Optimates and Alarms

I have an optimate.

I have a bike with a Datatool Veto Evo alarm/immobiliser which has a
tendency to drain the battery in a few weeks[1]

But, if I connect the Optimate up to the bike, the Alarm goes off as it
detects something "tampering" with the battery. So, in order to stop my
alarm draining the battery, I have to disarm (service mode) the alarm
to charge the battery - kinda defeating the point in having an alarm.

Am I missing something?

[1] the non-Datatool alarm/immobiliser on one of my other bikes seems
to have no real impact on the battery.

 

The System 3 I have doesn't mind the optimate - but I do recall the Veto
being a bit pants in comparison.

I wonder what the 'super duper'[1] System 4 will be like.


[1] not my words.

 

Never had a problem with my Oximiser and System 3 alarm.

 

I don't know, but I had a Veto Evo on my Kawasaki,
which didn't mind the optimate being connected.

 

Is the alarm definitely signalling that the *battery* is being tampered
with?

Just a thought, but if you're charging the battery in-situ, do you leave the
seat off, and the seat tamper switch could be to blame? Or if you replace
the seat, do the cables push the seat up a bit and trip the seat tamper
switch?

 

so, a different alarm, and a different battery charger has different
results.

Thanks for that.

 

I think what he meant to say was: "buy porn".

 

Have you tried asking the manufacturers?
http://www.datatool.co.uk/productB.asp?ProductID=243
http://www.accumate.co.uk/it010003.html

The Datatool troubleshooting page says about the alarm being spiked
when a battery is replaced - but that doesn't sound like the problem
you have.

 

the what tamper switch?

If such a thing exists, then that might well be the problem - I had
been leaving the seat off.

 

I've got that combo and I don't have to disable the alarm to charge.
Then again, my Optimate's fairly fuggered and doesn't appear to do the
full monitoring thing with the Red/Orange/Green light combo. It just
shows a random colour or none IYSWIM. Seems to be keeping up the
charge (at circa 14 volts) when stick a volt meter accross the
terminals during a charge.

Perhaps it's an incorrectly fitted alarm, wired to a "similar"
datatool pattern?

Not that any of this is a fat lot of use to you ...

 

There's usually a microswitch connected into the alarm which clicks open
when the seat is removed. Typically it would look like a thin strip of
springy metal with a small (<1 inch) box underneath and a tiny contact
switch poking upwards. Designed to stop scrotes lifting off your seat and
tampering with the alarm control box/sounder.

Ok, simple test. Replace seat. Place key in seat lock. Arm alarm and wait 30
secs. Gently remove seat. If alarm goes off, you have a seat tamper switch!

 

darsy says...

There's your problem. I have to tape mine closed if the battery is on
the optimate with the seat off.

 

I know what a microswitch looks like, it just hadn't occured to me to
look for one on the riders seat, though I guess in theory it's the
easier seat to get at, as it doesn't need a key to remove, just two
allen-head bolts. Of course, the alarm control box/sounder is under the
pillion seat...

switch!

I'll give it a go - ta.

 

you just tape the microswitch down? That would seem easier than trying
to fit the seat back on with the charger clamps in place.

I suppose a longer term solution would be to fit lighter-style socket
somewhere available without removing the seat at all.

 

darsy says...

Optimate sell a charging lead[1] with the correct plug already fitted.
You simply screw it to the battery terminals and mount the
weatherproofed socket in an easy to reach place outside the bodywork,
such as cable-tied to a seat subframe rail. They cost about 4 quid from
HG or any Optimate stockist. Make sure you get the right sized one
though, I have an Oximiser charger and an Optimate lead, they don't
match.

[1] I'm pretty sure they come in the box with a new Optimate, but ICBW

 

fitted.
[snip]

Yeah I know, I have one from when I had the R1150GS - I just need a
socket.

 

darsy says...

What socket? The Optimate lead has the correct one to fit the charger
plug. BMW use a different type of plug/socket for their accessory socket
fitment, it's like a mini ciggie lighter.

 

yes, I know. I have a lead that connects my Optimate to a BMW style
mini ciggie lighter. So, I need a mini ciggie lighter socket to fit to
my 'blade.

 

At the risk of rushing in without actually knowing exactly what it is
you're on about, what about a couple of banana plugs?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44099&TabID=1&source=15
&WorldID=&doy=15m2

Which you will plug into these:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=34720&TabID=1&source=15
&WorldID=&doy=15m2

 

actually, to for the minimum of fannying around, I'm going to order one
of these:

http://www.accumate.co.uk/it020004.html

and have the free end available between the seat and the subframe.