DSC Maxsys PC4020 System Manual

System Manual

• W A R N I N G •

This manual contains information on limitations regarding product use and function and information
on the limitations as to liability of the manufacturer. The entire manual should be carefully read.

ATTENTION: With the PC4020 v2.1 use
DLS-1 v6.2 or later, or DLS-2 v1.21 or later.

PC4O2O Software Version 2.1

Book 1

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

PC4020 Control Panel Wiring Diagram __________________ ii

Module Hookup diagram _______________________________ iii

Introduction_________________________________________ 1

System Overview

Maximum System Capabilities __________________________ 2
128 Programmable Zones ______________________________ 2
Escort4580 (VPM) _____________________________________ 2
LCD Keypads (LCD4500) ______________________________ 2
209 Outputs __________________________________________ 2
Switched Auxiliary Output ______________________________ 2
4 Enclosures __________________________________________ 2
Supervised Alarm Output_______________________________ 2
Event Buffer __________________________________________ 2
8 True Partitions _______________________________________ 2
Serial Interface Module (PC4400) _______________________ 2
Internal Memory _______________________________________ 2
Keypad User Options __________________________________ 2
Communicator ________________________________________ 2
LINKS Support ________________________________________ 2

Installation and Wiring

Suggested Wiring Procedure ___________________________ 3
RF Zones — Summary _________________________________ 4
Module Placement Test ________________________________ 4
Wireless PIR Motion Detectors __________________________ 4
Zone Supervisories ____________________________________ 4
Battery Troubles _______________________________________ 5
Restoring Battery Troubles _____________________________ 5
Default Serial Numbers ________________________________ 5
Combus Power and Operation __________________________ 5
Testing The Combus ___________________________________ 5
Mounting the Panel ____________________________________ 6
Programming the System_______________________________ 6
Hardware Reset of Memory to Factory Defaults ___________ 7

PC4020 Main Board Specifications

Control Panel _________________________________________ 8
Output Voltage ________________________________________ 8
Remote Keypad _______________________________________ 8

Terminal Connections

“AC” Power Terminals _________________________________ 10
Auxiliary Power Terminals “AUX” and “GND” ____________ 10
Switched Auxiliary Power Terminals ____________________ 10
Bell/Siren Terminals___________________________________ 10
Programmable Output Terminal “PGM” _________________ 10
Combus Terminals “RED”, “BLK”, “YEL” and “GRN”______ 10
Zone Input Terminals “Z1” to “Z16” _____________________ 10
Telephone Terminals “TIP”, “RNG”, “T-1” and “R-1” _____ 11
Battery Connections __________________________________ 11

System Keypad Functions

Introduction __________________________________________ 12
Partitions ____________________________________________ 12
Access Codes _______________________________________ 12
Partition Status Enunciator_____________________________ 12
Global Keypads ______________________________________ 12
System Master Code Functions ________________________ 15
Installer’s Programming Code _________________________ 15
Auto-bypass/Home-Away Arming ______________________ 15
Partition Keypads ____________________________________ 15

Printer Setup

Configuring the Printer ________________________________ 24

Downloading

Downloading over Phone Lines ________________________ 25
Downloading with an On-site Computer _________________ 25

UL Listed Commercial and Residential Installations

Grade A Local _______________________________________ 26
Grade B Central Station and Grade A Police Connect ____ 26
Grade C Central Station _______________________________ 26
All Commercial Installations ___________________________ 26
Residential Installations _______________________________ 26
Programming ________________________________________ 26
Control of the Protected Premises ______________________ 26
Bell Location _________________________________________ 26
Protection of the Control Unit __________________________ 26
Casual Users ________________________________________ 26
User Information______________________________________ 26

Module Specifications

PC4108 Expansion Module _____________________________ 9
PC4116 Expansion Module _____________________________ 9
PC4164 Expansion Module _____________________________ 9
PC4204 High Current Output Module ____________________ 9
PC4216 Low Current Output Module ____________________ 9
PC4400 Serial Interface Adapter Module _________________ 9
PC4700 Fire Module ___________________________________ 9
LCD4500 Remote Keypad ______________________________ 9
Escort4580 (Voice Prompting Module) ___________________ 9

Appendix A

List of Available ASCII Characters______________________ 27

AppendixB

List of Diagnostics ____________________________________ 28

iii

INTRODUCTION

The PC4020 is a highly flexible and versatile control which
will enable the installer to meet the most demanding
security requirements. The heart of the system is the main
control panel, designated the PC4020, which is
connected to other system elements using common 4
conductor unshielded station wire. The main panel
processes signal information and communicating with the
monitoring station. The main panel is capable of
supervising 16 zones, any of which may be defined for fire
or burglary applications and also manages up to eight
separate and fully independent partitions, assigning
zones and their controlling keypads in accordance with
installer programming.

