Hi all I have a really old version of the Veritas 8 alarm (no remote key pad facility) and so to be able to conneect up remote key pad I have purchased a new control panel, in the hope that I can simply replace the exisiting one by connecting up the current wiring on the new panel. the problem is when i remove the panel as stated in the install manual - using engineer code- I am surprised by that fact the external siren goes off even though I have removed mains power and back up battery. How is this possible where is the external box getting power, and is it possible to disable this to allow me to rewire the new control panel?

praze123, January 2011

Hi GTS,
I wanted to post back and let you know that i managed to get the panel replaced and all in order (except the remote key pad does not seem to have any power..Doh!!! will check the fuse in the main panel..job for next weekend!).

Your trick for using the battery to fool the bell box into thinking all was ok worked a treat. thank you so much for that and taking the time to post and help me out.

praze123, February 2011

no prob a tip for you,if you remove the bell wire from the panel,then connect your new charged battery to the hold off wires,from bell box,thats the positive and negative wires to the battery terminals,it will save you going up the ladders,take note or cut off the wires from the terminals and leave a bit on them so you will know where they go,hope this helpsgts

gts, January 2011

GTS thanks....I will get the ladder out this weekend and get this sorted hopefully....I have bought the replacement battery for the control panel so will do this as well!
thanks again.

praze123, January 2011

replace the battery in your panel,this is a must.

gts, January 2011

the bell box is fed from the control panel,it charges up the nicad battery in the bell module,there is what we call a electronic hand shake between them,as long as they talk to each other all is fine,but if you cut the power,it thinks its being attacked and off she goes,

gts, January 2011

thanks GTS. appreciate the prompt reply...the thought did occur to me however given that we have been in the house over 12 years and not replaced any batteries, I was thinking that even if the bell box had a battery then it would have long died!!! Would the bell box have direct power supply in addition to the battery you mention?

thanks again.

praze123, January 2011

well,you are very easy to surprise,the bell box has its own battery,so,all you have to do is replace the panel wire for wire and put up with the bell going off,or get your ladders out and disconnect the bell box til your done,

gts, January 2011