Description
Paxton 010-296-US Paxton10 Slimline Multi-Format Bluetooth Reader
The Paxton 010-296-US Paxton10 Slimline Reader is a compact, multi-technology access control reader designed specifically for the Paxton10 security platform. Its narrow mullion-mount profile combines support for legacy 125 kHz proximity credentials, 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards, NFC devices and Bluetooth® mobile credentials in one durable reader, helping organizations support existing users while preparing for more secure credential technologies.
Built for demanding indoor and exterior installations, the Paxton10 Slimline Reader features an IP67 weather-resistant enclosure, an IK10 impact rating, encrypted RS-485 communication and a compact housing measuring approximately 4.09 inches high by 1.92 inches wide. It connects directly to compatible Paxton10 Door Controllers and Video Controllers, making it a strong choice for office entrances, schools, healthcare facilities, apartment properties, retail locations, industrial sites and other commercial access control applications.
Slim Mullion Reader with Multi-Format and Mobile Credential Support
The 010-296-US simultaneously supports common credential families including Paxton credentials, HID® Prox, EM, MIFARE®, DESFire®, FeliCa and NFC, along with Bluetooth smart credentials used through the Paxton Key app. This broad compatibility makes the reader particularly valuable for credential migration projects where an organization needs to continue reading legacy proximity cards while gradually introducing smart cards or mobile access.
Paxton10 Slimline Reader Key Features
- Paxton sales code 010-296-US
- Designed for Paxton10 access control systems
- Slimline mullion-mount reader form factor
- Reads both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz credentials
- Supports Paxton encrypted smart credentials
- Reads compatible HID® Prox credentials
- Supports EM4100 and EM4102 credentials
- Reads compatible MIFARE® contactless credentials
- Supports DESFire® credential serial number reading
- Supports compatible FeliCa and NFC technologies
- Built-in Bluetooth Low Energy technology
- Token, Touch-to-Enter and Long Range Bluetooth modes
- Encrypted RS-485 communication with Paxton10 controllers
- Low-power sleep mode with capacitive wake-up
- IP67 rated for exterior installations
- IK10 rated for impact resistance
- Includes 5 meters of encapsulated cable
- Suitable for mounting on metal surfaces
- Five-year Paxton warranty
Product Specifications
| Manufacturer | Paxton Access |
| Sales Code | 010-296-US |
| Product Type | Multi-Format Access Control Reader |
| Reader Style | Slimline Mullion Reader |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| System Compatibility | Paxton10 |
| RFID Frequencies | 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz |
| Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Credential Technologies | Paxton, HID Prox, EM, MIFARE, DESFire, FeliCa, NFC and Bluetooth |
| Communication | Encrypted RS-485 / Paxton10 Protocol |
| Operating Voltage | 12 VDC |
| Current Draw | 40 mA Quiescent / 100 mA Maximum |
| Maximum Power | 1 Watt |
| Cable Length | 5 Meters / Approximately 16 Feet |
| Maximum Extension | 100 Meters Controller to Reader |
| Recommended Cable | 22 AWG, 4-Core Twisted Pair |
| Environmental Rating | IP67 |
| Impact Rating | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -31°F to +151°F |
| Dimensions | 4.09 × 1.92 × 0.67 Inches |
| Housing | Black PC+ABS |
| Audible Indication | Piezo Buzzer |
| Warranty | Paxton Five-Year Warranty |
Multi-Format Credential Compatibility
The Paxton10 Slimline Reader can recognize multiple credential technologies concurrently, allowing a facility to support different card, key fob and mobile credential populations through the same installed reader. Actual system operation depends on the credential data available to Paxton10 and how the credential has been enrolled.
- Paxton encrypted credentials: 13.56 MHz credentials designed to provide AES 128-bit encrypted credential data and stronger cloning resistance.
- Paxton standard credentials: Compatible Paxton 125 kHz credentials used in existing access control deployments.
- HID® Prox: Reads supported 125 kHz HID proximity credential data, including user number and site-code information.
- EM4100/EM4102: Supports commonly used 125 kHz EM serial-number credentials.
- MIFARE®: Reads compatible 13.56 MHz MIFARE credential identifiers.