The basic 16 zone capability of the PC4020 can be
expanded using either PC4108, PC4116 or PC4164 modules
which provide 8, 16 or 64 zones of additional inputs
respectively up to a system maximum of 128 zones. The
PC4108 and PC4116 are designed for use within any of the
cabinets and are shipped as PC boards only. The PC4164 is
designed to be placed inside the supplied cabinet.

Programming and system operation are carried out using
the LCD4500 liquid crystal display keypad. The LCD4500
connects at any point in the system to the four wire
communication bus or “Combus”, its specific identification
being determined automatically in the process of installing
it. A maximum of 16 LCD4500 keypads may be used on
any one system regardless of size.

The PC4204 relay output module is available for
installations requiring additional power beyond the 500
mA supplied by the PC4020 main panel. This module
comprises a 12 volt DC power supply of 1.5 Amp capacity
and four 12 volt relays with form C contacts which will
provide switched outputs under any of the 35 options
available in the list of programmable outputs. The PC4204
connects to the Combus via four wires as with other
system elements. It requires a 16 -18 volt, 40 VA
transformer and a 12 volt battery. Up to 16 PC4204
modules may be installed on any one system. The
PC4204 is shipped as a PC board only.

The use of any power source other than a PC4204 to
repower the Combus will result in a system
malfunction.

The PC4216 low current module provides 16 separate
outputs. Each output may be programmed to operate
under the control of 1 of 35 options as listed in the
programmable options section of the installation manual.
Up to 8 other PC4216’s may be used to provide outputs
for graphic annunciator or similar devices for the
maximum of 128 zones. The PC4216 connects to the
Combus with four wires. A maximum of 9 PC4216’s may
be connected to a system. The PC4216 may be installed
in the main cabinet or in other cabinet options and is
shipped as a board only.

The PC4020 includes the capability of driving a serial
printer using the PC4400 serial interface module. The
PC4400 connects to the Combus with four wires. The
printer may be located up to 200 feet (60 meters) away
from the module. The PC4020 is also capable of
communicating to a DVAC network using the PC4400
serial interface module. The PC4400 is shipped as a
board only.

1

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Maximum System Capabilities

• Control Units - 1 PC4020 Main Board

• 128 Zones
PC4020 Main Board: 16 zones
PC4108 Expansion Module: 8 zones
PC4116 Expansion Module: 16 zones
PC4164 Expansion Module: 64 wireless zones

• 64 High Current Outputs - Up to 16 PC4204 Modules

• 144 Low Current Outputs

- 9 PC4216 16 Output Modules

• PC4400 Serial Interface module : Serial Printer / or
DVACS

• PC4700 Fire Module Support

• 16 Remote LCD Keypads - LCD4500

• Escort4580 Voice Prompting Module

• 1 Main Board Fully Programmable Output

• 1 12 V

• Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) components

• 1 Supervised Fully Programmable Bell/Siren Output

• 1 Telephone Interface (Main Board)

• 2 Telephone Interface (PC4700)

DC Switched Fully Programmable Auxiliary Power

Supply (Main Board)

replace fuses

(Main Board)

128 Programmable Zones

• 16 zones on main board expandable by using 8 and 16
zone modules

• 22 zone types including: instant, 2 types of interior, 3
delay, 4 fire, 7-24 hour, forced answer, momentary,
maintained arming, Links supervisory and Links answer.

• Zone expansion is done by enrolling a zone expansion
module

• Zones can be assigned independently to any
partition(s)

• Programmable for NC loops, EOL resistor or Double EOL
resistors

Escort4580 (VPM)

• All main user function accessible through the VPM

• Local and remote access abilities

• 241 word library for zone, access code and partition labelling

LCD Keypads (LCD4500)

• Total of 16 on the system

• Can be assigned to any partition

• Single keypad system control

209 Outputs

• 1 main board transistor switch to ground with 3A
capabilities (programmable for 1 of 28 options)

• 64 relay outputs programmable for 1 of 28 options each
(16-4204 modules with 4 outputs each)

• 144 switched transistor outputs programmable for 1 of
28 options each (9-4216 modules with 16 outputs)

