Dsc 832 Trouble Light



Number 1 corresponds to Service Required, though you may just do it yourself. Watch Video: Ryan shows how to solve beeping DSC alarm system with a yellow light or triangle. Watch the video here: DSC 1616, 1832, 1864, Impassa, and Alexor Trouble Codes. DSC alarms provide top notch protection for you and your family. However, beeping is how your alarm communicates the trouble conditions or problems that you need to fix to.



Tips and Advice for Older Systems


The DSC 832 has been used for DIY alarm systems and professional installations for years. Its great features, ease of programming and reasonable price made it a favorite of many in the alarm business.



The DSC Power 832 security system is no longer in production, although systems are still available from several vendors. The panel will remain relevant for years to come, due to the sheer number that have been installed.

People often inherit a DSC 832 as part of an existing home security system when they buy a house. If you happen to be one of these people, the tips below can help you get the system up and running. With the alarm working, you may be able to avoid or postpone replacing the panel.

If your DSC system isn't in such good shape, I'll give you some thoughts on that at the bottom of this page.

Ready? Here we go!


Replacing the Alarm System Battery


Have you been awakened by your DSC alarm beeping in the middle of the night? If so, a bad battery is the most likely cause.

A dead or dying backup battery is the most common problem found with any security system, and the DSC Power 832 is no exception.

Replacing an alarm panel battery is an easy do-it-yourself task, even for a beginner. For detailed steps on how to do it, see this page on DIY Alarm System Battery Replacement.

Most DSC 832 alarm panels will have the 12-volt, 4 amp/hour (4 AH) size battery in place. This is the smaller of the two standard types used for alarm panels.

If you have to replace your battery, I advise getting the larger12-volt / 7 AH unit. It will give you more run-time than the smaller unit in case of a power outage. The DSC 832 enclosure should have plenty of room for the 7AH battery, unless other devices have been installed in it.

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Be sure to observe polarity when connecting the new battery. The red, positive terminal connects to the red battery wire, and the black negative terminal goes to the black wire.

Expect to replace the battery in your DSC alarm panel about every 3-5 years or so. Of course, when the battery begins to fail, you’ll be alerted by a beeping DSC keypad. Magical powers in the universe cause this to happen only in the middle of the night, it seems…!


How to Default a DSC 832

If you’ve acquired a DSC Power 832 as part of a home purchase, you may not know the arm/disarm code. You’ll need a valid code to do almost anything with the system, so it’s worth a little effort to figure out what it is.


If the previous owner is known, they’re usually happy to give you a code. Realtors may also have a code to let them show the house.

Installers and homeowners sometimes write the code somewhere on the main panel. Check the outside of the main panel box, as well as inside the lid. If there is a DSC alarm manual or any other paperwork, look for a 4-digit code there.

Check the kitchen drawers for any alarm panel keys. Sometimes, a code is written on a key tag or scrap of paper with the key.
If the code can’t be found, a factory default can often be performed. This will restore the panel programming to original values, including the installerand master codes.

Before attempting to do a default, you should check to see if your DSC panel is locked out. Alarm companies sometimes lock out panels to prevent other companies from reprogramming them.

How to See if Your Panel is Locked Out:

1. Completely power-down the system by disconnecting one battery lead, and unplugging the low-voltage transformer.
2. Power up the panel by plugging in the transformer.
3. Listen carefully: If you hear 8-10 clicks from the panel, it is locked out. If no clicks are heard, the panel is not locked. Reconnect the battery.

If your panel is locked out, your only practical option is to replace it.

If you discover your panel isn't locked out, you can continue with the factory default procedure.


WARNING:
A factory default will remove ALL current programming from the panel!
This will require re-programming all information for the zones, communicator, partitions, etc.
If you're not comfortable doing this, contact a local alarm company professional for help!

To Do a Hardware Default:

  1. Disconnect AC power, either at the circuit board terminals or by unplugging the low-voltage transformer.
  2. Remove one battery lead, doesn’t matter which one.
  3. Remove all wiring from the “PGM1” and “Zone 1” terminals.
  4. Use a piece of wire to connect the PGM1 and Zone 1 terminals together.
  5. Re-connect AC power. (Battery power will NOT default the panel.)
  6. Go to a keypad, and verify that the Zone 1 light is lit.
  7. Remove AC power, and reconnect the original wiring.
  8. Reconnect AC and battery power.


The default master code is 1234, and can now be used to arm and disarm the DSC Power 832 system. Get a copy of the programming manual to complete installer programming of the system, and enter the user codes you prefer.

You can find links to free DSC manuals on my alarm system manual sources page.


