Radionics (now Bosch) panels are reliable yet not DIY friendly; they cannot be reset using jumpers, key combinations or replacement chips and require either a programmer or dealer code in order to unlock.
Older 4112 and 6121 panels can be easily programmed with handheld 5100 or 5200 programmers that do not support datalocks, making programming these panels simpler than ever before. Norb from Obsolete Radionics and I have helped numerous customers unlock password-locked panels using this method.
Features
Radionics (now Bosch) 4112, 6112 and 7112 panels are robust systems used by many today; however, they do not lend themselves well to DIY use due to the way that modern panels can be programmed using jumpers or key combinations; rather they require a programmer as well as possibly special dealer codes or RAMlock codes in order to reset to factory default settings.
Command 4 – Acknowledging a trouble condition, silencing beeping alarm keypad, and performing various diagnostic functions are the objectives of Command 4. On a 6112 or other DTMF-based system this command may also be entered multiple times to display all trouble conditions stored in its trouble event buffer; please refer to your alarm manuals or keypad user guides for more details on its usage.
Switch Watch Mode on or off. In this mode, the system will activate sirens and keypads, as well as send an emergency fire panic signal directly to its central station for home alarm monitoring systems.
To maximize the use of your Radionics panel, you will require a programmer compatible with it. Both the older 5100 and newer 5200 handheld programmers are suitable for most Radionics panels without datalocks; programming a 4112 or 6112 is simple enough using one. Norb at ObsoleteRadionics provides this type of programmer at competitive prices. Handlers allow specific panels to connect directly to specific commands, while datalock security features give peace of mind for panel use. Understanding how these programmers work with older Radionics models and how they differ from current generation panels and keypads can help make the most out of their use. This means understanding prompt numbers, setting up line card retry intervals properly, and accessing configuration menus easily.
Installation
Radionics panels remain reliable devices used widely today. Unfortunately, these devices aren’t DIY friendly; you need a programmer (and in certain versions a dealer code) in order to make changes like deleting zones. In the event that one fails, bypassing it or physically fixing it might be the only effective solution.
The older 4112 and 6121 panels can be easily programmed using either the 5100 or 5200 programmer; neither one offers datalock functionality. On the other hand, programming a 7112 requires another programmer but does provide datalock functionality.
If you need to reprogram a 4112 or 6121 panel and have lost access to its default accounts, Norb at Obsolete Radionics can assist. By uploading them into his programmer and then back onto your panel, he may be able to help recover it. Keep in mind, however, this method may not work if your panel features RAMlock locks or an old battery preventing reprogramming without an external programmer; these can usually be bypassed using jumpers or replacing the ROM chip in programmers; they should also make sure terminal 10 is grounded against earth rod or cold water pipe otherwise its communication might stop with central station and central station might cease with each other.
Maintenance
Radionics (now Bosch) panels remain among the most reliable alarm systems on the market, which is why so many still see regular use today. Unlike modern alarm panels that feature jumper or key combination resets, older Radionics units require special programmer to reset them; should your datalock access have been erased, however, you may still be able to recover your system by uploading default accounts into a programmer and loading them onto your panel itself.
As soon as your panel arrives, the first task is identifying its format of communication with the central station. This should be indicated by either a 4- or 3-digit prompt when entering account information into it – these prompt numbers indicate whether your panel uses modem II or BFSK technology respectively.
Once you know which modem your panel is using, you can begin setting it up for network communication. This involves installing a D9133TTL-E serial interface module into it, creating a new Route Group with its own System Files menu entry, and configuring how many times a Signal Path tries reaching its Primary destination before moving onto its backup route.
Once all the necessary pieces are in place, you can upload the System Files via Telnet to your receiver. When finished uploading, turn off and on power for changes to take effect.
Repair
Radionics (now Bosch) panels have been around for at least 30 years, yet still function reliably today; unlike many alarm system panels which can be reset back to default using jumpers or key combinations or swapping out chips – Radionics panels require programming software and, depending on their revision number, may require either dealer code access or RAMlock code authentication; older 4112 and 6112 panels can be programmed using handheld programmers like the 5100/5200; however the newer 7112 panel requires another programmer that includes datalock; older 4112s can be programmed using handheld programmers without datalock whereas programming software would need – however these don’t feature either option;
If your system starts beeping at 2 AM, pressing the Command bar or “CMD” button can stop the beeping until service from your central station can arrive to assess what caused it.
If your lithium battery has died or your panel was “locked” by another dealer, contact Norb at Obsolete Radionics who can help recover it by uploading default accounts into his software program and sending these back out again to your unit.
Recovery
Radionics (now Bosch) panels may be robust and reliable, but they’re not DIY friendly. Unlike modern alarm systems that can be reset using jumpers or key combinations or replacement chips, Radionics 4112 and 6112 panels require a programmer for unlocking. Depending on their revision this may involve using either special dealer code or RAMlock code.
Radionics panels like the 4112 and 6112 can be easily programmed using handheld 5100 and 5200 programmers that connect directly to them; newer 7112-based systems may require special programming software that supports them instead. There are many programmers for such systems available including RPS (formerly RAM II and RAM IV) which offers handlers specifically designed to work with this panel type.
These programmers can also be used to update firmware on older 7112-based systems or reset passwords if your panel becomes locked out due to an expired lithium battery or being managed by another alarm company. In certain instances, Norb at Obsolete Radionics may even help by uploading default accounts into his programmer and then uploading them back onto the panel itself.
Though they’re older systems, these devices remain some of the most durable and dependable on the market. Widely used both commercially and residentially alike, their robust construction ensures they will likely continue to serve for many years into the future. Furthermore, their retrofitting into existing homes is also ideal as space limitations or budget restrictions make other solutions unsuitable.