Switched Auxiliary Output

• Programmable for 1 of 35 options

4 Enclosures

• PC4001C - PC4020 plus 2 modules

• PC4002C - 3 modules

• PC4003C - 1 module

• PC4004C - Attack resistant for PC4020 plus 2 modules

Supervised Alarm Output

• Bell Output, 700 mA, PTC 2.5 Amps,

DC - commercial and 11.6 - 12.6 VDC - residential

12 V

• Steady or Pulsed Output

• Programmable for 1 of 35 options

Event Buffer

• 600 events

• Date and time stamp

• Event Buffer Viewing - any System Master is able to
view 512 events through the keypad including date and
time stamp

• Event Buffer Printing - the entire event buffer (600 events)
can be printed at once through the Installer’s mode

8 True Partitions

• Separate or shared zones from other partitions

• Individual keypads per partition

• Individual access codes for each partition

• Individual keypad zones (Fire, Auxiliary, Panic)

• Individual outputs programmable per partition

Serial Interface Module (PC4400)

• Used to output data to a local printer

• Used to communicate to a DVAC network

Internal Memory

• Retains programmed data even when both AC and
Battery have been removed.

• The clock will have to be reset after a power down
condition which will be indicated by an audible trouble
beep and the keypad trouble LED is on.

Keypad User Options

They are all menu driven, including:

• Programming of several types of 4 or 6 digit access
codes, 128 in total

• Bypassing from the keypad by authorized personnel

• Utility functions such as remote control of lights, door
strikes, etc.

Communicator

• Communicates in all 10 and 20 BPS single line and
extended formats

• Radionics Rounds and Radionics Parity

• Sescoa Superfast format

• Ademco Contact ID format

• SIA 1986 format

• Sur-gard 4/3 DTMF format

• 3/1 and 4/2 formats

• Hexadecimal numbers

• DTMF and Pulse dialing

• DPDT line seizure

• True dial tone detect

• Anti-jam feature

• Three telephone numbers and nine account codes

LINKS Support (Not investigated by UL)

• 3 telephone numbers for LINKS

• Auto programming for LINKS zones

2

INSTALLATION
AND WIRING

When designing a security system with the PC4020 that
will be larger than 16 zones or have two or more Partitions
it is best to first lay out the system on paper. This will help
determine the total number of zones, additional expansion
and power supply modules and other system elements
that may be needed.

When the location of all points of protection is known the
location of the zone expanders can be made. You will find
that working from a plan, a layout will reveal the most
economical use of system modules; two eight zone
expansion modules instead of one sixteen zone, for
example, can save long wire runs because of the location
of zones.

The plan will also enable you to make the most efficient
layout for the communications bus (Combus). This is the four
conductor cable which can be standard station wire (four 22
AWG wires colour coded red, black, yellow and green) to
which all system modules are connected in parallel. It is not
recommended to run the Combus in shield unless it is being
run through an area of high electrical noise.

The Combus may be up to 1,000 ft. (300 m) from the main
board to the farthest module, with any number of modules
in between. More than one Combus of 1,000 ft. (300 m)
can run from the PC4020.

Note: Do not use shielded cable for Combus wire runs.

Suggested Wiring Procedure

The first step in designing a PC4020 installation is
developing a system layout on paper. Doing this will allow
you to work from a plan and help to avoid making
mistakes and make programming easier.

Creating a System Layout
1 Draw a rough sketch of the building(s) layout in the

installation including the interior walls. Indicate on the
diagram the location of the PC4020 main panel. The
panel should be in a dry, secure location close to a
non switched AC source, a ground connection and a
telephone line connection.

2 Indicate on the diagram the location of all zones as

well as the device required such as smoke detectors,
motion detectors, door contacts etc.

3 Zones may be grouped together into partitions.

Knowing the zone number of each zone will allow the
partition setup done without mistakes. Locate any zone
expansion modules (PC4108 or PC4116) required
close to groups of zones for easier wiring.

Decide on the order to enroll the expansion modules.
The first 16 zones (1 through 16) are on the main
panel. As each module is enrolled it will be assigned in
sequence the next available group of zones. If an 8

zone module (PC4108) was enrolled first, it would be
assigned zones 17 through 24. If then a 16 zone
expansion module (PC4116) is enrolled it would be
assigned zones 25 through 40.

Once the order to enroll the expansion modules has
been determined, number each zone accordingly.

