Avigilon Single Door Controller Installation Guide

Overview

The Avigilon Single Door Controller (SDC) is a compact access control unit (ACU) designed to manage up to two entries and two Avigilon readers. It integrates with the Alta access control system.

Key components and ports:

• 2 x Wet/Dry relay selections: For configuring relay output type.
• Admin button, Status LED indicator: For device management and status indication.
• 2 x ports for Avigilon readers: For connecting Avigilon brand readers.
• 2 x ports for Wiegand readers: For connecting Wiegand protocol readers.
• 2 x ports for REX sensors: For Request to Exit sensors.
• 2 x ports for relays: General purpose relay outputs.
• 2 x ports for contact sensors: For door contact sensors.
• Power output: Provides power to connected devices.
• Ethernet port: For network connectivity.
• Port LED indicators: Indicate status of individual ports.
• Power input: For connecting external power supply.
• USB ports (future use): Reserved for future functionality.

What's Included

The package typically contains the Single Door Controller unit, a cover, a mounting backplate, drywall anchors, self-tapping screws, electrical box screws, a set screw for securing the SDC to the backplate, and a hex key for the set screw.

Conducting Site Surveys

Before installation, a site survey is crucial to determine:

• Number of entries requiring configuration.
• Existing or new wiring requirements.
• Electronic entry mechanisms, REX mechanisms, and door contact sensors, including their power needs.
• Need for backup batteries.
• Support for legacy access control panels via mobile gateway.

Network Requirements

The SDC requires an Ethernet connection with DHCP for LAN connectivity. Firewall settings must allow outbound communication on TCP port 443 and UDP port 123. If an external DNS server is used, UDP port 53 must also be open. For Wi-Fi unlocking via the Alta Open mobile app, the SDC's inbound TCP port 443 must be accessible within the LAN; no port forwarding is required. The SDC also supports Wi-Fi connections.

Power Requirements

The SDC supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE/PoE+) and/or an external 12-24VDC supply. It automatically switches to the higher voltage source if both are available. A backup battery is recommended. A certified external power source (compliant with LPS) must be used. The external supply should be rated for 12V @ 2.2A min. or 24V @ 1.1A min. Power Out can supply up to 100mA @ 12V or 50mA @ 24V. Reader ports have a max output of 250mA @ 12V each. Relay output power depends on the power source (PoE: Max 3W combined; PoE+: Max 9W combined).

Specifications

Refer to the OP-CR-SDC datasheet for detailed specifications. All national and local electrical codes must be followed.

Mounting

1. Attach the backplate to a US single-gang or double-gang box (or EU-standard gang box) using the provided electrical box screws. Drywall anchors and self-tapping screws can be used for added stability.
2. Snap the Single Door Controller onto the backplate, ensuring the side clips on the backplate fit into the notches on the back of the controller.
3. Use the included hex key to tighten the pre-installed set screw on the SDC to secure it to the backplate.
4. Wire the Single Door Controller, using the cable slot for organization. ⚠️ Warning: Do not apply power during wiring. Ensure the power supply is unplugged until all wiring is complete.
5. Snap on the cover. Note: Removal of the front cover triggers tamper detection.
6. Apply power using either DC or PoE.

Standard SDC Wiring Configuration

This section describes the standard wiring for the SDC. It notes that the SD card should not be removed without Avigilon Alta Support instruction. It also specifies that 24V locking hardware requires PoE or a 24V power supply, and a 12V @ 2.2A min. or 24V @ 1.1A min. external supply is needed for backup or if PoE is unavailable. ⚠️ Caution: A certified external power source (complies with LPS) must be used.

Avigilon Reader Wiring Requirements

Avigilon readers and the SDC communicate via RS-485. Compatible wire types, in order of preference for distance, include Shielded CAT6A (recommended), Shielded Cat 6, Shielded RS-485 (18-24 AWG), Shielded Cat 5, Unshielded Cat 6, Unshielded Cat 5, Shielded 22/6, and Unshielded 22/6. Use one twisted pair for GND and VIN (power) and another for +B and -A (data).

