Kaba ILCO FDU User manual

PK3514_06_07
USER’S GUIDE
Next Generation FDU

iKaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Front Desk Unit
Reference Manual
First Edition
A publication of
KABA ILCO Inc.
7301 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec,
Canada H4P 2G7
Printed in Canada, 2007
Copyright by KABA ILCO Inc., 2007
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the Publisher.
The information contained in this publication is accurate to the best of
KABA ILCO Inc.’s knowledge.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
PK3514_04_07

ii Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System

Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System iii
American User’s Information – FCC Compliance Statement
Warning
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the federal
Communications Commission helpful: 'How to identify and Resolve
Radio-TV interference Problems." This booklet is available from the
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402. Stock # 004-000-
00345-4.
European User’s Information – Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (amended by
92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC for a class A digital device. It has been
tested and found to comply with EN50081-2: 1993 (EN55011:1991)
and EN50082-2:1995 (EN61000-4-2:1995 & ENV50140:1993).

iv Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Foreword
This manual describes the features, implementation, and proper use of
the Kaba Lodging Access Control System. It is meant for use by
management personnel, as a complement to our on-site training
program. Step-by-step instructions for Guest Service Attendants are
found in the Kaba Lodging Access Control System Front Desk User’s
Guide.
Do not distribute this book or parts thereof for general use.

Table of Contents
vKaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................. 1
1.1 The Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System........................................................ 1
1.2 How to Use This Manual........................................................................................... 1
1.3 Who Should Use This Manual................................................................................... 1
1.4 Abbreviations and Symbols....................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2: System Components....................................................................3
2.1 Keycards.................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Electronic Locks........................................................................................................ 5
2.2.1 Door Locks ............................................................................................................ 5
2.2.2 Remote Access Controllers................................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Exit Device Operators ........................................................................................... 6
2.2.4 Lock Addresses..................................................................................................... 7
2.2.5 Types of Doors in the System ............................................................................... 7
2.3 Front Desk Unit ......................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Communication Cable ............................................................................................... 9
2.5 Printing.................................................................................................................... 10
2.6 Time ........................................................................................................................ 11
2.6.1 Keycard Creation Date and Time Stamp ............................................................ 12
2.6.2 Date and Time Stamped Audit Trail .................................................................... 13
2.6.3 Keycard Expiry Date and Time ........................................................................... 13
2.6.4 Keeping the System Synchronized ..................................................................... 13
2.6.5 Daylight Savings Time ........................................................................................ 13
2.7 Audits ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.8 Interfaces ................................................................................................................. 14
2.8.1 PMS Interface ..................................................................................................... 14
2.8.2 POS Interface...................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 3: Front Desk Units - Using and Programming .............................. 17
3.1 First Use of an FDU ................................................................................................ 17
3.2 FDU Overview ........................................................................................................ 17
3.2.1 The FDU Keypad and Cursor Keys..................................................................... 18
3.2.2 Authorizing the FDU............................................................................................ 18
3.2.3 FDU Menus ......................................................................................................... 19
3.2.4 Reading and Encoding Keycards........................................................................ 23
3.3 Software Version and Operation Modes.................................................................. 23
3.3.1 Manual Mode ...................................................................................................... 24
3.3.2 POS Verifier Mode .............................................................................................. 24
3.3.3 PMS Interface Mode ........................................................................................... 24
3.4 Battery Back-up....................................................................................................... 25
3.5 FDU Procedures ...................................................................................................... 26
3.5.1 Adjusting the Contrast and Volume..................................................................... 26
3.5.2 Setting Keycard Expiry Values............................................................................ 27
3.5.3 Saving and Loading the Default Expiry Values and Features............................. 30
3.5.4 Transferring Data to Another FDU ...................................................................... 32
3.5.5 Pin Management. ................................................................................................ 35
3.5.6 Displaying the FDU Identification ........................................................................ 46
3.5.7 Hiding the Language, Date and Time Prompts................................................... 46
3.5.8 FDU Cancel......................................................................................................... 48
3.5.9 Hotel Restart ....................................................................................................... 49

