Hardware Setup¶
DragonFly replaces scattered access control components with a single unified controller — The Box. Three connections and you're done.
The Box¶
The DragonFly controller consolidates everything into one unit: the relay, the power management, and the connection to DFACS. Fewer components means fewer failure points and simpler diagnostics when something goes wrong.
Installation is three steps:
- Mount the maglock to your door frame
- Mount your barcode scanner at the entry point
- Plug both into The Box
No complex wiring runs, no separate power supplies for each component, no specialized installation expertise required.
The Box connects to the DFACS device via USB and communicates over a serial protocol that gives DFACS full two-way visibility: lock state, door sensor status, time remaining on an unlock, and RTE sensor events — all in real time.
Supported Access Methods¶
| Method | Hardware Required |
|---|---|
| Barcode scan | USB or serial barcode scanner |
| Mobile (future) | Compatible reader |
| Facial recognition | Alcatraz Rock AI reader |
Relay Controller Options¶
If you're not using The Box, DFACS also supports these relay types:
ABC Relay¶
Compatible with ABC Financial access control hardware. Connect via USB. Configure relay type as ABC in DFACS.
"Dumb" Relay¶
A basic relay with no status feedback. DFACS sends open/close signals only — no state confirmation or door sensor support.
- Connect via USB-to-serial adapter
- Configure relay type as
Dumb - Manual COM port selection required
Barcode Scanners¶
USB HID Scanners (Recommended)¶
Plug-and-play USB scanners appear as keyboard devices — no drivers needed. Most standard handheld or desktop barcode scanners work out of the box.
Supported formats: Code 128, Code 39, QR Code, EAN-13, and most standard formats.
Configuration: No COM port needed. DFACS detects USB HID scanners automatically.
Serial Scanners¶
RS-232 serial scanners connect via a USB-to-serial adapter.
Configuration in DFACS:
- Scanner COM Port: the adapter's COM port (e.g.,
COM4) - Baud Rate: typically 9600 — check your scanner's manual
Hitone Fitness Scanners¶
Hitone scanners operate in continuous scan mode. DFACS includes built-in debouncing to prevent duplicate check-ins. No special configuration required.
RTE Sensors (Optional)¶
Request-to-Exit sensors detect when someone exits. Used for real-time occupancy tracking.
Connect the RTE sensor output to the RTE IN terminal on The Box or DragonFly relay.
Configuration: Enable RTE Count in Configuration → Hardware and set the RTE mode to match your sensor (NO or NC).
When enabled, DFACS tracks entries and exits and shows a live occupancy count on the dashboard.
Door Position Sensors (Optional)¶
Detects whether the door is physically open or closed. Useful for propped-door alerts.
Connect to the DPS IN terminal on The Box or DragonFly relay.
Configuration: Enable Door Position Sensing in Configuration → Hardware and set DPS mode (NO or NC).
Wiring Reference (DragonFly / The Box)¶
| Terminal | Connect To |
|---|---|
| NO | Door strike / maglock (positive) |
| COM | Power supply positive |
| GND | Power supply negative and lock negative |
| RTE IN | Request-to-Exit button (optional) |
| DPS IN | Door position sensor (optional) |
| USB | DFACS device |
Power Requirements¶
| Component | Voltage | Current |
|---|---|---|
| Door strike (typical) | 12V DC | 500mA–1A |
| Magnetic lock (typical) | 12V or 24V DC | 500mA–600mA |
| The Box / DragonFly relay | 5V (USB powered) | — |
Use a dedicated power supply for the lock — do not power it from the USB connection. The controller only switches the circuit; the lock needs its own power source.
Finding COM Ports¶
If DFACS doesn't auto-detect your hardware:
- On the DFACS device, open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager)
- Expand Ports (COM & LPT)
- Note the COM port for your device (e.g.,
COM3,COM7) - Enter that port in DFACS Configuration
Tip
Unplug one device at a time and watch which entry disappears in Device Manager to identify which port belongs to which device.
Troubleshooting Hardware¶
Relay doesn't respond:
- Check the COM port setting in Configuration
- Unplug and replug the USB cable
- Confirm the controller LED is on
- Check Device Manager for the COM port
Barcode scanner not reading:
- USB HID: unplug and replug, try a different USB port
- Serial: verify COM port and baud rate in Configuration
- Test in Notepad — scan a barcode; characters should appear
Door doesn't unlock after a valid scan:
- Confirm relay type matches your hardware
- Test manually: Dashboard → Status → Test Unlock
- Check lock wiring (NO vs NC terminal)
- Verify lock power supply voltage and current
Door position sensor shows wrong state:
- Swap NO/NC setting in Configuration → Hardware