Every Hikvision AX PRO system is built around one of three control panels: the DS-PWA64-L-WE, the DS-PWA96-M-WE and the DS-PWA96-M2H-WE. This page compares them side by side and shows which kits use which panel. All figures come from the product pages on our site.
Watch: AX PRO panels compared
The three AX PRO panels
The DS-PWA64-L-WE is the 64-zone panel used in the 64-zone kits. It suits houses and smaller commercial sites. A black version, DS-PWA64-L-WE/Black, has the same hardware.
The DS-PWA96-M-WE is the 96-zone wireless panel with 3G/4G and dual SIM. It has a tag reader built in, so users can arm at the panel without a keypad.
The DS-PWA96-M2H-WE is the AX PRO hybrid panel, sold as AX PRO Ultra. It adds 16 wired zones and 2 wired outputs on board. It is the panel for upgrading a building that already has alarm wiring.
Comparison table
All three panels use 868 MHz two-way radio with frequency hopping and AES-128. All three report to an ARC over SIA DC09 (SIA Level 2 and Contact ID), ISUP and ISAPI, with Hik-IP Receiver support and video verification. A 5,000-event log records who armed or disarmed and when.
DS-PWA64-L-WE: when it is enough
Sixteen areas let one system arm a house while the garage stays off, or secure a stockroom during trading hours. Ethernet, Wi-Fi and GPRS give three signalling paths, so cutting the broadband does not take the alarm offline. For a house or small shop it will usually be ample.
The built-in battery will not charge below 10°C. Site the panel in a heated space and keep the adapter connected.
DS-PWA96-M-WE: the step up
The 96-zone panel suits multiple tenancies, a warehouse split by function, or a site with several outbuildings on separate schedules. Two SIM slots mean two mobile networks, so signalling survives one operator's outage. Dual SIM means two data plans if you want that redundancy.
The PIRCAM limit stays at 48. The extra zones are for conventional devices.
DS-PWA96-M2H-WE: the AX PRO hybrid
Every other AX PRO panel is wireless only. The M2H takes 16 hardwired zones and 2 wired outputs, plus two 12V outputs totalling 1A for powering wired devices. Keep the wired detectors that work, and extend wirelessly where cabling is hard.
Points to plan for: add a 12V 7Ah battery to the order, budget for a keypad as there is no tag reader, avoid hot rooms because the upper limit is 40°C, and check the larger enclosure fits. In weak mobile signal areas, the DS-PT061 external antenna moves the aerial on a 3 m cable.
If you have wired devices but want a wireless panel, the DS-PM1-I16O2-WE expander brings 16 wired inputs onto AX PRO.
Which kits use which panel
Zenith Security Co is verified by Hikvision UK as an Authorised Distributor/Wholesaler. Hikvision is trade-priced on our site, so register as a trade customer and log in to compare panel and kit prices.
Related AX PRO guides
Frequently asked questions
Which AX PRO panel do I need for a house?
The DS-PWA64-L-WE usually fits. It has 64 zones, 16 areas and 30 users, and three signalling paths: ethernet, Wi-Fi and GPRS.
What does the DS-PWA96-M-WE add over the 64-zone panel?
96 zones, 32 areas, 46 users, 48 tags and fobs, 3G/4G with dual SIM, a tag reader in the panel and 4 onboard video clips.
What makes the DS-PWA96-M2H-WE a hybrid?
It has 16 hardwired zones and 2 wired outputs built in, alongside the 868 MHz wireless devices. Existing wired detectors can be kept.
Does the DS-PWA96-M2H-WE come with a battery?
No. It takes a standard 12V 7Ah alarm battery, giving up to 36 hours of standby. Order one separately.
Do the 96-zone panels take more PIRCAMs?
No. All three AX PRO panels take up to 48 PIRCAMs. The extra zones on the 96-zone panels are for conventional devices.
Zenith Security Co is a security equipment supplier with a trade counter in Wolverhampton, and we ship nationally. Hikvision is trade-priced on our site: register as a trade customer and log in to see prices. Call 01902 902251 or email sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk.
