Control panel line fault - pyronix alarm

[Dave123456789]

Hi all -

got a fairly old home alarm. 6-7 years perhaps old owner installed but gave me details inc engineer code when sold

it’s gsm only. Not wifi mode.

sadly I did not realise Vodafone expect u to top up AND use the sun within 180’days

I let the alarm run a couple of times to ensure the SIM card texts me to stay “active”

I didn’t top it up however. Cos there was enough money in there!!

so now I get this control line panel fault error.
Any tips on which sim to get l that doesn’t expire!

also - how do you change the SIM card pls can anyone advise??

1. Enter engineer code
2.. open panel unit somehow and Swap sim??

Or is it not that easy!

 

[Handymanjo]

Your best option is to use a prepaid security sim.
These sims do not expire like pay as you go,but you are charged to keep sim alive.
Google security sims,lots of options.
We use secure sim,both 12month pre paid and top up versions and have no problems.

 

[Dave123456789]

Can anybody advise if it’s easy to change??

Ie open panel etc

 

[T1GERIII]

Engineer code
Open panel
Down power battery and mains
Swap sim (plastic holder slides down and out)
Restore power mains and battery.

 

[Dave123456789]

Hi! Thanks for your help! I didn’t do the battery and mains part

I’m not sure what you meant by down?

but I managed to swap the swim and all seems ok…..

but if I should do something with battery / mains pls let me know!

will just top this sim up before every 180 days

 

[secureiam]

Swapping out the sim with it powered up could damage the system or at least the coms module.

 

[Dave123456789]

Ok so what is the easiest way to do this In future?

switch off alarm from consumer unit

And when u open box disconnect the wire that looks like a battery? I saw a few that looked liked broadband style telephone wires ….

hopefully I can keep my sim active this time and never have to change!!!

 

[Handymanjo]

The battery is in a compartment, and you need to unscrew the lid then disconnect by unplugging lead.
What sim card are you now using.

 

[Dave123456789]

And How about the “mains”?

luckily nothing happen this time - just did a straight swap.

I’m using Vodafone cos they sent me a replacement. With pre loaded credit.

still not sure why they deactivate the sim as a text was sent from alarm within the last 180 days. I didn’t top up in this period but shouldn’t have to as I had enough credit!

 

[Handymanjo]

You do not need to top up every 180 days,all you need to do is make the sim text you within the180 day period. Setting the alarm off to send a text will keep sim alive,then top up when credit gets low.

 

[JohnD]

I've had alarms that can be programmed to send a "status" message at intervals, mine were set to "daily," during the night, a Galaxy, and now a Texecom Premier Elite. I find it a bit irritating to see these calls on the phone bill.

i don't know how it's done, presumably in the engineer or installation settings.

If it could be set to do it weekly, that would keep your SIM alive.

I have a Virgin PAYG in a carphone that is used very infrequently, though it connects every time the car is started. Only needs topping up once or twice a year.

My BIL lives in Australia and has a PAYG Tesco mobile for his trips to UK, it certainly lasts around a year as he has a boat here.

 

[Dave123456789]

You do not need to top up every 180 days,all you need to do is make the sim text you within the180 day period. Setting the alarm off to send a text will keep sim alive,then top up when credit gets low.

I did this - it sent me a text as recently as July - when I purposely let it ring out to test

yet by august it became de registered

Very annoying