Topics included in this article:
- Overview
- Required Tools
- Mounting Guide
- Recommended Wiring
- Troubleshooting
- Contact Support or Sales
Overview
The DC10 is a single-door access controller that integrates with Rhombus cameras, door readers, and existing door hardware. This article covers DC10 installation, wiring, readers, relays, inputs, networking, power, and basic troubleshooting.
Note: DC10 User Manual
Required Tools
- Precision flathead screwdriver (3/32 in. or 2.5 mm) for terminal block screws
- Pen or pencil for marking drill locations
- Power drill and 1/4 in. (6 mm) drill bit for wall anchors or 1/8 in. (3 mm) drill bit for screw pilot holes
Mounting Guide
The DC10 is intended for indoor use only and can be wall, ceiling, or plenum mounted. The controller should be installed in a secure area.
Removing the DC10 Cover
1. Using the included T10 Torx Security screwdriver, remove the cover tamper screw located near the Rhombus logo.
2. With the screw removed, lift the cover up and away from the controller to clear the retention hooks along the back edge.
Note: To reinstall the cover, follow the removal steps in reverse order.
Removing the Mounting Plate
1. Using the included T10 Torx Security screwdriver, release the captive mounting plate tamper screw located in the bottom-right corner on the face of the controller.
2. With the screw released, slide the controller up and away from the mounting plate to disengage the locking posts from the mounting plate's keyhole slots.
Note: Assembly of the mounting plate follows the same steps in reverse order.
Installing the Mounting Plate
The included #6-32 machine screws can be used with many standard 1-gang and 2-gang electrical boxes. The DC10 mounting plate is compatible with the following box types:
When passing wires through a wall is not practical, the DC10 can be mounted directly to a wall or ceiling using the included screws and anchors, which are suitable for wood, drywall/plaster, and masonry surfaces.
Cable Management
The DC10 mounting plate includes a wire access hole for routing all wiring through the wall and into an outlet box.
Note: This is the most secure mounting option, as it conceals wiring and protects it from environmental exposure.
If through-wall wiring is not practical, such as when mounting to structural beams or masonry walls, remove the cable access tab to route cabling through the external cover. Tuck the wiring under the cable retention tabs before reinstalling the outer cover on the DC10.
Note: When using this routing method, we recommend using a cable raceway to secure and protect the wiring.
Recommended Wiring
Wiring methods must comply with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. Consult federal, state, and local authorities for applicable regulations related to access control service and installation. Service and installation should only be performed by trained personnel.
Complete all DC10 wiring before applying power. Disconnect power before servicing the DC10 or any connected devices.
WARNING: Failure to disconnect power prior to servicing the DC10 may result in damage to connected devices.
Wire Type and Size
Wire Type |
Twisted Pair |
Shielded |
Minimum Size |
Maximum Length |
|
| 12 VDC Input Power | Solid or Stranded |
— |
— |
18 AWG |
9.8 ft |
| Lock Power | Solid or Stranded |
— |
— |
18 AWG |
300 ft |
| Reader Power | Solid or Stranded |
— |
Recommended |
18 AWG |
100 ft |
| Reader Data | Solid or Stranded |
Recommended |
Recommended |
24 AWG |
300 ft |
| Inputs | Solid or Stranded |
— |
Recommended |
24 AWG |
300 ft |
Note: 100 m total for PoE IN + PoE OUT Ethernet cable limit.
Removable Wire Connectors
Wire connectors can be removed to simplify wiring. Each connector is numbered to correspond with its location on the controller.
Door Readers
The DC10 is compatible with Rhombus Readers, certified third-party readers using the OSDP protocol over RS-485, and legacy third-party Wiegand readers.
Each 12 VDC continuous power supply in the READER sections can provide up to 540 mA. When powering a DR20 from the DC10, electrically bond the V- and GND wires together at the reader before connecting them to the DC10 [GND] terminal.
The DR40 should only be powered using PoE or an external DC power supply, as its power requirements exceed the capacity of the DC10's 12 VDC reader power supply.
Rhombus Readers
Third-Party Readers
Powering Readers with External Power Supplies
If an RS-485 reader is not powered by the DC10, a ground wire must still be connected from the reader to a [GND] terminal in the DC10 READER section.
Drain Wire Connection
A drain wire screw is located between the RS-485 and Wiegand terminals on both sides of the controller. Connect the drain wire from each reader cable to the corresponding drain wire screw. Leave the drain wire unconnected at the reader end.
Note: To ensure proper protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), connect the reader drain wire and earth ground wire to the DC10 drain screws marked with the earth ground symbol.
Relays
The DC10 is equipped with two Form C relays with Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) contacts that can be used to control door locks and auxiliary devices.
The door lock relay in the DOOR section can be used as a wet (powered) relay to provide power to connected locking hardware. Set the voltage selector switch adjacent to the door relay to [12 V] or [24 V] based on the voltage requirements of the connected device. The door relay power supply is limited to 10 W, with a maximum current of 830 mA at 12 VDC or 415 mA at 24 VDC.
