EMX 5404-1 CARX-20 Proximity Card Compatibility and Enrollment Details
The EMX 5404-1 CARX-20 is a reinforced contactless access credential designed for compatible EMX proximity card reader and keypad systems. EMX currently identifies CARX-20 as the reinforced access card associated with the PRX-320 and CR-2000 access-control families.
The card is presented near the compatible reader instead of being inserted or swiped through a magnetic-stripe slot. After the credential has been properly registered in the reader or access-control system, it can be used to authorize access according to the programming of that installation.
Compatible With
- EMX PRX-320 weatherproof proximity card reader/keypad
- EMX CR-2000 waterproof Wiegand card reader/keypad
- Existing EMX installations specifically documented for CARX-20 credentials
Do not assume compatibility with every EMX proximity reader or with unrelated HID, AWID, Pyramid, Farpointe, Nedap, Rosslare, or UHF RFID systems. Credential technology, format, reader generation, and programming must match.
What the CARX-20 Does
The CARX-20 provides an individual contactless credential that can be registered to an authorized user. When the card is presented within the detection area of a compatible reader, the reader identifies the credential and processes it according to the programmed access rules.
On the PRX-320, EMX provides operating modes that can use a proximity card by itself, a keypad passcode by itself, a proximity card plus a passcode, or either credential method. Actual operation depends on how the reader has been programmed.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Part Number | EMX-5404-1 |
| Model | CARX-20 |
| Product Type | Reinforced contactless proximity access card |
| Primary Compatibility | EMX PRX-320 and CR-2000 |
| Credential Technology | MIFARE proximity credential as listed by current distributors |
| Access-Control Format | Commonly listed as 26-bit Wiegand format - verify existing system |
| Battery Required | No user-replaceable battery |
| PRX-320 Card Capacity | Up to 2,000 registered cards |
| PRX-320 Published Read Range | Up to approximately 5 inches |
| CR-2000 User Capacity | Up to 2,000 card and/or passcode users |
| CR-2000 Published Read Range | Approximately 1.1 to 3.1 inches |
CARX-20 with the EMX PRX-320
The PRX-320 is a weatherproof proximity card reader and keypad capable of storing up to 2,000 proximity cards. EMX documents an approximate maximum card-reading distance of 5 inches under suitable conditions.
The PRX-320 can be configured for several access methods:
- Four-digit passcode only
- CARX-20 proximity card only
- Proximity card plus four-digit passcode
- Proximity card or four-digit passcode
Every card must be properly registered before it can provide access. Do not assume a new CARX-20 will operate simply by presenting it to an existing reader.
CARX-20 with the EMX CR-2000
The CR-2000 combines a waterproof card reader and illuminated keypad and supports up to 2,000 card and/or passcode users. EMX identifies CARX-20 as the reinforced access-card accessory for this reader.
The CR-2000 also provides Wiegand output for supported applications where user access data is passed to additional access-control equipment. Reader and controller configuration should be verified before adding replacement credentials to an existing system.
Card Number and Enrollment Requirements
CARX-20 credentials must be enrolled into the applicable access-control system. On the PRX-320, individual cards can be added by entering the card code or by presenting the card during the appropriate programming procedure. Sequential cards may also be registered using the supported batch-registration procedure.
When replacing a lost card, do not assume another card with a different identification number will automatically inherit the original user's access. The old credential should be removed and the replacement credential registered according to the reader or access-control system instructions.
26-Bit Format Compatibility Warning
Current distributor information commonly identifies CARX-20 as a MIFARE credential associated with a 26-bit Wiegand format. This does not mean that every MIFARE card or every 26-bit credential is interchangeable with CARX-20.
Before substituting another credential, verify the reader technology, card encoding, credential-number structure, and any external access-control panel requirements.
CARX-20 Is Not a Long-Range Vehicle Credential
Do not confuse CARX-20 with EMX VIPER, Patriot, or TRES long-range UHF RFID credentials. CARX-20 is intended for short-range proximity card presentation at a compatible keypad or card reader.
For example, the PRX-320 has a published read range of approximately 5 inches, while long-range vehicle RFID systems can operate from considerably greater distances. These product families serve different applications and are not interchangeable.
