DSC PC 1550 Low Battery Problem?
#1
02-27-05, 04:51 PM
DSC PC 1550 Low Battery Problem?
I got home from a trip and the trouble light was on. So I checked the trouble and it was for the battery. I disconected the battery and the A/C power then connected the battery and the A/C power. It put out the light for about a 1/2 hour then the trouble came back again. The power from battery with a voltmeter reads 13.2 volts and when conected to the panel I get 13.7 volts. Is the battery no good and how long does the battery last before replacing? 
#2
02-28-05, 04:19 AM
Check your trouble display again. It's probably a clock reset. You powered the panel down.
Typically, backup batteries last 5 to 7 years under normal circumstances. They will last longer, but anything beyond that is kind of "borrowed time".
Typically, backup batteries last 5 to 7 years under normal circumstances. They will last longer, but anything beyond that is kind of "borrowed time".
#4
02-28-05, 07:17 PM
I have figured out alot of stuff while reading on line here. I cannot get into the programing to change of reset the time due to I do not have the master of the installer code. 
I tried the default 1500 installer code and nothing. This is an alarm that was installed 7 years ago in the apartment that I live in. I'm the only resident that has lived in this apartment and they issued me my current code which is not the master. 
Since I moved in there has been many management companies so going to them is out of the question to get the master code. They also do not offer help with the alarms, they simple just unplug them if they encounter a problem or its up to the resident to pay to have it fixed or monitored. Also when the system is plugged back in it makes 10 rapid clicks so I guess reset is out of the question. I think I should first buy a new battery and try that first. But I would like to know how to get control of the master code so I can still test the system myself, since it won't let me without the master code.
Please help.
I tried the default 1500 installer code and nothing. This is an alarm that was installed 7 years ago in the apartment that I live in. I'm the only resident that has lived in this apartment and they issued me my current code which is not the master. 
Since I moved in there has been many management companies so going to them is out of the question to get the master code. They also do not offer help with the alarms, they simple just unplug them if they encounter a problem or its up to the resident to pay to have it fixed or monitored. Also when the system is plugged back in it makes 10 rapid clicks so I guess reset is out of the question. I think I should first buy a new battery and try that first. But I would like to know how to get control of the master code so I can still test the system myself, since it won't let me without the master code. Please help.
#5
02-28-05, 07:19 PM
Ah, your previous post lead me to believe that you had replaced the battery. The system load tests the battery periodically.
Try reading the battery voltage under load without the AC power. A 7 year old 1.2ah battery is probably at the end of it's useful life. Really, for this system, you really need a 4ah battery. I'm amazed that the 1.2 lasted this long.
All DSC panels maintain an internal clock. For whatever odd reason they didn't put the instructions in the user manual for this model. Enter *6 + Master code + 1 then enter the time in 24hour format (4 digit).
Try reading the battery voltage under load without the AC power. A 7 year old 1.2ah battery is probably at the end of it's useful life. Really, for this system, you really need a 4ah battery. I'm amazed that the 1.2 lasted this long.
All DSC panels maintain an internal clock. For whatever odd reason they didn't put the instructions in the user manual for this model. Enter *6 + Master code + 1 then enter the time in 24hour format (4 digit).
#6
02-28-05, 07:33 PM
Originally Posted by MrRonFL
Ah, your previous post lead me to believe that you had replaced the battery. The system load tests the battery periodically.
Try reading the battery voltage under load without the AC power. A 7 year old 1.2ah battery is probably at the end of it's useful life. Really, for this system, you really need a 4ah battery. I'm amazed that the 1.2 lasted this long.
All DSC panels maintain an internal clock. For whatever odd reason they didn't put the instructions in the user manual for this model. Enter *6 + Master code + 1 then enter the time in 24hour format (4 digit).
Try reading the battery voltage under load without the AC power. A 7 year old 1.2ah battery is probably at the end of it's useful life. Really, for this system, you really need a 4ah battery. I'm amazed that the 1.2 lasted this long.
All DSC panels maintain an internal clock. For whatever odd reason they didn't put the instructions in the user manual for this model. Enter *6 + Master code + 1 then enter the time in 24hour format (4 digit).
My code does not work, it just beeps. I guess that leads me to beleive that my code is not the master.
I might just get the radio shack battery which is 12V 5ah which I guess should be fine. I just hope it fits in the box.
Also I would like to still get into the master code or installer code to change it to my own settings. I also downloaded the installation instructions but they are useless if I cannot reset the unit.
BTW: After unplugging the system (full power down) last night, then reconnecting it, the trouble light went out. Then went to bed and in the middle of the night it started to beep again. So pressing the # key only quiets it for a few minutes. So inthe middle of the night I just disconnected the battery and then pressed the # and it has stopped beeping but the trouble light is still on. I guess next is a new battery but still would like a new master code.
#7
02-28-05, 07:56 PM
If you have a 1550, up to a 7ah battery should fit that cabinet (unless it's some kind of odd retrofit).
Since you now have the installer manual, give it a read over. If the factory default installer code works to get into program mode, then you can get the panel to read back the master code, or simply change it. If it doesn't, then your job is a lot harder, because you will have to do a hardware default, which means you will have to reset all of the zone settings (if some joker hasn't set the installer lockout feature).
Since you now have the installer manual, give it a read over. If the factory default installer code works to get into program mode, then you can get the panel to read back the master code, or simply change it. If it doesn't, then your job is a lot harder, because you will have to do a hardware default, which means you will have to reset all of the zone settings (if some joker hasn't set the installer lockout feature).
#8
02-28-05, 08:13 PM
Originally Posted by MrRonFL
If you have a 1550, up to a 7ah battery should fit that cabinet (unless it's some kind of odd retrofit).
Since you now have the installer manual, give it a read over. If the factory default installer code works to get into program mode, then you can get the panel to read back the master code, or simply change it. If it doesn't, then your job is a lot harder, because you will have to do a hardware default, which means you will have to reset all of the zone settings (if some joker hasn't set the installer lockout feature).
Since you now have the installer manual, give it a read over. If the factory default installer code works to get into program mode, then you can get the panel to read back the master code, or simply change it. If it doesn't, then your job is a lot harder, because you will have to do a hardware default, which means you will have to reset all of the zone settings (if some joker hasn't set the installer lockout feature).
I might try to talk to one of the maintence men to see if they know the default code since they service the apartments.
#9
03-01-05, 05:06 PM
If you tried the hardware default, and got relay clicks, then the dreaded DSC installer lockout feature strikes again. Basically there's not much you can do, short of a lucky guess. There are services that can unlock these panels, but you might do as well to simply start with a new panel and keypad (or even another 1550, which I think are still in production).
#13
02-27-06, 04:52 PM
12volt, 4-5ah sealed lead acid storage battery. Well stocked home centers will have them because they are used in emergency lights. Otherwise, you can try places like radio shack, or your local Interstate or Delco battery dealer. If there's a local security or fire alarm dealer, they will happily sell you one over the counter.
