DSC Power Series info (was: Help!!)
#1
06-23-06, 06:04 PM
DSC Power Series info (was: Help!!)
Hi everyone, I need some help. We bought our home in 2003 and it had an alarm system in it already that was not on. Or at least I dont think it is. The door chimes when you open them but we don't know what the code is. Our home was an estate sale and a foreclosure. the previous owner passed away, so we had no way of finding out the code. I found all kinds of owners manuals in a kitchen drawer. One of which was the manual for a dsc powerseries I believe we have the pc5508z our keypad is numbered up to 8. We had a bit of a scare last night and I would like to get this system up and running. I am not in a posistion to hire an alarm company right now. I just need to find out how I can set up a passcode for this system. At least it will scare off any intruders I hope. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#2
06-23-06, 07:10 PM
More info
I have been reading some of the posts here and I have discovered that my system is actually running. When I moved in I had new carpet installed in the house and the installers cut the cords to the motion detectors. I fixed those and now the lights on the control panel light up when there is movement. So my system is active. I also found out that there is a glass breaking sensor on the wall which I had no idea what what is was all this time. A little research goes a long way. So now all I need to know is how to set up a master code and how to make sure it is not connected to a phone line. I have read that a trouble light appears when the is no phone connection, however I have never been without a phone so I can not say for sure. Thanks for any information that can be provided.
#3
06-23-06, 09:08 PM
The keypad model only tells me that you have a DSC power series panel. If you find and open the system enclosure where the backup battery is, there will be either a diagram inside the door with the correct model number, or a label on one of the main chips on the motherboard. In most relatively recent installations, it will be in a closet, usually in the master suite. Sometimes they put them just inside of the attic access.
The Power series panels have a lot of common commands, but there are enough differences to trip you up if you don't know what you are working with.
The Power series panels have a lot of common commands, but there are enough differences to trip you up if you don't know what you are working with.
#4
06-24-06, 04:38 AM
main box
The box has a diagram on the inside door that says pc1555mx wiring diagram. It shows the diagram and list the control panels that it is campatible with.
thank you
thank you
#5
06-24-06, 10:05 AM
You have a DSC Power 632 (PC1555)
Lets start with a basic test:
Enter[*][8][5555].
The Program light (or System light on the PC1555RKZ) will
flash to indicate that you are in programming mode.
If so, for now, press # until the panel goes back to run mode, and let us know.
You can try the same keystrokes with 1555 and 6321.
If none of those work, the only option short of a lucky blind guess at the installer code is to try the hardware default (and hope the installer lockout was not set).
You should read through some of the archived posts concerning DSC power series panels (Power 632, Power 832 (PC5010), Power 864 (PC5020), to see what you are getting into.
DSC panel programming is not intuitive, but it's not beyond reach.
Lets start with a basic test:
Enter[*][8][5555].
The Program light (or System light on the PC1555RKZ) will
flash to indicate that you are in programming mode.
If so, for now, press # until the panel goes back to run mode, and let us know.
You can try the same keystrokes with 1555 and 6321.
If none of those work, the only option short of a lucky blind guess at the installer code is to try the hardware default (and hope the installer lockout was not set).
You should read through some of the archived posts concerning DSC power series panels (Power 632, Power 832 (PC5010), Power 864 (PC5020), to see what you are getting into.
DSC panel programming is not intuitive, but it's not beyond reach.
#6
06-25-06, 05:39 AM
When I do this should the doors be closed? I did press those buttons, I had my back door open which the keypad showed this after I pressed the * 8 5555 the light that was lit up indicating the door was open went out. I do not see a program light though, am I missing something? Thanks much for your help here.
#7
06-25-06, 05:53 AM
Ok I was missing something. I tried it again, it chimed for about 2 seconds then quit. the zone light went off but the program light did not light up. What does this mean? Thanks.
#8
06-25-06, 08:54 AM
It means that the default installer code has been changed (which I figured to be likely, but it was worth a shot). For trying to program, it doesn't matter if doors are open or closed.
That 2 second beep was the systems way of saying "wrong code".
At this point your only choice if you wish to use this system will be a system default, which means reprogramming everything from scratch. There is a chance that the original installer set the installer lockout feature, but most don't.
You will need to start by shorting out which zone does what, because all of the current zone settings will get wiped by the system default.
You will also need the installer manual, which can be found from a number of online sources for a nominal download fee.
That 2 second beep was the systems way of saying "wrong code".
At this point your only choice if you wish to use this system will be a system default, which means reprogramming everything from scratch. There is a chance that the original installer set the installer lockout feature, but most don't.
You will need to start by shorting out which zone does what, because all of the current zone settings will get wiped by the system default.
You will also need the installer manual, which can be found from a number of online sources for a nominal download fee.
#9
06-25-06, 04:50 PM
there are only six zones and I know which ones are which now. As far as the manual goes what exactly am I looking for so I know what to get? If the system has a lockout will I still be able to program it or not. Thanks for your help.
#10
06-26-06, 04:38 AM
You want a installation manual for a DSC PC1555/Power 632.
The quick test for installer lockout. Unplug one of the battery terminals. Take the wire(s) off of one of the AC power terminals.
Wait a minute. Restore the AC power while listening carefully at the main PC board. If you hear a series of 10 clicks from the telco relay, then the installer lockout was set, and you might as well stop there, because, short of a lucky guess at the installer code, you cannot default the installer code.
The quick test for installer lockout. Unplug one of the battery terminals. Take the wire(s) off of one of the AC power terminals.
Wait a minute. Restore the AC power while listening carefully at the main PC board. If you hear a series of 10 clicks from the telco relay, then the installer lockout was set, and you might as well stop there, because, short of a lucky guess at the installer code, you cannot default the installer code.
