Ethos Reader Installation Guide

Written By Jacob Mckinney (Super Administrator)

Updated at March 10th, 2025

Included Parts:

  • Reader, Backplate, Wall Plate 
  • #6 Machine Screws – QTY 2 
  • #6 Self Tapping Screws – QTY 2 
  • #4-40 Phillips Screw 
  • #4-40 Pin-in-Torx Screw 

Tools Needed (Not Supplied):

  • Phillips Screwdriver 
  • 1” (25mm), 1/8” Drill bits 
  • T8 Security Torx Bit (optional for increased tamper detection 
  • #6-32 Tap if required

Reader Startup Sequence

On power up, the Ethos readers provide a LED and beeper sequence to provide information about the reader type and its communication mode. The first sequence describes the RF technologies built in the reader: First, a LED sequence will indicate the supported RF protocols.

BLE High-Frequency Low-Frequency
Red LED flash Green LED flash Amber LED flash

After the above AV sequence identifies the supported RF protocols, the reader will then indicate the supported host communication using beep/flash sequences.

Wiegand Only OSDP Only Auto-Detect
Beep and Blink Red LED once Beep and Blink Green LED 2 times Beep and Blink Green LED 4 times
Reader Startup Sequence

Within one minute of reader reset, enter the keypad config code: *88889999. The reader beeps three times, LED flashes green for each beep. Within 2 seconds of entering the keypad config code, press the corresponding key code below for the desired format. The reader then beeps three times, LED flashes green for each beep.

4-Bit Format 8-Bit Format 26-Bit Format
*4 *8 #XXX

*Within 2 seconds of pressing the # key, enter the facility code you’d like to use (0-255) using 3 digits. For example, code 077 for facility code 77. Up to 5 key presses are buffered, and # will send the data through. 

NOTE: With OSDP communication the keypad is not configurable at the reader and is controlled through the PACS software.

Test and Installation Tips:

  • Power the reader and verify Reader Startup Sequence. 
  • Present a valid credential, reader should beep, flash Green, and report the credential to the panel. 
  • If the Badge is read, but no credential is reported at the panel, verify panel wiring and panel setup. 
  • By default, the reader will transmit credential and keypad data in Wiegand communication mode. 
  • The reader is always listening for an incoming OSDP message. If a message is received during this period, the reader will automatically switch to OSDP-only communication mode. 
  • When connecting the reader to an OSDP panel, connect the green wire to RS485A(TR+), and the white wire to RS485B(TR-). 
  • In OSDP, the default baud rate is 9600 and starts up at Address 0.  
  • Reader’s Configuration Part Number (CPN) on the label controls the Smart Card Support information. 
  • To return to OSDP Auto-detect mode use configuration card 5044-FEA-OSDP-018 or contact technical support.

Additional technical and troubleshooting documents can be found by scanning the QR Code below

Performance Levels:

  • Destructive Attack: I 
  • Line Security: I 
  • Endurance: IV (125 kHz, 13.56 MHz), I (BLE)  
  • Standby Power: I 
  • CAN / ULC 60839-11-1: Outdoor Rating Grade 1

Approvals: 
EN302291, EN301489, EN300330, IP55, UL294 

Patents - US9558377, & US9747738B1 
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency 
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which 
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  interference by one or more of the following measures:t. 

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help 

This telecommunication equipment conforms to NTC technical requirement This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: 1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage. 2. L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.