Armatura EP30CF Explorer Series Biometric Smart Reader
Quick Start Guide - Version 1.8
Website: www.armatura.us
1 Product Overview
The Armatura EP30CF series reader is a highly versatile biometric (fingerprint) and card reader. It supports fingerprint recognition along with over 100 RFID card types, NFC, and Bluetooth Low Energy credentials. It is designed for all-weather outdoor use.
Supplied Parts
Ensure your package contains the following items. Contact your distributor if any parts are missing. Retain original packaging for potential returns.
- EP30CF Reader (1pc) and Mounting Backbox
- Quick Start Guide (1pc) and Mounting Template (2pcs)
- Philips Countersunk self-tapping screws (4pcs) and Anchors (4pcs) for wall installation or mounting backbox
- Philips Countersunk machine screws (4pcs) for surface installation to secure the reader to the backbox
- Inner-hexagon screws (4pcs) - spare screws for securing the front panel
- H0.9 Hex Wrench (1pc)
- Screwdriver (1pc)
Recommended Parts (Not Supplied)
- Cable: 4-conductor Twisted Pair Over-All Shield, UL approved, Belden 3107A or equivalent (for OSDP)
- Certified LPS DC power supply
- Metal or plastic junction box
- Drill with various bits for mounting hardware
- Mounting hardware
Reader Specifications:
- Destructive attack level: I
- Line security level: II
- Endurance level: IV
- Standby power level: I
2 Installation Methods
Method 1: Surface Installation with Backbox
Follow these steps for surface mounting:
- Attach the mounting template sticker to the wall at a height of 55 inches (1.4m) from the ground and drill holes as indicated.
- Secure the mounting backbox to the wall using anchors and screws.
- Remove the two inner-hexagon screws from the bottom of the reader panel using the H0.9 hex wrench and keep them safe.
- Wire the reader to the controller according to the wiring legend (Section 4).
- Pass the cable through the designated wiring hole in the backbox.
- Attach the front panel to the main plate, aligning with the indicated arrows. Secure the inner-hexagon screws with the H0.9 hex wrench.
Diagram Description: Visuals show attaching a template, drilling, securing a backbox, passing a cable, and attaching the reader panel. Key components identified: 1. LED Indicator, 2. Card Reading Area, 3. Fingerprint Reader, 4. Beeper, 5. Terminal Block, 6. Mounting Holes, 7. Wiring Hole.
Dimensions: EP30CF Reader: 1.4" (36.7mm) x 2.6" (65.2mm). Mounting Backbox: 5.2" (132.0mm) x 5.3" (133.7mm) with mounting hole spacing of 2.5" (63.0mm) and 1.6" (40.0mm).
Method 2: Embedded Installation
Follow these steps for embedded mounting:
- Attach the mounting template sticker for embedded installation to the wall at a height of 55 inches (1.4m) from the ground and drill holes as indicated.
- Dig a groove in the wall according to the template, ensuring it is 1.4 inches (35mm) deep for the EP30CF.
- Remove the two inner-hexagon screws from the bottom of the reader panel using the H0.9 hex wrench and keep them safe.
- Carefully remove the front panel by following the indicated arrows.
- Insert anchors into the pre-drilled holes.
- Wire the reader to the controller correctly as per the wiring legend (Section 4).
- Insert the main plate into the groove and secure it using the 4 Philips countersunk self-tapping screws.
- Attach the front panel to the main plate, aligning with the indicated arrows. Secure the inner-hexagon screws with the H0.9 hex wrench.
Diagram Description: Visuals show attaching a template, drilling, creating a groove of specified depth, removing the front panel, wiring, inserting the main plate, and reattaching the front panel.
3 Terminal Block
The terminal block on the EP30CF reader provides connections for power and communication.
Pigtail Color | Interface | Description |
---|---|---|
Red | +9-24V DC | Power Input |
Black | Ground | Ground |
Red/Green | RS-485 A | RS-485 |
Brown | RS-485 B | RS-485 |
Bare Green | Reserved | Reserved |
White | Reserved | Reserved |
Orange | Reserved | Reserved |
Pink | Reserved | Reserved |
Yellow | Reserved | Reserved |
4 Wiring Legends
Wiring with an AHSC-1000 / AHDU Series Controller
Connect the EP30CF reader to the AHSC-1000 or AHDU series controller using the following wiring:
- EP30CF +12V DC → AHDU-1460 +12V
- EP30CF GND → AHDU-1460 GND
- EP30CF RS-485 A → AHDU-1460 RS-485 1A
- EP30CF RS-485 B → AHDU-1460 RS-485 1B
Note on DIP Switches: For RS-485 redundant backup mode, ensure DIP switches on connected ports are ON. This adds a 120-ohm terminal resistor. The RS-485 interface supports a maximum current of 3A (12V); separate power supplies are recommended for more than two readers. Readers can connect to RS-485 ports 1, 2, or 3. AHSC-1000/AHDU series controllers use RS-485 3 by default. Refer to the user manual for details on using other ports.
Diagram Description: Shows EP30CF units wired to an AHDU-1460 controller, illustrating connections for +12V, GND, and RS-485 (A/B) to specific ports on the controller. Also shows DIP switch settings.
Wiring to a ZKTeco Atlas x60 Series Controller
Connect the EP30CF reader to the ZKTeco Atlas x60 Series controller:
- EP30CF +12V → Atlas Controller +12V
- EP30CF GND → Atlas Controller GND
- EP30CF 485A → Atlas Controller 485A
- EP30CF 485B → Atlas Controller 485B
Notes:
- Maximum EP30CF units connectable: Atlas-160 (2), Atlas-260 (4), Atlas-460 (8).