4 Wireless zones (used with the PC4164) can be placed

anywhere within the reception range of the PC4164.
Once the zone that are planned to be used are
indicated on the diagram the location of the PC4164
can be shown as well. For best results the PC4164
should be placed in as central of a location as
possible. Indicate next to the zone, the serial number of
that zone. This will make placement tests easier.

5 Indicate each partition by boxing the area of the partition

on the diagram. From this diagram it can be quickly
determined which zones belong to that partition.

6 Determine the number of keypads (LCD4500) required

for each partition and their location on the system. The
maximum number of keypads on a system is 16. Each
keypad on the system assigned to a partition can only
be used to operate that partition. (EXCEPTION - A
System Master or a multi-partition access code can
access any partition that the code is assigned to from
any keypad). Indicate on the diagram the location and
the partition each keypad will be assigned to.

After the number of zones, keypads, and their locations,
expansion modules and separately controlled systems
(partitions) have been determined, decide other
modules required to complete the installation.

7 The ESCORT4580 (Voice Prompting Module) is a

module which is connected to the Combus and the
Telco lines of the control panel. This module uses the in
house telephone(s) to give the user access to any
partition the users code may belong to. The module
may be enrolled as a Partition or Global unit.

Note: The ESCORT4580 is located in the Main
Cabinet with the control panel.

8 Siren outputs can be programmed to activate if one or

more partitions go into alarm. The main panel provides
one output (The Main Bell Output).

Additional outputs can be obtained from the PC4204
power supply/relay output module(s). Each PC4204
module has 4 form “C” relays, the last 3 of which can be
used as any one of the 28 output options (See PGM
Output List). Indicate on the diagram the location of each
of the sirens, and the location of the PC4204 module(s).

3

9 The PC4216 module provides up to 16 programmable

outputs. Each output can be programmed for 35
different options (See PGM Output List). It is also used
to display zones/status on a graphic annunciator. Each
of the 9 PC4216 modules is capable of being
programmed in any of the 25 available ways indicating
the location of the PC4216 and the module number
and also the module output option programmed.

See “PC4216 OPTIONS” for a list of the programming
options.

10 Indicate the location of the PC4400 serial interface

module on the diagram. The PC4400 provides serial
output to an on-site printer that will record the identity of
the system, description of the occurrence (alarm, trouble
etc.) by user, with date and time stamp. The PC4400 may
also be used to connect to a DVAC network allowing the
PC4020 to communicate to a DVAC receiver.

11 Mount the cabinet, panel (See “Mounting The Panel”)

and prepare the wires for connection to the panel.

RF Zones — Summary

Placing Components

Before permanently mounting components, each
component should be tested in its intended mounting
location to ensure it can communicate properly with the
PC4164. It is recommended that the Module Placement
Test is performed more than once for each zone.

For the best system performance, it is suggested that the
PC4164 be mounted in as central location as possible and
as elevated a location as possible.

In most installations, selecting a central location for the
PC4164 will ensure reliable system operation. When
mounting the PC4164 in a basement, it is recommended
that the PC4164 be mounted as high and as close to the
underside of the first floor as possible.

“***fair***” and the keypad will beep twice indicating
that the placement was fair. A fair placement result
means that the zone was placed in a location that has
passed the module placement test.

• Poor - This result will be displayed on the keypad as
“***poor***” and the keypad will beep three times,
indicating that the placement was poor. A poor
placement result means that the zone was placed in a
location that has weak RF transmission strength and
should be relocated. In most cases, moving the zone a
short distance from its original intended location should
correct the problem. After relocating the zone, repeat
the module placement test. When the test results are
satisfactory, continue with the next zone to be tested.

NOTE: To perform a module placement test on an RF
PIR motion detector, the zone must be tampered then
restored instead of opened then closed.

Wireless PIR Motion Detectors

To prolong battery life of a PIR Motion Detector, the
detector features a High Traffic Shutdown Mode. If a
motion detector is activated more than once within a 6
minute period, the detector will temporarily delay reporting
activity to the PC4164. The Motion Detector will then
require a 12 minute period of no activity before it will
resume transmissions to the PC4164. Because the High
Traffic Shutdown Mode prevents Motion Detectors from
being tested during a regular walk test, the Motion
Detector features its own built-in Walk Test Mode. To
activate this mode remove the back plate from the
detector to be tested, and then reattach it. The Motion
Detector will be in Walk Test Mode for 90 seconds. The
LED will come on for 3 seconds each time the detector is
tripped. (Note: The zone will not transmit the zone trip to
the PC4164 during this mode. To perform a walk test of
the Wireless PIR the zone must be tampered and
restored). At the end of the 90 second period the Motion
Detector will return to normal operation.

