Cansec Zodiac Link Manual

Zodiac Link
OPERATOR GUIDE
June 2012

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Operator Guide June 2012 • Rev. 1.2
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................................................4
ADMINISTRATORS.....................................................................................................................................................................6
MENU OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................ 7
SETUP MENU .............................................................................................................................................................................8
ADD ADMIN ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
DELETE ADMIN..................................................................................................................................................... 9
WIEGAND FORMAT.............................................................................................................................................. 9
SET SYSTEM CODE ............................................................................................................................................. 9
SELECT MODE ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
SET TIME............................................................................................................................................................. 12
DELETE ALL USERS........................................................................................................................................... 13
FACTORY RESET ............................................................................................................................................... 13
MAP SLAVES ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
OTHER OPTS (Other Options) ............................................................................................................................ 14
oCOPY INDIVIDUAL RECORD ............................................................................................................................. 14
oCOMMUNICATE TO A SPECIFIC UNIT.............................................................................................................. 15
oSYNC ALL CLOCKS ............................................................................................................................................ 15
oCHANGE BAUD................................................................................................................................................... 16
ADMIN MENU............................................................................................................................................................................17
ADD USER........................................................................................................................................................... 17
USER INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 19
DELETE USER .................................................................................................................................................... 20
DISPLAY USER ................................................................................................................................................... 20
DISPLAY COUNT ................................................................................................................................................ 20
SECURITY LEVEL............................................................................................................................................... 20
GET LOCAL ID .................................................................................................................................................... 21
COPY TO SLAVE ................................................................................................................................................ 21
TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................................................................................................................22
GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
ADDING AN ADMINISTRATOR OR A USER...................................................................................................... 23
GLOSSARY...............................................................................................................................................................................25

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FINGERPRINT ENROLLMENT OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................27
FACTORS AFFECTING ENROLLMENT ............................................................................................................. 27
CORRECTING WET/DRY FINGERPRINT IMAGES ........................................................................................... 28
POSITION OF THE FINGERPRINT..................................................................................................................... 29
ALLOWABLE ANGLE OF FINGERPRINT ROTATION........................................................................................ 30
PRESSURE REQUIRED FOR A GOOD-QUALITY FINGERPRINT.................................................................... 30
ADMINISTRATOR DATABASE FORM.....................................................................................................................................31
USER DATABASE FORM.........................................................................................................................................................32

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Operator Guide June 2012 • Rev. 1.2
Introduction
1 2 3
456
7 8 9
ESC 0ENT
F1
F2
F3
PGM
LCD Display Fingerprint
Scanner
Keypad
Left LED Right LED
Enrollment:
Administrators and users are enrolled directly into the Zodiac Link reader.
This is done by entering information on the keypad, following the prompts
displayed on the LCD display and using the fingerprint scanner to enroll
fingerprints. The keypad, LCD and fingerprint scanner are also used when
accessing a controlled area.
Fingerprint Scanner:
The fingerprint scanner reads fingerprints for both enrollment and
authentication. The scanner will turn on when you are supposed to place
your finger on the scanner.
LCD Display:
The LCD display will show information such as the time, systems settings
and user information, as well as prompt you with questions you will need to
answer in order to complete certain functions.

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LED Indicators:
The left LED is internally controlled by the Zodiac Link and is
normally RED in colour. It turns GREEN when the reader
authenticates a user. It will flash RED three (3) times if the reader fails
to authenticate a user.
If the reader is set to reader mode and is connected to a controller, the
right LED is externally controlled by the host controller and is normally
RED in colour. It turns GREEN when the LED line from the
controller is pulled low.
Keypad:
The keypad is used for entering data into the Zodiac Link.
Master Reader:
When multiple readers are configured to use the RS-485 bus, one must be
designated as a Master and the rest designated as Slaves. All enrollment and
administrative functions should be performed from the Master Reader.
When the map of the Slave Readers is set (see map slave section), the user
fingerprint templates enrolled at the Master Reader are automatically
replicated to all Slave Readers. However, the fingerprint templates of the
administrators and the reader’s settings are not replicated. These must be
programmed at each Slave Reader.
Slave Reader:
The Slave Readers cannot be used to perform any enrollment or
administrative function with the exception of copying all user fingerprint
templates to other readers. This bulk copy feature is provided in the event
that one of the readers is down and the Master Reader is not available. Slave
Readers cannot be used to copy individual fingerprint templates to other
readers, they may only be copied in bulk.
Manual Replication:
From a Master Reader, a single fingerprint template or all fingerprint
templates may be manually replicated to other readers one at a time. This
feature is provided in the event that the Slave Reader was down or was not
available during the auto replication process, and is now available for a
manual replication.

