Arrowhead Alarm System - why can't I just do the whole thing myself

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Arrowhead Alarm System - why can't I just do the whole thing myself

SumBodi

48 posts

Geek
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#233649 26-Apr-2018 10:58

Hi guys

New house comes with an Arrowhead Alarm. PCB says the model is ESL V908.12c, and the panel is the KP-ICON-OEM version 2 (I'm reasonably sure).

With the recent power cuts, we switched the whole house off as we hadn't moved in fully yet, so the alarm battery drained and it looks like it forgot its user security code.

I found the user instruction manuals and went a-fiddling, as you do, and now its got an error code ("RFSA") to be exact.. and I don't know any client or installer codes to get into the thing.

To be honest I don't even care about an alarm. I think the things are a nuisance anyway. But if it's going to be there, I'd like full control thank you very much. I also don't like the flashing light saying there's an error.

I contacted Arrowhead who gave me the name of two electricians who would service it, but I don't want to pay a couple of hundred dollars for the privilege.

So.. does anyone know how to actually work this thing fully, or has access to a service manual? Does anyone know the "default" installer code?

Thanks :)

plas

456 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 59

#2002712 26-Apr-2018 11:21

Default installer code is 000000

https://www.aap.co.nz/site/aap/files/Simplified%20Panel%20Manuals/ESL%20KIT%20QUICKFIT.pdf

SumBodi

48 posts

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#2002914 26-Apr-2018 16:33

Thanks! will try it out and post back

Cheers

kryptonjohn

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#2002931 26-Apr-2018 16:40

I'll be alarmed (ahem, thank you) if that installer code works... there's an Arrowhead alarm at our place so must check...

Ge0rge

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#2003047 26-Apr-2018 18:20

You may also find if that code doesn't work, you will be able to "default" the alarm. Generaly done by a jumper on the main board, not at the keypad. I haven't read the manual, but having worked on quite a few others they are often very similar.

It's pretty rare that installers "lock" the ability to default it - however the more unscroupulous will, so that you have to pay them if you want access to it.

richms

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#2003075 26-Apr-2018 19:13

We had an alarm (not that brand) that was locked so it couldnt be defaulted and the cost of a new board taking it to the latest revision was less than the cost of sending the existing board in to service department to have them reset it, so dont overlook that as a posibility since consumer alarm systems are made to be as cheap as possible the parts are also quite inexpensive IMO.

Richard rich.ms

phrozenpenguin

868 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#2003216 27-Apr-2018 07:57

RFSA means "RF Zone Supervise Fail Alarm (RF Zone Supervise Fail Alarm)" according to the manual: https://www.aap.co.nz/site/aap/files/Operating%20Guides//KP-ICON%20OEM%20LCD%20USER%20GUIDE.pdf

Assuming the above code / jumper gets you in you can do everything yourself if you want. If you don't have the codes I don't think paying and alarm person to come out helps..

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SumBodi

48 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#2003664 27-Apr-2018 16:47

I tried the default installer code and no go, also tried the default client code 123 to arm the system and also no go.

Shorted the reset jumper both with the system on and turning the system on from powerless (battery disconnected and mains switch off) - no luck. The RFSA error has disappeared because of the restart.

I can't see a CMOS battery or similar which would keep codes in volatile memory. Not sure how they change the default installer code.

I'm checking with the previous owners whether they gave us the right client code.

Cheers

SumBodi

48 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#2006102 1-May-2018 16:00

Hi all

I have beaten the alarm system and reset it to factory settings. I am happy to share the details as the information is available online if you search for it. I was able to find an installer manual for Arrowhead alarms titled "Elite S Version V9 (8/16 Zone Control Communicator) Installation & Programming Guide". Installer and user codes are held in nonvolatile memory.

In summary there is a way to reset "User Codes, Telephone Numbers, Installer Code & Account Codes" according to this manual. However this does not work if "Installer Lockout" has been activated in which case the Installer Code is needed to reset the alarm.

You will need a small flat head screwdriver, and probably a size 2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the front panel. A way to short the RST jumper is needed, either a conductive wire/screwdriver or a proper jumper short.

So for my ESL V908.12c unmonitored alarm, the following has to be done:

1. Remove the front panel. This may set off a tamper alarm, although it did not for my system.

2. Switch off the alarm from the mains.

3. Disconnect the battery. The easiest way is to remove the red battery wire from the PCB. The flashing LED on the PCB and the keypad should power down, indicating loss of power.

4. Disconnect the tamper (Tmp) connection. On my PCB this is on the bottom row, and third connector from the right. This step might not be needed if the system has activated a tamper alarm - I'm unclear about this.

5. Short the RST jumper which is near the centre of the PCB.

6. Power up the alarm from the mains.

7. After a few seconds the blue LED will start flashing and the keypad will turn on.

8. You will know you have succeeded if either pressing "PROGRAM" then "ENTER" or "PROGRAM" then "000000" then "ENTER" gets you into installer mode. In my case the keypad displayed "IPGM".

9. You can now power down, replace the Tmp connection, reconnect the battery, replace the front panel and turn on the mains. Good to go!

Once you set everything up, you are best to enable installer lockout. If you ever sell the house, then either reset to default, or give your installer code to the new owners.

Cheers

wellygary

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#2006110 1-May-2018 16:09

Another useful thing to do is to print out what you just did, and leave a copy ( along with any new codes) inside the alarm system box, - for the next owner ( or you) in 15 years time,

its highly unlikely any intruder is going to spend the time to go and find the alarm box once they have set it off,