July 30, 2012

Hacking an alarm system keypad for other uses

 One of the great things about the Arduino system is the ease in which it can interface with other devices. One example of this is 'Caitsith2' who has determined how a DSC PC1500RK alarm system control panel works and communicates. Originally it would have been connected to the alarm master control box, however using his examples it can communicate via the serial monitor and therefore can be controlled with an Arduino. For example:


Although this is a specific example, it shows what can be done with random devices found around the home or elsewhere with an Arduino. Or in this case - the Arduino could become the controller of the alarm system if still in place, opening up more advanced control and interface methods. For the example Arduino code, visit here. And we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well. 

When experimenting with your Arduino board by interfacing with the "outside world", it can be difficult and time consuming to mess about connecting wires of various sizes to the board. However with the Freetronics Terminal Shield for Arduino - the problem is solved:


Apart from having a larger than normal prototyping area, there are terminal blocks for every Arduino pin, three LEDs for general use and a reset button on the shield. Great for experimenting and fast I/O connections - so order yours today

2017/02/25

Glenn Stroeder said:

I have been toying with the idea of using a DSC keypad (PK5500) to use to control an Arduino that uses I2C to communicate with an output board such as the Freetronics 8-channel Relay driver shield – I would want to control up to 5 of these boards with an Arduino which takes is input and display from the PK5500 – any ideas – help?
Thanks a bunch!
Regards
Glenn Stroeder
Electronics Tech for the last 45 years and avid “tinkerer/ interfacer”!!!

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