EMX TRES-400-Defender-B/K Four-Door Controller Kit Details
The EMX TRES-400-Defender-B/K is the enclosed Base Kit version of the Defender 400 access controller. It combines a four-reader TCP/IP controller with a lockable IP65 enclosure, clear hinged cover, internal swing-out mounting plate, and 12VDC power supply.
The controller is designed for gated communities, commercial properties, parking facilities, private estates, industrial sites, and other installations requiring centralized credential management for vehicle or pedestrian access points.
Important Part Number Clarification
The complete official EMX part number is TRES-400-Defender-B/K. The slash and K identify the Base Kit configuration. TRES-400-Defender is the board-only version and does not automatically include the enclosure or power supply.
Do not confuse the four-door TRES-400 system with the older TRES-100-Defender-B/K dual-relay product. EMX identifies the TRES-100 version as being discontinued, and its board, relay count, wiring, and enclosure configuration should not be treated as interchangeable with the Defender 400.
What the Defender 400 Controls
The Defender 400 provides four Wiegand reader inputs and four independently controlled relay outputs. It can manage up to four separate gates or doors when each access point uses one entry reader and an exit device.
The controller can also be configured for card-in/card-out operation. In that arrangement, two readers may be assigned to one access point so credentials are read on both entry and exit. Using two readers per opening reduces the number of separate doors or gates that can be controlled by one board.
Common Applications
- Vehicle entrance and exit gates
- Pedestrian gates
- Parking garage access points
- Commercial building doors
- Employee entrances
- Apartment and condominium common areas
- Private community access systems
- Industrial facility doors and gates
- Combined vehicle and pedestrian access installations
Compatible Reader Requirements
The Defender 400 is documented for readers that produce standard 26-bit Wiegand data. Compatible reader technologies may include proximity, keypad, card, vehicle RFID, barcode, or other credential readers when the reader provides the required 26-bit Wiegand output.
- Up to four standard 26-bit Wiegand readers
- Maximum published Wiegand wiring distance of approximately 500 feet
- Reader power and current must be checked against the system power supply
- Data 0, Data 1, ground, and required reader power connections must match the controller documentation
- Facility code and credential number must be entered in the format expected by the Defender software
Do not assume compatibility with 30-bit, 32-bit, 34-bit, 35-bit, 37-bit, Corporate 1000, OSDP, RS-485, proprietary serial, or encrypted reader protocols. A reader may use Wiegand wiring while still transmitting an unsupported bit format.
User and Event Capacity
Each Defender 400 controller stores up to 20,000 authorized users and buffers up to 100,000 events. Credentials and access permissions are downloaded to the controller, allowing normal access decisions to continue if the management computer is not actively connected.
The event buffer records access activity for later retrieval. Available reporting depends on correct controller time, database configuration, credential setup, event downloading, and management-software operation.
Online and Offline Operation
The Defender 400 is a distributed database controller. It communicates with the management computer through TCP/IP Ethernet but can continue operating from its locally stored credential database during a temporary network interruption.
Offline capability does not mean the system can be fully administered without networking. Adding or removing credentials, changing schedules, retrieving events, monitoring activity, and issuing remote commands normally require communication with the management software.
TCP/IP Network Requirements
- 10/100 Mbps adaptive Ethernet communication
- Maximum standard Ethernet segment of approximately 328 feet
- Compatible Windows computer for the Defender management software
- Local network configuration that allows the computer and controller to communicate
- Proper IP addressing and network-security coordination
- Network switches or other infrastructure when multiple controllers are installed
Initial setup may require changes to the programming computer or local network. Coordinate firewall, IP-address, and network-security changes with the property owner's IT administrator. Any security protection temporarily changed for commissioning should be restored after setup.
Included Defender Management Software
EMX provides Defender access-control management software for configuration and database administration. Current documentation refers to Management Center or Access Control and Attendance Version 6.9.
Documented software functions include:
- User and credential enrollment
- Department and personnel organization
- Reader and controller configuration
- Access permissions and door privileges
- Time schedules and holidays
- Event monitoring and reporting
- Credential import from a compatible spreadsheet format
- Remote door or gate release when enabled
- Database upload and download
- Operator and password management
Some advanced software functions are identified by EMX as unsupported or intended only for experienced integrators. Confirm current software compatibility, operating-system requirements, database backup procedures, and technical-support limits before using advanced features.
