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House Alarm Activation

  • 25-08-2013 9:02pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Our house alarm has started randomly activating over the last couple of months. It happens once every couple of weeks when we're out and happened a couple of times during the night. It even happened once when the alarm wasn't set.

    The message we're getting on the panel is "panel tamper". We have three keypads. One at the front door, one at the back door and one in the hot press beside the main control box.

    Does anyone have any idea where the issue could be? I've replaced the battery a couple of times and realise that the alarm activates when the main box is opened. Could it be the trigger switch on the main box or possibly one of the panels?

    I probably need to get someone to look at it. The guy that installed it about 10 years ago is no longer in the business. We haven't had a problem since it was installed.


«1

Comments

  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Panel tamper is either the lid on the panel or a tamper circuit wired into the Aux tamper input.
    What panel is it?
    If its an Aritech CS350 (I think it might be)
    Open the panel & disconnect terminals 18 & 19 and Short them out using a short length of cable & replace the lid.
    See if that solves it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,952 ✭✭✭✭Stoner


    moved to home security


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭✭Tropheus


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Panel tamper is either the lid on the panel or a tamper circuit wired into the Aux tamper input.
    What panel is it?
    If its an Aritech CS350 (I think it might be)
    Open the panel & disconnect terminals 18 & 19 and Short them out using a short length of cable & replace the lid.
    See if that solves it.

    Thanks KK. I'll try that. It is an Aritech, but not sure which model.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭✭Tropheus


    Hi,

    The panel is CD7203 according to the sticker inside. I tried shorting out terminals 18 and 19 to see if that helps. The error I got when I opened the panel was lid tamper. The message we're getting when the alarm activates is panel tamper.

    Thanks again.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    On the CD72 the AUX tamper connections are 32 33 try short them out.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    Ive had a similar issue with a CS350
    while I have seen tamper in the log, I suspected the alarm box on the outside of the house shifted in the wind, I have also gotten alarms and I dont know from what, it says, Alarm and Alarm G=7.
    I got these in a sequence. Havent had an alarm issue in ages and there are a number of activations which might account for someone telling me my alarm went off for a while, but I know the bell cutout is set for 15-20 minutes, I thought the internal alarm was set to cutout also, which I understood to not be normal/standard, but I can find nothing on that in the menus.
    My concern is, someone started this sequence of alarms by testing my alarm to the point where they might think I would turn it off. Either they guessed I could do this from inside the house or remotely I dont know

    The logs dont give me the exact time of the activation as far as I can see (I can access the engineer setting).

    I've considered for a while to upgrade to a newer system, one that I can have self monitoring, via a UPC broadband/phone line or GSM or maybe both.
    Connecting cameras to the system that could be viewed from a phone would be a nice but not necessary as it might be too much hassle or added cost.
    Id be happy to be able to receive notification of activations and be able to reset.

    In the meantime,
    does anyone know what
    Alarm G=7 is from?


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    G7 is gross attack that the alarm is seeing on that zone.
    More than likely a faulty sensor than anything else.
    When viewing the log press zero on an event to view the zone and time and date of the event.
    For the internal bell to turn off with the external in timers set all bells cut off to yes.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    G7 is gross attack that the alarm is seeing on that zone.
    More than likely a faulty sensor than anything else.
    When viewing the log press zero on an event to view the zone and time and date of the event.
    For the internal bell to turn off with the external in timers set all bells cut off to yes.

    Ok, that has helped
    The "All bells cut off" is set to ON, so thats where the internal is already set to turn off then, probably saw it in the manual before.
    and I have read the times of the alarms and its duration, someone left me a note but didnt say the time or day it occured.

    I was expecting a problem from an upstairs sensor which I suspected was faulty in the bathroom, but
    I have the " and "alarm G=7" alarm" for the zone named "Rear downstairs" which is my back door and window.

    When you say gross attack, are you suggesting it was subject to a vibration such as a blow? it is a contact and shock sensor. I've never seen this error before when I am present or have just gone out for a few hours and I am begininning to think someone did try to test my alarm from the back of the house.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    G7 means the panel has read that level of force from the zone. That information may have been generated from a faulty sensor as well as from a hard bang on a window or door on that zone.
    Checking the resistance on that zone would confirm the existence of a faulty sensor or contact on that zone.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    G7 means the panel has read that level of force from the zone. That information may have been generated from a faulty sensor as well as from a hard bang on a window or door on that zone.
    Checking the resistance on that zone would confirm the existence of a faulty sensor or contact on that zone.

