A step-by-step tutorial on how to easily set up the Falcon communicator to work with a DSC PowerSeries Neo alarm panel.


Video Script: 

The following video will show you how to set up a Falcon GSM communicator to work with a DSC Neo panel.

Make sure that the Falcon unit has a firmware version of 4.13 or later.

Connect the Falcon to the DSC Neo panel through the serial port (PC LINK 2) using the serial cable and adapter marked "DSC Neo'" provided. Note that the adapter must be connected to the panel's serial port with the adapter board facing the front and the black (ground) wire to the far right.

Set the serial port format on the Falcon unit to DSC Neo. To do this, remove power from the Falcon, hold down the push-button and re-apply power. Push the button to cycle through the panel serial port format options until you reach the DSC Neo format, indicated by a small letter “d”. Release button. The Falcon will remember the new serial port format.

Press the [*] key and [8] and then the installer code, the default being 5555, into the keypad to go to the Programming Menu.

Enter [309] to go to the Maintenance Events Receiver options. Press the [*] key. Use the right arrow key (>) to go to Receiver 4 and disable it. Receiver 4 is enabled by default. Press the [#] key twice to go back to the main menu.

Enter [310] and press the [*] key to program the system account code e.g. 1234.

Use the right arrow key (>) to go to sub-section (001) and press the [*] key to program the account number for partition one e.g. 3456. If there is more than one partition, use the right arrow key to go to the next sub-section e.g. (002) and do the same. Repeat these steps for each partition set up and once done press the [#] key to return to the main programming menu.

Enter [350]. Press the [*] key to go to the communicator format options. Make sure that it is set it to Contact ID Auto. If not, use the right arrow key (>) and press the [*] key to save. Press the [#] key to return to the main programming menu.

Enter [380] and enable communications by pressing the [*] key. Make sure a "Y" appears meaning it’s enabled. Press the [#] key to return to the main programming menu.

Enter [382] and enable the alternate communicator by using the arrow keys () until you get to option 5 and then press the [*] key. Make sure "Y" appears meaning it’s enabled. Press the [#] key twice to go out of programming mode.

Once all the settings are programmed, reset the whole system by switching off power (AC and battery) and switching it on again for the settings to take effect.

To connect the panel to the security app, go to your phone’s app store. Search for the security app by name and tap “Install”. Once downloaded, open the app. Scroll through the welcome screens by tapping the arrow and select “Get Started.” Tap “Sign Up” and enter your personal details to create an account. Enter a password that is secure but one that you will remember and tap submit.

Log in with these new details.

After reading through this notification, tap “OK.”

Tap “Add Panel.”

Once you’ve completed all the steps on this screen, tap “Continue.”

Tap on “Scan QR Code” and scan the QR Code found on the sticker at the back of the Falcon.

Tap “Confirm.”

Tap “Continue.”

Tap “Tap to set device up”.

Enter your user code. This is the code you use to arm and disarm your panel on the keypad.

The security app is just retrieving information from the panel. This should take no longer than 60 seconds.

You’re now at the partition screen where you can perform various actions on your alarm system.

To test the app, arm and disarm the panel.

Note that if the Quick Arm feature is enabled in the programming settings of DSC panels, the app can arm the panel even with the wrong pin code but you cannot disarm it. If the Quick Arm feature is disabled, you will manage to arm and disarm the panel only when using the correct user code.