This project modifies a DSC Home Security system to be internet enabled and self-monitored using a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and an EnvisaLink add-on card.

Here are some added features:

• • Send security alerts to a mobile phone

  • No monthly fees - self-monitored security system

  • Provide a simple, secure website for remote or local access to check or arm the system

A Raspberry Pi 4 can be used, but the additional processing power is not required.

A self-monitored system eliminates monthly costs. In addition, if a security monitoring company calls the police and nothing is wrong, then the homeowner must pay a false alert fee. With a self-monitored system, the homeowner decides if a call to the police is warranted.

Security alerts are audible in the home, and are sent to one or more mobile phones.

PART 1. Preparation

Step 1.1: Find Your Keypad Model Numbers

Find keypad model number. The DSC keypad is near a door (see image below). In my house, there is one keypad by the garage door and one by the front door.

Find control panel model number. The keypad has a sticker on the top, and the model number is in the middle. Mine is a PK5501 .

Another way to do this is:

• • • On a computer, open a browser

    • Go to http://www.dsc.com/index.php?n=enduser&o=identify

Step 1.2: Find Your Control Panel Model Numbers

My control panel is located in a metal box in a closet. Open the metal box and in the center of the control panel is a sticker with the model number. My control panel model number is PC1616.

Step 1.3. Check If EnvisaLink Is Compatible With Your Security System

Click on the eyezon.com. Or google with:

envisalink compatibility inurl:eyezon.com

Search the site to see if your system is compatible. If not check with EyezOn.

If your system is not compatible then stop.

The current EnvisaLink is 4. This guide uses an EnvisaLink 3.

Step 1.4: Gather Necessary Documentation and Understand How Your System Is Configured

Complete or Find your Home's Programming Worksheet

The Programming Worksheet is a place to record your system’s configuration.

I wanted to understand how to control the security system and spent a lot of time reading through the References at the end.

The previous homeowner did not leave a completed Programming Worksheet. I had to fill this out myself. Basically, I used the keypad to enter commands until I had everything figured out. Okay, I lied. Use the worksheet as a guide, but record your system’s config in a normal sized document.

Step 1.5. Take photos of everything

In the future, you may want to restore the system back to the way it was. So, take photos of everything before making any changes.

Step 1.6: PC1616 wiring diagram

My PC1616 Wiring Diagram is on the inside of the DSC case.

Below is a table showing how my sensors are wired. The table below shows one reason to build a security system using only a Raspberry Pi. The reason is there aren't enough zones to uniquely identify windows by room.

PART 2. Envisalink

Required Parts:

• • EnvisaLink 3 - $119 + S&H. www.eyezon.com. I think this guide and the code should work with the EnvisaLink 4

  • PoE switch (any PoE switch will work. I am using a NetGear 24-port PoE Managed switch)

  • Invisible Dog Fence or Thermostat wire - must be solid wire

  • Four 18-22 gauge AWG wires about 6 inches long (red, black yellow, green)

  • CAT5E or CAT6 Ethernet cable

  • SPST Mini Momentary Push Button Switch, normally closed

  • Small plastic case (dental floss case from dentist's office)

  • Raspberry Pi 3B+

  • Nylon M2.5 nuts, standoffs and screws

Required Tools:

• • Wired DSC Security system with PK5501 Keypads, PC1616 control panel and multiple sensors (windows, doors, and motion). The security system came with the home.

  • My Internet Service Provider (ISP) is AT&T GigaPower, which comes with a gateway. Any ISP can be used. Speed doesn't matter.

  • Needle nose pliers

  • Drill and 3/16” metal drill bit and very small drill bit

  • Black electrician’s tape

  • Very small flat head screwdriver (I have one to fix my eyeglasses when the screw falls out)

  • Exacto knife

  • MacBook (but a PC can be used)

Step 2.1: EnvisaLink Mounting

My PC1616 is enclosed in a metal case. Locate your security system and the PC1616 board shown above. Depending on your Security System's box, your mounting may be different. You'll need enough room to connect wires and an ethernet cable.

