Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Key Fob or Wireless to DSC 1550 panel?

First time post. We were almost taken by Platinum Protection (from Provo, UT) and just had their system removed (within the 3 day contract cancellation period). It got me to thinking about why I was even remotely interested in some door to door salesperson's system when I had a monitored alarm that up until now suited all my needs. Well, the reality of it is, I wanted 1) Key Fobs (preferably tied into our garage door opener, 2) Cellular Monitoring, 3) Wireless expandability.

We have a DSC 1550 panel that is unlocked and currently being monitored. What I'd like to know is if we can add key fobs to our system. In addtion, can we add cellular monitoring (maybe just as a backup) and capacity for wireless zones? All 6 hardwire zones are used (including one for a 4 wire smoke/fire, which ties up the PGM output).

I may just need to upgrade, and if so what is my best option for one that will handle the 6 (including one that has a series run which I would like to break out) or 7 zones plus give me the ability to add windows sensors (preferably dual purpose n/c magnet with glass break), link up to our garage door opener, accomodate wireless devices, allow GSM monitoring, and have a useful life of 10+ years?

Thanks for the input guys...

No, you really don't have any upgrade path using that PC1550. It's essentially very basic system that has been out of production for over a decade.

If you like the DSC interface, the current generation hardware like the PC1616 or the PC1832 is probably your best bet.

Otherwise, Honeywell/Ademco, GE, and pretty much any of the major brands have systems that will meet your specs. Look at the spec sheets at the manufacturers sites so that you are comparing apples to apples.

Any system will be a bit of a compromise, each of them has pros and cons.

just remeber the current system used resistors different (values) than any system installed today- if those are at the switches (in the walls) you will need to find them & remove when up-grading.


FYI - regarding 4-wire smokes: a normally closed pushbutton could be used as the reset to free up the programable output.
if smokes trip, you would need to go to the panel & press the "re-set" button, which would as long as it is held, remove the power to the detector/s and reset. Not as convenient as the keypad reset feature, but works. This was standard practice years ago.

If you are not ready to replace the panel, there are still a few things you can do.

You can add keyfobs with the street smart kit from Honeywell. Most kits include a "brain" two keyfobs and relays for controlling a garage door.

Additionally, you can add cellular backup by using a Telguard or DSC skyroute radio.

You are probally stuck if you need to add additional wireless contacts, and then it might be upgrade time.


Good luck!