About STid QR code readers

2026-02-13Last updated

In Genetec ClearID™, you can use STid QR code readers to read QR code credentials.

Various STid QR code readers showing a reader with keypad, a reader with tap, and a reader with touch screen.

This image shows several common Stid reader models. For a list of the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) readers that ClearID supports, see Supported devices.

Why choose the OSDP protocol over Wiegand protocol?

WIEGAND Protocol
  • Wiegand readers (for example, SY-ARCS-R31-AQBT1-XX1) always send a fixed-length format, regardless of credential length.
  • This mismatch can cause an Unknown credential error in Security Desk, even if the QR code is enrolled in Synergis.
  • Workaround: To avoid errors, all credentials (RFiD or QR code from another source such as Axis) must use the same length as ClearID QR codes (40 bits). This ensures Synergis always receives a consistent custom card format and can interpret the data correctly.
OSDP Protocol
  • Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) readers dynamically adapt the format length regarding the credential length.
    Best Practice:
    Use OSDP with STid QR code readers to ensure that the QR code credential is accepted and understood.
The following table of example reads from the same reader. Note that the custom card format called by Security Desk is different for each read and that the OSDP reader interprets the credential with more flexibility and accuracy.
Credential code Card format
4AE6CD6464E QR code (HEX) ClearID QR code
E01EC72022429729 64 bits DESFire 64 bits private ID credentials

Planning your QR code reader deployment

Depending on your needs, you can use the latest STid Architect® Blue QR code readers or add interchangeable QR code modules to reuse existing STid readers.
Various STid QR code readers showing different modules including vandal proof card reader, different keypad options, and interchangeable QR code reader and fingerprint modules.
Consider the following when planning your STid QR code reader implementation:
  • For new implementations, use the latest STid QR code readers (for example, model ARCS-AQ/BT) with firmware version 10 or later. Only use readers that support the OSDP protocol.
  • For existing deployments, add the interchangeable QR code reader module and update firmware. This approach can significantly reduce costs in large projects.
  • When reusing older readers, refer to STid documentation for upgrading to firmware version 10 or later.

Programming your STid QR code readers

You can program STid QR code readers using the STid SECard - High security programming kit.
Best Practice:
Use STid SECard software version 3.5 or later to configure your STid QR code readers.
Administrator page of the SECard software tool including SECard settings, reader configuration, user card management, and tools.
The KIT-SECARD-BT-V3.X includes the following:
Important:
We do not provide support for the STid SECard solution. Customers must use the stand-alone STid SECard software to configure the OSDP readers to work with the ClearID ACS panel solution.