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vi Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
3.5.10 Resetting the FDU............................................................................................... 53
3.5.11 Using the FDU in POS Verifier Mode.................................................................. 54
3.6 FDU Feature Reference........................................................................................... 54
Chapter 4: Keycards ....................................................................................74
4.1 The Secure Keycard Combination........................................................................... 74
4.2 The Major Categories of Keycards.......................................................................... 74
4.2.1 Entry Keycards.................................................................................................... 75
4.2.2 Authorization Keycards ....................................................................................... 76
4.2.3 Lockout Keycards................................................................................................ 77
4.2.4 Special Purpose Keycards .................................................................................. 77
4.2.5 Reset Keycards................................................................................................... 78
4.2.6 PIN Usage as an Alternative to Authorization Keycards ..................................... 79
4.3 Updating and Cancelling Keycards ......................................................................... 81
4.4 Keycard Expiry........................................................................................................ 83
4.5 New Versus Duplicate Keycards ............................................................................. 84
4.5.1 New Keycards ..................................................................................................... 84
4.5.2 Duplicate Keycards ............................................................................................. 84
4.5.3 When to Use New or Duplicate Keycards ........................................................... 85
4.6 Options When Making Keycards............................................................................. 86
4.6.1 Options for Guest Level Keycards ...................................................................... 87
4.6.2 Options for Staff Level Keycards......................................................................... 90
4.6.3 Options for Authorization Level Keycards ........................................................... 94
4.7 Making and Resetting Keycards.............................................................................. 94
4.8 Printing a Record of Staff Keycards ...................................................................... 100
4.9 Verifying and Reading Keycards........................................................................... 101
4.9.1 Verifying a Guest Keycard ................................................................................ 101
4.9.2 Reading a Guest Keycard ................................................................................. 103
4.9.3 Verifying a Staff Keycard................................................................................... 105
4.10 Keycard Reference ................................................................................................ 106
Chapter 5: Locks - Using and Programming .............................................131
5.1 Lock Installation.................................................................................................... 131
5.2 Lock Responses to Keycards................................................................................. 131
5.3 Programming Locks and Remote Access Controllers ........................................... 132
5.3.1 Lock Addresses................................................................................................. 133
5.3.2 Programming Guest Room Locks ..................................................................... 135
5.3.3 Programming Locks in a Common Door Suite.................................................. 138
5.3.4 Programming Inner Door Locks in a Common Door Suite................................ 142
5.3.5 Programming Common Area Locks and RAC’s................................................ 146
5.3.6 Programming Restricted Area Locks ................................................................ 149
5.4 Resetting Lock Addresses ..................................................................................... 151
5.4.1 Lock Replacement or Retrofit............................................................................ 151
5.4.2 Expanding a Sub-Master Address .................................................................... 152
5.4.3 Procedure for Resetting Lock Addresses.......................................................... 152
5.5 Remote Access Controller (RAC) Models 3.5, 4 & 4XT Flexible Time Zones .... 154
5.5.1 Guest and Staff Level Flexible Time Zones ...................................................... 155
5.5.2 Passage Mode Level Flexible Time Zone ......................................................... 155
5.5.3 Programming Flexible Time Zones ................................................................... 155
5.6 Resetting Lock Time ............................................................................................. 157
5.7 The Emergency Override....................................................................................... 159

Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System vii
5.7.1 The Mechanical Override .................................................................................. 159
5.7.2 The Electronic Override .................................................................................... 160
5.7.3 Overriding a RAC Card Reader ........................................................................ 161
5.8 The FDU Override................................................................................................. 161
Chapter 6: Implementing the System ........................................................ 163
6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 163
6.2 System Administrator............................................................................................ 163
6.3 Planning the Property’s System............................................................................. 163
6.4 Starting the System After Installation.................................................................... 171
6.4.1 Starting the FDUs.............................................................................................. 172
6.4.2 Programming the Locks .................................................................................... 175
6.4.3 Making the Initial Set of Staff Keycards ............................................................ 176
6.5 Training Staff ........................................................................................................ 177
6.6 Issuing Keycards to Staff....................................................................................... 177
6.7 Updating the configuration file.............................................................................. 180
Chapter 7: Auditing ....................................................................................181
7.1 Auditing a Lock..................................................................................................... 181
7.1.1 Auditing Locks Using the FDU .......................................................................... 183
7.1.2 Clearing the Lock Audit from the FDU Memory ................................................ 185
7.1.3 Viewing, Printing or Sending the Lock Audit to an USB Memory Stick............. 187
7.2 Auditing the FDU.................................................................................................. 192
7.2.1 Viewing, Printing or Sending the FDU Audit to an USB memory stick.............. 194
Chapter 8: Interfaces .................................................................................200
8.1 PMS Interface........................................................................................................ 200
8.1.1 Entering and Exiting the PMS Interface ............................................................ 201
8.1.2 Making Guest Keycards Using the PMS Interface ............................................ 203
8.2 POS Interface ........................................................................................................ 204
Chapter 9: Security Procedures.................................................................205
9.1 Basic Keycard Security ......................................................................................... 205
9.1.1 Inform Guests and Staff of How to Handle Keycards ....................................... 205
9.1.2 Do Not Write the Room Number on the Keycard .............................................. 205
9.1.3 Make the Lock and FDU Audit Trail Public Knowledge..................................... 205
9.2 Encoding, Issuing and Replacing Keycards........................................................... 205
9.2.1 Invalidate Lost Keycards Immediately............................................................... 205
9.2.2 Log the Encoding and Issuing of Every Staff Keycard ...................................... 206
9.2.3 Safe Storage of Staff Keycards (when not in use) ............................................ 207
9.2.4 Keycards that are Used Infrequently................................................................. 207
9.2.5 Access to Keycards........................................................................................... 207
9.2.6 Access to Emergency Keycards ....................................................................... 207
9.2.7 Choose the Appropriate Time-outs for the FDUs.............................................. 208
9.2.8 Handle Returned Keycards Appropriately......................................................... 208
9.3 General Safety and Security .................................................................................. 208
9.3.1 General Manager Authorization and Emergency Keycard Availability.............. 208
9.3.2 The Mechanical Override Option ...................................................................... 209
9.3.3 The Front Desk Unit Audit................................................................................. 210

Table of Contents
viii Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Chapter 10: Emergency Procedures ...........................................................211
10.1 If a lock will not open........................................................................................ 211
10.2 If a guest has lost his keycard on property......................................................... 211
10.3 If a guest has lost their keycard and is absent from the property ....................... 212
10.4 If a Pre-registered keycard is lost or stolen before the guest arrives.................. 212
10.5 If a Staff level Entry keycard is lost or stolen.................................................... 212
10.6 If an Authorization keycard is lost or stolen...................................................... 212
10.7 If an employee leaves or is fired........................................................................ 213
10.8 If the hotel Code becomes known (i.e. security is compromised)...................... 213
10.9 If an FDU is stolen ............................................................................................ 213
10.10 If a crime occurs in a room ................................................................................ 213
10.11 If an override key is lost or stolen...................................................................... 213
Chapter 11: Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..........................................214
11.1 Preventative Maintenance.................................................................................. 214
11.1.1 Battery Testing and Replacement..................................................................... 214
11.1.2 Kaba Ilco Electronic Locks................................................................................ 215
11.1.3 The Locking Mechanism ................................................................................... 215
11.1.4 The Override Cylinder ....................................................................................... 216
11.1.5 The Front Desk Unit .......................................................................................... 216
11.1.6 Synchronizing the Front Desk Units.................................................................. 216
11.2 Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 216
11.2.1 Synchronizing the Front Desk Units.................................................................. 216
11.2.2 Operating Problems .......................................................................................... 217
11.2.3 Malfunction Problems........................................................................................ 220
11.3 Frequently asked Questions............................................................................... 223
11.4 Replacing a Battery ........................................................................................... 225
11.5 Replacing a Lock............................................................................................... 225
11.6 Replacing a Front Desk Unit ............................................................................. 226
11.7 Warranty............................................................................................................ 226
Chapter 12: Service ....................................................................................227
12.1 Technical Support Contact ................................................................................ 227
12.2 Returning a Unit for Repair ............................................................................... 227
Appendices .................................................................................................230

