Replacement System for a DSC PC2000 - Help Please! - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

Jimsathome · 2012-06-24, 02:50 PM

Folks,

Background => I'm a licenced electrician with technician level training at a local technologist school some years ago. And I'm a bit geeky on PCs (build them for family and friends) so putting in a security system is relatively straight forward for me.

So background aside, I installed a DSC PC2000 system ~22 years ago in my then new home, but it's now time to replace it. Of course it's all hard wired (by me) with the usual door / window contacts and a couple interior infra red motion detectors just in case. It's worked marvelously all these years until a recent powere failure caused the alarm to go off after a while (my son and wife were home with the alarm off => and I was out of town on business => of couse

), coincidental to an ongoing main entry keypad number issue (It doesn't always "take" 3s). Their security codes wouldn't work to shut it off

as the indication was a loss of memory when I checked it after getting home. They had to disconnect the battery to get it to shut up.

My wife is pushing for me to replace it and I too think it's probably time. We need it to be reliable.

I want to stay with DSC as I typically reward good long life gear by re-purchasing from the same company when needed. (Besides it was Canadian made => I wonder if their new stuff still is...) We really don't need anything more capable that the PC2000 and certainly would like to keep costs down. I only need 6 or so Zones.

Can you advise the closest direct replacement control with keypads and where I can get a good deal in Canada (BC?)? I plan to re-use the sirens, motion detectors, etc. I really don't need /want the case, as I'd like to keep everything as is, but that's typically not an option.

Thanks for the assist.

Danno100 · 2012-06-24, 07:16 PM

One place you may want to check out is aartech dot ca. They sell DSC alarms and components. I have purchased a lot of stuff from them and the service is great and prices are very reasonable.

HDTV101 · 2012-06-24, 07:26 PM

Wow a PC2000 ... must be the last one in existence!

Danno is correct, aartech is a good canadian source for DSC.

Since the PC2000 had 8 hard wired zones you'll want to replace it with something with 8 or more zones... like a 1832.

http://www.aartech.ca/pc1832nk-dsc-1...enclosure.html

and you have a choice of keypads over here: http://www.aartech.ca/dsc-keypads/

North_of_Calgary · 2012-06-25, 09:50 PM

+1 for the DSC 1832 (for what it's worth).

NineBall · 2012-06-26, 09:20 AM

Depends on the "6 or so". You could save money by going with a PC1616 if it is just 6 as it will be ~1/3 cheaper. And after 22 years, I doubt you need the buffer of the extra 2 hardwired zones. If more than 6 zones, definately the PC1832 (I'll also give it +1 as that is what I have).

We use the PK5501 keypad but the PK5508 will be closer to what you have currently and they are roughly the same price. You give up the extra 56 zones but you're not using them anyway and can see all 8 that you do have at a glance which is nice.

Jimsathome · 2012-07-10, 02:12 AM

Gents,

I went for the DSC1832 and PK5001 Keypads. I went to a US Web Site as I could buy Canadian made gear far cheaper than I could in Canada

.

http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/pc1832nk.html

http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/pk5501.html

There was also No Taxes and Free Shipping to Point Roberts Washington which is about 10 Minutes from my Mom's house in Tsawwassen, B.C. So I got her to pick the stuff up when she was getting gas. As it was Canadian made there was no duty at the Border either.

However, when I was starting to install the PC1832 I noticed the Bell / Siren output was far less than the old PC2000. (5 amps Vs. 2 amps) I had to contact the original Siren OEM (MG Electronics) who advised each of my old SS-86 Sirens pull a nominal 1.1 amps with a maximum 1.5 amps @ 12 VDC if it's above 33 °C. So having 2 of them puts me over ...

I also noticed my original supply transformer was supplied at only 20VA whereas it was supposed to be 30VA. I did last over 22 years but I shouldn't push my luck any further, because the new PC1832 is rated at 40VA regardless.

