| Toll-Free: 1-877-496-2778 |  Cart |
Access Control FAQ
What is Access Control?
When combined with a barcode reader and Electronic Door Controller, Gym Assistant can provide access control for your facility entrance doors.
For access control at the front desk, you may want to install a turnstile or gate. Members swipe a card and then pass through a turnstile, swing gate or half-height door.
Install an electronically-controlled door lock on the outside entrance for 24-hour access.
Most turnstiles, gates and electronically controlled locks require the same type of input to trigger; they all work by momentarily closing a circuit. Think of a doorbell where you press a button to trigger the doorbell chime.
How does Access Control work with Gym Assistant?
GateKeeper is a small program that comes bundled with Gym Assistant. GateKeeper is basically the brains behind member check-ins -- it receives the card scan data, looks up the member record, records the visit and controls a door entrance.
Access Control with Gym Assistant works as follows:
- The member swipes a barcode through the barcode reader.
- GateKeeper receives the barcode data from the reader and checks the member’s status.
- If the member is up-to-date, GateKeeper sends a signal to the Door Controller to open the door.
- The Door Controller closes a circuit to open the door latch or turnstile.
What type of lock or lock should I purchase?
You can use any time of lock that works for your physical layout, but the most common types are electric door strikes and magnetic locks. An electric door strike is installed in the frame of the door -- when power is applied the strike releases and the door can be pulled open. A Magnetic lock consists of a very strong electromagnet attached to the door frame and a steel plate mounted to the door -- when current is applied to the magnet the door is locked, and when the current is stopped the door can be pulled open. If your door
The only requirement is that the mechanism must be triggered with a dry contact (like a doorbell buzzer). The dry contact can be normally-opened (for most mechanical locks) or normally-closed (for most magnetic locks).
Where can I purchase an electric lock?
We recommend that you purchase these items locally from a locksmith or security company and have them professionally installed. If you prefer to do your own installation SmartHome (www.smarthome.com) is a good source for basic electric door strikes and deadbolts. On their website search for “electric strike” to view a quick listing of appropriate products.
Where can I purchase a turnstile?
Tomsed Corporation 800-334-5552 has a moderately-priced turnstile (Model TUT-50E, Entry-Gard Electric Turnstile). Turnstile Security Systems (905-890-2222 or www.turnstilesecurity.com) also carries a complete line of turnstiles and swing gates.
Who will do my installation?
Ask the company from which you purchased your hardware to recommend a local contractor.
How do I add Serial Ports to my computer?
You may need to add one or more serial ports to your computer. You can purchase and install a serial interface (RS-232) card into your computer to provide 2-4 additional serial ports. If you are unsure about installing hardware into your computer, then we recommend that you have a local computer shop install these cards.
You can easily add ports yourself by purchasing one or more USB-to-Serial Adapters. These adapters plug into a USB port and provide a connector to plug in a serial cable. Make sure that you install the software that came with the adapter before plugging the adapter into your computer.