Logging security codes

Armored Cars

I am putting together the security system for an indoor storage place and we need a way to log the people who come in. I was planning on putting a phone pad outside then using the DTFM(?) tones to take the password and open the door by unlatching what is starting to look like an electronic latch salvaged from an armored truck. I was wondering if there was a way to log the passwords to a computer or something to tell who came in at what time.

Mike Green

The easiest way to do this would be to buy a datalogger from Hitt Consulting. This is a fairly simple and relatively cheap device that connects to a Stamp via a direct serial connection, uses little power, and stores its files in DOS/Windows compatible format on an MMC/SD card. If you want something different or fancier, try the Parallax memory stick data logger which uses standard USB flash memory "sticks". It's commands are more complicated than Hitt Consulting's, but it's also more flexible and doesn't have some of the limitations of Hitt Consulting's device. Both devices come with examples of their use with the Stamp. If you're going to have a computer somewhere running all the time, you could just run a serial connection to the PC, have the security system just transmit the unlock attempts to the PC for logging

Unsoundcode

In addition to logging if your budget allows then RFID would be a great alternative , and possibly more secure , to a typed password entry.

The "swipe" of a tag would permit entry, log names, times and dates. You could restrict entry to certain days and times or disable entry alltogether, say if a tag got lost.

check it out at this link http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28140

Jeff T.

Bruce Bates

Armored Cars -

Let's see if I can help to clear up what appear to be some possible misconceptions here. First, the PBASIC DTMF command is an OUTPUT-only command. It can not "read" DTMF tones, only send them. Second, unless the keypad in question is actually from a telephone, it probably does not operate by producing DTMF tones. Check the data sheet which should be available from the supplier of the keypad for wiring instructions.

As far as keeping a record of who entered and when, it can be as simple as transmitting the data from the PBASIC Stamp to a PC as it is entered, and have the PC maintain the data, and verify it as well. If the PBASIC Stamp recieves a "verified" response back from the PC, then it can operate the lock and allow the user to enter the area. The time stamp data can come right from the PC, or from an external real time clock (RTC) attached to the PBASIC Stamp.

It could also be done as others have explained, with external storage on the PBASIC Stamp, but you must remember, unless there is only one single password for all users, you will need to match the unique USER-ID / PASSWORD combination which is entered on the keypad with the valid USER-ID / PASSWORD combinations as recorded when the user account is established.

Regards,

Bruce Bates

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skylight

Try using PLX-Daq and maybe an RFID reader?·It will input into an Excel Spreadsheet and ·Datestamp all entries and is easy to use, well if I can use it then...

kromerj

Skylight,

What is PLX-DAQ? I have an application that would be ideal for that.

Mike Green

Have a look towards the bottom of this page: www.parallax.com/html_pages/downloads/software/software_basic_stamp.asp.

skylight

Cheers Mike, thats the trouble with the time difference I cant always reply back straight away.