Frequently Asked Questions¶
General¶
What is DFACS?
DFACS (DragonFly Access Control System) is a door access control application that integrates with your gym management software. When a member scans their barcode, DFACS checks their membership status in real time and unlocks the door if they're active.
Does DFACS store member personal information?
No. DFACS never stores personally identifiable information (PII) locally. Member details are fetched from your gym management platform at scan time. Only barcode values and membership status flags are cached locally for offline operation.
What happens if the internet goes out?
DFACS automatically switches to offline mode using a locally cached member database. Members who were active at the last sync can still scan in. Check-ins are queued and sent to your gym platform when connectivity is restored.
Note: disabled or cancelled member cards cannot be used by simply cutting the internet — the system does not fall back to a stale offline database.
For clubs that need to stay fully online through internet outages, an optional LTE cellular failover add-on is available. Contact [email protected] for details.
What happens if the DFACS computer loses power?
The DragonFly hardware includes a true online UPS — the system stays live through most power outages and recovers automatically without manual intervention. After a full power loss, DFACS starts automatically when Windows boots. Your schedules, configuration, and member database are all preserved. There is a brief startup period (typically under 60 seconds) before the system is fully ready.
Can I run DFACS on multiple doors?
Each DFACS instance controls one relay (one door). For multiple doors, install DFACS on a separate device per door. Each device runs DFACS independently on its local network.
Hardware¶
Which barcode scanners are compatible?
The Barcode Reader is included with The Box and connects via the Orange Reader Cable — no separate configuration needed. Hitone Fitness scanners are also supported in continuous scan mode.
What relay hardware do I need?
The native hardware is the DragonFly relay controller, which supports full two-way communication. DFACS also works with ABC relay controllers and generic "dumb" relays. Contact DragonFly sales for hardware options.
Does DFACS work with magnetic locks?
Yes. Wire the magnetic lock to the relay's NO/COM terminals. The wet relay (built into The Box) is 12V only — use a dry contact relay with a separate 12V or 24V power supply for maglocks. Install a Schottky diode across the lock terminals to prevent voltage flyback damage.
Can DFACS track how many people are in my facility?
Yes, with optional RTE (Request-to-Exit) sensors. Install an RTE sensor at the exit and connect it to the DragonFly relay. DFACS will count entries and exits and show a real-time occupancy count on the dashboard.
Software & Integrations¶
Which gym management platforms are supported?
Glofox, Zenoti, Antaris, Paramount Acceptance, Fliip, and Standalone (CSV file). More integrations can be added — contact DragonFly for custom integration requests.
How often does DFACS sync with my gym software?
Full sync intervals vary by platform (typically every 15–60 minutes). Delta syncs (incremental updates) run more frequently. You can force a manual sync anytime from the dashboard.
A member's status changed in my gym software — how long until DFACS reflects it?
At most one sync interval. You can force an immediate sync from Dashboard → Status → Force Sync if you need the change to take effect right away.
Can I use DFACS without a gym management platform?
Yes. Standalone mode lets you manage access using a CSV file. You maintain a spreadsheet of barcode values and DFACS reads it on a scheduled interval.
Schedules & Access Control¶
Can I set different hours for different days?
Yes. Create separate schedules for each day pattern (e.g., one for weekdays, one for weekends). Each schedule specifies which days of the week it applies.
Can I override the schedule temporarily?
Yes. From the dashboard, you can manually unlock or lock the door. A manual lock holds for 1 minute before schedule control resumes. A manual unlock lasts for the configured unlock duration.
What happens when a valid member scans outside open hours?
If you have a schedule that locks the door outside business hours, the scan is denied with the reason OUTSIDE_SCHEDULE. The event is logged. Members can still be granted access by removing or pausing the schedule.
Security & Privacy¶
Is the dashboard password protected?
Yes. The configuration page requires a password. You should change the default password (admin) during initial setup.
Is communication between DFACS and the dashboard encrypted?
Yes. The dashboard uses HTTPS with a self-signed SSL certificate. Your browser may show a security warning on first access — this is normal for self-signed certificates.
Can someone bypass DFACS by tailgating?
The base system controls the electronic lock only — physical tailgating (one member letting another in) is outside DFACS's scope at the base tier. DragonFly's Premium tier includes facial authentication with true intent detection that distinguishes a real tailgate from an incidental crossing, and can flag events with video evidence. Contact [email protected] for details.
Does DragonFly store biometric data?
No. DragonFly does not store any biometric data. Facial measurements are stored as mathematical vectors with the hardware partner (who holds all relevant certifications) — not with DragonFly. The lidar sensor measures geometry only; it does not capture or store images of faces. Access still images are stored securely in AWS S3.
Can I suppress member PII in DFACS?
Yes. DFACS can be configured to log only the barcode value, omitting member names, emails, and membership numbers entirely.
How do I get pricing information?
Contact our sales team at [email protected].
Updates & Maintenance¶
How do I update DFACS?
Updates are provided directly by DragonFly support as an installer. The update process preserves your configuration and member database.
Do I need to back up anything?
DFACS stores its database in the install directory. Periodic backups of C:\Program Files\DFACS\database\ are recommended but not required — the member database is rebuilt from your gym platform on each full sync.
How do I restart DFACS?
Right-click the DragonFly tray icon → Exit, then relaunch DFACS.exe. Or restart the computer — DFACS starts automatically on boot.