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

A DVR that we installed a few years ago can provide an N.O. / N.C. contact. Our client wishes to have it tied into the alarm panel so it can call out on motion detection during off hours. My question is; can this be tied into most alarm panels as a separate zone? Besides the programming of the panel, is there more to it than that? We have a meeting w/ the alarm company next week to see what can be done, but wanted to get a head start

This is going to be used for perimeter detection on exterior cameras. It’s a large lot that has been hit numerous times for commercial electrical supplies.

Thanks for any input.

Should be no problem at all. The contacts would connect to the panel just like any other alarm device. The separate zone would depend on what's available in the panel.

-Hal

Any DVR that I have installed has only had alarm inputs, but yours may be different.

If it does indeed have alarm outputs, I would not recommend connecting them to a monitored alarm system as it will very likely become a false alarm nightmare. Video motion detection is often falsely triggered by changes in direct or reflected light. If you must use them, I would suggest having them trigger a local siren only.

You would be better served by cross zoned outdoor motion detectors in key areas.

Thanks for the responses.

I did warn the customer of the possibilities of false alarms so hopefully we can adjust the sensitivity level on the DVR. I had originally suggested that they do some cross zone exterior motion, but we are talking about a 10 acre lot, which did not seem feasible, since the entire lot can be subject to theft. In addition they feel that some of the theft is employee related.

I had also suggested the loud bell, but I need a device that will work with a N.O. / C. relay and will activated for 5-10 min before shutting off. Any suggestions?

You could use an ELK-960 timer from Elk Products.

Brian nailed it, use an elk timer on the bell. As far as the DVR it should not be an issue, as long as the panel has a zone available. But as mentioned you are going to be prone to false alarms. The customer would be better off using a few outdoor motion detector's, they can cover a large area and are designed to prevent false alarms

I don't think I've ever seen a DVR with alarm outputs either. I've always thought they were N/C or N/O inputs. But if you've got one please provide a manufacturer name and model number for future reference.

This timer may be along the line of what you can use for a bell.

I have no idea of the situation you're dealing with but these beam detectors may help you in protecting part of the property. 10 Acres is a lot of land to try to secure as I'm sure you are aware but a few of these bad boys placed in strategic locations will go a long way towards your goal.