What does bad answer mean on simplex fire panel

Bad answer on a simplex fire alarm panel means that more than one device has the same address.

this is an addressable panel and each device on the initiating loop (id-net or map-net) has a unique address.

if you remove a device you will get a no-answer. if you just remove the head, you will get a head-missing.

if you have 2 or more devices with the same address, you will get a bad-answer.

the easiest way to find the offending device is to remove the one that you know is supposed to be in that address (the location should be on the label) and then test devices until you find the one that says it is that device.

remove this device or set the address correctly and you are all good.

Lets say you have two m3-1 disconnect the one you know is the right address and location wise go to the panel look up m3-1 press more info and look for turn led on device ON and walk and look for the solid red led ..... NO THANKS NEEDED