Re: Intermittent Open Sensor Problem

["Jim Rojas" <jrojas@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

What kind of system do you have?

Jim Rojas

"tx_manx" <tx_manx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1121828548.106339.238150@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Need your advice. I got the situation accurately constrained (i.e., not
> a wide open SNAFU...)
>
> Problem Statement
> =================
> On Zone 1 only...
> Keypad indicates OPEN even though all doors and windows are closed.
> Doors (say A and B) fail to chime when repeatedly opened/closed.
> Other doors and windows chime, but pad stills says OPEN.
> Usually problem exists for a couple days then heals itself.
> Then problem returns.
>
> Generally speaking, this problem is relatively recent with years of
> reliable prior service.
>
> Experimental Results
> ====================
> I took a strong magnet and tried to trigger sensors A and B.
>
> Opened door A (no chime), put magnet on sensor, but no chime.
> Closed door A. (...obviously, no chime, pad still says open)
>
> Open door B (no chime), put magnet on sensor, CHIME!!
> Remove magnet, CHIME!
> Close and open door A. CHIME! CHIME!
> Close and open door B. CHIME! CHIME!
> Keypad accurately depicts open/close.
>
> ...then (within minutes/hours) keypad stuck on open again.
>
> Magnet trick fixes the problem again (temporarily).
>
> Possible Root Causes
> ====================
> Door B (the front door) does not close tightly.
> It moves easily 3/8 inch in-out when "closed".
> Damn kids slam door, so it likely vibrates 5 times before settling.
> Door jam sensor and door magnet poorly aligned.
> They overlap less than 50% when closed.
> Vibration would cause the overlap to decrease.
>
> Per past thread, a vibrating door might confuse the controller.
>
> Possible Correct Actions
> ========================
> A] Lock the kids outside.
> B] Replace the sensor.
> C] Move the door magnet to increase overlap with sensor.
> D] Replace old weather stipping to try to reduce door vibration.
>
> Or, some other advice...
>
> Thanks in advance!!
>
> Texas Manx
>