![CO-FA-9B Alarm](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201004-300x169.jpg)
Here’s another domestic CO Alarm, this one a cheaper build than the FireAngel ones usually use, these don’t have a display with the current CO PPM reading, just a couple of LEDs for status & Alarm.
![Rear](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_200957-300x169.jpg)
This alarm also doesn’t have the 10-year lithium cell for power, taking AA cells instead. The alarm does have the usual low battery alert bleeps common with smoke alarms though, so you’ll get a fair reminder to replace them.
![Internals](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201028-300x169.jpg)
Not much at all on the inside. The CO sensor cell is the same one as used in the FireAngel alarms, I have never managed to find who manufactures these sensors, or a datasheet for them unfortunately.
![PCB Top](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201031-300x169.jpg)
The top of the single sided PCB has the transformer for driving the Piezo sounder, the LEDs & the test button.
![PCB Bottom](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201041-300x169.jpg)
All the magic happens on the bottom of the PCB. The controlling microcontroller is on the top right, with the sensor front end on the top left.
![Circuitry Closeup](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201045-300x169.jpg)
The microcontroller used here is a Microchip PIC16F677. I’ve not managed to find datasheets for the front end components, but these will just be a low-noise op-amp & it’s ancillaries. There will also be a reference voltage regulator. The terminals on these sensors are made of conductive plastic, probably loaded with carbon.
![Sensor Cell & Piezo Disc](https://www.experimental-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_20171204_201057-300x169.jpg)
The expiry date is handily on a label on the back of the sensor, the Piezo sounder is just underneath in it’s sound chamber.