How Do I Connect an iPhone to a DSC Impassa?

You can connect an iPhone to a DSC Impassa using the Alarm.com Mobile App. For this to work, the Impassa must be connected with your Alarm.com account. The system will need active cellular monitoring service. A compatible cellular module and a cellular monitoring plan are required.

Alarm.com is an interactive service platform that a user can access to control their security system. The service can be used to arm and disarm a system, check the current status of programmed sensors, operate Z-Wave home automation devices, view the live feed of security cameras and more. All of these actions can be performed from an iPhone by using the Alarm.com Mobile App. This app is available for free download from the Apple App Store.

In order to use a DSC Impassa with Alarm.com, it must have a cellular communicator installed and activated. The only LTE cellular communicator for the DSC Impassa listed on the Alarm Grid website is the DSC TL8055LTVZ, but that model is shown as discontinued. With few options available for the Impassa, coupled with it being a relatively outdated system, many users opt to upgrade to a newer alarm panel instead. There are options that will offer connectivity with an iPhone, while also supporting the same 433 MHz wireless sensors used with the Impassa. But if you do obtain a compatible cellular communicator for use with the Impassa, then you may want to review this FAQ, which covers the installation process for the module.

If you do decide to upgrade from a DSC Impassa System to a newer alarm system, then the two options you will most likely consider are the 433 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS with PROTAKEOVER Module. These systems are both considerably newer and easier to use than a DSC Impassa, and they both offer the ability to be controlled using an iPhone, thanks to their respective interactive service platforms. Speaking of these interactive platforms, the IQ2+ uses Alarm.com, which is the same as the Impassa, while the PROA7PLUS uses a completely different platform in Total Connect 2.0. This is often the deciding factor when choosing between these system. For a complete, in-depth comparison between the IQ Panel 2 Plus and the PROA7PLUS, please check out this FAQ.

Complete the following steps to connect an iPhone to a DSC Impassa:

1. Obtain cellular monitoring. An alarm system must be receiving active cellular monitoring service to connect with Alarm.com. A DSC Impassa can receive cellular monitoring if it meets certain requirements. An active cellular communicator will need to be installed in the panel. The system must be on firmware version 1.3 or higher* to support the appropriate cellular communicator. The user will also need a monitoring plan that includes cellular service. All of the Gold and Platinum level monitoring plans from Alarm Grid support cellular communication. Please review our monitoring page for more information about our plans.

2. Connect to Alarm.com. The DSC Impassa will need to be linked with Alarm.com before it can be controlled with an iPhone. Once the cellular communicator has been activated, the user's alarm monitoring company should send an email with instructions on how to get started with Alarm.com. Follow the instructions to configure the Alarm.com account.

3. Download the app. On the iPhone, open the App Store. Then locate and download the Alarm.com Mobile App.

4. Access Alarm.com. Enter in the Alarm.com login credentials for the Alarm.com Mobile App on the iPhone. The iPhone will then be able to control the DSC Impassa System.