iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount Quick Start Installation Guide

iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount 

Quick Start 

Installation Guide 

Version C0 

Document Part Number UM-219 

August 2008 

OVERVIEW 

Topics 

This guide describes quick start installation information for the iSTAR Pro 4U Rack 

Mount, including: 

• How to wire Doors/Readers to RM ports. 

• How to wire Supervised Inputs and Dry Contact Relay Outputs. 

• How to wire Lock Power. 

• How to wire Mag Lock Power. 

• How to wire I/8 and R/8 bus modules. 

Features 

Software House® iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount is a standalone, rack-mountable access 

controller that houses all the necessary components to control up to 16 doors. The 

device manages power and wiring for access control systems by combining 24V/1A 

power per lock, separately protected and isolated lock outputs, and fire interlocks all 

within the enclosure. Combined with removable wire connectors that enable quick 

installation, the iSTAR Pro Rack Mount reduces the space requirements and costs 

associated with installing a panel on the wall. 

The rack design allows integrators to centrally install and monitor the panel in a 

standard depth, 4-post IT rack or a standard 2-post Telco rack, to save valuable wall 

space. This efficient design includes two-piece removable rear connectors for easy field 

wiring. 

iSTAR Rack Mount supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to simplify 

and expedite installation. For easy setup, this device also supports Domain Name 

1

Features 

Services (DNS), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), and Fully Qualified 

Domain Naming (FQDN), thus providing a comprehensive approach to network 

management. 

A front panel LCD displays real-time system diagnostics and optional raw card reads 

for quick troubleshooting. LED status lights indicate power, fire alarm, fan failure, and 

high temperature. With external diagnostics and status lights, integrators and IT staff 

can view and handle system duress without having to open the enclosure. These security 

features significantly reduce the risk of system downtime and, with remote web 

diagnostics, you can find and fix performance issues remotely from anywhere in your 

facility. 

Each unit has front and rear tamper switches to ensure that the controller is not accessed 

by unauthorized personnel. Security risks are significantly reduced with encrypted 

communications, protection against network intrusion, dual network paths, and optional 

dial-up secondary communications. iSTAR Pro Rack Mount is a highly secure network 

device trusted by IT organizations. 

NOTE 

The unit supports RM readers and RM-4, 4E modules only - no direct Wiegand 

heads. 

FEATURES 

• Interfaces to 4-post IT rack or standard 2-post Telco rack 

• Includes everything required to control up to 16 doors, in one enclosure 

• Patent-pending design allows fast field wiring using quick connects 

• Front panel LCD and LEDs for diagnostics and quick troubleshooting 

• Includes lock power (12/24V, selectable), and separately-protected outputs 

• Industrial handles and slide rails ensure easy installation 

• Hinged cover for easy access to GCM diagnostic port 

• Dual network LAN ports for redundant network connection 

• Fully compatible with C•CURE® 800/8000 and C•CURE 9000 

• Supports multiple cards per cardholder and multiple card formats including FIPS 

201 extended formats 

• RM input/output modules allow expansion of up to 128 inputs and 128 outputs 

• Unit can be clustered and integrated with other iSTAR Pro controllers 

• Firmware is flashable 

2

Features 

System Components 

The iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount hardware components consist of: 

Front Panel - With LCD to display the current status and for use when running 

diagnostics. Alarm Board provides Indicators for: 

 

 

 

 

Power 

Fire Alarm 

Fan Failure 

High Temp 

• Rear Connector Panel - Connectors for: 

 

 

 

 

8 or 16 door readers with Lock power 

16 or 32 Supervised Input connectors 

Two extra ports for I/8 and R/8 connections 

Fire Alarm input 

NOTE 

If you need to run additional wires through the rack enclosure, you can knock out 

the second LAN jack and use that opening for the cables – modem, battery 

connections, etc. 

• General Controller Module (GCM) – A general purpose board running Windows 

CE. The GCM has two PCMCIA slots for an internal modem, and/or a second 

network interface card and/or a compact flash card. There is a panel of NiMH 

batteries to retain the data memory in the event of a power failure. 

The iSTAR Pro GCM can interface with one or two ACM modules. 

• 1 or 2 Access Control Modules (ACM) – An access control board that 

communicates with the GCM and provides readers, outputs, and inputs. The iSTAR 

Pro can have up to two ACMs that control 16 doors and provide connectors for up to 

16 RM readers or RM modules. 

• Front Panel Alarm board - Drive front panel indicators. 

• 1 or 2 APD8F-UL - Lock Power Distribution Boards. 

• 1 or 2 CPS1000-UL/CSA - 12/24 VDC (for APD8F-UL Lock Power Boards) 

• 1 CPS1000-UL/CSA-12 VDC Power Supply (for GCM, ACMs, Alarm Board, Fan) 

• 1 - Toroidal Transformer (30V 625VA). 

