Introduction to the ACTpro USB MF/EM Enrolment Reader
The ACTpro USB MF/EM Enrolment Reader (model ACT-USB, Vanderbilt part V54504-F116-A100) is a compact, plug-and-play desktop device designed to simplify credential enrolment for access control systems. Built for installers, security administrators and facility managers, this USB 2.0 enrolment reader quickly captures card and token IDs and sends them to a host PC as keyboard-emulated data. Supporting both 125 kHz proximity and 13.56 MHz MIFARE families (including DESFire and Ultralight), the reader is engineered to accelerate commissioning, credential management and ongoing administration of Vanderbilt systems such as ACT Enterprise, ACT365, OMNIS and SPC.
Key features at a glance
- Plug-and-play USB 2.0— keyboard emulation output for fast, software-agnostic enrolment.
- Multi-technology card support— handles MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE DESFire (CSN reads) as well as 125 kHz ACT/HID/EM proximity credentials.
- Feedback for confident operation— tri-colour LEDs and an internal buzzer provide visual and audible confirmation of successful reads.
- USB-powered— draws under 100 mA from the host (5 V DC), so no external power supply is required.
- Desktop form factor— compact dimensions (116 × 67 × 14 mm) and an approximate 1.5 m fixed USB-A cable make it ideal for enrolment stations.
- System compatibility— designed to work with Vanderbilt access control products and recommended software versions (e.g., ACT Enterprise v1.3.0.6+).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The ACT-USB is a lightweight desktop reader measuring 116 × 67 × 14 mm and weighing roughly 0.11–0.15 kg. Its slim profile and simple footprint let it sit comfortably on a desk or commissioning station without taking up valuable workspace. The reader is USB-powered (5 V DC) with a current draw under 100 mA, meaning it operates directly from a PC or laptop without the need for an external power supply. A fixed USB-A cable of approximately 1.5 m provides a good balance between reach and tidy desk layout.
Using USB 2.0 and keyboard emulation, the reader outputs credential IDs as if typed on a keyboard, which makes it compatible with virtually any enrolment interface that accepts typed input. Drivers typically auto-load on common operating systems, streamlining setup. Vanderbilt lists compatibility with ACT Enterprise, ACT365, OMNIS and SPC, and software-specific features (for example, CSN vs. sector reads) may depend on firmware versions. The reader is therefore particularly convenient for organizations that use Vanderbilt solutions but remains broadly useful wherever keyboard-entry enrolment is acceptable.
The ACT-USB supports both low-frequency (125 kHz) and high-frequency (13.56 MHz) technologies. Supported card types include:
- MIFARE Classic and MIFARE Ultralight
- MIFARE DESFire (CSN reads)
- ACT RFID 125 kHz and HID/EM 125 kHz proximity tokens
Read modes include CSN (card serial number) reading and, where firmware allows, sector reads for MIFARE cards. This capability gives integrators flexibility during enrolment — whether they require only a unique identifier or need to read specific sectors for advanced workflows.
Usability is an important aspect of an enrolment tool. The ACT-USB provides tri-colour LED indicators and an internal buzzer to give immediate visual and audible confirmation when a credential has been presented and captured. These cues reduce the chance of missed enrolment attempts and speed up bulk enrolment tasks. The keyboard-emulation output eliminates the need for bespoke middleware in many scenarios, lowering complexity and reducing training time for technicians.
Certification details are not fully specified in the supplied product data (listed as "INSUFFICIENT DATA"). Installers should consult official Vanderbilt documentation for the latest CE/UKCA and firmware certification details, as well as regional compliance information prior to deployment.
Use cases and scenarios where the ACT-USB excels
The ACT-USB is purpose-built as an enrolment reader, and several scenarios highlight its strengths:
- Site commissioning:During initial installation of an access control system, installers can use the reader as a dedicated enrolment station to quickly add multiple credentials into the controller or enterprise software without swapping out hardware or installing extra drivers.
- Helpdesk and facilities management:Facilities teams that regularly issue or revoke credentials benefit from a desktop enrolment reader for fast, error-free actions at a service desk or administration console.
- Bulk migration or re-encoding:For projects that migrate credentials or require reading CSNs for mapping, the ACT-USB simplifies batch processing with its keyboard-emulation output and multi-technology support.
- Software-agnostic workflows:Because the device outputs as keyboard strokes, it can be used with spreadsheets, web portals or legacy access control tools that accept manual entry — useful where deep integrations are unavailable.
How it compares with similar products
There are several classes of enrolment readers on the market — from low-cost single-technology readers to multi-protocol units with SDKs and network connectivity. The ACT-USB sits in the practical middle ground:
- Compared with single-technology 125 kHz readers:The ACT-USB’s support for MIFARE families provides a clear advantage where sites use both proximity and smart cards. Single-technology readers are cheaper but lack the flexibility needed in mixed-technology environments.
- Compared with advanced programmable encoders/readers:Some devices offer full encoding of secure sectors, encryption key management and SDKs for bespoke integrations. The ACT-USB does not advertise full encoding or advanced cryptographic management; it is optimized for quick CSN/sector reads and enrolment, rather than deep card programming. For projects requiring complex encoding workflows, a higher-end encoder may be necessary.
- Compared with networked enrolment stations:Networked readers that integrate directly with cloud systems remove the need for a PC during enrolment, which can be ideal in modern cloud-native deployments. However, the ACT-USB’s simplicity, low cost (suggested price: approximately 179.00) and keyboard-emulation approach makes it easier to deploy with existing laptops or provisioning stations and better suited to environments where a PC is already part of the commissioning process.
Customer feedback and practical observations
While official individual testimonials are not provided here, common feedback themes from installers and administrators who use similar enrolment readers help illustrate expected experience with the ACT-USB:
- Speed and simplicity:Technicians frequently cite the speed advantage of a keyboard-emulation enrolment reader — no special software is required and credential IDs appear directly in the enrolment field.
- Reliability for mixed fleets:Installers appreciate readers that handle both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz cards when a site uses cards from multiple generations or suppliers.
- Low overhead:The USB-powered nature and minimal driver requirements reduce setup time and lower the risk of compatibility issues on standard Windows or supported OS platforms.
Potential buyers should note that warranty information is not present in the supplied data; confirmation from the vendor or authorized reseller about warranty, firmware updates and support terms is recommended before purchase.
Conclusion: why the ACT-USB is a solid choice
For installers and access control administrators who need a dependable, no-frills enrolment tool, the ACTpro USB MF/EM Enrolment Reader offers a compelling balance of usability, multi-technology support and affordability. Its USB 2.0 keyboard-emulation output removes many traditional integration headaches, enabling rapid credential capture into ACT Enterprise, ACT365, OMNIS, SPC and other systems that accept typed input. Tri-colour LEDs and an audible buzzer make for confident operation, while the devices compact desktop design and USB power simplify deployment.
Although higher-end units exist for advanced encoding, and networked or SDK-capable readers may be better for cloud-native or highly automated workflows, the ACT-USB is an excellent practical choice for commissioning, helpdesk operations and routine credential management. Before deploying, confirm firmware and certification details with Vanderbilt, and check warranty and support terms with your supplier. For straightforward, fast enrolment across both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz credential populations, the ACT-USB remains a reliable and efficient tool for modern access control projects.
