Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I start&qu

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  • DCoplin
    Automated Home Lurker
    • Feb 2004
    • 3

    Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I start&qu

    OK, I'll try and make this easy/interesting...

    Essentially I've got a duff house alarm that was professionally installed, the only thing that's wrong is the CPU (and the 200 quid a year maintenance contract for Sweet FA).

    So I thought I could replace the CPU with something like the Comfort CPU which gives me control of my own destiny and then for a wheeze get into HA for kicks.

    I guess what I'm interested to know is:

    1) Would it be difficult to swap over the CPU's? (I'm technical but not a sparky or an alarm engineer) Is it just a case of swapping the units and plugging the PIR wires in the right place?
    2) Is Comfort the right way to go?

    That's probably enough for now, but be warned, I'll be back for more if anyone answers!!!!

    Thanks for playing

    Dave
  • jon00
    Automated Home Sr Member
    • Jan 2004
    • 64

    #2
    Re: Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I star

    Dave,

    Welcome to the board.

    It all depends how the CPU has been mounted. If it is in installed in an IC socket, then yes it is easy. If it is surface mount, then unless you are very good with a fine tipped soldering iron - stay away!

    The Comfort is a good alarm but expensive. Yes, you can transfer the PIR, alarm box etc and it should work.

    The comfort requires programming which is normally through the keypad. If you do go this way, I would suggest that you also order a UCM (serial port) and use the Configarator program on a PC to configure.

    It is also good for HA uses with X10 built in.

    Remember that you may need to contact your house insurer if you move away from a maintained alarm and registered the fact to get a discount.

    Jon
    Jon

    www.jon00.me.uk

    Comment

    • Gazzerdaman
      Automated Home Lurker
      • Feb 2004
      • 3

      #3
      Re: Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I star

      Jon i think you've got a little confused, wot dave means is to change the control panel (cpu) not the actual microprocessor inside the control panel. This is quite a straightfoward job, once you've identified the cables in the existing box, its just a case of labeling them, and reconnecting them to the new control panel and programming it.

      Comment

      • jon00
        Automated Home Sr Member
        • Jan 2004
        • 64

        #4
        Re: Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I star

        Originally posted by Gazzerdaman
        Jon i think you've got a little confused.
        Heck, I'm easily confused ops: - just goes to show that my background is electronics and not alarms!

        Jon
        Jon

        www.jon00.me.uk

        Comment

        • HippyWarlock
          Automated Home Lurker
          • Apr 2004
          • 8

          #5
          Re: Another one of those "I'm new here, where do I star

          Correct me if I'm wrong, but you cannot simply change a CPU, even if all the pins fit. The architecture of the motherboard it sits on is all important.

          Same as transistors. 3 legs good, 3 legs (also) bad - to quote Napoleon.
          **Signatures reduce bandwidth**

          Comment

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