Possible to upgrade old system?

[seannymurrs]

My wife and I recently purchased a house that is completely wired with an old Westec security system. It includes a big blue box/panel in one of the closets that says "Computerized Command Center". There are two control panels, and all of the windows and doors are wired with sensors. What I'd like to know is if it's possible to reuse any of this old system. I assume I'd have to upgrade the main panel, but if I could reuse the sensors and the rest of the in-house wiring that would be great.

 

[drvnbysound]

Reuse any of the old system for.... ???

 

[JonW]

If the wiring and sensors are in good condition, then they are usable. If they use EOL's, you may need to change those for the correct resistance for whichever panel you install.

 

[seannymurrs]

Reuse any of the old system for.... ???

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I would like to have a working security system, specifically one that I can integrate into my Vera2 Z-Wave network. If I can avoid buying all new sensors that would be great.

 

[tmbrown97]

As JonW said, it's quite likely your sensors will be reusable. It's a simple test - use a voltmeter to see if there's any resistance when a door/window is closed. If it's normal short/open then you're compatible with any panel - if there's resistance you need to find out how much - that could mean you have an End Of Line resistor. If so post back and we can help you figure out how to correct it.

Most motion sensors and contact sensors are pretty universal. That said, motion sensors of the past don't compare to the newest technologies - but luckily it's a simple swap if you want to update.

Elk has two options - they have one option that's often compatible with 4-wire keypads - the DBHR for retrofit; or the DBH for normal Cat5 wiring. I don't know HAI at all. In my last home the old panel had 2-wire keypads so I had to rewire those (and add another 18/2 for the SP12 speaker.

Post back more info - especially after you've popped out a keypad and seen how it's wired - but the good news is that odds are in your favor.

 

[tmbrown97]

I did a little more research - and what I found is a bit discouraging...
http://www.diyalarmforum.com/board/index.php?topic=4744.0

but it's worth testing to see if the actual resistors are built into the contacts or not... you may be able to add a compensating resistor to bring it to the right range.