Setting the voltage selector switch to [NONE] disables the door relay power supply, allowing the relay to operate as a dry (unpowered) relay. The auxiliary relay in the AUX section can only be used as a dry relay. Each dry relay can switch resistive loads of up to 3 A at 24 VDC.
For electromagnetic lock (maglock) installations, Rhombus recommends installing a request-to-exit (REX) device inline with the lock's power supply and isolated from the DC10 as a redundant means of releasing the lock. This configuration is required by building code in many regions.
Before powering the DC10, ensure the voltage selector switch is set to the appropriate setting—[12 V], [NONE], or [24 V]—for the connected device.
WARNING: Selecting an incorrect voltage for the door power supply may result in damage to the connected device.
Wet Relay Wiring
Dry Relay Wiring
Fire Alarm Control Panel Applications
With the addition of an Access Power Controller (APC), the DC10 can be integrated with an existing Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). For this configuration, use the door relay in a dry state with the voltage selector switch set to [NONE].
In the event of a fire alarm, the FACP sends a signal to the APC, which immediately disconnects power from all locking hardware connected to the APC. When power is disconnected, doors wired as fail-safe will unlock.
Once the alarm is dismissed, the APC restores power to the locking hardware. Refer to the documentation provided with the APC and follow all manufacturer instructions for your specific application. Consult federal, state, and local authorities for applicable regulations related to integrating access control with fire alarm systems.
DPI, Rex, and Auxiliary Inputs
The DC10 inputs detect the Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) states of contact-type devices.
The Door Position Indicator (DPI) and Request to Exit (REX) inputs are located in the DOOR section. By default, triggering a configured REX input unlocks the associated door.
Two auxiliary inputs, labeled [IN1] and [IN2] in the AUX section, are available for contact-type devices such as intercoms or intrusion alarm panels. These inputs can be used to trigger events in the Rhombus Console.
To connect a device to an input, connect the two output wires from the device to the input terminals. The default state (NO or NC) can be configured through the Rhombus App or Console.
Some devices, such as motion REX devices, have four wires and require a continuous power supply to operate. For more information on powering these devices, see the Auxiliary Power Supply section.
Supervised Inputs
All inputs, including REX, DPI, IN1, and IN2, support single and double end-of-line (EOL) supervision configurations using user-installed EOL resistors.
Input circuit wiring is monitored for faults, including cuts, shorts, and invalid resistance. When a fault is detected, an event is created in the Rhombus Console.
EOL resistors should be placed as close as possible to the end device to maximize supervision coverage. Eight 4.7 kΩ resistors are included with the DC10. For double EOL supervision, the series resistor (RS) must be placed between the DC10 and the parallel resistor (RP), as depicted below.
Network
The DC10 supports 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet and Wi-Fi. For networking over Ethernet, use a CAT5 or CAT6 cable with an RJ45 connector, then connect the cable to the RJ45 jack labeled PoE IN.
For networking over Wi-Fi, configure the DC10 during registration using the Rhombus Console App.
PoE Passthrough
The DC10 supports PoE and network passthrough to a device connected to PoE Out. IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at is supported depending on the power supplied to the DC10. See the table in the next section for PoE supply requirements.
Power
The DC10 can be powered by PoE, PoE+, PoE++, or an external 12 VDC power supply capable of providing 3.75 A. Only one power source can be used at a time. Before applying power, ensure all other connections are complete and terminal screws are securely tightened.
Power over PoE
Connect a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable to the RJ45 jack labeled PoE IN. The table below lists feature availability based on the PoE standard used.
Power with 12 VDC
An external 12 VDC power source can be connected to the DC10 using the removable terminal block labeled 12 VDC INPUT. Ensure the power supply is disconnected from power before connecting it to the DC10. Once the connection is complete, restore power to the power supply.
The STATUS indicator illuminates during startup. For more information about LED behavior, see the Status Indicators section.
Auxiliary Power Supply
The 12 VDC continuous power supply in the AUX section can be used to provide up to 100 mA to auxiliary devices.
Tamper
The onboard accelerometer detects significant movement of the DC10, while the cover sensor detects removal of the outer cover. Activity detected by either sensor can be configured to generate an event in the Rhombus Console.
Note: Before powering the DC10, ensure cables do not obstruct the cover sensor.
USB
The DC10 includes a USB 2.0 port for future feature expansion. USB power is limited to 250 mA at 5 VDC.
Troubleshooting
The device serial number (S/N) and Media Access Control (MAC) address are listed on the front and back of the DC10. Record this information along with the installation location for use during registration and support.
Reset Button
Press the RESET button to reset the DC10 only when indicated by the LED tables below or when instructed by a Rhombus Support representative.
Status Indicators
Device status, network status, and PoE Out status can be determined using the multicolor LED indicators on the front of the DC10. See the tables below for the LED colors and patterns associated with each device state.
In addition to the device status LEDs, each relay and input on the DC10 has a white status LED. When triggered (relay energized or input circuit closed), the corresponding status LED illuminates.
When input supervision is enabled, the status LED blinks to indicate trouble conditions, such as a cut or shorted circuit or invalid resistance.
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.
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