sixwheeledbeast

If your looking at getting a pro in then don't shop for products, they will fit what their engineers are trained on and most systems have this option as an extra. Wired systems can have the same remote capabilities as wireless and if your wiring is fine I would personally keep it. App and phone control has it's limitations, it may seem great because everything else has that now but really you have to think about what it really offers. I'm not a fan myself. A proper "monitored" system would have a subscription with the installer but you would have some assurance you'll get the messages "alerts" you need. That wouldn't be the case with just an app alone.

If you are getting a company in then don't shop for products the company will fit what their staff are trained on. If you don't have any company recommendations from others you know, search on the NSI or SSAIB website also the installers section here. Having a record of maintenance will reduce the risk as at least they know the system works.

I am all for if it's well maintained and serviceable then look after it and it will serve you well. You have to consider with old wireless systems that it's mostly one way an not considered reliable or secure any more. With one way systems it's possible for the panel not to receive a message send from a PIR (therefore you have no alarm), the panel has no way of sending messages to sensors to make sure they are operational. A bit like you don't see WEP being used for WiFi any more, in it's day it was considered fine. Now most are aware connections can be compromised in minutes and more modern protocols are in use.

Even if they decided in the end to not pull the plug on it, it was due to be switched off we discussed it here. It has not been reliable for around a decade it was the only "free" service left so always busy. Just think how many thousands of devices still have that number programmed into it trying to send messages, it wasn't just alarms, pagers and server software could use it. It's really not worth messing with, newer systems will send messages via IP or you could pay a premium for a number to support your legacy stuff, for now. That's if you want a chance to get the message.

Just because the keypad is in a "secure" area (is actually less secure due to no active sensors IMO) that doesn't make it ok to have an off button without verifying the user. Sound like you would be better with prox tags or something, it's certainly wouldn't conform to any standards or be designed to do that by the manufacturer.

That number is for Vodaphone TAP gateway, this service was switched off two years ago.

It's likely not the code in the manual you would normally change it.

There is no way to disable the line monitoring with a plug on DC58, you would have to put a line on it and hope it's in low security mode. Surely just ditching the DC58 will stop the line fault? Certainly the case on a TS

With it completely powered down, mains and battery with no sounders ringing then it should be fine. If you want it working I suggest you find someone come out and recommission/service it for you. Expect for some things to require replacement like the standby battery and possibly the bellbox from what you have said.

https://www.thesecurityinstaller.co.uk/community/topic/40709-fire-panel-keys/ Doesn't seem to supply them any more? Places on ebay selling a selection as individuals.

I can't remember where now but there was a place online that sold them as sets.

It is two years out of date, police crime data will be much better info as above.

They do have there own ADT firmware and devices, that shouldn't stop you from being able to default. We don't share defaulting information or engineering manuals here as per our guidelines.

It is not something that you would regularly update, firmware on panels would normally only be updated if you need a particular feature or bugfix. The Smartcom has it's own firmware that updates via app. Remote panel firmware updates have to be done via Texecom Cloud which is registered installers only.

It is wasteful to buy something to use once. Another option is you swap your panel out for a V5 one and sell your current panel. Is there a reason for the V5 firmware?

Maybe someone local can flash the panel for you. Or you could buy one and sell it as above.

To play devils advocate that doesn't include the battery charging current so wouldn't be "the normal DC current loadings". A lot of panels for a while now you don't have a point where you can test the full DC current of everything in series. There is no separate PSU board. They have AC onto the board or molex connectors that you wouldn't be able to test in series with. Your left with testing system current via the battery terminals, some panel current test pad points or the readings off the keypad however accurate they are.... In reality I have never seen an inspection where the method of test was questioned, as long as your all testing the same way with a meter for the same thing you'll get the same results each time.

Not sure specifically what kit your on about but it's common for rechargeable cells to have a little difference in voltage and capacity compared with non-rechargable. Specifically for Li-ion rechargeable batteries they may have some short or overload protection that is kicking in. Is it suppose to work with them? What type of cells are we talking about here?

It's going to be a slow roll out I agree, will be a while before all the legacy in service kit is switched. Virgin running on there own DOCSIS can do what they like. You can get routers with analogue phone outputs that can route calls via PSTN or SIP based on number dialled etc. I don't see how this type of thing wouldn't be used to prop up all the legacy connections for a good while.

Not even sure if they have more than the one switched output (with a very limited functionality IIRC). Been so long since I stamped on one, as H would say.

Something better than a Veritas Compact and a dialler in the first place would have given you a lot more options.

I'd be curious of it's origin if details like that are unknown, it may still be an ADT panel under contract for example.

Code will be stored in the main control panel, keypads never really store much information on systems. As per our guidelines we do not share defaulting info or engineers manuals here. Probably best to contact the seller see if they can help.

Even if it's only 6 years old that's what happens with the lower end wireless market. When it's discontinued you can't get parts or support and they slowly fail. With all wireless you are trapped to the manufacturer you choose, that's part of the trade off with having no wires. You may be able to keep it going but it all depends on how much you rely on it. You've not done too bad at 6 years for a Powermax, I have pulled them out with less age on them due to failures.

Some of the earlier model bells did this type of thing before they failed completely, not seen that with the 740. I only know of the mains or wirefree bell options never seen a 12v option, the expander would allow for most SCB option wired bells but you would need alarm cable. The system is obsolete and only one way, I would say it's not worth spending on it and to upgrade.