What our experts say …
We set out to discover if there is a penalty to be paid in the cause of ‘Icon-omy’ by looking at a very reasonably-priced DSC package consisting of the very versatile PC1565 control panel, on-board communicator, and Icon LCD keypad.
The control panel can be programmed for a maximum of eight zones. These zones can consist of any combination from six hard wired on-board zones, a hard wired zone per keypad (maximum of eight keypads) or eight wireless zones using DSC’s class VI receiver. So this panel can support a system which is hard-wired, hybrid or has all eight zones entirely wire-free. The six hard-wired zones available on the PC1565 and keypad zones can be connected either DEOL (double end-of-line), EOL (single end-of-line) or NC (normally closed). There are 29 zone definitions (types) listed which includes thirteen 24-hour monitoring options for panic, hold-up, gas, heat and freeze, for example.
The Icon LCD keypad is of the fixed message type which uses symbols and numbers to indicate system status. The keypad has five function keys for easy single button activation of the most commonly used features, also dedicated Fire, Auxiliary and Panic transmission keys. The auxiliary alarm is a silent alarm for signalling the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The Icon displays time, displayed on a 12 or 24-hour basis, when not otherwise engaged.
System programming carried out from the keypad is easy when you know how, but the process of finding out takes time, along with a little help from DSC in our experience! Relief is available in the form of downloading software which can be used locally using a laptop or remotely using a PC. The software is available on CD, free of charge, from DSC. The PC1565 continuously monitors possible trouble conditions covering its zones, supplies (AC and battery), telephone line (TLM) and bell circuit, to name but a few, reporting locally at the keypad and remotely via the communicator.
The digital communicator can be programmed for two different reporting formats from a list of six options which includes SIA, Contact ID and Private Line formats. This feature allows full reporting to an ARC and zone alarm transmissions to a private telephone. In the latter case, the user acknowledges the call by pressing a button on a touch-tone phone before (handshake) and after (kiss-off) receiving the appropriate number of zone beeps. As installers, we have occasionally been asked for this facility by customers.
Reporting can be further diversified by using DSC’s GSM 1000 cellular communicator either as the sole communicator, in parallel with the PSTN, or as back-up in case of local network failure. A long range radio transmitter is also available for those really remote installations where GSM may be a bit strained. There are two programmable outputs, PGM1 (300mA) and PGM2 (50mA) on the PC1565, with a choice of 20 options. These can be programmed to follow system troubles or system events. A relay module was supplied with NO-Common-NC contacts, rated at 5A, 30v DC with a resistive load, to further extend the output ratings.
Several false alarm prevention features have been built in, including the Cross Zone Police Code Alarm which is sent when two alarms occur at different times and in different zones when the system is armed or first disarmed.This period is referred to as armed-to-armed.
From the user’s viewpoint, the system is easy to operate using the Icon, which gives a clear indication of system state using fixed symbols and has two rare user-friendly features. On entering the premises through the designated entry/exit door, the entry tone is generated at the keypad: immediately the first key is pressed, the entry tone stops so that the beep accompanying each keypress can be clearly heard – very civilised! Secondly, when an invalid code is entered, a long beep follows, encouraging the user to try again. Four different chimes are available and can be assigned to any zone. This feature appears to be catching on more widely, particularly in commercial premises where staff can be easily surprised by unwanted callers. Years ago, one of our customers had an alarm system chime enabled on his wine cellar door, to keep a check on madam’s drinking habits (he said)! If the PC1565 had been around at that time, he could have been kept informed on his car-phone.
Construction
The control panel PCB measures a surprisingly small 155 x 83mm, in spite of carrying all the components, including those of the communicator and modem. It is supported on plastic pillars in a 1.5mm thick steel case having spot-welded corners and a ‘piano type’ hinged lid.
Our sample arrived with the mains transformer and fused connector already fitted. The door camlock and tamper switch were supplied separately. There is ample space in the enclosure for a 6 Ah standby battery, terminals up! The PCB connecting terminals are of better than average design, in that tightening the securing screw pulls a block up under the connecting wire as opposed to the more common type, which pushes a spring down on to the wire.
The Icon LCD 5501Z remote keypad is contained in an attractively styled plastic case with a hinged flap covering all the keys. The keys are all on a single membrane which is clamped between the cover and the PCB. When a key is pressed, it has a good positive feel and the adjacent keys do not try to follow in sympathy. The overall design and construction of the remote keypad is very good. It includes a front and rear operating tamper switch.The quality of construction and finish of the keypad and control panel PCBs is also very good.
On opening the PC1565, the installer will note the absence of terminals for tamper, bell/siren trigger, enclosure tamper return or strobe supply. This is all covered in the SAB wiring diagram in DSC’s Quick Guide, which includes the control panel lid tamper switch. They show the strobe supplied from PGM 2 output which seems a bit odd since PGM 2 is rated at 50 mA whereas a typical strobe draws around 100 mA. DEOL resistor termination would be the obvious choice for zone wiring to give alarm, tamper and fault monitoring, using four-cored cable.
