python 991 1st lost

I figured, how hard could it be...  :-)  Famous last words, right?

I'm trying to do my first install of an alarm into my enclosed car trailer.  I thought I could just power/ground the unit, connect the control center, siren & 508D radar and get the basic functionality of the unit.  I guess I was wrong.  Unit does nothing once powered.  Guessing I'm missing piece(s) of the puzzle.

I'm hoping someone could take mercy on me and give me some pointers on what I might be missing and/or how to best educate myself.

Are there other connections the box wants to see before it goes into operation (obviously, most of the functions/connections are not relevant for a trailer)?  Or, once powered, is there something I'm supposed to do to "turn on" the alarm?

Sorry if I'm not giving enough info here.  Honestly don't know where to start.  But, trailer does have dedicated on-board 12v battery with charger.

Many thanks!  - Skip

If it helps, below is a pic of the trailer.  Just a big metal box...

It should power up with power and ground, 12v+ and 0v. First check these then the antenna and the remotes.

Thank you howie II!

Knowing it "should" work, I went back and checked all the connectors were properly seated and wiggled the wires within the connectors (both for at least the forth time) and sure enough, something was not seated/connected properly.  I now have the basics of the alarm operational.  Again, just that bit of knowledge was a huge help and thanks again!

Kind of worries me that the connectors are that finicky.  Of well.

Now that that's over, I'm going to work on a plan on what/how to hook up in trailer (it's still on my bench at this moment).  I plan on posting the plan here with the hopes folks might "sanity check" before I go too far.

Thank again. 

- Skip

One thing I noticed while on the bench...

The 508D "seems" to have a pretty short range.  I have to walk within 3 feet or so of the sensor to trigger.  That with both sensors set to (I believe) full sensativity (fully clockwise).  Is that normal?

From what I can tell, the adjustment screw are adjustable exactly 1/2 turn each... just making sure I don't need to turn harder to get them more sensative (i.e. scared to turn more for fear of breaking).

Thanks!  - Skip

A 508d is going to be blocked by the metal body of the unit as will your remote reception range. If you bench tested it the results won't be the same as in a vehicle with glass windows. You would be better served with just a trigger (pin switch) on the door(s).

Yes, I do plan on using pin switches on the side door and rear ramp/door.  Unfortunately, in my area, it's all too common for this type of trailer to be enetered using an axe or saws-all and going right through the side.  Therefore, I wanted motion inside the trailer.

If I were adding the 508D (motion), 507M (tilt) and 506T (glass break) to the system, do I add all three to the "Optional Mux Port" (using diodes) - thus having all three on the same zone?  Or, is there a way to seperate the zones somehow?  I see no other "inputs" options.  It would be nice to see which one was triggering an alarm - for fine tuning false alarms.

Thanks,

Skip

Yes use diodes on the blues and greens, a glass break will be a waste of money on the trailers, where is the glass? The actual trick is to power up each individually then test. Incidentally 2 more problems:- Where will you put the antenna to receive it's signal? The 508d will be useless, again inside of the metal box. Go with setting up the shock sensor properly.