DSC MAXSYS 32 Point Graphic Annunciators

DSC · Control Panels · Error codes · Troubleshooting · Compatibility · Installation · FAQs

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Error Codes
  3. Troubleshooting
  4. Compatible Peripherals
  5. Installation Notes
  6. FAQs

Overview

The PC4632 is a MAXSYS graphic annunciator kit that displays zone status, troubles, device operation, and system events at a glance on a wall-mounted graphic layout. The PC4632 shows up to 32 events on a 8" × 11" (216 × 279 mm) display. It connects to PC4010/PC4020 MAXSYS panels over Combus and is programmed from an enrolled LCD keypad or DLS downloading software—same workflow as the rest of the MAXSYS system.

The companion PC4664 model offers 64 events on a larger display; setup and programming are similar (see shared install manual).

At a Glance

SpecificationPC4632
Display capacityUp to 32 events
Display size8" × 11" (216 × 279 mm)
Host panelPC4010 / PC4020 MAXSYS
Bus connectionCombus (4-wire)
ProgrammingLCD4500/LCD4501 keypad or DLS download
Output driverEnrolled as PC4216 low-power output module
IndicatorsZone open/close, troubles, device operation, system status
Typical useoffices, manufacturing plants, and residential applications

Before You Install One

Complete these PC4020 steps first:

  1. Plan and wire the PC4020 system (install manual).
  2. Install panel, power, and at least one LCD keypad for programming.
  3. Install and enroll zone expander modules (PC4108A, PC4116).
  4. Install and enroll detectors in final locations—makes annunciator layout planning accurate.

Then plan annunciator layout artwork (supplied templates or custom), Combus homerun, tamper, and LED matrix wiring.

Official Sources

Error Codes

The PC4632 does not maintain a separate end-user trouble code table—it reflects PC4020 system troubles and Combus module faults on its graphic display and follows host panel trouble logic.

What the Annunciator Shows

IndicationMeaning
Zone open/close iconsReal-time zone state per programmed layout
Trouble indicatorsHost panel troubles (battery, AC, FTC, zone fault, etc.)
Device operationProgrammed PGM/output or access events
Blank / frozen displayCombus comms loss, power loss, or PC4216 enrollment fault

Host Panel Troubles Affecting Display

When the graphic display stops updating, check **[*, 2]** on the host PC4020 keypad for:

Host troubleEffect on annunciator
Aux Supply TroubPC4216 output overload—display may dim or fail
Module E fault on PC4216 slotCommunications lost—display frozen
Module LV faultInsufficient Combus power—intermittent updates
Module T tamperAnnunciator enclosure tamper

Run host diagnostics [04] to identify the PC4216 module number assigned to the annunciator.

Source: PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual; PC4020 v3.5 Installation Manual §16.

Code / displayMeaningWhat to do
IndicationMeaning
Zone open/close iconsReal-time zone state per programmed layout
Trouble indicatorsHost panel troubles (battery, AC, FTC, zone fault, etc.)
Device operationProgrammed PGM/output or access events
Blank / frozen displayCombus comms loss, power loss, or PC4216 enrollment fault
Host troubleEffect on annunciator
Aux Supply TroubPC4216 output overload—display may dim or fail
Module E fault on PC4216 slotCommunications lost—display frozen
Module LV faultInsufficient Combus power—intermittent updates
Module T tamperAnnunciator enclosure tamper

Troubleshooting

Display Blank or Frozen

  1. Verify Combus wiring (4-wire) from PC4020 to annunciator driver board.
  2. Run PC4020 diagnostics [04]—look for E, T, or LV on the enrolled PC4216 module driving the display.
  3. Check AUX / Combus power—long legs may need PC4204 repower per install manual section 3.4.
  4. Confirm PC4216 enrollment and PGM output programming completed after wiring (manual section 4).
  5. Restore power only after Combus, tamper, and LED harness wiring is complete.

Wrong or Missing Icons

  • Verify layout artwork matches enrolled zones and partition programming.
  • Re-download or re-enter annunciator programming from LCD keypad or DLS after zone changes.
  • Run Lamp Test (manual section 4.3) to verify LED matrix wiring before replacing artwork.

Intermittent Updates

  • LV (low voltage) on PC4216—measure Combus at annunciator; add repower module.
  • Loose Combus connections or excessive leg length—review 1,000 ft leg limits.
  • SAUX+ overload elsewhere on panel dragging bus voltage down.

