What do the TCH-B200 error codes mean?
The TCH-B200 shows bAt for a low battery and E0 to E6 for address programming and device read faults.
Direct answer
The TCH-B200 ESP hand-held programmer displays bAt when the battery is running low, and E0 to E6 when it cannot program or read a device. E0 means the address you entered is above the maximum the programmer allows for the device that is fitted; E1, E2 and E4 mean the programmer cannot see a device; E3 and E5 mean the device answered incorrectly or could not be read; E6 means an analogue level reading failed. Check that the device is seated on the three locating pips, or that the correct programming lead is fitted, before assuming the device or the programmer is faulty.
Applies to
- Products / Models: TCH-B200, PL-2 and PL-3 programming leads. Reads and sets addresses on the Hochiki ESP range: analogue sensors (ALN, ATJ, ACB, ACC, ACD), HCP manual call points, the CHQ-SIM, CHQ-SOM and CHQ-POM modules, the CHQ-ARI remote indicator, CHQ-AB, CHQ-CB and CHQ-WB beacons, CHQ-WS2, CHQ-WSB2, YBO-BS and YBO-BSB/BSB2. The boxed CHQ modules (CHQ-DZM, CHQ-DIM2, CHQ-DSC2, CHQ-DRC2, CHQ-MRC2 and CHQ-SZM2) are addressed with the 8-bit DIL switch on the module itself and cannot be read or programmed with the TCH-B200.
- Firmware / Version: Not applicable
- Region: Not applicable
- Standards: Not applicable
Error and status messages
| Display | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| bAt | Low battery voltage should be suspected. The programmer still has enough battery life for approximately 3,000 address setting operations. | Fit a new PP3 size heavy-duty battery. A new battery gives capacity for up to 8,000 operations. |
| E0 | You are attempting to program an address above the maximum the programmer will accept for the device that is fitted. On an ESP sensor that maximum is 127. | Check the address against the device that is fitted. The programmer identifies the device type when you switch it on with the device located on it or the programming lead connected, so nothing has to be set to reach an address above 127. The programmer will accept an address above 127 on a sounder, but that does not mean the address may be used. A CHQ-WS2 or CHQ-WSB2 wall sounder must be addressed from 1 to 127; its installation instructions say so, and its data sheet adds that although the programmer will accept 128 and above, addresses 1 to 127 ONLY should be used. A YBO-BS or YBO-BSB2 base sounder is normally addressed by the control panel, which stores the address of the fitted sensor plus 127, giving 128 to 254; set it by hand only from 1 to 127, and only when it is used on its own as a wall sounder with a cap fitted. A legacy CHQ-BS reaches 128 to 254 the same way, through the panel in base sounder mode. Addresses above 127 may not be visible at the panel, depending on how the panel implements them. See How do I program a new address into a device? for the ranges and How do I change the polling mode of a device? for the programmer's configuration menu, and always check the individual device and control panel instructions. |
| E1 | You are attempting to program an address with no sensor connected. | Check that the device is fitted to the programmer, or that the programming lead is plugged into the remote programming socket on the TCH-B200 and into the device. |
| E2 | The programmer cannot find a device when you switch it on. | Check that the three locating tabs on the device line up with the grooves in the programmer, and that the correct lead is fitted for devices that need one. |
| E3 | Non valid response from the ESP sensor. | Refit the sensor and switch the programmer off and on again. If E3 persists, contact technical support. |
| E4 | The programmer cannot find a device when you try to store an address. | The same checks as E2. A call point or a mini-module needs a programming lead, which is ordered separately — see Can I address mini-modules and call points? |
| E5 | Device read error. | Refit the device and try again. If E5 persists with the device correctly located, contact technical support. |
| E6 | Failure during an analogue level reading. | See How do I read a device's analogue value? |
A is not an error. Pressing the centre key with a sensor fitted displays A, for analogue value, followed by the sensor's analogue level. The value updates continuously for up to 3 minutes, or until you press the right key to switch the unit off.
When to contact technical support
Contact Hochiki Europe technical support if E3 or E5 persists with the device correctly located and the correct programming lead fitted, if E1, E2 or E4 is displayed on a device that is known to be good, or if a bAt message persists after a new PP3 battery has been fitted.
Safety note
This article is general guidance for Hochiki Europe products. Design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and modification of fire detection and alarm systems should be carried out by, or under the responsibility of, a competent person in accordance with the applicable standards (for example BS 5839-1 in the UK). Statutory requirements imposed by the relevant enforcing authority also apply. Always refer to the current product manual and data sheet for the exact model before carrying out any work.
References
Last reviewed: 2026-10-21 — Reviewed by: Hochiki Europe Technical Support