How can I just completely turn off my alarm system?

[Cat-Kicker]

Hi,

We've got an old Modern Alarms series 1000 system that was in our house when we moved in five years ago. We have rarely used it as it's a bells only system and we could not be sure of the reliability in any case.
So anway, yesterday the control panel has started going haywire. Basically different random lights flashing in various sequences and a continual buzzing noise! Nothing responds on the keypad, no beeping when keys pressed, nothing happens when PIN entered.

So, for the time being I just want to completely turn the thing off - we're looking at getting a proper system installed this year anyway. How can I do that? The panel appears to run off a fused spur below, if I just remove the fuse (thereby cutting the power) and open the panel to find and remove the internal battery is that job done? Or will that sound the bell outside? Obviously the alarm is not currently armed so I assume that will work?

Any help appreciated...

Thanks,
Gary C

 

[Click-Sure]

Correct, remove fuse and disconnect battery, it will however more than likely ring the bell (which has its own battery) for 15-20 minutes.

 

[3george]

There is likely to be a battery in the bell-box also and removing the power from the panel will trigger this.

 

[Alarm]

From the age the externals may ring for 30 mins or more, it is suggested you get some ladders. And follow the H&S rules on them

( You never know, better to warn than not !)

 

[Europlex]

It may be old and the battery needs replacing, BUT, that is a Scantronic control panel, pretty much bullet proof. If looked after they will go on for ever.

Removing the fuse and (faulty) battery will not cause too much of a problem.

The panel has an NVM (non volatile memory) chip inside, all programming will be retained. As alarm said the outside sounder might operate though.

Unless you really need to update, don't, just replace the battery and sort out any problems, I'm sure we'll be able to help.

 

[Cat-Kicker]

Thanks all looks like the way to go - at least for the short term.

Re the bell ringing, we've had the mains power on/off many times since moving in, for up to an hour or more and the bell has never sounded under those conditions, is it fair to assume that the bell batteries are probably dead in that case?
It has sounded under alarm conditions so I know it does work.

Europlex - main reason for considering an update is to get a monitored system rather than bells only, plus we need a couple more sensors etc added due to extensions, door replacement etc.

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Alarm]

For the sake of a new battery you could still use this until the upgrade.
Which you would need anyway for a Police response system.

 

[Cat-Kicker]

Ignore that question - I'm an idiot.
Under a power cut the reason the bell may not have sounded previously is because the battery in the panel keeps it powered up. With that now possibly gone, if power is now cut it will probably sound...

Cheers

 

[Alarm]

True.

But your current issue is a battery on its way out. Get a 7ah 12VDC one.
High street stores are expensive use here for example http://www.hardwarexpress.co.uk/np7...y-1333-p.asp?gclid=CMTLgou0lq8CFS4NtAodCU4jyw

 

[lee2009]

ebay 120856291037

cheaper then that site @ £15.49 inc vat and delivery.

or 120872986907

£13.99 inc vat and delivery.

 

[Alarm]

Never liked that model much, each to their own.

 

[Cat-Kicker]

Alarm - lol, true I'm an idiot or true I've got a battery problem?

Opened panel and battery has date of replacement written as 2007 - is 5 years about right? edit - just checking other posts and it seems five years is the number to look for! Anyway -
This is the exact battery that's in there, so for less than a tenner and as it's probably on a temp basis shall I pick one of these up?
http://www.batterycompany.co.uk/sho...1221-12v-21ah-rechargeable-sla-battery|45885/

 

[Alarm]

True you have a battery issue

That will do for the time being I suppose

 

[Cat-Kicker]

Thanks Alarm and all, will let you know how I get on.
Gary

 

[Cat-Kicker]

New battery received and replaced - buzzing stopped!! (I sort of miss it now... )
Thanks very much gents your knowledge and assistance has got me out of a hole