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Administrators
On the very first power up of Zodiac Link, the unit’s memory is blank. This
is known as virgin mode (factory default). The following message will scroll
on the LCD screen:
“The unit is in virgin mode. Setup required press PGM key *****”
Press PGM. You will be asked if you want to add an administrator. While the
reader is in virgin mode, an administrator must be added in order to further
set up the reader.
Press 1 (YES). The reader will issue a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
number from 1 to 9. Record the PIN.
The fingerprint scanner will turn on; place a finger on the scanner. When
the message “Remove and Verify” appears on the display, remove and replace
the finger on the scanner.
If scanning was successful, the message “Function Complete” will be
displayed and you will enter the SETUP menu. If the scanner does not
successfully capture your fingerprint the message “Scanner Timeout” will be
displayed and you will have to attempt to add an administrator again.
Up to 9 administrators may be enrolled. If there is only one administrator
enrolled, and because an administrator can only enroll a single fingerprint
template, it is recommend that you enroll yourself a second time as an
administrator, with an alternate fingerprint. This will give you another
opportunity to enter the menu in case there is ever a problem reading your
Primary Fingerprint.
Press the ESC key at any time to cancel entries in progress or to bring
you to the previous menu.
When in Admin or Setup menu, press the PGM key to exit the menu
immediately if desired.
If no key is pressed for 45 seconds the reader will automatically exit the
menu.

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MENU OVERVIEW
As an administrator, follow these steps to enter the menu at any time:
1. Press PGM.
2. Enter your PIN.
3. Press ENT.
4. Present your fingerprint to the fingerprint scanner. When accepted,
you can choose one of two main menus, Admin Menu or Setup
Menu by pressing 1 or 2 respectively. There are sub menus following
each main menu.
ADMIN MENU =1
ADD USER =1
DELETE USER =2
DISPLAY USER =3
DISPLAY COUNT =4
SECURTIY LEVEL =5
GET LOCAL ID =6
COPY TO SLAVE =7
SETUP MENU =2
ADD ADMIN =1
DELETE ADMIN =2
WIEGAND FORMAT =3
SET SYS CODE =4
SELECT MODE =5
SET TIME =6
DEL ALL USERS =7
FACTORY RESET =8
MAP SLAVES =9
OTHER OPTS. =F1
oCOPY INDIVIDUAL RECORD =1
oCOMMUNICATE TO A SPECIFIC UNIT =2
oNOT USED =3
oSYNC ALL CLOCKS =4
oCHANGE BAUD =5

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Press the ESC key at any time to cancel entries in progress or to bring
you to the previous menu.
Press the PGM key to exit the menu immediately.
If no key is pressed for 45 seconds the reader will automatically exit the
menu.
Setup Menu
To enter the SETUP menu:
1. Press PGM.
2. Enter your PIN.
3. Press ENT.
4. Present your finger to the fingerprint scanner.
5. When accepted, press 2to enter the SETUP menu.
Press the ESC key at any time to cancel entries in progress or to bring
you to the previous menu.
Press the PGM key to exit the menu immediately.
If no key is pressed for 45 seconds the reader will automatically exit the
menu.
ADD ADMIN
Up to nine (9) administrators can be stored in Zodiac Link.
1. Press 1from the SETUP menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. If YES, a PIN will be issued. Record this number. Place a fingerprint on
the scanner when it turns on. When the message “Remove and
Verify” appears on the display, remove and replace the finger on the
scanner. The administrator will be added.
4. If NO, you will return to the previous menu.

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DELETE ADMIN
1. Press 2from the SETUP menu.
2. Confirm by choosing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. If YES, enter the PIN of the administrator you wish to delete. Press
ENT. The administrator will be deleted.
4. If NO, you will return to the previous menu.
WIEGAND FORMAT
1. Press 3from the SETUP menu.
2. The LCD will show the current format in bits (26 or 37).
3. To change the format press 1for 26-bit or 2for 37-bit.
4. If the reader is set to DCM mode, changing bit format to 37 will be
denied.
SET SYSTEM CODE
This is applicable only when the reader is set to Reader Mode and connected
to a controller.
1. Press 4from the SETUP menu.
2. The current System Code will be displayed.
3. If desired, enter a new System Code and press ENT.
SELECT MODE
Reader Mode:
Use this mode when the Zodiac Link is connected to an access control unit.
When a user is authenticated, System Code and user ID are sent to the
access control unit. If the reader’s System Code and the user’s ID number
matches that which is used by the host controller, access will be granted.
When the Wiegand format is 26-bit, the system code range is 0 to 255.
When the Wiegand format is 37-bit, the system code range is 0 to 32767.

