What is a drop-arm optical turnstile?

Drop-arm optical turnstile is an effective contactless crowd control solution for upscale corporate lobbies, high-rise building entrances, luxury apartment complexes, universities, and anywhere autonomous entry and aesthetics are vital. It uses an innovative positioning system and a high-quality DC brushless motor to move the security turnstile quickly, precisely, steadily, and quietly with minimal noise and power consumption. The drop-arm motorized turnstile also offers single- or bi-directional access and is simple to interface with any device or access control system that has a dry contact output.

How does a drop-arm optical turnstile work?

A single passage-barring arm on a drop-arm optical turnstile fully descends into cabinet recesses upon opening and is raised back into position to block the path upon closure. A warning will sound if more than one person tries to pass at once or approaches from the wrong direction. It is fitted with a variety of sensors that offer a relatively effective deterrent against multiple entrances. It typically integrates different access control systems to create customized turnstile access control systems. These systems require pedestrians to present valid identification before entry, after which the passage is made available for free access and automatically closes if no pedestrians pass within a predetermined amount of time.

The characteristics of a drop-arm optical turnstile

1. Automatic Barrier Operation: It is a touchless turnstile outfitted with DC motors that automatically move obstacles out of the way in the desired direction to provide hands-free access. It must be able to work as a hand-free turnstile and automatically open and close without any physical user input from pedestrians.
2. Proper Social Distancing: Although the touchless turnstile lane is completely autonomous, it is typical for businesses with turnstile access control systems at their entrances to have a security guard on duty to offer assistance when necessary. This is important to maintain proper social distance between the employees and the turnstile lane.
3. Contactless Credential Checking: Although it is a completely contactless device, in order to provide a hands-free entering experience, it must be coupled with a touch-free credential-checking system, including Iris scanners, facial recognition software, temperature sensors, and proximity scanners.

Can drop-arm optical turnstile be integrated with 3rd party access control systems?
Off course, it is compatible with a wide variety of access control systems by dry contact. Card pass, fingerprint/handprint reader, face recognition, barcode reader, thermal camera, and token applications can integrate with such access control turnstiles.

What will happen when the power is off and in an emergency situation?
It instantly automatically unlocks for free passage under emergency situations (power outages, fire, etc)

Can drop-arm optical turnstile be used indoors and outdoors?
Off course, it is made for indoor or outdoor situations. For outdoor applications, there should be shelter above.

Can the drop-arm optical turnstile be operated manually or remotely?
Yes, it is operated by the user at the turnstile. You can have a person who monitors the security turnstile from the surveillance terminal.