Shared Knowledge
"Security System - Digital Security Controls (DSC) Power632 (PC1555MX)"
"Access Code Does Not Work and Can not Change"
8 March 2010
Summary: the PC1555MX circuit board used in the Digital Security Controls (DSC) Power632 home security system has non-volatile memory (does not loose contents when power removed) that is used to store various installation specific details, such as the access code to arm and disarm the system. If the system was installed professionally, the installer probably changed both the stored "Master" and "Installer" codes and "locked" the circuit board such that without knowing the new "Installer code", PC1555MX programming can not be changed or the system reset to DSC factory defaults.
Background:
Daughter bought home with a Digital System Controls (DSC), A.K.A Partner, Power632 home security system installed.
Although DSC installed, was not being used by seller at time of sale.
At walk through of home purchase, the security system was not tested.
Seller did have documentation on system to include arm and disarm system (access) code.
Note: if you are buying a home with any security system installed and you do want it to work, include it in the contract and check it at walk through.
System power up:
Although my daughter has no desire to pay a monitoring company a monthly fee, decided she would like to have the security system operational for those times when she away from home for extended periods.
Options to get system operational: call company that installed system or have Dad take a look.
Professional security system company visit starts at $75, just to show up.
Did not know anything about DSC system but very familiar with AT&T home security system.
Located DSC in closet, reconnected backup battery and plugged power adapter into outlet. One can hope.
At keypad by front door and only keypad in the house, found that keypad indicated system was armed but when I tried seller provided access code, system would not disarm.
Change access code:
Ok, must be quick, easy way to change system access code.
Documentation provided by seller provided instructions on changing access code.
Following instructions but code would not change.
Did Internet search on Power632 and PC1555MX and found documentation on how to change access codes.
Default "Master" code is 1234 and is used to add, edit or delete access codes.
Followed instructions on editing access codes precisely but could not add or edit access codes.
Ok, must be someway to reset entire system to factory default.
PC1555MX reset to factory defaults:
PC1555MX installer locked:
After PC1555MX "reset" to factory defaults, attempt to set up new access code but system will not accept default installer code of 5555.
Another Internet search and discover that default installer code necessary for a lot of PC1555MX programming can be changed and then set such that PC1555MX can not be reprogrammed without knowing the installer code entered into PC1555MX stored memory!
According to DSC, a professional installer changes the installer code so some one with DSC knowledge could not simply walk into any home and from the keypad, change an access code and in be in without authorization.
Ok, is the PC1555MX I have installer access code "locked?"
Another Internet search.
Unhook power adapter and then battery backup.
Reconnect power adapter and then listen.
If you can hear a relay clicking, the PC1555MX is installer locked.
The PC1555MX my daughter had was installer locked!
Locked PC1555MX solutions:
Security company. Called security company that installed system. Perhaps they had installer code unique to my system in their records. In my case, they did not. Security system company willing to come to home and install new PC1555MX circuit board and reprogram for $175. Best solution for homeowners with no electronics experience. If this route used, make sure installer provides unique "installer code" used and keep in your records. Otherwise you or someone else is likely to have to pay security company another $175 down the road.
Get board unlocked. Internet search revealed several companies that claim to be able to unlock PC1555MX boards. $60. This means removing board from system, shipping away and then reinstalling board and reprogramming. In my situation, possible but paranoid that unlock company would claim they could not unlock board and charge $60 just for looking at it.
Replace PC1555MX board with non-locked board and reprogram. Check eBay and find many PC1555MX boards for sale either as just the board or part of a DSC security system package. $60 - $100 depending on what included in system package. Contacted various sellers and confirmed that PC1555MX they selling was not installer locked.
Replace PC1555MX.
Once eBay PC1555MX received, went to powered down, battery disconnected, DSC system and labeled all wires. Most are zone wires. Once all wires in panel labeled, removed all wires from PC1555MX terminal blocks. Removed PC1555MX from panel and installed eBay PC1555MX.
Reconnected all zone and other wires to PC1555MX terminal block.
Double check all wiring.
Attach battery and the power adapter.
System comes up and quick check reveals that it is not locked and will accept default "installer code" of 5555.
Programming the PC1555MX.
The PC1555MX programming is definitely not user friendly. Luckily, in most installations, there are only about 5 or 6 values that have to be set via the keypad to complete all programming but depends on the installation.
When programming, if you decide to change the "installer code" and lock the board, make sure you keep the unique installer code in your records or you or someone could face PC1555MX replacement again sometime in the future.
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