So tonight I ordered a DSC SD-30W, a DSC SD20W (1,100 mA and 700 mA respectively) and a Altronix TP1640 Plug in Transformer (16.5 VDC 40 VA) => as DSC doesn't seem to make / brand label one of their own

.

I got those here:

http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/dsc-sd30w.html

http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/dsc-sd20w.html

http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/tp1640.html

The Manuals for the DSC1832 and PK5001 Keypads are terrible for the programming portion. The old ones were far easier to read and understand. Thankfully I found a DIY Alarm Forum with some very knowledable types willing to share.

I've got the system programmed but I'll disconnect one of the existing sirens until the new ones arrive so we can use it. It takes a while to do it but I am making good progress.

Witchdoctor · 2012-07-10, 03:54 AM

Just be glad you didn't need DSC's "MAXSYS" panel.

tls1 · 2012-07-10, 02:01 PM

I got a Visonic system from aartech... very happy with it... all wireless... programmed to call me in the event of a fire, theft, power failure, etc...

easy to install, program..

Cheers!
Terry

hebe4 · 2012-07-13, 04:12 PM

I thought I was the only one with a DSC2000 which also died under similar circumstances. About six months ago, after 20+ years of trouble free service, it decided to set itself off while I was at home on my computer.

After frantic attempts to disable the alarm at the keypad to no avail, I called the monitoring company and they suggested to disconnect the battery.

I did that and it continued to sound so they had me remove the power supply wires at the strip terminal which finally killed it. Trying to find a small set screw driver for the terminal is another story.

Anyway, the old system was replaced with a DSC1616 panel/PK5501 keypad and all is good again. Monitoring company gave me a $300 credit towards the upgrade for being a long term customer.

2012-06-24, 02:50 PM	#1
Jimsathome Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Coast of Canada - God's Country Posts: 413	Replacement System for a DSC PC2000 - Help Please! Folks, Background => I'm a licenced electrician with technician level training at a local technologist school some years ago. And I'm a bit geeky on PCs (build them for family and friends) so putting in a security system is relatively straight forward for me. So background aside, I installed a DSC PC2000 system ~22 years ago in my then new home, but it's now time to replace it. Of course it's all hard wired (by me) with the usual door / window contacts and a couple interior infra red motion detectors just in case. It's worked marvelously all these years until a recent powere failure caused the alarm to go off after a while (my son and wife were home with the alarm off => and I was out of town on business => of couse ), coincidental to an ongoing main entry keypad number issue (It doesn't always "take" 3s). Their security codes wouldn't work to shut it off as the indication was a loss of memory when I checked it after getting home. They had to disconnect the battery to get it to shut up. My wife is pushing for me to replace it and I too think it's probably time. We need it to be reliable. I want to stay with DSC as I typically reward good long life gear by re-purchasing from the same company when needed. (Besides it was Canadian made => I wonder if their new stuff still is...) We really don't need anything more capable that the PC2000 and certainly would like to keep costs down. I only need 6 or so Zones. Can you advise the closest direct replacement control with keypads and where I can get a good deal in Canada (BC?)? I plan to re-use the sirens, motion detectors, etc. I really don't need /want the case, as I'd like to keep everything as is, but that's typically not an option. Thanks for the assist. __________________ Regards, Jim