    Ok, I will test the resistance on that loop and see what it is, it has 3 shock sensors, each with their own contact also, I presume the resistance should not be much more than the resistor, its hard to tell how many metres of alarm wire is there as its all buried in the walls.


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Remove the resistors from the loop & meter out the resistance. After tapping each sensor the value of the resistance should return to near enough the same value.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 dave0071


    Does anyone have an install manual for an astec 63, i have a sab fault and want to program it out for now, cant find a manual anywhere on the net.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    PMing you that now.
    You will need the engineer code also.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    Picking up somewhere I left off,
    Had notions of upgrading myself and decided on the Siemens but its on hold for now, although Id like to and still plan to upgrade for the features, I have to stick with what I got for the moment.

    In the interim I noticed a few things I think might not be right, plus I decided to put in a dialler (CS350), after reading the manual front to back, I think I never fully realised or utilised the features of this panel (outputs). It/I could really do with a few more zones and its a squeeze in the cabinet for the battery as it really crammed up to the wiring, which Im not keen on.

    I had an issue with the downstairs loop at the back of the house showing an alarm as I previously mentioned, I checked this and narrowed it down to a faulty shock sensor on the back door, so I assume over time all the opening/closing affected the sensor as the sensors on the patio door and kitchen window didnt have the same problem.
    When I tested the sensor it didnt give a circuit all the time after I gave it a flick, it seems to have an internal part that re-seats, and this didnt seem to work all the time which seems to have caused my alarm to go off once when I was not around, the sensor is sorted

    but there are still a few problems, when the alarm goes off for the back (as it did this morning when I accidentally tripped it as it was on partgaurd overnight) the keypad showed the alarm as Alarm AND bell tamper?
    I checked the wiring for the relevant zone and Im sure its circuits of back door,patio door and kitchen window are looped correctly (they actually come back to the panel seperate, but there are not enough zones and the tampers are seperate, so not sure why its showing as Bell tamper also? the siren at the front went off until I disarmed the alarm. I suspect a fault in the external bell wiring for another reason.

    Apart from the zone wiring, I checked the zone attributes and it seems ok (although Ive seperate questions about attributes too).


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    After you disarmed the alarm did the bell tamper clear?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    After you disarmed the alarm did the bell tamper clear?

    I believe it cleared, I didnt notice at the time as I just disarmed it, I was rushing to unset it as I didnt want to disturb the neighbours, so I just lashed in my user code,
    but as I decided I was going to try do some things with the alarm, I checked the log first and notice that it said
    Alarm first AND Tamper at the events before unset, when I go into them further
    the eng log shows
    Alarm, double press1, comes up with "rear downstairs", followed by time and date
    next event is Tamper, double press1, comes up with "Bell Tamper" followed by time and date.
    Not sure now if the problem is at the rear door, as it does show up as Alarm, followed by the Tamper as described few lines back.

    I actually think there is something wrong with the wiring of the bell, as ever since I had a problem (this was years ago) I got someone to have a look (not sure of their qualifications, it was by recommendation)
    Certain things never worked (strobe, hence me thinking the strobe or bellbox was faulty).

    I've been playing around with the outputs (recorded original values), when I set out put 6 5 as high low it operates the bell on 56.
    I can get the strobe to work and the bell but not together, but Im not sure of the wiring at the bellbox or convinced whats at the panel is right.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    I just set the output low on 6 and it operates the strobe which I believe is wired into 5?? I dont get that?
    I pulled the wire on 5 and the strobe stops, put it back, strobe starts up again, so my green wire is my strobe,

    Im begining to suspect the bell wiring is wrong, as when I went into the panel to check things (years ago), Id found some of the zones were just looped off with resistors, I fixed that, but the strobe never worked after that, I know the bell would go off, but not the strobe.

    Im thinking the bell tamper is some issue with the wiring back at the panel as the bell seems to be functional, when I play around with it.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Take out the bell negative and connect it to aux -
    The external bell will ring. Does bell tamper show up then?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Take out the bell negative and connect it to aux -
    The external bell will ring. Does bell tamper show up then?


