Keypads and card readers are the part of an access control system that people actually touch. Each one sits beside the door, reads a PIN, card, fob, phone, QR code or fingerprint, and passes the credential to the door controller, which decides whether to release the lock. We stock the Hikvision reader range at our Wolverhampton trade counter and ship nationally, with UK technical support for installers choosing between them.
Which reader for which door?
- Card or fob only — the simplest option for staff doors. The DS-K1104M is a metal, vandal-resistant Mifare (13.56 MHz) reader that mounts on a standard back box; the IP65 DS-K1107AM is the slim outdoor choice; and the IP66 DS-K1105EMB reads both EM (125 kHz) and Mifare cards, useful when a site already has a mixed bag of fobs.
- Card plus keypad — PIN as well as, or instead of, a card. Choose the DS-K1104MK (vandal-resistant metal), DS-K1107AMK (IP65), DS-K1105EMKB (EM and Mifare, IP66) or the compact DS-K1103MK.
- QR code, phone and fingerprint — for visitor passes and higher-security doors. The DS-K1109DKB-QR reads Mifare, DESFire and FeliCa cards, PINs and QR codes on a display, and the DS-K1109DKFB-QR adds a fingerprint sensor.
- Enrolment — you will also need a way to put cards and fingerprints onto the system. The USB DS-K1F100-D8E enrols EM, Mifare and CPU cards at the PC; the DS-K1F600U-D6E-F enrols face, fingerprint and card from one desktop station.
Wiring: RS-485 or Wiegand
Every Hikvision reader above connects to the controller by either RS-485 or Wiegand. RS-485 is the better choice on a new installation — it is two-way, supports longer runs, and lets the controller update reader firmware and settings. Wiegand is the older one-way standard and is useful when you are replacing a reader on an existing controller from another manufacturer. Check which the controller expects before you order; the DS-K2601T and the DS-K2708X accept both.
EM 125 kHz or Mifare 13.56 MHz?
EM proximity fobs are cheap and widespread but are easy to copy. Mifare (13.56 MHz, and its encrypted DESFire variant) is the sensible default for a new system, and it is the format Hikvision's own cards and the Hik-Connect phone credential use. Where an existing site has EM fobs and you do not want to reissue them all, the dual-frequency DS-K1105EMB and DS-K1105EMKB read both.
Where to go next
For a whole system rather than a reader, start at our access control range, our Wolverhampton access control and door entry page, or the Hikvision video intercom buying guide if the door also needs visitor calling. Hikvision is a trade product: trade account holders see pricing when logged in, and we quote everyone else by phone on 01902 902251 or at sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk.
Keypads & Card Readers
Keypads and card readers are the part of an access control system that people actually touch. Each one sits beside the door, reads a PIN, card, fob, phone, QR code or fingerprint, and passes the credential to the door controller, which decides whether to release the lock. We stock the Hikvision reader range at our Wolverhampton trade counter and ship nationally, with UK technical support for installers choosing between them.
Which reader for which door?
- Card or fob only — the simplest option for staff doors. The DS-K1104M is a metal, vandal-resistant Mifare (13.56 MHz) reader that mounts on a standard back box; the IP65 DS-K1107AM is the slim outdoor choice; and the IP66 DS-K1105EMB reads both EM (125 kHz) and Mifare cards, useful when a site already has a mixed bag of fobs.
- Card plus keypad — PIN as well as, or instead of, a card. Choose the DS-K1104MK (vandal-resistant metal), DS-K1107AMK (IP65), DS-K1105EMKB (EM and Mifare, IP66) or the compact DS-K1103MK.
- QR code, phone and fingerprint — for visitor passes and higher-security doors. The DS-K1109DKB-QR reads Mifare, DESFire and FeliCa cards, PINs and QR codes on a display, and the DS-K1109DKFB-QR adds a fingerprint sensor.
- Enrolment — you will also need a way to put cards and fingerprints onto the system. The USB DS-K1F100-D8E enrols EM, Mifare and CPU cards at the PC; the DS-K1F600U-D6E-F enrols face, fingerprint and card from one desktop station.
Wiring: RS-485 or Wiegand
Every Hikvision reader above connects to the controller by either RS-485 or Wiegand. RS-485 is the better choice on a new installation — it is two-way, supports longer runs, and lets the controller update reader firmware and settings. Wiegand is the older one-way standard and is useful when you are replacing a reader on an existing controller from another manufacturer. Check which the controller expects before you order; the DS-K2601T and the DS-K2708X accept both.
EM 125 kHz or Mifare 13.56 MHz?
EM proximity fobs are cheap and widespread but are easy to copy. Mifare (13.56 MHz, and its encrypted DESFire variant) is the sensible default for a new system, and it is the format Hikvision's own cards and the Hik-Connect phone credential use. Where an existing site has EM fobs and you do not want to reissue them all, the dual-frequency DS-K1105EMB and DS-K1105EMKB read both.
Where to go next
For a whole system rather than a reader, start at our access control range, our Wolverhampton access control and door entry page, or the Hikvision video intercom buying guide if the door also needs visitor calling. Hikvision is a trade product: trade account holders see pricing when logged in, and we quote everyone else by phone on 01902 902251 or at sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk.
