Hired-Hand Emergency Back-Up and Alarms: Alert Alarm III - Manual (Page 5)

Part No. 4801-1201 Rev. 8-99 Alert Alarm III 3
or other devices which would cause false readings. If a sensor is to be run from one building to
another, it is recommended that the connection be made with underground-rated wire buried
between the two structures. This process is to reduce the effects of lightning.
5.8 Power Out
The Power Out alarm indicates that there has been no electricity present on the alarm cordset for at
least one minute. If it is found that there is power at the electrical outlet, the 2 Amp fuse located at
the bottom of the box and nearest the back could be blown.
5.9 Battery Low
The Battery Low alarm source indicates that the battery voltage has dropped below about 11 volts.
If this situation occurs, the operator should set all controls so that the siren will not activate, and
that leave the machine plugged in with the Power ON/OFF switch in the On position for about four
hours. This should recharge the battery. If this doesn’t work the battery is probably bad. In this
case, contact your Hired-Hand dealer for a replacement. Note that it is common for the Battery
Low indicator to be lit if the alarm has sounded for a long time.
5.10 Auxiliary Inputs
The Alert Alarm III is equipped with two auxiliary inputs. These inputs are a closed loop circuit.
On the circuit board located on the door of the alarm enclosure there is a terminal block. Four of
the positions of this terminal block are labeled aux 1, gnd and sig, aux 2, gnd and sig. If at any
time, the connection between the gnd and sig positions are broken, the alarm will sound. When
auxiliary devices are connected to the Auxiliary inputs, the jumper across the sig and gnd terminals
must be removed.
There are many devices on the market that could be used with these inputs. For instance, water
pressure switches, light meters, and thermostats could all be used. In the future, Hired-Hand will
offer several options for these inputs. Section 9 shows how the Farm Hand family of controllers
may be connected to the Alert Alarm III auxiliary inputs.
5.11 Recommendations
Once, again, the temperature sensors should be dropped as low in the house as possible while still
being out of reach of the livestock or poultry. And, as discussed earlier, it is recommended that the
operator press the test button for ten to fifteen seconds at least twice a week to verify the operation
of the alarm as well as to condition the livestock or poultry to the sound of the siren.
Many operators want to mount the siren a long distance from the controller. Sometimes, this is
desirable in order to locate the siren closer to their dwelling, sometimes to get it away from their
animals. The siren which is sent with the alarm uses about one ampere of current and with thin
wire this causes a great deal of voltage drop. This voltage drop, in turn, can cause the siren to
become inoperative as it requires 12 volts. Because of this, if the operator wants to mount the siren
more than 50 feet from the controller, he should use a relay with a 12VDC rated coil to switch
current to his siren. When this is done, the operator must provide a separate battery and charger
for his siren.
6. Trouble-Shooting Your Alarm
6.1 Battery Low
If the battery in the Alert Alarm III gets down to around 11 volts, the battery low alarm condition
will be active. This is very common if the Alarm has sounded for some time. If this situation
exists, the Alarm should be set so that no alarm condition exists, and the battery allowed to
recharge. This may require the operator to disconnect the siren to allow the battery to build back