2012-07-10, 02:12 AM	#6
Jimsathome Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Coast of Canada - God's Country Posts: 413	I am making good progress. Gents, I went for the DSC1832 and PK5001 Keypads. I went to a US Web Site as I could buy Canadian made gear far cheaper than I could in Canada . http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/pc1832nk.html http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/pk5501.html There was also No Taxes and Free Shipping to Point Roberts Washington which is about 10 Minutes from my Mom's house in Tsawwassen, B.C. So I got her to pick the stuff up when she was getting gas. As it was Canadian made there was no duty at the Border either. However, when I was starting to install the PC1832 I noticed the Bell / Siren output was far less than the old PC2000. (5 amps Vs. 2 amps) I had to contact the original Siren OEM (MG Electronics) who advised each of my old SS-86 Sirens pull a nominal 1.1 amps with a maximum 1.5 amps @ 12 VDC if it's above 33 °C. So having 2 of them puts me over ... I also noticed my original supply transformer was supplied at only 20VA whereas it was supposed to be 30VA. I did last over 22 years but I shouldn't push my luck any further, because the new PC1832 is rated at 40VA regardless. So tonight I ordered a DSC SD-30W, a DSC SD20W (1,100 mA and 700 mA respectively) and a Altronix TP1640 Plug in Transformer (16.5 VDC 40 VA) => as DSC doesn't seem to make / brand label one of their own . I got those here: http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/dsc-sd30w.html http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/dsc-sd20w.html http://www.geminicomputersinc.com/tp1640.html The Manuals for the DSC1832 and PK5001 Keypads are terrible for the programming portion. The old ones were far easier to read and understand. Thankfully I found a DIY Alarm Forum with some very knowledable types willing to share. I've got the system programmed but I'll disconnect one of the existing sirens until the new ones arrive so we can use it. It takes a while to do it but I am making good progress. __________________ Regards, Jim

2012-07-10, 03:54 AM	#7
Witchdoctor Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 49	Just be glad you didn't need DSC's "MAXSYS" panel. __________________ Member CSSA and Pinecrest Revolver and Gun Club Last edited by Dr.Dave; 2012-07-10 at 10:05 AM. Reason: Unnecessary quote removed. Please don't quote the immediately preceding post.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

2012-06-24, 07:16 PM	#2
Danno100 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Outside of Toronto Posts: 292	One place you may want to check out is aartech dot ca. They sell DSC alarms and components. I have purchased a lot of stuff from them and the service is great and prices are very reasonable.

2012-06-24, 07:26 PM	#3
HDTV101 Veteran Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2,000	Wow a PC2000 ... must be the last one in existence! Danno is correct, aartech is a good canadian source for DSC. Since the PC2000 had 8 hard wired zones you'll want to replace it with something with 8 or more zones... like a 1832. http://www.aartech.ca/pc1832nk-dsc-1...enclosure.html and you have a choice of keypads over here: http://www.aartech.ca/dsc-keypads/

2012-06-25, 09:50 PM	#4
North_of_Calgary Veteran Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Calgary Area Posts: 2,074	+1 for the DSC 1832 (for what it's worth).

2012-06-26, 09:20 AM	#5
NineBall Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Whitby, ON Posts: 238	Depends on the "6 or so". You could save money by going with a PC1616 if it is just 6 as it will be ~1/3 cheaper. And after 22 years, I doubt you need the buffer of the extra 2 hardwired zones. If more than 6 zones, definately the PC1832 (I'll also give it +1 as that is what I have). We use the PK5501 keypad but the PK5508 will be closer to what you have currently and they are roughly the same price. You give up the extra 56 zones but you're not using them anyway and can see all 8 that you do have at a glance which is nice.

2012-07-10, 02:01 PM	#8
tls1 Rookie Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 21	I got a Visonic system from aartech... very happy with it... all wireless... programmed to call me in the event of a fire, theft, power failure, etc... easy to install, program.. Cheers! Terry

2012-07-13, 04:12 PM	#9
hebe4 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victoria Posts: 38	I thought I was the only one with a DSC2000 which also died under similar circumstances. About six months ago, after 20+ years of trouble free service, it decided to set itself off while I was at home on my computer. After frantic attempts to disable the alarm at the keypad to no avail, I called the monitoring company and they suggested to disconnect the battery. I did that and it continued to sound so they had me remove the power supply wires at the strip terminal which finally killed it. Trying to find a small set screw driver for the terminal is another story. Anyway, the old system was replaced with a DSC1616 panel/PK5501 keypad and all is good again. Monitoring company gave me a $300 credit towards the upgrade for being a long term customer.