Hi guys, looking for DSC security specialist to clear my doubts, I have DSC PC-XXXX security in my house with number of motion sensors, 3-4 years ago we installed additional motion sensor(through Wellington security company) and the other day I finally got EnvisaLink and installed it, run it and found that the new additional motion sensor is paired with my old motion sensor, basically having 2 motion sensors connected to one zone 4. But according my PC-XXXX documentation it can handle 8 (or more) zones, so I have 3 more spare zones yet. So my question, possible to fix it/re-install? Thanks
Detectors are connected via 4core security cable, if they have simply spliced the existing cable and run the new detector off of it, the it will most likely need to be on the same zone (with some exceptions if appropriate resistors are installed and if the panel is capable of picking up different resistance on the same cable - most unlikely).
If they have wired it all the way back to the security panel, then it should be possible to reprogram the alarm to pick up the new zone but to program the alarm, you will need the installer code, not a user code, the installer code will be unique to the original company that did the install.
Given that you state it runs off an existing zone, I would find it highly unlikely they have cabled it all the way back to the panel
I would find it highly unlikely they have cabled it all the way back to the panel
Right, yep, thats the problem. Installer connected a new motion sensor to the alarm box, not to the panel. So it is necessary to cable it all the way back to the panel to have different/new zone? I thought its enough to connect just to the box. Thanks a lot.
Reached the end of my partial knowledge, I work with alarm techs but Im not one myself.If you are in Wellington, best to discuss with local security company there, see what can be done. Could be costly to recable from detector back to the panel (depending on where the panel is located which is usually in the garage, a halway cupboard or roof space) if access is an issue.
Reached the end of my partial knowledge, I work with alarm techs but Im not one myself.If you are in Wellington, best to discuss with local security company there, see what can be done. Could be costly to recable from detector back to the panel (depending on where the panel is located which is usually in the garage, a halway cupboard or roof space) if access is an issue.
Keypad is the one on the wall with the buttons, where the code is entered? Ok keypad :)
Panel is the one on the roof space/etc? Ok.
Sorry mixed meaning. Start again, as I know installer connected the new motion sensor to the panel (then), not to the keypad, so it is possible re-program to the different zone? thanks
As per my post above, you have reached the end of my limited technical knowledge, I only pick up so much from discussions around the office. Its possible the alarm company didn't have the installer code into your alarm and as such, couldn't program in a new zone, or its possible they were simply lazy / lacked knowledge as to how to do it. If you are certain the panel has sufficient spare zones (remembering there will be tamper zones connected most likely taking up one or two spots) and that it was wired back to the alarm panel itself, then thats all I can think of.
You can always get a local security company in to reprogram the panel. They can default the panel (if installer code isn't known) and reset everything and reprogram as required (this assumes that the original installer company didn't lock the panel out preventing this). Will probably cost you $2-300 to get that done (a few hours labour plus sundry costs), or you can leave well enough alone if it is inconsequential to have two detectors reporting on the same zone.
The person who installed the other sensor would have run the extra sensor the easiest way possible, or, they didn't have the installer code to program another zone, or, there was no spare zone, or, they were being lazy.
Most of the newer dsc keypads have an extra zone you can also use if you are out of zones on the panel or it's more convenient, however, you would have to program them.
I agree that if you need to pay for someone to re-program the zone, it's probably not worth it. If you want to learn how to do it yourself though, there are installer manuals that you can download and learn from. Most of the newer dsc panels have a little 4 pin header that you can use to program them. You would need to build / buy a cable to do so (it connects to a serial port, some usb / serial port adapters work). You would want to find software called DLS2002 (there are a few others that can work as well).
To see if the installer lockout is active, you remove the battery and power from the panel (remove the fuse). When you reapply the power, if the installer lockout is active there is a relay that clicks 7-8 times. note - you would have to reset the time after checking that.
Basically, there is enough information floating around to learn how to do it yourself if you are so inclined, otherwise, you would have to pay someone to do the change.
Thanks dolsen, about installer, I don't know, but the system has another 4 spare zones, so this was not problem. According my system installation it is possible to re/program the zones.
Yes, I'm keen to pay, just wanted to confirm my doubts, plus I want to get another 3 motion sensors for my system and looking for to buy them.
Thanks for help.
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