Mercury Security BR20 User manual

www.mercury-security.com
2355 MIRA MAR AVE. LONG BEACH, CA 90815-1755, [phone] FAX [phone]
Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 1
BR20 Magnetic Card Reader
Installation and Specifications
1. General:
The BR20 magnetic stripe card reader is designed for reading standard or high-coercivity magnetic stripe
cards. The BR20 also provides a 12-key keypad for PIN entry and provides a TTL interface. The
following paragraphs describe instructions for installing and maintaining the card reader. The BR20 does
not support the tamper switch option.
2. Mounting the Reader:
Find a suitable location to anchor the reader mounting bracket. The reader may be mounted vertically or
horizontally. See recommended orientation. The mounting of the reader does not require a junction box,
however, rigid conduit is required for outdoor application. A single gang junction box may be used to
provide a transition to rigid conduit. If a single gang junction box is used, a wall plate (optional) may be
used to cover the junction box. The reader is then secured to the mounting bracket using a screw. Refer
to figures for reader dimensions and typical junction box usage.If using the optional single gang wall
plate, double gang wall plate, or weather shield the BR20 will not be centered. Two additional holes must
be drilled if the BR20 is to be centered.
3. Reader Wiring:
The reader has a RJ-11 modular jack for easy field connection. A short piece of pre-terminated cable is
supplied with each standard reader for field wiring. The pre-terminated cable has nonstandard color.
Refer to pin number if the pre-terminated cable is not used. Cable with wires of 24 AWG or larger are
recommended for field wiring.
4. Connecting the Keypad:
The BR20 provides a 12-key keypad for PIN entry. The flex tail of the keypad is connected to the electronic
board via a ZIF (zero insertion force) connector. The contacts are engaged/disengaged by a moving slide.
Be carefull when connecting and disconnecting the keypad. When connecting the keypad to the board,
open the slide as shown. Insert the electronics into the housing and insert flex tail in the ZIF connector.
Then, close the slide to engage the contacts. To disconnect the keypad, follow the previously described
steps in reverse.
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT KEYPAD WITHOUT DISENGAGING THE CONNECTOR!
COFIDENTIAL: For installation and maintenance use only. DONOT distribute.
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.

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 2
5. Weather Proofing the Reader:
The reader is rated to operate over an extended
temperature range and the electronics are conformal coated
against moisture. If the reader is expected to be exposed to
weather, use the dielectric grease to coat the field
connections. After field connection/configuration is made,
apply the grease on the DIP switch slides, keypad
connection, and the RJ-11 jack to seal out moisture.
Do not use sealant to seal reader case to the wall.
Doing so will trap water in the reader and may cause
damage to the reader.
6. TTL Interface:
The TTL interface has the standard 6-wire
interface widely used in the access control
application. In addition, an input to control the
buzzer is provided. Cable with minimum of 24
AWG wires should be used.
Pin #
Wire
Signal
Description
1
Red
Vin
Power supply input, 5Vdc or 12Vdc, model dependent
2
Green
Data
Reader data output for Clock/Data signaling
Data 0
Reader data output for Wiegand signaling
3
White
Clock
Reader data output for Clock/Data signaling
Data 1
Reader data output for Wiegand signaling
4
Brown
LED
LED input
1-wire control:
0V turns on the green LED
5V turns on the red LED
2-wire control:
0V turns on the red LED
5
Orange
Buzzer/LED
Buzzer/LED input:
1-wire control:
0V turns on the buzzer
2-wire control:
0V turns on the green LED
6
Black
Signal Ground
Power supply return, DC ground
7. Grounding the Reader:
To avoid having ESD (electrostatic discharge) interfering with the operation of the reader, the reader casing
shall be grounded. This can be accomplished by tying the mounting bracket to earth ground locally (e.g.
grounded conduit).
8. Dip Switch Settings:
The DIP switches (S1 & S3) on the BR20 reader are used
to select a preset format. This preset format determines
how the card is interpreted, the functions for the LED and
buzzer, and the output signal format, etc. Refer to the
format specification for detail. The settings are for
STANDARD models ONLY. The BR20 does not support
the tamper switch option.
MODULAR PLUG
1 (RED) +5 or +12Vdc
2 (GRN) DATA 0/DATA
3 (WHT) DATA 1/CLOCK
4 (BRN) LED
5 (ORG) BUZZER
6 (BLK) GROUND
depends on model

