The Maxcess Evaluation Kit gives locksmiths a free 30-day trial of everything necessary to develop proficiency with the Maxcess/CorKey mechanical magnetic lock. This kit from Maxcess Card Systems includes three code modules, 20 blank magnetic cards, blank and pre-punched code templates, three adaptor kits (to convert the code modules to operate various types of lock devices) and coding equipment, along with instruction manuals and two explanatory DVDs.
Maxcess Card Systems is the locksmith version of CorKey Control System’s products. Maxcess is sold to locksmiths as uncoded modules. The CorKey Systems are complete master-keyed projects and have been in use since the 1970s as written about in the Locksmith Ledger.
The Maxcess system is a mechanical magnetic card lock mechanism that uses specialized Maxcards, stainless steel-encased magnetic cards, coded to operate the Maxcess code modules without the need for batteries or wiring to a power supply.
Each 2-1/2” long by 1-1/2” wide Maxcard has a reinforced hole to accommodate a key ring. The Maxcards provide key control as these cards are only available to authorized dealers. Maxcess cards resist de-magnetization by external fields, yet can be erased and recoded as required. Maxcess Card Systems guarantees coded cards will accept and retain coding for 10 years.
Note: Maxcards can be personalized to indicate the locksmith shop, end user, etc., using specialized labels. Contact Maxcess Card Systems for more information.
The Maxcess Card Systems lock mechanism (see drawing) is contained within an approximately 2-1/4” diameter by 3/4” wide die cast housing (CK101A) that has two holes within the face.
The main internal parts consist of a spring biased protective magnetic steel shield plate (CK803) and non-magnetic steel cover plate (CK804) between which the Maxcard (not shown) is inserted. Adjacent to the cover plate are two non-magnetic lock plates with a pattern of holes (CK 805) and the core (CK136). The core contains an array of blind holes or wells in the same pattern as the lock plates. Some of these holes are loaded with strategically placed magnetic pin tumblers (CK107) positioned according to polarity. They are all attracted by the shield plate into the holes in the fixed lock plates and so lock the core against movement. Due to the cover plate, the pins cannot enter the card slot area.
When a properly coded Maxcard is inserted into the code module, the card reaches the first stop position at the bottom of the core. There, the magnetic “spots” impressed onto the card are aligned with the magnetic pin tumblers in the core. The magnetic strength of the “spots” is sufficient to move the magnetic pins out of the fixed lock plate holes to the unlocked position fully in the core holes. This creates a single shear line between the core and the locking plates. The core is released and the card can be further inserted, pushing the unlocked core to the operating position. There the attached locking mechanism can be operated by various connection means to the unlocked core. When no card or an incorrectly coded card is inserted into the code module, one or more of the magnetic pins remain in the locked position, preventing movement of the core and unlocking of the mechanism.
To resist rapping, all Maxcess core modules have locations for anti-rap magnetic pins. One area is on the opposite side of the core where a pin will extend out of its core hole to above a ledge on the fixed rear plate (CK810) if the housing is rapped. If the core is then able to be moved by an inserted card, the pin jams on the ledge and prevents further core movement. For additional optional protection against rapping, Maxcess developed the patented RIMAGNET. Within the special CMR-1 code modules is a brass sleeved magnet (CK107AR) located in one of the rotatable discs (CK151B). This pin is normally in a locking plate hole and, when rapped, can become jammed there and prevent unlocking of the core.
For the purpose of this article, a Maxcess Evaluation Kit was provided. The Maxcess cores in the three code modules were uncoded. This sample core contains 23 magnetic pin locations in the central section of the core and eight more locations, four in each of the two rotatable discs. The rotatable discs provide 16 possibilities beyond the master keying code pinned into the central area of each core. The Maxcess system can be coded for non-master keyed applications including keyed alike (KA) and keyed different (KD). The instructions in the kit explain how coding is done.
Maxcess recommends using a minimum of four or five magnets in a single non-master keyed lock. For higher security applications, Maxcess recommends using an additional pin. Maxcess recommends using equal numbers of the same polarities (50 percent North / 50 percent South). For example, code F1001 in the instruction book has six magnetic pins, three aligning North, polarity 6, 20, 36 and three aligning South, polarity 8, 14, 38.
Before pinning any code module, read the special notes and cautions.
When master keying a Maxcess system, there can be as few as one pin or as many as 15 or more pins. The number of pins is determined by the number of different master keyed code modules and the desired level of security.
For example, a six-pin master key system with pins A, B, C, D, E, F using only three pins in each code module can be used for master keying 20 different codes. A seven-pin master key system adding G can master key 35 different codes. Adding one pin to a system significantly increases the number of codes and the level of security. Security is increased by making it more difficult to manipulate the lock mechanism. The Maxcess system operates on the principle that the greater the number of spots on a magnetic card, the greater the number of different master keyed codes.