3

Features 

iSTAR Pro 4U Rack 

Mount Cabinet 

Fan 

Rails 

LCD Display 

Alarm Panel 

FIGURE 1. iSTAR Pro Rack Mount Enclosure 

Rack Mount Size and 

Rack Requirements 

• 4U - 7" High 

• Standard 19" Wide 

• 29" Long to Shroud 

• 74 lbs Weight 

• A 32" Deep Server Rack is a Minimum Size Requirement. 

4

Features 

Mounting Instructions, 

4 Post IT Rack 

• Install Rack Rails to both sides of iSTAR Pro Rack enclosure. (Screws Provided) 

• Install Rack Rails to Server Rack. 

• Slide iSTAR Pro into Rack Rails on Server Rack 

• Attach iSTAR to Server Rack for added Security 

Mounting Instructions, 

2 Post Telco Rack 

The 4U Rack Mount can also be mounted in a 2 Post Telco style rack by using a 2 post 

conversion kit. 

• Install Rack Rails to both sides of iSTAR Pro Rack enclosure. (Screws Provided) 

• Install 2 post conversion kit 

• Install rack rails onto metal extensions of the conversion kit 

• Slide iSTAR Pro onto the rails of the conversion kit 

• Attach iSTAR to Server Rack for added Security 

Network Connection • Connect a CAT-5 or CAT-6 RJ45 cable to J4. Connect a straight through cable to a 

Switch or Hub. If unit is connected directly to the server use a crossover cable. 

• GCM LED2 indicates the Ethernet link signal and LED1 displays the Receive Data 

signal. 

5

Features 

iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount Layout 

FIGURE 2. 4U Rack Mount Layout 

6

Features 

Part Numbers 

TABLE 1. iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount Main Components 

Part Number 

Description 

STAR016-4URM 

STAR008-4URM 

4U iSTAR Pro Rack Mount, 16 reader with integral lock 

power, supports RM devices only (no direct Wiegand) 

4U iSTAR Pro Rack Mount, eight reader with integral lock 

power, supports RM devices only (no direct Wiegand) 

TABLE 2. Boards/Spares 

Tyco Part Number Mfg. p/n, if different Description 

0311-0068-01 iSTAR Pro GCM Board 

0311-0040-01 iSTAR Pro ACM Board 

4828-0025-01 Blue LCD 

DISP,LCD,16CX2L,BK-LT,BL,84X44 

5606-0068-01 AlarmSaf CPS1000-UL/CSA 12/24V Power Supply, 10A 

5606-0069-01 AlarmSaf APD8-BD 8-output Pwr. Dist. Board 

5610-0013 120/30 Toroidal Xfmr 

IB-100-B 

Front Alarm PCA 

7

Specifications 

SPECIFICATIONS 

Following are specifications for the iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount: 

TABLE 3. Physical Specifications 

Physical 

Dimensions (H x W x D) 

Space Requirements 

Environmental 

Weight 

Misc. Alarms 

Temperature Alarm 

18 x 48 x 74 cm 

(7 x 19 x 29 in) 

4U (standard rack units) 

0° to 50° C (32° to 122° F), 

5 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing 

34 kg (74 lbs) 

Fan failure, High temperature 

60° +/- 6°C, (140° +/- 10°F) 

TABLE 4. Electrical Specifications 

Electrical 

Power Requirements 

Power (Typical/Max/Min) 

Heat Dissipation (Typical) 

AC Input Circuit Breaker Rating 

UPS Operation 

Memory and RTC Backup 

Max Lock Power (Total Output) 

115 VAC, 60 Hz 

75W/300W/50W 

500 BTU/h 

5A 

Battery charging included, with optional 

17Ah batteries (5) provides nominal four hours 

backup time; 48 hour recharge time 

On-board rechargeable NimH batteries provide 

minimum 12 hours retention of RAM and RTC (Real 

Time Clock) 

16A 

Individual Lock Current Limit 2.5A 

Lock Relay Ratings 

250,000 cycles 

8


TABLE 5. Electrical Specifications 

Indicators and Switches 

LED for power, high temp, fire, fan 

failure 

LCD for diagnostics 

Notes 

Relay outupts are available for tie-in to spare 

inputs. 

See “GCM Diagnostic Display Selections” 

on page 37. 

TABLE 6. Communication to Doors 

Communication to 

Doors 

Communications Bus 

Communications Type 

Maximum Distance to Door 

RM bus, separate run to each door 

RS-485 half duplex, two-wire, plus optional two 

wires for reader power 

1,219 m (4,000 ft.) 

