7. b) FA-900 GatePilot™ Autonomous Vehicle Access Control System – Up to 50 ft / 15 m

FA-900 GatePilot™ Managed Autonomous Vehicle Access

The FA-900 GatePilot™ is designed for vehicle entrances where the customer wants the reliability of a standalone access reader together with convenient Windows-based management of credentials, reader settings, event history and reports.

The reader can be configured over TCP/IP from the included GatePilot™ Management Software. Authorized credentials and operating data are stored locally in the FA-900 controller. After configuration, a continuously connected computer is not required for normal gate operation.

When an authorized UHF RFID credential enters the configured reading zone, the FA-900 validates the credential locally and activates the selected relay output to send an opening command to a compatible gate operator, barrier arm, garage-door operator or access-control input.

System Overview

Configure. Disconnect. Keep Running.

FA-900 GatePilot™ vs. F-930 Ready-to-Use Standalone System

Both systems can provide long-range autonomous vehicle access. The key difference is how easily the autonomous credential database, event information and reader settings can be managed.

View the F-930 Ready-to-Use Vehicle Access Control System

GatePilot™ Management Software Included

The included Windows software communicates with the FA-900 over TCP/IP and provides a convenient administrative interface without making the computer part of the normal gate-opening decision path.

How the FA-900 GatePilot™ Vehicle Access System Works

1. An authorized UHF RFID vehicle credential approaches the configured reading zone.
2. The FA-900 reads the credential using its integrated 12 dBi circularly polarized antenna.
3. The embedded controller compares the credential with authorization information stored locally in the FA-900 database.
4. If the credential is authorized, the configured relay output changes state and sends an access command to the connected gate, barrier or compatible access input.
5. The access event is stored for later review and reporting through GatePilot™ Management Software.
6. The Windows PC can be disconnected; normal local authorization and gate control continue autonomously.

Long-Range Reading Zone and RF Power Adjustment

The FA-900 provides an adjustable UHF RFID reading distance of up to approximately 50 ft / 15 m. Actual distance depends on the credential, windshield construction, credential orientation, reader angle, vehicle position, RF environment and surrounding structures.

RF output is adjustable from 0–33 dBm. The maximum setting should not automatically be used at every site. The reading field should be tuned to the actual vehicle approach and gate location.

12 dBi Circularly Polarized Antenna

The integrated 12 dBi circularly polarized antenna supports reliable vehicle credential identification across varying tag orientations and installation conditions. Correct credential placement and reader alignment remain important for consistent performance.

Multiple Readers and Frequency-Offset Anti-Interference

For installations with readers operating near one another, supported reader-frequency settings can be slightly offset to help reduce mutual interference between adjacent devices.

This is particularly useful for separate entry and exit lanes, neighboring parking lanes and facilities with multiple controlled vehicle entrances.

GPI and Ground-Loop / Trigger Integration

The FA-900 provides GPI inputs that can be used with compatible external trigger devices, including a vehicle-presence or ground-loop detector where the installation requires reader activity or access logic to respond to a separate trigger input.

The loop detector or other trigger hardware is a separate system component and must be selected and installed according to the gate or parking application.

System Interfaces

Typical Vehicle Access Applications

• Residential and HOA vehicle access
• Apartment and condominium parking entrances
• Commercial parking gates and garage entrances
• Gated communities and private roads
• Employee and tenant vehicle access
• Fleet yards and industrial entrances
• Storage and RV facilities
• Warehouse and logistics vehicle gates
• Private and unattended vehicle entrances

Installation and Vehicle-Lane Planning

Physical installation requires reader mounting, alignment, low-voltage wiring, network setup when management access is required, and connection to the controlled gate, barrier or compatible access equipment.

Installation should be completed by a qualified gate, access-control, parking, low-voltage or electrical installer.

• Measure the distance from the planned reader position to the expected credential path.
• Identify every independently controlled entry, exit, lane, gate and barrier.
• Confirm the gate, barrier or access-control equipment manufacturer and model.
• Identify adjacent vehicle lanes, nearby roads and waiting areas.
• Identify metal fences, gates, walls, parked vehicles and other reflective structures.
• Confirm credential type and mounting position.
• Provide 12 VDC, 2 A power according to the installation requirements.
• Provide Ethernet connectivity when Windows management access is required.
• Adjust RF power and reader angle at the installation site.

FA-900 GatePilot™ Technical Specifications

Feature Clarifications

The FA-900 is intentionally positioned as a managed autonomous access reader. The following points help distinguish GatePilot™ from browser-based or enterprise access-controller platforms.

Commercial Project Information Checklist

To confirm the correct reader quantity, credential type, relay wiring, network configuration and installation approach, provide the following project information:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the FA-900 require a computer to open the gate?

No. After authorization data and required settings are stored in the FA-900, normal credential verification and relay control are performed locally by the reader/controller.

What is GatePilot™ Management Software used for?

The included Windows software is used to configure the FA-900, manage vehicles and credentials, update the embedded database, review real-time events and stored history, download reports, adjust reader settings and perform backup or maintenance tasks.

Are there monthly software fees?

No. GatePilot™ Management Software is included with the FA-900. There is no monthly fee and no recurring subscription required for the included management software.

Does the Windows computer need to stay connected?

No. A Windows computer is required when you want to configure or manage the reader and review data through GatePilot™ Management Software. It does not need to remain connected for normal autonomous access operation.

Does GatePilot™ work through a web browser?

No. The FA-900 does not provide an HTTP management server. Configuration and management are performed through the included GatePilot™ Management Software for Windows over TCP/IP.

How many RFID credentials can the FA-900 store?

The embedded database supports up to 100,000 authorized 96-bit RFID credentials.

What happens if the network connection is lost?

The FA-900 continues normal autonomous access operation using the authorization information stored locally in the reader/controller. Network connectivity is required when communicating with the reader from GatePilot™ Management Software.

Can the reading range be reduced?

Yes. RF output is adjustable from 0–33 dBm, allowing the reading zone to be tuned for the actual entrance, lane and vehicle approach.

Is the maximum 50 ft / 15 m range guaranteed?

No fixed maximum read distance can be guaranteed for every installation. Actual range depends on credential type, mounting position, windshield construction, reader angle, RF settings, surrounding structures and the local RF environment.

Can multiple FA-900 readers be installed near one another?

Yes. Reader frequencies can be slightly offset to help reduce mutual interference. Final RF power, frequency settings and reader placement should be tested on site.

Can the FA-900 work with a ground-loop detector?

Yes. A compatible external vehicle detector or trigger device can be integrated through the FA-900 GPI input.

Does the FA-900 support anti-passback?

No.

Can I create gate access schedules inside GatePilot™?

No. Gate schedules are not part of the FA-900 autonomous GatePilot™ feature set. Projects requiring schedules and more advanced centralized permissions should use a suitable Fresh USA software-managed access-control architecture.

Does the FA-900 support PoE?

No. The FA-900 requires 12 VDC, 2 A power.

Does the FA-900 replace vehicle safety sensors?

No. The FA-900 provides RFID identification and access-control outputs. Required loops, photo eyes, obstruction sensors, reversing devices and other gate-safety equipment remain part of the gate operator system.

Need Help Confirming the FA-900 GatePilot™ for Your Vehicle Entrance?