Relay Outputs
The controller provides four SPDT relay outputs with normally open, common, and normally closed terminals. These outputs may be used to signal a gate operator, electric strike, magnetic lock, or another compatible control circuit.
Official EMX documents do not agree on the maximum relay contact rating. The current product page lists approximately 1.0A, while the January 2024 specification sheet lists 10A. Verify the relay markings on the production board and use an appropriately rated external relay or power-control module when the connected load exceeds the confirmed rating.
For most automatic gate installations, the Defender relay should provide a dry-contact command to the operator's designated access-control input. It should not supply motor power or bypass the operator's safety circuits.
Request-to-Exit Inputs
The Defender 400 supports up to four request-to-exit inputs. These may be used with compatible push buttons, motion sensors, loop detectors, free-exit devices, or other dry-contact equipment.
A request-to-exit input is not a monitored entrapment-protection input. It must not replace required gate photo eyes, safety edges, obstruction sensing, door reversal equipment, or emergency-egress hardware.
Door and Gate Status Inputs
Four status inputs can monitor compatible normally closed door contacts, gate-position switches, or reed switches. Correctly installed status devices allow the software to display and record open, closed, forced, or held conditions supported by the system configuration.
Status contacts, magnets, gate limit interfaces, cable, and mounting hardware are not included with the Base Kit.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | EMX Industries |
| Official Part Number | TRES-400-Defender-B/K |
| Product Family | Defender 400 |
| Product Type | Four-door or four-gate TCP/IP access controller Base Kit |
| Controller Capacity | Up to four access points, depending on reader configuration |
| Reader Inputs | 4 |
| Reader Protocol | Standard 26-bit Wiegand |
| Maximum Published Wiegand Distance | Approximately 500 feet |
| Output Relays | Four SPDT outputs with N/O, COM, and N/C terminals |
| Relay Rating | Manufacturer documents conflict between approximately 1.0A and 10A; verify production board before connecting a load |
| Request-to-Exit Inputs | 4 |
| Door or Gate Status Inputs | 4 normally closed inputs |
| Network Communication | TCP/IP Ethernet |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100 Mbps adaptive |
| Maximum Published Ethernet Segment | Approximately 328 feet, subject to network design |
| User Memory | Up to 20,000 users |
| Event Buffer | Up to 100,000 events |
| Controller Power | 12 VDC |
| Included Power Supply | 12 VDC, 3A, approximately 35W |
| Published Board Consumption | Approximately 225 mA during TCP communication without connected loads |
| Enclosure | Lockable IP65 enclosure with clear hinged cover and internal swing-out plate |
| Enclosure Dimensions | Approximately 11.8 x 7.9 x 6.7 inches |
| Controller Board Dimensions | Approximately 6.3 x 4.2 inches |
| Terminal Style | Removable terminal strips |
| Diagnostic Indicators | Power, system, input, and output status LEDs |
| Operating Temperature | Approximately -31 F to 149 F (-35 C to 65 C) |
| Operating Humidity | 10-90 percent relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Management Software | Included or downloadable from EMX |
Base Kit Package Contents
- One Defender 400 four-door TCP/IP controller
- One lockable IP65 enclosure with clear hinged cover
- One internal swing-out mounting plate
- One 12VDC 3A power supply
- Access to the Defender database-management software
Confirm whether the controller and power supply are factory mounted in the current enclosure before scheduling installation. Packaging and assembly details may vary by inventory revision or distributor.
Parts Not Automatically Included
- Wiegand readers or keypads
- RFID tags, cards, transmitters, or other credentials
- Electric strikes or magnetic locks
- Gate operators or barrier controllers
- Request-to-exit buttons, motion sensors, or vehicle detectors
- Door contacts or gate-position switches
- Backup batteries or battery charger
- Ethernet switches, router, or network cabling
- Reader and field wiring
- Lock power-distribution modules
- Surge protection and grounding equipment
- Conduit, fittings, mounting hardware, or line-voltage wiring
Power-Supply and Lock Load Checks
The included 12VDC 3A supply may power the controller and selected compatible accessories, but the complete load must be calculated before installation. Reader current, electric strikes, magnetic locks, external relays, and other accessories can exceed the available capacity.