- RS-485 interface max current: 3A (12V). Separate power supplies recommended for >2 readers.
- Atlas-460 is used as an example; other methods are similar.
Diagram Description: Illustrates multiple EP30CF readers connected to various Atlas controller bundles (Atlas-160, Atlas-260, Atlas-460), showing the wiring from the reader's +12V, GND, 485A, and 485B terminals to the controller's corresponding ports.
Wiring to an InBio Pro Series Controller
Connect the EP30CF reader to an InBio Pro Series controller:
- EP30CF +12V → InBio Pro Controller +12V
- EP30CF GND → InBio Pro Controller GND
- EP30CF 485- → InBio Pro Controller 485-
- EP30CF 485+ → InBio Pro Controller 485+
Notes:
- Maximum EP30CF units connectable: InBio 160-PRO (2), InBio 260-PRO (4), InBio 460-PRO (8).
- RS-485 interface max current: 3A (12V). Separate power supplies recommended for >2 readers.
- InBio 460-PRO is used as an example; wiring is the same for other models.
Diagram Description: Shows EP30CF readers connected to InBio Pro controllers (InBio 160-PRO, 260-PRO, 460-PRO), detailing the wiring from the reader's +12V, GND, 485-, and 485+ terminals to the controller's ports.
Enrollment with ZK9500 Scanner: For fingerprint enrollment, the ZK9500 Optical Fingerprint Scanner can be connected to the PC via USB, and the controller via RS485. A straight network cable is used for direct PC-to-controller connection.
5 Reader Configuration
Configure the EP30CF reader to communicate with the controller using the Armatura Connect App.
1. Connecting The Reader
- Open and log in to the Armatura Connect App.
- Navigate to the parameter interface by clicking the
[Parameter]
icon. - Enable Bluetooth on your mobile phone.
- Tap the
[Search]
icon (magnifying glass) to find the reader. - Select the closest reader, tap the
[Locate]
icon (location pin), and then tap the[Connect]
button to confirm and connect.
Diagram Description: App screenshots illustrate the steps: logging in, accessing parameters, searching for devices, selecting a device, and confirming connection.
2. Configuring The Communication
- Enter the device detail interface.
- Click
[Configuration]
to access the parameter setting interface. - Select
[Communication]
>[Communication Type]
and choose RS-485. - Click
[Save]
to apply the settings.
3. Configuring The UID Output
When using RS-485, ISO14443A and EM UID Output parameters usually do not need alteration. Adjust the Mobile Credential parameter based on the controller and selected protocol.
- Click
[UID Output]
and refer to Table 2 for parameter settings. - Ensure ISO14443A and EM settings are at their default values as per Table 3.
- Click
[Save]
to complete the configuration.
Table 1: Parameterization of EP30CF when interfacing with different controllers
Controller | Protocol | Protocol of EP30CF | Baudrate of EP30CF |
---|---|---|---|
ZKTeco Atlas x60 Series | OSDP | OSDP | 9600 |
ZK485 | RS485-ZK-ATLAS | 115200 | |
InBio Pro Series | OSDP | OSDP | 115200 |
ZK485 | RS485-ZK-STD | 115200 | |
AHSC-1000 / AHDU Series | OSDP | OSDP | Same as the controller |
Note: For AHSC-1000 / AHDU series controllers, only one communication protocol mode (OSDP) is available.
Table 2: Mobile Credential Settings when connecting with different controllers
Controller | Protocol of EP30CF | Parameters of Mobile Credential |
---|---|---|
ZKTeco Atlas x60 Series | OSDP | RAW/8 Bytes/MSB or Wiegand/Wiegand 66/MSB |
RS485-ZK-ATLAS | RAW/8 Bytes/LSB or Wiegand/Wiegand 66/MSB | |
InBio Pro Series | OSDP | RAW/8 Bytes/MSB or Wiegand/Wiegand 66/MSB |
RS485-ZK-STD | RAW/8 Bytes/LSB or Wiegand/Wiegand 66/MSB | |
AHSC-1000 / AHDU Series | OSDP | Keep the default parameters. |
Table 3: Default Values for ISO14443A and EM Settings in UID Output
UID Output: Wiegand | UID Output: Wiegand | |
---|---|---|
ISO14443A | EM | |
Wiegand: | Wiegand 34 | Wiegand 34 |
MSB/LSB: | MSB | LSB |
6 Testing The Reader
Perform the following steps to test the reader:
- Power on the reader. It should beep and its LED indicators will flash.
- Present a fingerprint to the reader.
- Present a card to the reader.
- Present a virtual card (e.g., via mobile phone) face-on to the reader until a "beep" is heard.
If these actions are successful, the reader is working correctly.
Diagram Description: Visuals depict presenting a fingerprint, a card, and a virtual card to the reader for testing.
7 Frequency Bands And Maximum Output Power
Frequency bands | Maximum output power |
---|---|
2402MHz - 2480MHz | 7.08dBm |
125kHz | -24.83 dBuA/m @ 10m |
13.56MHz | 4.21 dBuA/m @ 10m |
8 Certifications
The product is certified with:
- CE
- FC
- RoHS
9 FCC And CE Compliance
Armatura LLC declares that this product complies with the essential requirements and relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The full EU declaration of conformity is available at: https://armatura.us/product.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used according to instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, interference is not guaranteed to not occur in a particular installation. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to try correcting it by:
- Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
- Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the receiver's.
- Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. It should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 7.87 inches (20cm) between the radiator and the body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.