Question and Answer time – DSC PowerSeries Neo

New products and product enhancements are introduced into market at a rapid rate these days and you could be forgiven if you are not always able to keep up. The trouble is that a gap in your knowledge base can make answering client questions tricky.

At Hills we believe in the importance of providing technical support and training for all our products. We understand that sometimes it is the questions you’ve not encountered yet that can leave you high and dry, so we’ve put together the top 10 questions that our installers are telling us that they are hearing from their customers, in the hope that you will be more prepared for those important question.

In this issue and with the recent release of the new DSC mobile apps we thought it would be a great time to share the questions and answers our installers are asked by their customers.

1. Does DSC have a mobile phone app?

Yes, the DSC NEO series has a free app. The new ConnectAlarm app replaces the old Neo GO app and provides user functions such as setting and un-setting the alarm, receiving activation notifications, checking the system status and reviewing event history, all from a single easy to use app.

2. Do I have to pay anything for the app?

No, once you have added a compatible communicator to your DSC Neo panel (we recommend the IP TL280 module) and connect it to the internet, the app is free to download.

3. I have received a notification that my subscription is about to end. Do I need to pay to continue my subscription?

No, there are no extra costs behind the DSC app. If you receive this notification, log into your Connect Alarm App and then log out, this will renew your subscription.

4. How many people can use the app on my Alarm panel?

The number of users is based on the model of system you have. The HS2016 supports 48 users, the HS2032 supports 72 users and the HS2064 & HS2128 panels support 95.

5. Can I remotely program my customers panel?

Yes, the DSC Neo has a tech application called AlarmInstall. With this app (and the customers permission via their Connect Alarm App) you as an installer can log into and program changes to the system or if there is a zone that is false activating you can deactivate the zone and then arrange a time to go to the customers premises to investigate and fix the fault. The AlarmInstall app also lets you save up to 8 different configurations per panel making it easy to revert back changes quickly.

6. Can my alarm tell me I’ve forgotten to arm my system?

Yes, in the latest firmware DSC has introduced a new feature called Geo Fencing. Geo Fencing lets you set an invisible perimeter around your house, if you leave this area with your phone and have not armed the system it will notify you and ask would you like to arm your system.

7. What is the range on a DSC NEO Wireless Device?

DSC Neo Wireless Devices have a range of up to 1km, line of sight. While the Power G wireless system use in DSC Neo Wireless devices is industry leading, it is important to remember that certain building materials can reduce the effective range of any wireless device. A PG4920 Wireless Power G Repeater can help boost signals in areas of poor coverage.

8. Does a Wireless key/remote have the same range?

Wireless keys or remotes have a 30 meter range. While this may seem counterintuitive, there is actually a very good reason for this; limiting the range of remotes and keys reduces the likelihood of accidentally disarming the system when you’re offsite.

9. How long will the batteries last in my wireless devices?

DSC Wireless devices are integrated with energy saving technology, Power G wireless products feature a unique power saving technology. Each device continuously measures communication quality and automatically sets its transmission power to the minimum required for reliable communication with the panel. This ensures minimum, short transmissions while greatly extending the battery life of Power G devices to last up to 8 years!

10. I have relatives staying is there an easier way for them to arm and disarm the system than remembering a code?

Yes, the DSC Neo panels have the ability to arm and disarm via proximity tag removing the need to remember a code. Simply present the MPT Mini Prox Tag to a DSC Neo keypad with optional Prox Support (e.g HS2LCDRFP) to arm or disarm your intrusion system.

Hills NZ is a premium DSC distributor and have a wide range of products and bundles to help you install a robust DSC system.

If you would like to learn more about the DSC PowerSeries Neo and its apps, Hills offers hands on classroom training every month. Bookings are essential so please visit our training portal, https://hillstraining.hills. com.au or talk to your local Hills representative to find out when we are next training in your area.

To see the full Hills range of DSC intrusion products, visit www.hills.co.nz/dscpsneo today.