Gardtec Service or Replace

I have a Gardtec alarm which has worked well but needs a couple of items servicing/replacing. We've experienced an few false alarms triggered from the front door sensor which has a recessed read censor. A few years ago I replaced this due to similar false alarms and I'm guessing it just needs replacing again as the magnet has probably deteriorated.

Also the cover on the control panel has worn and the cover no longer stops closed, it works perfectly. I've changed the 12v battery in the main control unit, I'm not sure if there's a similar battery in the external battery box, I don't have the engineers code I just disable the alarm when I'm fiddling. The system is over 12 years old.

My questions are hopefully simple:

• Is it common for the front door sensors to deteriorate over time and need replacing, are there any more heavy duty/longer lasting sensors I should consider?
• Is it possible to purchase a replacement keypad cover, at a reasonable price, any suggested resellers?
• Will/should the external bell box have a battery, it has blue flashing LED's to indicate its active?

Or should I consider a replacement/upgrade, seems a little extreme but maybe an option, if some any recommendations ?

Thanks for any assistance.

The keypad you have shown is no longer made and there is no replacement ? The door contact looks like moisture has caused the deterioration due to the colour of the screws? You could change the door contact for a surface version.
The bell box will have a small SAB battery and my need replacement dependent on the model of the bell box.If bell box is activegard then SAB battery is monitored by the control panel. Always change the main control panel battery every 5 years or before if required.
If the alarm system is not causing you any problems why change it.

Put some Vaseline on the back of the door contact when you change it , look on eBay for a keypad ,the later keypad has the same backplate , it's a common fault for the keypad flap to break .

Have no idea when you have changed your panel battery, but, you should be on your 3rd by now.

Better to be safe than sorry at all times, get a new one, date and fit it.

It has been known for batts. to fail in the first year/week

Thanks for comments and they have been most useful, current thinking as suggested, why replace a working system so I'm going to replace just the door senor. And the vaseline suggestion is an ideal tip of the trade.

I already have spare senors from my original replacement which I could use, the following looks an interesting alternative:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Surface-A...553172?hash=item25911f89d4:g:7eoAAOxyW7tRigQN

Its not concealed but looks tidy, and looks like I have none of the resistor issues also not as exposed. Does anyone have any experience of using these types good or bad as an alternative. I've looked at the basic rectangular units that need resistors, if I have to add resistors I may as well stick with what I have now.

That's a large contact, it may look a bit ugly , cqr do a sc570 slim contact with resistors or elmdene QST. If your struggling pm me and I may be able to sort one out for you !
Also that's a grade 3 you need a grade 2 as you my have issues with anti-tamper reed