atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Security, Alarms and Paging Distributors

I do prefer the DSC, mainly because it is so popular here in Canada. It was originally made here and it seemed to really take off. I can program them in my sleep - central station communications and LCD keypad labels included.

Their "Power Series" line that they introduced back about 10 years ago was a good move. Started with the 832 unit (8 on board zones, expandable to 32) with 2 true partitions. Last few years they brought out the 864 (expandable to 64 zones) and 8 partitions. All keypads, expanders, etc. are compatible with the full line.

There was a bit of a shakedown a few years ago. The parent company "Tyco Electronics" who owns "ADT Security" bought out the distributor "Tri-ED". As a result, ADT started using DSC (previously they were famous for using their "Focus" panel, which I believe was a custom Ademco unit. They also were big on the Napco Gemini units). All the little dealers that were using DSC were upset because they were competing against ADT who I am sure were getting a better price on the panels, not to mention the fact that the little guy was supporting Tyco, thus ADT.

A lot of tried and true DSC dealers started looking at other brands now. Burtek that was strugling with their Paradox line picked up quite a few and some went to Ademco. Then ADI was bought out by Honeywell, which also does security, and now the whole upset competing dealer thing started again.

I don't think Tri-Ed is owned by Tyco anymore (that's what I've heard) so some have switched back, but ADT is still using DSC.

Another good thing with DSC, they really nailed the lightening protection issue with their "power series" lines. Their previous models as well as some of the other manufacturers might as well have had a lightening rod directly attached to their circuit boards. I have only replaced a couple of DSC panels due to lightening, and it was because of a direct strike (the alarm was the minor item compared to the damage it did to the rest of the place).

They have some nice features, they were one of the first panels that had a one touch arming for stay mode (perimeter) and away mode (full arm). They came out with a software version that you could toggle from stay to away mode without having to disarm and it reactivates the exit delay. Their keypad will show you what zone is in alarm while the system is still armed (great for bedroom keypads), others you have to disarm first to see the alarm memory (kind of defeats the purpose). They have a nice looking programmable HVAC thermostat that works with their panels. When you arm you security on leaving, it can automatically set back the temperature and return it when you disarm. Also will show you the temp. on your keypads. They have an intercom/door chime that matches and mounts up against the keypads. It can anounce alarm status over the intercom. Just some of the features that come to mind.

While I have encoutered relativly few DSC's here, and only installed a handfull, I can vouch for the nice features and the Lighting protection of the DSC's. They seem to really think about the end user when it comes to functionality and ease of use. They hold up really well even here in Florida. About the only thing I disliked about the DSC's I installed were the tiny screw terminal but I have only had exposure to the smaller panels like the 1550's so I can't speak for the newer stuff.

I Actually put a napco gemini in my first house, It was the first panel I ever put in, it worked real well, programming was not bad at all using the alpa keypad. I have been using the honeywell admeco vista series, mainly becasue they are fairly easy to use and I can program them remotley usingtheir compass software. I think ADT was using a vista 20p with custom software, selling it under the "safe watch" name, I could be wrong on that.

My house originally had a Napco Magnum Alert 800 (30 years old). We got a new alarm from Guardian and they put in a Napco Gemini. No complaints whatsoever. I saw a demo of Paradox equipment a few months back at Famous Telephone.
Jeff

I also did not know that ADI was owned by Honeywell.

Same here, explains a lot though

Yes, that was a big shake down a few years ago. There was alot of upset dealers. That is why Napco pulled out of ADI about 2 years ago, they weren't happy with the competing dealers arrangement.

Interesting...according to a press release on Napco's site, ADI stands for Ademco Distributors Inc.

I remeber reading that about napco but was not sure what the reason was behind it. Now I know.

DCS is good stuff and I bought exclusively from AFY because they have two great guys (Bernie and Larry). Their prices were also better than anywhere I could buy, including online.

When Tyco bought DSC, as well as the other consolidation, I got out of the alarm business. In my state (MD), insurance premiums for alarm installers start at $10k because homeowners are suing installers when they get robbed EVEN IF THEY DON'T SET THEIR ALARM. The insurance isn't for damages but for legal defense. I never had any problems but it just wasn't worth it anymore.