Can someone tell me which usb to rs232 adapters are compatible with the Vera so that I can tie it into the IT100 computer interface. This is in reference to a DSC Security system.
Thanks
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts.
[url=http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/USBSerial_Supported_Hardware]http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/USBSerial_Supported_Hardware[/url]
Really though, anything using the Prolific 2303 chip should be fine. Mine’s not on that list, but it uses that chip and it’s working fine with a Power1832 and the IT-100 interface.
Andrew
You can use a WIZnet module. It’s converts the IT-100 to connect via ethernet. There is a thread discussing this with the devolopers of the new plugin driver. This assigns an IP address to the IT-100 & the need of having it connected right to VERA.
The simplest option is to have Vera and the Alarm panel in the same closet space, and directly wired with a USB-RS232 Adapter.
The FTDI ones work more reliably with Vera than the others, but it’s possible for the PL2303’s to work also. Earlier Vera firmwares required manual, command line, config to get PL2303’s working correctly.
The WIZnet (or similar) is great when they physically can’t be together for some reason. Of course, it adds extra failure points (Cable, Network Devices, Power) if you don’t need it.
I use WIZnet’s to talk to my AV Gear, and Direct USB to the House Alarm Panel (Paradox). The latter is co-lo’d with Vera, DSL, Firewalls, Switches, MiFi and ~12hrs of Battery backup, so Direct USB-RS232 was the simplest option.
For fixing the DSC Alarm Panel codebase, I’ve been using a Wifi-RS232 adapter so I can have the Panel next to me whilst coding.
Bottom line, no “one” solution fits all in these cases.
Feel free to bring conversations into the other thread so we can tie it all up into one place for future discovery of others.
[quote=“TimAlls, post:1, topic:167734”]Can someone tell me which usb to rs232 adapters are compatible with the Vera so that I can tie it into the IT100 computer interface. This is in reference to a DSC Security system.
Thanks
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts.[/quote]http://www.futureelectronics.com/en/technologies/interconnect/usb-to-ttl-rs232-rs422-rs485-cables/Pages/2297802-UC232R-10.aspx
These are the ones I’ve used, and they work with no futzing!
Thanks for the information. I just got the alarm panel in with the extra boards and I was able to gain access to the DSC website and download their configuration software for the alarm system. It looks a lot simpler using their software than to type all the information into the keypad.
If I am successful I am going to create an alarm system for Fire / Security / and Bilges…we will see.
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts
Neither are what I’d call exactly easy (numerical based input in the keypad, or the DLS software); once you’ve figured out the basics though with DLS then its easier I’d say!
If you have the DLS IV software then one thing to note is that the download and upload buttons are kind of opposite of what you’d expect (well to me at least)
Upload = download the current configuration from the panel to DLS software.
Download = upload the current configuration from DLS software to the panel.
Once you have your serial communications sorted out and you either want to download or upload something then you’ll need to enable the panel to work with the DLS program:
Once you click either button in DLS (it will queue up the request) then go to your keypad and type in *8 [master code] 499 [master code] 499
5555 is the default master code if you haven’t changed it.
Thanks for the tips, I have done similar alarm panels so I am sure I can make it work as a stand alone system but I want it to display my custom zone labels on my IPad through the Vera…do you know if that works ok?
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts
The new plugin that @ guessed wrote should read the zone labels ans you should also be able to name them whatever you want anyway.
I tried a bit of a test yesterday after programming some labels through DLS, but for whatever reason (perhaps a programing error on my part) I couldn’t get them to read.
I’ll be trying again tonight though as I have to check some things like the allowed character length of labels and whether things like spaces etc are OK.
The software from DCS doesn’t seem to be able to connect.
I have tested the serial connection by reading it in another generic program…the unit transmits data so I know the connections are correct.
I have the software set for the PC direct link and the only settings is the port number, port 4 correct.
I set up the transfer and the software ask for the keypad to be set…
I press *8
master code
499
master code
unit beeps and nothing happens
software also has a hard time disconnecting…just hangs on the message…disconnecting.
Let me know if I am missing something.
Regards
Tim
I think I made the assumption that the IT-100 that Vera uses to communicate with the DCS panel will work with the DLS-2002 alarm panel setup software. Should I be using a TL260 to program the 1832 alarm board? If any one knows give me a heads up…I will check with the techies at DSC tomorrow.
Regards
Tim Alls
AllSeas yachts
That’s not correct; you’re looking for the PC-Link interface instead. Fortunately that one’s pretty cheap, only $16 from http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-715-pclink-scw-dsc-computer-interface.aspx. Don’t ask me why a single serial interface can’t work for both; I think it’d be a great question for DSC.
@danb35 is correct in that you need to connect to the on board serial interface (4 pin header)
I assume this is kept separate for 2 reasons:
- they can charge you for an IT100
- keep the functions separate to avoid possible security issues.
I wouldn’t even waste the money on the PC link when you can make your own really easily. I actually bought one, but having it connected, it would be easy to either break / bend the header, and I’m actually tempted to go a stage further and wire up something that can be switched internally so that I can use the wiring I have in place for the IT100 already, and be able to switch between HA control, to programming and also do it from my PC via the WIZnet perhaps.
Thanks for the info…so the four pin connector, is it an rs232 connector or is there an interface card that plugs into it? I have 485 / 422 converters on the shelf if it is formatted like that. Just curious if you know the pin out and their functions.
Regards
Tim
Its just RS232.
Easy enough!
I can see you have been doing this a while. Thanks
I haven’t used this brand before but I like not having to use an old DOS program to setup the panels.
Have you ever seen a display that could read out multiple zone trips?
EG…maybe a small QVGA screen that could readout zone status like this:
Back Door Open
Side Door Open
Bilge Alarm Section 3
I am using National Instruments Labview Software to display all the Engine Room data, I might have to write another panel to display multiple zones unless you know of one.
Thanks Again
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts
I presume when you say DOS, you are referring to the DSC software for setup? Which version do you have? I downloaded the DLS IV software which is not DOS based.
For display purposes, SQ remote does a great job in displaying whats open or not (see attached)
I am using the same software, windows based. I used to use the Ademco alarms and all they had at the time was a DOS system that requires an antique modem!
I am using the SQ Remote and I love it although I am running it on an IPad!
That’s exactly the look I need, Thank! On an expedition yacht you need to know at a glance what is open and closed. I can easily add a page for bilge alarms as well…perfect.
Regards
Tim Alls
I think I want one of your yachts… One day perhaps if I can afford afford one!
Is the work you are doing here for a clients yacht, or is it for your own perhaps?
I was checking out your website, looks like it would be good fun putting everything together!
The Yachts are being built for resale. My job is to make sure it has the latest and greatest toys…The one we are working on now could be called an IYacht! Everything on the boat can be accessed through an IPad. It has really been fun.
Sure you can buy one…no problem. We have one forsale right now for 7.5 Mil. If you buy 9 the tenth one is free!
Does Vera set up the serial ports automatically?
I have tried two different Prolifics and nothing pops up under devices.
Regards
Tim Alls
AllSeas Yachts