9


TABLE 7. Readers, Inputs, and Outputs 

Readers, Inputs, and 

Outputs 

Reader Ports 16 

Reader Support 

RM readers or RM reader modules 

Reader Technologies Supported • Multi-Technology 

• Proximity 

• Smart Card 

• Wiegand 

• Magnetic Stripe 

• HID iCLASS 

Supervised Inputs 

Outputs 

Output Protection 

Fire Alarm Interlock 

Tamper Switches 

32, double 1 K ohm resistors 

16, 1A nominal (max 2.5A) 

24 VDC lock power per output 

Class 2 power limited dry contact operation, 

selectable per output. 

Individually fused with 

resettable PTC fuses 

Per lock output, individually settable via 

jumpers 

Two, front and rear cover 

TABLE 8. Regulatory Specifications 

Regulatory 

Tested and certified by ETL per ANSUI/UL standard 294-2004 FCC Part 15 Class B. 

10

COMPONENTS/ 

CONNECTIONS 

Front Panel 

The front panel is shown in Figure 3. It provides the LCD panel for status and 

diagnostics. There are also indicators for: 

• Power 

• Fire Alarm 

• Fan Failure 

• High Temperature 

FIGURE 3. Front Panel 

11

Components/Connections 

Alarm Board 

The Alarm board is mounted just behind the alarm indicators. The layout of the Alarm 

board is shown in Figure 4. 

Fan Power Out 

+12VDC In 

Fire Alarm In 

(from rear panel) 

Supervision Resistors 

Alarm Outputs 

for Alarm outputs 

(connect to inputs on ACM, if desired) 

FIGURE 4. Alarm Board Layout 

Connect Front Panel Alarms to Inputs 

The Fire Alarm, Fan Failure, and Over Temperature alarms can be wired to ACM inputs 

and used to create events in the C•CURE system. The alarms are supervised as NC 

inputs on the Alarm board. 

Steps to monitor the alarms: 

1. Select unused inputs on an ACM. 

2. Remove the wires that go to the rear connection panel from the selected input 

connector. 

3. Wire each pair of pins on Alarm Board J1 to the selected input connector. 

4. Configure the inputs and events in the C•CURE system. 

12


Rear Connection Panel 

Power Input 

On/Off Switch 

Circuit Breaker 

2 RM Ports 

Network Connection 

16 Doors 

with Lock Power 

(8 per ACM) 

32 Inputs 

(16 per ACM) 

Fire Alarm (NO) 

FIGURE 5. Rear Connection Panel 

13


Top Row Rear Connectors 

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show details of the rear connectors. 

The door connectors provide +12 VDC, Data+, Data-, and GND for the RM-4 or RM- 

4E. Doors 1-8 are mapped to doors 1-8 of the first ACM. Doors 9-16 are mapped to 

doors 1-8 of the second ACM. 

The Lock outputs can be sourced with 24VDC or 12VDC for lock power or other output 

devices. The Lock outputs can also be set as Dry Contacts and used with external power 

for the locks or can be used as ordinary outputs. There is also a grounded pin to connect 

the shield of the cables. 

The inputs are ordinary Software House supervised inputs that can be wired as NO or 

NC. Each pair is wired to an input on the ACMs. Inputs 1-16 are mapped to inputs 1-16 

of the first ACM. Inputs 17-32 are mapped to inputs 1-16 of the second ACM. 

FIGURE 6. Top Row Rear Connectors - 4U RM Rack Mount ISTAR 

14


Bottom Row Rear Connectors 

Doors 9-16 and Inputs 21-32 are on the bottom connector. 

The Fire Alarm input (FA/NO) on the IN31-32 connector is a Normally Open (NO) dry 

connection. When the connection closes, it indicates an external Fire Alarm is active. If 

an APD8 jumper is set to position D, the lock power for that lock will be inhibited. See 

Figure 19 for more details. The Fire Alarm will also be indicated on the front panel and 

can be wired to an input and used to create an event in the C•CURE system. See page12. 

Tied to Door 8 

on ACM 1 

Tied to Door 16 

on ACM 2 

Set ACM S1-1 to OFF 

when RM8/16 are used 

FIGURE 7. Bottom Row Rear Connectors - 4U RM Rack Mount ISTAR 

Adding I/8 or R/8 Bus Modules 

It is possible to wire bus modules on the same lines as Doors 1-16, observing normal 

RS-485 termination rules. 

Another option is to use the RM BUS connector. The RM BUS connector has two RM 

Bus connections which can be used to wire I/8 and R/8 bus modules. 

RM 8 and DR 8 are connected to STAR1 on the first ACM. RM 16 and DR 16 are 

connected to STAR1 on the second ACM. 

15


If you want to use RM 8 or RM 16, set S1 position 1 to OFF (No Termination) on that 

ACM. See Figure 8. 

NOTE 

The total length of the half duplex RS-485 connection is 4000 feet. 

