Ian Bingham contacted the V8 Register saying "my RV8 is a 93 car with a VECTA alarm system that uses the remote from the Land Rover/Metro etc. I have two red shafted alarm keys. I need to use one to disarm the alarm before I insert the ignition key. One of the alarm keys does not seem to disarm the alarm when I inset it (into the receiver on the steering column). I need a solution as I am not keen on having just one key available and working. I have checked on line and can’t find VECTA alarms anywhere and the phone number provided on their info which was with the car is no longer them. If anyone can advise who may be able to help I would be most appreciative as I really don’t want to strip out the original alarm just for the want of a key".

Victor Smith responded "I have not heard of this alarm system as it must be a retrofit of a "Thatcham classified" alarm or immobiliser, frequently required by some insurers. That requirement is sadly wholly unnecessary as the Factory fitted system is very good and accepted by the special RV8 insurance policies arranged by Peter Best Insurance Services." He then contacted fellow members with an electrical/electronic background for their help.

Peter Garton said he had found an address but did not know whether it's the correct one: Vecta (Malvern) in Malvern, Worcestershire - Tel: 01684 564946.

Nic Houslip responded to Ian Bingham's question on VECTA alarms saying " I have searched extensively and can find very few references to VECTA alarms, although they seem to date from the early 90s according to a few links to bulletin boards and owners' forums. They seem to have been fitted to an Audi and Metro, both with similar problems.

I would suggest that the best course of action for Ian might be to make contact with a local car electric specialist - one who installs alarms - to find someone who might be able to help. From the little I gleaned they are powered by small lithium cells, probably CR2016, and it may be that these have failed. Lithium cells have very low self discharge when unused and can last many years, but eventually do fail.

I did a quick search and found the following companies as possible sources of help.
Abacus Alarms in London
Sparks Auto Electrical in Bristol
Autolek in London