ix Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System

1Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 The Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Kaba Ilco designed its Lodging Access Control System specifically for use in lodging
facilities (hotels, resorts, dormitories, etc.), where the control of keys is a major concern.
This system replaces traditional mechanical keys and locks with reusable keycards that
use a unique, encrypted combination to grant access to the correct electronic locks
throughout the property. These keycards are difficult to copy and the number of data
combinations is so vast that guessing the code is virtually impossible. The access levels
have been designed to allow each guest or staff member to carry a single keycard, for
their own convenience, and to simplify the management of keycards.
In addition to its key control benefits, the system includes an audit trail in the electronic
locks, Remote Access Controllers and Front Desk Units, which are used to encode
keycards. These audit trails allow managers to know who entered a room, when they
entered it, and who made the card that was used to gain entry.
The system supports a variety of electronic lock and card reader models, including the
Solitaire lock series, Generation E-760 locks, 770 locks, and Remote Access Controllers.
Some menus and functions of the Front Desk Unit and details of lock operation may
differ depending on the version and configuration of the equipment.
1.2 How to Use This Manual
This manual is intended to be a practical reference for the implementation and use of the
Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System. It explains the principles of the system, and
provides a reference for the step-by-step operation of the system, for the system features,
and for each type of keycard. This manual does not replace the training or retraining
provided by the manufacturer, which is strongly recommended for a complete
understanding of the system. For further information or for assistance, contact Kaba Ilco
(see chapter 12).
1.3 Who Should Use This Manual
The information in this manual is a vital part of the security of the system and contains
information not intended for general staff. The manual should be kept under lock and
key, and should not be circulated. It is intended for reference by upper management and
the System Administrator. A separate Front Desk User's Guide is available for reference
by Guest Service Attendants, providing instructions for all operations of the system
accessible using a Front Desk Authorization keycard. Contact Kaba Custimer Service or
technical Support for more information.

Introduction
2Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
1.4 Abbreviations and Symbols
Throughout this manual, the abbreviation FDU is used for the term "Front Desk Unit".
The names for different types of keycards (e.g. Guest, Floor, Front Desk Authorization),
feature settings in the FDU, or other important concepts in the system are capitalized for
easy recognition as shown below.
Alphabetical List of Abbreviations
BMA Bellman’s Master Authorization
DST Daylight Savings Time
FDA Front Desk Authorization
FDU Front Desk Unit
GMA General Manager Authorization
GSA Guest Service Attendant
MA Master Authorization
PA Programming Authorization
PIN Personal Identification Number
RAC Remote Access Controller
Within this manual, symbols to be used on the Front Desk Unit keypad are enclosed
between the signs < >. As example: when < > is shown, this indicates that the " " key
should be pressed on the FDU keypad.

3Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Chapter 2: System Components
The system makes use of eight major components:
xKeycards
xElectronic Locks and Remote Access Control systems (e.g. Solitaire 710-II,
Generation E-760, 770, RAC 4XT, etc)
xFront Desk Unit
xLock Communication Cable
xPrinter
xTime
xAudits
xInterfaces
2.1 Keycards
In the system, keycards replace keys. Each guest receives a new keycard, which gives
them access to only the lock on their suite, and to any allowed Common Areas such as
the main entrance and elevator, or paid services such as parking or sport facilities. Staff
also carry keycards for their access needs throughout the property. Different master key
levels are provided to manage staff access.
Keycards as used in the system have many advantages over mechanical keys:
xEach time a room is rented, the lock is re-keyed automatically.
xLocks can be instantly re-keyed by authorized staff without dismantling the
lock.
xLocks recognize a variety of Guest and Staff access levels, which can be re-
keyed individually.
xKeycards have an expiry date, after which a lost or stolen keycard poses no
threat to security.
xKeycards can be cancelled at any time, without dismantling the lock.
xKeycards are inexpensive.
xReturned keycards can be re-encoded and re-used many times.
xThe information on the keycard is encrypted, and there is no way to determine
from the data the specific room the keycard opens.
Keycards supplied by Kaba Ilco are standard 0.030" thick cards similar to those used in
the banking industry. The keycard media uses a magnetic stripe, which is encoded with a
unique pattern of magnetic fields containing the encrypted code.
Two types of keycards are available depending on the model of FDU spurchased: Low
Coercivity (Lo-C) and High Coercivity (Hi-C). A Hi-C keycard requires more magnetic
energy to encode information to it than a Lo-C keycard does. This also means that a Hi-C

