Astec 63 Alarm

Mumser

Yesterday, I could see “61 Call engineer” along with “FAULT” and “BATTERY”. A good few years ago I replaced the 12V battery in the control box so I went to take the front panel off the control box to double check which battery I needed. I ended up with the external alarm sounding for 20 minutes at a time as I struggle with removing and replacing the front panel. The fuse light has dislodged/hanging and no idea exactly where it should be placed to sit properly when the panel is refitted, that’s an aside.

I managed to replace the front panel and reinsert the fuse but it is a hack job and I need to get it to fit properly. I sourced the battery and when I returned to it last night there was no warning on my keypad. Decided I'd leave well enough alone. This morning the warning above was on the keypad.

So do I try try follow the instructions, from Koolkid on this forum as I did years ago, to replace the 12V battery or might it be something else?

Any tips re fitting the front panel are also welcome. Is there a way to stop the alarm sounding outside while I remove the mains power to the control panel?

Thanks. I appreciate any time given to replying here.

Mumser

Does anyone know how to stop the external bell sounding while I remove the power to the control box when I'm replacing the battery?

I do have an engineer code.

davidconroy46

I help people all around Ireland on boards.ie, unfortunately I dont do the formula. If you want to forward your number I possibly can help you with your astec. Unfortunately not a lot of engineers ever used Astec

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122535689#Comment_122535689

It is designed to work that way in case an would be intruder was to get at your control panel.

Mumser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122542127#Comment_122542127

Thanks David. I will do.

Mumser

Thanks Alton.

I’ve put in a new battery. Either I messed something else up or it’s coincidental as I now have a Bell fault and SAB fault which shows when I try to exit engineer mode.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122544441#Comment_122544441

The sounder cables could of pulled from the terminals located to the top right on the PCB as you look at it.

They are marked sounders, last 2 terminals.

Mumser

See them and they seem securely attached. Thanks

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122545227#Comment_122545227

If you enter clear 11, what does it say?

Mumser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122545301#Comment_122545301

it alternates between

1 bell fault

1 Sab fault

When I enter clear 11

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122545645#Comment_122545645

The panel is saying it is not seeing the internal or external bell.

It could be a short at the connector location if both worked before changing the battery.

I would disconnect the 2 of them from the sounder bus and connect one at a time to see if there is an issue with either device.

If not then add the 2 of them together to see if it clears the fault

Mumser

Both bells worked fine before going near the control panel. I tried what you suggested here Altor.

Both Bell and sab faults remained when connected individually. Now with both connected back in it just isn't working anymore. Can no longer see a fault and can get out of engineer mode. It appears to set ok but it isn't setting off either bell when I try to trigger the alarm. I think I'll give up and try find an expert to take a look.

altor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122547021#Comment_122547021

I would try a power cycle of the system.

Remove the battery link and turn off the mains to the panel.

Power back up and go into engineer mode.

Then go clear 72, internal bell and let the system scan to see if it picks up the internal bell.

Then go clear 73, external bell and let the system scan to see if it picks up the external bell.

Mumser

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122547491#Comment_122547491

I have tried what you suggest Altor and neither the SAB or internal bell are being picked up when wired in separately.

It looks like I have to succumb to getting a new alarm system at this stage.

Many thanks