Repair Possible?

[Pva64]

Several years ago, I fitted a wired 4-zone OptimaXM system to my house. With the passing of years the 4 LED array on the external bell box gradually failed and then one day the Control console lit up like a Christmas tree (without wailing at the neighbourhood, thankfully).

Most sensible people would make a frisbee out of the thing and buy a replacement. Unfortunately, they miss out on some of life's more interesting learning experiences! Besides, I'm a retired engineer and like fixing things.

Since it's only a resistor that's cooked, all I want is the circuit diagram for that model so I can solder a replacement in its place, but I have no idea what the value was and have failed to get any intelligible response from Honeywell who appear to have taken over ADE Ltd, the original manufacturers of Optima.

Would anyone, by chance, have an appropriate circuit diagram? (pcb ref No. = 2BF 039/01/3-3)

Much obliged.

[A-G]

You may have time to spare and like a challenge ..... but we're talking about the security of your home and possessions. My advise is replace with a reliable new unit ... and then play around with the old one if you want to.

[Guest RJBsec]

Would anyone, by chance, have an appropriate circuit diagram? (pcb ref No. = 2BF 039/01/3-3)

Would think it highly unlikely that such a thing exists outside of possibly Honeywell - it certainly isn't available on the installation manual fold-over.

[luggsey]

It's usually more then the resistor, it's what 'caused' the resistor to release the magic smoke.

Throw it in the bin unless you really have nothing else to do, if you don't have anything else to do put a 10k pot in there and slowly wind it back.

[chexsec]

If you can post a photo of the pcb with the faulty resistor highlighted then someone aught to be able to compare it with a good one and let you know the value.

That said, for the cost of an equivalent new panel and the reliability that will come with it, I have to agree with previous comments.

Fix yours for something to do but don't rely on it to protect your home.

[breff]

Bin it and buy a new panel

[SUBS]

As has been said...........what made the resistor burn up ?

I'd say bin it, but I really do get a kick out of fixing things, so I know what you mean.

An old trick is to cut the resistor in half, or scrape off the soot, you can sometimes see the spiral of metal oxide or whatever material the resisitor is made of. Measuring from one end, you should be able to work out the value fairly closely, its probably not all that critical.

See if you can work out what it does, if your really lucky it'll be something obvious, like limit the current to the battery, or the LEDs.

Then when your happy, Bin it and buy a much better, more modern panel anyway. At least you will have tried.

[lawandorder]

As has been said...........what made the resistor burn up ?

I'd say bin it, but I really do get a kick out of fixing things, so I know what you mean.

An old trick is to cut the resistor in half, or scrape off the soot, you can sometimes see the spiral of metal oxide or whatever material the resisitor is made of. Measuring from one end, you should be able to work out the value fairly closely, its probably not all that critical.

See if you can work out what it does, if your really lucky it'll be something obvious, like limit the current to the battery, or the LEDs.

Then when your happy, Bin it and buy a much better, more modern panel anyway. At least you will have tried.

Have to say in my experince of ADE panels there is often a burnt looking resistor on the board up in the corner where the voltage regulator and Bell/Strobe switching transistors are.

Sometimes, although it looks burnt it is actually ok and the reason for the overheating has been excessive load probably caused by a faulty battery.

Obviously can't me more specific without seeing it and as other posters have said it is unlikely you will get a circuit diagram.

In all my years as an alarm engineer I never saw a circuit diagram for any panel, these panels are rarely repaired and if at all it would be done in the factory.

[Pva64]

Ref: GMP on Intruder Alarm policy.

I entirely agree with with all who have offered useful and informed opinion on this matter. There can be no question that a faulty old alarm should be replaced with a more viable new product. It is pretty clear that from the aspect of crime deterence and insurance premium compliance, each of you has indirectly or otherwise, provided practical advice, not just to me but to any who might be considering home security systems.

In passing, one of you suggested a photo of the offending pcb. This, for what its worth has been attached herewith. The value of the resistor (if indeed that's what cooked) is a mystery without the circuit diagram, but though largely academic now, since I'll act on collective advice, raises an interesting question, namely what external device may have caused it to burn in the first place? Other than the 12v 3Ah battery replacement, what if the fault remains unidentified and cooks the new board? From that perspective there is merit in replacing the resistor and measuring results for a while before committing to its replacement.

[j.paul]

In passing, one of you suggested a photo of the offending pcb. This, for what its worth has been attached herewith. The value of the resistor (if indeed that's what cooked) is a mystery without the circuit diagram, but though largely academic now, since I'll act on collective advice, raises an interesting question, namely what external device may have caused it to burn in the first place? Other than the 12v 3Ah battery replacement, what if the fault remains unidentified and cooks the new board? From that perspective there is merit in replacing the resistor and measuring results for a while before committing to its replacement.

Faulty backup battery, biggest killer of Optima panels

Think I may have a xm panel in the office (if it hasn't been bin) I will post a photo of it Tues if you haven't found out by then.