    Ok, I took out the wire (blue) that was originally in ext bell negative slot 5 and touched off slot 2 (aux neg?) the bell went off, was in eng mode, nothing showed up, exited that and the red light came on keypad, logged in as a user and it came up as tamper followed by bell tamper.

    I did it a second time in unarmed state and bell went off but no tamper or red light came on keypad.

    (I have not taken the red wire out of the positive side of the ext bell (slot 4), when I did the bell went off, the blue seems to be for negative side (slot 6),
    not that Im certain the colours are in the correct order at the bell.

    The black is in 16
    yellow in 17, there was no resistor in 17 (from the manual it looks like there is one in series with the wire to 17,
    but I read here before it could be looped between 16/17, (although (I read or was told) it should be in the bellbox)

    Currently its in line on 17, should i loop that across 16/17??


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    The resistor should be in the bell not the panel.
    Sounds like there is a problem with the wiring or the bell itself.
    It could be when the bell activates its dragging the unit down and affecting the tamper return back to the panel.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    The resistor should be in the bell not the panel.
    Sounds like there is a problem with the wiring or the bell itself.
    It could be when the bell activates its dragging the unit down and affecting the tamper return back to the panel.

    I think I'll need to get up on a ladder and take off the cover
    check the wiring, maybe take a picture and come back, otherwise the alarm seems to function fine, I was really attending to trying to figure out what the strobe problem was, was just reminded when the alarm went off this morning the tamper happened on last alarm activation, but dont now think its related to the back door.
    It seems like its just happening on an alarm activation, I could probably test any other zone and I think the same thing will happen.
    If I need a bell so be it.

    I tested the bell, by operating the outputs to low in the maintenance section of the eng menu, it all seems to work, which leads me to think its the wiring, I did it myself years ago, dont recal how, so maybe when the chap I had along to sort out the problems was confused by my wiring due to it being non standard, I thought it was standard, but it did work. although he was dealing with a different problem.

    Anyway, I put it back to what it was as it was too late to be testing outputs with the ext bell attached, I did disconnect the internal and checked all the outputs.

    One thing I cannot understand, is why the output for 5 and 6, when i operate one low, it causes the voltage to change in the other?

    I plan on using outputs with my dialler, so this concerns me as I'll have to assess what works and how or where I am going wrong, if there is a problem with outputs 5,6, I checked 1234 and they all work fine, so I think I can use these.


    Thanks for the input, hope its ok to come back for a bit more information, I'll try keep my posts briefer if thats yes.

    Just on the Dialler :o , the earth on the dialler, manual says connect to a network earth, Im using RJ11, and I read somewhere else other than the manual that any panel earth is suitable, just want to make sure in case there is any interference if I connect it to the general panel earth?

    thanks again


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    I doubt it's related to the dialler. I would try disconnecting both outputs and test again.
    After that I'd disconnect the external bell outside and place the resistor across Bell Hold Off & Tamper Return cables.
    A pic of the bell wiring both outside and at the panel would help.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    I doubt it's related to the dialler. I would try disconnecting both outputs and test again.
    After that I'd disconnect the external bell outside and place the resistor across Bell Hold Off & Tamper Return cables.
    A pic of the bell wiring both outside and at the panel would help.

    I was going to ask where the resistor (4k7?) went in the bell, so I can try do it in one go, I'll get some pictures up, the panel is no problem, the bell will have to be later as I'll need to sort a ladder.

    The earth for the dialler was another question, I didnt think it was related as I only screwed it to the wall last night and started doing the wiring.

    The output settings for int/ext bell are set as -,
    when I operate them in output test in the maintenance section from high to low, that should allow voltage across the connections 4/5 and 6/7?? I also found the white wire not connected from the bell loop?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    Some images, camera would not take good pictures close up, had to use the phone.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    The image 574 will not fully open for me.
    Looking at the panel connections you have the 4k7 resistor across BHO & TR (16 & 17) . If wiring like this you are disabling the tamper. If this is the case the yellow should be left out of terminal 17 (TR)
    If you want to check the cable to the external bell remove that resistor, leave all connections connected at the panel, disconnect all connections at the bell and wire the resistor across black & yellow at the bell end.
    When thats done try an activation to see if the fault returns.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    The image 574 will not fully open for me.
    Looking at the panel connections you have the 4k7 resistor across BHO & TR (16 & 17) . If wiring like this you are disabling the tamper. If this is the case the yellow should be left out of terminal 17 (TR)
    If you want to check the cable to the external bell remove that resistor, leave all connections connected at the panel, disconnect all connections at the bell and wire the resistor across black & yellow at the bell end.
    When thats done try an activation to see if the fault returns.

