Convenience Store Buzzer System

[HotConductor]

I frequently get called to convenience stores that have a buzzer/bell system that requires troubleshooting. The circuits are typically around 16vac with three buzzers and two or three pushbuttons. I have a portable power supply that I carry that I can go around and individually test each buzzer with. Is there some sort of led or signaling type light that I can get to temporarily connect in place of the buzzer. This way I can temporarily wire the pushbuttons together and walk around to see if the light is lit. It's too annoying and loud to leave the buzzers hooked up.

 

[nakulak]

you could probably pull one of the tail light bulbs out of your truck, and if you connect it with the right spot on your tongue you should get the right amount of resistance to make it work right (your helper will have to read the bulb though)

 

[HotConductor]

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln

Practice what you preach

 

[nakulak]

lol point taken. my point was, however, you could probably make your own tool with the right resistor, don't know of a stock tool that does what you want.

 

[LarryFine]

Maybe a wireless doorbell extender? There is a transmitter that attaches to the chime wires, and a receiver that stays with you. I'm not sure if you can find a battery-powered receiver, but it's worth a look.


Is the building so large that you can't hear the buzzers when you touch the button wires together? You might be better off with a helper and a pair of cell-phones or 2-way radios. That's what PJ and I do.

 

[jumper]

Are you looking for low voltage indicator lights like these:
http://www.itcelectronics.com/store.php?cPath=1170_1352
We use these for a variety of situations.

 

[Stallzer]

2 words....RIB Relay 12 bucks a piece and bulletproof, plus it will work on almost any voltage you can throw at it. Don't worry about the contacts, just use it to power the coil and voila....LED turns on

 

[stephens]

Has anyone heard about FireKing's Image Vault, a DVR security system? Check out the article at http://www.csnews.com/csn/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003703543. It would be great if you could share your experiences .