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Welcome to the RIT SHED Makerspace Access Control System (ACS) wiki. This page has information regarding the ACS, including notes on the design of our system, manufacturing instructions, and guides on integration and deployment.
Click a link in the table of contents below to see more information on a specific topic.
The Access Control System (ACS), developed by the RIT SHED Makerspace, is a simple, versatile, modular, open-source solution to ensure safe access to equipment. Each deployment of the ACS is comprised of 2 parts; a Core that handles user interactions and interfacing with the central server, and a switch element, which can be selected based on what is easiest to integrate with that specific piece of equipment. This approach allows for a common user interface to control access to everything from trivial devices like a computer, to incredibly complex industrial equipment.
The ACS Core communicates with a central server to verify user status and report statistics on usage data. It can connect via 2.4GHz WiFi or 10/100 ethernet, and can dynamically swap between the two depending on what connection is better. Configuring the ACS is easy and requires no programming knowledge, and can be accomplished using any computer with a USB port.
The standard, modular design of the ACS allows the integration of other add-ons, such as automated blast gates, room sign-in readers, and workshop registration tablets.
Access Control Devices: Specific information on each sub-device of the system.
API Information: Standard REST commands, formats, and expected responses for communicating with ACS.
Electronics Design Notes: Notes on the design theory and choices made when developing this system, as well as useful component-level specifications.
Machine Integration: Examples of how we've integrated the switches with different machines at RIT
Manufacturing Notes: Information on ordering, assembling, and programming new access control hardware.
New System Deployment: Guide on deploying new hardware including configuration.
Software Notes: Information about the embedded software that runs the system.