Dsc Alarm Trouble Codes

Checking for Open Zones on DSC 832 Keypads


DSC 832 systems with hardwire contacts can develop problems with doors and windows not “setting up”. This can be caused by sagging frames, loose fitting doors and windows, and missing magnets.

Dsc Power 832 Trouble Light Beeping


The first step is to find any problem openings and correct them. Close all the exterior doors and windows (as well as the interior garage door), then move to a keypad.

To check for open zones at a DSC Power 832 LED keypad like the PC5508, see if any zone lights are lit. If none are, all is well for the moment. If any are lit, note the zone numbers.

Open zones on a DSC 832 LCD keypad like the LCD5500 will be displayed as text. Just make a note of the zone description. If more than one zone is faulted, press the “<” or “>” keys to scroll through them.


Finding the Open Zones


If a zone list is available, you’ll be able to find the open zone(s) fairly easily.

Just go to each area shown as “open” on the DSC keypad. Look for loose, missing, or mis-aligned magnets and switches.


Also, see if any door or movable portion of a window is very loose in the frame. This can prevent the magnet and switch from lining up, causing an open zone and false alarms.


If there is nozone list, you’ll need to make one. Not to worry, it's really very easy! Here's what to do:

  1. Have a trusty assistant open and close each door and window in the house, one by one, while you watch the keypad.
  2. When opened, each door and movable window should show up as a zone light or LCD text display on the keypad.
  3. Write down which zone light or description appears for each opening.
  4. Follow the steps above to locate the problem areas.

You can download and print out a FREE copy of my Basic Alarm Zone List to use as a fill-in form to make this easier.

It has 28 lines for alarm zone information, including zone numbers, descriptions of protected areas, loop and serial numbers, and more.


Are you an alarm installer, and need a sheet to record system info for your customers?

Download a FREE copy of my Alarm Installation Record Sheet.

This has spaces to enter a homeowner or business name, address, phone numbers, and panel make and model details. The lower portion of the form is a shorter, 20-zone version of the Basic Alarm Zone List above.


Each of these PDF documents will print out as a single 8-1/2 x 11 page, and I created them both to work with any type of alarm panel - wireless, hardwired, or hybrid. Modify them as you like to suit your needs.

DSC 832 Options

Your DSC Power 832 should now have a battery in good shape, a fresh set of your own codes, and working door and window contacts.

This alone gives you a good, basic home security system.


The DSC 832 can be customized with zone expanders, enhanced alarm keypads, programming, and other options. Most of this also applies to the successor to the DSC 832, the DSC 1832.

Dsc 832 Trouble Light

Learn more from these pages:
The DSC Power 832
The DSC Power 1832

My DSC Home Alarm is Beeping! - Causes and Solutions

Hardwired Home Security Systems
DIY Home Security Systems


What if your DSC 832 isn't in very good condition?


Depending on what kind of 'wear and tear' your system has been through, consider these points:


  • Most newer DSC keypads are backwards-compatible with older models of panel, so you can probably find a replacement for a worn-out keypad. Depending on the age and condition of the rest of the system, this could be a good option

  • A new system can easily be had these days for as little as $99, or even free in some cases, provided you go with monitoring. This makes spending money on a very old or worn-out system much less cost effective than it used to be

  • If you own a smartphone or other web-enabled device, consider how handy it would be to use it to remotely arm and disarm your system. Many newer systems are designed to be smartphone-compatible from the ground up. If you happen to have (or plan to have) cameras, many systems allow remote live viewing and playback on smart devices

Even after all your efforts, you may decide that your system is beyond reasonable repair. If this happens, find out what a new system would cost by getting a few Free Home Security Systems Quotes from companies in your area.
These quotes can help you decide whether to pull the plug on the old system, install a new system yourself, or step aside and let a professional security company do the work.


Return to DSC Security Systems from DSC 832



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DSC Power Series Troubleshooting Guide

The following is a troubleshooting guide designed to provide additional information and troubleshooting tips for all the possible trouble conditions that can occur on any PowerSeries control panel (Power432, Power632, Power832 and Power864).

LED Keypad, LCD Fixed-Message Keypad

To view a trouble condition, press [*][2]. The trouble light will flash. Refer to the chart below to determine the trouble condition(s) present.

Dsc Power 832 Trouble Light

Note: Some trouble conditions provide additional information (indicated with an ‘*’ in the chart below). Press the number corresponding to the trouble condition to view the additional information.

Dsc Power 832 Trouble Light 4

LCD5500 LCD Programmable-Message Keypad

To view a trouble condition, press [*][2]. The trouble light will flash and the LCD will display the first trouble condition present. Use the arrow keys to scroll through all trouble conditions present.

Note: When additional information is available for a specific trouble condition a [*] will appear on the display. Press the [*] key to view the additional information.

