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    replacement keypad

    This is interesting. I worked with a few Scantronic panels back in the 80's, but I don't think I've seen any around here since then. I was surprised when I Googled "Scantronic AV9000, that I found a manual copyrighted "10/1/97". Are you sure your system was installed in the 80's and not in the...
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    magnetic switch/connector

    A magnetic SPDT reed switch attached to a magnet with a spacer between them, with spacing calibrated so that the magnet just barely activates the switch. Do do this, hold the switch in place while you inch the magnet s-l-o-w-l-y up to it. When the switch engages, that's the space you want...
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    Quiz buzzer system

    Agreed, 5 bucks or so is cheap---until you multiply it by eight. Then $40 is a substantial percentage of the $200 cost Belle is trying to avoid. Belle, I worked for decades in the alarm industry and collected a lot of stuff I couldn't stand seeing thrown away. I can offer a donation of lots of...
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    Alarm keypad 6150

    Okay Bob, I probably made my last response too wordy, giving you a lot of information that you don't need. Here's the simplified version: You don't have to power-cycle your keypads to check the addresses, only to program a new address in a KP. If you have 4 keypads total, then your keypad...
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    Alarm keypad 6150

    Eek! Removing and reconnecting the red wire at the keypad is NOT the best way to remove and return power from/to keypad. Some keypads don't like being reconnected that way. If you haven't already zapped your new keypad, I strongly advise removing and returning power at the panel instead: meaning...
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    Reducing 14.8Vdc to 12Vdc

    (1) Please, please, please, whenever possible, ALWAYS start with ;manufacturer name and model number of the device you are talking about. I've been working with alarm systems since the 70's, but I'm in North America and chances are that your make and model won't be familiar to me; however, with...
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    Vacuum in a Can

    A vessel filled at anywhere near atmospheric pressure (760 torr) would not work as a light bulb. The high-grade (for that day) vacuum originally used was eventually replaced with a low-grade vacuum and rarefied inert gas, I think mostly argon with some nitrogen. Even gas-discharge tubes use a...
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    Word activated alarm for Fire/EMS

    I've worked in the alarm industry for decades, and our greatest service problem has always been false alarms (sometimes called "false positives"). It's easy to make and install equipment to detect intrusion and smoke/heat/fire/gas---it's much much harder to make a system and components that...
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    Old AT&T security system.

    First of all, my condolences. I used to work on those things in the mid-90's and they were obsolete then. I'm afraid the most work I did with them in the last 20 years is replacing them with a mainstream brand that is DIY-friendly. The AT&T is not DIY-friendly, and finding replacement parts will...
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    Replacing alarm keypad

    There's a good chance the Ademco 216 & 215 can be used with your system. I can't say for sure without being able to examine your equipment, but I'd guess that the mini-PCB above your control panel is the adapter/interface between your panel and keypad. I would also guess that it's capable of...
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    Replacing alarm keypad

    Jim, I got into the alarm industry in the mid-70's and I'm pretty sure I don't recall ever seeing a Contronic control panel or keypad. I've worked on just about every professional-grade alarm panel other than that. In the mid-70's, keypads for alarm systems were relatively new, at least in...
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    How do I change the number my alarm system dials?

    No, professional-grade alarm panels are not designed to recognize signals from phones, either cell or landline. The pager-dialing feature is strictly one-way communication. Which is probably why it makes redundant calls.
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    On my older home security system I want to change the # it dials out

    Peter, sorry I didn't see this thread until now. I'm guessing you have the Vista-10SE Installation and Programming Manual by this time. If you're trying to get your Vista-10SE panel to dial your cell phone---that won't work. I'm making a blind guess in re your intention and I only mention it...
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    Desperately need info on Brinks Alarm Programming - Please help!

    Jacob, if you're still paying attention to this thread and haven't resolved your problem, give me a shout back here. I can tell you up front that your Brinks panel and keypad(s) are scrap unless you use ADT at exorbitant rates. There are no programmers OR programming manuals legally for sale...
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    Help.. Modifying a circuit to eliminate 30 minute time out

    zzjea, if you're still watching this thread: I haven't been able to find the instructions for your model of "garage door monitor", but it sounds like the system is designed to turn on a light inside your house long enough for someone to have light to enter after they arrive, and possibly to...
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    Latching siren

    You're almost describing the Ademco Model # 100 panel that was being installed about 50 years ago. except that the 100 panel had a realistic battery. If by "reasonably loud" you mean you want it to alert your neighbors (instead of just waking you up in your bedroom), then 9V or AA batteries...
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    Alarm Dilema

    KTW, I can't tell from your diagram which switch is the key-operated switch and which is the "magnetic contacts" you mention. You refer to "the alarm", but I'm not sure if you're referring to the PCB or the sounder, or something else. Obviously not all the components in your schematic are on one...
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    Home Security system takeover

    Sorry I haven't visited here lately and didn't see this before. IMac, I sincerely hope you didn't in any way disable any of the communication routes to a central station before you reprogrammed your control panel (that's the BRAIN of the system, not the keypads/touchpads ) not to try to call...
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    efficient batteries.. help!

    Tom, I'm not clear on what you mean by "efficient". That term is usually applied to rechargeable batteries, not home-built primary cells. What factors are you using to measure "efficient"? By "highest possible voltage", I assume you mean cell voltage rather than battery voltage. By "stacking"...
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    Voltage drop on an Intruder Alarm pwr supply

    What's the make and model of the intruder alarm? Did the transformer come with it? Is this a new installation, or are you troubleshooting/repairing a problem in a previously working system? Also waiting to see answers in re ratings on transformer, Volts and VA (aka W). Don't know how they're...
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