Scantronic 9448Es Problems

[jgs1000]

Hi,

 

I have a problem with a Scantronic 9448ES, in that the Mains LED on the 9427 panel is flashing, otherwise the alarm seems to work perfectly,

 

I've opened the control box and factory reset it so I have the engineers code. 

 

The PCB Shows 20v AC input from the transformer and 10.8v DC out to the battery (Which is brand new)

 

I've removed the PCB and de-soldered the voltage regulator and replaced it with a new one as that seemed the most likely suspect.

 

However I'm still getting the flickering mains LED on the 9427 keypad.

 

(If it makes any difference working off the manual, the wiring connections on the PCB actually match those shown for the 9448+ and not the ES, don;t know if they shared a PCB towards the end or something?).

 

There is a maintenance contract on the system over the last ten years and the battery has been replaced regularly as part of that, so its not as if a dead battery has killed it.

 

My next step is to remove the PCB again and check all the other components, (although theres no visible signs of failure)

 

My questions are:- 

 

1) When I take the panel out I'm using the battery to silence the external alarm connected to the +/- ve hold off - how long does a a battery last doing this?  (lazy question I could measure the current draw but its all back together at the moment - I'm guessing its not a massive draw and its going to last a long time?

 

2) Any known issues on this panel - if its not the Transformer (Getting 20v ac in ok) and its not the regulator as I've changed it, what's it likely to be?  I'm thinking a resistor but any ideas on which one? 

 

and other tests I should be considering?

 

Failing that I'm considering replacing the control unit for a new 9448+ off ebay - any pit falls? i'm guessing it'll be a straight swap as I've already identified all the wiring, its just adding my downstairs keypad to one as an additional keypad I'm a little uncertain on.

 

 

Thanks

 

Dave 

 

[PeterJames]

Hi Dave

 

I would be guessing the current draw but would say 2 or 3 days on a fully charged battery, but if the battery is charging at 10v then not very long if at all.

 

I cant answer Q 2 as I havent really played with Scantronic panels since the 9500 panel. But I think if you are changing the panel like-for-like you need to get one thats nearly new, or unused. Otherwise you will end up with one with the same problems or worse more problems. I would always recommend you replace it with a new panel rather than second hand, I get the green thing and I understand the money issue but sometimes its a false economy for a few quid extra

[jgs1000]

Thanks - There's a few 9448+'s on ebay listed as new (I realise Its been EOL for a long time - guessing old stock maybe?) , the other thing I was looking as is http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scantronic-9448-95-Alarm-Panel-with-LED-Keypad-/260625504666?pt=UK_Burglar_Alarms&hash=item3cae7d999a as a drop in replacement?

[PeterJames]

Thanks - There's a few 9448+'s on ebay listed as new (I realise Its been EOL for a long time - guessing old stock maybe?) , the other thing I was looking as is http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scantronic-9448-95-Alarm-Panel-with-LED-Keypad-/260625504666?pt=UK_Burglar_Alarms&hash=item3cae7d999a as a drop in replacement?

If its new then I assume they give some sort of warranty, just check the feedback first

[jgs1000]

yeah for £50 quid it seems worth a punt, the company  who do the maintenance contract have quoted £300+vat for a replacement box and keypad and fitting which seems a bit excessive to me, as I'm guessing its around 1hr labour if you know what your doing?  but it's not my industry.

 

Just wanted to bottom out if there was anything I'd missed or any known issues with the panel before I swapped it.

 

Was actually surprised as how basic these things are when you crack them open - are the modern domestic ones all SMD's and Microcontrollers or are they all still though hole?

[al-yeti]

You have to also close the tamper to the bell I thought ?

[jgs1000]

You have to also close the tamper to the bell I thought ?

Dunno - no tamper lights on the panel illuminated, originally put it in Engineering mode, disconnected battery and then mains, and siren went off - thought hmm can't leave that going while I resolder the PCB so did a bit more digging on the wiring diagram in the manual and put 12v through the hold off from the battery and it stopped. Disconnected every other wire, removed the PCB re-soldered it - Banged it all back together and its still ok except for the original fault.

[PeterJames]

yeah for £50 quid it seems worth a punt, the company  who do the maintenance contract have quoted £300+vat for a replacement box and keypad and fitting which seems a bit excessive to me, as I'm guessing its around 1hr labour if you know what your doing?  but it's not my industry.

 

Just wanted to bottom out if there was anything I'd missed or any known issues with the panel before I swapped it.

 

Was actually surprised as how basic these things are when you crack them open - are the modern domestic ones all SMD's and Microcontrollers or are they all still though hole?

Like-for like-possibly, I would say nearer 2 hrs, but changing it for a new late panel 3 or 4 hours, inc changing all the eols etc. And if it goes wrong they come back and replace it free.

[timmo66]

300 plus vat is a little high for our area but still not too bad.

do you know what panel they would be fitting?

[jgs1000]

Nope in answer to what panel do they propose to fit didn't go that far into it - They'd use the existing PIR's and siren, although I could have a new siren at £95 if I wanted. Its a reputable firm, not a one man band (no offence to one man bands though) so It's probably whatever off the shelf basic domestic unit is in common use by you guys, but I'm leaning towards swapping it out for something like that ebay one I mentioned above an fitting it myself.

 

Even if it went wrong I'd have to buy 6 replacements before I was close to out of pocket at that price.