Q: What happens if the battery dies on the core?
A: The core does require power to operate. However, if the battery is dead it can be changed from the outside without the need for power. The battery cover would be removed using the removal tool and a new battery installed. In addition to this, there are multiple ways to be notified of a low battery condition prior to this happening. First, the core will communicate its battery status to the software each time a mobile phone is used to access it. Alerts can be configured to notify of any low battery condition and an estimated "time until battery change" will be provided. Second, the core will have a local LED indication of low and critical battery levels to notify users at the core.
Q: Is the battery/core rechargeable?
A: No. The core uses a CR2477 battery which is a 3V coin cell that is non-rechargeable. The old battery should be properly disposed of after it is removed and a new one is installed. For an extended temperature range, a BR2477 battery can be substituted.
Q: Does the Core need to have the Set Time function run from the Admin tab in the app each time the battery is changed?
A: When a battery is removed for a change the RTC, Real Time Clock, inside the core will maintain itself for approximately 1 minute before full discharge. The Admin User may need to reset the RTC via the app by running the Set Time command if they take longer than approximately 1 minute to execute the battery change.
Q: What is the Bluetooth communication range on the core?
A: It can vary a little from phone to phone, but generally between 2 and 8 feet. This can be adjusted by an administrator per core to increase or decrease sensitivity.
Q: Why does the lock not automatically re-lock when I'm done using the core?
A: The BlueCore acts just like a mechanical key. What it does within the lock it is installed depends on how that mechanical lock works. The BlueCore can be used to lock or unlock a device and leave it in that state. Please consult the manual for your given lock for questions on how to operate it.
Q: Do I need to touch the core in any specific place to wake it up?
A: Generally you should be able to just touch the cap or grab the knob. The surface of the knob cap (finished area forward of the LED ring) is the touch surface. You may need to touch it for a short period for it to respond as it operates in a power-saving mode.
Q: Does the core need to be in Bluetooth range of the bridge?
A: No. The core will only directly communicate with the app or fob. The bridge is a connector/pass-thru device for access control data from an existing physical access control system (PACS). The bridge can be installed anywhere - even in a completely different geographic location from the core.
Q: Can I use my existing RFID cards with the core?
A: No. The core will only directly communicate with Switch Bluetooth credentials - either the app or the fob. There is no 125kHz or 13.56MHz compatibility whatsoever.
Q: Is there a limit on users per core?
A: No. Access data is stored on the credential. The core does not limit the number of users that can have access to it.
Q: Does the core know which side of the door the phone or fob is on?
A: No. If the core can reach the phone or fob it will communicate with it regardless of which side of the door it is on. This should be taken into consideration in how the functionality is set up. For some facilities or applications, you may want to restrict background mode. Remember these go in more applications than just doors.