    I'll try re upload that image, its opening for me though,
    with the resistor at 16/17 I put that in myself, after the tamper alarm occured, I tried in series with 17 and then across 16/17 which I thought might defeat and stop the tamper alarm, when I opened the panel recently, there was no resistor in there, I had thought there was and there was a 4k7 loose in the bottom of the panel.
    Im sure there is no resistor in the bell box.

    So should I remove the resistor and the yellow wire from 17? the yellow wire was in there but no resistor

    The image Ive added (574) the yellow wire was not in there, I extended the white wire which was cut short (unknown why) and put it into the + pos for the strobe, I have to confirm it works as when I tested it without that wire, the strobe worked.

    I need to confirm the wiring on the bell, that might give more to go on.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Seeing the bell wiring will tell you much more. To close off the tamper remove the wire from 17 but leave the resistor there. Also leave the black in with the other side of the resistor into 16.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Seeing the bell wiring will tell you much more. To close off the tamper remove the wire from 17 but leave the resistor there. Also leave the black in with the other side of the resistor into 16.

    Ok, thanks
    I'll remove that for now, I'll arrange a ladder and try look at the bell, take pictures, if the tamper and BHO are obvious, is it put a resistor across them? not sure how that wouldn't defeat the tamper also?

    On the upside, I wired up the dialler and it succeeded in test calling me, now I just have to determine which output and for what condition/value to apply.
    I had the time for bells to operate as quite low, if any of the outputs 1-4 can latch so that a voice message can be sent to me before or even if the int or ext alarm bell turns off (when I get the bell working right of course).


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    cerastes wrote: »
    if the tamper and BHO are obvious, is it put a resistor across them? not sure how that wouldn't defeat the tamper also?

    There has to be a resistor in the bell. If there wasn't it would always have shown tamper. What to do to check the bell wiring is remove all the connections at the bell & wire the resistor across the black and the yellow.
    Back at the panel remove the resistor and wire the black into 16 and the yellow into 17.
    If the black and yellow cables are good it shouldn't show any tamper. Now activate the alarm . If a tamper shows there is a problem on the cable between the triggers and the tamper return. If the tamper doesn't show its the external bell thats most likely the problem.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    KoolKid wrote: »
    There has to be a resistor in the bell. If there wasn't it would always have shown tamper. What to do to check the bell wiring is remove all the connections at the bell & wire the resistor across the black and the yellow.
    Back at the panel remove the resistor and wire the black into 16 and the yellow into 17.
    If the black and yellow cables are good it shouldn't show any tamper. Now activate the alarm . If a tamper shows there is a problem on the cable between the triggers and the tamper return. If the tamper doesn't show its the external bell thats most likely the problem.

    ok, thanks, it could be next week before I get organised to check the bell,
    When I take the cover off, will the bell alarm, as I will be activating the tamper, Im thinking it will, so ear defenders would be needed.
    Im not sure if the connections up there are identified, so Im assuming the black and yellow are wired correctly to do this, I'll take pictures and if there are problems or even just to confirm they are correctly connected, I'll post back.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    anyone know the wattage on the 4k7 resistors in the 350 panel,


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    I'm posting off the top of my head here, but I think it's quarter watt.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    With the weather didnt get to check the bell wiring,
    but it seems to be fully functional after changing some wires on the panel, so bells, led and strobe all work, for the moment that suits me, I plan to check that bell wiring all the same.
    Im thinking of connecting the internal bell to the external bell as I dont like bells running on even for more than 5 minutes.
    Then keep the strobe off the internal bell connections, so it doesnt have to time out, until its disarmed.
    I got the dialler working, just have not had a chance to hide the phone wire. Could get the phone OR the dialler to work but not together and after wiring in a second phone wire to the dialler realised that "tel 2" is not functional on my modem router and that I had a dsl filter which didnt have a connection for a phone line.
    I managed to get the outputs working but Im still a little uncertain about the +ve and -ve.
    Im guessing operate in -ve means it opens the circuit to allow a positive voltage to flow from the other connection via a device and the opposite for +ve?
    So far, I haven't burned anything out yet, but its an old panel so I dont mind trying this out on it.

