Testing video:
As you can hear, this alarm sounds just like the SA76RS.
Wow!! Very cool. So now I know part of the reason there is that mysterious “test socket” on some SA76RS boards: For accessories. Interestingly enough, my Smoke/First Alert branded SA76RS does not have a test socket. There is just a blank space on the board with holes where one would go. I used to think a vacuum tube plugged into it.
This makes me wonder if there was ever a Smoke Alert/First Alert SA76RS with a heat sensor.
Just saw the testing video now. A familiar sound. Lol these detectors tend to “fart” when you press the test button after you take the battery out.
Actually, the battery clip/prongs on the alarm are very difficult to get the battery in. It took me 5 minutes to get that battery snapped right in to place.
I’m sure we’ve all seen the Seymour Smoke video from around '96. The talking smoke alarm that resembles a BRK 1839N. If you haven’t, here you go.
I was browsing some smoke alarm videos, when I discovered that the sound effect played in this video when Seymour “smells” smoke sounds very similar to the Honeywell TC49A smoke alarm. The pitch is just dropped a few semitones. I knew the TC49A brought back memories when I heard it’s unique sound.
Here’s a vid of a TC49A (courtesy of benson41011):
My grandpa moved into a new house today, And look what he gave me that he found in it!:
It’s a 1st Gen First Alert SA67D, with the larger cover and the old sensor. It’s labelled as SA76RD, though.
Nice. The models with the old sensor are hard to find. I have one (SA76RD) that’s almost identical, but it has the newer sensor.
Here’s the testing video:
One thing I noticed is that even though the covers are so different in size, the bases are (almost) exactly the same. So I can swap covers with my 2nd gen SA67D or one of my SA90LT units and it will fit perfectly.
Ah, the familiar sound of an SA67D. This one has a lower pitch than any others I’ve heard.
Compare to my new sensor style SA76RD, and my 83R (small cover), and there’s a noticeable difference:
The sensors are very different, but I know that they are still used today in First Alert’s SA303. I think they switched to the black sensor because they were cheaper to make.
this was at my grandmas house. Any idea on model or when it was made? I’m assuming 80’s, when the house was built. And sorry couldn’t resize, I’m on mobile and couldn’t bring my laptop.
It’s possible. Or maybe for reliability purposes.
Here’s an interesting fact about BRK smoke alarms that use the SA67D circuit board (The little rectangular board):
-The test button circuit is very sensitive. If you place your left pointer finger on the top of the metal test tab on the circuit board, and your right pointer finger anywhere on the sensing chamber, the alarm will sound.
I also tested this with my SA76RS, and it’s circuitry is not sensitive enough to detect current passing through the human body. It only responds to a big short (Metal to metal contact). I wonder if the SA76RC is any different.
Also, these detectors can sometimes “chirp” up to a minute after you take the battery out! It can be very startling. The detector can be discharged after unplugging the battery so it won’t chirp, by pressing the test button. The detector will quietly chirp and it will be discharged.
That smoke alarm is a later First Alert SA67D. It was made in the early-mid 90’s, after First Alert changed the design from the traditional style to what I like to call the “smiley face” style, as you have here.
Also, I discovered that just a few months ago when testing one of my SA90LT units, the jumper wasn’t pushed down all the way and part of my finger was on the sensor, and the alarm sounded.
An interesting thing for anyone with a First Alert SA76RS or any rebrand or variant with the squealer horn: if you touch the test button (the metal part, not the clear plastic part) and then touch the sensor, the horn will sound. BUT if you touch the horn while doing this, the alarm will NOT sound! I believe it has something to do with the horn’s metal housing being conductive. I figured this out while testing my Sears.
Actually, this design only dates back to 1998 or so. They were phasing out the old ringed cover in favor of the smiley face cover in the late 90’s.
My SA76RS does not sound when you touch the test button and sensor at the same time. I expected it would. Maybe certain models are more sensitive than others, because mine will never sound unless you fully press the test button, or blow smoke into it.
One thing I’ve found with those 1st gen sensor SA76RD’s/SA67D’s is that they false to easy. Maybe because the openings are larger so more dirt and dust can enter. But those sensors are rare indeed.
I know! I was sitting on my bed last night and the battery was in my SA76RD and it randomly went off. My mom yelled at me 
Also, I have a feeling that the SA76RD was an intro model to the SA67D from the SA76RC, just like how the SA80FD was an intro model to the SA67D from the SA80FC. All they did was replace the C with D.
Now my SA76RD won’t STOP going off! It goes off right when you put the battery on. I vacuumed it out, and it still does that.
Oh man. Sounds like a pain grande! My later model sensor SA76RD (Black plastic chamber) sometimes keeps going off after you press the test button. To stop it, I have to blow gently into the sensing chamber. It then resets itself. Oh well. I got it used.
Here’s a video I made demonstrating this problem (This video is supposed to be an open flame test video, but my SA76RD decided to act up on camera.)
SA76RS vs the SA76RD (BIC Lighter Flame Test).
I tried blowing into the sensor, but it made it chirp really fast, so now it sounds more like a GE 8201-401!