DSC Alarm

Has anyone interfaced a DSC Power 864 / PC5020 Alarm System into C-Bus?

Thanks
Steve

 

Steve,

Don't even think about trying to interface at any sort of high level (RS232 etc) it won't be worth the bother. All you really need is to "point reference" specific events or system status between the two systems.

Lets just pretend you have some logic capability on the C-Bus side to achieve the following functions -
Auto shutdown of lights (C-Bus devices) when leaving premsies.
If you stay away from premises after dark semi random lights in various parts of the home turning on and off giving indication of occupancy.
If entering during hours of darkness entry path lighting auto on.

All of the above can be achieved via a single point reference of a relay in the security system activating/ deactivating around the security armed status.

Throw in a relay for alarm, one for smoke, maybe one for partial or a zone unsealed and you will be able to build lots and lots of functional interface around a cheap and easy to use four way relay card.

If you don't have logic capability on the C-Bus side then definately don't worry about a HLI solution. If you don't have a C-touch or similar capable of running scenes then don't even bother low level connection of the two systems.

I have a Tecom Challenger with an eight way relay card for interface to C-Bus. I am using 5 of the relay points (Large security system with 4 areas) I can't even think what to do with the last 3 relays - and this place runs itself automation wise...

 

Thanks for that Lucky,

Like the idea of keeping it simple... Had thought about using Ness and other systems, but didn't like any of the key panels (yea I know, poor reason) DSC have a nice one. I'll be using HomeGate, and I'll go with relays etc.

Steve

 

Steve's original post sounded like he already had the DSC.

If you don't already have the panel I can confrim the NESS / Clipsal CBus enabled panel (5400/16CB) works very well... And will probably (will) give you more options for interface with C-Bus as it is high level...

 

I've always put the (ugly) keypads completely out of the way (in a cupboard) so they only need to be used when/if the remotes don't work or if I need to check for an unsealed zone. They can be used as a fallback for the touchscreen which has a much better front-end.

 

Im with you conformist, I use the ness, I have the LCD hidden in a cupboard, just incase remote, or phone go down, although I have a touchscreen near the door and have security page which opens up a screen to let you arm or disarm system. Unfortunatly there is no high level to let you disarm (not that i noticed anyway) so I put a cbus relay inside the alarm panel and use it to switch on input 8 (I think) which lets you have the option of using it as a disarm. The only prob I have is that i have to put in my key code twice for some reason. (any one know why??). But apart from that it works great and have touchscreen instead of ugly LCD keypad.

 

I think the password issue is caused by the incorrect time in the panel (power and backup battery failure). Set the time/date on the panel (even if it seems correct)... I'm fairly sure that's the deal.

Cheers

 

Havn't yet purchased a system as yet or made and firm comitments to any one product, the house is still at the construction stages (ceilings going in next week, or sometime this year - building in Perth).

I do like the visual look of the DSC LCD55110Z keypad, would it be possible to interface this keypad to a Ness or similar, or is that a question for another forum.

Had looked at CQC but have decided to stay with Homegate, may be wrong about that.

Any feedback welcome

Thanks
Steve

 

Keypads for domestic alarm panels are very proprietary - there is next to no chance you will get a DSC KP to work with another panel.

The DSC KP does look pretty smart...

 

Wow, how easily convinced am I, you could sell me anything?.

Just done a complete 360?. I think I can live with the Ness D816 LCD Keypad, very similar looks to the DSC and after reading the CQC forums I?m starting to lean more towards CQC.

Steve

 

The DSC Power 864 is a brilliant alarm system, however not to many people in NZ have done this integration. I am aware of a couple though and it works well, but a LOT of code!