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How to Adjust User Settings on a DSC 1616 Alarm System

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DSC 1616 User Settings Programming Guide

This guide covers common user-level settings on DSC PowerSeries PC1616 systems, including keypad brightness, contrast, chime, keypad beeps, time/date, and user codes. Menu flow varies slightly by keypad type.

Enter User Functions

* 6 Master Code

The * 6 command accesses Master Functions: Time and Date, system test, brightness, contrast, buzzer level, and more. On LCD keypads (PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564), use < and > to scroll through menu options, then press * to select. Press # to exit at any time. On LED/Icon keypads (PK5501/PK5508/PK5516 series), use > for backlighting levels and < for buzzer levels.

Common Commands

Command What it's for
* 6 + Master Code Master Functions (brightness, contrast, buzzer, time/date, system test)
* 5 + Master Code Program user codes (add/change/delete)
* 1 + Access Code Zone bypassing
* 4 Toggle door chime on/off
* 2 View trouble conditions
* 3 View alarm memory
DSC 1616 alarm keypad

How To Set the Time and Date on a DSC 1616 Alarm System

Fix the "Loss of Time & Date" trouble (Trouble 8) and keep event logs accurate.

  1. Make sure the system is disarmed.
  2. Press *6 and enter your Master Code.
  3. Press 1 to select Time and Date.
    • On PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564 keypads: use < > to scroll to "Time and Date," then press * to select.
  4. Enter the time as 4 digits in 24-hour format (HH:MM) — for example, 2:30 PM = 1430.
  5. Enter the date as 6 digits (MM:DD:YY) — for example, April 19, 2026 = 041926.
  6. Press # to exit.

How To Lower Keypad Brightness on a DSC 1616

Best fix for a keypad that's too bright at night.

  1. Press *6 and enter your Master Code.
  2. Locate Brightness Control:
    • LCD (PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564): Use < > to scroll to "Brightness Control," press * to select, then use < > to scroll through the available backlighting levels.
    • LED/Icon (PK5501/PK5508/PK5516/RFK5501/RFK5508/RFK5516): Use the > right scroll key to cycle through 4 backlighting levels. Level 0 disables backlighting entirely.
  3. Press # to exit. The level saves automatically.

How To Adjust LCD Contrast on a DSC 1616 Keypad

If the screen text looks faded or too dark, adjust contrast (not brightness). LCD keypads only.

  1. Press *6 and enter your Master Code.
  2. Use < > to scroll to Contrast Control, then press * to select.
  3. Use < > to scroll through the 10 contrast levels until the display is readable.
  4. Press # to exit.
Contrast Control is only available on LCD keypads (PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564). It adjusts text legibility independent of backlight brightness.

How To Change Keypad Beep Volume on a DSC 1616

Controls keypad entry beeps and tones only — does not affect siren volume.

  1. Press *6 and enter your Master Code.
  2. Locate Buzzer Control:
    • LCD (PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564): Use < > to scroll to "Buzzer Control," then use < > to scroll through 21 buzzer levels. Level 00 disables the keypad buzzer.
    • LED/Icon (PK5501/PK5508/PK5516/RFK5501/RFK5508/RFK5516): Use the < left scroll key to move through the 21 buzzer levels.
  3. Press # to exit. The level saves automatically.
On LED/Icon keypads, remember: > right key cycles brightness, and < left key cycles buzzer — they work in opposite directions.

How To Turn Door Chime On or Off on a DSC 1616

Stops the system from beeping when doors/windows open while disarmed.

There are two equally valid methods — use whichever is easier from your keypad:

  1. Function key: Press and hold the Chime key for 2 seconds to toggle chime on or off.
  2. Key sequence: Press *4 from any ready state to toggle chime on or off.
The Chime icon on the keypad display turns on when chime is enabled and turns off when it is disabled.

How To Add, Change, or Delete User Codes on a DSC 1616

Use this when you need to give someone access or remove an old code.

The PC1616 supports User Codes 01–48, programmed via * 5 using the Master Code. Keep the system disarmed while editing codes. Codes cannot be duplicates or one digit apart from an existing code.

Add or change a user code

  1. Press *5, then enter your Master Code.
  2. Enter the 2-digit slot number to program (e.g., 02 through 48).
    • On PK5500/RFK5500/RFK5564: use < > to scroll to the slot, then press *.
  3. Enter the new 4-digit access code when prompted.
  4. The system will beep to confirm. Enter another slot number to continue, or press # to exit.

Delete a user code

  1. Press *5, then enter your Master Code.
  2. Enter the 2-digit slot number of the code to erase.
  3. Press * as the first digit of the new code entry. The system immediately deletes the code and returns to the slot selection prompt.
  4. Press # to exit.
The Master Code occupies slot 40 and can only be changed by the installer. On LCD keypads, use the scroll keys to navigate code slots before editing.
If a menu option doesn't appear or a setting won't save, it may be restricted by installer programming or your keypad model. Contact Callaway Security for support.