Access Launchpad > Application > Monitor/Command > Devices > HID Aero

HID Aero Reader

Location: Main Menu > Monitor/Command > Devices > Select Controller or Subcontroller > Add Device > Reader

Overview

HID Aero Readers are the primary interface between users and the access control system. They are installed at access points (doors) and are responsible for reading credentials (cards or PINs) and sending that data to the controller for validation.

Within Drawbridge, Aero Readers are highly configurable and support multiple authentication methods, access behaviors, and integration options.

Key Features

•Supports multiple reader types:

oOSDP

oWiegand

oMagstripe

•Flexible authentication modes:

oCard only

oPIN only

oCard + PIN

oCard or PIN

•Configurable online and offline behavior

•Supports:

oAnti-passback (APB)

oArea tracking

oExtended access timing

•Fully integrated with schedules, access levels, and threat levels

Creating or Editing an Aero Reader

1.Navigate to Devices

2.Select the appropriate controller or subcontroller (x1100/x100)

3.Click the Add Device tab

4.Select Reader

5.Click Create

This opens the Reader configuration page.

Configuration Fields

General

•Location

oLogical name of the reader (e.g., Front Door Entry, Server Room Exit)

•Reader Type

oOSDP, Wiegand, or Magstripe

•Access Method

oDefines default behavior when not controlled by a schedule

Access Method Options:

•Disable reader, no REX

•Unlocked

•Deny access, REX allowed

•Locked Facility Code Only

•Card Only

•PIN Only

•Card and PIN

•Card or PIN

Offline Access Method

Defines reader behavior when communication with the controller is lost.

Options include:

•No Change

•Disable reader, no REX

•Unlocked

•Deny access, REX allowed

•Locked Facility Code Only

Configuration Tab

•Reader Number (read-only)

oAssigned at creation (Reader 1 or 2)

•Reader Configuration (read-only)

oTypically set to Single (Card In / Free Out)

•Strike Subcontroller

oPanel controlling the door strike

•Strike Number

oOutput used for door control

•Strike Mode

oDefines how the strike behaves

Settings Tab

•Strike Minimum / Maximum

oMinimum and maximum unlock times (seconds)

•Strike Extended Time

oUnlock time for extended access users

•Door Held Time

oTime before a Door Held event is triggered

•Extended Door Held Time

oTime before extended Door Held event

Anti-Passback (APB)

•Anti-Passback Type

oNone

oSoft

oHard

oReader-based (various modes)

oArea-based

•APB Delay

oTime window for enforcement

•Enforce From / Move To

oDefines area transitions (for Area-based APB)

PIN Settings Tab

•Keypad Mode

oMust match the reader hardware configuration

OSDP Settings Tab

•Baud Rate

•Address

•Secure Channel (recommended)

•Tracing / Auto Discovery options

Inputs Tab

Defines connected hardware inputs.

•REX (Request to Exit)

oInput source

oBehavior (NO/NC)

oTiming and debounce settings

•Door Contact

oInput source

oBehavior (NO/NC)

oMonitoring and timing settings

Details Tab (Read-Only)

Used for troubleshooting and support.

•Aero Controller

•Subcontroller

•Hardware Server

•Reader UID / Controller UID

•SIO Number

•Card Data Format Bitmask

History Tab

•Full audit history of:

oConfiguration changes

oAccess behavior updates

oSystem interactions

Best Practices

•Use clear, location-based naming for readers.

•Match Reader Type and wiring (OSDP vs Wiegand) correctly.

•Enable Secure Channel for OSDP whenever possible.

•Configure Door Contact and REX inputs for accurate event tracking.

•Carefully plan Anti-Passback and Area logic before enabling.