DSC PC5020 some sections fail to program
#1
09-19-23, 03:12 PM
DSC PC5020 some sections fail to program
I have replaced my board three times (2x PC5020 v.3.24 and 1x PC5010 v2.02) and have the same problem on all three replacements: some sections will program properly, others do not. The same exact sections fail each time: there is no automatic end-of-section return and the last key entered is "stored" in all fields the next time I look. I have tried new power supply, new keypad, and both soft- and hardware factory reset. The reset does restore the sections that I had programmed, but the problem sections are filled with random entries. On the last attempt, I first connected only the new keypad and power supply to eliminate any wiring/sensor issues ... with the same result.
This seems like and odd problem to occur on the same programming sections on three separate boards. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?
This seems like and odd problem to occur on the same programming sections on three separate boards. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?
Last edited by txody; 09-19-23 at 03:14 PM. Reason: typo
#3
09-25-23, 10:35 PM
Thanks for the response. This may be more detail than you were wanting, but it's easier to scan than to play 20 questions. I realize these older boards were previously installed, but the same unique failure three times in a row does not make me think coincidence; each board came from a different seller. I have a fourth board on order that will be manufacturer new, and I would really like to know what is going on before putting power on it.
FIRST BOARD
1. Power off.
2. Check continuity and function of all sensors. OK. Verify no voltage on sensor wires.
3. Replace board and reconnect sensor wires to the corresponding terminals on the new board.
4. Power on.
5. Enter [*8 5555] and begin programming. Sections [000] through [012] program properly. Sections [013] through [018] have no automatic end-of-section return to the programming menu.
6. Enter # to manually exit the section; upon re-entry to the section, previously entered data is not present.
7. Section [020] works; same problems with Sections [030] [101] [202]. While I did not test every section, all of the remaining sections that I tried through [501] appeared to work properly.
8. Tried soft reset [*8 5555 999 5555 999]. Keypad went through cycle and reset all working sections, with non-default data stored in the failed sections (often with "really big numbers" based on lighted zones). Of note, after the reset all 8 zones were lighted, not just zone 1.
9. Tried hard reset by a) power off, b) remove sensor wires, c) short PGM1 and Z1, d) power on through cycle, about 30 seconds, e) power off, f) remove short, and g) power on. Identical results.
SECOND BOARD
Same steps as above with same results. Did not connect smoke loop, motion detector, or bell. Same exact sections failed.
THIRD BOARD
1. Power off.
2. Connected only a new out-of-box key pad and new power transformer.
3. Power on. Pre-existing programming present, along with keypad beeping.
4. Power off.
5. Hard reset by shorting PGM1 and Z1 (no sensors to disconnect), power on for cycle.
6. Power off, remove short and power on. Same results with the same sections failing.
A final note on the sensors. When I measure voltage and resistance at the panel and open each zone loop, I see the expected results: resistance goes from 6 ohms to break, and voltage rises from a few millivolts to 6.9V.
FIRST BOARD
1. Power off.
2. Check continuity and function of all sensors. OK. Verify no voltage on sensor wires.
3. Replace board and reconnect sensor wires to the corresponding terminals on the new board.
4. Power on.
5. Enter [*8 5555] and begin programming. Sections [000] through [012] program properly. Sections [013] through [018] have no automatic end-of-section return to the programming menu.
6. Enter # to manually exit the section; upon re-entry to the section, previously entered data is not present.
7. Section [020] works; same problems with Sections [030] [101] [202]. While I did not test every section, all of the remaining sections that I tried through [501] appeared to work properly.
8. Tried soft reset [*8 5555 999 5555 999]. Keypad went through cycle and reset all working sections, with non-default data stored in the failed sections (often with "really big numbers" based on lighted zones). Of note, after the reset all 8 zones were lighted, not just zone 1.
9. Tried hard reset by a) power off, b) remove sensor wires, c) short PGM1 and Z1, d) power on through cycle, about 30 seconds, e) power off, f) remove short, and g) power on. Identical results.
SECOND BOARD
Same steps as above with same results. Did not connect smoke loop, motion detector, or bell. Same exact sections failed.
THIRD BOARD
1. Power off.
2. Connected only a new out-of-box key pad and new power transformer.
3. Power on. Pre-existing programming present, along with keypad beeping.
4. Power off.
5. Hard reset by shorting PGM1 and Z1 (no sensors to disconnect), power on for cycle.
6. Power off, remove short and power on. Same results with the same sections failing.
A final note on the sensors. When I measure voltage and resistance at the panel and open each zone loop, I see the expected results: resistance goes from 6 ohms to break, and voltage rises from a few millivolts to 6.9V.
#4
09-26-23, 03:22 AM
The sections that are giving you trouble are the option selection sections and they work differently than the regular data entry sections. This is common to all DSC systems. Per the instructions on page 10 of the installation manual:
..."Sections contain several toggle options. The panel will use zone lights 1 through 8 to indicate if the different options are enabled or disabled. Refer to the Programming Worksheets to determine what each option represents and whether the light should be ON or OFF for your application. Press the number corresponding to the option to toggle the light ON or OFF. Once all the toggle options have been selected correctly press the [#] key to exit the Section and save the changes."
https://alarmhow.net/manuals/DSC/Int...n%20Manual.pdf
Programming worksheets:
https://alarmhow.net/manuals/DSC/Int...m%20Manual.pdf
..."Sections contain several toggle options. The panel will use zone lights 1 through 8 to indicate if the different options are enabled or disabled. Refer to the Programming Worksheets to determine what each option represents and whether the light should be ON or OFF for your application. Press the number corresponding to the option to toggle the light ON or OFF. Once all the toggle options have been selected correctly press the [#] key to exit the Section and save the changes."
https://alarmhow.net/manuals/DSC/Int...n%20Manual.pdf
Programming worksheets:
https://alarmhow.net/manuals/DSC/Int...m%20Manual.pdf
txody
voted this post useful.
#5
09-26-23, 10:57 AM
You, sir, are a wizard. I don't think in another year I would have made the connection between the format difference in the worksheets and the "toggle" programming instruction. System is working perfectly now (and I guess I have 3 to sell...).
Thank you for taking the time to help me out.
Thank you for taking the time to help me out.
