alarm systems

[bdog]

Anyone know much about alarm systems? We moved into a house that has an alarm left from the previous owner. We don't know any of the codes to it. All the lights / sensors seem to work fine.

We are wanting to activate it in order to get the insurance discount. The Brinks, ADT folks want $30 a month to monitor it which would include them coming out and setting up a new panel.

I searched online and there are tons of monitoring companies that will mointor your system for $10 a month or so. It seems like they cater to people who have had their original alarm contracts run out.

I obviously would like to go with the $10 a month route and save $240 a year but being that I don't know any of the codes to the system I am wondering how it would work.

Would I need to install a new contol panel first?

 

[Teken]

Anyone know much about alarm systems? We moved into a house that has an alarm left from the previous owner. We don't know any of the codes to it. All the lights / sensors seem to work fine.

We are wanting to activate it in order to get the insurance discount. The Brinks, ADT folks want $30 a month to monitor it which would include them coming out and setting up a new panel.

I searched online and there are tons of monitoring companies that will mointor your system for $10 a month or so. It seems like they cater to people who have had their original alarm contracts run out.

I obviously would like to go with the $10 a month route and save $240 a year but being that I don't know any of the codes to the system I am wondering how it would work.

Would I need to install a new contol panel first?

What brand panel is it?

 

[bdog]

The control panel is a detection systems DS7443.

 

[brats.n.harleys]

call the manufacturer of the panel and try to talk to tech support. There should be a reset code or a code to get into programming mode on the panel, where you can set up a new passcode. also try **123, actually push the * button for the first two. that works on many panels to get into programing mode, and if it does you should see an option for pass word. Hope it goes well

 

[bry@n]

We have ADT and I get raped. It's like $35 a month. The only benfit is that they monitor fire, smoke and carbon. That way the dog's have a chance.

 

[lametec]

It would help to know the model of the main alarm box, but chances are your 7443 won't do programming in any case.

 

[1Garageman]

We have an ADT system at our house that was there when we moved in also. It goes off every now and then and I have to hit a button on it, system reset or something.

I'd like to see about getting our house armed also, I called them up and they said the same damn thing, you need our new system, $30 a month.

 

[bdog]

It would help to know the model of the main alarm box, but chances are your 7443 won't do programming in any case.

I looked and the main alarm box is a DS7060

 

[brats.n.harleys]

here is the link to download the user manual for your panel.
http://www.devicemanuals.com/guide/...60-(User-Guide-208-Pages)-==TVRNeU56UXg=.html

 

[lametec]

Direct link to manual: http://www.myalarm.com/manuals_user/DS7060UserManual2.pdf

According to this manual you can program using any keypad. One manual I read saud only the 7447 can do programming.

 

[Teken]

Also normally when a house is purchased from another person that information is usually provided by the previous owner.

Contact your lawyer, to have the previous owner give you a call to confirm the alarm master code, once that is done, change it to what ever you wish.

This is the easiest way for a fast resolution, and also have the cheaper monitoring contract. Can't hurt, can it . . .

 

[nutjob]

You may be at the mercy of the previous alarm monitoring company.
Monitoring companys have their own master code, seperate from the end user master code, that enables them to dial into the panel and/or program from keypad.
Without this code some panels allow you to factory default and start over.
Not sure on this model if that is true.

The old monitor company should set the code to something and let you know what that is and than the new monitoring company can take it over. Or, you use the old monitoring company for your needs.

But you should try to get the codes from old owners if possible.

STAY away from ADT, big rip off.

 

[Teken]

STAY away from ADT, big rip off.

At one point in time they were very good, now in 2010, not so much. . .

 

[rwhite692]

Frontpoint / Alarm.com

 

[epmills]

Take a look around the house and see if it would even be worth it-They may just have the front door wired, or maybe they went all out and every door/window is monitored along with smoke and carbon detectors. If it was just 1 door, would it really be worth 30/month to let you know the front door has been open? FYI I saved about 10% with State Farm when I had an alarm with smoke detector installed.

 

[sctattooer]

Brinks is what we have, and couldn't be happier. When the installer came to install the basic setup, which was the $99 deal, it was supposed to have 2 entry doors, one motion detector, siren and battery backup. We upgraded a bit. A siren and motion detector in every room except bath, glass break sensors, dual battery backup instead of one, and cellular dialing, to prevent the alarm from being disconnected from the monitoring service in the event of the phone line being cut. In the event of an alarm, they call my cell phone and allow only 2 rings, if I dont answer within 2, they call the authorities.


The only time the cops ever came to the house, the response time was 7 minutes. I pay 45 bucks a month, but I'd call that worth it.

