As I’m adding additional modules and sensors to my Concord 4 system, I’m finding it’s getting much bigger: 5 snap cards, the Interlogix 2-amp power supply, plus an additional 24VDC power supply to power horns and strobes at sufficient volumes. That’s created a few problems to solve:
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What’s the best way to make space for all this additional equipment? I’ve seen Interlogix has an expansion cabinet for the Concord 4, but I’ve seen little detail other than a part #. Would it be better to just get a larger cabinet from standard supplier like Channel Vision or OnQ, and put everything in that? Do I need to be worried about “compatibility”, in the sense of having holes in the right places to put the standoff’s, or am I going to need to just drill my own holes for that? What if I need additional standoff’s?
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With three power supplies (the Concord itself, the 2-amp 12V power supply, and an additional 24V power supply like the Altronix SMP3), I’d have three separate transformers (since they take 16VAC, 24VAC, and 28VAC) and batteries (w/ maybe two in series to create a 24V battery source). Is it possible to share transformer/battery between power supplies? (Like just having one big beefy transformer with multiple windings, and one much bigger battery, or do they all need to be independent?)
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The Altronix SMP3 says it requires 28VAC input to power out 24VDC, would it not be safe to run it off 24VAC? Seems finding 28VAC transformers is not easy, not to mention I haven’t seen any of the plug-in type (they’re usually either open frame or much more expensive metal enclosed units, like the Altronix T2428100C).
Thanks!
Jason
Instead of using snap cards, the Expander module may be a better fit. I think the panel is limited to the number of snap cards you can use…but could be wrong if new parts were released. Regardless the superbus module is a self-contained unit.
I would recommend independent transformers and batteries. The Concord 4 and 12V Power supply module could share a larger 7 or 8AH 12V battery, and you can use two such batteries in series for Altronix backup.
The part linked before was the SMP3PM. The SMP3 is not supervised. The SMP3PM states 24VAC or 28VAC for input.
I misspoke, what I have are expander modules not snap cards (I thought they’re the same thing). I know they can mount externally on the wall, w/ plastic cover, although I have at least 3 that won’t fit in the cabinet, and I’m trying to avoid a lot of mess and exposed wiring.
Are there larger cabinets you can buy that will have the same screw mount holes as the Interlogix cabinet? Or is it better just to buy another Interlogix cabinet, and connect the two together?
Regarding the SMP3, yes, you’re correct, thanks for reminding me the difference! Also, I found an SMP3PMCTX, which takes 115VAC input (eliminating need for a separate transformer), includes the two 12V batteries, and has its own enclosure, which makes things a bit simpler.
Are there larger cabinets you can buy that will have the same screw mount holes as the Interlogix cabinet? Or is it better just to buy another Interlogix cabinet, and connect the two together?
If aesthetics and concealed wiring is a concern, I would say just get another interlogix can to match, if able. 3 modules should fit in one of the Concord cabinets.