The eMerge Essential is a browser-based access control system designed for commercial, industrial, banking, retail, and restaurant applications, offering scalability for growth. It is available in two models: the eMerge Essential and the eMerge Essential Plus. The eMerge Essential comes in a space-efficient and durable plastic housing, while the eMerge Essential Plus is housed in a heavy-duty steel cabinet and includes a self-contained battery backup with a supervised power supply. Both systems share the same control panel layout and wiring.
Function Description:
The eMerge Essential system monitors and controls access throughout a building or restricted area. Users present an access device (card, PIN code, etc.) to an entry device (reader/keypad) to gain access. Upon successful authentication, a door is unlocked for a pre-programmed duration, and the transaction is recorded in a database for reporting and tracking purposes. The system supports Ethernet, an integrated web server, and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Important Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Cortex 1GHz
- On-board RAM: 512MB DDR2 (333MHz)
- Storage: 4 GB Micro SD
- PIP (Power Input Pack): 12VDC 60W UL Approved
- Operating System: Embedded Linux
- Simultaneous System Users: 8
- Transactions per Second: > 30
- Plastic Enclosure (W x H x D): 12.25 in x 11.1 in x 2.23 in (31.1 cm x 28.2 cm x 5.7 cm)
- Steel Enclosure (W x H x D): 17.5 in x 24.25 in x 6.4 in (44.5 cm x 61.6 cm x 16.25 cm)
- Temperature Specification: -20°F to 130°F (-28°C to 54°C)
- Doors/Portals: 1 (scalable to 4 via optional software license P/N ES-1DL or ES-1DLB w/reader)
- Maximum Readers: 8
- Inputs: 12 (4 door status, 4 request to exit (REX), 4 auxiliary general purpose, 2 digital inputs reserved for future release)
- Outputs: 8 (4 door lock relays, 4 auxiliary output relays)
- Card Holders (Users): 1,000
- Access Cards: 8,000
- Cards per Person: 12
- Card Formats: 32
- Access Levels: 8
- Time Schedules: 100
- Online Transactions: 15,000
- Controller Board Current Consumption: 200 mA at 12VDC (2.4W)
- Reader Power: Maximum 750 mA @ 12 VDC per reader
- Relay Type: Form-C SPDT, non-powered dry contacts rated for 1A
Usage Features:
- Browser-Based Interface: The system can be accessed and managed from a web browser on any local or remote computer, simplifying configuration and programming.
- Scalability: The eMerge Essential can be expanded from one door and two readers to four doors and eight readers with an optional software license.
- Power Options: The eMerge Essential can be powered by a 12VDC / 5A plug-in power supply (Linear P/N PIP-12VUR or UL listed PIP-12V60W) or via Power over Ethernet (PoE) using an optional Linear PoE module (P/N 620-100159) and a high-power 30W PoE injector (P/N POE-PLUS).
- Input Configuration: All inputs (door status, REX, auxiliary) can be configured for normally open or normally closed contacts, with or without supervision (using standard 1k ohm resistors).
- Door Lock Outputs: Doors 1 through 4 can be configured for normally energized (fail-secure) or normally not-energized (fail-safe) modes. An auxiliary power supply must be used for locking devices; the control panel's power output should not be used for this purpose.
- Reader Support: The control panel supports up to 8 readers or keypads, each with Wiegand output format and 12VDC power. Readers can be installed as primary (entry) or secondary (exit) readers.
- Network Connectivity: The system requires a static IP address for reliable communication on a local area network (LAN). Network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers, must be configured.
- Default I/O States:
- Door Status Inputs: Normally Open, Unsupervised, 8 Second Held Open Time.
- REX Inputs: Normally Open, Momentary, Unsupervised.
- Auxiliary Inputs: Normally Open, Unsupervised.
- Door Lock Outputs: Not Energized, Single Pulse, 3 Second Unlock Time (in response to corresponding reader activity).
- Auxiliary Outputs: Not Energized, Single Pulse, 3 Seconds On (no default response, requires programming).
Maintenance Features:
- Power Fault Monitoring: The controller includes a power fault input that can be configured to activate a condition (e.g., dialer) upon AC power loss, switching to backup battery power.
- Tamper Protection: A pre-wired tamper switch is mounted inside the enclosure. If the cover is removed, the switch activates, triggering a condition that can be linked to an event action (e.g., send an e-mail or generate an output).
- Battery Backup (eMerge Essential Plus): The eMerge Essential Plus accommodates up to two 12VDC/7Ah sealed lead-acid batteries, providing standby power during primary power loss. The system operates on battery power until the battery reaches 11VDC, at which point it shuts down.
- SD Card Slot: An SD card slot is available for backing up panel memory, even in the absence of power or backup battery.
- Battery Replacement Recommendation: It is recommended to replace the system battery every 2 to 3 years.
- Troubleshooting LEDs: LED indicators on the control panel provide visual cues for system status, including power on, rebooting, booting, and network connection.
- System Reboot: The system can be rebooted by momentarily pressing switch S2 on the middle board.
- Factory Default Reset: The system memory can be cleared and factory defaults restored by pressing and holding switch S1 for 20 seconds on the middle board. This can also be done via the GUI software. Note that a factory default reset requires re-entering the license key and reconfiguring the system.
- Wiring Protection: Diodes or MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) must be installed with door locking devices to prevent damage to the control board.
- Cable Specifications: Specific cable types and gauges are recommended for readers (Twisted, shielded 22 AWG or 18 AWG Belden #9535) and power input (14 AWG Belden) to ensure proper operation and minimize interference.
- Online Resources and Technical Support: Linear LLC provides online FAQs and technical support via phone for further assistance.