Tyco DSC PowerSeries Neo Intrusion Tested

By: Brian Rhodes, Published on Jan 30, 2017

Tyco's intrusion system line, DSC, is one of the most widely installed brands.

Their primary intrusion panel series, PowerSeries Neo, is relatively new to the market since release in 2014, but is already commonly used.

*** **** **** ****** release **** *** ********* and ******** ** ********** systems **** **** **** in ********** *** *** decades?  ** ****** * panel *** ****** ** to **** ***.

** **** ****, ** examined:

  • ******** ********
  • ****** *** ****** ************
  • ****** ***********
  • **** ** *********** *******
  • *** ******** *******
  • ****** *****
  • ********** *******
  • ****** **************

******, ** ******* *** detail *** ******* *********** to ***** ******* *********** and ***** ******** ********* alarm *******.

*********

************** *** ******* **** **********, ********** compared ** ***** ***** commercial ** *********** *******:

  • **** ****** *******: *** **** ****** ******** two **** ******** ***** sensors/contacts, ** ******** ****** of *********** ******** *******. The ***** ** ********* is ***** ****** **** most ******* **** ** able ** *** ******** wired ** ******** ****** types.
  • **** ****** ***********:*** ************* ******** **** a ***** ***** ******* keypad **** ******** **** explanations. **** ** ** PC *********** ****** ** used, ************* * *** system ** ****** *** simpler **** **** ****** alternatives.
  • *** ********* ********:***** ********** ******** *** residential ******** ***** ******* in ********* ********** ********* in * **** ****** the *****. *** ********* **** by ******** *** ****** to **** ************/ ** only ******** *** **** the *********, ** ****** that ***** **** ***** and ******* *********** ******.

**********

*******, ***'* ******** *** some ********* **** *** routinely ********* ** *** intrusion ******:

  • ******* ***********: *** ***** *********** options ** ***** ************ systems, *** ** **** integrated ** ****'* *********** access ******* *****, *********** system ****** *** ********* seeking tight ********* ****** ***********.
  • *******:** *** *****-*********** ********* market, *** ** ***** 10% - **% **** expensive *** ****** *** sensors **** *** **** *******.  **** volume ******* *** ** discounted *******, *** *** volume ** ********** ********** will ****** *** ****** prices. ********* ****'* *********** Honeywell ******, *****, *** 2GIG ******* *** $** - $** ******* *** system ****** **** ******* factor ********* ** *****.
  • ** ********** ***** ******: ****** ** * Vista *****'* ***** ****** (both ********* ***** *** backup *******) ***** **** default ******** ** ****** can ** ******** ***** by ******* **** ********* of ****** ********* ******* ************* to *** *****'* *****.

Test ****** *******

*** *** ***** ****** was ************* *** ********* * power ***********, ** *****-************* ******, *** * *** dual-tone *** ** *****.

** ****, ***** **** kit ********* * ********** alarm *****, ** **** not **** **** * PIR ****** ****** ****** with ***** ****** ********* systems, *** ***** ***** contacts ** *******. ***** and ********** **** **** to *** ***** ********* hardwired ** ******** ******* separately.

Physical ********

*** *** ***** ***** we ****** ** ** 8-zone ****** ***** ********* inside * ***** *** enclosure. *** ********* ******** room *** ** ** 32 ******** ** ********* zone *********, *** ***** for *** ** *** 4 - * ** batteries.

*******, *** *** ** not ********* **** * lock, *** *** ***** with * ****** ******, leaving *** **** ******* unit ********** ** ********** tampering. ** ****, ********** cabinet ***** *** **** must ** ***** ** selecting ******** *********, ********* up **** ** ******* or ** ***** ******.

*** ***** ***** ********* the *****:

*** ***** ****** ** non-networked *** ******** ** RJ45 ****, *** ** does ******* *** *-*** serial ********** **** *** be *** ** ******* the ***** *** ** if******** *** *********.

************, *** **** ***** supports ** ** * partitions, * ********** ******* with ******** **** *****, 500 ****** ***** ****** and ** **** *****.  The ***** ****** ** supported **********, *******, *** zones ** ******* **** similar ***********/***** ********** ***** systems *************'* ****** ***** ***.

Options *** *********** ** ********** ********

*** ****** ********* ********* sensors *** ******** ** 8 ***** *** ******** wireless ******* *** ********* to * *** ** 32 ********** *****. 

