EC305 Ethernet Time Clock

Overview

See the new biometric ethernet clock: EC305-FP

The EC305/EC305-FP Ethernet Time Clock is a low cost data collection device that communicates over a 10/100BaseT network using TCP/IP protocol. It captures employee records with a time & date stamp and stores them locally until downloaded by a host computer. The time clock can be periodically synchronized with a host computer over the network using SNTP protocol or Telnet commands. The operator interface consists of an LCD display and membrane switch keypad with additional input options for barcode, magstripe, RFID card, and RS232 serial.

Custom prompts and validation logic can be uploaded into the clock. The time clock can also be configured to trigger alarms at certain times of the day. Up to four (4) optional relay outputs can be provided to control external devices. The EC305FP also provides biometric validation using a fingerprint reader. The WEC305/WEC305FP are wireless versions of the EC305/EC305FP which can communicate with a standard wireless access point.

Enhancements

The EC305/EC305FP is a complete redesign of the older EC205 time clock using newer technology and supporting additional features. Some of the significant enhancements include (but are not limited to):

Reduced power consumption
Increased communications speed (10/100Mb)
Simple configuration with special AID protocol
Password protection for network communications
New web browser interface for configuration

More data storage memory
Additional commands for more control
Improved fingerprint reader technology (EC305FP)
Optional Power Over Ethernet (POE)
Optional wireless Ethernet (802.11b/g)
Lower Price Point

Possible Applications for the EC305 Time Clock include:

Access Control
Attendance tracking
Employee tracking
Employee attendance tracking
Labor tracking
Labour tracking
Membership tracking
Member tracking
Employee access

Member Access
Member attendance
Membership attendance
member attendance tracking
Membership attendance tracking
Student access
Student attendance
Student attendance tracking
Student tracking

Theory of Operation

The EC305/EC305FP time clock is programmed to operate as a data collection device and configured for a time and attendance application. A configuration file (DCC.CFG) provides the prompt logic and validation information. The default prompting logic can be modified by uploading a new configuration file into the clock (see Prompt Logic). Operator responses are stored in a data file (DCC.DAT) in the clock until downloaded by a host computer. Once the data has been downloaded it is erased from the clock memory. Because of the extreme flexibility of the configuration file the time clock can be used for many applications in addition to time and attendance.

The EC305/EC305FP includes an LCD display and a numeric keypad as the primary operator interface console. In addition, the clock may include barcode, magstripe, or RFID card reader input. The serial port can also be used for input from a serial RS-232 device if required. Optional digital inputs with counters and/or relay control outputs can be provided.

Click here for an interactive view of the EC305 operator Interface

Display

The EC305/EC305FP display is a two (2) line by twenty four (24) column LCD character display. It can display the 96 standard ASCII characters and 96 non-standard symbols in a 5 x 7 dot matrix font. The cursor position is identified by a blinking box and can be positioned under software control. Display backlighting is available as an option for low light installations.

Keypad

The EC305/EC305FP operator keyboard consists of a four (4) row by six (6) column membrane switch keypad. Each key generates an ASCII character or special function. Eight (8) functions keys (“F1” – “F8”) are provided which can be used to select a specific prompt sequence. Two (2) shift keys (“S1” & “S2”) are provided to generate upper case alpha characters, several special characters and to perform special functions. The keypad is covered by a graphic overlay which allows the function key legends to be changed by inserting a new graphic between the overlay and membrane switch array.

The EC305/EC305FP time clock connects directly to a standard 10/100BaseT Ethernet hub or switch. Network communication is provided by standard TCP/IP protocol. Each clock requires a network address and must be configured with a unique IP address and net mask BEFORE it is installed on the network (see Network Configuration Mode). File transfer is provided by TFTP protocol and the Telnet protocol is provided to support the command mode.

TFTP Data Transfer

The EC305/EC305FP memory stores data in memory files which can be transferred over the network using a TFTP client program on a host computer. All file names must comply with the 8.3 file name format and do not require a file path. Captured data is stored in the data file (DCC.DAT) and can be downloaded to the host computer. It will be automatically deleted from the clock unless the NOCLEAR flag (see Command Table) is set. A configuration file (DCC.CFG) defines the operation of the time clock prompt and capture logic. It can be replaced by uploading a new version to the clock allowing the prompts and validation logic to be changed (see Prompt Logic) as desired. If the configuration specifies one or more validation files they can also be uploaded to the clock using the TFTP protocol.

Telnet Command Mode

The EC305/EC305FP includes a command mode which can be accessed over the network with a standard Telnet client. If the PASSWORDTEL parameter (see Command Table) is set this mode will be disabled until the valid password is entered. Once a Telnet connection is established the host client can send commands to and receive responses from the time clock. These commands can be used to set the time & date, change operating & configuration parameters, or retrieve status information. The connection will be automatically closed after a period of inactivity defined by the WATCHDOG parameter.

All Telnet commands consist of a simple ASCII text string format. Most commands return a value and simply consist of the command name followed by an Enter (<CR> code). For example, to retrieve the current clock TIME value:

TIME <CR>

Some commands can also be used to change a parameter value. In this case, the command name is followed by the “=” character followed by the new value. For example, to set the TIME to 02:30pm use:

TIME =14:30 <CR>

The Software Command Table provides a list of all valid commands. In addition to this list, all of the Network, Serial, and Wireless configuration parameters are available as commands.