Chapter 2
4Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
keycard is less susceptible to accidental demagnetization by strong magnetic fields than a
Lo-C keycard, but also costs more for replacement cards.
If a property requires personnel or guests to maintain keycards for extended periods of
time then a Hi-C system may be considered, otherwise the standard Lo-C FDU system is
all that is required for the vast majority of properties.
NOTE: FDUs can only encode one type of keycard, which is dependent on the
system purchased. It is not recommended to have both types of systems
on a property. If unsure of what type of FDU has been purchased please
contact Kaba Ilco.
Figure 2.1: Magnetic stripe keycards (front and back)
Keycards are subject to erasure by strong magnetic
fields.
Keycards may be unreadable by locks or the Front Desk
Unit if they are scratched, bent or dirty. Worn out
keycards should be discarded.
Keycards should be treated with the same respect as
mechanical keys, and should never be identified by
writing the room number on the keycard. (For more
keycard security information, see chapter 9).

System Components
Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System 5
2.2 Electronic Locks
2.2.1 Door Locks
Kaba Ilco locks are battery-operated units that are installed, without wiring, on each door
to provide access control throughout the property. Each lock is controlled by a
microprocessor with an internal clock that is synchronized with the FDU (see Section 2.6
- Time). The lock can read keycards, process the information on a keycard to determine
whether the card is valid for accessing the room, and lock and unlock the
electromechanical hardware that controls access to the room.
On the outside of the door, the lock has a card reader, indicator lights, and a handle
attached to the housing. An infrared transceiver is located behind the indicator light. The
lock communicates with the FDU by infrared light using a lock communication cable, to
receive its programming or to download the audit trail (refer to Section 2.7 - Audits). The
Solitaire line has a medallion that conceals access to an electrical or mechanical override
for use in emergencies (refer to Section 10.1 – If a lock will not open). Generation E-760
locks and 770 locks feature electrical override capability that is activated by the FDU
using a communication cable, and a drill point override located in the outside handle.
Figure 2.2.1: Operating a door lock.
Legend: (1) Reader Slot; (2) Indicator LEDs; (3) Battery Compartment; (4) Privacy Thumbturn

Chapter 2
6Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
To operate the lock, the user simply inserts and removes their keycard as shown in the
figure above, then turns the handle. The lock responds with visible and/or audible
feedback (refer to Section 5.2 – Lock Responses to Keycards).
The batteries, which are located in a compartment on the outside of the door for
Generation E-760 & 770 locks, or on the inside of the door for other models, are standard
alkaline AA batteries that are widely available, and can be purchased in a sealed pack
from Kaba Ilco. The life of the batteries depends on the model and application of the
lock. In general, they last two years, or approximately 80,000 insertions. Guest room
doors are normally opened less frequently than Common Area doors or doors used
primarily by staff, and their batteries tend to last longer.
2.2.2 Remote Access Controllers
For special doors that do not use a conventional lock, there are magnetic stripe card
readers (figure 2.2.2) that can be mounted in a convenient location on
a nearby wall. The card reader is connected to a Remote Access
Controller (RAC) concealed in a panel box, which can control up to
8 relays (1 relay standard), in order to activate electronic devices
such as elevator call buttons, magnetic locks or sliding doors.
Card readers operate similarly to locks. In addition, RAC Models 3.5,
4 & 4XT card readers offer flexible time zones (refer to Section 5.5 -
Remote Access Controller Models 3.5 and 4 Flexible Time Zones) for
controlling access by Guest, Staff and Passage keycards. The most
frequent application of card readers is for Common Area doors, such
as the gym, pool & parking.
2.2.3 Exit Device Operators
An exit device operator is an electronic lock that connects with exit door hardware, such
as a panic bar. Such a lock converts an exit-only door into a two-way door that permits
guests and staff with a valid keycard to re-enter from the outside. The exit device is
operated like any other lock, and is usually programmed as a Common Area door (refer
to section 2.2.5 – Types of Doors in the System).
Figure 2.2.3: Kaba Ilco Exit Device Operators
Figure 2.2.2

