VECOS W1 Product Description

1) Models Covered Under the Scope

The Vecos Wireless Lock model is named “Vecos W1" and is currently the only lock in its series. Like the V3 series lock, it's controlled by an LBC 3 terminal, now with a Wireless Vecos W1 HUB.

2) Product Description

The product is an electronic control system for (un)locking cabinets in locker rooms. The Vecos W1 is an innovative new type of lock that fully integrates into the Vecos Releezme ecosystem. It enables easy retrofit installation in existing lockers to replace standard key locks without the need for any cables.

Image showing several locker doors, with VECOS W1 locks installed. The locks feature a circular design with a central RGB LED indicator.

The wireless Locker Lock connects to a central Hub via Bluetooth. The Lock is battery powered and has one RGB LED for user feedback. The lock has no buttons or other means for user input, meaning it cannot be configured interactively. Under normal operating conditions, all configuration and firmware updates are deployed via the Hub. In case of failure to connect to the Hub, a different way of interacting with the lock is needed, for which the Vecos W1 Service Tool has been created.

3) Components and System Overview

VECOS W1 Service Tool

Image of the VECOS W1 Service Tool, a small black rectangular device with 'VECOS' branding.

This tool can be inserted into the lock instead of the battery. It's then possible to connect the lock via the Service Tool to a computer so it can be powered, updated, or opened.

The Vecos W1 Service Tool could be inserted in the battery port of the lock, as shown above. The Vecos W1 Service Tool will power the lock (because no battery is present) and contacts the lock via the sliding contacts. The Vecos W1 Service Tool can be connected to a PC via USB-C.

VECOS W1 HUB

Image of two VECOS W1 HUB units, white rectangular boxes with antenna connectors.

The Vecos W1 HUB is the interface between the terminal and the wireless W1 locks, using BLE to communicate to the locks.

The system consists of the following modules:

• Power supply unit: 27V / 6.85A (185W) power supply.
• Power Connection Box: Contains connectors for easy wiring and has 1 filter inside for better EMC measurements.
• Terminal (max. 1 provided in a system): Functions as a user interface and to control the system. The terminal is provided with:
  • A touch screen as user interface.
  • A connector for connection to a LAN.
  • A RS485 data connector for connection to a HUB.
  • A 27Vdc power supply connector.
  • A USB connector (service port) for service purposes only and not accessible for ordinary users.
  • Programmable logic circuits, mounted on a power board.
  • An optional external RFID reader, that can be connected to the terminal through a DB-15 connector.
• W1 HUB: The Vecos W1 HUB is the interface between the terminal and the wireless W1 locks and is using BLE to communicate to the locks. Vecos W1 HUBs are provided with:
  • 2 loop through 27Vdc power supply connectors.
  • 2 data connectors for connection to other hubs and/or the terminal. The data connectors are provided with contacts for data and contacts for an analogue unblock signal. The unblock signal can be used to open multiple lockers at once.
  • SMA connector for an external (optional) BLE antenna.
  • Set of 4 dipswitches for configuration.

A locker system with 1 operating terminal can have multiple HUBs. The maximum number of HUBs connected to 1 terminal is 255. The maximum number of locks that can be connected to 1 HUB is currently 128 but might later become 256. The terminal can control a maximum of 256 W1 locks.

The DC supply connection from the power supply to the hubs and between the hubs shall be made using 16AWG cable or higher. A maximum of 25 HUBs shall be supplied using a loop through supply connection (a HUB only uses 10mA).

Diagram showing the VECOS Wireless Locker Lock disassembled into its main components: the lock body with a blue connector, a circular battery compartment cover, and a CR2477 battery. A second diagram shows the W1 Service Tool being inserted into the battery compartment of the lock, aligning with sliding contacts.

4) Wiring Diagram

W1 HUB Configuration

• Dip switch 1 of the HUB selects between the internal (OFF) and external (ON) antenna.
• Dip switch 2 of the HUB selects the unblock signal on/off for block 1 section for all connected locks of this HUB.
• Dip switch 3 of the HUB selects the unblock signal on/off for block 2 section for all connected locks of this HUB.
• Dip switch 4 is the termination of the RS485 communication bus and should be set to ON only on the last HUB.

NOTE:

• If both dip switches 2 & 3 are ON, the connected locks are unblocked for block 1 as well as block 2.
• The External BLE / HF antenna is optional and not part of the system as delivered and tested.

LBC3 Terminal

• Power inlet is a separate connector and not shared with the data cable from the terminal to the HUB.
• USB connection (service port).

W1 Locks

• There can be 128 (later 256) Locks paired to 1 HUB, but only 8 can have an active BLE connection at the same time.

5) System Architecture

A system architecture diagram illustrates the VECOS W1 Smart Locker System. It shows a Power Supply (230V/115V AC to 27V DC) connected to an LBC 3.0 terminal via Ethernet. The LBC 3.0 connects to a W1 HUB via Bluetooth (nRF52840 chip), which in turn connects to a W1 Locker Lock via Bluetooth (STM32wb55 chip). An optional RFID reader (13.56 MHz) can also connect to the W1 HUB. The diagram also indicates two antennae for the W1 HUB (PCB Antenna and External Antenna). A text box describes the user interaction: entering a number at the terminal and touching the lock opens the door.

A person enters the number of the relevant Locker at the terminal, and the door is opened when touching the W1 locker lock. Optional and not part of the system as delivered and tested. One presents a chipcard to the 13,56 MHz RFID and the right door is opened when touching the W1 locker lock.

6) Installation Tools

Image displaying a set of installation tools. From left to right: a Phillips head screwdriver, a T8 Torx screwdriver, a torque wrench, and an adjustable spanner.

Tools required for installation include:

• T8 screwdriver to take the cover off the Lock.
• 13mm (M8) tool to mount the CAM on the lock.
• 27mm (M18) Torque wrench set to 10Nm to mount the Lock.
• 24/27mm tool to dismount old lock or Wireless lock (do not use to mount it!).
• Baco tool to hold the CAM while fixating the 13mm so the force is not put on the Lock when tightening the CAM screw.

7) How it Works

To use the system, a user can scan a badge or enter a pincode on the terminal. The terminal then sends the open command to the wireless HUB. Once the Lock is touched, it will wake up and check the HUB for any pending actions, such as open commands, firmware updates, or configuration changes.

If the system replies with 'Open', the Lock will blink green, indicating the user can turn the knob to open the door. If access is 'Denied', the lock will blink red to indicate that access was not granted.