Table 1: Connections from Avigilon Single Door Controller to Avigilon reader

Table 2: Connections to third-party Wiegand reader (optional)

Temperature must not exceed -22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C). Recommended maximum cable length is 300 ft (91 m) with CAT6 or 500 ft (152 m) if two wire pairs are used for GND and VIN. For shielded wiring, connect one side of the drain wire (shield) to the GND terminal on the SDC. Both the shield and GND wire can share the same terminal. Do not connect the other side of the shield.

? Note: For elevators, all relays and readers must connect to the same SDC. For more than two access-controlled floors or readers, use the 16 I/O Elevator Board.

⚠️ Warning: Always remove power from the SDC and locking hardware when wiring readers and other devices to prevent damage.

Wiring Fail-Safe and Fail-Secure Lock Hardware

Fail-safe hardware unlocks when power is interrupted. Fail-secure hardware locks when power is interrupted. Refer to vendor documentation for third-party lock hardware wiring. See Appendix for REX wiring best practices.

Tamper Alert Setup

The SDC's front cover has a built-in tamper sensor that reports tamper events when removed. These events can be monitored using the "Tamper Detector State Changed" alert in Alta Access.

Advanced Configuration: Legacy Wiring

For legacy wiring (unshielded, straight-through), slower connections and dropped packets can occur. To resolve this, switch GND and VIN with +B and -A connections on the SDC and readers to use the alternate wire pair for data.

Voltage Switches

⚠️ Warning: Remove DC input power and PoE before changing voltage settings.

Wet Relay Example: To power locking hardware without an external supply, select 12V or 24V. For fail-secure locks, connect hardware to NO and GND. For fail-safe locks, connect to NC and GND.

Dry Relay Example: To use external power, select DRY. Use NO or NC and C terminals, wired to the external supply.

? Note: 24V locking hardware requires PoE or a 24V power supply.

Prerequisites

• Connect the ACU to power and meet network requirements.
• Connect the SDC to the internet via Ethernet. Expansion boards must be on the same subnet/LAN.
• Install the Alta Access mobile app.
• If using a laptop, it must be on the same network/VLAN as the SDC.
• For Windows/Linux laptops, install Bonjour software (from iTunes or standalone MSI) for provisioning.

Trademarks mentioned: App Store®, Apple®, Google Play™, Linux®.

Provision SDCs using Avigilon Alta Access Mobile App (Recommended)

1. Connect Ethernet (if using PoE) or Ethernet and power (if using external supply). The Status LED indicator turns solid cyan ?.
2. In the Alta Access app, select the target organization.
3. Wait for the Status LED indicator to turn solid blue ?, then press the Admin button on the SDC.
4. When the Status LED indicator blinks purple ?, tap the ACU (identified by its serial number) in the app.
5. When the Status LED indicator turns solid purple ?, tap "Test Internet Connection" and wait for a green "YES". If it fails, see Troubleshooting.
6. If the internet test is successful, tap "Provision Device".
7. Tap the desired ACU name (created in Alta Access) and confirm.
8. Optional: Tap "Provision with Static Cloud IP" if enabled in Alta Access.
9. Upon completion, the Status LED indicator changes to solid white ?.

? Note: The SDC disconnects from the app after 5 minutes of inactivity; press the Admin button to reset the timer.

Add SDCs using Alta Access

SDCs can also be added via the Alta Access web portal.

Disable the Static Cloud IP Connection

To disable Static Cloud IP, go to the Edit ACU page and deselect the "Enable Static Cloud IP" toggle. Normal cloud operation will resume.

Test Internet Connection using Alta Access Mobile App

The Alta Access mobile app allows testing the SDC's internet connection by pinging api.openpath.com/health.

Configure Network Settings using Alta Access Mobile App

Network settings can be configured via the app. The SDC defaults to Ethernet but supports Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi can use DHCP or static IP addresses.

