![keycard lock keycard lock](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1rwzmLVXXXXbjXpXXq6xXFXXX6/easy-install-safe-security-digital-password-key-induction-card-door-lock-home-hotel-office-digital-door.jpg)
In the early 1980s, the key card lock was electrified with LEDs that detected the holes. The key could easily be changed for each new guest by inserting a new key template in the lock that matched the new key. There were 32 positions for possible hole locations, giving approximately 4.3 billion different keys. This was a mechanical type of lock operated by a plastic key card with a pattern of holes. Mechanical keycard locks employ detainers which must be arranged in pre-selected positions by the key before the bolt will move. Newer keycard systems use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology such as the TLJ infinity. Many electronic access control locks use a Wiegand interface to connect the card swipe mechanism to the rest of the electronic entry system. Keycard systems operate by physically moving detainers in the locking mechanism with the insertion of the card, by shining LEDs through a pattern of holes in the card and detecting the result, by swiping or inserting a magnetic stripe card, or in the case of RFID cards, merely being brought into close proximity to a sensor. The first commercial use of key cards was to raise and lower the gate at automated parking lots where users paid a monthly fee.
![keycard lock keycard lock](http://www.xeeder.com/photo/pl25785702-keyless_electronic_entry_door_lock_intelligent_hotel_key_card_lock_system.jpg)
Keycards are frequently used in hotels as an alternative to mechanical keys. There are several common types of keycards in use, including the mechanical holecard, barcode, magnetic stripe, Wiegand wire embedded cards, smart card (embedded with a read/write electronic microchip ), and RFID proximity cards. The card stores a physical or digital pattern that the door mechanism accepts before disengaging the lock. A keycard lock is a lock operated by a keycard, a flat, rectangular plastic card with identical dimensions to that of a credit card or American and EU driver's license.