    To tidy up a bit I plan to hide the phone wire, do the sensors in dual end of line, plus it gives more room in the panel tidies up the mass of tamper loops, put bootlace ferrules on the wire ends.

    The functionality is basic over the phone, and the outputs are limited to two on the dialler, even then Im only using one.
    Im thinking I could operate a relay from the alarm outputs that follows an alarm activation to set external security lights on which would also have their own day/night sensor, the main problem is running that kind of wiring from the alarm physically, as it doesnt exist now and I think retrofitting it will be awkward and may come under new regulations.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    Following on from before, I wired in the dialler and its functional, it has alerted me when the alarm has been set off which has only been if I accidentally opened the back door before switching off the alarm.

    I set up a key zone but am not sure if its working.

    I wired a solid state relay into a zone (the former PA zone), it hasn't ever been used and from the manual, the down/up arrow operated together should do the same job. I set up the zone as a key zone, I thought it was working but only considered it might not be working when I tried to disarm/arm it as I was approaching the house recently.
    When setting it up, I checked to see if the output of the dialler operated the relay by ringing from my mobile, it responds with the correct tones and 12v is switched at the relay in the panel.
    I used the normally closed connection on the relay, so the zone is closed when setting alarm as Id leave the house.

    So, if the alarm went off, I'd have to operate the output of the dialler on, which supplies 12v to the relay, which will open the circuit to that zone, should that unset the alarm? that was my thinking.

    To reset, Id operate the output off, shutting off 12v, to close the circuit to the key zone and while unset follows these in the log, it doesnt say the alarm is armed from the log or when I tested recently using the keypad, it doesnt show the alarm is armed there either (after setting it from my mobile).

    Im not sure if this is working or if I have configured it right.

    Recently when I tried to unset/reset the alarm as I was walking up the road, when I opened the door, the keypad was giving a constant beep tone as if it was waiting for me to set it (tone like when leaving). So I'm unsure if its the tone that exhibits when the door is opened after using the key zone to set.

    The log shows a number of key sets (edit called key arm in the log, just checked the log) and unset (key off) in the log as I have tested or tried to operate the key zone. Im not certain the alarm is armed when the alarm is set using the key zone.

    Is there something else I need to configure to activate key set/unset?

    I changed the settings to allow forced arming and a number of re-arms in the event someone forced a zone open to gain entry, I also allowed something which I think allows the inhibits set to be maintained, dont have the printoff of the manual in front of me right now.

    Is there something else I need to do to allow me to set/unset my alarm remotely?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    If you arm with the keyswitch it should arm normally. Then you need to close and open again to rearm.
    Is this the problem?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    If you arm with the keyswitch it should arm normally. Then you need to close and open again to rearm.
    Is this the problem?

    the keyswitch? do you mean the keypad?
    I have an aritech 350, but my dialler isnt the aritech dialler, I just operate the output via my mobile calling my landline.
    The output works and it switches 12V.

    Not sure what you mean close and open again to rearm? do you mean the entry exit? Im trying to do this as if I was arming/disarming it remotely.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    the keyswitch? do you mean the keypad?
    I have an aritech 350, but my dialler isnt the aritech dialler, I just operate the output via my mobile calling my landline.
    The output works and it switches 12V.

    Not sure what you mean close and open again to rearm? do you mean the entry exit? Im trying to do this as if I was arming/disarming it remotely.

    Yes, you are using a keyswitch zone, does not matter what you use to operate it.
    When you are arming the system the zone opens to arm the system. It then needs to close so you can open it again to arm.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    Yes, you are using a keyswitch zone, does not matter what you use to operate it.
    When you are arming the system the zone opens to arm the system. It then needs to close so you can open it again to arm.

    Im using a solid state relay to open and close the circuit,
    I've the loop for the key zone normally closed, for when Im not setting it remotely, so its seen as a closed zone.

    In your last two lines, the zone needs to open to arm, I think Im doing that, as when I supply 12v by operating the output on the dialler, the NC loop opens.

