Release Notes

1. Available in the French language.
   The aPod Browser Interface is available in both the English and French languages. An adminisrator can dynamically change the language without logging off or re-starting the browser. The default language can be configured for each administrator or it can be automatically configured by detecting the language of the browser.
   
2. Improved fire alarm interface.
   A fire panel alarm output can be connected to any input on any aPod controller and it will unlock all the controlled doors in the facility in the event of a fire alarm. All doors can be automatically returned to their normal lock/unlock schedule with a single command but only after the Fire Department resets the alarm signal in the Fire Panel. The fire alarm function can be managed for multiple sites independently within a single system.
   
3. Improved audio feedback for the alarm panel interface.
   
   Audio feedback of the area arming/disarming events is provided by the buzzer in the access reader. The aPod System can also provide a more pronounced indication of the arming and disarming status by chirping a Piezo siren connected to the primary controller. This may be useful for some external readers where the background noise makes the reader buzzer difficult to hear. Learn more about the Alarm Panel Interface.
   
4. Improved configuration of remote connection through the Internet.
   
   While a static Internet address provides the most stable remote connection, many sites use a dynamic Internet address. The aPod now provides Automatic DDNS which eliminates the performance and security issues of Universal Plug and Play and the hassle of setting up a third party Dynamic DNS service. With Automatic DDNS, the remote connection link is automatically re-established within ten minutes of a change in your dynamic Internet address.
   
5. Conditional alarm input.
   
   The activation of this input type depends on one of two conditions.

   • This input may be used in conjunction with the aPod alarm panel interface. In this case, the conditional input is connected to an alarm point and will only trigger an alarm if the area it resides in is armed.
   • If the conditional input is connected to an alarm point that is not part of an area managed by the alarm panel interface, it will only trigger an alarm if it occurs during an 'After Hours' or 'Extended Hours' time period in the door schedule.
6. Improved response time for inputs.
   
   Input processing has been optimized. Press a Request to Exit button and the unlock response is immediate.
   
7. Easy enrollment of unidentified access tokens.
   
   Whenever an unenrolled token is badged at a reader, the event log reports a 'Card Not Enrolled' message which includes the Card ID number. Click on this message and you are directed to the Users (add) screen with the ACCESS CARD field pre-populated with the Card ID number.
   
8. Extended auto-logout.
   
   The extended auto-logout time has been increased to 12 hours to allow continuous system monitoring for a full work shift. This option is selected from the login screen.
   
9. PC audio alerts and door chimes
   
   PC audio alerts for system alarms and door chimes to monitor door activity have been added. These functions are disabled by default and can be enabled by door and by administrator.
   
10. Expandable event log.
    
    The event log captures system events in real time and displays them on the Home Page with the most recent event at the top of the list. You can expand or contract the list to display more or fewer events, filter events by type and pause scrolling.
11. Modified door opener logic.
    
    When the aPod controller is interfaced with an automatic door opener, it will ensure that the exterior Request to Enter button is disabled unless the door is unlocked. If the door is unlocked by a valid card read, by a grant access command or by a schedule, the outside button is enabled but must be pushed in order to activate the door opener. This will ensure the safety of anyone requiring assisted access. The interior Request to Exit button will automatically unlock the door and then activate the door opener.
12. Simplified temporary password assignment.
    
    New system administrators are assigned a temporary password. By default temporary passwords are random strings of 10 alphanumeric characters with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numerals. The aPod System allows the creation of a fixed temporary password that is easier to remember but is still unique to your own system.
13. Improved auto-configuration of card formats.
    
    Configuring the correct data format for access readers and tokens is a standard installation task. To simplify this task, commonly used formats are stored in a library and the correct format is automatically configured when the first card is badged. If the aPod controller does not recognize the card format, it will attempt to determine the correct format using the bit stream from the last card swipe and rules for logical structure and valid parity bits.
14. Support for the Aperio wireless lock.
    
    An Assa Abloy Aperio wireless lock can be used in an aPod System by interfacing with an Aperio Wiegand Hub. A simple configuration accomodates the required changes to the buzzer and LED control.

Service Updates

Service updates correct minor issues or add specific enhancements to satisfy customer requests.  In most cases, a software update can be delayed until the next major release.

1. aPod Software version 2.50 (build 061d8b) - released on April 22, 2016
   This update resolves an issue with the Aperio wireless access control system interface. It also adds a new custom application - Request to Exit by Schedule.
   
2. aPod Software version 2.50 (build 0629ae) - released on May 3, 2016
   This update applies to the alarm panel interface. It ensures that the alarm panel armed/disarmed status is synchronized with the aPod controller whenever the aPod controller is brought online.
   
3. aPod Software version 2.50 (build 06487b) - released on May 30, 2016
   This update applies to the alarm panel interface. When the aPod Controller issues an arming/disarming request it waits for the appropriate change in state response from the alarm panel. If this response is not received, then a 'fail to arm/disarm' event is declared. This update extends the wait period a little to accommodate certain alarm panels with have a slower response.
   
4. aPod Software version 2.50 (build 065397) - released on June 9, 2016
   This update allows the automatic card format configuration to accept a site code value of 0.
   

• Version 2.72 - Current release (build 0aaf6d) - February 26, 2019
• Version 2.60 - Released on September 22, 2016
• Version 2.50 - Released on November 19, 2015
• Version 2.40 - Released on January 3, 2014
• Version 2.30 - Released on December 14, 2012
• Version 2.25 - Released on July 16, 2012
• Version 1.50 - Released on December 13, 2011