# How to manage encoder devices in Salto Homelok
> Create and manage encoder devices in the Salto Homelok access control platform.


## Overview {#overview}

An encoder is a hardware device used to read and update physical keys like fobs and keycards with access permission data.
Users place their keys on the device and the data is passed to the system via the encoder.
Encoders connect to [gateways like the IQ3](/homelok/user-guide/property-manager/settings/devices/gateways) via Bluetooth.

## Encoders in Salto Homelok {#encoders-in-salto-homelok}

The Salto NCoder is compatible with a wide range of [RFID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification) keys and is [configured using the Salto Nebula Commissioning app](/nebula/user-guide/installer/configure-devices/encoders).

## Creating encoders {#creating-encoders}

You can create encoders in Homelok via the web interface or using the Nebula Commissioning app during the device configuration process.
If you create encoders via the web interface, they still need to be configured using the app.

For a full description of how to create and configure encoders, see also the [section on configuring devices in Nebula](/nebula/user-guide/installer/configure-devices).

No matter whether you create encoders via the web or app, you need to create the parent gateway device before you create the encoder that lies beneath it.
An encoder **must** always be connected to a gateway.

You create encoders in the **Devices** section of Homelok.
To create an encoder go to **Devices** and select **Create**.

![Create encoder](images/create-encoder.png "Encoders must always have a gateway as their parent device")
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Enter a name for your encoder.
You can then add the encoder's parent device via the **Parent** field.

### Emit sound when in use {#emit-sound-when-in-use}

The **Emit sound when in use** checkbox refers to the audible beeps emitted by the encoder during operation.

![Emit sound checkbox](images/emit-sound.png "Encoders make a sound when operating by default, unless you uncheck this option")
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By default the encoder will make sounds during an operation, like when it is [reading a key](/homelok/user-guide/property-manager/settings/devices/encoders#read-key).
However, if you uncheck this box the encoder will be silent.

Note that the sound can only be disabled on a per encoder basis.

## Assigning keys with an encoder {#assigning-keys-with-an-encoder}

In the **Key** section of the user's profile, assign a **Key** and select the **Encode** option.
Choose the correct encoder and place the user's key on top of the encoder.
Note: if you only have one encoder in your installation, this will be the default encoder.

Ensure the encoder is connected to the gateway and click **Assign**.

![Assign key with encoder](images/assign-key.png "Assigning a key to a user using an encoder")
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For more information on assigning keys, see the [section on assigning keys to users](/homelok/user-guide/property-manager/users/assign-keys).

## Read key {#read-key}

You can use the **Read key** option to see who a physical key belongs to or view other details, such as the {{< glossary_term "uid" >}}UID{{< /glossary_term >}} of the key.
This might be useful if you find a lost keycard and you need to return it to the correct owner, for example.

To be able to read a key, the encoder must be connected to a gateway device.

![Read key option](images/read-key.png "You access the 'Read key' option from the 'Encoder' screen")
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To read a key, do the following:

1. Place the key on top of the encoder device
2. Ensure the encoder is connected to a gateway
3. Press **Read key**
4. The **Key details** screen displays

![Read key detail](images/read-key-detail.png "The 'Key details' screen provides details about the key")
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You can also read a key from the main **Devices** list page by hovering over the encoder and selecting the **Read** button.
The quick action button in the main navigation bar in Homelok lets you read a key without opening the encoder's detail page.

![Quick action button](images/read-key-quick-action.png "You can also read a key using the quick action button from the main navigation bar in Homelok")
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## Firmware {#firmware}

Once an encoder has been [configured by the Nebula Commissioning app](/nebula/user-guide/installer/configure-devices/encoders), you can see the firmware number and version of the device in the **Firmware** section of the side panel.

![Firmware panel](images/firmware.png "Example of how firmware numbers and versions are displayed")
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See also the [section on updating firmware](/nebula/user-guide/installer/maintain-devices/update-firmware) for more information about firmware updates.