Really old Optima panel problems

[James1979]

Hi - I have a very old Optima XM6 alarm system which we have never set since living in this house (7 years!) 

 

It’s never sounded until yesterday when the power was turned off for an EV charger install. 
 

When power was restored, the alarm stopped so I’m guessing it needs a new internal battery. 
 

There is only one light on the front (power) with no others lit (not day or anything else). 
 

i have tried to follow steps to put it in engineer mode so it doesn’t sound when I remove the panel cover but the keypad is completely dead and doesn’t make any sound when buttons pressed so I can’t. 
 

So, my questions are:

 

1. if I remove the cover without putting it in tamper or engineer mode, will the alarm sound?

 

2. will it stop if I just replace the panel?

 

3. Since I’ve never used the code the previous owners gave us, if it’s not correct or doesn’t work, am I right in thinking that #### is the default code if it’s reset itself?

 

I think once the panel’s off and old battery is disconnected, I should then kill the mains power - replace battery, turn mains back on, press reset and all will be well?! 
 

Thanks for any help. 

Edited June 2, 2023 by sixwheeledbeast
no codes in posts

[sixwheeledbeast]

If you don't plan on using it you should have it decommissioned. This involves getting up to the external siren and disabling that and powering down the internal components.

It's possible with it not being serviced in so long the charger circuit is faulty which would need a panel replacement.

You would be best to have the system serviced, to make sure it's still in serviceable condition or decommissioned.

 

1) Yes

2) No

3) Maybe, but if the memory is lost then the panel is shot anyway.

4?) Unlikely

[James1979]

Thanks for the reply and decommissioning sounds much more sensible. I’m happy to get up to the siren and disable it. Not sure what kind it is as the label isn’t legible anymore (have attached photo though). 
 

Is it simple enough diy job to disable siren once cover is off? I’m assuming removing the cover will cause alarm to sound anyway and then it needs the incoming wires disconnecting and battery removed? 
 

Then power off for box (as battery is already a gonna). 

[sixwheeledbeast]

Ear defenders and a big hammer until it's stopped making a noise?

At that age fixings and hardware are usually seized. Disturbing any tamper circuit on a siren should trigger external and internal alarms.

They are all different designs for the electronics inside, we are not a resource to teach people how to disable systems...

The strobe is usually high voltage and will knock you off your ladders, so be careful what you poke.

[PeterJames]

it wont hurt for you to try the code you have and the default code before yu get up the ladder. If it works, you can use it to stop the internal noise when you start working on the external sounder 

[MrHappy]

5 hours ago, James1979 said:

It’s never sounded until yesterday when the power was turned off for an EV charger install. 

 

What type of milk float do you have...