• • • Use the EnvisaLink 3 to create a paper template for the offset holes. The template is used to mark holes on the metal case. Because it was easier to screw from the outside of the box to the inside, I had to reverse the template.

    • Scotch tape the template to the outside of the metal box containing the PC1616. Pick a spot that has enough room to accommodate the EnvisaLink 3.

    • Very slowly, using a 3/16" metal drill bit and the template, drill 3 holes in the side of the metal box.

    • From the inside of the metal case, push in the plastic offsets into the holes

    • Install the EnviaLink 3 board in the metal box on the plastic offsets (see image below).

    • Use M2.5 screws, standoffs and nuts to mount the board

Step 2.2: Powering the EnvisaLink

I should not have followed the instructions that came with the EnvisaLink 3.

The first step in the instructions is to disconnect power from the PC1616. I assumed this meant both the AC power and the battery backup power. I disconnected both, and then had to make a call to a technician get the keypads back on-line. The service call was $135.

• • • Disconnect the AC power black wire from the DSC Controller. This is the second wire(s) from the left. Be careful not to let the exposed end of the black wire(s) touch anything. I wrapped the end in electrical tape until I finished the next steps. If the black wire(s) touches anything, the transformer will short and you will have to call a service company to replace.

    • Strip 1/4" from both ends of the red, black, green and yellow wires (or you can cut an RJ11 cable and use the wires inside). While either will work, solid thermostat wire is better than twisted wire because the on-board connectors grip the solid wire more firmly. If using twisted wire, then twist ends tightly, which will make it easier to install.

    • Using a very small flat head screwdriver, install colored wires into appropriate slots on EnviaLink 3.

    • One-by-one, loosen red, green, yellow, and black screws on DSC controller but ONLY enough to slide new wires in. Insert appropriately colored wire and tighten.

    • Reinsert AC power (removed in first bullet) to the DSC controller.

    • Using a CAT5e or CAT6 cable connect EnvisaLink 3 to router.

Step 2.3: Install a Momentary Power Push Button Toggle

This step is optional.

I had many issues programming the Envisalink and DSC Controller. I found toggling the power off and on got the system back to a known good state. Later, I added a momentary push button toggle. There are many types of toggles. Normally closed is the one needed.

• • • Get a small plastic box. I used a dental floss case, which is the kind a dentist might give you during an appointment. Remove the floss and the metal clips.

    • Drill two small holes for the AC wire

    • Drill or cut a hole for the momentary toggle. I found it was easier to use an exacto knife then drill a hole. Open the case and cut half the hole on one side of the opening and the other half on the adjacent side. So, when the momentary toggle slides in one side and when the case is closed the momentary toggle is firmly attached. If the toggle is not firmly attached, add some hot glue on the inside of the case to hold the toggle in place.

    • Remove AC power from Envisalink. Run AC power wire through one of the small holes and connect to lead on momentary power switch. Wrap in electrician’s tape.

    • Strip ends of a 3-4 inch piece of wire. Run one end through the other small hole in the case and connect to the other lead on momentary switch. Wrap in electrical tape.

    • Connect 2nd wire from momentary switch to Envisalink AC power slot

    • Use scotch tape to seal case

    • Check if toggle works. The system should normally be on. When the toggle is pressed the lights on the Envisalink will go off.

Step 2.4: Check EnvisaLink 3 Installation

Open a browser and go to your router’s home page.

• • • Open a browser

    • Enter [Router IP Address]

    • On Home tab scroll down to Home Network Devices

My Gateway (or router) shows something like the image above.

Scroll down to the device, and it should look like the image below.

An Active Status means the board is installed and operating.

The gateway should also show the ♣envislink-ip-address♣

Step 2.5: Login to EnvisaLink 3

Click on Details to get the IP address of the EnvisaLink. The IP address can change from time-to-time.