    Not sure what you mean by your last line?
    then needs to close? does that not disarm it?

    I was a bit uncertain if the zone needed to be closed or opened to arm.

    Are you saying I need to open the circuit, then close it and open it again?? to arm.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    Im using a solid state relay to open and close the circuit,
    I've the loop for the key zone normally closed, for when Im not setting it remotely, so its seen as a closed zone.

    In your last two lines, the zone needs to open to arm, I think Im doing that, as when I supply 12v by operating the output on the dialler, the NC loop opens.

    Not sure what you mean by your last line?
    then needs to close? does that not disarm it?

    I was a bit uncertain if the zone needed to be closed or opened to arm.

    Are you saying I need to open the circuit, then close it and open it again?? to arm.

    When zone opens arms the system.
    Zone needs to close and open to disarm the system again.

    I would say your problem is your not closing the zone to allow the system to arm.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    When zone opens arms the system.
    Zone needs to close and open to disarm the system again.

    I would say your problem is your not closing the zone to allow the system to arm.

    Ok, thanks, If this is the case, It looks like I have it set up right.

    Seems I just need to modify what Im doing.

    Although it raises another question for me, which I might find the answer to when trying this out.

    Zone opens, arms
    close and open, disarms

    if thats the case, it seems I might I need to close and then re-open to arm again?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    Ok, thanks, If this is the case, It looks like I have it set up right.

    Seems I just need to modify what Im doing.

    Although it raises another question for me, which I might find the answer to when trying this out.

    Zone opens, arms
    close and open, disarms

    if thats the case, it seems I might I need to close and then re-open to arm again?

    When using a keyswitch zone, the zone needs to open and close to arm.
    To disarm the zone needs to be in a closed state then opened and closed again.
    So when you ring the unit it opens the zone. You then need to ring back to close the zone for the system to arm. When you disarm the alarm you need to do the same so the zone is always closed.

    The system is buzzing when you return home as the system has not armed. It is seeing the zone as open. Is there a timer on the relay you have installed? This would switch the relay to close the zone to save the second call.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    When using a keyswitch zone, the zone needs to open and close to arm.
    To disarm the zone needs to be in a closed state then opened and closed again.
    So when you ring the unit it opens the zone. You then need to ring back to close the zone for the system to arm. When you disarm the alarm you need to do the same so the zone is always closed.

    The system is buzzing when you return home as the system has not armed. It is seeing the zone as open. Is there a timer on the relay you have installed? This would switch the relay to close the zone to save the second call.

    Im pretty sure there is not a timer on the relay, not an obvious one, unless there is some pot I didnt notice, but I dont think so. Wasnt a feature I looked for, sounds like it'd be handy now.
    I think what is happening, is as you say, I wasnt doing that.
    ie open and then close or close and then open depending on arm/disarming.

    I was just sending the signal to open or close.

    To arm can I open and then close in the one call?
    or do I have to ring back as you say?
    I'll be testing to find out, but during the day, in case I set the alarm off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    Im pretty sure there is not a timer on the relay, not an obvious one, unless there is some pot I didnt notice, but I dont think so.
    I think what is happening, is as you say, I wasnt doing that.
    ie open and then close or close and then open depending on arm/disarming.

    To arm can I open and then close in the one call?
    or do I have to ring back as you say?
    I'll be testing to find out, but during the day, in case I set the alarm off.

    Yeah I would say that is what the problem was. I would say it only changes the state of the relay with each call so you may be looking at ringing the system back to close the zone once you arm or disarm it.

    Let us know how you get on :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    well
    Ì got it working someway, partial success.

    I can arm it remotely (Im doing this while in the room with the panel/dialler and spare keypad), by as you said opening and closing the keyzone and I can do this in the one call.

    but when I go to disarm it, it isnt working for me, Ive tried doing this in the same call and seperately in a follow up call. For some reason when I dial in remotely now, I can hear the output operating (it clicks), I didn't notice this before, but it may have been present. The alarm is then behaving like its been tripped, there is a constant beep from the keypad which I disarmed, I didnt let it go off but I suspect the constant beep was the countdown for the entry timer.

    I think this is a dialler issue, I went into the menu and I was checking the settings, I couldnt give it my full concentration as I was trying to hold onto my son while doing this to prevent him running into the hall and tripping the PIR, so I'll have to go back to that when Im not minding him and with the printed manual in hand, so I can give it my undivided attention.

