Introduction - Centsys Lattice Installation Manual

Introduction

Introduction
The Centurion Systems (Pty) Ltd Lattice system is a simple access control system with the ability to run in
both stand-alone and networked mode with up to 1000 tags.
The heart of the system comprises the L1000 Controller. This unit can operate as a stand-alone reader, or
as a controller in a networked system.
For added functionality the L1000 can be linked via a RS485 network to 31 additional reader heads known
as Lattice Slave Heads (LSHs).
In addition to the 31 LSHs there is also a Take Up Head (TUH) whose function is to link the RS485 network
to a computer (or computer network). The TUH is attached to the L1000 Controller via a communication
cable. The TUH also acts as a tag reader. The ideal position for the TUH is near the person maintaining
the system as new tags can be added and maintained easily.
The L1000 has a 3 digit, 7-segment LED display used with an "Admin" tag to programme the L1000 as
well as any LSH's linked to the system. The display brightness can be varied to suit ambient conditions.
Under normal running conditions the display of the L1000 will indicate the 3 digit ID number of the tag. A
buzzer also sounds momentarily to indicate that the tag has been read by the reader. The LSHs have a
simpler display comprising only three LEDs and a buzzer to indicate status. The buzzer can be config-
ured to be silent.
Seven levels of anti-passback control are available in the networked version. Each reader is capable of
storing four separate counter values which decrement each time a valid tag is presented. This provides a
method of controlling how many times a person may use a particular asset (e.g. photostat machine,
sauna, etc).
Complex programming of the system can be done using only a single "Admin" tag, but a sophisticated
software system, called Lattice Ware (refer to page 66), is preferable as it provides an intuitive, graphical
user interface (GUI), via a connected laptop, or personal computer (PC). Lattice Ware provides sophisti-
cated reporting as well as features and functionality not available without the computer. For example, if
the Lattice system is linked to an office network it is possible by means of a process known as "remoting"
to use networked computers to access certain functionality. A security guard could have a PC in his
guard house, and each time a tag is presented at the entrance, a photograph of the tag's correct owner
would flash up on his screen as confirmation that the tag is being used by the correct person. (For full
details, see the separate installation manual for the Lattice Ware software system).
The Lattice Ware system uses the freeware Firebird database which needs no license. Other databases
such as MySQL can also be used if required.
All of the readers operate on the new 13.56 MHz RFID norm which is likely to become the benchmark in
the future. This standard means tags are relatively inexpensive, give good read ranges and can offer,
optionally, read-write capability.
The Centurion Systems (Pty) Ltd Zap Tag is a perfect combination between a card and a tag. A label, with
photograph if required, can be fitted behind a plastic cover to provide tag identification.
Both flush and surface mount readers are available. The flush mount unit fits perfectly into a standard,
wall-mounted, light-switch box.
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