Subject: From: Date:

RE: [ECS] DSC Intercom system Martin Terry Tue, 19 Jan 1999 16:37:27 -0800

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Kevin, I have experience with both the DCS 832 and the intercom board.

I haven't completed my ECS connectivity, but I intend to use the intercoms
to "broadcast" ECS voice messages. I like the DSC unit and the intercom
works very well, and as you pointed out it can also answer the phone.

I was hoping for a little more functionality with the RS232 interface but
it's really not there -
When you are connected to the DCS main unit via RS232 you lock out all the
keypads :( 
Since a ECS connection would most likely be full time that's a problem. But
I do believe you can use contact closures and the like to control the DSC
unit. It will also give you the alarm status via contact closure that you
can bring into ECS.

I'm hoping to "zone" the intercoms by using ECS to disable specific ones and
broadcast messages.
Problem is, who has the time? :)  Sigh, this summer maybe. Weather's too
crummy right now.

Bottom line - I think DSC is an excellent value.

-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Keast [mailto:libertyc@prodigy.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 1999 4:18 PM
To: ECS
Subject: [ECS] DSC Intercom system


I don't mean to beat a dead horse about the security systems but I still
like the DSC 832 system, even after looking at the Gemini and OMNI.

OMNI- to expensive
Gemini- looks good if you need full time rs-232
DSC-832- I like the idea of the intercom board.  You can even answer the
phone using it (Also each intercom has a "do not disturb" button).  As far
as status goes it sounds like the rs-232 is out but you can put in another
board with 8 digital ports to monitor zones.  Really is there anything else
you need to monitor from you security system real time?  You can even get a
intercom station with a relay for a doorbell installation.  I could see
using this for VR and TTS System feedback-keeping it independent of whole
house audio (reserved for music, etc)  I wonder how good the quality for
voice would be?

The price is right too.  It even has the expandable voice board that can
speak through the intercom system if they are both installed.

What are everyones thoughts....Experiences?

Kevin

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