DSC through PC5401

[sorka]

I guess with the DB9 serial port, I was assuming that this would be supported, but apparently it isn't. My bad for not confirming it prior to purchase

 

It would be *really* nice to support the PC5401 serial interface. Currently, I have my 5401 plugged into my PC used by HomeSeer. It's plugin is fairly simple but works well. Every sensor whether it be a motion detector or window/door contact switch are all treated the same as zones. Zones are either open or closed. HomeSeer gets open and closed events when the sensors change. A motion sensor being triggered is "opened" and then a few seconds later is "restored".

 

The interface also allows checking partition status such as armed in away, armed in stay, etc. It also allows remote arming.

 

If the ISY supported the DSC, which by the way is a *very* popular alarm system, I could dump HomeSeer altogether.

[Michel Kohanim]

sorka,

 

Thanks so very much for the feedback. We would very much like to support DSC and other serial devices. Our limitation is time/resources. But, we are working on it at a very slow pace. I do hope you'll remain patient.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

I guess with the DB9 serial port, I was assuming that this would be supported, but apparently it isn't. My bad for not confirming it prior to purchase

 

It would be *really* nice to support the PC5401 serial interface. Currently, I have my 5401 plugged into my PC used by HomeSeer. It's plugin is fairly simple but works well. Every sensor whether it be a motion detector or window/door contact switch are all treated the same as zones. Zones are either open or closed. HomeSeer gets open and closed events when the sensors change. A motion sensor being triggered is "opened" and then a few seconds later is "restored".

 

The interface also allows checking partition status such as armed in away, armed in stay, etc. It also allows remote arming.

 

If the ISY supported the DSC, which by the way is a *very* popular alarm system, I could dump HomeSeer altogether.

[mlennox]

Has there been any progress made on supporting DSC security systems from the ISY-99i. My decision to purchase an ISY is hinging on being able to integrate it with my existing DSC installation.

 

Thanks.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello mlennox,

 

Unfortunately not yet. I am so very sorry.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[io_guy]

mlennox,

I ordered an IT-100 (replacement for the PC5401) last week.

Also picking up a serial to ethernet adapter.

 

I plan to use the network module to send commands to the DSC alarm.

I'll be writing a custom app that will go onto a computer in the house to receive info from the alarm; the comp will then send the info to the ISY in the form of programs used as "flags" (variables).

 

Keep peeking back on these threads. If all goes well I'll have a working 2-way system with the DSC in the next few weeks.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi io_guy,

 

That's excellent news. Would you be kind enough to let me know in what language you will writing your computer programs?

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[mlennox]

mlennox,

I ordered an IT-100 (replacement for the PC5401) last week.

Also picking up a serial to ethernet adapter.

 

I plan to use the network module to send commands to the DSC alarm.

I'll be writing a custom app that will go onto a computer in the house to receive info from the alarm; the comp will then send the info to the ISY in the form of programs used as "flags" (variables).

 

Keep peeking back on these threads. If all goes well I'll have a working 2-way system with the DSC in the next few weeks.

 

Thanks for the info io_guy. Do you know if the TL-150 or TL-250 adapters from DSC would work, since they provide a direct ethernet port for communication directly?

[io_guy]

That's excellent news. Would you be kind enough to let me know in what language you will writing your computer programs?

 

They'll be written in VB.NET. I have a working control panel right now that uses the WSDL. It looks like I'll add some REST commands for manipulating programs.

 

 

Thanks for the info io_guy. Do you know if the TL-150 or TL-250 adapters from DSC would work, since they provide a direct ethernet port for communication directly?

 

I believe only the IT-100 and PC5401 will work.

The IT-120 uses proprietary software.

The TL-250 is for 3rd party monitoring via the internet instead of phoneline.

The TL-150 is for home user connection to the system. However it requires control panel access to program (not available if you're locked) and doesn't seem to have an SDK - only accessible via its own web page.

 

They also cost huge $$$ compared to an IT-100.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello io_guy,

 

I will be very interested in checking out your solution once complete. Furthermore, since you will be getting deep into DSC protocol, your help would be appreciated in incorporating the functionality into ISY.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[io_guy]

Hello io_guy,

 

I will be very interested in checking out your solution once complete. Furthermore, since you will be getting deep into DSC protocol, your help would be appreciated in incorporating the functionality into ISY.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

 

Not a problem Michel, any help you need.

I've been playing around with the code (The IT-100 and serial converter still haven't arrived) and have the ISY/REST side working.

 

Right now I'm creating a DSC class that handles decoding/encoding of data.

I'm still debating whether to have the network module send commands directly to the DSC, or route them (as friendlier messages) through my program.

I'm thinking the first option since I plan to EOL this app once the network module goes 2-way.

 

I was half thinking of making it much more generic, that way it could handle input from virtually any serial device. With that setup there would be a "map.ini" file where you would manually write in the expected received serial string and then the corresponding program to set within the ISY.

Maybe down the road.

[Michel Kohanim]

Hello io_guy,

 

Thanks so very much for the feedback. Yes, I also do agree with the first option.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[io_guy]

Well it looks like I have a working system.

I finally received my IT-100 and IP232.

 

I have the windows program receiving data from the DSC and sending it to programs (used as flags/variables) in the ISY.

The network module is sending arm/disarm commands to the DSC without issue.

 

Right now I have almost no error handling in place so I'll run it for a while and see what crashes.

 

The info sent to the ISY is:

Armed - Away

Armed - Stay

Disarmed

Zones 1-8 status (doors, motion, etc.)

[mlennox]

I currently have a basic ISY-99i and a new DSC alarm system. Can you itemize what I would need to purchase in order to get this going?

[mitch236]

I'm hoping the list looks like:

 

DSC IT-100 PowerSeries Integration Module

 

ELK IP232 ETHERNET TO RS-232 SERIAL BRIDGE

 

 

Based on what I've read, that should do it. Hopefully, io_guy will outline the steps required to integrate the system with the ISY.

[io_guy]

Yep that's it for hardware.

You'll also need the ISY Network Module.

 

I have a few details on a website (http://www.automationshack.com/dsclink.html).

Setup guide and download will come shortly, just beating out a couple more bugs.

[TJF1960]

Hello io_guy,

 

This is great....great job.

 

I have been using a EZIO6i with my DSC panel which has been working good but has added a lot more Insteon traffic. It will be nice to integrate the alarm with the ISY directly.

 

Right now I'm creating a DSC class that handles decoding/encoding of data.

I'm still debating whether to have the network module send commands directly to the DSC, or route them (as friendlier messages) through my program.

I'm thinking the first option since I plan to EOL this app once the network module goes 2-way.

Does this mean once the ISY network module goes 2-way that the computer will no longer be needed?

 

Thanks,

Tim

[io_guy]

Yep,

Once the network module goes 2-way, we shouldn't need my DSCLink software (and the computer) at all.

 

I'm sure a lot of people don't run computers 24-7. It doesn't matter to me much because my server and media center are always running.

[mitch236]

So I'm all ready to do this. I have the DSC setup, I can get the network module. What else do I need? I have a computer that runs 24/7 (music/movie server).

[io_guy]

See new topic:

http://forum.universal-devices.com/viewtopic.php?t=4577