DSC Home Alarm

[Neuk_]

We are moving soon and our new house has a DSC alarm system which is currently only accessible via two keypads (One for inside zones and one for outside zones) and a few remotes. I would like to investigate how I can get the alarm system to be 'smart' similar to our current Paradox system which I did have integrated with Home Assistant at one stage using MQTT and the IP150 add on. I have heard that Olarm is a decent option? Has anybody had any experience with DSC and Olarm?

 

[krieg]

We are moving soon and our new house has a DSC alarm system which is currently only accessible via two keypads (One for inside zones and one for outside zones) and a few remotes. I would like to investigate how I can get the alarm system to be 'smart' similar to our current Paradox system which I did have integrated with Home Assistant at one stage using MQTT and the IP150 add on. I have heard that Olarm is a decent option? Has anybody had any experience with DSC and Olarm?

DSC Keybus Interface for the DIY route.

Olarm works fine just a monthly fee.

 

[Neuk_]

DSC Keybus Interface for the DIY route.

Olarm works fine just a monthly fee.

Thanks, I'll take a look, I am an OK DIY'er but my wife is not a fan.

 

[Speedster]

DSC Keybus Interface for the DIY route.

Olarm works fine just a monthly fee.

I made up one of these when we moved last year. Bought the components on banggood (have a few spare) and had an electronics friend solder it up for me. Integrates with HA and haven't had a moment's issue with it since sticking it up in the cupboard.

 

[Sinbad]

If you want an off the shelf system that works with homeassistant, envisalink.

EyezOn - EnvisaLink™ EVL-4EZR Security Module For DSC/Honeywell Panels

 

[Neuk_]

I made up one of these when we moved last year. Bought the components on banggood (have a few spare) and had an electronics friend solder it up for me. Integrates with HA and haven't had a moment's issue with it since sticking it up in the cupboard.

Good to hear someone else has done it, my DIY skills are dangerous at the best of times and I tend to not muck around with security. My HA has also been out of commission since the RPi I was using ate it's SD card and I had WiFi router issues, the plan is to get it up and running again once we have moved and settled in with all my smart switches and weather station.

 

[Neuk_]

If you want an off the shelf system that works with homeassistant, envisalink.

EyezOn - EnvisaLink™ EVL-4EZR Security Module For DSC/Honeywell Panels

Thanks, I'll have a look, I am trying to use what we have at the new house, so DSC alarm and Dahua camera setup as a start.

 

[shadow_man]

If you want an off the shelf system that works with homeassistant, envisalink.

EyezOn - EnvisaLink™ EVL-4EZR Security Module For DSC/Honeywell Panels

Thanks - I've got a DSC so this is nice!

Pity local pricing is R3200 - R3500 - whereas international is around $100 + shipping (so import it is I guess!).

 

[Speedster]

Thanks - I've got a DSC so this is nice!

Pity local pricing is R3200 - R3500 - whereas international is around $100 + shipping (so import it is I guess!).

Or build the DIY thing for R150

 

[w1tw0lf]

I have been using this one for almost 2 years with no issues. Just change the branch to "new". Everything works as needed and costs around R150.

GitHub - Dilbert66/esphome-dsckeybus: Esphome custom configuration for interfacing to a DSC POWERSERIES alarm system

Esphome custom configuration for interfacing to a DSC POWERSERIES alarm system - Dilbert66/esphome-dsckeybus

github.com

 

[Neuk_]

I have been using this one for almost 2 years with no issues. Just change the branch to "new". Everything works as needed and costs around R150.

GitHub - Dilbert66/esphome-dsckeybus: Esphome custom configuration for interfacing to a DSC POWERSERIES alarm system

Esphome custom configuration for interfacing to a DSC POWERSERIES alarm system - Dilbert66/esphome-dsckeybus

github.com

Thanks. another one to look in to.

 

[chrisc]

Olarm gear is available from my dealer in Cape Town

However, DSC have a wireless interface for their panels which has a dedicated remote. Elvey are the agents

 

[Neuk_]

We have a Falcon alarm communicator connected to the DSC alarm panel, like this...

There is apparently an add on that enables IoT and uses the MiFalcon app which I will also look in to.

 

[Neuk_]

Olarm gear is available from my dealer in Cape Town

However, DSC have a wireless interface for their panels which has a dedicated remote. Elvey are the agents

View attachment 1419091

We have remotes already for the alarm but I am interested in using IoT for when we aren't at or close to the house.

 

[krieg]

We have a Falcon alarm communicator connected to the DSC alarm panel, like this...

There is apparently an add on that enables IoT and uses the MiFalcon app which I will also look in to.

Never seen an add on, you just install the app.

 

[Jola]

If you want an off the shelf system that works with homeassistant, envisalink.

EyezOn - EnvisaLink™ EVL-4EZR Security Module For DSC/Honeywell Panels

Yep, also have this, works OK. Bought it on Amazon.

 

[Neuk_]

Never seen an add on, you just install the app.

I found this, it seems simple enough but I wonder if AR company supplied Falcon units prevent you from doing this...

 

[krieg]

I found this, it seems simple enough but I wonder if AR company supplied Falcon units prevent you from doing this...

My mother got one installed from her armed response, this is what they use to monitor the alarm, simply installed the app and it worked. I have to say that it is crap compared to what I have.

 

[Neuk_]

My mother got one installed from her armed response, this is what they use to monitor the alarm, simply installed the app and it worked. I have to say that it is crap compared to what I have.

You installed the app for your mom and it worked?

I may look at your method down the line when I get HA up and running but if I can setup MiFalcon quickly and easily it is a win for now.

 

[krieg]

You installed the app for your mom and it worked?

I may look at your method down the line when I get HA up and running but if I can setup MiFalcon quickly and easily it is a win for now.

The notifications work 100% but you can't access the alarm. It is a local company in Cape Town, helpful but eventually gave up, not sure if it is the cell phone signal but it just times out every time trying to access the alarm. I'll post a photo of a test rig I have on a spare alarm so you can see the DIY approach and why it is not that difficult.