Abacus 6

[Guest ucsman]

Need some advice guys with respect to a recently injured (lightening affected) Abacus 6.

LCD display on the master box gone out and the separate LCD keypad shows a single row of black LCD blocks. No response from the buttons on either keypad, though both are backlit (running from the battery back-up).

Tried turning off/on at the FCU and disconnecting the battery back-up (alarm sounds) though no response whatsoever from th epads. Glass fuses in master unit all intact.

Can't tell of the version number, but there is code 0244-33-2 on top of the board.

Can anyone advise if there is a reset procedure for this unit? - I do have the master code.

Installer went bust a long time ago and a good trawl on the net yielded nothing. Any help or advice much appreciated (before I get my leg lifted).

[whistle]

Sounds like its blown in the storm

Post your location and i am sure there is an engineer on here who can help.

[Guest ucsman]

Thanks guys - currently renting in the North East, but my vacant house is in the Leamington Area (Warwickshire). Any local recommendations for engineers?

Out of interest, if I have to go the replacement route (sigh!), would it be worth going the Abacus 6/14 (DS replacement) route, or is there another reasonably alternative. From my experience anything from (or affiliated) with Bosch is expensive.

Don't really need anything flash - system is currently hard-wired with 1x contact and 5 PIR's. Neighbours all appear to be running Veritas units from a local firm (not sure who though)

Thanks again for the newbie advice gents

[Guest ucsman]

Thanks Peter,

This was pretty much what I had been advised in a couple of calls for quotes. Only problem now is that prices quoted on replacement kit (Veritas) is up to three times the online price. I don't mind paying on labour rate for a skilled installer, but hate when such liberties are taken on parts RRP.

I am considering reusing the (still operational) PIR's and wiring, and self-replacing the components (Control box, RKP and maybe new bell-box). I have previously done general household (pre part-P)and auto electric work, so pretty comfortable with this side of things.

Would be interested in whether there could be any potential installation issues with replacing the Abacus kit with a Veritas R8?

[Guest]

(before I get my leg lifted).

christ, imply everyones out to rob you that the way to make new friends

This was pretty much what I had been advised in a couple of calls for quotes. Only problem now is that prices quoted on replacement kit (Veritas) is up to three times the online price. I don't mind paying on labour rate for a skilled installer, but hate when such liberties are taken on parts RRP.

was you expected a man to come & fit for for the cost of gear + a crisp twenty pound note?

I'll do it a week on monday for you, price including ringing out my cloth cap and giving a cor blimey governor you are a gent when you pay the bill

[Guest]

Before this turns into something like other debates, its a crying shame we can buy "kit" from our wholesalers yet the "sheds" can sell it for less than we pay for it.

Thats the crux of the matter, our labour costs aint the highest. If anybody was in the know about some london companies a few yrs back a certain Don Arnold made several scathing remarks in trade and public papers about how the alarm indusrty was too scarred to charge

[Guest]

if you dont wear a cap and he pays with a used note can he have a discount?

Depends what he used it for......................

[Guest ucsman]

Whoooooahhhh there guys - lets wind in back in a minute.

I am certainly certainly not implying that installers are rip-off merchants, nor would expect token payments for services provided. I already stated that I think that labour rate is worth paying for the expertise.

I am just saying that triple mark-up on readily available kit is a little hard to comprehend. In my trade (motor - true land of the sheepskin coat and

[whistle]

I would also replace the PIR's after a lightning strike but the wiring is probably okay.

Abacus had a variety of wiring options and could be used with a dedicated zone splitter - you need to check your wiring carefully to ensure that it will be compatible with other panels.

If its got commet LP pirs your looking at a rewire.

[Guest RICHL]

Only problem now is that prices quoted on replacement kit (Veritas) is up to three times the online price. I don't mind paying on labour rate for a skilled installer, but hate when such liberties are taken on parts RRP.

Its academic anyway IMO, take the price as a whole and if you are happy to pay it then get it done. Also there are far better panels available than the veritas - its a runner but a bit of a dog.