Corrupt NVM on Castle Care-tech 2000

[Deltaseven]

Doing a routine maintenance this week, I discovered a fault on a CCT 2000 (installed in 1995). Basically, with the AC disconnected, the panel would stay powered from the battery. but as soon as the AC power was removed, the system would arm area A. As soon as I started climbing down my ladder, the PIR in the passage would trigger, and the Master Blaster would - well, Blast!

Castle Tech-support recommended downing the system, leaving it down for a few minutes, then powering it up again, which I tried. Unfortunately, the system only got worse! As soon as the system powered up, it would go into alarm, and could not be silenced using the customer code, engineer's code, default customer code or default engineer's code.

Another call to Castle Tech-support, and they recommended powering up again with the NVM chip removed. The system is now fine without the NVM chip. (I had to reprogram, obviously) We will of course have to replace the chip when we get one, but in the mean time, the system should be fine as long as the panel does not get powered down.

Has anyone else had this problem with these systems? Any ideas what could cause it (I am guessing a surge or spike?)

D7

[bellman]

Hi D7,

I've had a few of the old Scantronics, 9100, 9200, 9600, 9800 suffer the same problem with corruption.

My usual cure is to replace the nvm and reprogram the panel back from defaults.

I've repaired several dead panels this way.

Mains problems such as spikes can corrupt the programming and sometimes crash the panel. but the chip failure is more likely to be to blame.

RS components and Maplins both sell the required chips.

only had it on panels over about 5 years old though.

Regards

Bellman