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What our experts says ...
The galaxy Keyprox combined keypad and card/tag reader has been introduced by Ademco Microtech to augment and update its well-established Galaxy range of intruder alarm equipment, in order to offer conformity with modern requirements.

For the benefit of the uninitiated, Galaxy control panel PCBs are available in seven sizes, ranging from eight to 512 zone capacity, the larger sizes employing numbers of eight zone Remote Input Output Modules (RIOs) for wiring economy.

The peripheral units – KeyProx, keypads, RIOs, communicators, networking modules, printer interface and MicroMAX readers – are all of a common type for all systems and connected to an RS485 data communication bus. MicroMAX readers provide support for door access control. The Galaxy "one range covers all sizes" approach with a common programming protocol certainly makes the installer's life easier.

We looked at the Galaxy KeyProx running on a Galaxy 60 control panel with a digital communicator /modem. The Galaxy 60 control panel has 12 on-board zones which can be expanded by 48 using six RIOs on the RS485 bus. Each zone is wired in a two-wire EOL configuration, allowing up to ten detectors per zone. In our experience as installers, a single detector per zone is preferable since it reduces the time spent in locating false alarms and faults – not a frequent occurrence but post-installation building alterations have produced a couple of real problems over the years.

The Telecoms module allows two-way communication via the telephone network for transmitting alarm and event signals not only to ARCs and SIA receivers but also to a remote PC with Galaxy Alarm Monitoring software installed. Software is also available for remote servicing.

The Galaxy 60 control panel will support a maximum of four KeyProx units. Each Galaxy KeyProx allows dual function setting/unsetting ability from the one station without the need for a separate card reader. The system can be programmed such that setting/unsetting are carried out using either a card or the user PIN, or both the card and the user PIN.

In the latter case (termed "dual focus") the user enters the PIN and then holds the card in front of the reader (bottom right hand corner) for at least three seconds in order to set the system – PIN followed by card swipe to unset.

Door control can be achieved with the KeyProx by programming links between zones and outputs.

Construction
The Galaxy KeyProx enclosure comprises a back plate, front plate and keypad door – all in matt white (or is it cool grey?) ABS. The back plate has been moulded with a keyhole slot and two elongated slots for securing to the wall; cable channel and cutaway cable accesses; also a sacrificial wall tamper.

The PCB and key membrane are secured to the front plate which hooks onto the top and latches at the bottom of the back plate. The latching action is not overly positive so that care will be needed to avoid damage during front plate removal. Opening plastic latched enclosures for the first time is always a bit of an adventure.

The keypad door gives a stylish finish to the KeyProx. It can be hinged on either side, but can only be fitted or removed with the frontplate lifted from the backplate.

Key action is positive, having a reassuring feel when contact is made and accompanied by a beep.

The Galaxy 60 control panel PCBs are housed in a large steel box, the lid of which slots into a tray at the bottom and hooks onto two dowels at the top. The lid sits in place, perfectly secure, but requires the two screws provided in order to complete the lid earthing connection.

Internally, the control panel and power supply PCBs are mounted on M4 threaded clinch-nuts – good sturdy stuff! The mains transformer is also firmly bolted in place. Even with the Telecom Module in place, there is still ample space remaining for a 17Ah standby battery in an upright position.

While battery manufacturers state that their SLA batteries can be operated in any position, we have heard from a reliable source that unnatural working positions can reduce their active life by up to one year.

The quality of the PCBs is very good and the standard of construction generally good.

Installation
Installation and wiring of the KeyProx is similar to the Mk 7 keypad. The relevant instructions are given in both the Keypad and KeyProx sections in the Installation Manual.

Outwardly, the KeyProx and Keypad are also identical; inwardly we know that the KeyProx PCB has "Prox Reader" printed on the lower edge so that mix-ups should not occur during installation. A prox card sticker is also supplied for identifying the position of the reader on the KeyProx.

Wiring between Galaxy control panels and peripherals uses an RS 485 daisy chain connecting method. It is possible to connect two daisy chains – it saves cable with a centrally mounted control panel. Line termination is slightly more involved as clearly set out in the manual, requiring an additional EOL resistor and the removal of a PCB resistor.

The cable supplied by Ademco Microtech contained two twisted pairs, each pair screened with foil and an earthing wire running the length of the cable. One pair was connected to the terminal block for the AB (RS485) connections and the other pair for the 12v +/- supply.

While the installation manual recommends "There must be only a single AB pair of wires in each of the cables" it does appear to be OK to run the power supply in the same cable. The accompanying diagram shows a cable containing only the single AB pair.

Before clipping the front plate in place, the rotary address switch, sw 1, needs to be set; both the KeyProx and reader share a common address.

Programming
Manual programming usually needs time and in this respect the Galaxy 60 is no exception. It is all laid out in fine detail in the Programming Instructions. We managed to programme the MAX cards and MAX tags into the Galaxy KeyProx with some help from Ademco Microtech's man – it's easy when you know how.

The Instructions consisted of an Installation Manual, Programming Manual and User Guide. Each KeyProx had further Installation and Programming Instructions. These included configuration, keypad programming, MAX (reader) programming and card/tag programming. An example of door control programming is also given.

All the instruction to which we referred were generally clear and accompanied where appro-priate by annotated diagrams, displays and tables.

A list of default codes and settings could not be found but the information was all presented in the appropriate sections – you have to read before diving in.

 ** Tester's note: Ademco Microtech would not quote a trade price. Our local suppliers – Enterprise Security Distribution – has quoted List and their Trade prices in their catalogue for the Galaxy range over the past three years. It appears to be a popular range.

What the manufacturer says ...
The superb high-end systems offered by the galaxy range enable the creation of virtually any size of system, from residential through small commercial to high specification bank installations. The Galaxy 60 is one of the best selling panels in the UK. Full compatibility across the Galaxy range means that easy upgrade routes are available via a simple PCB change.

The addition of the KeyProx to the wide range of peripherals for the Galaxy provides a superior, cost-effective solution to door entry control.

The card "Self Learn" provides the ability to read a wide range of proprietary encrypted and non-encrypted card types.

The need for PIN entry is removed through the provision of a simple set/unset capability in line with DD243:2002 – allowing completion of unsetting using portable ancillary control equipment (card or tag). The confirmation facility remains enabled.

The KeyProx offers a cost-effective alternative to using an extra keypad with a MicroMAX reader on a Galaxy system.

Available in two variants, supporting standard ASK format and HID 26 and 34 bit protocols, this multi-protocol feature delivers additional flexibility.

In addition the KeyProx, when used in conjunction with the links functionality on a Galaxy panel, can activate almost any feature within the panel.

Reader Service No 101 (or go to www.security-installer.co.uk/enquiries and key in 101)