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DCM Mode
Only the Zodiac Link reader will authenticate the user. The DCM will grant
access to all authenticated users. This mode only works when the reader is
wired to a Zodiac Door Control Module, which controls the locking device.

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RS-485 Network:
If the readers are connected together in an RS-485 bus for the purpose of
communication and data replication, then RS-485 network should be
selected.
1. Press 5 from the SETUP menu.
2. Select the mode of operation by pressing 1 for Reader mode or 2 for
DCM mode.
3. The reader prompts for RS-485 Network selection.
4. Press 1 for YES and 2 for NO.
5. If 1 is pressed, the reader prompts to Select Type.
6. Press 1 for Slave or 2 for Master.
NOTE: When the Master Reader exits programming mode, the banner
should initially display “Zodiac Link S”even if it was set to master mode. It is
in the pending state. You must perform the “Map Slave” function (see map
slaves section). When the map is done, the reader automatically removes the
pending state and turns itself into a Master Reader. The banner should then
display “Zodiac Link M”.
When the Slave Reader exits programming mode, it should display “Zodiac
Link S”.

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SET TIME
1. Press 6from the SETUP menu.
2. The LCD will show the date (YY/MM/DD), day of the week and the
time (24-hour clock).
3. To change the date, press 1. To change the time, press 2.
If you are changing the date, include a leading zero in your entry if it is a
single-digit number. Enter the last 2 digits for the year, then the numerical
value for the month, then the day of the month. For example, if the date is
October 1, 2012, you would enter “121001”. Then choose the day of the
week by pressing the appropriate key:
Sunday = 1
Monday = 2
Tuesday = 3
Wednesday = 4
Thursday = 5
Friday = 6
Saturday = 7
If you are changing the time, enter the time in a 24-hour format. See below
for conversion from a 12-hour clock to a 24-hour clock.
12-HOUR
CLOCK
24-HOUR
CLOCK
12-HOUR
CLOCK
24-HOUR
CLOCK
1:00 AM
01:00
1:00 PM
13:00
2:00 AM
02:00
2:00 PM
14:00
3:00 AM
03:00
3:00 PM
15:00
4:00 AM
04:00
4:00 PM
16:00
5:00 AM
05:00
5:00 PM
17:00
6:00 AM
06:00
6:00 PM
18:00
7:00 AM
07:00
7:00 PM
19:00
8:00 AM
08:00
8:00 PM
20:00
9:00 AM
09:00
9:00 PM
21:00
10:00 AM
10:00
10:00 PM
22:00
11:00 AM
11:00
11:00 PM
23:00
12:00 PM
12:00
12:00 AM
24:00

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DELETE ALL USERS
The deletion of all users affects only the reader being worked on regardless of
whether it is a Master or a Slave Reader.
1. Press 7from the SETUP menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. Confirm again by choosing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
4. The message “Deleting Users” will be displayed on the LCD.
5. When complete, the message “Function Complete” will be displayed.
FACTORY RESET
The factory reset affects only the reader being worked on regardless of
whether it is a Master or a Slave Reader.
1. Press 8from the SETUP menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. Confirm again by choosing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
4. The message “Clearing Memory” will be displayed on the LCD.
5. When complete, the message “The unit is in virgin mode. Setup
required press PGM key *****” will be displayed on the LCD. If you
wish to set up the reader again, refer to the Administrators section in
this manual.
MAP SLAVES (APPLIES ONLY IF MULTIPLE READERS ARE
CONNECTED & RS-485 ENABLED)
When the RS-485 mode is enabled and the reader is set to Master, the
Master role is still in the pending state until the map slaves function is
performed on the Master Reader. Until then, the user enrollment and other
functions may not be performed. In the mapping process, the Master Reader
sequentially communicates with all the Slave Readers and makes an internal
map of which readers are available and what their addresses are. This helps
the Master Reader in its replication process to all Slave Readers.