Module Placement Test

This section will determine if the location of a zone is
good. Once this section has been entered, the panel will
then prompt the installer to select a zone to be tested. Use
the [<][>] keys to scroll to the desired zone. Press the [✱]
key to select the zone. The keypad will now display the
message “Please Activate Zone”. When this message is
displayed open then close the zone from the intended
mounting location. The keypad will display the result of
the module placement test (with respect to RF strength).
Placement results are as follows:

• Good - This result will be displayed on the keypad as
“***good***” and the keypad will beep once indicating
that the placement was good. A good placement result
means that the zone was placed in a location that has a
strong RF transmission strength.

• Fair - This result will be displayed on the keypad as

Zone Supervisories

A zone supervisory is a transmission sent from the
wireless zone to the PC4164 as a test transmission to
ensure that communications between the zone and the
PC4164 are still present. When the PC4164 receives the
supervisory from the zone it will then transmit this
information to the control panel. If the control panel does
not get a supervisory within the "supervision time", the
zone will be considered lost and go into the open state..
(If Double EOL is being used the zone will go into the
Tamper Alarm state). If the partition is armed the zone will
go into alarm and transmit the sensor fault and alarm
reporting codes if programmed. The next supervisory that
the PC4164 receives for a missing zone will restore
communication with that zone and restore the Zone
Supervisory Fault.

4

Battery Troubles

If a zone has a low battery trouble, then that zone does
not report in with a zone supervisory within the
"supervision time". The zone will not go into alarm. This
has been included to reduce the possibility of a false
alarm from batteries that do not get changed in the zone,
and then the zone going into sensor fault.

Restoring Battery Troubles

A wireless zone battery trouble will only be restored after
that zone has been Tampered and Restored. This will
allow the batteries to be changed without multiple Battery
trouble/Battery restoral transmissions taking place. In
order for the batteries to be changed the cover must be
removed from the back plate (tampering the zone). When
the tamper is restored and the zone sends a battery
trouble restoral (as well as the tamper restoral) signal to
the PC4164, the battery trouble will clear.

Default Serial Numbers

Once this selection has been made the LCD will display
the message "Confirm Default Press ✱". To abort press
any other key. Once the [✱] key has been pressed the
LCD will display the message "Resetting ". All RF zone
signatures will have been erased from the PC4164.

Note: Deleting the RF signatures from the PC4164 will
not remove the zone(s) from the partition
assignment(s).

Combus Power and Operation

The PC4020 main board can provide up to 500 mA to
power modules, keypads and devices. A PC4204 power
module is required when additional current is needed
either for powering detection devices or operating bells
and sirens. The PC4204 requires its own transformer and
battery and can provide up to 1.5A at 12 VDC. Four relays
on the module provide form C switched outputs with
contact ratings of 3 amps @ 12 VDC (10 amps @ 120 VAC)
for a variety of programmable options. When used to
repower the Combus the PC4204 must be wired in
accordance with the instructions supplied with the unit.
Use of a power source other than the PC4204 power
supply module to supply additional power to the PC4020
system is not recommended for the following reasons:

If the main panel loses communications with a module,
within a maximum of 30 seconds the panel will perform a
system reset in which power to the Combus is removed.
Five seconds later power is reapplied and the panel will
attempt to communicate with the module. If the panel is
unsuccessful communicating with the module it will
display and report a Combus communications fault.

When the main panel performs a reset, relay 1 when
programmed for “Combus POWER” will open. This will
disconnect the power supplied to the modules, resetting
them so that communications to the main panel are
reinitialized.

For example, if the microprocessor on the module has
been scrambled due to a transient, the PC4020 will power
down the Combus, the PC4204 will mimic the PC4020 and
cut off its power supply to the module. The module will be
powered down. When the PC4020 returns power to the
Combus, the PC4204 will reconnect its power supply, and
the power to the module will return. Because the module
was powered down and powered up, the module is now
reset, and can communicate with the PC4020.

If a power supply other than a PC4204 was used, the
module would never power down, never reset, and the
module will stay off line requiring the attention of service
personnel.

CAUTION: When used to power a module, the “RLY 1
COM” terminal of the PC4204 must be connected to
the “RED Combus” terminal of the module only. The
positive (RED) conductor of the Combus must be left
unconnected to the module that is powered by the
PC4204. The “BLK Combus” of the module should be
run common to the negative (“BLK”) of the Combus.
Use of a power source other than the PC4204 power
supply module to supply additional power to the
PC4020 system is not recommended.

