Recent content by Sandpiper

Disconnect each solenoid from its NO contact. Then do the following: 1. Check each wire feeding each solenoid for voltage while the wire is still disconnected. If there are no stray voltages, continue. 2. With the solenoids still disconnected in the box, check resistance from one solenoid to...

There is a rule for "beep keypad". I have never used it. You can experiment to see if that is what you want.

By the way, I have a "household fire alarm system", using an ELK M1, just as you are proposing. I was able to satisfy the backup battery requirement for the alarm system by installing two parallel 7AH batteries inside the M1 cabinet. Mine has been trouble-free for quite a few years.

Just so you know. Here is an excerpt from NFPA 72, concerning household fire alarm systems (what you are proposing), and their required battery backups. You have two battery backups, one for the alarm system and one for the Altronix unit. When you put install a smoke detector system into the...

I was concerned about whether the relay must be listed for the purpose, but could not find any such requirement. Technically it should work. I assume you are aware of the requirement for power consumption calculations to prove you have 24 hours of backup battery power- for the smokes fed from...

Here is another tidbit you may not know about. In the Voice description for the zone, use the word called "SAY [OPEN/CLOSE]". For example: Voice description would be: "FRONT", "DOOR", "SAY [OPEN/CLOSE]". In your rule announce, Zone X as I stated previously. This way you can tell if the door went...

Nice.

You can use a rule to announce the closing. "Whenever Zone x becomes secure AND chime is ON Announce Zone x".

Try changing the type to "normally open."

I seem to recall that this can happen if the sensor is programmed incorrectly. Check the installation manual for the sensor, on the part for the initial programming. Seems to me that when programming, the sensor must go from the secure state to the non-secure state or visa versa. Some sensors...

I forgot to mention. Some smoke detectors have a built-in EOLR. It's possible that may be why you don't have an EOLR. What model of smoke do you have?

Yes. Also 4-wire circuits must have EOL resistor and EOLR to satisfy code. 2-wire circuits do not need an EOLR since power and alarm circuit is on the same two wires.

I just went through an upgrade of my DVR/Cameras using the same coax wiring. Look in to "HD over coax", also called HD-analog or HD-TVI.  The Digital Watchdog VMax A1 is super. I really love it over my old DVR, and it was not too expensive. You can find Digital Watchdog products  at B&H...

I'm using a Lutron GRX-TVI to convert a 120VAC dimmer voltage to 0-10 VDC for control of LED dimming.   Take a look at the Lutron GRX-TVI.

Over the last couple of weeks I created a new FAQ on Smoke alarms. I believe you may be interested in some of the items included.   I would appreciate any constructive comments. Here is the link:   https://od.lk/d/NzVfNDc4NTE3NV8/SmokeAlarmFAQ.pdf   I had to post it onto Open Drive because of...