- DESFire®: Supports compatible DESFire credential serial-number reading.
- FeliCa: Supports compatible FeliCa contactless credential technology.
- NFC: Supports compatible NFC devices and credential applications.
- Bluetooth: Supports Paxton10 smart credentials through compatible mobile and wearable devices.
A Practical Reader for Credential Migration
Many organizations still use established 125 kHz proximity credentials but want to move toward encrypted smart credentials or mobile access. Replacing every credential and every reader at one time can be disruptive and expensive. The multi-format design of the 010-296-US allows compatible legacy and newer credential types to operate at the same reader during a planned migration.
A facility may continue enrolling supported HID Prox, EM or Paxton proximity credentials while issuing Paxton encrypted smart credentials or Bluetooth credentials to new employees, selected departments or higher-security users. The organization can then phase out older credential technologies according to its own security objectives, budget and replacement schedule.
Three Bluetooth® Smart Credential Modes
Built-in Bluetooth Low Energy technology allows compatible smartphones, tablets and wearable devices to function as Paxton10 smart credentials through the Paxton Key app. The reader can be configured for different presentation experiences according to the door and application.
- Token Mode: The user presents the smart device very close to the reader, similar to presenting a physical card or key fob. Paxton specifies a range of up to approximately 2 cm.
- Touch-to-Enter: The user activates access by touching the reader while the authorized smart device is within range. Paxton specifies a range of up to approximately 1.5 meters.
- Long Range: The authorized device may communicate from up to approximately 10 meters, making this mode useful for vehicle gates, barriers and other hands-free applications.
Designed Specifically for Paxton10
The 010-296-US communicates with compatible Paxton10 Door Controllers and Video Controllers through the encrypted Paxton10 RS-485 protocol. This secure controller-to-reader connection helps protect credential data and reader communications from manipulation that may be more difficult to detect with older unencrypted reader interfaces.
This is not a standard Wiegand reader and should not be ordered for direct connection to an unrelated third-party access control panel. It is also not intended as a direct Net2 reader. Confirm that the opening is controlled by compatible Paxton10 hardware before ordering.
Why Choose the Paxton 010-296-US?
The Paxton10 Slimline Reader gives installers and facility managers flexibility that is difficult to achieve with a single-frequency or single-format credential reader. It can support an existing population of compatible 125 kHz proximity credentials while also accommodating 13.56 MHz contactless cards and Paxton10 Bluetooth smart credentials. This reduces the need to install different reader models for different user groups and provides a practical foundation for future credential upgrades.
Its narrow profile is well suited to aluminum storefront frames and other limited-width mounting locations, while IP67 weather resistance and IK10 impact protection support demanding exterior and public-facing installations. Encrypted reader communication, low-power operation, capacitive wake-up and a five-year manufacturer warranty further strengthen its value for long-term commercial security deployments.
Installation Guidance
The Paxton10 Slimline Reader uses a simple four-wire connection and is supplied with 5 meters of encapsulated cable. The color-coded reader wires connect color-for-color to the appropriate reader connection on a compatible Paxton10 Door Controller or Video Controller.
- Mount the reader vertically on a mullion, wall or other flat surface.
- The reader is suitable for surface mounting on metal.
- Avoid positioning it immediately beside another proximity reader.
- Nearby readers may interfere with one another and reduce credential read range.
- The cable exits centrally from the rear for accurate drilling and alignment.
- The reader cable may be extended to a maximum controller-to-reader distance of 100 meters.
- Use the manufacturer-recommended 22 AWG, four-core twisted-pair cable or an approved equivalent.
- Maintain appropriate separation from high-voltage wiring and sources of electrical interference.
- Seal exterior cable penetrations according to the installation environment.
- Follow Paxton instructions and all applicable electrical, fire and building codes.
Professional installation is recommended. Reader placement, controller compatibility, cable type, power requirements, credential enrollment and system configuration should be reviewed by a qualified Paxton access control installer.