Icon keypads and the wireless receiver are connected to the four keybus terminals in the control panel. Any keypad or the receiver can be connected at any point on the keybus cable, but no unit should have a total cable length of more than 305m from the panel. There is some confusion in the Installation Manual in the size of cable recommended:- “…minimum 22 gauge quad (0.5 mm)”- should that be a.w.g. and mm squared? If so, the numbers do not relate. DSC’s man assures us that standard alarm four-core is adequate but this is considerably smaller in effective cross-sectional area than 22 a.w.g! Powering up is carried out battery first, then mains; the panel will not power up on battery alone. The program defaults are set for DEOL resistor zones and with Telephone Line Monitoring enabled. These must be complied with or changed and the clock and calendar adjusted, otherwise the trouble light remains lit.
The instructions provided consisted of the PC1565 Installation Manual, PC1565 Instruction Manual, the small/slim LCD 5501Z Installation Instructions, a single sheet on Using the LCD 5501Z Keypad and a Quick Guide to Classic PC 1565 Control Panels. We decided to use the PC1565 Installation Manual, since it appeared to cover both panel and keypad. The LCD 5501Z is mentioned in the introduction, fourth on a list of “Three keypads available”. We could find no further mention of it anywhere in the manual. A single Instruction Manual and a single Installation Manual would avoid a lot of initial confusion. Generally, the PC1565 Installation Manual is a most comprehensive document, containing a full, clear description of the system, explaining all the terms (such as “swinger shutdown”) and listing the programming options. The PC1565 Instruction Manual (or User Guide) gives operating instructions, along with informative paragraphs on household fire safety, fire escape planning and avoiding false alarms. The LCD 5501Z single User sheet is very helpful with clear annotated diagrams explaining the message symbols and quick reference to system functions.
The Quick Guide has been produced with UK installers in mind, showing Outside Sounder Enclosure connections and a translation of some of the Canadian terms used. It does not refer to the LCD 5501Z keypad.
We made a poor start by using the incorrect default Installers’ code given in the section “How to program”. A call to DSC’s technical support man quickly sorted that problem and a call the following day rapidly talked us through more problems, which shortened the learning time considerably. Programmed information needs to be entered by one of three possible forms which are all clearly explained in the “How to program” chapter of the Installation Manual. The viewing of programmed options when using the LCD 5001Z (Icon) Keypad is not explained in any manual.
The control panel and Icon LCD keypad were connected on the bench with a monitoring resistor across the bell terminals and four DEOL zones connected. Programming was carried out for various options, including private line communication to a mobile phone. By this time, programming became straightforward with ears and mind tuned in to the audible messages given in beeps and tone form. The system worked as programmed under all conditions.
What the manufacturer says …
The PC1565 combines extraordinary new technology with elegant product design, to produce a security system that is ideal for residential and small commercial applications. This is the most advanced software driven six/eight zone system available, offering a huge range of security features and functions at a remarkable price; five single function keys (choice of 15 different options), three double-push emergency buttons, a choice of four different keypad styles, two programmable outputs and 39 access codes.
The panel comes with a built-in upload-download communicator offering a choice of protocols, including 4-8-1 Fast Format, Contact ID or SIA. The PC1565 can also be programmed to send notification of any system event to another telephone number, including your own personal pager. Such events can either be single emergency alarms or sequential activation of intruder zones – a fundamental requirement for police response under the new ACPO policy. Indeed, DSC has included this confirmed technology in all its panels for more than two years.
This means that whether you are using the PC1565 as a fully ARC monitored system or a private telephone/pager monitored system, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have fitted tried and tested confirmed technology.
The off-site upload and download service capabilities of the PC1565 also mean that should an equipment problem occur, it can be identified and diagnosed over the phone, often eliminating the need for a service call. DSC’s Windows-based upload/download software is free of charge.
The hybrid capabilities of the PC1565 allow you to include up to eight wireless zones in the system by adding DSC’s Class VI receiver module. Associated transmitters include door/window contact transmitters, wireless PIRs, wireless pet immune PIRs (not simply a lens change!), wireless smoke detectors, universal transmitters and four button keyfobs. Wireless shock sensors and wireless glass break sensors will both be available very shortly.
All this sounds very smart technology, but how difficult is it to install? Commonly used default settings and automatic SIA event descriptors keep programming to a minimum. Where customisation is required, then simple on/off toggle options make programming easy. A pocket-sized step-by-step quick guide is included with each panel, as well as a more detailed installation/programming manual.
The PC1565 has been rigorously designed for easy customisation, exceptional ease of use, full compliance with the new ACPO Policy, remarkable affordability and proven reliability.
Overall assessment
The DSC Classic PC1565 is a very versatile eight-zone control panel, well designed and solidly engineered, with a built-in communicator. A wide range of programming and reporting options are available.
It can be installed as a hard-wired, hybrid or Class VI wireless system.
The addition of the attractively styled, good quality Icon LCD 5501Z keypad results in a user-friendly installation.
The installer’s initial task could be made almost painless by rationalising the presentation of the basically sound Installer and User Instructions, amended to include the Icon keypad.
This package represents outstanding value for money.
Enjoy the latest fire and security news, updates and expert opinions sent straight to your inbox with IFSEC Insider's essential weekly newsletters. Subscribe today to make sure you're never left behind by the fast-evolving industry landscape.
Sign up now!
