IDM4 alarm

[Daitha]

Hello I'm hoping someone can help. I am a very new caravan owner. and looking to get insurance very soon but wanted to make sure the alarm system worked before stating the alarm was working.
I reset the alarm to factory default and tested the I.R all was fine. when alarming the systems as per the manual the lights come on both tilt and sensor but the manual states that "2 short bursts of the alarm will be heard at the end of the exit delay. This didn't happen. Any ideas why anyone. Thanks in anticipation Daitha.

 

[timhowarduk]

Random thoughts..having also read the manual.
If you enter the caravan when armed does the siren work then?
I would try entering your code, pressing 2 and 3 to disable tilt and tow sensors, then F.
If that works, narrow down which sensor is causing it not to arm.
Also worth checking the battery charge level test as per the manual.
(I note there is a phone number in the manual - you could try it! 01482 659309)

 

[Daitha]

Thanks for the reply.
After posting I tried the alarm and it worked ok so it seems that the 2 short beeps were not necessary. The battery seems ok on test it gave 3 beeps = 3 months. I just wish I could locate the battery. I will keep looking but due to a disability it may be a case of waiting for my son in law to come and search...

 

[chrisn7]

3 beeps is quite short, you get up to 9 with a new battery. These batteries are like small versions of those in house alarms, and the non Li ion batteries of that time have a life of about 5 to 7 years.
If you have discovered where to plug in the separate battery charger, then you have also found the battery location. Unscrew from its mountings and unplug.
Unlike later systems, the unit containing the battery is pop-riveted together, so these have to be drilled out and re-riveted afterwards (or you could use small screws and nuts). Once you have it apart it will probably be a Yuasa battery which is readily available on line for a few pounds.
Note this wet type of battery is supposed to remain charged, not discharged then re charged like a leisure battery, as allowing it to go flat will reduce its life. So its ok for perhaps 3- 4 months, but then get it charged. Its quite an easy cheap fix to replace the battery.

 

[Daitha]

Thanks for the info. It will be a few weeks before my son in law arrives then we will have a good look for the battery.
Does the alarm battery have a dedicated charger or do you just charge it with a normal 12 volt car charger. Assuming I can locate it, it seems prudent to replace with a new one. Do you know if it is interchangeable with a LI ion.

 

[chrisn7]

The alarm box has its own charger - quite a large one by todays standards, and is mains powered - IIRC the battery is around 6 volts. There isn't much point in changing the type of battery - I had my old van 15 years and changed its battery twice in that time. An Lion battery will probably far more expensive, and you would have to locate a compatible charger.
Look for the alarm box, not a battery on its own - probably under a bunk or cabinet and screwed to the floor.

 

[Daitha]

Thanks . I think I may have located it, will wait for son in law to arrive as it looks very awkward to get to.

 

[GStockton]

The Battery you require is a sealed lead acid type. 12 volt 1.2 ah nothing else will fit Try googling Yuasa np 12 1.2 for a picture, it is located in the silver floor mounted alarm box. There is a jack plug socket on this box were the external charger plugs in.If you can't find the proper one. you will need one with a 13.8 volt 1 amp output

 

[Daitha]

Thanks for your answers. I have located the box but am a little confused as their is no external jack plug, is it possible that some of these chargers have a permanent charge.? I am hoping to get the box removed in the next few days so hopefully will have more info then.. Daitha.