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[spencex]

I just added a new UM506 to my simple system--two door sensors and two motion detectors-- but the relay stays in the closed  position. I tried arming and then disarming the controller but the relay remains closed regardless. Is this a defective module or am I doing something wrong?

The only other module on the system is a PH508 siren and it was working okay.

Also, I'm new to this and I don't understand the unit codes. The controller is set for A1. Should the siren and the universal module also be set to A1 (or A2 and A3)?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Spence

[HA Dave]

I just added a new UM506 to my simple system--two door sensors and two motion detectors-- but the relay stays in the closed  position. I tried arming and then disarming the controller but the relay remains closed regardless. Is this a defective module or am I doing something wrong?

Just a guess here... but are you trying to activate the Universal Module (UM506) using the DS7000 alarm system?

If so and you are using a security remote, you should be able to turn it on or off using one of the four assignable buttons. However... if your trying to trigger the Universal Module by triggering the alarm... that won't work. The alarm sends an all lights ON all units OFF signal. Hence it won't trigger appliance, Universal, powerflash, chime, modules.

[spencex]

Dave,

The security console says it's a PS561 and yes, I was hoping that the relay would close when the security system was breached--thereby triggering a loud 12V siren.

If this module won't do that job, is there something that will?

Thanks,
Spence

[HA Dave]

The security console says it's a PS561 and yes, I was hoping that the relay would close when the security system was breached--thereby triggering a loud 12V siren.

If this module won't do that job, is there something that will?

We haven't figured that one out yet..... unless you want to allow the siren to continue to sound after triggered until you can manually turn it off. In which case you can use a SocketRocket and adapters to plug-in a wall-wart (transformer).

There is a thread on this topic:   http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13766.0

[steven r]

....unless you want to allow the siren to continue to sound after triggered until you can manually turn it off....

Just word of caution here about having an alarm run continuously until manually reset.
Many, if not most areas, have laws backed by stiff fines that require an alarm to reset after a period of time typically around 15 min or so.

[HA Dave]

Just word of caution here about having an alarm run continuously until manually reset.

Yeah..... I didn't mean to make that sound like a recommendation.... it is NOT.

I have flip-flopped back and forth on the exterior siren idea. I put enough powerhorns and large powerhorns inside... that when I tested it to show the wife... I got that "look". So... maybe I've gone over-board already. I know it's already loud enough outside... to at lease have the neighbors checking their smoke alarms.

I have wondered about the benefits of an outdoor siren in my area too. I do think an ELK siren-strobe light combo unit up high in the eves would be a nice deterrent. But I would hate to make an investment like that in a unit that isn't "working".

So if I did trigger an outdoor siren using a sound-activated switch near an X10 Powerhorn.... or put an exterior siren on a timer... plugged into a SocketRocket. I know I would increase the irritation factor to my closest neighbors. Yet I don't think I would alert any additional neighbors (wouldn't they maybe think it is a car alarm). Nor would an exterior siren likely even be heard by an intruder.. in my home... over the Powerhorns.. already installed.

[steven r]

...I didn't mean to make that sound like a recommendation.... it is NOT....

I really didn't think you were but wanted to make sure no one got the idea that it was good to leave an alarm going endlessly.

...I have flip-flopped back and forth on the exterior siren idea. I put enough powerhorns and large powerhorns inside...

While my inside alarm is nowhere near as deafening as I imagine your powerhorns are, the intrusion alert will wake you. I also believe it does have a different sound for fire that is equally loud. The powerhorn that is mounted in the attic will have neighbors come out of their house to check if it is not shut off promptly. Needless to say I try not to set it off accidentally and do testing during the day time when possible.

[JMac]

I have an Elk siren that I would love to link up with my system but haven't yet found a way to do it.  I haven't done any experimentation yet but it's something I plan on (sometime).

[spencex]

In my case, I'm trying to protect a cabin in a remote area where there are few neighbors within hearing range. And they have the means to turn off the system if necessary.

So, I guesss I'll look into the rocketsocket. I have a direct power source for 12v DC, so I hope I can find a 110v relay to plug into the rocketsocket--a relay that provides no voltage at the terminals.

BTW, has anyone experienced the controller "forgetting" the settings--even with the battery backup?

Thanks,
Spence

[spencex]

I'm still trying to decide what best to do to get an third-party, 12v alarm to trigger. The X10 website makes it sound like the DS7000 (but not the PS561) can do the job:

". . . It is not possible to trigger a third party siren from the PS561 base console, because any module that might be used to control it (Universal Module or Appliance Module) does not respond to the All Lights On command transmitted during an alarm. However, the DC8700 Monitored Security System can be setup to transmit a specific code (rather than All Lights On) when it trips. It can therefore turn on an X10 Module that could be used to activate a third party outdoor siren."

Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Spence