New (older) Home with Radionics DS6112 Installed, but Not Turned On: Replace?

b3b0p

Member
I just moved into a new home (new for me) that has Radionics DS6112 with 3 head units and I believe what used to be a keypad (replaced with a blank outlet cover).

I'm not familiar with this and I can't figure out how to turn it on, but I was mostly interested in replacing it and taking advantage of the pre-existing wiring.

I would prefer to replace it with something that is non-monitored to avoid unnecessary monthly fees, but I'm not against it (ADT cheapest is $28.99/month, ouch). Especially since they usually seemt o handle new equipment and any install.

My question though is would I simply be able to replace this unit and head units with something like the ELK M1 Gold or Honeywell Vista 20P?


I've looked at the manuals online for the Radionics DS 6112, but this is the first time I have ever had anything like this and initially is a little overwhelming.

I am technical, but have no idea what my options are and best advice at this point would be.


Thanks for any feedback guys.
 
The Vista would be cheaper than the Elk, but there is better online support for Elk, from forums.

I'm surprised nobody else has jumped in here.

You would have more options for cool future stuff with the Elk, once you figure it out.

I bet if you keep calling around, you will find people to install equipment.

I am not a fan of ADT. Many of the alarm companies will install a system for you, without a monitoring contract, but the up front cost will be a lot.
 
I got a guy, finally.

He came out, talked with me, looked at it, offered to do it, but said it's super easy and that I am more than capable of hooking up either the Honeywell or Elk M1 myself. He would recommend the Honeywell 21ip, but otherwise he said if I ran into issues I could always pay him to do it.
 
Take a look at the Elk subforum here on CT, somewhat hidden in the Marketplace section. It may influence your decision.
 
I found it.

What do you mean influence my decision? I was going to buy an M1 Gold system with 2 keypads (m1kp2) and 1 m1kpas). He said I should be able to re-use my existing wiriing.
 
Wasn't sure if you were decided on Honeywell or Elk, from your post.

Lots more support online, for Elk, compared with Honeywell.
 
Depends on what the budget is, what sort of wiring exists and what the plan is.

The 6112 isn't going to be easily reprogrammed without a 5200 programmer or software/modem/security dongle.

The next item is to go for a 1 to 1 swap, the easiest is going to be a 20P. 8 zones to 8 zones, unless his keypads have expanders built into them on the 6112 (possible). The 20P isn't really that hard to program, and actually easier than an M1. The M1 is going to require retrofit boards for the data bus.

If there's a lot of devices and more items to consider, then it might make sense for a M1 swap. If there's more than 8 zones on the panel or the possibility to integrate more hardware, then side by side a M1G starts getting more economical than an equivalently loaded 20P.
 
I'm not looking at using this 6112 for anything. It's garbage and doesn't work. I'm throwing it out. I have head units and keypad and a main unit that are ugly as all heck and the wires are there. I am only looking for something I can install and re-use the existing wireing. Taking advantage of what is there. Cost i don't care either. I am a software developer, so technicalities I can probably figure out.

What do you mean retrofit board? For what?I was going to rip out the DS6112. Put in an M1G and the head units/keypads and then work on setting it up from scratch.
 
The 6112 uses a 4 wire keypad data bus. The M1 uses a 485 topology data bus that supports 2 branches, with a physical topology of a daisy chain. I'm willing to bet you don't have enough conductors at the keypads to facilitate a "normal" 485 bus, either via a daisy chain or with a minimum of 6 conductors at each keypad, that leaves you buying DBHR's to support the wiring you already have in place for your existing keypads.

I can't comment on your abilities and what your budget and end product desire is, just throwing out the options. Being able to reuse the wiring is one thing, but being able to take advantage of the wiring already in place and also possibly break up the zones further (IE: windows zoned by room instead of by "side" or entire house) then the only difference is what hardware the panel is going to eventually interface with for HA or other purposes. Personally, with "older" installs that have a decent amount of hardware, it's usually time well spent (if possible by construction details) to break up as many zones as possible without going crazy. Whether that is by rewiring sections and feeds to do that or simply cutting apart splices within the panel and spending time with a meter or toner is another story.
 
If I take a picture or 2 and post them do you mind looking to see? I'm not sure really. Never had a system like this. So, basically, the M1G might be a little more work with needing extra wires or a converter. Otherwise, it sounds like the 20p is a drop in replacement for the most part? What is the difference to the 21ip? Is it better or have much difference with the 20p?
 
Don't let the need for a DBHR scare you... It's not a big deal at all if you need to adapt your system to be able to use the 4 conductor wiring already in place - that's exactly what it's meant for.

The bigger thing that this comes down to is if you want an automation system that can talk to lights, HVAC, sprinklers, and anything else. If so, go with the M1. If you want a standalone security system, then go with the vista. I think the vista has a little bit of integration possible, but that's at the heart of the M1. Things like mobile phone access and all sorts of automation are a piece of cake.
 
Standard universal Radionics keypad, not much else I can tell you about it.

You've got an 8 zone panel, and assuming the other pads are the same, that's all you've got. Barring any further information about what is wired and how it's wired in the house, I can't comment on what you should consider doing or if breaking up what is already wired is possible or feizable, you'll have to do that homework.

At a minimum, you'll need an M1 and a DBHR in addition to the keypads.

For a Vista, you'll just need the keypad(s) and panel.

The level of integration and end flexibility is your choice, again, which comes into factoring budget as well.

The M1 will end up approximately 3-4X the cost of a comparable V-20P, with variables being the add-on components (keypads and interfaces to other hardware) vs. Honeywell's primarily Zwave based setup. HAI will essentially double/triple the cost compared to an M1, assuming you're not getting their hobbled panels.
 
Cost is not an issue for either one. I'm just unfamilar with both and the abilities I could have. Researching and reading gets overwhelming. initially i wasnt sure enough I would be able to drop in replace anything.
 
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