S1-1=ON 

S1-1=OFF 

FIGURE 8. RM Terminations 

16


After wiring the connections to the rear panel, use the shroud to protect the cables and 

provide enough of a service loop to allow the rack mount to be pulled out from the front. 

Strain relief 

fitting, 

attached to 

iSTAR to 

help prevent 

connectors 

from pulling 

loose. 

FIGURE 9. Wires from Rear of Rack Mount 

17


Power Supplies 

There are three power supplies included with the 4U Rack Mount iSTAR Pro. The 

supplies are all CPS-1000 units that provide 10 Amps each. For clarity, we will refer to 

them as units 1, 2, and 3. 

• Unit 1 - Factory set to +12 VDC. Do not change. This unit supplies the various logic 

boards. 

• Unit 2 - Set for + 24 VDC by default. Can be changed to +12 VDC. This unit 

supplies the APD8 for doors 9-16. The APD8 board for doors 9-16 is mounted on 

top, above the APD8 1-8 board. 

• Unit 3 - Factory set for + 24 VDC. Do not change. This unit supplies the APD8 for 

doors 1-8 and the Fire Alarm detection logic. The APD8 board for doors 1-8 is 

mounted on the bottom, below the APD8 9-16 board. 

+24 VDC 

for APD8 1-8 

+24 or +12 VDC 

for APD8 9-16 

+12 VDC Power for GCM, ACMs, 

Alarm Board and Fan 

3 

2 

1 

FIGURE 10. Power Supplies 

18


AC IN Indicator 

DC1 Output Voltage present 

Not Used 

30 VAC IN 

Voltage OUT 

+24 VDC or 

+12 VDC 

15 A Fuse 

Battery Charge 

OUT 

Not Used 

J1 

Do not change S1 

AC and DC 

Fault relays can 

be wired to ACM 

inputs. 

Jumpers J3, J1 

Both in = +12 VDC 

Both out = +24 VDC 

DC OUT Indicator 

Regulator output voltage 

within tolerance 

FIGURE 11. CPS-1000 Detail 

Battery Backup 

Usually the 4U iSTARs are mounted in racks with power from a Liebert UPS or similar 

device, so batteries are not needed. However, if needed, the three power supplies in the 

4U can also charge batteries. 

Connect the battery(s) as shown in Figure 12. Be sure to observe polarity. 

19


FIGURE 12. Battery Connections 

Backup Time 

To calculate the actual backup time you need to estimate the total current draw per 

power supply, and provide batteries attached to each power supply. 

Here is a rough worst case estimate: 

• Mag locks – draw 400mA all the time, so 8 locks x .40A = 3.2A 

• 17AHr batteries will give you about 5 hrs (17AHr/4A) at 3.2A. 

• So you’ll need one battery for 12V locks, and two batteries for 24V locks. 

Using 24V locks 

• Using 24 V locks, you would need 5 17AHr batteries for the whole unit – 2 for each 

of the two lock power supplies, and one for the board power supply (which is set to 

12V). 

• You need a battery shelf in the rack. 

Note – the CPS 1000 power supplies need 48 hours recharge time for 17AHr batteries. 

Power Supply Troubleshooting 

FIGURE 13. Power Supply Troubleshooting 

20


APD8 Boards 

AlarmSaf boards APD8 

Figure 14 shows how the power supply is wired to the APD8 board. 

FIGURE 14. AlarmSaf APD8 

The APD8 is an access control power distribution system providing eight relay 

controlled, individually protected outputs. The APD8 provides Class-2 power limited 

outputs via PTC protection. The board can be operated from 12V or 24V AC or DC and 

features independently programmable outputs, Fire Alarm Interface and visual status 

indication. 

• Eight outputs - each individually programmable for form-C dry contact, continuous 

output voltage, and FAI controlled 

• Eight inputs - each individually wired from ACM relay outputs 

• Fire Alarm Interface 

• Class-2 Power Limited outputs 

• Visual status indication 

• Input Activation (Red LED) 

• Control Voltage Present (Green LED) 

• FAI Status (Green LED OFF) 

• Removable field wiring terminal strips 

21


Input from ACM Relay 

CDX Jumpers for 

Output Mode 

DIP Switch set for Negative Trip 

Do not change 

Power Source 

is present 

Power Jumpers 

Do not change 

Door Outputs 

NO = Relay NO 

C = Relay Common 

NC = Relay NC 

COM = Voltage Common 

LED indicating 

Output is active 

LED indicating no 

F/A when lit 

Power IN 

FIGURE 15. APD8 Layout 

22


FIGURE 16. CDX Jumper 

TABLE 9. Troubleshooting 

Condition Possible Cause Solution 

No power on output(s) 

Output not dropping power 

on a FA input 

J1 and J2 set incorrectly 

No power input 

Zone Input in the wrong state 

Zone Output wired incorrectly 

Output Configuration Jumper set 

incorrectly 

Blown Fuse / Tripped PTC 

FACP Input active 

Other Problem 

Output Configuration Jumper set 

incorrectly 

FACP Input wired incorrectly 

Zone Output wired incorrectly 

Both jumpers should be in. 