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 3
S1 SETTINGS:
FORMAT
S1-4
S1-3
S1-2
S1-1
OUTPUT
LED
BUZZER
TAMPER
0
ON
ON
ON
ON
DATA 1/DATA 0
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
1*
ON
ON
ON
OFF
CLOCK/DATA
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
3
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
CLOCK/DATA
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
4
ON
OFF
ON
ON
DATA 1/DATA 0
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
5
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
DATA 1/DATA 0
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
6
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
DATA 1/DATA 0
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
7*
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
DATA 1/DATA 0
1-WIRE LED
YES
NO
12
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
CLOCK/DATA
2-WIRE LED
NO
NO
13
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
DATA 1/DATA 0
2-WIRE LED
NO
NO
15**
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
CLOCK/DATA
1-WIRE LED
YES
YES
9. BR20 Standard Format Code Summary:
The following formats are supported in standard models (31012-8000).
Unless otherwise indicated, the LED input line controls both LEDs (low=green, high=red); the BUZZER
input controls the buzzer (low = activate); a good read is signaled by a flash of the green LED; a bad read
is signaled by a flash of the red LED and a double beep of the buzzer.
Format 0 32-bit Wiegand compatible output from standard Northern Computer mag card. 16-bit facility
code and 16-bit user ID. Reverse read and error filter is enabled. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 1* Basic mag-stripe data output: send track 2 data without any verification or formatting using
CLOCK/DATA signaling. (All reads are "good", card data is sent as is). Tamper monitor
disabled. * Most commonly used CLOCK/DATA format.
Format 3 Mag-stripe data output with zero trim, reverse read correction, and error filter enabled using
CLOCK/DATA signaling. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 4 26-bit Wiegand (8-bit fac. and 16-bit ID) compatible output from cards with 8 or more digits or
AMC encoding. See Format 5 for digit usage. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 5 34-bit Wiegand (12-bit fac. and 20-bit ID) compatible output from cards with 8 or more digits
or AMC encoding. Tamper monitor disabled.
Facility Code
User ID
Digits in mag card
Digits
26-bit Range
34-bit Range
Digits
26-bit Range
34-bit Range
8
1-3
000-255
000-999
4-8
00000-65535
00000-99999
9
1-3
000-255
000-999
4-9
000000-065535
000000-999999
10
1-4
0000-0255
0000-4095
5-10
000000-065535
000000-999999
11 or more
1-5
00000-00255
00000-04095
6-11
000000-065535
000000-999999
AMC card
1-6
000000-000255
000000-004095
7-12
000000-065535
000000-999999
Format 6 26-bit Wiegand compatible output from standard Northern Computer 32-bit mag-stripe card.
The lower 8 bits of the 16-bit facility code is used as facility code. The 16-bit user ID is
unaltered. Reverse read and error filter is enabled. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 7* Mag-stripe data output with zero trim and reverse read correction using DATA 1/DATA 0
signaling. Tamper monitor disabled. * Most commonly used DATA 1/DATA 0 format.
Format 12 Mag-stripe data output using CLOCK/DATA signaling. 2-wire LED control. No buzzer
control. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 13 Mag-stripe data output using DATA 1/DATA 0 signaling. 2-wire LED control. No buzzer
control. Tamper monitor disabled.
Format 15**(factory test) mag-stripe data output: verify track 2 data and send track 2 data without
formatting using CLOCK/DATA signaling. Zero trim, reverse read, bad card filter, and tamper
monitor option are enabled.