The Combus is a four conductor cable to which all modules
and keypads are connected in parallel. Connections to the
Combus do not have to be home-run. For example if a
storage building had an 8 zone expander (PC4108) and a
keypad (LCD4500) located in it, the zone expander and
keypad could be spliced together and run back on a single
4 wire cable to the nearest point on the Combus.

KEYPAD

COMBUS

R
B

PC4020 PC4108

Y
G

RBYG

R
B
Y
G

Testing The Combus

To test the Combus for a low voltage condition, connect
all devices to the system (include any motion detectors,
glass break detectors, etc.) and enroll each of the
modules. Exit installers mode and allow the system to run
normally for 5 -10 minutes. This will allow time for any
modules that may have battery troubles time to report. If
after this time there are any battery troubles be sure that
the batteries are "good" by disconnecting the suspect
battery and placing a voltage meter across the battery

5

leads (of the module); the output voltage should be 13.85
V. If the voltage is good then check the battery (under
load), even if the battery is under a load the voltage
should still be above 12.0 V. Once all (if any) battery
troubles have been taken care of, be sure that there are
no Combus Low Voltage troubles. If there are locate the
modules with the low voltage troubles by entering
Installers Mode and selecting Diagnostics. Refer to
Appendix B for the List of Diagnostics. Once the
module(s) have been isolated a PC4204 will be required
to increase the power to be module with the low voltage
trouble. Now that all trouble have been taken care of the
next step is to remove AC power from all modules and
allow the panel to run for 10 - 15 minutes on battery power
alone. If there are any Combus Low Voltage troubles a
PC4204 Combus repower module may be required at the
Low voltage location to insure proper system operation.
Repeat this test as required.

Mounting the Panel

Select a dry location close to an unswitched AC source, a
ground connection and a telephone connection for
mounting the Main Control Cabinet.

Remove the PC4020 printed circuit board, mounting
hardware, and keypad from the cardboard retainer inside
the large cabinet. Before attaching the cabinet to the wall,
press the five white nylon printed circuit board mounting
studs into the cabinet from the back.

Pull all cables into the cabinet and prepare them for
connection before mounting the circuit board to the back
of the cabinet. Press the circuit board down onto the
mounting studs.

There is room in the Main Control Cabinet (PC4001C) for
any two modules (PC4108, PC4116, PC4216 or PC4400).
Modules requiring power (AC and battery PC4204) must
be installed in the large Expander Cabinet (PC4002C).
This enclosure will accommodate one module (PC4108,
PC4116, PC4216 or PC4400) and a powered output
(PC4204) or any three modules. A small Expander Cabinet
(PC4003C) is available for a single module that does not
require external power.

Once the wiring is completed power the system up by first
connecting the battery followed by the AC transformer. All
LCD4500 keypads should display the message ‘LCD4500
DSC Ltd.’. Press a key on any keypad that is to be
assigned to Partition 1. The keypad will beep and display
the message ‘4500 Mod. #1' and the keypad is
automatically assigned to Partition 1.

Enroll every module to the system. Make sure you put
down the number of each module enrolled. Refer to the
Programming Manual for the required procedure.

When enrolling any PC4108 or PC4116 zone expander
module make sure to note the zones which you assigned
to the module.

This information is very important if it becomes necessary
to Add or Delete zones to or from a Partition. Zones 1
through 16 are assigned to Partition 1 by default. This can
be changed later in Installer Programming.

In Book 4 (Programming Work Sheets) you will find a
System Overview section. Fill in the information as each
module is enrolled. These sheets are designed to be left
in the panel so if future service is required, the location
and assigned number of each module will be readily
available.

Once all modules are enrolled perform a diagnostics
check on the panel to determine if any problems are
present (see “Diagnostics”).

Programming the System

The PC4020 has the capability to operate as 8 separate
alarm systems called Partitions. Dividing the panel into
Partitions will allow you to control access to specific
areas.

When the PC4020 is first powered up all zones on the
main board and User Codes are assigned to Partition 1. If
no other Partitions are required the entire system will be
considered Partition 1. This is important to keep in mind
as often in programming the panel will require you to enter
the Partition to program.

For example, when programming entry and exit times, you
must select the menu option ‘ADD/EDIT PAR’. The keypad
will then prompt you for the Partition to add or edit. You
must select Partition 1 for a system that has no additional
Partitions.

