Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - DSC PC 1832 trying to use GE449AT Smoke

Replacing old C&K 236 with a DSC PC1832 unit.

In hopes of using all existing contacts, motion, siren and smoke sensors.

Old C&K had 2.2 resistors which I switched on all zones to the 5.6 supplied with my unit.

Everything up to the smoke detectors seemed to be fairly simple and straight forward.

Problem is this 4 wire smoke detector.

It may just be a programming issue, as that is the one thing I have not yet tackled, and just the looks of the worksheets are over whelming at first sight.

The power hooked up from smoke + to Aux, and - to Pgm1, and contact wire to Zone 6 and common.

Is this correct?

I know I have a lot more questions, but hoping to get this one resolved first.

The keypad shows that zone (6) as well as 7 & 8 with problems prior to any programming (7 & 8 not used).

The wiring to the panel is fine. How about at the detector do you have the 5.6k resistor across both the circuit terminals?Do you have zone 6 programmed as zone type 08 fire? Do you have your pgm1 programmed as fire reset? To eliminate zones 7 and 8 you can go to section 202 and shut off 7 and 8.

1. When you say do I have the resistor across the terminals on the detector - do you mean the actual smoke detector - there are four wired from the previous system in sequence, so - outside of pulling the cover previously to look at wiring - I have made no changes to these detectors.

2. No programming has been done - so I will review manual and see if I can figure that out.

yes in the detector itself you are supposed to install the end of line resistor (EOLR) that is 5.6K. One end of the resistor ties with the zone 6 positive wire and the other ties in with the zone 6 common wire.Note if you have multiple smokes only put the EOLR in the last detector on the loop.

Once installed (the resistor) should I be able to read a OHM of 5.6 on the wires at the control box to confirm

The resistance value will actually be a little larger due to the resistance of the wires and devices, but it will be close.

should be connected to PGM 2... this will give 300 ma of power

also- an end of line relay should be used- find it- may be in the panel, or stuck above the mounting plate for the smoke-

is there more than 1 smoke detector?

the EOL resistor needs to be placed on this relay

also- section 009 needs to be programmed for sensor reset (03)


when looking at this section, you have to program PGM 1 1st, (2 digits) then PGM 2 (2 digits {03} )


this will alow reseting the smoke by pressing the reset button on the keypad, or *72 at the keypad

Found the last of 5 in a series of smoke detectors

There is an end of line relay - and already a resistor - but appears not to be a 5.6k resistor

I am going to change the as noted above, and then attempt the programming.

Actually looks like the programming will be more difficult part of install. :)

its the simple part


is there any wires connected to either of the PGM terminals???

Okay so here is my update...

I installed the 5.6 resistor on the last smoke, where the other resistor was (just replaced with a 5.6 model).

My old system was a C&K and I assume it had similar requirements - just diff size resistor.

Yes - PGM 2 has wire... I believe I have one of the power sides to AUX +, one to PGM 2, then one of the others to Zone 6 and the last to COM.

The system will let me do a *72 now...

But smokes have no power and/ or at least no flashing LED's

you need to check in section 009 if pgm 2 is programmed for 03 smoke reset.If the pgm is programmed fine then remove the wire from pgm2 and with a voltmeter check voltage across pgm2 and aux + you should get around 12-14volts. If voltage is good then you have a wiring problem. If no voltage then you have a program/panel issue.

OK - I have around 13v.

Where should I start on looking for my wiring issue?

I guess I should be more specific.

Checked programming on 009 - and Pgm 2 is set for 003.

Pulled wire, and checked across Aux and Pgm 2 and got 13 volts

Am I using the right size resistor at the end of the chain of smoke detectors (put a 5.6 ohm)

Check the red and black wires that you removed from the terminals and use an ohm meter to see if there is a short across the smokes power wires. If no short then you will have to check for an open circuit.To do that go to each detector and check for power with a voltmeter. Maybe you are able to follow the wires and see wich detector the wire goes to next?

I feel stupid, but the wires were crossed on the AUX + and the PGM2... when reversed all the smoke detectors came to life with power.

Now they are still not tripping the alarm.

I put a candle and was able to see the flashing LED go to red when the smoke was detected, however, no alarm.

I am pretty sure the 009 is set to 03 on the PGM2 option.

I have reset with *72 and light goes back to blinking.

Does the zone 6 need special programming to make it work, if so, what would be the correct string of numbers to make that work.

The zone type for zone 6 must be 08 for hardwired smoke.

I understand the need to make zone 6 the 08 hardwire smoke - just do not understand the sequence numbers to type into keypad to make that change

What type of keypad? Different keypads program differently.

*8 installer code to go to program

001 (zone programming)
xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
(xx being the zone type for each of the first 16 zones, in order)
# until you exit programming.

Ok - that was actually very simple

Used that sequence and then put some smoke on the smoke detector and BAM... the alarm went off right away.

I think this gets me much closer.

My zones seem to be programmed now... used 01 delay for doors, 05 for motion interior stay/ away, used 04 for windows and then 08 for smoke.

It does not appear to be any other real important programming items, would that seem correct.

Installed an internet communication device and works great - sends me a text when armed and disarmed, as well as an e-mail report by day/ week/ month...

I really appreciate the help!!!! You guys really simplified many steps.

Should I have any other issues I will let you know.

what internet communication device?