Introduction to the DS-K1107AM Mullion MIFARE Contactless Card Reader
The DS-K1107AM Mullion MIFARE Contactless Card Reader is a compact, weather-resistant access control reader designed for mullion and flat-surface mounting. Operating at 13.56 MHz, it supports MIFARE card technology and offers multiple communication options — RS-485, OSDP and Wiegand — giving installers flexible integration options for modern and legacy access control systems. With IP65 ingress protection, tamper detection, built-in buzzer and status LEDs, the DS-K1107AM balances practical durability with straightforward functionality for indoor and outdoor doorways, gates and controlled entry points.
- Contactless MIFARE readeroperating at 13.56 MHz with a read distance up to 50 mm.
- Multiple interfaces— RS-485 and OSDP for secure, networked deployments, plus Wiegand (W26/W34 selectable) for legacy panels.
- Robust weather protection— IP65 rating suitable for outdoor use in rain and dust-prone environments.
- Security and status features— tamper alarm, built-in buzzer and power/status LEDs for clear on-site feedback.
- Low power operation— 12 V DC supply with power consumption ≤ 2 W; supports online firmware upgrades.
Detailed specifications and their practical benefits
The DS-K1107AM is engineered for reliable everyday use. Key specifications translate directly into benefits for integrators, facility managers and end users:
- Processor:A 32-bit high-speed processor ensures fast card reads and responsive indicator/buzzer feedback, reducing door hold times and smoothing traffic flow during peak periods.
- Authentication:The reader supports MIFARE 13.56 MHz cards with a read distance of up to 50 mm. MIFARE is a widely used contactless standard, making card issuance and replacement straightforward and cost-effective for large deployments.
- Interfaces:RS-485 and OSDP provide modern, scalable and secure communications. OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) adds the ability to encrypt communications between the reader and controller — an important advantage in higher-security environments. Wiegand (W26/W34 selectable via DIP switch) ensures compatibility with legacy access panels that have not yet migrated to OSDP or networked interfaces.
- Security features:The tamper alarm and built-in buzzer add layers of signaling and intrusion detection. If the reader housing is disturbed, the tamper output can notify panels or management systems, while the buzzer provides local deterrence and user feedback on access attempts.
- Environmental rating:With an operating temperature range from -20 °C to 65 °C, humidity tolerance of 10%–90% (non-condensing) and an IP65 ingress protection rating, the reader is suitable for many outdoor and indoor installations, including exposed entryways and covered exterior mounting.
- Mechanical and installation considerations:Compact dimensions (115 × 44 × 22 mm) make it unobtrusive on door mullions and narrow jambs. It is designed for mullion or flat surface mounting only (no gang-box support), so planning for mounting location and wiring access is important during installation.
- Power and maintenance:The reader requires 12 V DC and consumes ≤ 2 W, making it economical to power and easy to integrate with common access control power supplies. Support for online firmware upgrades helps keep devices current with security patches and feature updates over time.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-K1107AM excels
The DS-K1107AM is well suited to environments that require a durable, compact card reader with flexible integration options. Typical use cases include:
- Commercial office buildings:Mounted on door mullions to control access to offices, stairwells and service doors where a low-profile reader is desirable.
- Multi-tenant and residential buildings:Ideal for building entrances and elevator lobbies, offering reliable card-based entry without the footprint of larger readers.
- Education campuses:Classroom and administrative access points benefit from MIFARE compatibility and OSDP when central authentication systems are used across multiple buildings.
- Retail and hospitality:Back-of-house doors, employee-only areas and loading docks can use the reader for simple, low-maintenance access control in semi-exposed settings.
- Outdoor gates and perimeter doors:IP65 protection and extended operating temperature make the reader suitable for covered outdoor gates and controlled perimeter entry points.
- Legacy system upgrades:Facilities moving gradually from older Wiegand-based infrastructure to modern networked systems can use the reader’s Wiegand mode for backward compatibility while retaining RS-485/OSDP for future upgrades.
How the DS-K1107AM compares with similar products
When evaluating mullion readers, buyers typically consider factors like credential technology, communication protocols, environmental resilience and cost. The DS-K1107AM positions itself strongly across these dimensions:
- MIFARE vs 125 kHz proximity:Many legacy readers use 125 kHz proximity cards, which offer limited storage and weaker security. MIFARE (13.56 MHz) supports better data structures and, in many implementations, stronger authentication options — making it a more future-proof choice for access cards.
- OSDP and RS-485 vs Wiegand-only readers:Readers that support OSDP offer a clear security advantage because OSDP can provide encrypted, supervised communications. RS-485 adds distance and multi-device networking capability. Pure Wiegand readers may be cheaper upfront but lack these modern integration benefits.
- IP65 durability:Some mullion readers are rated only for indoor use or have lower ingress protection. The DS-K1107AM’s IP65 rating makes it more suitable for exposed installations where dust and water ingress are concerns.
- Cost and value:With a suggested price of approximately 54.99 (and a supplier cost around 31.74), the DS-K1107AM aims to offer a balance of performance and affordability compared with higher-end biometric mullion readers or fully multi-technology readers that add cost and complexity. For organizations seeking card-based access without extra biometric hardware, this model presents solid value.
Customer feedback and representative impressions
There are no official customer testimonials included with the product documentation provided here. To help prospective buyers, below are representative impressions and typical feedback themes reported by installers and system integrators when working with similar mullion readers. These are illustrative and anonymized, intended to reflect common on-site observations rather than verbatim customer reviews.
- "Quick to install and configure — the DIP switch for Wiegand selection and OSDP option made integration into mixed systems straightforward."
- "The IP65 rating and compact size made it ideal for exterior mullions where a larger reader would look out of place."
- "Tamper output and buzzer are helpful during commissioning and for troubleshooting access issues on the door line."
- "Note for others: plan mounting carefully — it does not support gang-box mounting, so junction access requires forethought."
Conclusion: Why the DS-K1107AM is a compelling choice
For organizations seeking a reliable, compact and cost-effective mullion card reader, the DS-K1107AM offers a strong combination of modern interfaces, MIFARE support and environmental resilience. Its flexibility — offering RS-485, OSDP and Wiegand — means it fits both contemporary secure deployments and scenarios that must remain compatible with legacy panels. The IP65 rating, tamper detection and low power consumption further increase its suitability for a wide range of commercial, educational and residential applications.
While it is not a biometric or multi-technology reader, the DS-K1107AM delivers focused performance for card-based access control where space is limited, conditions may be exposed to the elements and integration flexibility is required. With clear installation considerations (12 V DC power, mullion/flat mounting only and firmware upgrade support), it is a practical, economical option for installers and facility managers who want a dependable contactless reader that balances security, durability and price.