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1. Press 9 from the SETUP menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1 (YES) or 2 (NO).
3. The reader displays “Trying 2 Connect”
4. As Slave Readers are found, the message “Found ID” is displayed
followed by the addresses of the found readers. When the process is
finished, it displays the total number of readers found followed by
“SAVE=1 EXIT=2 RETRY=3”
5. Press the desired number (1 or 2 or 3) before proceeding - e.g. 1 to save
the map.
6. When no Slave Readers are found, the message “Found No Slaves”is
displayed followed by the message “Check Cables/Setup Exit=1 Retry=2”
OTHER OPTS (OTHER OPTIONS)
OCOPY INDIVIDUAL RECORD (APPLIES ONLY IF MORE THAN
ONE READER IS CONNECTED)
From a Master Reader, you may copy an individual record or a
fingerprint template to all Slave Readers. This function is not
applicable on a Slave Reader.
1. From the Setup menu, press F1.
2. Press 1 to select “Copy Individual Record”.
3. The Master Reader checks if it has communication to all Slave
Readers before proceeding. If one of the Slave Readers is down, the
Master Reader displays the ID of the down reader, and it aborts the
copy process. You may fix the down reader then try again, or remap
(see map slaves section) to eliminate the down reader and try again.
4. If the communication is established, the reader prompts for the
PIN number of the record or template to be copied. Input the PIN
number and press Enter.
5. If the PIN number is valid, the Master Reader sequentially
replicates the template to all Slave Readers.
6. If the PIN number is invalid, an error message “Invalid PIN #” will
be displayed.

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OCOMMUNICATE TO A SPECIFIC UNIT (APPLIES ONLY IF MORE
THAN ONE READER IS CONNECTED)
This function is used to test if a reader is reachable. It may be carried
out at any time, from any reader, to ensure that communication
among readers is established in order for any function such as
replication, copy or synchronization to be successful.
1. Press F1 from the Setup menu.
2. Press 2 to select “Communicate To a Specific Unit”.
3. Input the ID of the desired reader and press Enter.
4. If communication is established then the message “Comms OK”
will be displayed, and the left LED will flash continuously. Press
ESC to stop the test.
5. If communication fails, then the message “No Comms Push Esc”
will be displayed. Press ESC to stop the test.
OSYNC ALL CLOCKS (APPLIES ONLY IF MORE THAN ONE
READER IS CONNECTED)
The clock on all Slave Readers may be synchronized only from the
Master Reader.
1. From the Master Reader, enter the Setup menu.
2. Press F1 to select “Other Opts.”.
3. Press 4 to select “Sync All Clocks”.
4. Press 1 (YES) or 2 (NO).
5. If 1 is pressed, the Master Reader checks for communication to all
Slave Readers before it synchronizes the clock. If one of the Slave
Readers fails to communicate, the Master Reader displays the
message “Error on Unit #” followed by that reader’s ID, and it
aborts the synchronization. You may fix the down reader then try
again, or remap (see map slaves section) to eliminate the down reader
and try again.
6. If 2 is pressed, the Master returns to the previous menu.

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OCHANGE BAUD
The baud rate for RS-485 communication of the readers can be
changed from 38.4K to 115K. However, for all readers to be able to
communicate with each other the baud rate must be the same.
IMPORTANT: The default baud rate is 38.4K and should not be
changed without consulting the factory.
1. Press F1 from the Setup menu.
2. Press 5 to select “Change Baud”.
3. The reader displays the current baud rate.
4. Press 1 for 38.4K or 2 for 115K.
5. A message “Function Complete” will be displayed.

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Admin Menu
To enter the ADMIN menu:
1. Press PGM.
2. Enter your PIN.
3. Press ENT.
4. Present your finger to the fingerprint scanner.
5. When accepted, press 1to enter the ADMIN menu.
Press the ESC key at any time to cancel entries in progress or to bring
you to the previous menu.
Press the PGM key to exit the menu immediately.
If no key is pressed for 45 seconds the reader will automatically exit the
menu.
ADD USER
Users can be granted access in one of two ways using Zodiac Link, with a
Bypass Number or Fingerprint. A bypass number is a user-defined number, 5 to
8 digits in length, which can be entered on the keypad instead of using a
fingerprint. IMPORTANT: It should only be used if all attempts to enroll a
user have failed.
For fingerprint access, a PIN (one-digit for administrators, and two- to four-
digits for users) is entered prior to presenting a fingerprint to the fingerprint
scanner. Each user can have two fingerprints enrolled, a Primary Fingerprint
and a Backup Fingerprint. A Backup Fingerprint can only be enrolled if a
Primary Fingerprint is enrolled; you do not have to enroll a backup finger.
Fingerprint access is the more secure method of access. Bypass numbers
should ONLY be assigned to users whose fingerprints cannot be enrolled.
At the very least, a Primary Fingerprint or a bypass number must be enrolled
for the user.
When a user is enrolled at a Master Reader where multiple readers are
connected, the fingerprint template is automatically replicated to all other
Slave Readers. See Master Reader and Slave Reader section.