System Components
Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System 7
2.2.4 Lock Addresses
Whatever the type of hardware (lock, card reader, exit device controller, etc.), each lock
in the system contains a list of addresses in its memory that is programmed using the
FDU. The addresses tell the lock the door that it controls and the lock opens only for
keycards with the correct address, date and time. An incorrect address, date or time will
result in access being denied. An example of the addresses in a lock is shown below. For
more information, refer to Section 5.3.1 – Lock Addresses.
Address Level Room #501 Room #502
Guest 501 502
Section 10 10
Floor 5 5
Group 2 2
Zone 10 10
Area 1 1
Table 2.2.4: The lock or card reader on each door has its own unique set of addresses
2.2.5 Types of Doors in the System
In addition to having a specific address, each lock in the system has a specific door type,
or profile, according to the type of suite it controls. The FDU programs this profile when
the addresses are set. The profile affects the pattern of addresses that must be
programmed into the lock. For example, a Restricted Area door can only be opened by a
Restricted Area keycard with the correct address or by the Emergency keycard, but
guests, authorized staff, master keys and the Emergency keycard can open a guest room
door. The same lock hardware can be used for both doors with the only difference
between the two locks being in the programming set using the FDU (refer to Chapter 5:
Locks – Using and Programming).
The different types of doors used in the system are as follows:
Guest All guest room doors, except for Common Door Suites.
Includes meeting and conference rooms, and suites that
can be rented as a single unit.
Common Door Suites/
Inner Doors
Suites with a common door where the rooms inside can
be rented separately or together.

Chapter 2
8Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System
Guest Common Area Doors accessible by groups of guests, using the same
keycard that also gives them private access to their
own room or suite. Staff access can also be permitted.
Examples: pool, parking, elevator.
Staff Common Area Doors accessible by groups of staff, using the same
keycard that gives them access to the doors they
require for their work. Examples: locker rooms,
cafeteria, staff lounge.
Restricted Area Doors to sensitive areas such as computer rooms,
General Manager's office, liquor storage rooms, etc.
2.3 Front Desk Unit
The Front Desk Unit (FDU) is a portable computer console that runs the system. The
FDU contains a 128 x 64 dot LCD display screen, a keypad, and a manual swipe card
encoder for writing information to, and reading information from, magnetic stripe
keycards. The encoder has no moving parts and requires very little service other than the
occasional cleaning. The FDU operates on 9VDC power, which is supplied by the power
pack provided by Kaba Ilco for either 110VAC/60Hz or 220VAC/50Hz electrical lines.
For use away from a source of electricity or during a power failure, the FDU has an 8-
hour battery backup.
Depending on the requirements of the property, there are different types of FDU available
for use with either low coercivity or high coercivity keycards (refer to Section 2.1 –
Keycards), and for encoding keycards on 3 tracks together (triplewide) or on individual
tracks (triple track), if the hotel wishes to put POS information on the keycard.
All keycards are made on the FDU. Once an Authorization keycard has been swiped
through the encoder to activate the FDU, the user has access to the functions that are
allowed for their security level. Additionally, a PIN may be assigned to specific users to
provide the same functionality for encoding keycards (refer to Section 4.2.6 - PIN Usage
as an Alternative to Authorization Keycards). The FDU requests information for making
a keycard using simple questions on the screen. The user enters their choices (e.g. the
room number), and passes a blank keycard through the encoder at an even speed.
Successful encoding is indicated by a confirmation message on the screen.

System Components
Kaba Ilco Lodging Access Control System 9
Figure 2.3: FDU and plug-in power supply
The other main function of the FDU is to communicate with the locks to program them to
recognize the correct keycards for the door on which they are installed, to set the lock's
internal clock, or to download the audit information stored in the lock.
Most properties operate with more than one FDU to ensure there are sufficient units
available at all times for issuing keycards to guests, and to provide a backup in case one
of the FDUs requires servicing or is in use programming or auditing locks. All of the
FDUs on a property are equivalent, and can be used interchangeably by using one FDU to
synchronize all other FDUs on a regular basis by transferring data between units (refer to
Section 3.5.4 – Transferring Data to Another FDU). Up to 64 FDUs can be used on a
single property.
The portability, compact size and low weight of the FDU, plus the fact that it requires no
database or computer network, makes it an extremely versatile and reliable tool.
2.4 Communication Cable
The FDU can be connected to the lock for programming or auditing using the
communication cable, which has an infrared transceiver at the lock end. The transceiver
end is constructed differently for each lock model, so that the transceiver is correctly
positioned in front of the lock transceiver located behind the indicator light. The other
end connects to Serial Port A on the rear of the FDU.