Assimilating Radionics alarm systems when you buy or inherit a home can be quite the surprise! By simply learning its arm/disarm code and consulting user manuals (see links below), many can be used as is or with some basic programming adjustments. Command 4 can often stop beeping keypads while other numbers provide diagnostic functions like bypassing faulted zones.
Features
Radionics alarm systems, now part of the Bosch Security Systems line, traditionally employed a consistent format for system commands that would enable arming/disarming, programming functions, and panic alarms. Utilizing these commands on different models of Radionics 8112 alarm panels (and keypads) was relatively straightforward.
Command 7 and 9 are two essential features for homeowners with hardwired Radionics alarm systems that cannot be reprogrammed, because they allow for bypassing individual points to shield a faulted point until service can be scheduled.
The 8112 also comes equipped with a smoke detector reset command that temporarily disconnects power to its two-wire smoke detector loop and reset any sensors that have tripped. For more information about other commands available to the panel and keypad user, refer to your user manuals or manuals of other alarm panels and keypads.
Installation
Radionics alarm panels (such as the 8112 and D6112) use a specific set of commands for functions like arming and disarming, programming functions and panic alarms. Because these commands are consistent across their entire line of panels and keypads, it’s not unusual to inherit one when purchasing a home; provided the default arm/disarm code is known. To determine which model your system belongs to, remove its keypad and perform a Google image search with “control panel model number and keypad.” For detailed instructions you can get detailed instructions within each control panel model’s manual; both products belong to Bosch Security US products’ range.
Troubleshooting
Radionics alarm panels (such as the 6112, D4112 and D1252, D1265) use a series of commands to perform various functions, such as arming/disarming statuses, programming functions and fire or police panic alarms. Most user manuals contain this information. Command 4 recognizes trouble conditions by silence beeping keypads – making this command ideal for general trouble tests of any system.
Command 5, 7, and 9 allow you to selectively bypass or unbypass a faulted zone on the system, such as when there is an intermittent switch failure, misalignment in magnet placement, or some other cause that renders one point unresponsive. Using Command 8 temporarily bypassing an area ensures your system can arm around troubled area until service can be scheduled.
Maintenance
If your alarm panel seems to be acting oddly, make sure its backup battery has enough juice to operate the system. A 24-hour back-up battery should be stored in the front-facing compartment and monitored regularly to make sure it doesn’t overcharge itself.
Replace the panel transformer when necessary. A panel transformer typically appears as a beige box connected to an electrical outlet and can be found by pulling one wire off terminal 1 of your panel in the upper left corner.
Maintaining your alarm system should also include regular maintenance. This involves checking that the backup battery has enough charge, testing sensors and keypads for faults, repairing any wiring problems which might trigger false alarms, as well as cleaning keypad and sensor contacts to avoid them becoming clogged up with dust and grime.
Commands 7 and 9 allow users to bypass or un-bypass individual points on a Radionics security system. Although rarely utilized during new installations, these features can come in handy should one of your points become tripped due to a poor switch or misaligning magnet. Furthermore, Command 8 comes in handy should an area become inoperable due to bad wiring; using it, users can arm their system using keypad and still gain access to areas protected by that zone.
This feature, commonly referred to as the “chime” feature on other alarm panels, will cause all keypads to emit an audible beep when one or more perimeter zones become faulted – from long or short beeps up to rapid chirps – as soon as any of their perimeter zones fail. This serves as an effective way of testing battery backup issues as well as potentially detecting any tampering activity present.
This network programmable option enables the system to connect to networks using an RJ45 connector, but this must first be enabled for use. To do this, set up your host computer using Radionics NetCom System software package D6600 CD-XXXX before configuring and connecting D6680 Network Adapter of your panel itself.