To simplify master keying these magnetic mechanical locks, a free software code generator is available to authorized dealers. The software will help to set up the Master Matrix pattern for the pins and their positioning for either North or South. It can be downloaded from www.Maxcess-card.com.
To code Maxcess cards and to pin the cores requires code templates to be prepared which determine the location and polarity of the magnetic spots on the cards and the magnetic pins in the core. Each template has two identical numbered code layouts, one for North and one for South. When coded, the templates have holes punched indicating the code locations. A punch is supplied in the kit. If a card and lock have the same code, the numbered side of the code template is used to code the card and the reverse side of the template is used to place the pins in the proper core holes. A magnetic pencil is provided to place each pin in its hole. The Maxcess Evaluation Kit contains both blank and coded templates. They are labeled for various applications that are described in the instruction book and in the three-hour DVD that is conveniently divided into 15 chapters.
Depending upon the pin’s magnetic strength, they should be strategically positioned within the core. When using full-strength pins, they should be placed with at least one empty hole between them. This reduces unwanted magnetic interactions. The full-strength magnetic pins are each about 500 Gauss on either end. Patented “Half Coded” pins are about 250 Gauss on one end and only 50 Gauss on the other. The stronger end is painted either red (South) or blue (North). Use of these pins is recommended for master keying systems where pins will be in close proximity in the core. The Half Coding process reduces interaction between adjacent pins. Full-strength pins have no identifying color on either end. Note: Full- strength magnetic pins must be used for pins installed into the anti-rap pin locations. Dealers will be able to convert Full Strength pins into Half Code for use in master-keyed systems. A tube of 30 Full Strength pins is included in the kit.
The Maxcess system provides a quick combination change capability should a card be lost or access into a lock need to be denied. There are three independent code areas in the code module. In addition to the magnet pins installed into the fixed location holes in the core, there are two rotatable discs. Each disc has four locations at which a magnet pin can be positioned. Since the discs can be independently rotated, there are 16 different sub-codes for the fixed location pin code. By simply rotating the disc pins to the different positions, the code of the lock can be changed 16 times.
The discs can be rotated without having to disassemble the code module. To change the location of a disc pin, use a special code change tool that has the four disc locations marked by color lines around its handle: red, white, blue and yellow. First, insert a re-key master card into the lock to unlock it. Then insert the code change tool into one of the two holes in the front of the lock housing. This will show the existing disc pin location (its “color code”) as well as change its location. Once the tool is seated, the disc color code is identified by the position of a color line, then the tool can rotate the disc to a different color code. When the color code has been changed, that code module can no longer be operated by the Maxcard that had only the previous color code.
A fifth disc position is used to create construction code during system installation. Afterwards, that disc is changed to one of the four color codes and the construction cards are locked out.
In master-keyed systems, it is usual to dedicate one disc and its four codes to deny entrance to change cards and the other four position disc to deny entrance to lost masters. If a high master is lost or stolen, the entire system consisting of hundreds of locks can be completely re-keyed in the time it takes to walk from lock to lock and change each color code without even opening a door. Better yet is the fact that not a single change card has to be recoded. Only the single missing master is replaced. Valid duplicate masters are recoded to the new color code without replacement. Maxcess will provide all authorized dealers with complete information on how this type of re-keying is accomplished.
The Maxcards are coded using a Stampen™ fixture and a coded template. The Stampen fixture contains two Stampens, one to code card spits for repelling North magnets and one for repelling South magnets.
To code a Maxcard, insert the card into the Stampen fixture in the center. Then insert a code template and locate it onto the two registration pins. Slide the Maxcard to either the North or South side of the code template. Remove the corresponding pen from the rear and press against the Maxcard through each of the punched template holes. Then slide the Maxcard to the other position. Repeat the procedure, using the corresponding pen. Only the South Stampen should be used in the South side, etc. Each card “spot” created by the pen is magnetic and able to repel the corresponding magnetic pin. Viewing film supplied in the kit makes magnetic card spots visible.
Once coded, adaptor kits are available to mount the code modules onto various mortise, cylindrical, and rim locks, padlocks, electrical switches and cabinet locks. Three adaptor kits are supplied in the kit: a mortise cylinder, a knob for Schlage “A” cylindrical locks and a wall-mounted card-operated electric switch.
Maxcess Card Systems comes with a one-year warranty for lock components and 10-year warranty for the Maxcards. What are the requirements for being a dealer? Purchase the “Maxcess Evaluation Kit” and after the 30-day free trial period, you automatically become a dealer. According to Maxcess Card Systems, the number of dealers will be limited in all areas.
For information, contact Maxcess Card Systems. telephone 800-713-4823, website www.Maxcess-card.com or E-mail [email protected].
