Farpointe's New Vandal- and Bullet-resistant Contactless Card Readers Take a Hit

Farpointe Data, a DORMA Group Company, announced that its Guardian vandal-resistant and Gibraltar bullet-resistant contactless proximity card readers are ideal for installations where more durability is required than with a standard proximity reader. They are becoming big hits at schools, universities, correctional institutions, housing authorities, factories, hospitals and other locales where RFID proximity and smart card readers can take a beating.

"The quality, durability and reliability of Farpointe Data's Guardian and Gibraltar Series Readers translate into significant financial advantages," advised Scott Lindley, Farpointe Data president. "In situations that would damage conventional readers, rugged Guardian and Gibraltar Series readers keep performing. As a result, end users eliminate costly repairs or replacements and integrators avoid nuisance service calls. The bottom-line results are compelling, lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and greater return on investment (ROI) over the access control system's useful life."

Since there are many locations where standard housing is simply not enough for an RFID card reader, from standing up to a forklift in a factory, a student trying to tamper with a reader, a felon in a prison or a terrorist at a military base, the Farpointe line-up of Guardian vandal-resistant and Gibraltar bullet-resistant proximity card readers provides the protection needed to keep the access control system up and running.

In both types of hazard-resistant readers, protection is greatly enhanced because the electronics are sealed in weather-and tamper-resistant epoxy potting for both indoor and outdoor operations, not only providing an IP67 rating but protecting the electronics from water, steam, detergents, dust, sand, tools and other elements which could be used to impede data collection. In addition, the Guardian vandal-resistant readers are manufactured from thick polycarbonate material and ship standard with tamper-proof screws. An anti-tamper mode is also available, providing supervision of both the reader and its cabling.

Farpointe's Gibraltar bullet-resistant proximity card readers provide the highest level of vandal resistance by featuring a virtually indestructible exterior. In addition to all the features of the Guardian readers, the Gibraltar readers are milled from a solid block of stainless steel and reinforced with a bullet-resistant ShotBLOCKER insert that is compliant with UL752 performance level standards of ballistic protection.

"The Guardian and Gibraltar proximity card readers set the electronic security benchmark for durability in the 125-kHz proximity reader category," added Lindley. "They leverage proven contactless digital radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and interface with a wide range of electronic access control systems by complying with the Wiegand communication protocol. They offer value-added features such as MAXSecure and fleaPower and can be ordered to support several different 125 kHz proximity card and tag technologies, including those from Farpointe, HID and AWID. Additionally, Guardian readers can be ordered to support 13.56 MHz Delta contactless smart card technology."

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.