We currently have a DSC 1616 with an evisalink 4 used for home assistant. sensors are hard wired and recessed into the window frames.
We are in the process of getting new windows installed and have been informed that we cannot keep the same in window sensors. They gave us two choices wither twist the wires closed and leave them inside the wall or leave them sticking out next to new window and get new sensors and apply them on the frame of the window.
The idea of wires sticking out of the window frame does not seem appealing to the SO as far as looks go and resale value in the future. so I am leaning towards moving to wireless sensors.
What options would we have to add wireless sensors to our existing system?
Should we consider an upgraded panel instead with newer encrypted sensors?
How hard is it to move to the iq2 for example from the DSC 1616 and keep the hard wired doors sensors and siren we. have now and replace all windows with wireless?
We have a 2 story house with one alarm panel on the first floor by the door and the dsc panel is located in the master closet on the second floor so wire re-use of the existing panel would be ideal since running wires is not easy.
Possibly relevant:
Evisalink 4 installed
DSC panel is 4.60 version
Home assistant used via envisalink to read when doors open mostly to trigger lights.
Alarm Relay is current central monitor via phone line. Okay moving to alarm.com and IP/4G.
What options would we have to add wireless sensors to our existing system?
If using the DSC PowerSeries PC1616 a PowerSeries Wireless Receiver RF5132-433 could be used to support up to 32 wireless zones. These would be on the DSC 433Mhz frequency.
Should we consider an upgraded panel instead with newer encrypted sensors?
That depends on what you are looking to add/control with the alarm panel. Programming is easier on a panel like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2+ and having the added encryption is better for wireless sensor signal transmission.
How hard is it to move to the iq2 for example from the DSC 1616 and keep the hard wired doors sensors and siren we. have now and replace all windows with wireless?
The Qolsys IQ Panel 2+ does not work with a lot of hardwired zones natively. You would need a hardwired to wireless translator module, like the PowerG PG9WLSHW8 to convert wired sensors into wireless.
Any other zones could use wireless sensors as needed.
We have a 2 story house with one alarm panel on the first floor by the door and the dsc panel is located in the master closet on the second floor so wire re-use of the existing panel would be ideal since running wires is not easy.
The Qolsys IQ Panel 2+ works with the IQ Remote and the DSC PowerG WS9LCDWF9 Wireless Keypad if a secondary keypad is needed. The IQ Remote must be powered off of its included power supply (same as the IQ Panel 2)
Home automation control through the Qolsys panel is largely Z-Wave. This can be controlled locally and through Alarm.com. Compatible devices would be switches, lights, locks, bulbs, thermostats.
Thank you for the great information. I am considering the IQ2 after watching some videos as its seems a lot easier to configure vs the DSC unit.
Ideally i would like to re-use 2 of the wires currently coming from the panel location to the current DSC keypad since i have no power plug near by. My understanding is that there is an upgraded transformer that can power the unit from up to 100 feet away. Am i understanding this correctly and can we power via existing wires to DSC keypad?
How about range since our keypad is downstairs by door will range to upstairs windows be an issue? Seems like power G has better range and would reach upstairs.
What is the monthly service cost for central monitoring? We already have automation and a separate zwave network so only looking for alarm monitoring and remote arm/disarm and do not need automation.
Ideally i would like to re-use 2 of the wires currently coming from the panel location to the current DSC keypad since i have no power plug near by. My understanding is that there is an upgraded transformer that can power the unit from up to 100 feet away. Am i understanding this correctly and can we power via existing wires to DSC keypad?
It is common to reuse wiring, yes. You’ll generally want to double up and use two conductors for + and two for - so that you have less voltage drop and the wire can effectively be a bit longer.
Qolsys advises no more than 100 feet for 18AWG cable. You won’t have the same as 18AWG, more the equivalent of 19-21 AWG depending on the gauge of the current wire, by doubling up the security panel wires and reusing that cable, so expect less, more like 60 feet to be safe.
How about range since our keypad is downstairs by door will range to upstairs windows be an issue? Seems like power G has better range and would reach upstairs.
No this is unlikely to be a concern.
What is the monthly service cost for central monitoring? We already have automation and a separate zwave network so only looking for alarm monitoring and remote arm/disarm and do not need automation.
Plans and pricing can be found here. For what you are describing you would want the Alarm plan. All service is month to month and you can change your plan at any time in our website after getting started.
working to put an order together now for an iq panel 2.
Do you all recommend the iq sensors vs powerg? Noticed that there is a decent price difference between the two.
On the IQ sensors what is the difference between the normal and extend model?
Also looking at the hardwire module you suggested to cover the two doors that are still hard wired and the siren. Would the DSC1616 siren be a straight move over to the new board and just plug it in?
I would use PowerG sensors if range is a concern, or if you can afford the additional cost, as they represent a better secure protocol with greater range and two way signaling with the panel. However both protocols are secure, offer encryption, and are reliable.
The Extended IQ DW just includes a wired input and is physically larger. “Extended” does not refer to range. I don’t really understand the naming convention to be honest, considering it implies range to most people.
Would the DSC1616 siren be a straight move over to the new board and just plug it in?
Typically, yes. We would need to know the model of the siren that was installed on your system to say for sure. Installers may have used a variety of sirens. Out of the box compatibility will be determined by current draw and what translator version you choose. The IQ Hardwire 16F will support up to total of 500ma of current draw (a little less than that in practice, based on experience). The PowerG model supports up to 700ma.