*******, ***** ******* *** relaxed ******* *********** ****** for residential *******, *** *** resistor *********** ** ********.  While ** ****** ** not ********* *** ********** or ****-******** *********** ********, it **** ******* ** installer * *****, ******* panel ******* *** ********* the **** ************ ******** of ******** ********* ** the ***** ** ***** in *** ***** ** *** ** Line ********* **? ******.

*** ***** ***** ******** this ** ******:

** ****, *** *** panel **** ******** *** option ** ******* *** central ******* ********** ********* if *** ****, ** that * ***** ******* (onsite) ********* ****** *** be **** ******* ********** error ******** ***** *********.

Keypad ***********

*** ****** ******** *********** in *** ***** ****:

  • *** ********: ******-****, **** ******** using * ***** ****** utility ** ****** ** duplicate ************** *** ********** to ******
  • ******: ***** *** '**** manual' *********** ******, ***'* alpha ****** *** ******* are ********* '***** ********' codes **** *** **** to ********** *** ******.

*** ***** ***** ********* and ***** *** *******:

**** **** ***** *** keypad, * ******* * - ** **** *********** ****** **** **** less **** *** **** to ***** *******, *****, and ****. **** ** a ***** ******** ** similar ******* **** ***** **** ***** ***** *** of ********* ***** *** messages *** ******* ***** keypad ********.

*******, ****** ****** ******** use ** '*********', ***** are *********** ******* ****** than *** ***-********* **** of *** ****** ********* to ******* *********** ** commercial ***** ****. *** panels **** ******** ** done *** *** **** attached ******. 

Alarm *******

*** ****** * ********** grade '*** *****' *** 'stay' ** '****' *** conditions **** *** *** be ********* ** *** systems **** *** '***-**-*******' arming ******.

***** **** *** ******* and ***** ******* *** configurable (**** *** ** omitted, ** ********** *** up ** *** ******* of *****) *** **** be ***** ****** *** shortcuts, *** ******* ***** stage ******* **** ** ideal *** **** *********.

*** ***** ***** ***** how * ******* ***** event *****/****** ** *** keypad, ***** ******** *****-**** alarm ************ *** **** labels ** ******:

** *******, ********* ** only ******** **** * user **** ** ******* (which ** **** ****** by *** ******), *** arming ** ******** **** single ****** *******.

************, *** ***** ****** keypad **** ******** **** FAP (****, ********* *** Panic) **** ***** * two ****** ***** *** hold *** ****** ****, medical, ** ****** **********.

 

System ******* 

***** *** ** * dealer-limited *****, ******* ******** are *****, *** *** line ** ********* ********* from ******** ********* ** a ***/****** ******. 

******* *** ******* ********* via ***** '**** ******' channels ** ********* ****** than ****** **** ******* that ******* ****** ********** contract ***********.

** *** ***-****** ******, * 'typical' **** *** ****/******, horn, *** ****** ****** system **** ********* **** ****** $325, ******* ** ***** 15% - **% ****** than ******** ****** *** platforms **** ********** ***** ***** ***~$***.

*******, ** *** ****** markets, *** *** ******* is ********* ****** ** or **** ******* ****** offerings **** *********, ***, and ****, ******** ********* and ************ ******* ** often******* ********* ** ******* mandatory *******************.

No ****** ***

**** ******** * ****, app-based ****** ******* *** DSC *** ****** "*********** *** **" **** ** ********* for *** *** *******. However, ***** *** *** requires ** ********** ******** or ******** ************ ****** and ******* ******* ****, usually ** $**-$** *** month:

Limited ************

** *** ********** *****, DSC ***** ****** *** is******* ** *********** **** Tyco ****** *****************-**** **** ********** *********, *** ********** ********* are ****** ** ***** platforms *** ** ******** within ***.  *** ****** no ******* ***** ************ integration **** ***. *** line ******** ****** ***** ******/*** ******, *** ***** ****** are **** *** ******** via *** *** *** full ********* ** ** video. ***** **** **** * Neo *************, "****** *** ********* ** the ****** **** *** exacqVision ****** (*** ******* controls ********** ** *******), as **** ** ********* alarm ****** ** ********* to ***** ********".

** *** *********** *****, Neo ********** ************ **** ********** ********, *** ***** *** integration ****** ****** ********'* interface.

**** ***** **** *** use *** ** ** integrated ******, ** *** primary ********* ***** ** a *** ** ************ relay ******* ** *** main ***** **** **** permit **** ***** ******* closure ******* *** ** data ** ***** ***** are ****** ** *** panel.