Light [1] *Service Required – press [1] for more information
Light [2]AC Trouble
Light [3]Telephone Line Trouble
Light [4]Failure to Communicate
Light [5] *Zone Fault – press [5] for more information
Light [6] *Zone Tamper – press [6] for more information
Light [7] *Wireless Device Low Battery – press [7] for more information
Light [8]Loss of Time or Date

Trouble [1] – Service Required

Press [1] for to determine the specific trouble(s) present

Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
Trouble [1] Low BatteryThe main panel battery is below 11.5 VDC. The trouble condition will not clear until the battery is at least 12.5VDC under load.
  • If the battery is new, allow 1 hour for the battery to charge.
  • Ensure the panel is getting proper AC power. Measure across the two AC terminals of the panel and ensure the AC input is between 16 and 18VAC. If not, replace the transformer.
  • To verify the battery charging circuit disconnect the battery and measure the voltage across the two battery leads. The voltage should be 13.75VDC.
  • With the battery connected remove AC from the panel and measure across the battery terminals. If the voltage is below 12.5VDC replace the battery.
Trouble [2] Bell CircuitThere is an open circuit between Bell+ and Bell-
  • Remove the wires from Bell+ and Bell- and measure the resistance of the wires. If an open circuit is measured there is a break in the wiring or the siren is defective.
  • Put a 1K resistor (brown, black, red) across Bell+ and Bell- to verify the trouble condition clears.
Trouble [3]General System TroubleAn open circuit is present on output #1 of the PC5204 module
  • If the output is not being used make sure a 1K resistor (brown, black, red) is connected between O1 and AUX+.
  • If the output is being used remove the wires from O1 and AUX+ and measure the resistance of the wires. If an open circuit is measured there is a break in the wiring or the device connected is defective.
The PC5204 has an AUX failure
  • Ensure the module is getting proper AC power. Measure across the two AC terminals of the module and ensure the AC input is between 16 and 18VAC. If not, replace the transformer.
  • Remove all devices connected to the AUX+ terminal of the PC5204 and measure the voltage between AUX+ and BLK of the KEYBUS. If the voltage is below 13.75VDC the module is defective.
The printer connected to the PC5400 is off-line
  • Check the connected printer for trouble (no power, out of paper, jam etc…).
The wireless receiver has detected excessive noise in the 433MHz range (Power432, 632, 832 only)
  • Check the installation for other sources of 433MHz wireless signals (could also be nearby transmission tower, airport, military base).
  • To disable RF Jam enable Option [7] in Program Section [804], subsection [90]
Trouble [4] General System TamperAn open circuit is present on the tamper input of one or more modules
  • If the tamper input on the modules connected to the KEYBUS are not being used, connect a short between the Tamper terminal and COM on every module (PC5100, PC5108, PC5200, PC5204, PC5208, PC5320, PC5400, PC5401, PC5700)
Trouble [5] Module SupervisionThe panel has lost communication with one or more modules on the KEYBUS or a keypad has been assigned to a different slot
  • Modules are immediately enrolled and supervised when detected on the KEYBUS. If a module has been removed, or if the slot assignment of a keypad has been changed, module supervision must be reset.
  • View the event buffer (via DLS or LCD5500 keypad) to view the specific module(s) in trouble
  • To reset module supervision enter Program Section [902]. Press [#] and wait 1 minute for the panel to rescan the KEYBUS.
  • To view what modules are connected to the KEYBUS enter Program Section [903].
Trouble [6] RF Jam DetectedThe wireless receiver has detected excessive noise in the 433MHz range (Power864 only)
  • Check the installation for other sources of 433MHz wireless signals (could also be nearby transmission tower, airport, military base).
  • To disable RF Jam enable Option [7] in Program Section [804], subsection [90]
Trouble [7] PC5204 Low BatteryThe PC5204 battery is below 11.5 VDC. The trouble condition will not clear until the battery is at least 12.5VDC under load.
  • If the battery is new, allow 1 hour for the battery to charge.
  • Ensure the module is getting proper AC power. Measure across the two AC terminals of the module and ensure the AC input is between 16 and 18VAC. If not, replace the transformer.
  • To verify the battery charging circuit disconnect the battery and measure the voltage across the two battery leads. The voltage should be 13.75VDC.
  • With the battery connected remove AC from the module and measure across the battery terminals. If the voltage is below 12.5VDC replace the battery.
Trouble [8] PC5204
AC Failure
No AC present across the
PC5204 AC terminals
  • Measure across the two AC terminals of the module and ensure the AC input is between 16 and 18VAC. If not, replace the transformer.

