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DaveSwain · Mar 23, 2012, 11:17 AM

Recently tried adding a PK5501 key panel to a DSC1832 system that was working just fine with a RFK5500 panel. I ended up with the original panel locked out because all it would do was give me the message "Partition 8 not available". The distribtor AARteck offered to correct the problem if I returned the key panel. They did work on the unit but now it tells me "partition 2 is not available". I was hoping someone could help me correct this problem as I would like to taking everything apart and pay shipping cost.

Stratmando · Mar 24, 2012, 08:32 AM

I would default the panel to default settings, sounds like you may have a problem enrolling Keypads. If this is 1 system, you need to program first keypad as Partition 1, Slot 1, second keypad would be partition 1, slot 2 and so on. If using for multiple families or separate system then you partition.
How many keypads and partitions do you have, need?
After you enroll keypads, expanders, receivers, you need to go to location 902, then 903 to see if the panel sees the devices.

DaveSwain · Mar 24, 2012, 11:43 AM

I just have the two keypads,RFK5500 at the front entrance, PK5501 at the rear. I had the impression I could clear the problem from the failing panel.
The 5501 is working fine. It did give me a trouble code of 5 after doing a hardware reset but that cleared after running 902. The 903 routine gives a "1" followed by a "2". This is what I expected so was disappointed to find the same error message.
I tried following your instrutions you provided collins5 for setting the partitions and got as far as going to the failing keypad In my case it won't let me do anything. Is there any way I can set the partition for the failing unit from the one that is operational. Wish the other keypad was the one failing. Its' not nearly as friendly.

Stratmando · Mar 25, 2012, 07:05 AM

After the 903, are you saying it is showing KP1 and KP2?
If both keypads access the same area, don't mess with partitions, just
Enter 11 for kp1 and 12 for kp2.
The LED and ICON KP are a little confusing, unless familiar with reading the numbers/lights. The Alpha is for sure the best most accurate way to program.
Try powering down(remove ac and battery for about 10 seconds), plug back in, you will have a trouble light telling you to reset time/date.
Now exactly what happens at each keypad, are you able to get a ready light and arm?

DaveSwain · Mar 25, 2012, 02:33 PM

I entered 11 & 12 on the working panel powered the system down and back on after a few seconds. I did get a code 5 on power up so ran the 902 supv'r reset again. Ran 903 again and now I only get the digit 2 showing on the panel. But the panel does show green with no alarm light. Went back to failing panel and still getting same message. Then I tried holding down the # key again and this time I went through with the setting partition that was prompted. I was quite surprised then the panel came active showing a green rdy and a message "Ready to Arm. Before getting to carried away I checked the other panel(5501) to make sure it was OK and it was good. The bad news was the 5500 is now locked again. I thoght perhaps the 5501 is causing the problem so powered down and took it off the system bd. Powered back up and found the 5500 would come active again if I went through the same # key routine again. I should mention that the message about partion 2 not available is no longer coming up. I just get a row of 1 through 8 across the screen with R below the 1. Once the panel is in use it stays active, but if I leave it for a few minutes it goes back to the lockup again. I could only think of one thing to check and that was did I screw up the code 000 so I reentered that from the panel and sure enough I had a 01 for partition 1 instead of 11. Now the panel stays active so I put the other 5501 back on and so far eveything looks good. A big thank you for helping me get through this ordeal.

Stratmando · Mar 26, 2012, 05:11 AM

Keep your fingers crossed.
If you didn't use EOL's, you will need to change to No EOL's in programming.

DaveSwain · Mar 26, 2012, 05:30 AM

I do have resistors in the zones, since they came with the orignal kit. Thought they were a good idea since my original home made system used relays which were almost too much load for the reed contacts in the magnetic switchs. Thanks again.

Stratmando · Mar 31, 2012, 06:16 PM

I don't remembering ever checking difference of EOL and no EOL Load, I was thinking they may have onboard EOL's that are switched in or out(shunted) depending on programming, if so, current woud be the same. Testing would verify.

Double EOL's which this panel can do would require even more resistors, more logic switching.