Verify power is present on the power input terminals. 

If J1 and J2 are removed, BOTH power 

inputs must be powered. 

Verify the input is configured properly 

Verify the output is configured properly 

See Figure 16 

Verify output integrity and replace fuse, or 

remove output load to reset PTC. 

Verify that the FACP input is not activated. 

Contact AlarmSaf 

See Figure 16 

Verify the FACP Input configuration 

Verify the Zone Output wiring 

23


Interconnections 

Lock Varieties 

RM4 to Head End Wiring Instructions 

Reader Diagram 

1. Connect RM Power (Red) to pin 1 

2. Connect Data + (White) to pin 2 

3. Connect Data - (Green) to pin 3 

4. Connect RM GND (Black) to pin 4 

5. Connect the shield to pin 6 

Figure 17 shows the wiring connections for an RM reader connector. 

FIGURE 17. RM Door Snap-In Connector 

24


Lock Power Variations 

Normal Default Case (RM readers with wet sourced power) 

1. Verify the JPn jumper to be in the C position. 

2. Connect Lock+ to pin 9 

3. Connect Lock- to pin 10 

FIGURE 18. Sourced Lock Power 

25


Default Sourced Wet with F/A 

RM readers with sourced wet power gated by F/A 

1. Wire the NO Fire Alarm (F/A) to the rear connector panel. 

2. Verify the JPn jumper to be in the D position. 



When the F/A NO signal is true (shorted), all lock outputs that are in the D position will 

have the lock power inhibited. 

FIGURE 19. Lock Power - Fire Alarm Option 

26


Maglock 

RM Readers with Mag Locks 

Maglocks require a normally energized output. 

1. Verify the JPn jumper to be in the either the C or D position 

2. Move the wire from the NO pin to the NC pin 



It is also possible to accomplish the normally energized case by other means: 

• Move the NO wire on the ACM relay to the NC pin. 

• Program the output to be normally energized in the software of the C•CURE system 

FIGURE 20. Mag Lock 

27


Dry Contact 

RM Readers with dry power 

The dry contact method requires an external power supply 

1. Verify the JPn jumper to be in the either the X position 

2. Move the wire from the COM pin to the C pin 

3. Connect one side of the lock to pin 9. (Observe polarity) 

4. Connect one side of the power source to pin 10. (Observe polarity) 

5. Connect the other side of the power source to the other side of the lock. (Observe 

polarity) 

FIGURE 21. Dry Contact 

28


Fail Safe/Fail Secure 

The following two examples show an electric strike wired as both Fail Secure and Fail 

Safe. 

Fail Secure Wiring 

Fail Safe Wiring 

Use the C•CURE Administration application to configure the output as Normally 

Energized for the Fail Safe case. 

29

Cable Distances and Power 

CABLE DISTANCES 

AND POWER 

Following are maximum cable distances when supplying power to RM-4 and RM-4E 

Readers from the 4U Rack Mount. 

RM-4 Readers 

TABLE 10. Power for RM-4 

Power from 

Door 

Connectors to 

RM-4 

Wire Size 

Max cable 

distance (ft.) for 

RM-4 Only 

Max cable 


RM-4 with LCD 

Max cable 


RM-4 with LCD 

and Read Head 

24 AWG 690 390 300 

22 AWG 1095 620 470 

20 AWG 1740 985 740 

18 AWG 2765 1565 1200 

RM-4E Readers 

TABLE 11. Power for RM-4E 

Power from 

Door 

Connectors to 

RM-4E 

Wire Size 

Max cable 


RM-4E only 

Max cable 


RM-4E with LCD 

Max cable 


RM-4E with LCD 

and Read Head 

24 AWG 800 350 150 

22 AWG 1270 560 240 

20 AWG 2015 890 380 

18 AWG 3200 1410 600 

TABLE 12. Wire Size and Ohms Per Foot 

Wire Size 

Ohms per Foot 

24 AWG 0.02567 

22 AWG 0.01614 

20 AWG 0.01015 

18 AWG 0.00639 

30


Following are maximum cable distances when supplying power to I/8 and R/8 bus 

modules from the 4U Rack Mount.. 

I/8 - R/8 Bus Modules 

TABLE 13. Power for I/8 and R/8 

Power from RM 

Connectors to 

I/8 or R/8 Wire Size 

Max cable 


I/8 

Max cable 


R/8. (With all 8 

relays active) 

24 AWG 390 225 

22 AWG 620 350 

20 AWG 985 560 

18 AWG 1565 900 

31


Inputs 

Input Diagram 

Figure 22 shows the wiring diagram of an input connector 

FIGURE 22. Input Connector 

32


NO and NC Input 

Inputs 

The wiring of supervised inputs is shown in the next two figures. Note that the resistor 

network is different for NO and NC switches. 