Similar Credentials That Are Not Automatically Interchangeable
- HID proximity cards
- AWID proximity cards
- Farpointe Pyramid cards and tags
- EMX VIPER UHF vehicle credentials
- EMX TRES UHF windshield and hang tags
- Generic MIFARE credentials
- Generic 26-bit access-control cards
Matching physical card size or general RFID terminology does not establish compatibility. Confirm the exact reader and credential requirements before substitution.
Package Quantity Check
CARX-20 is referenced by distributors in several different sales quantities, including individual cards, minimum-order quantities, and multi-card packages. Verify the quantity attached to the specific Gate Openers Unlimited SKU before publishing the package count.
Do not assume that the "20" in CARX-20 means that one manufacturer part number automatically includes 20 cards.
Common Applications
- Automatic gate access control
- Pedestrian door access
- Commercial facilities
- Employee access control
- Apartment and condominium common areas
- Parking and barrier access systems using compatible EMX readers
Technician Note
If an existing CARX-20 works but a new card does not, first confirm that the new credential has been enrolled. Also verify the exact reader model and check whether the system is using a standalone reader or an external access-control panel.
If card-reading distance has become unusually short, inspect the reader installation. EMX warns that mounting the PRX-320 on or near metal can reduce effective proximity-card read range.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm part number EMX-5404-1 / CARX-20.
- Verify the installed reader is an EMX PRX-320, CR-2000, or another system specifically documented for CARX-20.
- Confirm the existing credential technology and format.
- Verify how new cards are enrolled into the system.
- Determine whether specific sequential card numbers are required.
- Confirm whether the reader operates standalone or through an external access-control panel.
- Verify the sales quantity before ordering.
- Do not substitute a visually similar proximity card without confirming compatibility.
Installation and Service Notes
No physical installation is required for the CARX-20 credential itself, but the card must be enrolled or registered before use. Follow the programming instructions for the exact EMX reader or connected access-control system.
If a lost or stolen credential must be disabled, remove that card from the system rather than bypassing reader or gate security functions. Maintain an accurate record of issued card numbers where the application requires controlled user access.
Professional Advisory
The CARX-20 is an access-control credential. It does not provide vehicle detection, obstruction sensing, gate entrapment protection, emergency access, or fire access by itself.
Do not modify or bypass required gate safety devices when installing or servicing the associated access-control system.
Product Questions and Answers
Which EMX readers are compatible with the CARX-20 card?
EMX documents CARX-20 for the PRX-320 and CR-2000 card reader/keypad systems. Confirm the exact reader model before ordering because other EMX proximity and RFID product families may use different credentials.
Does the EMX CARX-20 need to be programmed before it will open a gate or door?
Yes. The credential must be registered or enrolled in the applicable reader or access-control system before it can authorize access. A new card should not be expected to work simply by presenting it to the reader.
What is the read range of CARX-20?
Read range depends on the reader rather than the card alone. EMX publishes up to approximately 5 inches for the PRX-320 and approximately 1.1 to 3.1 inches for the CR-2000 under suitable installation conditions.
Can any MIFARE or 26-bit card replace an EMX CARX-20?
No. Current distributor information identifies CARX-20 as a MIFARE credential associated with a 26-bit Wiegand format, but matching those general specifications does not guarantee interchangeability. Verify the reader, card encoding, credential format, and controller requirements.
Can CARX-20 be used with an EMX VIPER or long-range vehicle RFID reader?
Do not assume so. CARX-20 is a short-range proximity access card associated with PRX-320 and CR-2000 readers. VIPER and other long-range vehicle RFID systems use different credential technology and reader requirements.
Why does my old CARX-20 work but a new card does not?
The new card may not have been enrolled, or the credential format may not match the existing system. Verify the card number, enrollment procedure, reader model, and any external access-control panel programming before replacing hardware.
Can a lost CARX-20 card be individually disabled?
Yes, supported EMX reader programming allows registered proximity cards to be deleted so a lost or stolen credential no longer provides access. Follow the programming procedure for the exact reader or access-control system.
Does CARX-20 come as one card or a pack of 20?
Do not determine package quantity from the CARX-20 model name. Current distributors sell or require these credentials in different quantities. Confirm the quantity assigned to the specific product listing before ordering.
