I have a very old Optima alarm (was in house when we bought it 6 years ago). 4 zone I think. One evening, the control unit (where we input the PIN number) started making a rapid beeping noise. The tamper light was on and the LED display had a 6 in it (or a 'b') - I am guessing this means 'Bell'. Putting in our PIN number stopped the beeping, but didn't clear the tamper fault. After about 15 minutes the whole LED display and lights went out. All the PIRs are dead (no LEDs flashing when I walk past). The LEDs in the bell box outside are also not working.

I have since found the master control unit (where all the wires meet) in our airing cupboard. Had a peek inside, checked fuses, nothing obvious. I'm no electrician, so I don't know what to look for (though I do have a multi-meter if that helps with testing any diagnoses). Most of the circuit board is obscured and I can't see if any components have blown. No obvious loose wires. Put panel back on master control unit and turned power back on. Our little unit downstairs (where we enter the PIN number) sprang back into life for about 30 seconds. I entered PIN number, but I got the tamper light and a 'u' code in the LED display. Then the whole thing went dead again.

Any ideas folks ? I am guessing the back-up battery in the master control unit was the reason it lasted for about 15 minutes (and then the extra 30 seconds), but that it is now flat.

I am wondering if the transformer has gone (so no power is getting to anything). Might that be right ? How can I test it (preferably without the mains switched on) ? Does the 'u' code mean I haven't put the panel back correctly on the master control unit ?

Any advice really welcomed. Thanks. Andy

Andy Perkins, February 2007

if fuses are glowing that would suggest that to much current is being drawn from the alarm panel. this could be down to a short on the wire or one of the devices is breaking down i would recommend removing one device at a time untill the fault goes away. i would start with the bell box i cant remember if that panel has a seperate fuse for the bell if so just remove that one and try if still a problem bell is ok then try the other fuse or remove all the wires going into the the 12v aux
and check that the problem has gone away and you have 12vdc coming out of the aux terminals on the panel i would probably try this first just to prove the panel is ok

Chris AXIS Fire & Security, March 2007

Thanks for the suggestion Pete.

I have replaced the battery now. It brought the system back to life for about 30 seconds (e.g. the two fuses on the board were glowing), but then it died (as detailed in original question above when I switched it back on after originally checking the master control unit).

I have done some testing with multi-meter. The transformer is fine. It is putting out 17v, of which 5v are feeding the battery (presumably a drip feed). I guess the remaining 12 volts feeds the rest of the alarm system.

Since the system appears to be dying after adding a new battery, would the next guess be that the system is earthing somewhere ? The fuses are OK.

Any more ideas really welcomed.

Thanks, Andy.

Andy Perkins, February 2007

The tamper circuit is a closed loop from control board to door switches,pir's and bell box, plus one built into contol panel box itself.
The system monitors for a break in the loop. It is there so that if wires are cut,the alarm will sound.
There should be a fuse on the circuit board,from the transformer,check it is ok.
Disconnect battery terminals and check with your meter that you have 12v at the wires.
Its possible that the battery has an internal short circuit, if you have never had it replaced in the 6 years you have owned the property, the battery will almost certainly be past it's use by date.

Pete, February 2007