Open a browser and enter one of the following

♣envisalink-ip-address♣

♣envisalink-ip-address♣:80

Enter user name and password:

default username = user

default password = user

Step 2.6: Change EnvisaLink 3 Password

Change the user password. Click on Network in the upper right. The screen should look like the image below.

Enter a new password in Change User Password text box. Click Change. Record the new password

envisalink username] = user

envislink password = ♣envisalink-password♣

PART 3. Raspberry Pi

Step 3.1: Setup Raspberry Pi

In Step 3.1, don't put the Raspberry Pi in a case.

Since the code is in python and not dependent on the OS, the latest version of Raspbian can be installed

This application runs headless, which means it does not have a display or a desktop. So, use the Raspbian Lite download

After set up, you should know

♣raspberry-pi-ip-address♣

♣hostname♣

♣raspberry-pi-password♣

Step 3.2: Raspberry Pi Mounting

Measure, measure, measure, ...

I am putting the Raspberry Pi (RPi) inside DSC's security system box. I am sure this voids all kinds of warranties. So, don't do it!

Since it is inside a grounded metal box, the Raspberry Pi needs an ethernet cable, and the RPi needs power. I am using PoE. So, I only need an ethernet cable to the PoE switch, which supplies both an internet connection and power.

The RPi must slide in between the battery and the EnvisaLink board (image below. left side is door), and there must be enough room to remove the microSD card if it needs to be reflashed

I took the front cover off the box to drill the holes (image above). I used a 3/32" metal drill bit. The RPi has M2.5 mounting holes. #/32 ~= M2.5.

Mount the RPi using 4x M2.5 nuts, offsets (hex nut with bolt) and bolts.

Step 3.3 Update and Upgrade

Step 3.4: Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Step 3.5: Install SQLite on Raspberry Pi

Step 3.6: Add ssmtp email support

Step 3.7: Install Apache2 and supporting packages

Install apache2

then install other packages

$ sudo apt-get -y install php php-gd sqlite php-sqlite3 php-curl php-zip php-xml php-mbstring libapache2-mod-php -y

Step 3.8: To Communicate Between the EnvisaLink 3 and Raspberry Pi Load Mod_wsgi

Need mod_wsgi to get it to work on Raspberry Pi.

Open a terminal window on MacBook, and login to Raspberry Pi:

Download a script:

$ wget "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dumbo25/ev3_cmd/master/ev3pi.py"

Edit the file, and enter your password

$ nano ev3pi.py

Replace <password> with your password and save (Use CTRL-w to find password). Do the same for <master code> and <installer code>

self.password = <password>

self.masterCode = <master code>

self.installersCode = <installer code>

self.host = 192.168.1.92 change to your envisalink's IP address

Temporarily, change these as well, to be as shown:

self.file_log = sys.stderr

self.file_logging = True

self.input_db = False

Save the file and exit (CTRL-o, ENTER, CTRL-x)

To run ev3pi.py on Raspberry Pi command line:

$ sudo python ev3pi.py

The first time the script runs, it will initialize the database

Type [return] to see valid commands.

Type in panic to start the alarm, and then disarm to stop it:

panic

disarm

To stop ev3pi.py, type CTRL-c

Edit ev3pi.py, and restore the defaults:

self.file_log = open('/tmp/envisalink.log', 'w')

# self.file_log = sys.stderr

self.file_logging = False

self.input_db = True

Change permissions on the following:

$ sudo chmod og+rw /tmp

$ sudo chmod og+rw /tmp/envisalink.log

Step 3.9: Move the script and Change privileges

Open a terminal window and ssh into Raspberry Pi

Move script to /usr/local/bin and change privileges

$ sudo mv ev3pi.py /usr/local/bin

$ sudo chmod ug+x /usr/local/bin/ev3pi.py

Change the script so it runs on Raspberry Pi with no display or command line. The comments in the script explain what must be done. Be sure to use the db in /var/www/db/security.db

