Frequently Asked Questions

Customization and partnering are our competitive advantages. You can buy both, customized readers and customized tags from Idesco. We develop our products in intense co-operation with our customers. Our product development is able to react promptly to the customer requirements.

For example all access control readers can be supplied with the customer’s own logo and in case your application uses credit card sized transponders, we can print them according to your wishes.

The most powerful way you can enhance your system security is to protect it by Idesco’s AESCO solution. You can also upgrade to a Mifare DESFire solution such as 8 CD 2.0 (& Pin), 9 CD 2.0 or Idesco’s Compact Modules, deploying either 3DES or AES ciphers for encrypting communications between readers and fobs or cards. Mifare is a proven and widely accepted open solution standard and DESFire technology is not merely the most secure but outperforms even Mifare Classic in multi-application functionality. Security and multi-application functionality have been intersecting developments in Access Control for awhile. Inasmuch your requirements today do not seem to require multi-application functionality doesn’t mean they won’t evolve into making such functionality a necessity in the near future.

We provide Security Key Management services to take care of your DESFire deployments and their security keys, including programmed readers and transponders.

Idesco also strongly recommends using PIN-codes. PIN code identification is a simple and reliable method to enhance the security of any system. The advantages of a PIN code are significant because it’s a very simple method for leveraging a significantly-enhanced security level.

PIN code security possesses an additional benefit because a PIN code is not encoded on the card itself. The system accepting the card and PIN code compares the card and PIN data internally, effectively isolating the card from the PIN code verification step.

Additionally, overall security is invariably enhanced when implementing a series of security improvements on all levels. Security generally does not depend solely on identification technologies, but may be impacted by other factors, such as a whole system’s security, the communication protocols employed between access control readers and system controllers, data encryption complexity and/or human-related factors.

An active tag operates from an external source – a battery connected to or built into the tag. A passive tag operates from an energy source that is generated by the reader.

With the exception of metal, low frequency and high frequency (13,56 MHz) tags, can be read through all materials including plastic, wood, drywall, dirt, paint, steam, mud, water, and organic tissue like humans and animals. UHF tags are more sensitive to different environmental factors and therefore it is recommended to use a specially designed tag for each application.

The speed on which the tag can be read is dependent on the operating frequency, the amount of data stored on the tag, and the efficiency of the reader. Typically, a low frequency Idesco tag with 64 bits of data can be read in 0.01 seconds.

A. Passive low frequency and high frequency, (13,56 MHz) tags and cards can be read a maximum of 70 mm from the reader. The read range is much dependent on the size of the reader antenna.
B. Ultra high frequency, (869 MHz) tags and cards can be read a from a distance of several meters. The read range is much dependent on the size of the reader antenna and the application.

Yes, if the protection class of the device is higher than IP44. Most of the Idesco products are designed with IP67. This means that they are tolerant to dust and can be even used temporarily (30 min.) when sunk in water (1 m).

No. The power levels and frequency range of Idesco’s RFID products are far below the limits set by even the most conservative health regulatory agencies and study organizations. Idesco’s products are approved for use without site licenses. In addition, our products have been independently tested and comply with standards.

All Idesco RFID readers have been tested and proved to operate according to regulations and laws set for these devices. Testing has been performed to determine the potential of the interaction between RFID devices in operation and other electrical devices, like pacemakers and other health care devices. The power output of RFID devices is below that which would cause interference with other devices in operation. There is no scenario in which the operation of an RFID device could turn off or shut down for instance a pacemaker.

All Idesco tags are passive. This means that there is no power source or any transmittance from the tag, which would have any effect on the environment.

You can download some technical documents directly from Idesco product pages. Some documents are sent by request. In case you don’t find the information you need, please send us an Email at support(@)idesco.fi.

Yes, there is. We provide several different demonstration/diagnostics tools. If you’d like to use these or know more about them please contact support@idesco.fi.

Drivers for Idesco USB readers are available here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Yes. Notice that when any other command than the Automode command is sent to a reader, this will cancel the Automode. Hence the Automode command must be sent to a reader after any other command has been sent to it.

All Idesco smart card readers can be installed even on metal, but the reading distance is normally shorter in metal assembly than in open air. However, Idesco conducted testing leading to the development of the Idesco Installation Plate, which anchors your reader just high enough above metal surfaces to minimize the electromagnetic eddy currents that shorten access control read distances.

As the interfaces of access control systems are not standard and they may vary quite a bit, there is a need for readers to be configurable. Idesco’s readers are very flexible as most of their features are configurable. We have ready-made configurations that are compatible with most of the access control systems. The CONF number consists of information about for example Wiegand bit length, Wiegand timings, keypad and buzzer functionality. For more accurate information, please see our support pages.

Idesco’s long range EPC readers are passive, operating with passive transponders without an internal power source.

Idesco’s EPC readers can read a tag even from a distance of 10 to 15 meters. Idesco’s small EPC Slim “hands-free” access control reader can reach up to four meters.

Optimal deployment of transponders and readers significantly enhances reading distances in UHF applications. Also antenna and reader placement have effect on the reading range. We have developed a useful tutorial of positioning readers and tags in vehicle identification applications. Please download it here: https://idesco.fi/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Idesco-EPC-AVI-application.pdf