Re: Connecting two DMP alarms together? Outputs to Zones? Possible?

["Jim" <alarminex@xxxxxxx>]

jsm174@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Hello.
>
> I have two DMP alarm panels. I have an XR200 and a XRSuper6 - both in
> different buildings approximately 100' away.
>
> I have the XRSuper6 configured to activate output 3 whenever a Fire
> condition is triggered. It is also configured to activate output 4
> whenever a Burglary condition is triggered.
>
> I am trying to tie those outputs into the XR200 as zones 7 and 8.
>
> I'm confused about how outputs work. From the manual:
>
> "The four annunicator outputs can be programmed to indicate the
> activity ofthe panel's zones or conditions occurring on the system.
> Annunciator outputs do not provide a voltage but instead
> switch-to-ground voltage from another source."
>
> For my system to work correctly, it is almost like I need the outputs
> to act like door contacts... Closed when not in alarm, and open when in
> alarm.
>
> I've checked for continuity between the panel ground and the alarm
> output, but it is always open. Thus when I try to arm the XR200, I'm
> getting faults on zones 7 and 8.
>
> Has anyone ever tried to do something like this?
>
> Thanks,
> -- Jason Millard


You can do this, but I'd suggest that you make darn sure that it's
acceptable by your AHJ. Fer sure ....It's not acceptable to do this in
my area and you're sure taking a chance of something going seriously
wrong ...... especially where the fire detection is concerned.

Keep in mind that I'm not familiar with either of the panels you're
using but this is how I'd guess you should be able to do it.

Program the XR200 to require end of line resistors on zones 7 and 8.
Install the resistors across the zone terminals. Program (lets say)
zone 8 for fire and zone 7 for burglary. Run three wires from the XRS 6
panel to the XR200.

Connect one wire from a negative circuit (ground) terminal in the XRS6
panel to a negative circuit (ground) terminal in the XR200  ( A
"common" ground connection must exist between the panels ....... I
don't mean "earth ground")

Connect the second wire from "output 4" of the XRS6 to the positive
terminal of zone 7 of the XR200, along with one end of the existing end
of line resistor. ( when output 4 of the XRS6 goes negative, it will
trip the zone.)

Connect the third wire from "output 3" of the XRS6 to the coil of a
sensitive relay  ( low current draw ie a few mills ... see Altronix)
installed in the XR200        The other side of the relay coil should
be connected to the aux positive output of the panel through a diode.
The normally open contacts of the relay are connected across the end of
line resistor on zone 7. ( when output 3 goes negative, the relay
contacts will short out the resistor simulating a fire alarm.)

I'm not sure of the negative "swing" of these panels or the current
available, so it's possible that this wont work over the distance of
wire that you're using. If you can, just to be on the safe side, you
should run a couple of "4 wires" and double up on the wires for each of
the three wire runs or run 18 guage wire. If it still doesn't work
because of lack of current or "swing" to negative, you might try
biasing outputs 3 and 4  of the SRX6, positive, through a 2.2K
resistor.

But ........ see what happens first.

Keep in mind this is not a good thing to do. There's no supervision or,
as a matter of fact, nothing about this, that sounds like it should be
done.