Verkada's AX11 IO Controller Event Bridge feature allows you to use your existing door contact and access controller by sitting between the 2 devices. This article explains how to bring door events with video analytics into Verkada Command while continuing to use your existing access control or alarm system.

Some features of Event Bridge:

Video analytics with native camera integration
Door open and door held open (DHO) events/notifications
SMS/email alerts
Door Activity over time
Person of Interest
Reporting

How it works

The door position indicator (DPI), or door contact, ties into an input on the AX11.
This connection triggers the corresponding output.
This output is then connected to your existing third-party access controller.
Once everything is connected, a simple toggle in Verkada Command enables the Event Bridge feature on your new monitored door.
This enablement then allows you to use the Verkada platform.

Install Event Bridge on the AX11

You can install Event Bridge on the AX11 with a door contact. It sits between the door contact sensor and the existing access controller. Read more below about the necessary components and steps to complete the installation.

Install the door contact sensor

You can install the door contact sensor using the input on the upper row of the AX11 and the same numbered output located below the inputs. For example, if you use input 1 (IN1), you would use the output 1 relay.

This example uses input 1 (IN1), where IN1 connects to the door contact sensor:

The output goes to the existing third-party access controller.

Required. When wiring the output on the AX11, you must use NO and COM to simulate the door contact properly.

In Event Bridge mode:

If IN1 = OPEN, then OUTPUT1 = NORMAL STATE
If IN1 = CLOSED, then OUTPUT1 = TRIGGERED

Wire the motion sensor REX

If the door contact sensor is unavailable and you have a motion sensor request to exit (REX), you can wire it using the normally closed (NC) and COM output on the existing motion sensor REX. This output is then wired into the input on the top row of the AX11.

This example uses IN1 where you can attach the third-party controller to the same number output port.

Use a lock

If both a door contact sensor and motion sensor REX are unavailable, you can use a lock with Event Bridge.

However, we recommend that you only use this setup option as a last resort.

In this scenario, the third-party access controller connects into the input on the top row of the AX11.

Required. The corresponding output must be wired to the access power controller.

Note: The Event Bridge feature is incompatible with access control systems that use a wet configuration to power locks.

Enable Event Bridge in Command

You can enable Event Bridge via 2 ways:

When you set up your monitored door for the first time
From the Installer Settings

First-time setup

Once your inputs and outputs are installed and your AX11 is added into your organization, you're ready to program your monitored door.

In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.
Select your AX11.
On your device's page, at the top right, click Add Input.
On Add Input, you should see the option to add a door monitor.
On Door Monitor > Name:
1. Give your door a unique name.
2. Set the location.
3. Click Next.
On Door Monitor > Hardware:
1. Select a camera to pair (if applicable).
2. Select the input port (the number that you wired your door contact to).
3. Click Next.
On Door Monitor > Settings:
1. Toggle on Event Bridge.
2. Click Done.

Enable Event Bridge from Installer Settings

If you have your monitored door already setup:

In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.
Select your AX11.
On your device's page, find and click the monitored door to enable Event Bridge.
At the top right, click Settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Installer Settings.
Toggle on Event Bridge and reconfigure the input port, if needed.

Related resources

Need more help? Contact Verkada Support