Hikivision DS-K1108MK Card Reader with Keypad Access Control

Model: DS-K1108MK

Who This Is For

Property managers specifying access control for office buildings, strata complexes, childcare facilities, or light commercial premises will find the Hikvision DS-K1108MK a practical, no-fuss entry point into controlled access. The reader supports Mifare card credentials alongside a 12-key PIN keypad, giving site managers the flexibility to issue card-only, PIN-only, or card-plus-PIN access depending on the security level required at each door. It communicates via RS-485 or Wiegand 26/34, which means it integrates with a broad range of existing access control panels and Hikvision controllers without rewiring headaches. The IP65 rating makes it suitable for external mounting - entry gates, car park barriers, or covered building entrances - and the onboard tamper alarm triggers if anyone attempts to remove the unit from the wall. DIP switch configuration keeps setup straightforward for installers who prefer hardware-level addressing over software menus.

Download Product Datasheet (PDF)

What This Reader Actually Does

Who Buys This Model

• Commercial Property Installers: Specifying readers for office tenancy fit-outs where Wiegand or RS-485 panel compatibility is already locked in and a reliable slimline form factor is required at each door.
• Strata and Building Managers: Deploying card access at common entry points, car park barriers, and bin rooms where residents need fob credentials and the reader must withstand outdoor exposure.
• Childcare and School Facility Teams: Requiring card-plus-PIN two-factor entry at secure internal doors, such as staff-only rooms or medication storage, where a card alone is not sufficient authentication.
• Light Industrial and Warehouse Sites: Installing access at loading dock personnel doors or site offices where IP65 durability and contractor PIN access are both needed without a high-cost biometric unit.

Honest Assessment

The DS-K1108MK handles the core access control use case well: Mifare card reading, PIN entry, IP65 outdoor suitability, and broad panel compatibility through Wiegand 26/34 and RS-485. The tamper alarm and DIP switch addressing are practical inclusions that reduce both installation time and vulnerability to physical interference. For the majority of commercial and light industrial door control scenarios, this reader does exactly what it is specified to do. What it will not do is handle biometric credentials - if fingerprint or facial recognition authentication is a site requirement, a different reader type is needed. It also does not process access decisions locally; it depends entirely on a connected access control panel or controller. Sites with no existing panel infrastructure should also factor in controller and power supply costs. The DS-K1108MK is available through Security Australia alongside compatible Hikvision access controllers for complete system builds.

Before You Buy

Quick Fit Check

• Good match if: You are connecting to an existing Wiegand-compatible access panel and need an outdoor-rated Mifare reader with an integrated keypad for two-factor authentication at an external entry door.
• Good match if: You are running an RS-485 multi-reader bus from a Hikvision access controller and need hardware DIP switch addressing to simplify commissioning across several doors on the same run.
• You may need a different model if: Your site requires biometric credential verification such as fingerprint or facial recognition - a biometric access reader would be a more suitable product type for that requirement.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Real-World Scenarios

How It Compares

• Choose this if: You need a Mifare card reader with an integrated PIN keypad, outdoor IP65 rating, and flexible Wiegand or RS-485 output to suit an existing access panel infrastructure.
• You may need a different model if: The site requires biometric credential support - a fingerprint or face recognition access reader is a more suitable product type and is worth comparing on Security Australia's access control range.
• Pairs well with: A compatible Hikvision RS-485 access controller or Wiegand-input door controller, along with a dedicated DC 12V access power supply with battery backup for the installation.

Common Questions

1. Will the DS-K1108MK work with my existing non-Hikvision access panel?

   Yes, in most cases. The DS-K1108MK outputs standard Wiegand 26 or Wiegand 34 data, which is supported by the vast majority of third-party access control panels on the market. If your panel has a Wiegand input, this reader should be compatible. For RS-485 connectivity, check that your panel supports the Hikvision RS-485 reader protocol, as RS-485 implementations are less standardised across brands.

2. Does this reader make access decisions on its own, or does it need a controller?

   No, the DS-K1108MK does not process access decisions independently. It is a reader-only device that sends credential data to a connected access control panel or controller, which then decides whether to release the door strike or lock. A compatible access controller must be part of the installation for the system to function.

3. Is the DS-K1108MK suitable for outdoor installation in Australian conditions?

   Yes. The IP65 rating confirms the unit is fully dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction, making it appropriate for covered external mounting positions such as door posts, entry columns, and gate pillars. It is not submersion-rated, so installations in positions where standing water could accumulate around the unit should be avoided.

4. What does the tamper alarm actually do when triggered?

   The tamper alarm sends a signal to the connected access controller when the reader is removed from its mounting surface. The controller logs the tamper event and can be configured to trigger an alarm output - such as a siren or monitoring notification - depending on how the panel is set up. The tamper circuit itself is within the reader hardware; no separate sensor is required.

5. How does DIP switch addressing work on this reader, and why does it matter?

   DIP switch addressing assigns a unique hardware address to each reader on an RS-485 bus run. When multiple DS-K1108MK units share a single RS-485 cable back to the controller, each reader needs a distinct address so the controller can identify which door a credential presentation came from. Addresses are set physically on the reader before installation. Duplicate addresses on the same bus will cause communication failures, so confirming address settings before mounting saves significant troubleshooting time.

6. Can this reader support card-plus-PIN two-factor authentication?

   Yes, provided the connected access controller supports two-factor authentication modes. The DS-K1108MK has both a Mifare card reader and a 12-key keypad in the one unit, so the hardware supports presenting a card credential followed by a PIN. Whether this mode is available depends on the controller being used - Hikvision access controllers with two-factor support will enable this configuration through the controller's software.

7. What power supply does the DS-K1108MK require?

   The reader requires DC 12V. Power is typically drawn from the access controller's auxiliary power output or a dedicated 12V access power supply with battery backup. Confirm the power supply can sustain the current draw of all readers on the system simultaneously, particularly on multi-reader installations. The reader does not support Power over Ethernet - it is not a PoE device.

Cabling Considerations

• RS-485 Cable: Use shielded twisted pair (STP) cable for RS-485 bus runs. A 2-core or 4-core shielded cable is suitable depending on whether power is being co-run with data.
• Wiegand Cable: Standard Wiegand cable (typically 6-core or 8-core) for Wiegand 26/34 connections. Keep runs under 150 metres and route away from high-voltage or fluorescent lighting circuits to minimise signal interference.
• Power Cable: DC 12V must be supplied to the reader via the access controller's auxiliary output or a separate 12V power supply. Confirm voltage drop over the cable run length is within acceptable limits before finalising cable sizing.
• Wiring Tips: Set DIP switch addresses on each reader before pulling cables through conduit. Terminate RS-485 bus runs with a 120-ohm resistor at the far end of the bus to prevent signal reflections on longer cable runs with multiple readers.

Downloads & Resources

• Product Spec Sheet (PDF)
• Datasheet of DS-K1108 (PDF)