Honeywell 60 / DSC PC1550

[ac]

I bought a resale home and the homeowner left her previous alarm system
setup. If possible, I would like to have a second keypad for this alarm
system at another entry way.

The alarm system is a Honeywell 60. I couldn't find anything about it on
the internet then I opened it up and noticed that it said it was a PC1550
board. I found the DSC PC1550 manual on the internet and saw that it is the
same as the Honeywell 60 manual (word for word) but without the Honeywell
stamp on it.

First, is it worth my while to get a another keypad for this system. The
installation manual says that up to 3 keypads can be hooked up. It is
straight forward - Would I need the Honeywell 60 keypad or can I use a DSC
keypad? I checked the Honeywell and DSC sites and I could not find any
keypads that match my system. (The panel says PC1500RK or PC1500RKF) .
Which ones should I buy? I'm in Toronto.

Thanks.

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Sir, you can simply add another like keypad of the same model. Nothing else
needs to be done in the way of additional programming. Most alarm companies
have a few of these keypads sitting around for use in servicing these old
panels, since there are loads of them still in service. They are worth
peanuts to buy. You might even be able to find them on ebay.....

R.H.Campbell
Home Security Metal Products
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.homemetal.com

 

[ac]

Thanks for the reply ...

The way I understand your statement is that the honeywell 60 is the same
model as the DSC PC1550 and thus the honeywell 60 keypad is probably
compatible with the DSC keypads (ie keypad versions I listed above or the
LCD600 I just noticed on the web). I guess it is a matter of getting one
and testing it. I'll call a local monitoring centre.

By the way , good website with excellent straight up information on security
.... I noticed that this model is mentioned as the "Chev/Pontiac" bottom end
of line hardware in the industry and that the model is no longer being
manufactured by DSC since August 2005. Oh well makes me think that perhaps
I should look at other models.

ac

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Correct on both points. Time to upgrade really. As the saying goes, you
wouldn't run your business on a 486; why run your security on the same
vintage of alarm panel...

RHC

 

[Frank Olson]

Correct on both points. Time to upgrade really. As the saying goes, you
wouldn't run your business on a 486; why run your security on the same
vintage of alarm panel...

What's wrong with a 1550?? Is it going to communicate faster than the
newer stuff?? Yes. How much faster? Maybe 5 seconds. The 1550 has
similar features to many of the new panels coming out by other
manufacturers (in some ways it's still better). Sure, it's limited to
six zones, but it was a hard panel to beat (feature and price wise) in
its day. When would I actually recommend "ripping one out"? Well...
If it's got more devices hooked to it than available zones. If the
customer wants to add more devices than there are zones. If they want
to add *wireless* features (or X-10) or if they "suddenly" want an Elk
M1G...

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Chub]

What's wrong with a 1550?? Is it going to communicate faster than the
newer stuff?? Yes. How much faster? Maybe 5 seconds. The 1550 has
similar features to many of the new panels coming out by other
manufacturers (in some ways it's still better). Sure, it's limited to six
zones, but it was a hard panel to beat (feature and price wise) in its
day. When would I actually recommend "ripping one out"? Well... If it's
got more devices hooked to it than available zones. If the customer wants
to add more devices than there are zones. If they want to add *wireless*
features (or X-10) or if they "suddenly" want an Elk M1G...

you would recommend a non UL panel?

 

[R.H.Campbell]

True enough Frank !! Nothing wrong with the 1550. I am responsible for
perhaps 100's of them within my customer base. But if you're going to spend
a few bucks for another keypad, why not spend a very few more for a new 632
or whatever and start fresh. Panels today are SO inexpensive, why not
replace it. Hell, most people go out for dinner and spend more on a meal
than a new panel and keypad cost !! Then you have a far more user friendly
keypad, and are able to add on wireless with no hassle.It's the same old
story as that with an old car; spend money on an old car for repairs to keep
it running for awhile longer or get a nice new vehicle !

But with our market so ridiculously bottom line price driven, I was trying
to inject a bit of common sense (or at least another viewpoint) into the
equation....)

