Wiring A Texecom Bell To A Powermax+

[semrots]

Hi there, new to the forums here, had a quick search but don't think the answer has already been asked/posted.

Just installed a Powermax+, so far no probs. I decided to go down the wired bell route as this is replacing an old (very!!!) basic wired system, and the bell wiring is there.

The suppliers of the kit gave me wiring instructions for the bell which I've followed, but there is a problem.

As you probably know the Texecom bell has a hold off mode when you are installing/servicing it. As per their instructions wired at bell end, then the panel , powered from panel and it sounded for the 5 secs and left hand led flashes indicating hold off mode. So far all as per their manual.

Move the bell battery wire from N/C to the +ve terminal, replace cover, and left hand LED is still flashing - indicating its still in hold off mode? A trial also shows it doesn't go off when the panel activitates.

The wiring I was sent for it wires it back to the panel for a tamper alarm and I wonder if its this circuit thats causing the problem, especially as my interpretation of the manuals for bell and panel match wiring wise, save neither really covers a tamper from the bell.

The tamper wire in question has been taken from one of the tamper microswitch terminals back to the panel and connects onto a hardwire circuit (30) via a 2.2K resistor as Visonic requires. However I was also told to place a 2.2K resistor accross the Tamp C and the other microswitch terminal in the bell. I do wonder if it is something to do with this making the bell think the switch is still open?

At the end of the day I suppose this circuit is only going to report to the panel the bell has been tampered with as the bell should go off itself if this happens. This means that if its not wired in then I would not know necessarily if the bell had been messed with/opened without my knowledge?

The other wiring is as follows:=

Bell A +12V to +12V on panel

Bell B to Ext on panel (Ext is shown as can be used to trigger an external siren)

-V D on Bell to -Hold on panel (this terminal it says can be connected to bells with +12 for constant DC supply)

S STRB on Bell to Int on panel (it says this can be programmed for internal strobes or siren, but reference in book does not relate to any programming for this and I have not seen anything I can recall for the panel)

The only other wiring as I say is the 2.2K from Tamp C to one side of microswitch in bell box, and then a feed to a hardwire zone via another 2.2K from other side of microswitch.

Lastly the Viscom book says for the hardwire zones the panel sees a specific resistance according to the event, Normal no alarm 2.2K, Alarm 4.4K, tamper infinite resistance, so maybe we don't need the resistor up in the box?, and if not do we just need a straight link, or even none at all. Should not the tamper alert to the panel come straight off the Tamp terminal, and if so with just the panel resistor?

As both supplier and Texecom don't work weekends on a helpline anyone a views/ ideas /cures? Don't really want to start pulling wires on and off without a steer in right direction.

Thanks

[semrots]

Well now I've answered my own question. After disconnecting the 'tamper' wire, and putting the lid on the bell to see if that would make it work, guess what - it still stayed in Hold-off mode, but pressing the microswitch manually did take it out of that mode. Bend the metal strip on the switch so it then gets fully depressed when the lid's on, re connect everything and bingo!!

Ah well guess the exercise up and down the ladder will have done me good, never mind the taxing of the brain cells (cell?!!)

[FASTCAR]

Hi ,

Glad you sorted it before it gets too dark......most engineers bend the lever as a matter of coarse.

Please report back in a few months to let us know if you have any issues with your system.

Regards

[semrots]

Hi ,

Glad you sorted it before it gets too dark......most engineers bend the lever as a matter of coarse.

Please report back in a few months to let us know if you have any issues with your system.

Regards

So am I. I shall remember that trick for the future - I am sure it will crop up again.

Be glad to report back in a few months.

Very good forum I've discovered, and as I'm thinking of adding some X10 further down the line..........