BC3 Decals and DDF Firmware Update

How to start using BC3 decals via firmware update

BAi Readers and Decals are secure solution for automatic vehicle identification at gated properties such as communities, hospitals, corporate headquarters, data centers, universities, and more. We routinely improve our access control products for better performance, security, reliability, and or price.

    The BAi BC3 is our newest label format:
  • 2 new smaller decal sizes that are less noticeable on vehicles.
  • Enhanced and updated our encryption method.
  • Lowered the price since it uses less material.
Label Format Developed Facility Code Size Speed
CB-6 / L65 1996 AccuSort None 2.3" x 3.7" 25mph
BAI-8 / L75 1990 by ISI 2 Digit 2.5" x 3.7" 25mph
BAI-10 / L85 2014 by BAi 3 Digit 2.5" x 3.7" 25mph
BAi-BC2 2017 by BAi 3 Digit 2.5" x 3.7" 25mph

Understanding BC3 Decal Sizes -20 and -125

BA-BC3-**-20 - The new BC3 standard decal is 3" x 2" which guarantees 25mph. We manufacture it in all 23 color combinations as previous generation BAi decals. Minimum order quantity is 100.

BA-BC3-**-125 - A smaller BC3 decal is available measuring only 3" x 1.25". This decal is our smallest, most discreet decal, and because it uses less material its also our lowest priced decal. It is however rated for only 10mph. It is available in all 23 color combinations as our older label formats. Minimum order quantity is 100.

    Determining which size to use:
  • You must use BA-BC3-**-20 if 25mph speed is desired. This speed is what all of our older decals are rated
  • BA-BC3-**-125 may be used as an entry level option thanks to its lower decal price. Some communities may also prefer it if they want the smallest available decal.

To use BC3 decals

BAi Readers sold after 2024 already have our most up-to-date firmware, as does any reader that has come in for repair, advance replacement, or received a PCB update. To determine if a BAi Reader has the new firmware there are a few ways to check:

  • Request a BAi BC3 Test Decal. With this test decal any BAi Reader with our new firmware will trigger the buzzer to sound. If the buzzer in your unit is turned off you can listen carefully for a relay click. If you hear either of these than the unit already has our latest firmware.
  • Opening up the BA-440 you'll look for the words Dual Decal Firmware or -DDF in the PCB serial number label.

BAi Readers sold before 2024 are less likely to have the Dual Decal Firmware (DDF). The firmware update is free, simply tell us how many readers you are updating and which site they are for so we can correctly configure it for you. The part is BA-440-DEC-PCB-ADV. The ADV is because the cost is an advance replacement price whereby we only charge if we do not get the original board back after installation.

    More on the Dual Decal Firmware
  • Enables field technicians to troubleshoot the reader using a single BC3 test decal that works on every DDF reader! A common concern technicians have is getting a test decal from the site when they are trying to do troubleshooting. We hard coded a special test decal into the reader that will work on every BAi Reader with our latest firmware to perform testing, but will not open the gate.
  • Enables older BA-220 and BA-440 to read our latest generation BC3 label format
  • Enables the unit to continue to read its prior label format as well.

In other words: a site ordering BA-L65-**-23, BA-L75-**-25, BA-L85-**-25, or BA-BC2-**-25 decals can get our new firmware and start ordering BA-BC3-**-125 decals earning you higher profit margins while your customer gets a smaller, more secure credential. They DO NOT need to replace all of their decals immediately thanks to the new firmware's ability to read the old format and new format at the same time.

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