The improved HID iCLASS Revision C ID card readers have been designed with many new features and benefits, including enhanced visual indicators and the elimination of the need to use shielding cabling, as well as the capability to upgrade the firmware in the field.
While the immediate benefits of using the new Revision C HID iCLASS proximity ID card readers are easily recognized, there are plans to expand the functionality of this reader platform without hardware changes, including adding credential compatibility upgrades to advanced key management, providing best-in-class functionality among access control readers on the market.
Functional enhancements and form and fit differences in the redesigned HID iCLASS Revision C readers are summarized in the questions and answers below:
Reader Models
-Is HID Global revising all iCLASS reader models?
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- No. The following models have been affected:
- R10, RW100
- R15, RW150, RP15
- R30, RW300
- R40, RW400, RP40
Revisions for HID’s keypad reader (RK40, RPK40, and RWK400) are expected to follow in 2009.
New Features
-Do iCLASS Revision C readers have any new features?
- Yes. Field firmware upgrades are now possible via Application Cards. This new feature will enable application upgrades for iCLASS Revision C readers in the field.
-How do I know if an application card is required?
- Contact Advantidge to find out if you require an application card, at 800-965-5932. Application cards are seldom used and therefore are not required for installation or normal maintenance of iCLASS Revision C readers.
Bezel Construction
-Are iCLASS Revision C readers constructed using three pieces of plastic?
- No. Identical to the first revision of R15, RP15, and RW150, all iCLASS Revision C readers are constructed using only two pieces of plastic. Due to a lack of demand for interchangeable and replaceable front bezel covers, HID has increased its plastic durability by moving to a two-piece design. The two pieces consist of a combined cover/reader (piece #1) and a backplate (piece #2).
Visual Indicator (LEDs)
-What is new about the iCLASS Revision C reader visual indicator?
- The Revision C reader LED window results in uniform distribution of light. This eliminates bright individual light spots. The LED window has bright and uniform lighting that shows a clearer and a brighter indication of reader and door control.
Back Plates
-Has the screw location used to affix the cover/reader to the backplate changed?
- Yes. For iCLASS reader models R30, RW300, R40, RW400, and RP40, HID has moved the screw location from the far right to the near center, just below the right portion of the HID logo, further reducing the ability to tamper with the reader. Note that the screw location for reader models R10, RW100, R15, RW150, and RP15 has not changed.
-Are the backplates of iCLASS Revision B readers interchangeable with those of the iCLASS Revision C reader?
- It depends upon the reader model. For R30, RW300, R40, RW400, and RP40 iCLASS reader models the bottom screw location has moved, so it is not interchangeable. However, for iCLASS reader models R10, RW100, R15, RW150, and RP15, it is interchangeable with the backplate of the Revision B model.
-Why do iCLASS Revision C readers have a plastic backplate?
- For maximum credential compatibility, HID Global manufactures iCLASS readers with a plastic backplate. In past models, iCLASS readers were available in both metal and plastic. Due to the reader requirements produced by the new credential design, HID has designed this latest revision reader with a plastic backplate to offer the customer the most extensive credential compatibility in a reader product today.
Differentiation
-What is the best way to determine if you are using an iCLASS Revision C reader or an older version?
- By far the most accurate way to determine which version you are using is by removing the
backplate and reading the part number of the product label. The part number appears at the top of the label, with the fifth character noting which product revision you are using (For example: If your part number is 6120C, then you are using a Revision C reader).
- Observe the LED window. If you can see individual bright spots then you are not using a Revision C reader.
- With the RP40, R40, RW400, R30, and RW300 (only), you can observe the screw location. If the screw is located under the right part of the logo area on the front of the reader, the product is a Revision C reader.
Shielded Cable
-Do iCLASS Revision C readers still require shielded cabling?
- No. HID’s innovations in RFID reader development significantly reduce installation costs by no longer requiring shielded cables to run between the reader and controller. All wire pigtails exiting the reader no longer contain a shield wire. This new enhancement does not affect data-run length maximums. Utilize twisted pair cabling for maximum noise immunity.
multiCLASS Reader Potting
-Why is the PCB (expansion module) no longer visible on the back of HID Prox-enabled multiCLASS readers?
- For greater environmental durability, HID has begun potting over the PCB of all HID Prox-enabled multiCLASS readers. This change has been implemented on the most recent iCLASS Revision B multiCLASS readers, including iCLASS Revision B RPK40 with HID Prox.
Other Connectors
-What is the small white connector found directly above (reader oriented with LED window on top) the pigtail or terminal strip connector?
- This connector is used only by HID for internal purposes.
-Are there any changes to the expansion port connectors used for serial communication?
- No. Expansion ports are still used.
Installation Guide
-Has the installation guide changed?
- Yes. The installation guide has a new look and feel, and is now 8.5 in x 11 in (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) in a book format. With this improvement, the installation guide can be easily printed from any standard printer and multilingual information is more legible.
Part Numbers
-Will the part numbers for iCLASS Revision C readers change from previous revisions?
Certifications
-Do iCLASS Revision C readers carry identical radio and safety certifications as iCLASS Revision B readers?
- No. Revision C iCLASS readers have obtained all radio and safety certifications except for Japanese MIC. MIC (Japan) is currently in process, but not fully complete. The date for completion is currently unknown.
Spacers
-Can the iCLASS Revision C readers use the current R10 and RW100 spacers (part number 6132AxB)?
Yes. The R10 and RW100 spacers are interchangeable between iCLASS readers of Revision A, B, and C.
Read Range
-Has the read range of iCLASS credentials changed?
- No. Noticeable changes in the reading range have not occurred.
-Has the read range of HID Prox credentials changed (RP15 and RP40 only)?
- No. Noticeable changes in the reading range have not occurred.
-Has the read range of Indala Proximity credentials changed (RP15 and RP40 only)?
- No. Noticeable changes in the reading range have not occurred.
-Has the read range of FIPS 201 PIVII credentials changed?
- No. Noticeable changes in the reading range have not occurred.
-Has the read range of MIFARE and DESFIRE (CSN) credentials changed?
- Test results of iCLASS Revision C readers yielded minor +/- variations from the iCLASS Revision B readers. These variations are within specification tolerances. No improvements or differences are expected to be noticeable by the end-user. Revision C iCLASS readers, when compared against SmartID (CSN) and FlexSmart (CSN), maintain or exceed performance. The newest revision of iCLASS readers will enable even more functionality and increased credential compatibility in the future without the need to replace iCLASS hardware in the field.
Contact us today to learn more about upgrading HID iCLASS ID Card Readers for your facility.
