The University's access control system (ACS) currently uses five types of UCard readers as shown here.
To open a door place your UCard against the reader, wait a few seconds, and follow the instructions below.Do not wave the card over the reader.
Please ensure that the door closes securely after you have entered. Do not "tailgate" with any other person, or allow others to enter with you.
If you have any problems using your UCard, contact Security Services; tel: (0117) 92 87848 (24hr line).
Salto online readers in standby mode do not normally show a light. To open the door, place the UCard against the reader for a few seconds until the reader 'beeps'.
If the light turns red but allows you entry, this indicates you have access to online doors but not to Salto offline handle-sets (see below). This is either because your access level has not been set to allow you access to offline readers (which should not be the case for staff and students but may be the case for visitors and associates) or your card has not had the CSN (card serial number) registered in the system.
If the light turns green your access has been correctly assigned and the system is fully configured for you. The door mechanism will click open. If the light flashes red and the door does not open access has been denied.
Subsequent door swipes will then consist of a short blue flash and a green or red flash depending on your access rights.
The reader normally shows a red light when in standby mode. Place the UCard against the reader until the light flashes green and the reader 'beeps'.
The door mechanism will click open. If the red light flashes and the door does not open access has been denied.
There are two types of readers installed which both work in the same way.
Salto offline readers (handle-sets) do not normally show a light. To open the door place the UCard against the black pad. If the card is valid a green light will flash and some short 'beeps' will sound. The handle can now be pushed down to open the door. If the light flashes red and the door does not open access has been denied.
An authorised cardholder can also set the handle-set to 'unlocked', for example during the day, when a room is in continuous use - this known on the system as 'office mode'. Then, at the end of the day, the handle-set can be set to 'locked'. When locked the door can only be opened using a valid UCard.
To put the door into an ‘unlocked’ mode, simply hold down the outer handle and at the same time hold the UCard against the black pad. The light will flash green and will beep eight times. The door is now unlocked.
To lock the door so only valid cards can open it, simply repeat the action as above for unlocking the door. This time the light will flash red and beep twice. To request 'office mode' on your card, please contact Security Services.
Offline readers can also be installed as a cylinder lock fitted to an existing nightlatch. these are easy to fit as often no carpentry work is required and operate with the existing (usually Abloy) lock. To operate, place your UCard next to the cylinder (It will illuminate and beep the same way as the handle-set ) and then turn the cylinder clockwise to open the lock. These cylinder locks (known as Salto Geo locks) are often suitable for installing in architecturally sensitive areas.
Biometric readers will be used to enter high risk areas (server rooms, animal areas and some labs). For this, a fingerprint will need to be recorded on the new UCard chip to gain access. More information on biometric readers is available.
Biometric Reader Instructions:
1. Place your card against the front of the reader. When the card is read the red flashing light should turn amber, remove the card.
2. Now place the correct finger on the clear finger sized screen on the top unit.
3. When your finger print has been read the light should turn green and then resume flashing red, the door should now be unlocked for around 5 seconds.
4. If the light turns red when you place your card against it, you may not have access, report this to the UCard area administrator for the door.
5. If the light turns amber when you place your card against it, but then red when you place your finger on finger print screen, check you are using the correct finger, and if so report the issue to the security reception at Royal Fort Lodge.
6. If you have been given access, but have never had your finger print taken, this type of reader will not work for you. Report to security reception at Royal Fort Lodge where this can be resolved.
7. If your finger print becomes changed for what ever reason, and the reader cannot recognise your biometric please report to the security reception at Royal Fort Lodge where a different finger can be used to resolve this.
The desktop readers will initially be used for student registration, in libraries and the sports centre. This reader will have many more uses in the future.
