Hi hope you can help, ive worked on alarms previously. I suspect our alarm is engineer code changed and locked.  On inspection of the pcb board, the main IC chip looks socketed.  Is it possible to dump the chip, change the engineers code and re flash back, retaining user and aux settings?

 

If not, is it possible to keep all PIR, door contacts etc and install a new unit instead?  Here are some photos of the current installed alarm.  Its suspected to be installed 10 years ago, i believe the company has gone out of business and would prefer to setup and control my alarm system.  Its currently got issues where one of the door contacts failed and after replacing the alarm won't accept it.  After 2 years of the alarm not been set it randomly goes off, suspecting fuse or battery issues.  So ive disconnected all power to the unit until i figure out what to do next.  Thanks    

51 minutes ago, Morganator190 said:

Hi hope you can help, ive worked on alarms previously. I suspect our alarm is engineer code changed and locked.  On inspection of the pcb board, the main IC chip looks socketed.  Is it possible to dump the chip, change the engineers code and re flash back, retaining user and aux settings?

 

If not, is it possible to keep all PIR, door contacts etc and install a new unit instead?  Here are some photos of the current installed alarm.  Its suspected to be installed 10 years ago, i believe the company has gone out of business and would prefer to setup and control my alarm system.  Its currently got issues where one of the door contacts failed and after replacing the alarm won't accept it.  After 2 years of the alarm not been set it randomly goes off, suspecting fuse or battery issues.  So ive disconnected all power to the unit until i figure out what to do next.  Thanks    

If wiring is good, just change panel and keypad and probably bell and probably some detectors 

 

You will end up eventually changing it all lol

 

Options -

CPX from Ebay

595 / 600 + Keypad from ebay

 or replace everything...

 

Edited July 16, 2025Jul 16 by MrHappy

I'd get rid, flaky Risco stuff.

But yes it's totally wireless detection so replace devices too.

 

39 minutes ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

I'd get rid, flaky Risco stuff.

 

I had a bloke not bat an eye lid at replacing a number of 2yr old WiFi access points

 

Asking to replace a 20yr alarms is like I've shat on the floor

 

 

On 16/07/2025 at 10:02, MrHappy said:

 

Options -

CPX from Ebay

595 / 600 + Keypad from ebay

 or replace everything...

 

Thanks if i replace everything. What would recommend for a wireless expandable, monitor solution? 

On 16/07/2025 at 02:05, al-yeti said:

If wiring is good, just change panel and keypad and probably bell and probably some detectors 

 

You will end up eventually changing it all lol

Thanks how could you test if wireing is good?

2 hours ago, Morganator190 said:

Thanks how could you test if wireing is good?

The wiring is only going to the bell, keypad, and wireless expander. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it then testing if the wiring is good is simple. But the fact that you have to ask how would say to me that you dont. 

 

I wouldnt advise replacing the panel over reviving the old Gardtec stuff, its obsolete for a reason.

 

As the panel and detection is all wireless, the best solution is to replace it with similar. You could DIY it if you are feeling brave enough (what could possibly go wrong?) . Or you could get a company in to do it properly for you.

Thank you for that.  Any recommendations on what system to replace it with?  Thanks 

I'd assume app rather then monitor ?

 

I'd probably use a Orisec CP20 + The Keypad with the big display, wireless access point on the panel, orsiec radio devices & pyronix deltabell

 

Or a Texecom  64-w + blue lcdp + radio devices, smartcom + deltabell

 

Or a euro 76, radio zem, wireless wifi card, euro keypad, euro radio devices & a deltabell

 

Orisec is probably cheapest equipment cost & euro the dearest,