Bluetooth Access Sentry

Ready for an upgrade to your outdated magstripe card access system? Tired of the administrative hassle of creating new cards due to loss, wear, damage or personnel turnover? Bluetooth Access Sentry (BAS) inexpensively upgrades traditional access systems while integrating seamlessly with the existing software application at the host. The BAS permits the user's own smartphone to become his access credential, replacing the magstripe ID card. The phone securely pairs with a Bluetooth adapter at the host. (Requires a Bluetooth RS-232 adapter - sold separately. Adapter replaces a traditional RS-232 magstripe reader.)

Bluetooth Access Sentry (BAS) is an integral part of your access control system, allowing you to use your Android phone in place of a magnetic stripe card. Designed for use in home or business, the BAS is an upgrade that essentially replaces existing reader hardware but does not require you to scrap your existing host access software. There are two primary components of the system:

- Android app - once installed, your mobile device now becomes a virtual card credential that replaces your magstripe card. The app is configurable with your pre-assigned card ID or badge number.

- Bluetooth adapter - connects directly to your access system (PC or applicable card access host). Replaces the traditional reader (e.g., magstripe / barcode).

Oftentimes, traditional systems utilize specialized readers (magstripe, barcode, etc.) that require compatible cards which must be individually programmed and are frequently lost. Secure and convenient, the BAS upgrades these systems, allowing the employee's own Android phone to act as his card credential. The traditional card reader is eliminated and is replaced with an inexpensive Bluetooth-to-RS232 adapter (see notes below).

The BAS integrates seamlessly, requiring no modifications to the existing host access system or its application software. BAS setup involves two simple steps: 1) pairing the adapter and 2) entering the user's access ID (or employee badge number). After setup, access is invoked with the simple click of a button. The BAS is ideal for upgrading and replacing a magstripe or barcode reader. (Can be used in place of any reader that has a RS-232 interface and outputs ASCII card data strings.)

Consider the following BAS feature summary:

- Easy to setup; simple to use.
- Replaces magstripe and/or barcode readers.
- Supports any number of access users
- The user's Android phone replaces the traditional card credential.
- An inexpensive Bluetooth-to-RS232 adapter replaces the typical card reader.
- Secure communication via PIN-enabled Bluetooth encryption
- Outputs card data strings in ASCII text format.
- Compatible with any access control system that accepts ASCII card data via RS-232.
- Setup is quick and easy, requiring only two simple steps.

Notes:

- The BAS is not a complete access control system but is an integral part of an existing system.
- It can replace any reader (magstripe, barcode, etc.) that has RS-232 output interface.
- It can also replace a USB reader - only if it utilizes a virtual COM port.
- Requires an inexpensive Bluetooth-to-RS232 adapter which eliminates the need for a card reader. (One such device that has been tested with the BAS is the CableMax CM-BT232, available for purchase from multiple online merchants.)
- A PIN number is required for adapter pairing. In the interest of security, you should not use the adapter's default PIN (e.g., 1234). Instead, choose a PIN that is not easily guessed.
- May also require a USB-to-RS232 adapter if the host has no available RS-232 ports.