RHC

 

[Frank Olson]

you would recommend a non UL panel?

Yup. In a residential application I don't see anything wrong with it.
The panel's so well engineered (from what I've seen) I honestly don't
know why it isn't already. Besides, UL Listed panels can start fires
too, you know!!

 

[Mark Leuck]

Correct on both points. Time to upgrade really. As the saying goes, you
wouldn't run your business on a 486; why run your security on the same
vintage of alarm panel...

RHC

I strongly disagree and you cannot compare a security system with a
computer, if the security system is working properly and does what the
customer wants there is no reason to replace it

 

[Mark Leuck]

What's wrong with a 1550?? Is it going to communicate faster than the
newer stuff?? Yes. How much faster? Maybe 5 seconds.

A typical 4/2 signal sends in roughly 45 seconds, CID or SIA sends in about
half that

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Agreed

 

[Frank Olson]

A typical 4/2 signal sends in roughly 45 seconds, CID or SIA sends in about
half that

My experience has been a bit different. DSC's phone-line simulator is
able to display 4-2. It also has a listen in feature so you can hear
and visually identify the signals going to the receiver in real time. A
4-2 burg signal will transmit and kiss-off in about 20 seconds (on
average). Your experience may be different because you're probably
monitoring a whole lot more accounts per line card in addition to the
fact that more time may be required for the CS software to interpret and
display the signals from the receivers. My point was that SIA (which
most modern panels are capable of transmitting these days) is a lot
faster. I've seen nine seconds on some phone exchanges, but typically
it's between 10-15 seconds. It turns out what I posted in response to
the OP was "sorta ass-backwards" (too much rum in the Eggnog). Sorry
for the confusion.

Agreed

You musta met my Dad.

 

[Bob Worthy]

I strongly disagree and you cannot compare a security system with a
computer, if the security system is working properly and does what the
customer wants there is no reason to replace it

That is why there are still Z100's out there. I am sorry Mark, couldn't
resist.

 

[Bob Worthy]

It turns out what I posted in response to
the OP was "sorta ass-backwards" (too much rum in the Eggnog). Sorry
for the confusion.

Oh man, is bASS going to jump on this one Frankie! Have a Happy New Year!!

 

[R.H.Campbell]

Mark ,I guess that is a matter of perspective. I had a customer a while ago
call me up to do nothing more than upgrade his old DSC 1500. He wanted a new
Spectra with the high end LCD keypad, but had no other obvious reasons for
doing so. When I told him his old equipment was perfectly OK for it's
intended purpose, he said to me...."hey, I upgrade my cars, my stereo, my
computers...why wouldn't I upgrade my alarm system; it's just as
important"....After endless customers trying to get something for nothing,
or only willing to spend the minimum, it's refreshing to see someone with a
more realistic viewpoint !

And here's a thought for you ! Perhaps our industry is part of the problem,
with everyone trying to do the most for the least, and in the process,
perhaps cheapening the industry. Car salesmen "upsell" all the time;
computers have to be the "greatest and the newest" all the time, so along
comes a customer who actually WANTS to upgrade his equipment, and we
question it ??

Just another view of things....)

RHC

That is why there are still Z100's out there. I am sorry Mark, couldn't
resist.

I choose Polesoft Lockspam to fight spam, and you?
http://www.polesoft.com/refer.html

 

[Frank Olson]

Oh man, is bASS going to jump on this one Frankie!

Like I care one way or the other.

Have a Happy New Year!!

Same to you Bob!!

 

[ac]

You guys got me convinced. This system currently meets my needs. I called
my local monitoring centre and they are willing to sell a keypad for $80.
I'll install it myself. I don't know if that is a good price though.
I got to think about it.

ac

 

[Frank Olson]

You guys got me convinced. This system currently meets my needs. I called
my local monitoring centre and they are willing to sell a keypad for $80.
I'll install it myself. I don't know if that is a good price though.
I got to think about it.

ac

Well... the price isn't "great" by any means. I'd contact Jim Rojas at
http://www.tech-man.com. I'm sure he's got dozens of them in his
backyard...