Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Should I replace an old DSC PC2500

Hello - I have an old DSC PC2500. 8 zones, consisting of 3 motion sensors and the other 5 zones on windows/doors. Some zones cover multiple windows/doors. I assume this is done by placing the contacts in series. As I slowly swap out old windows and make other varios home inprovements, I would like to add more sensors (glass breaking, protect some more windows, etc). So, I am wondering if I should stick with my current alarm, or upgrade. Any suggestions?

My current system has resistors on all of the zone wires before they connect to the connector block. Any reason why this would be this way. Is it typical to add resistors between the wires and the connector block?

Finally, am I correct that if I want to protect more windows on an existing zone, I just need to add those contacts in series?

Thanks,
Rob

This is a relatively old unit, and it sounds like it's already maxed out for the base hardwired zones. Upgrading to a newer system would be smart if you really want to add more devices. The kind of stuff you want to add works best if they are on individual zones (acoustic glass breaks should be treated like a motion detector, one per zone works best).

The resistors are a standard item. They simply need to be in the circuit, and work best when put at the last device in the circuit (they are a circuit supervision device, basically). Most models of DSC panels allow you to turn off the requirement for them, but they do have a purpose.

If you are trying to add an opening to an existing circuit, then yes, you can add it in series with the existing contacts.

Thanks for the reply. Any recommendations on a system. Is DSC good? I am aware of their less than simple "user interface" for programming as I have successfully reprogrammed my old dsc a number of times, so that does not bother me any. I am basically interested in an expandible unit. It would be great if I could connect it to the internet too - are there units that can do that? Do you know of any open-source units - one that i coul get access to the software/firmware that controlls it and update to suit my needs?

thanks,
Rob

Since you have already gotten over the learning curve of DSC's terminology and programming routine, you would probably be fairly happy with one of the "Power Series" panels like the 832 (PC5010).

They are very expandable, have a ton of expansion modules that will allow things like network connections.

You'll not find any systems that the firmware code is open source. It's simply such a liability "sucking black hole" that no alarm builder will risk it, and the companies are still highly competitive with each other. The basic hardware technology is all derivative of the same basic designs. The software is all they have to claim differences on.