Trouble [2] – AC Failure

Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
NoneNo AC present across the panel AC terminals
  • Measure across the two AC terminals of the panel and ensure the AC input is between 16 and 18VAC. If not, replace the transformer.

Trouble [3] – Telephone Line Trouble

Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
NoneThe phone line voltage across the main panel TIP and RING terminals is less than 3 VDC
  • Measure the voltage across TIP and RING of the panel:
    • No phone off-hook – measured voltage should be approximately 50VDC
    • Any phone off hook – measured voltage should be approximately 5VDC
  • Try wiring the incoming line directly to TIP and RING. If the trouble clears, there is a problem with the wiring or the RJ jack.

Trouble [4] – Failure to Communicate

Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
NoneThe panel has failed to communicate one or more events to the central station
  • Connect a headset to TIP and RING of the control panel and listen to the communication
    • If the panel does not break dial tone, reverse TIP and RING
    • If a recorded operator message comes on, check that the phone number is programmed properly; also dial the same number programmed using a regular telephone to determine if a [9] must be dialed or if 800 service is blocked
    • If the panel does not respond to the handshakes, verify the format programmed is supported by the central station
    • If the panel transmits data multiple times without receiving a handshake, verify the account number and reporting codes are programmed properly

Note:

  • Contact ID and Pulse formats – program a HEX [A] to transmit a digit [0]
  • SIA format – program a digit [0] to transmit a digit [0]

Trouble [5] – Zone Fault

Press [5] to determine the specific zone(s) with a fault trouble
Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
Press [5] to view specific zone(s) in faultAn open circuit is present on one or more fire zones on the main panel or zone expander
  • Make sure all fire zones have a 5.6K resistor (green, blue, red) connected.
  • Remove the wires from Z and COM terminals and measure the resistance of the loop. If an open circuit is measured there is a break in the wiring or there is no resistor connected.
  • Connect a 5.6K resistor (green, blue, red) across the Z and COM terminals to verify the trouble condition clears.
An open circuit is present on PGM2 being used as a two-wire smoke detector input
  • Ensure the jumper on the main panel has been removed.
  • Ensure the correct 2,2K end-of-line resistor is connected (red, red, red).
  • Remove the wires from PGM2 and AUX+ terminals and measure the resistance of the loop. If an open circuit is measured there is a break in the wiring or there is no resistor connected.
  • Connect a 2.2K resistor (red, red, red) across the PGM2 and AUX+ terminals to verify the trouble condition clears.
One or more wireless devices have not checked in within the programmed time
  • If the trouble occurs immediately a conflict with a hardwire zone exists:
    • The zone being used is already assigned to a PC5108 zone expander
    • The zone being used is assigned as a keypad zone
  • Perform a Module Placement Test – Program Section [904] and verify the transmitter is in a good location.
    • If bad test results occur, try testing the transmitter in another location
    • If the transmitter now tests good, the original mounting location is bad
    • If the transmitter continues to give bad test results try replacing the transmitter
A short circuit is present on one or more zones with double end-of-line resistors enabled
  • Remove the wires from Z and COM terminals and measure the resistance of the loop. If a short circuit is measured there is a short in the wiring.
  • Connect a 5.6K resistor (green, blue, red) across the Z and COM terminals to verify the trouble condition clears.

Trouble [6] – Zone Tamper

Press [6] to determine the specific zone(s) with a tamper trouble
Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
Press [6] to view specific zone(s) in tamperA tamper condition is present on one or more wireless devices
  • Perform a Module Placement Test – Program Section [904] - and violate and restore the tamper:
  • If no test result occurs, replace the transmitter
A open circuit is present on one or more zones with double end-of-line resistors enabled
  • Remove the wires from Z and COM terminals and measure the resistance of the loop. If an open circuit is measured there is a break in the wiring.
  • Connect a 5.6K resistor (green, blue, red) across the Z and COM terminals to verify the trouble condition clears.

Trouble [7] – Wireless Low Battery

Press [7] to determine the specific device with a low battery
Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting

Press [7] to view the specific wireless device(s) with a low battery trouble:


1st time – Wireless Zones
2nd time – Handheld Keypads
3rd time – Wireless Keys

One or more wireless devices has a low battery


Note – The event will not be logged to the event buffer until the wireless device low battery delay time expires – Program Section [370]
  • Replace the battery (the trouble will not clear until the detector is violated)

Trouble [8] – Loss of Clock or Date

Secondary TroubleReasonTroubleshooting
NoneThe main panel internal clock is not set

To program the time and date:

  • Enter [*][6][Master Code]
  • Press [1]
  • Enter the time and date (in military) using the following format: HH:MM MM/DD/YY

For example: 6:00 pm, June 29, 2005
enter [18] [00] [06] [29] [05]

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