Central ******* ********** *******

*** ****** *** ** centrally ********* ** *** majority ** ******* ********, ans **** *** *** common******  ******* ** [**** no ****** *********] *******.  These ******* *** ****** supported ** ******* ******* providers, **** ** ***** coverage **** ** ********** in *** ******* ** North ******* *** ** most ** *** *****.

**************

*** *** *********** *** line ******* *** ******** Commercial ****, *********** ****, and **** ****** **** UL *******, ** **** as *** **-** ********** making ** ********** *** most **** *** ******** intrusion *******.

*******, *** ****** **** carries * ** *********** Fire ****** *** ********* smoke *********, *** ** not ***** ** * commercial **** *****, *** carries * '***** *****' rating.

Comments (10)

Silas Li

01/30/17 05:10pm

Kudos to taking the time to assess this NEO series panel.  Though you did very briefly mentioned there is an option for wireless, but there is no mention that it is the BIGGEST reason why an incumbent alarm company would consider using (switching to) this new platform.

I won't go into all the technical details but speak only from a performance point of view.  This new Spread Spectrum Technology wireless is absolutely outstanding.  Simply - the best in the business.  Its very reliable, easy to deploy, works extremely well in the most challenging environment for wireless and the operating range is something you have to try for yourself to believe.

And no - I do not get paid by anyone to make these comments.  

Please keep up the good works!

Silas Li

Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Silas Li | 01/31/17 04:16am

From what I have heard, the spread spectrum technology is not new. It is the fact that it is now also integrated with encryption and 2 way. The combination of the 3 is new. I could be wrong on that though.

On that note though, proceed with caution with this equipment as I have had many issues with it. Including range issues, and frequent low batteries in less than 2 years of installation. I have had to drop power to these panels as well due to non responsiveness. Something I have never done with the original power series.

Nightmare stories here: https://ipvm.com/forums/video-surveillance/topics/dsc-power-series-neo-problems

Erik Devisser

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 01/31/17 06:27pm

I agree. We have installed DSC systems for 2 decades. We switched to Honeywell last year but prior to that installed about a half dozen NEO systems. 4 of those systems had wireless products and we've had to go back to each of those.  Faulty sensors, loss of network, battery issues... Excellent coverage when they work but not reliable enough IMO. 

Avatar

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Erik Devisser | 01/31/17 06:42pm

We didn't test wireless in this evaluation, but social media complaints specifically about Neo's low profile wireless battery life are pretty common, ie:

"I have installed several dozen Neo systems over the last two years and have had low batteries from the slim line transmitters at an extreme rate. Highly bizarre patterns of low batteries where I will get several in a day on a system or multiple days in a row.

Yesterday I replaced 12 batteries that had accumulated over about a month from an out of town customer that has had this system for less than 2 years.

Sales reps and tech have been no help, these systems are all small residential and small commercial, distances are minimal, some times even line of sight to receiver."

Again, we did not test this yet, but will in the next weeks. I'm only linking this to second the feedback that DSC wireless is problematic and is fairly common feedback.

Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 02/05/17 08:38pm

I just had another low battery come in from the same place you refer to in this quote. Less than two weeks after replacing every battery in the system. 

Undisclosed Manufacturer #2

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 11/14/18 03:23pm

Hi Brain,

Interesting report, any plans to examine the wireless part including outdoor detectors and PIR camera?

Andrew Tierney

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 02/01/17 10:41pm

Texecom panels use spread spectrum, two-way, with encryption and also meshing.

Avatar

Ryan Hulse

01/31/17 01:08pm

Exacq has built an integration to PowerSeries Neo that allows arming and disarming of the system from the exacqVision Client (via overlay controls associated to cameras), as well as receiving alarm events to correlate to video searches.  There is an overview on the Exacq blog here.

Avatar

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Ryan Hulse | 01/31/17 02:23pm

Thanks for this feedback.  I'll add it to the report.