Normally Open (NO) Wiring 

Normally Closed (NC) Wiring 

NOTE 

To comply with UL requirements, use shielded, minimum 22 AWG stranded, 

twisted pair cable for monitor points, DSMs, and REXs. Use Belden 9462 or 

equivalent. 

33


GCM Board 

GCM Module 

FIGURE 23. GCM Module 

34

GCM General Control Module 

GCM GENERAL 

CONTROL MODULE 

Figure 24 shows the GCM components described in this guide. 

FIGURE 24. CGM Control Module Layout 

35


Network Connection 

Connect a CAT 5 RJ45 cable to the primary LAN port on the rear of the unit.. If the 

other end of the cable is connected to a hub or switch, it must be straight through. If it is 

connected directly to a NIC card on the server, the cable must be a crossover. 

LED2 indicates the Ethernet Link signal and LED1 displays the Receive Data signal. 

Dual Network Connection 

If a dual network connection is required, perform the following steps: 

1. Install a STAR-PCC-NIC card in one of the PCMCIA slots. 

2. Run a straight through CAT-5 RJ-45 patch cable from the inside of the second RJ-45 

connector to the PCMCIA card. 

3. Connect both RJ-45 connectors on the rear panel to network connections. 

LEDs 

LED4 – indicates power and shines through an opening in the door. 

LED2 – displays the Ethernet Link signal on P6. 

LED1 – displays the Receive Data signal on P6. 

LCD Panel 

The LCD panel will display various status information, such as the connection status to 

the host, and various diagnostic functions. 

If the LCD panel is difficult to read, adjust the contrast using the potentiometer at the 

upper right section of the GCM. 

36


GCM Diagnostic Display Selections 

S4 - Diagnostic Features and Status Messages 

S4 positions 5 through 8: 

• Activate status messages (with ICU Block on or off) 

• Activate diagnostic tests for troubleshooting 

• Disable DIMM slot memory burst mode 

TABLE 14. S4 Switch Settings for Diagnostic and Status Messages 

S4 Switch Setting 

Description 

S4-5 S4-6 S4-7 S4-8 

Off Off Off Off ICU Block Off (Read/Write/Update) - Display General Messages 

On On On On ICU Block On (Read only) - Display General Messages 

Off Off Off On Display card data from last card read (slow mode). 

Off On Off On Display card data from last card read (fast mode). 

Off Off On Off Display supervised input changes, 2 second LCD display. 

Off On On Off Display supervised input changes, 1 second LCD display. 

Off Off On On Manual output test (including readers and R/8 boards). 

Off On Off Off Automatic ACM output test (does not include readers and R/8 boards). 

Off On On On Automatic ACM output test (including readers and R/8 boards). 

On Off Off Off Test Ethernet/PCMCIA ports and devices. 

On On Off Off Test DIMM memory 

On Off Off On Test battery charger. 

On Off On On Disable DIMM slot memory burst mode. You must disable burst mode 

if you are not using a supported DIMM and cannot boot the iSTAR Pro or 

you are receiving boot errors. After disabling burst mode, the iSTAR Pro 

will boot normally. 

After booting the iSTAR Pro, you can set S4-5 through S4-8 to other 

positions as needed. If the memory does not work in burst mode, disable 

burst mode when you boot the iSTAR Pro. 

37


S4 Restricted Switches 

S4 positions 1 through 4: 

• Are reserved for iSTAR Pro features 

• Activate diagnostic or repair operations for use by Technical Support 

representatives. 

TABLE 15. S4 Restricted Switches 

Switch Setting 

Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 

Description 

On On or Off On or Off On or Off Reserved. Do not set position 1 to Off unless specifically 

instructed to do so by Customer Support. 

Off Off Off Off Normal operation. 

Off On Off Off Clears on board DIMM memory and data on flash memory. 

Note: 

This switch resets the iSTAR Pro to the factory 

default. You must reconfigure the IP address and 

identity parameters if you use these settings. 

Off Off On Off Reserved. Do not use these combinations. 

Off Off On On 

Off On Off On 

Off On On Off 

Off On On On 

Off Off Off On Causes iSTAR Pro to reboot using the boot image instead of 

the main image. 

MAC Address 

When configuring an iSTAR Controller, it is necessary to supply the MAC address of 

the NIC card that is connected. 

The MAC address for the on-board 10BaseT NIC is displayed on a sticker just left of 

the Power LED. 

If a PCMCIA NIC card is used, the MAC address will be provided by the manufacturer. 

38


GCM Batteries 

Use NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries - AA size..Minimum 2400 milli-amp 

hours. 