Status LED Indicator

• Solid white: SDC is provisioned and functioning normally.
• Solid cyan: SDC is booting.
• Solid yellow: SDC is restoring software (e.g., after power-on or updates).
• Blinking yellow: SDC is updating software (expected for < 24 hours; contact support if stuck for > 3.5 hours).
• Solid blue: Unprovisioned state; SDC is ready for provisioning.
• Solid purple: SDC is connected to the Alta Access mobile app.
• Blinking purple: SDC is ready to connect to the Alta Access mobile app.
• Blinking red: No internet connection. Try switching to Ethernet if using Wi-Fi.
• Solid red: SDC configuration is being updated/saved. Expected to change to green. If stuck for > 5 seconds, contact support.
• Solid red (persistent): SDC is in an error state. Try restarting the device communicator or power cycling. Contact support if the error persists.

Port LED Indicators

Port LEDs indicate the status of Avigilon readers, Wiegand readers, sensors (REX, Contact), and lock hardware relays.

• Solid: Normal operation.
• Blinking: Error state, EOL shorted/cut, or relay energized/fault detected.

Resetting SDCs

Selecting a Backup Battery

A backup battery is recommended. For PoE, follow the PoE injector/switch manufacturer's instructions. For external supplies: 12V supplies need one 12V battery; 24V supplies need two 12V batteries in series. Battery size depends on desired runtime. Example calculation for 24V supply: SDC + 2 readers + lock hardware ≈ 1.1A. For 3 hours runtime: 1.1A * 3h = 3.3 AH. Two 12V 4AH SLA/gel cell batteries in series would be suitable.

Wiring REX in Series with Mag Lock or Other Fail-Safe Hardware

Wiring the REX device in series with electromagnetic (mag lock) or other fail-safe hardware is best practice to prevent egress path failures. If wired directly to the ACU's REX input, the system might only shunt forced-open alarms or unlock the relay. In case of power loss, lock hardware behavior (fail-safe or fail-secure) depends on AHJ specifications.

• Fail-safe hardware unlocks when power is lost.
• Fail-secure hardware locks when power is lost.

Wiring REX with Video Reader Pro and Video Intercom Reader Pro

These devices lack REX inputs/door relays, requiring a remote ACU for door peripherals (lock, contact, REX). A LAN connection to the remote ACU is necessary. If the video device goes offline, and REX is not wired in series with the lock, the REX may not engage the remote relay. Follow best practices and diagrams for reliability, especially during network interruptions or maintenance.

? Tip: Alta Access will implement changes to engage the remote relay when REX is triggered, even if the video device is unavailable. The controller for this relay should have battery backup or be fail-safe. REX events on these entries may appear twice in reporting; this duplicate can be ignored.

Technical Support

For additional support documentation, visit support.avigilon.com.

Product Documentation

Find more product documentation on avigilon.com under Alta Access (Cloud Solutions).

Avigilon Warranty

Warranty terms are available at avigilon.com/support/warranty.

UL 294

The Single Door Controller meets the following UL 294 performance levels:

• Attack: Level I
• Endurance: Level I
• Line Security: Level I
• Standby: Level I

FCC

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: no harmful interference, and acceptance of any received interference. A minimum separation distance of 20 cm must be maintained between antennas and persons for FCC RF exposure compliance. This equipment is tested as a Class A digital device and may cause interference in commercial environments. Corrective action at the user's expense may be required if interference occurs in residential areas.

RF Radiation Hazard Warning: Install the device to maintain at least 20 cm separation from all persons. Higher gain or uncertified antennas are not allowed. Co-location with other transmitters is prohibited.

OP-CR-SDC contains FCC ID: 2ABCB-RPICM4.

Industry Canada Notice and Marking

This radio transmitter may only operate with an antenna type and gain approved by Industry Canada. Antenna selection should ensure equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than necessary for communication. The device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: no interference, and acceptance of any interference. French translation provided for compliance.

OP-CR-SDC contains IC ID: 20953-RPICM4.