dead siren output suggestions?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=121203
Printed Date: May 21, 2024 at 2:57 PM

Topic: dead siren output suggestions?

Posted By: hemidak
Subject: dead siren output suggestions?
Date Posted: April 06, 2010 at 10:59 PM

DEI model: 554R alarm/RS
Problem: dead siren output

After relocating my Valet 554R alarm/RS I decided to add my emergency light flasher as an output when the alarm is triggered. For four years the siren output has powered an exterior and interior Revenger siren with no relay. After diode isolating the siren output from the 12V+ switch to the flasher module it no longer works. Apparently this was just too much juice for it to handle, and to think I was going to use a relay first. posted_image

The light flasher and sirens all tested fine. The siren output tests dead when the alarm is triggered, even after a hard reset. Everything else on the alarm works. I pulled the brain out of it's shell, and something small is browned (not sure what it is, but it's not a capacitor, resistor, or diode). Though I can't figure out what it is, I can only assume it's part of the siren output circuit.

Since my 554R has been discontinued for some time now, I cannot find a used one to replace mine. I also cannot find a definitive list of what is closest in capability. It seems my only options are to either wait around for a used brain to show up on ebay sometime, or to buy a new system and install it.

I would like to avoid buying a new system, and would prefer to buy something older that is compatible with what I have now and do a little wiring if I have to. Getting a replacement brain would be ideal if I could find one.

Suggestions?

Replies:

Posted By: t&t tech
Date Posted: April 07, 2010 at 8:14 PM

Do you have a parking light output on the unit?

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COMMIT YOUR WAY TO JEHOVAH AND HE WILL ACT IN YOUR BEHALF. PSALMS 37:5

Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: April 07, 2010 at 8:39 PM

what did you have in mind t&t?

do dei units have programmable outputs for example changing a wire function to something else via bitwriter?

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Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert

Posted By: t&t tech
Date Posted: April 07, 2010 at 8:44 PM

Well not exactly ted!

However in the years i've seen siren outputs go bad, (and customers don't wanna buy a new brain) what i do is diode the output of the parking light wire to feed the siren and if the unit has the option programme the parking light flash to constant if not i leave it as pulsed!

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COMMIT YOUR WAY TO JEHOVAH AND HE WILL ACT IN YOUR BEHALF. PSALMS 37:5

Posted By: blanx218
Date Posted: April 07, 2010 at 9:04 PM

or you could use the blue (-) 2nd status wire aka ground when running and a normally closed relay on the siren to interupt it while remote start is active. if programmed to pulsed parking lights the siren will chirp every 5 secs when running.

pin 85 - ground when running

pin 86 - +12v

pin 87a - siren side of red siren wire

pin 30 - Brain side of red siren wire

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: April 07, 2010 at 9:19 PM

Is there a component name silk screened on the circuit board next to the Browned device? If so, what is the letter in front of the number?

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 2:26 AM

Can you take a picture of the damaged component? I would assume it is either a resistor or a transistor. At the component level it shouldn't take much to fix it.

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: hemidak
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 11:57 AM

t&t - Yes, it does have a programmable parking light output. Thanks for the idea, and I think I will try that route.

KPierson - I was thinking I might be able to get it fixed as well, as long as I bring it to someone who knows and can work on things on that level. I will try to get a picture of it today or tomorrow.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help so far.

Posted By: t&t tech
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 4:46 PM

Yes mr blanx we are thinking along the same lines, if you are going that route mr hemidax here's what you do

Pin 87a - siren positive wire

Pin 30 - parking light feed

Pin 86- ignition

Pin 85 - GWR (blue/white wire from unit)

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COMMIT YOUR WAY TO JEHOVAH AND HE WILL ACT IN YOUR BEHALF. PSALMS 37:5

Posted By: hemidak
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 8:06 PM

Main board:
posted_image

Quarter where damaged:
posted_image

Close-up:

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 8:26 PM

Looks like a burnt resistor to me. DEI likes to use very small resistors on their outputs to pretty much act like a fuse. In many cases the max current going through the resistor is well over the max current the resistor can safely handle.

Try this - Test continuity between the siren output wire and both sides of the burnt component. If you find one side is common with the siren output solder a small jumper wire to the OTHER side of the resistor and test voltage on that wire with the alarm going off. If the wire reads 12vdc when the alarm is going off then replacing the burnt component will fix the issue. If there isn't 12vdc on the wire you need to find what feeds that burnt component - it's most likely a pin on the right side of one of the ULN2003As

If the burnt component isn't connected to the siren output at all test resistance between the siren output pin and the pins on the ULN2003As and see if you can find what output pin drives the siren. You may also be able to follow traces to find where the signal goes.

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Kevin Pierson

Posted By: blanx218
Date Posted: April 08, 2010 at 11:07 PM

Or if your that worried about it send the unit back to DEI. Every one of their products has a lifetime warranty and will be replaced at no cost. You'd have to go without the unit for 2-3 weeks but it would resolve all the issues as easy as pie!!!

Posted By: hemidak
Date Posted: April 09, 2010 at 12:15 AM

Awesome information guys! Thanks again, I really appreciate it. I will post what I figure out.

Posted By: tedmond
Date Posted: April 09, 2010 at 6:01 AM

blanx they will only replace it if you are a dealer or certified dei installer

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Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert

Posted By: blanx218
Date Posted: April 09, 2010 at 11:19 AM

I am both a dealer and certified installer. I send back stuff whenever needed and I'm sure there would be someone like myself in his area to do the same. There will be a shipping charge but its better than causing more wiring headaches or further damage to the unit