Re: Battery Backup Failing (X10 Protector Plus security console)

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

<gkamieneski@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

<stuff snipped>

> No, it's definitely the light that indicates that the 9v battery that
> keeps the zones and devices straight on the console is running low.
> This is an indoor unit and the batteries are measuring 9.5v across the
> harness.

Are you measuring the battery voltage "in circuit" with the unit powered up?

I would suggest unplugging the unit with the battery out, letting it sit for
10 minutes and restarting it.  I imagine you're trying to avoid that so as
not to lose your setup but reading further on the net it seems this unit can
get into an "indeterminate" state after being subjected to powerline
"blips."  That's a fairly common failure mode for X-10.  I have a minitimer
that has exactly the same symptoms.  Reports "low battery" but battery
voltage is 9v+ and drains over time.  Configuration data is held during
power outtages.

I feel your pain if that's the only solution because it's no fun registering
the sensors all over again.  A battery backup is supposed to save
configuration data, not force you to purge it to restore proper functioning.

As someone else suggested, it would be helpful to know if the unit is
drawing any current from the battery using some jumpers and a meter that can
measure microamps.  You might find living with a bum warning light
preferable to re-registering all your sensors if you knew the backup was
really working and it was just indicator error.

How old are the batteries in your sensors?  It's conceivable it was trying
to send a low battery signal from a zone that got flagged as a low voltage
console battery due to a power blip.

You say you replaced the 9v battery.  Did you mean you pulled the old
battery and tossed it or put it back in?  If you tossed it, was it low?

--
Bobby G.