Hamster PRO Dual CL fingerprint scanner

SecuGen Hamster Pro Duo CL Fingerprint Scanner (XU20CL)

The SecuGen Hamster Pro Duo CL fingerprint scanner combines an optical fingerprint sensor with an NFC/contactless smart card reader in a single USB device. Because it captures two authentication factors at once, the Hamster Pro Duo CL suits deployments that need fingerprint plus card verification, such as physical access control, personal identity verification, and national ID programs. The fingerprint sensor also meets FBI FIPS 201 (PIV) and Mobile ID FAP 20 compliance, which matters for government and enterprise programs that require certified capture hardware.

Fingerprint Sensor and Capture Performance

At the core of the Hamster Pro Duo CL sits SecuGen’s U20 optical fingerprint sensor. This sensor captures images at 500 DPI resolution, with an image size of 300 x 400 pixels across a platen of 18.2mm x 22.9mm (15.24mm x 20.32mm effective sensing area). With Smart Capture enabled, capture speed ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 seconds per scan. As a result, the Hamster Pro Duo CL keeps enrollment moving even in high-traffic access-control points. Smart Capture also adjusts brightness automatically, so the sensor reads dry, wet, scarred, or aged fingers without manual recalibration.

Contactless Smart Card Reader

Beyond fingerprint capture, the Hamster Pro Duo CL includes a CCID-compliant contactless smart card reader with a built-in NFC antenna. It supports ISO 14443 Type A and B cards, MIFARE (7-byte UID, Plus, DESFire), FeliCa, and four types of NFC (ISO/IEC 18092) tags. Consequently, one device handles both biometric and card-based credentials, which simplifies hardware procurement for dual-factor authentication systems. The card reader communicates through PC/SC and CT-API (via wrapper), so it integrates into existing smart card middleware without custom driver work.

Security and Anti-Spoofing Features

The Hamster Pro Duo CL includes Fake Finger Rejection, a technology that detects spoofed or artificial fingerprints during capture. Latent print rejection further prevents residual prints left on the sensor from being read as a live scan. For added hardware security, the device includes an ISO 7816-compliant SAM (Secure Access Module) slot, which supports encrypted key storage for contactless applications. Fingerprint templates can also be encrypted using SecuGen’s proprietary format, so raw fingerprint images never need to leave the capture pipeline unprotected.

Build Quality and Connectivity

The Hamster Pro Duo CL connects via Hi-Speed USB 2.0 for the fingerprint reader and USB 2.0 Full-Speed for the card reader, drawing 5V DC at up to 450mA. Its optical sensor resists scratches, impact, vibration, and electrostatic shock, which supports long-term use at shared access points. The device also includes a user-controllable bi-color LED and buzzer for real-time capture feedback. Operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 50°C, with humidity tolerance up to 90% RH, non-condensing, making it suitable for typical indoor access-control environments across Kenya.

Compatibility and Standards

The Hamster Pro Duo CL conforms to FIPS 201 (PIV-071006), INCITS 378, ISO/IEC 19794-2, and ISO/IEC 19794-4 fingerprint standards, alongside Mobile ID FAP 20 compliance. On the card-reader side, it meets ISO 18092, ISO 14443, and ISO 7816 standards. The device supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, Windows Server 2012 and 2008 R2, Android 3.1 and later, Java, and Linux. This broad OS support means the same Hamster Pro Duo CL hardware can serve Windows-based access-control panels, Android enrollment apps, and Linux-based identity systems.

Best Suited For

• National ID and government identity programs: FIPS 201 (PIV) and Mobile ID FAP 20 compliance make the Hamster Pro Duo CL suitable for programs requiring certified dual-factor capture hardware.
• Physical access control with card + fingerprint verification: a built-in NFC/contactless card reader alongside the fingerprint sensor lets one device replace two separate readers at entry points.
• High-security facilities needing spoof resistance: Fake Finger Rejection and latent print rejection reduce the risk of unauthorized access through fake or residual fingerprints.
• Multi-application card environments: support for ISO 14443, MIFARE, DESFire, and FeliCa cards lets the same reader work across different card technologies already in use.
• Developers integrating with existing smart card middleware: PC/SC and CT-API support means the Hamster Pro Duo CL plugs into current card-management systems without custom driver development.