Avatar

Tobias Steiger

02/06/17 09:07pm

Brian, we have the same battery problems with the Thin MK from Visonic PG 302V. sometimes 2 month after installation and often from diffrent indicators. We switched to the normal ones and change all existing MKs in warranty :-(

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports

Wireless / WiFi Access Lock Guide on Nov 12, 2019
For some access openings, running wires can add thousands in cost, and wireless alternatives that avoid it becomes appealing. But using wireless...
The Access Control Codes Guide: IBC, NFPA 72, 80 & 101 on Nov 07, 2019
For access, there is one basic maxim: Life safety above all else. But how do you know if all applicable codes are being followed? While the...
90+ Companies Profile Directory on Nov 05, 2019
While IPVM covers the largest companies in the industry regularly (like Axis, Dahua, Hikvision, etc.), IPVM strives to do a profile post on each...
IP Camera Mount Shootout - Axis, Bosch, Dahua, Hanwha, Hikvision, Vivotek on Nov 04, 2019
Which manufacturers offer the best or worst mounts? We bought and tested ~50 IP camera mounts and related components from Axis, Bosch, Dahua,...
Milestone XProtect 2019 R3 Tested on Oct 30, 2019
Milestone has had problems over the last few years releasing significant new software. Now, in XProtect 2019 R3, Milestone is touting "one search...
Lock Status Monitoring Tutorial on Oct 28, 2019
Just because access doors are closed does not mean they are locked. Unless access systems are using lock status monitoring, the doors and areas...
Covert Elevator Face Recognition on Oct 24, 2019
Covert elevator facial recognition has the potential to solve the cost and complexity of elevator surveillance while engendering immense privacy...
Access Control Door Controllers Guide on Oct 22, 2019
Door controllers are at the center of physical access control systems connecting software, readers, and locks. Despite being buried inside...
Alarm Veteran "Demands A Criminal Investigation" Of UL on Oct 18, 2019
The Interceptor's Project pressure against UL continues to rise. Following Keith Jentoft's allegation that "UL Has Blood On Their Hands", Jentoft...
IPVM Camera Calculator User Manual / Guide on Oct 16, 2019
Learn how to use the IPVM Camera Calculator (updated for Version 3.1). The guide below includes instructions, images, gifs, and videos...

Most Recent Industry Reports

ADT Stock Surges - "Leading The Commercial Space" on Nov 15, 2019
Don't call it comeback... but maybe call it a commercial provider. ADT, whose stock dropped by as much as 2/3rds since IPOing in 2018, has now...
Gatekeeper Security Company Profile - Detecting Faces Inside Vehicles on Nov 14, 2019
Border security is a common discussion in mainstream US news and politics, as is the use of banned Chinese equipment by US Government agencies....
Hikvision CEO And Vice-Chair Under PRC Government Investigation on Nov 14, 2019
In a surprising and globally covered move, Hikvision CEO Hu Yangzhong and Vice-Chairman Gong Hongjia are being investigated by China's securities...
Camera Field of View (FoV) Guide on Nov 13, 2019
Field of View (FoV) and Angle of View (AoV), are deceptively complex. At their most basic, they simply describe what the camera can "see" and seem...
UK Big Brother Watch: Hikvision Is 'Morally Bankrupt' on Nov 13, 2019
UK civil liberties advocate Big Brother Watch has condemned Hikvision as being 'morally bankrupt' following IPVM exposing Hikvision marketing...
Color Low Light Mega Camera Shootout - Avigilon, Axis, Bosch, Dahua, Hanwha, Hikvision, Panasonic, Speco, Sony, Vivotek on Nov 12, 2019
This is the biggest color low light shootout ever, testing 20+ super low light models from 10 manufacturers: Increasingly, each manufacturer...
Wireless / WiFi Access Lock Guide on Nov 12, 2019
For some access openings, running wires can add thousands in cost, and wireless alternatives that avoid it becomes appealing. But using wireless...
Hikvision Global News Reports Directory on Nov 11, 2019
Hikvision has received the most global news reporting of any video surveillance company, ever, ranging from the WSJ, the Financial Times, Reuters,...
Hikvision Markets Uyghur Ethnicity Analytics, Now Covers Up on Nov 11, 2019
Hikvision has marketed an AI camera that automatically identifies Uyghurs, on its China website, only covering it up days ago after IPVM questioned...
Open vs End-to-End Systems: Integrator Statistics 2019 on Nov 11, 2019
Preference for open systems is on the decline, according to new IPVM statistics. We asked integrators: For video surveillance systems, do you...

What IPVM Is

The world's leading authority on video surveillance, with 200,000+ visits monthly.

  • Articles on cameras, video analytics, VMS, and trends
  • Tests showing actual performance and problems
  • Courses in surveillance, access control, etc
  • Camera Calculator for designing systems

Dedicated To Independence

We're dedicated to staying independent and objective. We're the only industry source to refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship, and consulting from manufacturers. Why?