make it
more difficult to re-produce the
password. See the section labeled
‘Increasing Security’ below.
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User Considerations
The user will first need to perform a
change password-see below.
Change Password
To use the pcProx reader as a password device
the user must first change their password. This
operation is performed differently for each
operating system and application. Please refer
to your User’s Manual for detail.
In general, you will enter your Old Password,
and wave the proximity token to fill in the New
Password and if applicable, the Confirmation
Password fields. If the new password is made
up of the card data + a user supplied PIN, you
will need to add this PIN in both the New
Password and Confirmation Password fields.
If the pcProx reader is configured to append the
ENTER keystroke, you will have difficulty since
the ENTER keystroke will complete the
operation before both fields are filled in. To
avoid this, it will be necessary to re-configure the
device for this Change Password operation.
Once the user performs this operation, the card
may now be used as the password.
Logon
The operating system loads the USB driver prior
to logon, leaving the device ready to function as
a logon device.
pcProx®
As with the Change Password operation
described above, the user first makes sure the
cursor is in the Password field. Once the cursor
is located, the user waves the proximity token to
fill in the Password field. If the password is made
up of the card data + a user supplied PIN, you
will need to add this PIN prior to pressing the
ENTER key.
Unlocking the WorkStation
The following screen will appear slightly different
for each of the operating systems (W98, 2000,
and XP).
The user should make sure the cursor is in the
Password field. If this dialog box comes up and
the cursor is normally on the username field, you
may have the user enter the TAB key, or define
one of the pre-card data keystrokes in the
pcProx reader to send the TAB keystroke for
you.
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Once the cursor is in the Password field, the
user may safely wave their proximity token over
the pcProx reader and the field is stuffed with
the password. The user may finish off the
operation by pressing the ENTER key, or the
reader may be configured to add the ENTER
keystroke as an appended keystroke.
If the password is valid for this username
account, the user will be logged on.
Increasing Security
Security Due to Lost/Stolen Cards
If there is concern for logon impersonation as a
result of a lost or stolen proximity token, you
may set up the usage as a two-factor
authentication system.
A two-factor authentication system is made up of
1. Something you have (the proximity
token), and
2. Something you know (a PIN)
The pcProx reader may be configured to allow
operation under either a one- or two-factor
authentication system.
pcProx®
One-Factor
In a one-factor system, the user simply waves
the proximity token. Therefore the reader may
be configured to add TAB keystrokes ahead of
the data as well as a TAB or ENTER keystroke
behind the data.
Two-Factor
In a one-factor system, the user may enter the
PIN either before or after the proximity token
data is inserted into the field. If the user adds the
PIN before the token data, the reader may be
configured to append the ENTER keystroke.
The two-factor approach is especially useful
when using a policy that insists on password
construction rules or periodic changing of
passwords
Security of the Card Data
If there is a concern about individuals being able
to read the contents of the proximity token, and
thereby reproduce the password, there are
some additional measures that can be taken.
During the configuration process you may add
additional keystroke characters to the card
information that are difficult to re-produce.
These additional characters are labeled
special1, special2, and special3.
As an example, here is a screen shot that
configures the reader to insert non-printable
keystroke characters at the beginning, in the
middle, and at the end of the card’s unique data.
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The reader factory default, without the special
configuration, you would see: 15202752 in any
application.
In pcProx and most text-based applications you
would see:
??0007423?0000448?
In Microsoft Word or Notepad it looks like:
☻♥0007423☺0000448☻ or depending on
settings:
00009750062336
The login screen sees:
*****************
This makes it much more difficult for an end user
to learn or share their password with another. In
addition, you can have the password includes
ALL measures:
Prox Card + User Supplied PIN + Reader Configuration
pcProx®
Auto-Locking the Workstation
To increase security when the user steps away,
you can use a screen saver but of course this
can be a problem since:
1. It the time is set too short, it is annoying
because it you get on a phone call or
speak to someone without leaving the
station it will lock. Users grow tired of
this since it can cause them to enter
their password 20 times more than
necessary.
2. If you set it too long, there is no security
since someone cam come up within a
minute or two of you leaving and jump
onto the open system.
To improve the security the best solution is to
use the pcProx-Sonar. This is a presence
detector that usually mounts to the top lip of the
monitor. It sends the keystrokes the user needs
sent every time.
1.7x1.7 inch
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What is Sonar Proximity Detection?
This is an ultra-sonic proximity detector
functioning as a USB keyboard. The primary
purpose is for detecting users stepping away
from a computer terminal they have un-locked
(log-in active), and issuing keystrokes to lock or
log-off the session on the computer.
Now when you walk away from your system, you
will benefit from a hands-free means of locking
your computer.
How Does the System Work?
The concept of the pcProx-Sonar is easy to
understand. The unit incorporates a
sophisticated ultrasonic sensor to detect the
presence of the user.
Your computer simply ‘thinks’ that the pcProx-
Sonar is a USB keyboard that is attached to
your system. The device sends programmable
keystrokes to lock your computer when you
leave the workspace. It’s that simple. No more
unattended and unlocked computers. The unit
will lock the system for you…and you can now
do this hands-free!
The objective is to detect two events. The most
important is the detection of you leaving the
defined work zone of your computer. When the
pcProx-Sonar detects that you have left the work
zone, the unit sends the keystrokes necessary
to lock your systems. For example, when
Windows 2000 users leave their workstations,
they would normally hit the CTL-ALT-DEL-Enter
key sequence to lock their systems. With the
pcProx attached, the CTL-ALT-DEL-Enter
keystrokes are automatically sent for the user.
pcProx®
The second event is when you return to your
work zone. The pcProx can now detect this
event and send some preparatory keystrokes for
you. For example, on return to their computer,
Windows 2000 users must hit the CTL-ALT-DEL
key sequence to prepare the computer for the
password entry. Again, with the pcProx
attached, it will now send those keystrokes for
you.
Who Can Benefit Using the System?
Any company, institution, or hospital using
passwords, biometrics or any form of computer
access control that needs to secure stations
without reliance on users of cumbersome time-
outs.
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Troubleshooting
If your system is not working it could be for one
of the following reasons:
No pcProx USB Device Attached
1. Check to be sure the pcProx unit is
plugged into the USB port. When the
PC is on and no card being read, you
will see the LED is red. A valid
proximity card will cause the led to turn
green, provided you have not set the
configuration to read only certain bit
lengths.
2. Verify you have the correct model
(pcProx USB) and the software
configuration screen agrees with the
reader attached.
3. Verify the USB Port agrees with the
connector on the PC.
4. If trouble continues, unplug the pcProx
unit, use the Control Panel’s
Add/Remove Hardware to remove
‘General USB Device’, and reboot the
PC. When your system is started, re-
attach the pcProx USB and the OS
should re-install the Windows driver
automatically.
pcProx®
Index
AIR ID ® LT, 4
AIR ID Developer’s
Kit, 4
AIR ID SDK, 12
API, 7
ASCI number, 12
ASCII number, 12
auto mode, 31
auto-run, 12
factory defaults, 14
HID, 9
HWG, 30
HWG files, 12
inter-key, 15
internal storage, 13
Keyboard Wedge
Readers, 4
Leading Parity, 17
log-in, 42
log-off, 42
Motorola, 9
PARITY BIT, 27
passive badge, 10
pcPROX Badge, 10
requirements, 9
SDK, 5, 24
Shortcut, 32
templates, 12
Trailing Parity, 19
uninstall, 11
Windows 98, 9
Windows driver, 44
Windows
NT/2000/XP, 9