Connect DSC Alexor Alarm to Server

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Kiwibro

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Topic # 170885 29-Mar-2015 21:13

Ok here goes! Please let me know if the is the wrong place to post this.
I have a DSC Alexor wireless alarm in my house that is currently not monitored and was connected to standard copper phone network. We now have fibre and apparently the alarm will not communicate over VOIP anyway without expensive add on parts.
My question is this, I have a home server running 24/7. I also have an old dial up internal PCI card. Can I connect the dial up function of my alarm to my server via a dial up modem and somehow monitor it? I am aware that this may not be possible but I al least want to explore the idea. Thank you in advance!!

Jase2985

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Reply # 1273070 29-Mar-2015 21:35

depends on what you expect from your monitoring?
$200 for an ALARMSERVER AS 200 isnt that much in my opinion if it ensures your alarm is monitored.

in our case our alarm also monitors our smoke detectors so its something we want to ensure is monitored.

PS i dont have VOIP i still have a PSTN connection

Kiwibro

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Reply # 1273090 29-Mar-2015 22:12

I really just want an email or call to my phone if the alarm is activated. I have the installer code etc to change alarm settings etc. I have not heard of alarm server.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1273149 30-Mar-2015 07:28

All DSC's should support contact ID so it's $200 tops to buy and install an adapter to convert Contact ID to IP to allow Ethernet based monitoring. As there are many alarm companies still stuck in the 1980s many still don't support IP monitoring so you may need to charge alarm companies.. But if they're not supporting IP they don't deserve your support anyway.

I'm not quite sure how you plan to connect your alarm to a modem. You might find cheap software somewhere, but you'll find it costs significantly more than $200 to find any decent alarm monitoring software that can do ContactID decoding and perform actions based on that, and you'll still need a way of physically connecting the modem and alarm together - the most obvious of which would be to hunt around for a 2nd hand PBX which you should get for $50 but will then need to install and program.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1273151 30-Mar-2015 07:29

Kiwibro: I really just want an email or call to my phone if the alarm is activated. I have the installer code etc to change alarm settings etc. I have not heard of alarm server.

Many alarms can't just call out to a number, they're only capable of using a protocol such as Contact ID to contact an alarm monitoring centre. Does yours support just calling out?

k1w1k1d

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Reply # 1273158 30-Mar-2015 08:14

I have fitted a couple of these to drainage pumps that are running 24/7. The unit dials out if the engine stops. I just have to fit the toys and gizmos, so not sure of price.

http://www.gsm-control.co.nz/gsm-modem.php

dolsen

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Reply # 1273231 30-Mar-2015 10:18

Kiwibro: I really just want an email or call to my phone if the alarm is activated. I have the installer code etc to change alarm settings etc. I have not heard of alarm server.

You should be able to do this looking at the installer manual that is available online for your alarm (google search it).
You would need to add your phone number as first telephone number (location 301).
Then, set the dialler format to residential dial (location 350 set to 06).

There are some other settings you need to set correctly to know what to ring you about.

You need to connect your voip line out to tip and ring, and the rest of your phone wiring (assuming you have disconnected it from any copper line in) to T1 and R1.

I note that the manual indicates that you can have an Ethernet connection as well with an additional board that may or may not already be installed. This you could use if you want real monitoring, however, they would probably have to set / program this for you.

There are alarm boards that can probably help you with the programming if needed. It's fairly easy stuff, however, your call if you think it's within your capabilities.

Have a good read of the manual and see how you feel about the contents.

Kiwibro

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Reply # 1273770 30-Mar-2015 21:05

Thanks Dolsen! This is the information I am looking for. My alarm cant dial VOIP and needs add on card. I can probably set it up myself. Should I talk to the original installer about the purchase? The reason I stopped the monitoring as the alarm was triggered twice, the first time the response took 1 hour and the second time they never came at all!

Sbiddle, thank you for your info too, I am trying to find more info on contact ID but not having much luck on Google!! I was originally hoping to somehow have my server monitor my alarm. Armed set times, activations etc. An ideal world scenario would be as follows.....

Alarm activates, alarm calls my phone using VOIP and then my home Server via Ethernet logs the time and which sensor etc.
Am I just dreaming??