The factory default setting for all options is provided in the
Programming Work Sheets as well as programming
‘HOTKEYS’ for the option to allow quick programming.

Complete the Programming Work Sheets located in Book

4. Having this information prepared before programming
the panel will speed up the process considerably.

All information for the panel may be entered in the
Programming Work Sheets.
Any zone expanders on the system will include a similar
sheet and the information should be completed for
these as well.

There is no set order in which the panel must be
programmed, however, if you use the following guideline it
may simplify the programming of the panel for the first time.

Step 1 - Define all Partitions

When the panel is first powered up the 16 zones on the
main panel are assigned to Partition 1. Additional zone
expanders enrolled to the system are NOT assigned to
any Partition.

6

Any zones from 1 through 16 that are required on a
different Partition must be DELETED from Partition 1
before they are ADDED to another Partition. Any zones
above Zone 16 must be ADDED to the proper Partition.
See “Zone Assignment” in the Programming Manual (Book

3) for the procedure to add and delete zones.
When you ADD each zone to the proper Partition it will

save time if you also program the Zone Label, Zone Type
and Zone Options. All of this information may be entered
in the Programming Work Sheets located in Book 4 and in
the programming work sheet included with each Zone
Expansion module.

Note: Do not program any of the system outputs until
all partitions have been added to the system. All
output types that are selectable by partition will only
allow the choice of enabled parts.

Step 2 - Program the System

Now that the Partitions have been defined and zones
programmed, you are ready to program the rest of the
system. It is best to follow the Programming Work Sheets
starting at the beginning and carefully programming each
section. Having the required information entered ahead of
time will speed up this process considerably.

Once the Installer Programming is complete you can
program user functions ([✱][6][Master Code]). Next,
features on each partition can be enabled. Go to a
keypad assigned to the desired partition and enable the
features through [✱][6][Master Code] commands.

Step 3 - Program user Codes

From default the PC4020 comes with one user code
assigned as a Grand Master Code (‘1234’ for 4 digit
option, or ‘123456’ for 6 digit option). The other 127 user
codes, 4 digit or 6 digit, may be programmed by entering
User Programming Commands ([✱][5][Access Code]).
See ‘Programming Additional Access Codes Using a
System Master Code or a Supervisory Code’ section in
this manual.

Step 4 - Testing the System

See “Bell/Comm Test” under [✱][6] User Functions or do
the following. Contact the monitoring station to request a
transmission test. Plug the telephone cord into the RJ31-X
jack. If a DTS-1 is being used to monitor communicator
transmissions, connect it to the telephone line and place
the DTS-1 in the line mode by pressing the red “LINE/
LOCAL” button. Arm the panel, wait for the exit delay to
expire and trip a detector on an instant circuit. Wait for the
communication to complete. Disarm the panel and check
with the monitoring station to confirm acceptance of the
transmission. Perform additional transmissions required
by the monitoring station.

Check the “TROUBLE” light on the keypad. If it is on,
press [✱] then [2] to determine the trouble. The “Trouble
Display” section in “Keypad Functions” gives a
description of the different trouble conditions.

Step 5 - Instructing the End User

Describe system operation to authorized users.
Provide user with the instruction manual and instruct them

to read it to become familiar with the system operation.
Instruct the user to test the system on a regular basis as

described in the Instruction Manual. The Master Code
should be changed from the default setting and recorded.

There is a wide range of possible uses for the [✱][4] and
[✱][7] commands which are not described in the
instruction manual. Be sure to explain the functions of the
[✱][4] Sensor Reset and the [✱][7] Utility Output to the
user if they are incorporated into the system.

Hardware Reset of Memory to Factory
Defaults

If the Installer’s Code is lost through inadvertent
programming, the only means of reprogramming the
system is by a hardware reset. If the Installer’s Lockout is
enabled, there is no way to reprogram the system without
entering the correct Installer’s Code.

The PC4020 can also be reset through software in the
installer’s programming. See “Factory Default” in the
Programming Guide.

Note: Panels returned to DSC with the Installer’s
Lockout feature enabled and no other apparent
problems will be subject to an additional service
charge.

To reset the panel to factory default conditions:

1.Power the system down by removing both AC and
battery power to the main panel.

2.Short the zone 1 terminal and the PGM terminal on the
main panel.

3.Restore power to the main panel.

4.Wait for 20 seconds then remove the short between
the PGM and zone 1.

5.The system will have reloaded the memory with
factory defaults. All modules will have to be enrolled
again. The event buffer is the only part of memory that
is retained during a factory default.

