Optima XM. Failed??

[Guest sgould]

I have an Optima XM system that has been installed for 10 years. Wired system. Worked satisfactorily until yesterday. I need to know if it's repairable etc. etc.

Mode of failure (as reported by neighbours!):

Alarm went off yesterday morning.

Alarm went off again yesterday lunchtime.

Alarm went off late afternoon but siren was dying down (flat battery?)

When I looked the only light showing on the panel was the red Power light.

No button bleeps or reaction to any button.

Disconnected power. Took off cover. Battery flat (2 volt).

Reconnected power. Cover still off.

Power to both sides of transformer - Seems OK.

Red Power light on.

No voltage at battery.

No response to buttons.

Tried all above with the case tamper button both pressed in and left alone.

I'm assuming that there is some form of internal failure. Based this on the fact that the system:

a ) defaulted to battery power even though mains was connected.

b ) system alarmed and repeated alarming until battery was flat.

Only other thing that might be relevant was that we had a local power failure at the weekend for 20 minutes and the alarm went off as power was restored.

Have I missed something simple?

Any further checks I can make with a multi meter?

If it's broken, what should I replace it with - preferably DIY, that I can use with existing wires and sensors?

Thanks for any help!

[Guest RICHL]

Its crashed.

Get it serviced by a professional, as it needs a new battery, reset, and testing thoroughly (panel may be damaged as the battery probably died years ago).

Alternatively just replace the whole lot.

[Guest sgould]

Thanks for your help.

The resistor has gone. (So that's what the smell was we couldn't find!!). Does not work mains only. So it looks like a new panel. Possibly a new system, although the sensors seemed to work OK on a recent walkthrough.

Off to yellow pages, unless there's anyone you care to mention who works in Watford/S.Herts area.

[Guest RICHL]

So that's what the smell was we couldn't find!!).