Visonic Powermax Complete - Siren wireless signal strength issue

[Johnyb]

Noticed my siren / bell wasn't working so purchased a new battery, replaced it - but in diagnostics Siren (MCS730) still shows 'S1 - not ok'

Old battery was flat & replacement showing 3.6v so should be all good.   I took MCS730 off the wall & with it right next to the panel - Now diagnostics works fine showing excellent signal strength.  But I take it a couple of meters away and we're back to 'S1 - Not ok'.

 

Could this be a battery issue (even though its new) ?   (Don't think so as once I remove the cover breaking the tamper it went off just fine)

Or are these bell boxes prone to signal strength issues over time?   (assuming its not my panels wireless as PIR's etc are connected just fine)

In which case maybe I should just purchase another compatible siren?

Any other recommend fault diagnosis before I take this route.

 

Thanks.

[james.wilson]

Check if another device works next to the sounder. If it does it would suggest a sounder issue. 

Also note this system is an old 1 way system and should be upgraded really

[Johnyb]

Where I placed the Siren (2mtrs away from panel) its right below the room PIR which is working fine, so does does point to the sounder. 

But I'll also see if a PIR where the bell box outside is mounted works to be more certain. Thanks.

 

I get it probably could use an upgrade, but if its otherwise working seems a waste to replace (unless there are any other benefits you could suggest?_)

 

Also what would you recommend as a replacement ?

[sixwheeledbeast]

They're known for going faulty. Replace the whole system is unfortunately the only option with obsolete wireless.

They were poor from a security POV due to being 1 way systems. Which is probably why they discontinued them eventually, making all the components obsolete.

[al-yeti]

1 hour ago, Johnyb said:

Where I placed the Siren (2mtrs away from panel) its right below the room PIR which is working fine, so does does point to the sounder. 

But I'll also see if a PIR where the bell box outside is mounted works to be more certain. Thanks.

 

I get it probably could use an upgrade, but if its otherwise working seems a waste to replace (unless there are any other benefits you could suggest?_)

 

Also what would you recommend as a replacement ?

So you haven't physically damaged the tamper switch etc?

[PeterJames]

We have had a few of these sounders start coming up with problems, usually after a battery change. Its quite annoying as customers dont want to pay for the battery replacement and the sounder replacement. I do understand why but it means we are left with Visonic battery that we may not use and theyre not cheap. The early wireless systems were rubbish, the Visonic, Gardtec, and Pyronix, offerings were better, but not by much. Im not a big fan of wireless but the wireless stuff thats out there now is so much better.