Controller Settings and Access Control Door Configuration

Topics included in this article:

• Overview
• Prerequisites
• Door Controller Settings Walkthrough
• Creating a Door
  • Door Setup Through Door Controllers Settings Page 
  • Door Setup Through Devices Page
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

Overview

This article explores the intricacies of configuring access control doors to ensure a secure and efficient entry system. The process involves a series of steps that require careful consideration of hardware prerequisites and a systematic approach to door setup. Let's delve into the comprehensive workflow for establishing door access control.

Note: Manuals for the DC20, DR20, and DR40 can be found here: Rhombus Access Control Deployment Guide and Best Practices.

Prerequisites

Before configuring any access control doors, you must meet the following prerequisites:

1. Hardware Installation: Essential hardware components like DC20, DR40/DR20 (or approved third-party readers), and other devices must be properly installed.

2. Wiring: All necessary wires and cables should be in place to establish seamless connections.

3. Network Cabling: Ensure that your network cabling is set up correctly to enable communication with the access control system.

4. Rhombus Unit Installation: Once all essential wiring is complete, you can proceed to install and register Rhombus units. This includes installing and registering the DR20, DR40, DC20, DPI Sensor, and Request-To-Exit (REX) Sensor on the DC20 as needed.

Door Controller Settings Walkthrough

After registering the DC20, it will become visible on the "Door Controllers" settings page. 

1. Navigate to "Settings," click "Door Controllers," and select the door controller you wish to configure.

2. Wiegand Ports and RS-485 Ports correspond to the readers connected to the DC20. The DC20 supports up to 4 readers in total. For RS-485 Ports, select "Quick Add" and follow the prompt to either configure a Rhombus Reader or a third-party Reader. Rhombus readers should automatically register to the correct port. You can confirm the device by comparing the serial number from the reader to the serial number seen in that port. To learn more about installing a Rhombus reader to a DC20, see our DR20 and DR40 installation articles.

3. Optional DPI and REX Ports: Ensure these ports are properly configured for their normal state (NO or NC) and if they are supervised or unsupervised. Ensure the DPI and/or REX are installed and connected prior to adding to the door. View the DPI or REX installation guide for more information.

4. Configure Door Relay Ports by clicking the "Quick Add" option below the corresponding numbered port. The number port added should match the same port the relay is connected to on the DC20.

5. There are two Aux Relays that can be used and one Aux Input.

6. "Settings & Details" can be found at the bottom of the page. Use this section to edit details for the selected door controller, including updating the location, deleting the controller (this can only be performed after all associated doors have been deleted), and enabling tamper detection.

An example of a completed four-door layout can be seen below. Corresponding hardware is color-coded for easy identification of which components are associated with each other.

Creating a Door

Door Setup Through Door Controllers Settings Page

1. Click one of the four available "Create Door" blocks at the top of the page.

2. Enter a name for the door, select the ports that will be used for the door if they are already configured on the page, and click "Create Door." Note: Clicking "Create Door" before selecting relay components will prompt a warning dialog to appear. Proceeding with virtual door creation without relay components will result in a virtual door that cannot trigger a relay to unlock a physical door.

3. Once a door has been created, you can always change the selected hardware by clicking "Edit" to configure the door with an available connected reader, DPI, and REX as needed.

Door Setup Through Devices Page

Doors can also be added via the "Devices" tab.

1. Navigate to the "Devices" tab, and select "Doors" listed at the top of the screen.

2. Select "Add Door."

3. Select the location where you would like to add the door, then click "Next."

4. Select the DC20 to which this door will be assigned, then select "Next."

5. Name the door, and click "Next."

6. If you'd like to have a label associated with the door, click "Add label," select a label or create one, and click "Next."

7. Select the connected reader you wish to use for this door, and click "Next."

8. Select the relay port the reader is wired to, and click "Next."

9. If connected, select the door position indicator (DPI) for the door, and click "Next."

10. If connected, select the request-to-exit (REX) for the door, and click "Next."

11. Verify the door configuration is accurate, then click "Create" to finish adding the door.

Helpful Links

• Rhombus Access Control Deployment Guide and Best Practices  - (Product Manuals)
• Installing/Registering the DC20
• DC20 Overview
• Installing Magnetic Locks with the DC20
• Installing Electric Strikes with the DC20
• Installing a DPI Sensor on the DC20
• Installing a Wiegand Reader to the DC20
• Installing/Registering the DR40
• Installing a Request-To-Exit (REX) Sensor on the DC20
• Installing/Registering the DR20

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.