Step 3.10: Get a Web Page running

The website display the status of the script and Arms and Disarms the system (see image above)

This is a pretty simple webpage.

ssh into the Raspberry Pi and install php, download the index.php code and move things about:

$ wget "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dumbo25/ev3_cmd/master/index.php"

$ sudo mv /var/www/html/index.html /var/www/html/index.backup

$ sudo mv index.php /var/www//html/index.php

$ sudo chown -R pi:www-data /var/www/html/

$ sudo chmod -R 770 /var/www/html/

$ sudo reboot

In a browser, enter the ♣raspberry-pi-ip-address♣ and you should be able to see the web page

Clicking on a security command on the website, writes the command to the database.

On the next pass through the main loop, the command should be read and executed.

Step 3.11: Add a bash script that checks whether or not ev3pi.py is running

If ev3pi.py stops running for some reason, then it should start running automatically. This script attempts to restart the script.

Download the ev3chk.sh using this command on the Raspberry Pi:

$ wget "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dumbo25/ev3_cmd/master/ev3chk.sh"

Move the script and change its access

$ sudo mv ev3chk.sh /usr/local/bin

$ sudo chmod ug+x /usr/local/bin/ev3chk.sh

Step 3.12: Python script that automatically arms and disarms the security system using a schedule

This script uses a schedule to arm and disarm the security system based on user entered time of day and day of week. If the vacation field is set, then arming and disarming will be ignored.

Download the ev3auto.py code using this command

$ wget "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dumbo25/ev3_cmd/master/ev3auto.py"

Move the script and change its access

$ sudo mv ev3auto.py /usr/local/bin

$ sudo chmod ug+x /usr/local/bin/ev3auto.py

Step 3.13. crontab to check if script is running

Edit the Crontab to ensure the scripts are running.

Login to Raspberry Pi

$ sudo crontab -e

#

# check every 5 minutes if security system is running

*/5 * * * * /usr/local/bin/ev3chk.sh >/dev/null 2>&1

#

# check every 15 minutes if security system is in good state

*/15 * * * * python /usr/local/bin/ev3auto.py >/dev/null 2>&1

Check if the main script is running:

$ ps aux | grep ev3pi.py

Step 3.14: Control Security System with Alexa or Echo

Step 3.15: Restrict Access to Web Server (certs)

The webserver can be accessed from your mobile phone when you are away from home securely if

• • • certificates are installed on both your mobile phone on the Raspberry Pi,

    • your gateway port forwards https requests to your Raspberry Pi

    • port 80 (http) is disabled on your Raspberry Pi Apache web server

Notes:

• • As of 11APR2020, Eyez-On currently sells an EnvisaLink4. This project uses the EnvisaLink3

  • If a thief cuts the ISP's cable or internet service is lost, then monitoring from the Internet is disabled

    • • Future: The work-around for this issue is to use a low-cost LTE backup-only service

  • DSC sensors do not indicate if the doors are locked, only that they are closed

    • • Added August Door Locks, which can determine if the door is closed and locked.

  • DSC sensors do not indicate if the windows are locked, only that they are closed

  • DSC supports integration of fire alarm. However, my home’s fire alarm is not integrated

    • • Future: integrate fire alarm into DSC control panel

  • The installed DSC system does not have a sensor for the overhead garage door

    • • Added MyQ, which can open and close the door, and determine if the door is opened or closed

References:

How to Program a DSC System – A Tutorial - required for me to understand the TPI document

EnvisaLink TM TPI Programmer’s Document, version 1.04 – describes the TPI command set

Programming Worksheet – a horrible, poorly named document, which describes your security system’s configuration

Security System Support - Implementing this project was quite complex. However, if you are just trying to get your system running using this guide then you don't need to go through all those steps. I moved all of those extraneous steps to this link.