7

PC4020 MAIN BOARD
SPECIFICATIONS

Control Panel

16 zones

• 16 fully programmable supervised zones (EOL
resistor)

• Programmable for Double EOL resistors

Audible alarm output

• Bell output
700 mA, PTC 2.5 Amps, 12 V

11.6 - 12.6 VDC - residential

• Steady or pulsed output

Nonvolatile RAM (Internal Memory)

• Does not lose codes or system status on complete AC
and battery failure

Programmable output

• Transistor switch sinks 3 A to ground

• Programmable for 1 of 35 options

Powerful 1.5 amp regulated power supply

• 500 mA auxiliary supply, 11.6 - 12.6 V
(400 mA for UL Listed systems)

• Separate PTC for battery, auxiliary supply and bell
output

• Electronic shut down protection of the Combus

• Supervision for loss of AC power, low battery, electronic
shut down of modules

• Internal clock locked to AC power frequency or optional
crystal time base

DC - commercial

DC

Output Voltage

Typically, with normal AC on and a fully charged battery,
the output voltage will be 13.8 VDC. With AC off and the
battery discharging, the voltage will go below 10 volts and
then battery cutoff will occur preventing further discharge.
Devices that require power from the control panel should
be capable of operation over the voltage range of 10 to 14

DC.

V

Remote Keypad

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up

• Alphanumeric liquid crystal display

• Built-in piezoelectric buzzer

• Full annunciation of zones and system status

• Dimensions 5.5” x 4.5” x 1” deep (150 x 114 x 25 mm)

• Rated current draw of 55 mA

Switched Auxiliary Supply Output

• Programmable for 1 of 35 options

• 11.6 - 12.6 V

• 300 mA maximum

Battery

• 12 volt 4 Ah minimum rechargeable gel-cell or sealed
lead-acid battery

Transformer

• 16.5 VAC, 40 VA

DC

8

MODULE
SPECIFICATIONS

PC4108 Expansion Module

• Up to 128 zones total on system

• 8 zone expansion module

• Normally closed loops, EOL resistor, Double EOL
resistor support

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 25 mA

• Provides Tamper Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

PC4116 Expansion Module

• Up to 128 zones in total on system

• Normally closed loops, EOL resistor, Double EOL
resistor support

• 16 zone expansion module

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 30 mA

• Provides Tamper Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

PC4164 Expansion Module*

• Up to 64 zones in total on the system

• One module per system

• 64 zone wireless expansion module

• Support for Universal transmitters and PIRs

• Normally closed and zone module tamper support

• 4 wire quad hookup to the PC4164

• Nominal current draw of 110 mA

• Provides zone alarm/zone low battery/zone tamper
reporting codes

• Low Combus supervision to the PC4020

PC4204 High Current Output Module

• 4 output high current module

• Up to 16 modules on system

• Minimum 40 VA 16-18 volt transformer required

• Minimum 4 Amp-Hour, 12 volt battery required

• Each output programmable for 1 of 35 options

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 25 mA

• Provides Tamper and Trouble Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

• 1.5 Amp output

PC4400 Serial Interface Module

• True RS-232 technology

• Handshake software switches

• Protocol XON/XOFF or DTR

• 5 possible baud rates 300, 600, 1200, 2400 and 4800

• DVAC communications†

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 35 mA

• Provides Tamper Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

Note: 4800 Baud is only available on PC4400 software
version 2.00 and above.

LCD4500 Remote Keypad

• Up to 16 keypads on system

• Alphanumeric liquid crystal display

• Built-in piezoelectric buzzer

• Full annunciation of zones and system status

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 55 mA

• Provides Tamper Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

• Dimensions 5.75" x 4.5" x 1" deep (144 x 114 x 25 mm)

Escort4580 (Voice Prompting Module)*

• One module per system

• Full voice prompts for all major user accessible
sections

• Four wire quad connection to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 70 mA - 140 mA

• Automation Control capabilities - up to 32 Automation
Module per system

• Low Combus supervision to the main board

* These devices are not UL listed.
† These features have not been investigated by UL.

PC4216 Low Current Output Module

• 16 output low current module

• Up to 9 modules on system

• All module programmable for all 16 outputs, 1 of 35
options for each

• Programmable as alarm annunciators or zone followers

• Four wire (QUAD) hook-up to Combus

• Nominal current draw of 15 mA

• Provides Tamper Reporting Codes

• Low Combus supervision to PC4020 Main Board

9