 

[Rudyjr]

There are ways to gain control of most alarm panels through programming,many panels have a default master code which some people don't change. I have had monitoring by three different companies on my system through the years with the last on being ADT. My system was installed by Rollins and I own it. Rollins sold to another company which was eventually purchased by ADT. ADT raised my rates to the point that I explored other options and I turned control of my system over to NextAlarm (great company). ADT tired to tell me that I was under an implied contract with them and that THEY owned my system. They threatened me with all kinds of BS legal and collection action. It took a threatening letter to Tyco's board of directors (they own ADT) to get a letter of apology and to get them off my *** once and for all. Check out NextAlarm they can give you help with reprogramming your system if possible and their rates are low for monitoring. Their rate is 11.95 per month for dispatch monitoring and their response is quick.

 

[JT1]

I just built a house and had it prewired for a security system from an independent installer.

I would call some independent installers and get multiple quotes. Depending on how long you stay in the house, paying for an install and saving on the monthly monitoring can save you a lot of money. I would not go with ADT (now Broadview) or Brinks. Basic retrofit installs start at about $250 for one keypad, 3 door sensors, siren and a motion detector. If your current system is hardwired, the new company will probably be able to reuse your wiring, possibly some contact sensors as well, saving you even more money.

If you save $10+ per month or more on monitoring, you will come out ahead in the long run over having Brinks or Broadview give you a system and charge $30-$45/mo. for monitoring each month.

There are also some installers who have referral programs and will give you discounts on monitoring for getting friends/family to sign up.

My installer charges $20/mo. for monitoring and will give me $2/mo. discount for every person who I refer to him that becomes a customer. He has a lot of people who don't pay anything for monitoring because of the referrals.

You also need to check with your home owner's insurance provider and see if you get a discount for having an actively monitored system. If you don't get the discount, I would look at another provider.

Just my two cents.

 

[Teken]

The problem I see allot is when you go with a rental system. They are well within their rights to lock out the device. You may have a *master code* but you do not have the installer code!

The installer code is the one that is required to transfer the service in some box's. The vendor I went with was told up front what I wanted, and also the fact that I own the equipment that I did not want the device locked out.

Should I decide in the future to go with another monitoring company, so far so good with these guys @ $17.** per month.

That includes monitoring: Burg, Fire, Water, Freezing, and Hold up.

Nothing beats monitoring, controlling every aspects of the house via, land line, SMS, e-mail, internet, radio!

 

[Rudyjr]

Some panels can be completely powered down and brought back with the default factory installer code. I know that my Ademco panel can. I believe that it is Brinks that is now Broadview and ADT is still ADT as far as I know. We have ADT at work and their techs are there all the time. We have nothing but problems with them at work also.

 

[mrwolfe]

Sorry, but I would pay for the piece of mind to know that my system was being monitored real-time and for the serviceblity. $240+ extra a year seems worth it in the end to me. Likewise, I would check to see what the monitoring company has to offer from the standpoint of a take-over if it it not originally their system. If they did originally monitor the system they typically refer to it as a resign. If you work with them you may get a reasonable deal as they too already will have an investment ******* in the system (particularly the panel) depending on how old it is. On average, depending on the level of install at a particular site, it may take an alarm company 5-7 years to recoup the cost of their investment they initially ponied up (figure the cost of hardware, paying sales rep, installer, internal staff, service, etc) Many times you may be able to work out additional devices and new equipment (look for GSM/cellular back-up to go along with your hard-line as a secondary option).

Most importantly, ask about their average response times and false alarm rates. Their is a significant difference across the industry. Find out where the Central Monitoring Station is as well. Do you want someone local that is familiar with your area and has a solidified relationship with the first responders or a more global offering? Have the reps come out and do a demonstration of their new offerings. You will be amazed at the differences in protection capabilities each has to offer and the limitations of many.

As mentioned above by a previous poster ADT comes out #1 revenue wise for 2009 and has recently purchased #2 Brinks/Broadview. Good or bad, #1 does not always mean best. Odds are they will be pretty busy with mergers related activities for the next bit...

Good luck with your decisions

 

[jdieter]

A monitoring company may not be a necessity. My Dialer calls my cell, my wifes and if no response our neighbor. When we are gone for several days or too far away from home for a reasonable response I reprogram the dialer for the local Sheriff first. Fortunately they don't charge for a false alarm, in 5 years with the system we've had 2 false alarms. If you go that route be sure to test your dialer message to make sure it's received clear and concise. We use a landline phone but the installer put a door switch on the phone terminal box as I didn't want to pay the additional cell phone fee. And as mentioned earlier motion detectors and glass break sensors are a good investment as well as door switches. Also when you know you'll be gone for an extended time contact your local authorities as most will document your absence with their officers so you get additional patrols.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

The last two houses that I have owned have had alarms that were put in by ADT. My current alarm company came in, re-set the codes to what I wanted and set themselves up to monitor the system. After talking to the installer, it seems that it is not a problem for them to gain access to almost any system.

The last time he was there for a grand total of 40 minutes, reset the alarm codes, added a cell phone to the system and punched their info into the main box. That also included time for a system check.