"Digital Security Controls (DSC) - Power632 (Circuit Board PC1555MX"
"How to Hardware Reset"
By Ron Stultz
16 March 2011
Summary: to be done only as a last resort. A hardware reset can only be done on an "unlocked" PC1555MX circuit board. The upside of a hardware reset is all settings will be returned to factory defaults to include the "Master Code". The downside of a hardware reset is that the PC1555MX will have to be reprogrammed to reflect the specifics of your home.
Background:
The Digital Security Controls (DSC) home security system Power632's PC1555MX circuit board is programmable.
The PC1555MX ships from the factory with 2 important "Codes": the "Master Code" and the "Installer Code.".
The "Master Code" is used to enter, edit or delete system arm-disarm access codes.
The default "Master Code" = 1234.
The "Installer Code" is used in all other PC1555MX programming.
The default "Installer Code" = 5555.
Both the "Master Code" and the "Installer Code" can be changed from factory defaults.
When a system is professionally installed, the installer most likely changed the "Master Code."
When a system is professionally installed, the installer may or may not change the "Installer Code."
Sometimes, it may be necessary to do a hardware reset of the PC1555MX circuit board.
You can only hardware reset an "unlocked" PC1555MX circuit board.
Is the PC1555MX hardware lock?
To determine if your PC1555MX is hardware locked:
- Go to the Power632 metal cabinet and open it.
- Unplug the Power 632 power adapter.
- Removed the red wire from the battery inside the Power 632 cabinet.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- In a sound quiet environment, plug back in the power adapter and listen.
- If you hear clicking and then quiet, your board is locked.
- If you do not hear anything when you plug back in the power adapter, your board is unlocked.
- Reinstall the red wire to the battery and close up the Power632 cabinet.
If the PC1555MX is "Locked":
Go to a DSC keypad and enter the following
* 8 "Current Installer Code" (the default "Installer Code" = 5555 and enter 5555 if you know of no other possible "Installer Code")
If the entered "Current Installer Code" is valid, the "Armed" light emitting diode (LED) will be lit and "Program" appear in a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other indication that the system is in the program mode.
If the system does not go into the "Program" mode, the "Current Installer Code" you entered is invalid. See Below.
Now enter
991 # #
You have now "Unlocked" your PC1555MX circuit board.
Tools required to do a PC1555MX hardware reset:
- A very small flat blade screwdriver. This screwdriver will be so small, it is doubtful you own one. A complete set of small drivers is sold at Radio Shack and home improvement retailers.
- A short piece (4 inches) of very small gauge, insulated, wire. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off each end of the wire.
How to perform a PC1555MX hardware reset
NOTE: The PC1555MX does not have a "erase memory" or "reset to default" hardware jumper on the board. There are several jumpers on the board but these are used for other purposes.
Go to your Power632 cabinet and open it.
1. Unhook the red wire on the battery.
2. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
3. Remove all wires from the Zone 1 and PGM1 terminals (may or may not have wires on the PGM1 terminal). To do this, use the small flat blade screwdriver in the hole in the PC1555MX board mounted terminal strip, turning counter clock wise. Wires are held in place by compression and as you loosen the screw, the wires will eventually pull out easily.
4. If there are multiple wires inserted into the Zone 1 terminal block, twist them together and label them as Zone 1.
5 If there are multiple wires inserted into PGM1, twist them together and label them PGM1.
6. Now place one end of your short jumper wire in the slot in the PC1555MX terminal strip for Zone 1 and tighten the screw in the hole until the wire is held tightly in place.
7. Place the other end of your short jumper wire in the slot in the PC1555MX terminal strip for PGM1 and tighten the screw in the hole until the wire is held tightly in place.
8. Check everything over. Red wire off battery and not touching metal cabinet or any other component? Short jumper wire properly attached to Zone 1 and PGM1?
9. Plug in the Power632 power adapter into the wall outlet and wait 30 seconds. Note that a hardwire reset requires the power adapter. A reset will not be performed with the PC1555MX running off battery alone.
10. Remove the Power632 power adapter from the outlet.
11. Remove the jumper wire between PC1555MX terminals Zone 1 and PGM1.
12. Insert all Zone 1 wires into the slot associated with Zone 1 and tighten the terminal screw until all wires in the slot are tight and will not pull out.
13. Insert all PGM1 wires (if any) into the PGM1 slot and tighten the screw until all wires are tight and will not pull out.
14. Check everything over. All wires properly back in place in Zone 1 and PGM1?
15. Reconnect the red wire to the battery.
16. Plug the Power632 power adapter back into the wall outlet and tighten the screw holding the adapter to the outlet.
With the Power632 PC1555MX hardware reset, you must now either DIY program the PC1555MX or have a security company program it for you.
Invalid "Installer Code":
If the PC1555MX circuit board is "locked" and when you attempted to use the "Current Installer Code" to "unlock" the board, the system would not go into the programming mode, your only options are:
- Contact the previous homeowner and learn the "Current Installer Code."
- Contact the security system company that installed your system and learn the "Current Installer Code"
- Replace do-it-yourself (DIY) or have a security system company replace the PC1555MX circuit board and then program it.