Skip to main content
Knowledge Base

DSC PowerSeries Neo - Two-Way Voice Installation Guide

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF

Overview and compatibility

Alarm.com's Two-Way voice-enabled module requires that the panel is not connected to a phone line. If the panel is connected to a phone line, then a traditional POTS Two-Way voice solution must be used instead.

  • Compatible with all versions of DSC PowerSeries Neo. 
  • Requires a DSC Audio Module (DSC HSM2955) and a speaker/microphone (DSC PC5964E or similar). These devices are sold separately by Tyco. 
  • The monitoring station being used for the account must support Alarm.com's Two-Way voice solution.
  • In-call settings (e.g., microphone sensitivity, speaker volume, length between calls) remotely programmable via Alarm.com's Remote Toolkit.

Installation

Install the panel just like any other Neo panel, but keep the following in mind when determining where to locate the speaker/microphone.

  • For information about wiring the Audio Module and speaker/microphone, refer to DSC's HSM2955 Audio Alarm Verification Module Installation Manual. Use 18-22 gauge wire. CAT-5 is not recommended. After wiring, enroll the Audio Module as a new peripheral.
  • Avoid installing the speaker/microphone in a large open area where there is little furniture or carpet or near electrical wiring. The larger the open area surrounding the panel, the greater the chance for echo during the Two-Way voice call. If the speaker/microphone is installed in an open area, and the operator comments on echo during the call, try to decrease the microphone sensitivity. Additionally, avoid installing the speaker/microphone directly in front of any electrical wiring in the wall to prevent electrical interference.
  • Install the system on an internal wall that does not have insulation. Insulation prevents the AC wire from being able to be run through the wall.

Panel programming

The following programming is required for Two-Way voice functionality.

To enroll the Audio Module:
  • Automatic enrollment:
    1. Press [*].
    2. Enter the installer code.
    3. Press .
    4. Press [*] to automatically enroll all new modules.
  • Manual enrollment:
    1. Press [*].
    2. Enter the installer code.
    3. Press .
    4. Press [*].
    5. When prompted, enter the serial number found on the device. An error tone sounds if an invalid serial number is entered.

Once enrolled, the audio module will appear in the Peripheral List on the Equipment page on the Partner Portal.

Additional programming:
  • Monitoring code: DCAAFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF (re-saving Monitoring Settings will also ensure correctness)
  •  (Two-Way Audio Trigger Options): [- - 1 1 1 1 - 1]
  •  (Audio Option 1): [- 1 - - - - - 1]
  •  (Audio Capture Control Options): [1 - - - - - - -]
  •  (Audio Station Record Control Options): [1 1 1 1 - - - -]
  •  (Call Back Rec): 00-09 (rec: 05 min)
  •  (Call Back Acknowledge Code): 999999
  •  (Answering Machine Bypass): 00-09 (rec: 00 rings)
  •  (Answering Machine Bypass Double-call Timer): 00-09 (rec: 30 sec)
  •  (Number of Rings to Answer): 00-09 (rec: 00 rings)
  •  (Audio Duration): 01-99 (rec: 90 sec)
  •  (Post Alarm Audio Capture Length): 105-240 (rec: 105 sec)
  •  (Audio Capture Overwrite Time): 05-30 (rec: 15 min)
  •  (Audio Station Tamper Options): [- - - - - - - -]

Two-Way voice testing

Before testing, verify the system is disarmed.

  • Send an auxiliary panic. On the panel, press and hold both middle panic buttons on the lower left side of the panel.
  • After a minute or two, the operator should come on the Two-Way Voice call. If there is no answer after four minutes, wait until the length between phone calls (configurable in the Remote Toolkit) expires and try sending another auxiliary panic.

Important: Do not use a duress alarm for Two-Way voice testing. Duress alarms are listen-in only, so the panel's speaker is muted for the duration of the call.

During the Two-Way Voice call

There may be a slight delay when listening to and responding to the operator since the system is toggling between listen mode and talk mode (like a walkie-talkie). After the operator finishes speaking, wait a second before responding. Verify that the operator can hear you clearly.

Troubleshooting

Make sure to attempt two calls before trying to troubleshoot further.

Module not making the phone call to the monitoring station

When testing with the monitoring station, it's possible that heavy signal/call volume may occasionally prevent an operator from being able to answer the test call before it times out.

  • Check that the account's service package includes Wireless Two-Way Voice.
  • Review panel programming for correctness.
  • Verify all wiring according to DSC documentation.
  • Ensure that the minimum length between calls has not expired.
  • Make sure that the panel is connected to AC power. The module will not make a call if there is an AC power failure.
Operator reports interference or static during a call

Make sure that the speaker/microphone is not directly in front of any electrical wiring that exists behind the wall.

Siren does not shut off during a call

This behavior makes two-way calls nearly impossible due to the volume of the speaker.

Verify the following programming is correct:

  • (Zone Attribute); Bit 13 – ON
  • (Audio Module Talk/Listen Mask) – Receiver enabled for two-way audio.
  • [001-128] (Zone Number Audio Station Assignment) –  Zone needs to be assigned to an audio station
Monitoring station or customer is unable to hear each other

If the monitoring station or customer is unable to hear each other and the monitoring station is receiving the Two-Way Voice signal, perform an Alarm.com Two-Way Voice Test Call. Performing a Two-Way Voice Test Call will verify if the panel's microphone and speaker are working properly and the Alarm.com module is capable of making the Two-Way Voice call. For more information, see How do I use the Two-Way Voice Test Call feature?.