Serial Command Mode

The Telnet commands can also be executed through the RS-232 serial port using the Serial Command mode. This feature allows a terminal or a computer running a terminal program (i.e. HyperTerminal) to connect directly to the EC305/EC305FP serial port and execute the Telnet commands. The Serial command mode is NOT password protected. This mode is enabled by sending three (3) consecutive <SYN> (0x16) characters (control V) to the serial port. The clock will respond with the “Configuration” message and all of the Telnet commands can be executed. Each ASCII character received at the serial port will be echoed to the sending device. Sending a single <CAN> (0x18) code (control X) to the serial port will disable the Serial Command mode and return the port to it’s normal function.

Web Browser Mode

The EC305/EC305FP includes a simple web browser interface which can be used to access configuration parameters and some features. Although not as comprehensive in scope as the Telnet Command interface it does provide easy access to the most common features.

To access the EC305/EC305FP with a browser point the browser to the device IP address with http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx to open the connection. The home page will be displayed showing the model number, current time & date, and the firmware version number. If the PASSWORDTCP parameter (see Command Table) has been set it will be required to allow access to the configuration page. The configuration page will provide a set of buttons used to access the various functions and configuration parameters of the device.

AID Protocol

The AID Protocol is a proprietary mechanism designed to identify and configure Ethernet devices manufactured by Computerwise, Inc. It provides a simple method to configure the device network parameters with out the need of a keypad/display console or serial port. This allows an AID enabled Ethernet device to be initially configured by simply connecting it to the local network and running a special AID client on a host computer. The ET200UP utility program includes an AID client function.

Power Supply

The EC305/EC305FP is powered by a 12Vdc power adapter that plugs directly into a 120vac receptacle. Typical power consumption is less than 6 watts. Attaching optional input devices (laser scanners, card readers, etc.) can increase the power consumption slightly. An alternate universal power supply is available for international and 220vac applications.

Ethernet 10BaseT Jack (RJ-45)

Pin #	Ethernet Signal	Description
1	XXT+	Transmit Data +
2	XXT-	Transmit Data –
3	XRC+	Receive Data +
4	NC
5	NC
6	XRC-	Receive Data –
7	NC
8	NC

Bar-code Scanner Input

Pin #	Bar-code Signal
1	+5 Volts
2	Bar-code Data
3	Ground
4	NC
5	NC

Aux serial port (DB9M, DTE configuration)

Pin #	RS-232 Signal	Description	Direction
1	DCD	Data Carrier Detect	Input
2	RXD	Receive Data	Input
3	TXD	Transmit Data	Output
4	DTR	Data Terminal Ready	Output
5	SG	Ground	Common
6	DSR	Data Set Ready	Input
7	RTS	Request To Send	Output
8	CTS	Clear To Send	Input
9	RI	Ring Indicator	Input

Bar-Code Input

The bar-code decoder input option allows one (1) or two (2) bar-code input devices to be interfaced to the EC205 clock. Typically, the EC205 is packaged in a wall mount enclosure which includes an integral slot reader. Decoded input is treated just like keyboard entered data and includes an automatic Enter (<CR>) code. The decoder will automatically discriminate and decode Code 39, Code 128, Interleave 2/5, Codabar, and UPC/EAN symbologies. Available input scanning devices include wands, slot readers, and wand emulating CCD or laser scanners.

Mag-Stripe Input

The mag-stripe decoder input option allows either a single or dual track magnetic card reader to be interfaced to the EC205. The input is treated just like keyboard entered data.

Aux Serial Input/Output

The auxiliary serial port option allows an additional RS-232 device to be connected to the terminal. Input to the aux serial port is treated similar to keyboard entered data and can be used to attach a serial bar-code scanner, scale, or similar input device. Access to the aux serial port is provided by a DB9M connector configured as a DTE device.

Relay Output

The EC205 can be quipped with up to four (4) solid state relay (SSR) outputs. These outputs can be triggered by a valid operator response to a prompt or an alarm event. Each relay has a single “form A” contact rated at 10va (100vdc, 100ma.) maximum. If larger loads must be controlled an external relay is required.

Dimensions

Bench-top Model – 175mm wide by 155mm depth by 43mm height
Wall-mount Model – 220mm wide by 225mm height by 92mm depth
NEMA Rated Model – 225mm wide by 292mm height by 112mm depth

Weights

Desk-top Model- 1.14 Kg. (2.5 Lbs.)
Wall-mount Model – 1.82 Kg. (4 Lbs.)
NEMA Rated Model – 4.02 Kg. (8.8 Lbs.)

Power Consumption

Standard Unit – 1.5W avg. / 2W max.

Temperature Ranges

Operating – 0C to 60C (32F to 120F)
Storage Temperature – -30C to 70C (-4F to 158F)

Options

Aux Serial Port Input/Output (RS-232)
Bar-code decoder interface (single or dual)
Magnetic stripe card reader interface (Trk 1 and/or Trk 2)
Digital Inputs (4) with Counters
Relay control outputs (2 or 4)
Wall Mount Enclosure (w/ or wo/ integral slot reader)
Panel Mounting Bezel
NEMA Rated Industrial Enclosure
Time and Attendance for Windows (TAW32)