Alarm issues

[colinm]

Could it be part of the function of alarm that it sounds off due to low voltage, that might explain why the lights don't work until you trigger it.

 

[Herman]

Maybe not enough current to engage the relay for the lights?

There's enough current because if I trigger the alarm by opening the hab door without isolating the alarm the lights flash.

 

[merl]

There's enough current because if I trigger the alarm by opening the hab door without isolating the alarm the lights flash.

Probably just a quirk of the electronics. That sort of weird stuff happens all the time with 'tronics when they're asked to function outside of their normal operating range.

 

[r4dent]

If you've got a couple of hundred watts of solar or more then you'll probably be able to keep both batteries topped up over winter without using the EHU. Y

Depends on where you are (see table below) and what devices are on.

e.g. in Aberdeen you will get about 10ah per day which will support an average draw of less than 0.5 amp.
whereas those overwintering in Marbella will be getting over 4 times this.

 

[merl]

Depends on where you are and what devices are on.

Don't matter where your geographic location is if you're under a tree...
Or in a garage.

 

[r4dent]

Don't matter where your geographic location is if you're under a tree...
Or in a garage.

In which case

If you've got a couple of hundred watts of solar or more then you'll probably be able to keep both batteries topped up over winter without using the EHU. Y

doesn't apply.

Also, solar doesn't work well if you park upside down.

However, if you park sensibly then geographic location does impact solar output.

 

[barge1914]

Had the same problem with our Phantom alarm recently. According to Phantom the microwave part of the alarm system is typically very sensitive to low temperature fluctuations. If it’s persists in triggering they suggested putting it in pet mode which turns off the ultrasound but still sets the perimeter. (Press the button again after 5 seconds). Tried that and it worked. A few degrees warmer now and it’s working properly again.