ADT Galaxy 16 Plus overcharging backup battery

[SMG]

Hi,
Whilst having a new consumer unit fitted, I noticed the alarm went off, normally the back up 12v battery keeps it monitoring, but on inspection, I noticed the battery had swelled in the middle, & was dead. Checking the output voltage from the alarm, I read 15.8 volts. As an ex mechanic I know 14.4 is about right, & the swollen batt is probably due to overcharging. I cant find any info on this circuit board or its mains transformer, any help would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Hi,

I'm afraid I don't know anything about the charging system in your alarm panel.
But, I can say that multistage chargers for sealed lead acid batteries can often be quite sophisticated.

A no-load voltage of 15.8V may be fine, if the charger is in a constant current charging mode, and has reached its upper voltage limit.

Hopefully someone who knows the system will be able to give you a definitive answer.
All I can say, is the charger may be working as intended!

 

[sparkymarka]

Check output from battery leads ( with battery disconnected ) , if it is 15.8 v then it’s time to replace the alarm panel ….it should be 13.8 v dc or near abouts…
Not sure if the old galaxy panels have a voltage adjust pot ?

 

[sparkymarka]

 

[sparkymarka]

Worth a try …..

 

[SMG]

Sparkymarka, Thanks for that, my mainboard is different & only as the volume adjust.

 

[sparkymarka]

Time for a new alarm …..if you are wanting to stick with the galaxy I would ask galaxy guy what’s the best option on the galaxy range these days ….or if your thinking of something else come back on here …

 

[RandomGrinch]

View attachment 258096 Sparkymarka, Thanks for that, my mainboard is different & only as the volume adjust.

Is this another variable resistor?

 

[SMG]

Marked its position, but no effect on the multi meter,

 

[SMG]

Could anyone advise if there is a later, or better model motherboard I can use, really don't want to start changing the rest of the components.

 

[sparkymarka]

Might have a galaxy 16+ pcb kicking around at work ….as before galaxy may be able to guide you as what your options are …

 

[SMG]

Sparky, any help would be appreciated, I also have a second board, which supplies the correct charging voltage of 13.8v, but connecting it it just shows 16 stars on the keypad I there a way of resetting this other board?

 

[sparkymarka]

I would drop galaxy guy a message as I’ve not fitted galaxy since the 16+/60/ 500 days early 2000s

 

[SMG]

Thanks Sparky, I will.

 

[SMG]

Hi again, Sent a message to Galaxy Guy, no reply yet, can anyone advise me if I can buy a newer version of this alarm? Would the Honeywell Flex FX020 or FX50 replace it & could I use my existing keypads & sounder?

Honeywell flex FX020 alarm panel only. New never used. | eBay