Software House recommends that you replace the NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) AA 

size batteries yearly. 

Caution: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of 

used batteries according to the instructions. 

iSTAR Pro batteries are packaged separately and should be installed in the battery 

backup sockets at the bottom of the GCM. 

The unit is stored and shipped with the batteries disconnected so they will not be 

drained while in storage. Connect the batteries as shown in the GCM diagram that 

follows. If the batteries are installed with the power off, the reset switch (S5) must be 

pressed after power is applied. 

It is acceptable to install the batteries with the power on. However, if the batteries are 

installed with the power on, you do not need to press the reset switch. 

NOTE 

The batteries provide power to retain the volatile memory (clearances, activity, 

etc.) data in the event of a power failure. The batteries do not supply enough 

power for iSTAR Pro normal operations. 

Diagnostic Session 

A diagnostic session can be run either through ICU or with a terminal session through 

P5. Turn on the diagnostic information settings using either ICU or the HTTP 

connection to the iSTAR Pro. 

NOTE 

The diagnostic information causes overhead and should not be activated during 

normal operation. 

1. Connect P5 to a COM port on a PC. 

Use a straight through DB9F to DB9F cable. 

2. Set the COM port to 115,200 baud, 8 data bits, None, 1 stop bit, Hardware Flow 

Control. 

3. Start a terminal session using an emulator such as HyperTerminal. 

Dip Switches • DIP Switch S2 is factory set for RS232 on P6. Do Not Change. 

• DIP Switch S1 is factory set for RS232 on P6. Do Not Change. 

• DIP Switch S4 is used to control diagnostics, clear memory, and to display card 

reads in hexadecimal. 

To display card reads in hexadecimal on the LCD panel, set switch 4-8 On. The data that 

is displayed is left-justified. There may be some unused bits on the right side of the 

display. 

39


The Reset Switch, S5, will cause the GCM computer to reboot. Pressing S5 will also 

clear memory, including configured readers, inputs and outputs. As long as there is a 

connection to the host, these objects will immediately be downloaded to the iSTAR Pro 

memory. 

If switch S4-2 is on when S5 is pressed, the unit will be reset to factory default. This 

means that all of the connection data, such as the IP address will be cleared in addition 

to the memory. In this case the unit will have to be totally configured again using 

ICU.exe. 

40

ACM - Access Control Module(s) 

ACM - ACCESS 

CONTROL 

MODULE(S) 

The ACM (Access Control Module) provides the Readers, Inputs and Outputs that are 

used in access control. An iSTAR Pro can contain either one or two ACMs. 

ACM Module 

FIGURE 25. Photograph of iSTAR Pro ACM 

FIGURE 26. ACM Access Control Module Layout 

41


RM4 Readers 

Either Wiegand signaling or Magnetic signaling read heads are connected to RM-4s or 

RM-4Es. The RM-4 or RM-4E readers are interfaced through the rear connector panel. 

The signals are wired internally to the STAR1 through STAR8 connectors on the ACM. 

Pin 1 for each connector is shown in the preceding diagram. It is important that the ports 

are wired as follows: 

TABLE 16. Pin Signals and Colors 

STARx Pin Signal Color 

1 +12 VDC Red 

2 Tx+ / Rx+ White 

3 Tx- / Rx- Green 

4 GND Black 

The STARn connectors are not keyed so it is possible to reverse the signals. If the 

ground connector (pin 4) is connected to +12 VDC (pin 1), damage to the power supply 

or the RM could result. 

The reader number is determined by a hexadecimal switch on the RM, not by the Port 

into which the reader is plugged. To enable the correct reader number, set the 

appropriate S2-n hexadecimal switch ON. For example, S2-1 is for reader 1, S2-2 is for 

reader 2, etc. 

S4 is used to terminate the two wire, half duplex RS485 signals at the iSTAR. Note that 

the S4 switch is mounted upside down in the normal front view. This is done so that 

switch 1 is on the right and switch 8 is on the left, and the switches have the same 

orientation as the ports. 

NOTE 

The rear connector doors are wired numerically in reverse. Door1 is wired to 

STAR8 and Door2 is wired to STAR7, etc. The actual reader number is defined by 

the Hex switch in the RM module. 

42


LEDs 

TABLE 17. ACM LEDs 

LED 

DS3 

DS1 

DS2 

DS4 - DS11 

Function 

Indicates power to the ACM. 

Indicates Rx on the RS485 half duplex reader bus. 

Indicates Tx on the RS485 half duplex reader bus. 

Displays the eight outputs on the ACM. 

NOTE 

DS1 and DS2 should be on solid. If they are blinking, it indicates that something 

(e.g., Reader, I/8, R/8, etc.) is configured in the software but is not seen by the 

hardware. This may or not be a hardware failure, depending on the intent of the 

technician. (i.e., It is possible to configure hardware before actually installing it.) 

