Installing a DPI Sensor on the DC20

Topics included in this article:

• What is a DPI sensor?
• Product Notes
• Installation Diagrams
  • Supervision
• Supervised vs Unsupervised
• Settings in Rhombus Console
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

What is a DPI sensor?

A Door Position Indicator (DPI) is a sensor used to detect a door's status, whether it is open, closed, or ajar. Depending on the specific requirements of the application, these sensors can be mounted on the door frame, door leaf, or adjacent surfaces. A DPI can be used as an added layer of security to trigger alerts when a door is open or closed.

Product Notes

• A DPI input is provided for each door in the DC20 for a maximum of four (4). 
• Wire type and size: solid or stranded, minimum 24 AWG up to 300 ft. For more information, please review the DC20 Product Manual.
• Final configuration will be done via the Rhombus console.

Installation Diagrams

Note: Ensure the installation meets the related safety requirements in your area.

DPI Sensors can be installed with or without Supervision. 

Supervision

A supervised circuit has additional resistors strategically placed to detect a fault, usually a cut or a short, between the resistor and the DC20. The standard supervised circuit requires 4.7 kΩ resistors and should be located as close to the sensor as possible. These have been provided with the DC20. 

Rhombus recommends Double EOL on all REX and DPI installed with Rhombus access control. When configured as supervised, the input circuit will report both open and closed and open circuit, shorted, and foreign voltage.

For double EOL supervision, the series resistor should always be between the DC20 and the parallel resistor. Failing to do so may result in a "foreign voltage" error.

Supervised vs Unsupervised

A supervised circuit has additional resistors strategically placed to detect a fault, usually a cut or a short, between the resistor and the DC20. A supervised input circuit requires two resistors to facilitate proper reporting.

An unsupervised circuit will only report open or closed. It will not report an open circuit, a shorted circuit, or foreign voltage. 

Settings in Rhombus Console

After installing the DPI you will need to set up the options of Normally open, Normally Closed, Unsupervised and Supervised in the Rhombus console. 

1. Navigate to "Settings," click "Door Controllers," and then select the Door Controller to which the DPI sensor is connected.

2. In the "DPI Port" section, select "Configure" or " Quick Add" if this is the first time configuring the DPI. Select "Edit" if adjusting an already added DPI sensor.

3. Set the "Normal State" to align with the wiring of the DPI sensor, either Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) configuration.  If the DPI is behaving differently than expected, swapping this configuration in the console can often resolve the issue.

4. Configure the "Port Type" to either a Supervised or Unsupervised circuit.

5. Click "Create" if a new DPI is being added. Click "Save" if you are editing an existing DPI.

Helpful Links

• Installing/Registering the DC20
• DC20 Overview
• Installing a Request-To-Exit (REX) Sensor on the DC20
• Setting up Access Control Door in Rhombus Console
• DC20 Product Manual

Contact Support or Sales

Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.

Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.