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1. Press 1from the ADMIN menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. If YES a PIN (see Glossary p. 26) will be issued for the user you are
adding. You can either:
4. Press 1(ACCEPT) to accept this PIN. Record the PIN.
5. Press 2(CHANGE) to change your PIN. Enter a PIN and press ENT.
Record the PIN. NOTE:
6. If NO you will return to the ADMIN menu.
7. You will be prompted if you want to issue a Bypass Number (see
Glossary p. 26). Press 1(YES) or 2(NO).
8. If YES, enter any available 5- to 8-digit bypass number and press ENT.
NOTE: a longer bypass number is more secure and harder to guess.
9. If NO, you will proceed to step 10.
10. You will be prompted to enter a User ID (see Glossary p. 27). In the
case where the user has an existing ID number (i.e. cards/keys) you
should use that number (as long as it is in the range of 1-65,000).
(NOTE: this step is skipped if in DCM mode).
11. You will be prompted to enroll a primary finger.
12. Press 1(YES) or 2(NO).
13. If YES, place a finger on the fingerprint scanner when it turns on.
When the message “Remove and Verify” appears on the display,
remove and replace the finger on the scanner.
14.(i) If NO and a bypass number was entered in Step 7 above, the
enrollment process is complete.
(ii) If no bypass number was entered in Step 7, the enrollment process
is cancelled. You must specify a bypass number OR enroll a Primary
Fingerprint in order to be enrolled.
15. If you enrolled a primary finger, you will be prompted to enroll a
Backup Finger (see Glossary p. 26) for the user. Press 1(YES) or 2
(NO).
16. If YES, place an alternate finger on the fingerprint scanner when it
turns on. When the message “Remove and Verify” appears on the
display, remove and replace the finger on the scanner.
17. If NO, there will not be a backup finger enrolled.
18. Upon successful completion the user will be added. The user will also
be replicated to all other Slave Readers if the readers are configured to
use the RS-485 bus.

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Having trouble? Read the troubleshooting section.
USER INSTRUCTIONS
After users are enrolled they can attempt to gain access through the Zodiac
Link in two different ways:
PIN + Fingerprint
Using the keypad, enter the PIN and press ENT.
When the fingerprint scanner turns on, place the enrolled fingerprint
on the scanner.
NOTE: If the user presents his/her backup finger, the reader will take
slightly longer to recognize it because the reader will first search for the
primary template before attempting to read the backup finger.
Bypass Number
Enter the 5-8 digit bypass number on the keypad and press ENT.
NOTE: Users cannot gain access through Zodiac Link while in the
programming menu.

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DELETE USER
This function should be done at a Master Reader of more than one reader is
connected. It is not applicable for a Slave Reader.
1. Press 2from the ADMIN menu.
2. Confirm by pressing 1(YES) or 2(NO).
3. If YES, the Master Reader checks for communication to all Slave
Readers. If the communication fails to communicate with at least one
reader, the process is aborted. Otherwise, input the user’s PIN and
press ENT. The user will be deleted and replicated to all Slave Readers.
4. If NO you will return to the previous menu.
DISPLAY USER
1. Press 3from the ADMIN menu.
2. Enter the PIN of the user and press ENT.
3. The LCD will show the user’s bypass number, the number of
fingerprints enrolled and the user ID.
DISPLAY COUNT
1. Press 4from the ADMIN menu.
2. The LCD will show the total number of users enrolled in the reader.
You cannot edit existing users. To make changes to an existing user you must
delete the user from the database and enroll the user again.
SECURITY LEVEL
1. Press 5 from the ADMIN menu.
2. Enter a value from 1 to 4.
Security Level represents the degree to which the live fingerprint must match
the stored template during authentication. The higher the value the more
precise the match must be.