If DS1 and DS2 are blinking, it causes some overhead to the iSTAR. 

Switches 

TABLE 18. ACM Switch Functions 

Switch Function Description 

S5 Reset Switch Resets the iSTAR ACM 

S2 

S4 

S3 

Enable Wiegand 

Ports 

Terminate the RM 

RS485 Ports 

(STAR1-STAR8) 

LED and Beep 

Control 

Do Not Use 

These switches default to ON and generally 

should not be changed. Setting the switch to 

OFF places the STARn port in the middle of 

the RS485 chain, which allows the technician 

to connect two sections of a reader bus to this 

point. In this case, termination must be 

provided at the end of each of those 

connections, but not at the STARn connector. 

See Figure 8 on page 16. 

Do Not Use 

43


RM Led and Beep Control 

This next section is included to indicate Led and Beep control by the RM Readers, and 

the RM-4 and RM-4E modules. 

2 Wire (Red and Green) 

There are two instances of External Bi-color; two wire and one wire. With two wire, the 

Red and Green LED drives are wired as shown in Figure 27 

FIGURE 27. External Bi-color (2 wire) 

44


1 Wire (Yellow) 

With one wire, the Yellow drive is wired as shown in Figure 28 

FIGURE 28. External Bi-color (1 wire) 

The Yellow LED drive gets inverted in the read head resulting in a Red LED when the 

signal is low and a Green LED when the signal is high. If the Yellow LED drive is 

oscillating, the Red and Green LEDs will oscillate and it will appear to the human eye 

that the LED is Yellow. The iSTAR Pro will oscillate the Yellow drive at 1 KHz when a 

Yellow LED display is required. 

45


3 Wire (Red, Green, Yellow) 

In this case, the Red, Green, and Yellow LED drives are wired to its associated LED of 

the same color as shown in Figure 29. 

FIGURE 29. Three wire LED control 

46


In this case, a single LED drive (Red or Green or Yellow) is wired with varying results 

as shown in Figure 30. 

Three Wire LED Control mode is typically used for older read heads that have a single 

LED that is either On, Off, or flashing. 

One Wire (A, B, C) 

FIGURE 30. One Wire (A,B,C) LED control 

47


Dialup Connection 

It is unlikely that a dialup or serial RAS connection is required for a Rack Mount 

iSTAR, but the instructions follow: 

1. Connect P6 to the iSTAR modem as shown in Table 19. 

TABLE 19. DB25-to-P6 Pin Connections 

Modem 

DB25 Pin 

Modem DB25 Signal 

iSTAR 

P6 Pin 

iSTAR P6 Signal 

2 Tx 1 Tx 

4 RTS 2 RTS 

5 CTS 3 CTS 

3 Rx 4 Rx 

7 GND 5 GND 

2. Connect the host modem to a COM Port. 

3. Set the COM Port to 57,600 baud, 8, None, 1, Hardware Flow Control. 

4. Configure the RAS login information using ICU.exe 

5. Configure the C•CURE 800 Server to accept RAS connections. 

6. Configure the controller and cluster using ICU and the C•CURE 800. 

Serial Connection 1. Connect P6 to the Server COM Port as shown in Table 20. 

TABLE 20. DB9-to-P6 Pin Connections 

COM Port 

DB9 Pin 

COM Port DB9 Signal 

iSTAR 

P6 Pin 

iSTAR P6 Signal 

2 Rx 1 Tx 

8 CTS 2 RTS 

7 and 1 RTS and CD 3 CTS 

3 Tx 4 Rx 

5 GND 5 GND 

2. Set the COM Port to 57,600 baud, 8, None, 1, Hardware Flow Control. 

3. Configure the RAS login information using ICU.exe 

4. Configure the C•CURE 800 Server to accept RAS connections. 

5. Configure the controller and cluster using ICU and the C•CURE 800. 

48


C•CURE® and Software House® are registered trademarks of Tyco 

International Ltd. and its Respective Companies. 

Certain Product names mentioned herein may be trade names and/or registered 

trademarks of other companies. Information about other products furnished by 

Software House is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility is 

assumed by Software House for the use of these products, or for an 

infringement of rights of the other companies that may result from their use. 

iSTAR Rack Mount 4U Quick Start Installation Guide 

Document Number: UM-219 

Revision: C0 

Release Date: August 2008 

This manual is proprietary information of Software House. Unauthorized 

reproduction of any portion of this manual is prohibited. The material in this 

manual is for information purposes only. It is subject to change without notice. 

Software House assumes no responsibility for incorrect information this 

manual may contain. 

Copyright © 2008 by Tyco International Ltd. and its Respective Companies. 

All Rights Reserved. 

49

iSTAR Pro 4U Rack Mount Quick Start Installation Guide

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?