Re: Motions and power problems.

[Nomen Nescio <nobody@xxxxxxxxx>]

S. Smith said:

>The problem we have run into is a series of 10 motion sensors (360
>type, 24mA standby, 42mA max, suspended about 20 ft up).  After tracing
>the lines we found the layout to be one of... well it's just plain
>stupid.

"Just plain stupid."  I think that about covers it.  Some locksmith
installed a piece of shit, and now the owner doesn't want to spend any more
money on the job.  And they want you to fix it, preferably for free.

If you tell me that in addition to the power problems, all ten motions are
on one zone, then "just plain stupid" doesn't begin to cover the situation.
You didn't exactly explain the problem:  false alarms?  poor coverage?  But
I think you know where to start.

Fix the power first, so you have 12VDC at each detector.  Maybe the units
you have now will work on six volts, but most motions won't.  Unless you
fix the power situation, your equipment selection is very limited.

Second, zone it out, if it isn't already.

Third, when the customer bitches about how it used to work just fine, ask
him if he wants his alarm fixed or not.  He's not the alarm expert.  You
are (I hope).  If he doesn't want to follow your advice, let him fix his
own alarm.

This sounds like a really bad application for motions.  Birds, cats, etc.,
could be causing false alarms, if that's the problem, and fixing the power
and zoning it out won't solve that.

Good luck..