    It shows in the log that the alarm has key arm and key unset, but it hasnt unset.

    I didnt think of it until now, but I might try trip the alarm and see can I disarm it that way by dialling in or waiting for the dialler/alarm to call me and unset it that way.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    well
    Ì got it working someway, partial success.

    I can arm it remotely (Im doing this while in the room with the panel/dialler and spare keypad), by as you said opening and closing the keyzone and I can do this in the one call.

    but when I go to disarm it, it isnt working for me, Ive tried doing this in the same call and seperately in a follow up call. For some reason when I dial in remotely now, I can hear the output operating (it clicks), I didn't notice this before, but it may have been present. The alarm is then behaving like its been tripped, there is a constant beep from the keypad which I disarmed, I didnt let it go off but I suspect the constant beep was the countdown for the entry timer.

    I think this is a dialler issue, I went into the menu and I was checking the settings, I couldnt give it my full concentration as I was trying to hold onto my son while doing this to prevent him running into the hall and tripping the PIR, so I'll have to go back to that when Im not minding him and with the printed manual in hand, so I can give it my undivided attention.

    It shows in the log that the alarm has key arm and key unset, but it hasnt unset.

    I didnt think of it until now, but I might try trip the alarm and see can I disarm it that way by dialling in or waiting for the dialler/alarm to call me and unset it that way.

    Any update cerastes?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    Any update cerastes?

    Only got as far as my previous post, didnt get a chance to look at it since, I didnt even have time to mull it over, usually if I can think about whats going on I'll come up with some possibility, not sure why the dialler sounds like its operating the output as I call it. I think I need to go into the miscellaneous menu for the alarm and confirm I havent done something there, but really I think its the dialler manual I think I need to be looking at.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    Only got as far as my previous post, didnt get a chance to look at it since, I didnt even have time to mull it over, usually if I can think about whats going on I'll come up with some possibility, not sure why the dialler sounds like its operating the output as I call it. I think I need to go into the miscellaneous menu for the alarm and confirm I havent done something there, but really I think its the dialler manual I think I need to be looking at.

    Best thing to do is put a meter on the output to confirm what it is doing when you dial in and hang up.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    Best thing to do is put a meter on the output to confirm what it is doing when you dial in and hang up.

    Ok, I suppose I could do it at the output of the dialler although, will it show anything? Im not so sure, the 12v is supplied from the panel (beside the dialler), I think the dialler output just allows teh dialler to switch 12v to , although I already checked where the output connects to the relay. when I operate the relay it switches 12v, this would be the same thing, would it?
    Id set the dialler to operate -ve and used 12v from the panel to provide 12v, my understanding is that switching the output allows the dialler to complete a 12v circuit??

    Im not sure if I'll be able to ring in with the alarm panel open? it'd be in engineering mode.

    Its frustrating, I can set the alarm, but not unset it when its set, I havent tried to unset it if the alarm has been activated.
    Really the process of setting/unsetting is a bit tedious,Id had it remembered (all the different codes) but hadnt looked at it in awhile as the alarm had not activated while I was out. Id planned for a more modern system but its just not looking like thats going to happen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,855 ✭✭✭✭altor


    cerastes wrote: »
    Ok, I suppose I could do it at the output of the dialler although, will it show anything? Im not so sure, the 12v is supplied from the panel (beside the dialler), I think the dialler output just allows teh dialler to switch 12v to , although I already checked where the output connects to the relay. when I operate the relay it switches 12v, this would be the same thing, would it?
    Id set the dialler to operate -ve and used 12v from the panel to provide 12v, my understanding is that switching the output allows the dialler to complete a 12v circuit??

    Just trying to rule out if its the operation of the dialer or the input on the alarm that is stopping it working. When you hang up the call does this switch the dialer back to the zone closed?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭cerastes


    altor wrote: »
    Just trying to rule out if its the operation of the dialer or the input on the alarm that is stopping it working. When you hang up the call does this switch the dialer back to the zone closed?

    Ok, I'll check this
    I dont think there is anything in the alarm menus that could have affected this, ie its just a keyzone.
    although, Im not certain what would be causing this from the dialler either, ie ringing in and the output switching automatically.


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