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 4
10.Keypad Data and Tamper Monitor Signaling:
In the standard mode, keypad data and tamper monitor status are transmitted on the data lines as 8-bit
blocks of ASCII data. They are encoded and sent using the same signaling method as selected for the
card data output (clock/data or data 1/data 0). In the 8-bit mode, the keypad data sent is the 4-bit key
code and its 4-bit compliment.
S3 settings:
S3-4
S3-3
S3-2
S3-1
Description
X
X
X
X
Set to ON. Reserved for future use.
X
X
X
X
Set to ON. Reserved for future use.
X
X
X
X
Set to ON. Reserved for future use.
ON
X
X
X
Standard mode, 8-bit ASCII
OFF
X
X
X
8-bit mode, 4-bit key code and its 4-bit compliment
11.Reader Verification:
The reader performs a self-test when power is first applied to the unit. If power-on test is successfully
completed, the reader will turn on both LEDs for approximately 1 second and sound the buzzer for 1 short
beep. Then the reader is ready for normal operation.
If further verification of the reader hardware is needed, the reader may be temporarily set to format 15.
With this format selected, the reader will read and verify standard ANSI track 2 encoded card. If no read
error is detected, the green LED will flash. If an error is detected the red LED will flash and the buzzer will
sound two short beeps. The LED input can be used to verify the LED function; and the buzzer input for the
buzzer function. The reader will echo a key press with a brief flash of both LEDs and a short beep of the
buzzer. Reset to the required format for normal operation after test.
12.Maintenance:
The readers are designed to provide continuous service with minimal routine maintenance. However,
contaminants (such as magnetic oxides from badges and dirt) tend to accumulate on the read head.
Without regular cleaning, these contaminants will shorten the read head life and increase the probability
of card read error. A maintenance schedule should be developed base on the card reader environment
(dirty or clean) and the usage frequency (light traffic or heavy traffic). Extreme case may require daily
cleaning.
Head cleaning may be done by using a disposable, pre-saturated magnetic head cleaning card. These
cards are readily obtainable from office supply distributors.
The reader exterior surface is covered with high strength polymer and polyester membrane. It may be
cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent if required.
13.Specifications:
The reader is for use in low voltage, class 2 circuits only.
Power: Voltage: 5 Volt Model: 5.8 Vdc (4.9 to 6.4 Vdc)
12 Volt Model: 12 Vdc (10.2 to 13.8 Vdc)
Current: 50 mA (25 mA typical)
Data output: data 1/data 0 or clock/data
Timing: clock/data: period 1 ms
setup/hold time 400 us, clock pulse width 200 us
typical
data 1/data 0: period, 3 ms for Wiegand data, 1 ms for mag stripe
data pulse width 50 us typical

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 5
LED input: 1-wire mode: input not driven: LEDs OFF
input > 3.5 Vdc: Red LED ON
input < 0.8 Vdc: Green LED ON
2-wire mode: input < 0.8 Vdc: Red LED ON
Buzzer/LED: 1-wire mode: input not driven or > 3.5Vdc: buzzer OFF
input < 0.8 Vdc: buzzer ON
2-wire mode: input < 0.8 Vdc: Green LED ON
Mechanical:
Dimension: 2.59" (66 mm) W x 1.30" (33 mm) H x 5.50" (140 mm) L
Weight: 11.3 oz. (320 g) nominal
Material: Case: die cast aluminum, mill finish with clear coat
Mounting bracket: stainless steel
Wall plate: 18 gauge CRS, powder coat: gray standard,
black optional
Weather shield: 16 gauge stainless steel
Card: 75 bpi, ANSI X4.16, Track 2 standard, Speed 3 to 50 ips
Read Head: 1,000,000 passes typical
Distance: 500' (152 m) with 18 AWG wires.
Environmental: Temperature: storage -55 to +85 °C
operating -40 to +75 °C
Humidity: 5 to 100% RHNC
14. Reader Mounting Dimensions:
1.00 [25]
DIMENSION: INCH [mm]
2.60 [66]
3.30 [84]
1.30 [33] 0.15 [4]
2X Ø.18 [4.5]
MOUNTING HOLE
Ø.75 [19]

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 6
Optional Single Gang Wall Plate - part# WP-10
Optional Double Gang Wall Plate - part# WP-
20
Fitting Rigid Conduit to Junction Box
Optional Weather Shield - part# WS-10
Warranty
Mercury Security warrants the product is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service with proper maintenance for two years from the date of factory shipment. Mercury Security assumes
no responsibility for products damaged by improper handling or installation. This warranty is limited to the repair
or replacement of the defective unit. There are no expressed warranties other than set forth herein. Mercury
Security does not make, nor intends, nor does it authorize any agent or representative to make any other
warranties, or implied warranties, and expressly excludes and disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose.
Returns must be accompanied by a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number obtained from customer
service, and prepaid postage and insurance.
Liability
The card readers should only be used to control exits from areas where an alternative method for exit is
available. This product is not intended for, nor is rated for operation in life-critical control applications. Mercury
Security is not liable under any circumstances for loss or damage caused by or partially caused by the
1/2" RIGID
1-GANG
CONDUIT
BOX
WALL STUD
2.25 [57]
4.20 [107]
WALL OPENING
FOR J-BOX
2X Ø .18 [4.5]
3.30 [84]
1.10 [28]
3.60 [91]
3.70 [94]
1.90 [48]
7.50 [190]
1.75 [44]
2.50 [64]

Mercury Security © 2014 BR20 DOC. 10107-0024 REV 2.02 Page 7
misapplication or malfunction of the product. Mercury Security’s liability does not extend beyond the purchase
price of the product.