Newbie - Need help updating DSC system
#1
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Newbie - Need help updating DSC system
Newbie here. I recently purchased a home equipped with a DSC system. What I have is a Power 832/PC5010, two LCD5500, and a PC5108. There’s 4 door contacts, 5 glass breaks, 3 smoke detectors, 2 heat sensors and two motion detectors…all wired and DSC brand. I have no land line (and do not plan to get one) and this system is wired to a land line so it continuously illuminates the Trouble light. What’s odd, is that this did not occur until after a power outage, several months after the land line was disconnected. Anyway, what I’d like to do is update the system and get it back to working properly, most likely with either cell or network monitoring. Not sure which is best. My smoke and heat detectors are 15-20 years old and I definitely want to replace them. Also, I’d like to add a wireless door contact (recessed). Nearby at approx. 70 feet is my shop (metal) which I’d like to add a door contact and motion sensor to. Unfortunately, I live in a relatively small town with only one security service dealer available…the next closest is >100 miles. I’ve gotten two quotes and both were north of $2K which is much, much more than what I want to spend. Since they didn’t rep DSC they obviously quoted ripping out what I have (minus the wired sensors) and adding either Honeywell or DSM (?). I prefer to keep what I have as long as I can update it with newer DSC technology (wireless sensors as mentioned earlier and two touch screen keypads). I don’t have the installer code as the previous installer went out of business over a decade ago. Hope I’m not DOA there. I’m relatively technical and I can follow a set of instructions, haha. I’m hoping someone here can point me in the right direction as to what I should do so that I don’t buy unnecessary items and don’t cause myself more worry than what’s needed. I appreciate any and all help offered.
#3
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The hardware you have is good quality stuff, but it is a previous generation. _Most_ of the new DSC modules and keypads are backward compatible with this system.
Since you don't have the installer code, short of a lucky guess at the installer code, your only other path to get into programming to do things like make the communicator stop trying to dial out to the old service, is to use the hardware default; which would mean that all of the zone programming and settings revert to the factory settings.
70 feet distance through multiple walls and a metal framed building means that wireless is really not going to be very likely to work reliably. These transmitter are pretty low power devices.
Since you don't have the installer code, short of a lucky guess at the installer code, your only other path to get into programming to do things like make the communicator stop trying to dial out to the old service, is to use the hardware default; which would mean that all of the zone programming and settings revert to the factory settings.
70 feet distance through multiple walls and a metal framed building means that wireless is really not going to be very likely to work reliably. These transmitter are pretty low power devices.
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From the sounds of it, it looks like I'm going to have to call in a professional as bad as I hate it. Since the system was once installed by an ADT rep, I guess I'll give ADT a call and see what they recommend.
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Well, the ADT guy came out to upgrade/install my system. Unfortunately, the main office (ADT) did not convey what I was wanting to the installer. So, he showed up and wanted to install a completely new wireless system. This meant not using my existing wired door contacts nor my existing window breaks. I had specifically asked for an upgrade that WOULD work with my existing hardwired devices AND be expandable to allow for some wireless devices (smokes, door contacts, window break/contacts) AND use the PTK5507 wired touchscreens. I did not allow any installation of the shake and bake base model wireless panel they wanted to sell me. ADT is supposed to get back with me with a "package" that will fit my request. Problem is, the people I talk to from ADT do not seem to be very technical...they can't tell me what will work with what. They are geared for sales only and expect the poor installer to figure it all out when he gets to the home.
So, I need help. I definitely want to go with the wired 7" touchscreens (PTK5507). From DSC's website, the 5507 is only compatible with the PC1864, 1832, or the 1616. That means I need to replace the PC5010 that I have. If I were to go with the 1832, what would I need to be able to make it work with the wired devices that I have and wireless devices that I want to add and communicate with call centers via cellular?
So, I need help. I definitely want to go with the wired 7" touchscreens (PTK5507). From DSC's website, the 5507 is only compatible with the PC1864, 1832, or the 1616. That means I need to replace the PC5010 that I have. If I were to go with the 1832, what would I need to be able to make it work with the wired devices that I have and wireless devices that I want to add and communicate with call centers via cellular?
#6
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You would need the base system, the keypads you want, and a wireless receiver module (or keypad with a receiver built in).
Yes, the ADT sales people often have limited technical knowledge.
Yes, the ADT sales people often have limited technical knowledge.
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Thanks but I think I need to be model # specific so I can make sure ADT shows up with the right equipment next time. Could you list the model number of the wireless receiver module that will work with the 1832 and the cellular module that I would need?
#8
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This: PowerSeries 64-Zone LCD Full-Message Keypad with Built-In Wireless Receiver | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries 64-Zone LCD Picture Icon Keypad with Built-In Wireless Receiver | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries Wireless Receivers | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries 2-Way Wireless Transceiver Module | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries 64-Zone LCD Picture Icon Keypad with Built-In Wireless Receiver | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries Wireless Receivers | DSC Security Products | DSC
Or this: PowerSeries 2-Way Wireless Transceiver Module | DSC Security Products | DSC