Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M

The Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M is a System Enhancement Module (SEM) that allows the older DSC PowerSeries Alarm Panels to interface with Alarm.com's remote service platform. Without the SEM, these panels communicate signals via a telephone line, and have no remote access option.

When the DSC PowerSeries PC1616, PC1832, and PC1864 panels were released, POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) was the method used by the panel to transmit alarm signals. This left the panel vulnerable to regular telephone outages as well as to malicious attempts to cut off communication from the panel to the central monitoring station. Now, most homes don't even have a home telephone line for these panels to utilize. In addition, Voice over IP (VoIP) service is well known to be very unreliable when used for transmitting alarm signals. So, must you replace a perfectly good, working panel just because you don't want to keep your hardwired home phone service? No, and that's where the SEM comes in.

The Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M allows you to keep your perfectly working DSC PowerSeries alarm panel, while giving it a fresh new set of features. This Dual-Path communicator allows you to use an Ethernet connection, with most locations having an internet connection already available. In addition, the module offers a Verizon LTE Cat-M1 cellular connection. Alarm.com once offered another version of the SEM, the ADC-SEM210-PS-VZ which uses the same LTE network that cell phones use for Voice and Data transmissions. The Verizon LTE Cat-M1 network is slightly different. This network was created specifically for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The upload speed of the Cat-M1 network is about 200 - 400 Kilobits Per Second, as compared to the higher speed available on the voice and data channel. The amount of data sent by an alarm panel is very small, though, so the LTE Cat-M1 channel is perfectly capable of handling the bandwidth requirements for the panel.

The Verizon LTE networks are very robust and reliable. Widespread cellular outages are almost unheard of under normal circumstances. So even though internet outages may be somewhat common, with a cellular monitoring path the alarm panel will virtually never be without the ability to communicate through Alarm.com to the central monitoring station. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, and Verizon plans to support this network well into the future. Due to its lower power consumption, the ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M does not require its own power supply. It receives its power from the DSC PowerSeries panel.

In addition to providing the reliable conveyance of alarm signals, the ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M also provides an interactive experience between the DSC PowerSeries panel and Alarm.com. A user can arm, disarm, check status of the panel and of individual zones. The SEM also has a Z-Wave Plus controller built in. Once Z-Wave devices have been paired with the SEM, they can also be controlled remotely through the Alarm.com App, or website. In addition, these devices can be automated based on time schedules, system status, and zone status. Along with remote control and status information being available, the user can also set up system notifications via text, push notification, and/or email to alert the user upon system alarm, trouble, zone status, and other events.

The DSC PowerSeries PC1616, PC1832, and PC1864 panel must be on version 4.2 or higher to support the use of the ADC-SEM300-PS-VZ-M. You can find the panel version in a number of ways. On the main panel circuit board, the version will be located on a rectangular chip near the top center of the board. The chip will have a greenish sticker on it with a QR code, some other numbers, the version (i.e., V4.60 NA.), and the panel model, i.e., PC1832 C A503. These are just examples, and the information you see will likely differ. If you have an LCD5500 or PK5500 keypad, you can find the version by entering installer programming and going to section 900. To enter programming press [*] + [8] + Installer Code (Default is 5555). Enter 900 and the panel version should be displayed as a 4-digit number. A display of 0460 indicates version 4.6. Press [#] repeatedly to exit programming.

One final advantage of adding the SEM to your panel is the ability to program the system remotely through the Alarm.com partner portal or mobile tech app. The alarm dealer can edit sensor type and name, add or delete sensors, change entry and exit delays, manage user codes, and upload/download other panel settings. There is no special software required and no phone line. This can all be done through the Alarm.com remote toolkit.

The following keypads have been tested and certified to work with the SEM. Other keypads and versions are assumed to work, but have not been fully tested by Alarm.com:

• RFK 5500 V1.3/1.2 (Alpha)
• RFK 5564 V1.3 (Alpha)
• PTK 5507 V1.12 (Touchscreen)
• WT 5504 V1.0 (Touchscreen)
• PK 5508 V1.2 (Fixed English)
• PK/RFK 5501 V1.2 (Fixed English)
• PK 5501 (Icon)
• PK 5500
• PowerSeries 433 branded keypad

The following non-keypad peripherals have been tested and certified to work with the SEM:

• LED 5511 (LED)
• LED Status light
• PC5108
• PC5132
• TR 5164 (Wireless Receiver)
• Multi-button Key Fobs
• Single-button Panic Fobs

Specifications:

• Compatibility: DSC PowerSeries PC1616, PC1832, PC1864 Version 4.2+
• Power Requirements: 13.6V nominal, 210 mA continuous, 320 mA when transmitting
• Cellular Network: LTE Cat-M1
• Panel Interfaces: Three (3) keypad bus connections, 12V power and ground to panel battery
• Alarm.com Module Indicators: One (1) Module/Panel Communication Status LED, One (1) Module Power LED, One (1) Automation LED, Three (3) Wireless Communication Status LEDs
• SEM Circuit Board Indicators: One (1) LAN LED, One (1) Processor LED, One (1) Comm Fail LED
• Z-Wave Frequency: 908.4 MHz
• Operating Temperature: 32℉ - 120℉ (0℃ - 49℃)
• Storage Temperature: -30℉ - 140℉ (-34℃ - +60℃)
• Humidity: 90% Relative Humidity, Non-Condensing
• Enclosure Dimensions: 7.5"L x 4.25"W x 1.5"D (19.05cm x 11.43cm x 3.81cm)
• Enclosure Color/Material: White, High-impact, ABS plastic