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

["gkamieneski@xxxxxxxxxxx" <gkamieneski@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

gkamieneski@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Robert Green wrote:
> > <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?
>
> Yes, with AC power to the unit and the battery installed, I measured
> 9.5v across the terminals of the battery harness.  Not experienced with
> the multimeter, but if there was a test I could do on the harness that
> attaches to the 9v, it would save me opening up the unit to look for
> detached wires (a possibility).
> >
> > 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?
>
> Tossed battery and installed a fresh one.  I don't really mind re
> registering all of the zones and controls, so I will shut everything
> down and start over.
> >
> > --
> > Bobby G.

Left the battery out and the X10 Protector Plus console unplugged for
an hour.  Unfortunately, as soon as I brought it back online, it
stopped recognizing the 9v battery.  Guess I'll have to tear it apart
to review the battery harness connections.