Tamper

  • Annunciator tamper input must be wired and closed when enclosure is secure—host shows module T fault.

After PC4020 Programming Changes

Zone reassignments, partition changes, or module swaps require annunciator layout review and may need reprogramming to keep icons aligned with live zones.

Source: PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual v1.0; PC4020 install manual.

Compatible Peripherals

Host Requirements

ComponentRequirement
Control panelPC4010 or PC4020 MAXSYS
KeypadAt least one enrolled LCD4500/LCD4501 for programming
BusCombus 4-wire from PC4020
Output modulePC4216 enrollment for LED driver (low-power outputs)
OptionalPC4204 for Combus repower on long legs

Related MAXSYS Products

ModelDisplay
PC463232 events; 8" × 11" display
PC466464 events; 11" × 17" display

Only one annunciator layout per enrolled output channel—match PC4632 hardware to planned 32-event artwork.

Not Compatible

  • PowerSeries or Neo panels/keypads
  • PC4632/4664 on non-MAXSYS Combus implementations without PC4010/4020 host

Source: PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual §1.1.

Installation Notes

Install the PC4632 per the PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual after the host PC4020 is wired, powered, and has at least one enrolled LCD keypad.

Installation Sequence

  1. Plan layout — Decide which zones, troubles, and events appear on the 32-point display; mark supplied artwork or create custom art.
  2. Mount enclosure — Dry, visible location; allow access for LED matrix and driver board service.
  3. Assess Combus repower — If leg length or load requires it, install PC4204 per PC4204 install sheet (manual §3.4).
  4. Remove system power before final annunciator Combus/tamper/LED wiring (manual §3.5).
  5. Wire Combus, tamper, LED assembly to the PC4216 driver interface.
  6. Restore power — Enroll module and program PC4216 PGM outputs (manual §4, Enrollment and Wiring).
  7. Lamp test — Verify all LEDs before installing final artwork (§4.3).
  8. Install final graphic overlay — Replace draft art with finished layout.

Programming

  • Program from LCD4500/LCD4501 on the PC4020 or via DLS—same as other MAXSYS modules.
  • Record all annunciator programming on worksheets at back of install manual.
  • Assign each displayed point to the correct zone, partition, or system event.

Wiring Notes

  • Annunciator draws power via enrolled PC4216 low-power output module on Combus.
  • Maintain tamper supervision on enclosure.
  • Follow LED matrix pinout in manual—run lamp test before sealing enclosure.

Source: PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual v1.0 NA (DSC official documentation).

Open the manufacturer manual

FAQs

What does the PC4632 display?

Up to 32 events—zone openings/closings, troubles, device operation, and system status—on a graphic wall layout (8" × 11" (216 × 279 mm)).

Which panel does it work with?

PC4010 and PC4020 MAXSYS systems on Combus, programmed from an LCD keypad or DLS.

PC4632 vs PC4664?

PC4632 = 32 events, smaller display. PC4664 = 64 events, larger display for big sites. Installation and programming steps are similar.

Why is my graphic display blank?

Check PC4020 **[*, 2] troubles and diagnostics [04] for the enrolled PC4216 module—Combus E/LV** faults are the most common cause.

Can I install it before zones are wired?

The manual recommends enrolling detectors in final locations first so annunciator layout planning matches the live system.

Official manual?

DSC MAXSYS 32 Point Graphic Annunciators (ID 33) — PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual (English NA).

What does the PC4632 display?
Up to 32 events—zone openings/closings, troubles, device operation, and system status—on a graphic wall layout (8" × 11" (216 × 279 mm)).
Which panel does it work with?
PC4010 and PC4020 MAXSYS systems on Combus, programmed from an LCD keypad or DLS.
PC4632 vs PC4664?
PC4632 = 32 events, smaller display. PC4664 = 64 events, larger display for big sites. Installation and programming steps are similar.
Why is my graphic display blank?
Check PC4020 [*, 2] troubles and diagnostics [04] for the enrolled PC4216 module—Combus E/LV faults are the most common cause.
Can I install it before zones are wired?
The manual recommends enrolling detectors in final locations first so annunciator layout planning matches the live system.
Official manual?
DSC MAXSYS 32 Point Graphic Annunciators (ID 33) (https://www.dsc.com/index.php?n=products&o=view&id=33) — PC4632/PC4664 Installation Manual (English NA).