sixwheeledbeast

If your not sure how to do these multimeter tests above I doubt there is a suitable DIY replacement. The is no point replacing the panel if you can't test these things to commission the new one IMO. I would also suggest the external sounder be checked and possibly replaced if it was found to be faulty from it making a weak sound. 7Vdc is not enough something is faulty or not working correctly. Maybe the power is down and the new battery has drained out. Would need to test this.

General maintenance system checks with a multimeter would be a start. Primary and secondary voltages, charging rate, output voltages etc. Seems maybe external was running on it's battery which shouldn't be the case at all with the mains on. I would imagine if it's not had much maintenance and with it's age you'll likely need a new control panel.

Self install would have zero to minimal support or instructions, products are designed to be installed by trained engineers. I wouldn't recommend you take to DIYing stuff when it's under contract as that would invalidate any support contract or may tamper lockout. Wouldn't be impressed if a customer called me to say I have moved the keypad myself and it no longer works come fix it...

That's the exact opposite of what I would expect from any installer. Unfair to make that comment so broad considering it's only one company they may just be sparks with alarms on the side for all we know. Any incoming installer SHOULD reprogram the system, otherwise they take the risk the outgoing installer programmed the system incorrectly. You will need an installer at some point it's not going to service itself and when it breaks with no contract your going to have fun finding someone short notice.

No data to the keypad. Not sure why a company would support a system that you have retained the engineers code.

Lights are applications that don't matter too much for stability they are unlikely to be switched mode more dropper style circuits. Computer PSU's need to be very stable but are much larger and more expensive. Neither can be compared for the application of an alarm. A poorly designed SMPS will be noisy and have poor efficiency at a low load for example, linear is much simpler to get smooth supply in a small package. Linear can also have a better life expectancy due to the lower complexity but that is unlikely to be a huge concern in modern electronics... if you get 10 years out of it. As I understand it Elmdene make many of the SMPS on behalf of panel manufacturers and even they have had issues during the design process. As much as copper has increased so have costs for other components and materials relative. You also may have to get your product you have been selling for years re-tested for sale in the market this all adds cost. There are as always two sides to the story.

They are simpler to manufacturer and integrate. Many later models have switched

The system sounds far too complex to give any meaningful DIY help with beyond what's been covered. Main reason for the Chinese duopoly is cost, plenty of alternative stuff on the market but everyone wants stuff doing yesterday for nothing. I doubt your going to get existing stuff with it's tels working on a PC card, I think you should find yourself a good CCTV installer willing to put decent gear in.

Never used one, but doesn't look like the standard 4+1 that you can use pretty much any. https://doorentrydirect.com/media/product_attach_files/g/d/gdx_-_23121_-_datasheet.pdf

Edge is just skinned chrome now, try it and cross your fingers?

Chrome was the last browser to support ActiveX plugins, Firefox disabled them a good while ago. DM went bust mostly because they were slow to assess market changes, their gear cost at least twice the price of newer stuff with less features. Now we are left with any innovative companies being absorbed into Chinese giants and a heavy focus on as cheap as possible for large parts of the market.

Normally zone lights while setting would indicate fuse blown. You would need a multimeter and some knowledge how to use it to find out why. Systems need regular service or they are not reliable, some people are lucky and get away with it for years... until there is a power cut and find the whole system is shot from no maintenance.

You don't really ask a question, but hybrid units are available as are tels passthrough units. It's probably more cost effective to replace the system now, years ago you would consider conversion like this. Far too complex a system to give any more help than that without seeing it.

I haven't got much patience with Risco stuff, especially the Lightsys, they do odd things. Really you would need to pull all field wiring and just wire the keypad on 1m of cable to prove the panel.

Anything using ActiveX is junk for me, I wouldn't bother with it. ActiveX is dead and unsupported. I don't know the unit but I can't imagine connecting via telnet will get you any further to what you need even if you did. The DS2 is a solid machine and was top end in it's day, it's just limited now in quality being only composite. Also client software will be dead and uncompatible like most old stuff.

I have heard that before but I cba with it hanging around, postage, messers or ebay from a seller POV... Meanwhile it's always bin day somewhere.

Who buys this junk, I put an 8 zone version in the bin a while ago. Horrid thing.

Mostly the older stuff and only when I have to. Not played with a PM33 much, I know PM really don't like having any modules added live. Maybe start with a power cycle. Ribbon is keyed make sure it's pressed home correctly. Zones are EOL 2K2/2K2, I think?

Not recommendations but our listings. https://www.thesecurityinstaller.co.uk/community/forum/268-uk-security-installers-by-regional-police-force/

If it's never been serviced it could be knackered. It may cost you that for the tools and bits you need to work out what's wrong.

a van?...

DIY plug and play stuff. Not something people on here would use. Don't like the look of that electrical tape mess back there. All the cameras plugged in the right ports? Power coming from the PSU? Is it the correct PSU? Try powering one camera at a time?

You can control the system with a COM-GSM. There is nothing stopping making some DIY signalling solution and interfacing it with the system. It's much better for them if only trained engineers use their platform it's not just about per connection costs.

The Smartcom IP module needs installer registered Cloud account to add to a system, but is compatible. No manufacturers are really interested in DIY market, I think the consensus is only Eaton/Scantronic are left with a free app for DIY, how long that lasts or how reliable it is I have no idea. These servers that run the apps cost money so restricting stuff to paid and/or installer only is the only sustainable solution for them. Ricochet Mesh is a Texecom only thing, other manufacturers have two way/transceivers but not mesh. Apps are not a replacement for signalling, they are not polled so no guarantees you'll get a message. It depends why you want this "internet access", I'd not bother myself. If it's really a requirement possibly consider a COM-GSM on your existing system if DIY or get an installer to firmware update then add a Smartcom and look after what you have.

It's got more going for it than the Accenta IMO but you still have to consider it's only an R8 with a special keypad. Prox and hybrid options make the 24 more flexible.