Magnetic locks and other continuous loads may require separate listed power supplies, power-distribution modules, battery backup, fire-alarm release interfaces, or additional relays. Do not place a lock load on the Defender supply without confirming total current, voltage drop, inrush, duty cycle, and code requirements.
Gate Operator Integration
For an automatic gate application, a Defender relay is normally wired to a compatible access-control or open input on the gate operator. The relay should provide only the control signal required by the operator manual.
The Defender does not replace the gate operator control board, vehicle detector, photo eyes, safety edges, obstruction sensing, emergency access, fire access, audible alarm, or other required UL 325 equipment.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the complete part number is TRES-400-Defender-B/K.
- Determine how many independent doors or gates must be controlled.
- Determine whether any opening requires both entry and exit readers.
- Verify that every reader produces standard 26-bit Wiegand data.
- Confirm the credential facility code and card-number format.
- Verify the required relay operation and connected load.
- Confirm the current relay rating directly from the production board.
- Calculate controller, reader, lock, and accessory power requirements.
- Determine whether separate lock power or battery backup is required.
- Confirm Ethernet availability and network-administration support.
- Verify the management computer and software requirements.
- Determine which request-to-exit and status devices are required.
- Plan surge protection, grounding, conduit, and environmental sealing.
Installation and Service Notes
Access-control installation should be completed by personnel familiar with low-voltage wiring, Ethernet networks, locking hardware, gate controls, and applicable life-safety requirements.
Separate reader, network, lock, and line-voltage conductors as required. Use appropriate surge protection and grounding, especially when readers, gates, or field wiring are installed outdoors.
Before connecting locks or gate controls, verify relay operation with a meter and confirm that the selected normally open or normally closed logic matches the connected equipment.
After programming, test every credential, request-to-exit input, door or gate status input, relay output, access schedule, network function, and offline operating condition.
Technician Note
A reader that beeps without releasing the gate or door may be reading the credential correctly. Check the Wiegand bit format, facility code, card enrollment, reader assignment, access level, schedule, relay configuration, wiring, and connected operator or lock circuit before replacing the reader or controller.
If the controller disappears from the network, check controller power, Ethernet link indicators, cable condition, IP addressing, network switches, firewall rules, and duplicate IP addresses. Network changes should be coordinated with the site's IT administrator.
Professional Advisory
The included power supply requires connection to building electrical power. Line-voltage wiring, grounding, lock power, battery backup, and fire-alarm interfaces should be installed by qualified electrical and access-control personnel.
Never use the Defender controller to bypass required gate entrapment protection, door egress hardware, fire-release circuits, emergency access systems, monitored safety devices, or other code-required protection.
Product Questions and Answers
Is the correct part number TRES-400-Defender-B or TRES-400-Defender-B/K?
The official EMX Base Kit part number is TRES-400-Defender-B/K. The TRES-400-Defender part number identifies the controller-board version without the complete Base Kit enclosure and power-supply package.
How many gates or doors can one Defender 400 Base Kit control?
It can control up to four separate access points using four reader inputs and four relay outputs. Card-in/card-out configurations may use two readers for one opening and reduce the number of separate gates or doors.
Which readers are compatible with the Defender 400?
EMX documents compatibility with readers that produce standard 26-bit Wiegand data. Other Wiegand bit formats, OSDP, RS-485, and proprietary reader protocols should not be assumed compatible.
How many users and events can the controller store?
The Defender 400 stores up to 20,000 users and buffers up to 100,000 access events for later retrieval through the management software.
Will the Defender 400 continue operating if the network goes offline?
Yes. After the credential database and settings are downloaded, the controller can continue making local access decisions during a temporary network interruption. Network communication is still required for updates, monitoring, reporting, and event retrieval.
What is included with TRES-400-Defender-B/K?
The Base Kit includes the Defender 400 controller, lockable IP65 enclosure with clear cover and swing-out plate, 12VDC 3A power supply, and access to the Defender management software. Readers, credentials, locks, Ethernet cabling, and field devices are not included.
Can the included power supply operate the controller, readers, and magnetic locks?
It may power selected loads within its 12VDC 3A capacity, but the complete system current must be calculated. Magnetic locks, multiple readers, accessories, or battery backup may require separate listed power equipment.
What should be checked if a valid credential is read but the gate or door does not release?
Check the reader bit format, facility code, credential enrollment, reader assignment, schedule, access permissions, relay programming, output wiring, connected lock power, and gate or door control input before replacing components.