Common Applications
- Commercial office entrances
- Aluminum storefront door frames
- Schools and university facilities
- Healthcare and medical buildings
- Apartment and condominium properties
- Retail stores and restricted stockrooms
- Manufacturing and warehouse facilities
- Government and municipal buildings
- Fitness centers and recreational facilities
- Outdoor gates and perimeter entrances
- Mobile credential deployments
- Legacy-to-smart credential migrations
Important Ordering and Compatibility Guidance
Verify that the required reader is the Paxton10 Slimline Reader, sales code 010-296-US. Paxton offers several readers with similar appearances for Net2, standalone and Paxton10 systems, but they do not necessarily use the same wiring method, controller interface or credential capabilities.
This reader connects through the Paxton10 encrypted RS-485 protocol and should be used with compatible Paxton10 Door or Video Controllers. It is not a general-purpose Wiegand or OSDP reader and should not be assumed to connect directly to unrelated third-party panels.
Multi-format capability does not mean that every card using a listed technology will automatically operate as expected. Verify the credential frequency, chip technology, encoded data, facility code, card number, enrollment method and system configuration. Certain smart cards may contain secure applications that are not accessed when only the card serial number is read.
For Bluetooth mobile access, confirm current Paxton10 software, app and smart credential requirements. Range is influenced by reader configuration, mobile device hardware, installation conditions, nearby structures and radio interference.
Official Paxton PDF Resources
Official specifications, credential compatibility, dimensions and environmental ratings Paxton10 Slimline Reader Instructions
Official installation, regulatory and wiring documentation Slimline Reader Drilling Template
Manufacturer mounting template for accurate reader installation Paxton10 Dealer and Installer Guide
Paxton10 system architecture, hardware, applications and installation overview
Paxton 010-296-US Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 010-296-US a mullion reader?
Yes. Paxton describes it as a slimline mullion-mount reader. Its housing is approximately 1.92 inches wide, making it suitable for many narrow door frames and storefront mullions.
Does the Paxton10 Slimline Reader read HID® Prox cards?
Yes. The reader supports compatible HID Prox credentials operating at 125 kHz. Credential data and Paxton10 enrollment must still be compatible with the intended system configuration.
Does it read MIFARE® and DESFire® cards?
The reader supports compatible MIFARE and DESFire credential technologies. The exact data read may depend on the credential type and system configuration, so compatibility should be confirmed before a large credential deployment.
Does it support Bluetooth mobile credentials?
Yes. Built-in Bluetooth Low Energy supports Paxton10 smart credentials through compatible mobile and wearable devices using the Paxton Key app.
What are the three Bluetooth operating modes?
The available modes are Token Mode, Touch-to-Enter and Long Range. The selected mode determines how close the authorized smart device must be and how the user interacts with the reader.
Can the reader be installed outdoors?
Yes. It carries an IP67 environmental rating and an IK10 impact rating, making it suitable for properly installed exterior and public-facing locations.
Can it be mounted directly on metal?
Yes. Paxton specifies that the reader is suitable for surface mounting on metal. Final credential range should still be tested after installation.
Does it work with Net2?
The 010-296-US is a native Paxton10 reader. It is not a standard Net2 reader and should be connected to compatible Paxton10 controller hardware.
Is the reader Wiegand or OSDP?
No. It uses encrypted RS-485 communication with the proprietary Paxton10 protocol. It should not be purchased as a general-purpose Wiegand or OSDP reader.
How much cable is included?
The reader includes 5 meters, or approximately 16 feet, of encapsulated cable. The controller-to-reader cable distance may be extended to a maximum of 100 meters using the recommended cable type.
Can the reader help with a credential migration?
Yes. Its support for both legacy 125 kHz proximity credentials and newer 13.56 MHz or Bluetooth credentials allows organizations to transition users over time rather than replacing the entire credential population at once.
Flexible Multi-Technology Access for the Paxton10 Platform
The Paxton 010-296-US Paxton10 Slimline Multi-Format Bluetooth Reader combines legacy proximity compatibility, smart card support, mobile access, encrypted communication and rugged exterior performance in a narrow mullion form factor. Whether the project requires existing HID Prox credentials, Paxton encrypted credentials, MIFARE, DESFire, NFC or Bluetooth smart credentials, this versatile reader provides a practical, future-ready credential interface for compatible Paxton10 door security systems.
