Ok in this day and age of teckknowledgy we should be able to change the programming in basic home security system even after installer does a programmer lock out. Does any body know of how to go about changing the programming with out changing the system? And for fire alarm systems do they also put a block on that type of system as well? This cam up when a home owner asked us to check out the system for the new monitoring company. And the monitoring company was going to fund us after.
Security
- Thread starter A-F-E
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MAK
Senior Member
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- Massachusetts-Boston
well sometimes you can use a "panel unlocker" (lack of a better term). I have one in my truck and it will work on some DSC type panels Ademco vista series, and I think some FBI panels. I don't know the exact name and model of the unit I have. I have not used it yet but some of the guys I have worked with have it is supposed to default the installer code so you can gain access and change it to whatever you want. I'll have to run out to the truck to find out.
Sometimes you can default the panel and reprogram but if it is a large system or a lot of wireless devices that can be a pain.
Sometimes you can default the panel and reprogram but if it is a large system or a lot of wireless devices that can be a pain.
MAK
Senior Member
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- Massachusetts-Boston
I will find it tomorrow and post what I can.
peter d
Senior Member
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- New England
A new motherboard for most Ademco or DSC panels can be had for cheap money, so it might not even be worth it for the time it takes to hunt down the installer codes.
It is possible on many panels to lock out other installers completely, regardless of what "tricks" you may know. Most panels have a "trick" that will default the panel to factory settings, unless the lock-out feature was enabled. In the case of the lock-out being enabled, you may still be able to default the panel, with the exception of the installer code.
GE Allegro is an example of this. Without the code, you are out of luck.
You can ship the panel back to the manufacturer, or to several third-party places that will unlock it for you, but what they usually do is just install a new chip.
The tool that was discussed earlier is called the "Instant Unlocker" and is made by Advanced Bridging Technologies, it is available at ADI.
It will not unlock every panel though, only a select few.
GE Allegro is an example of this. Without the code, you are out of luck.
You can ship the panel back to the manufacturer, or to several third-party places that will unlock it for you, but what they usually do is just install a new chip.
The tool that was discussed earlier is called the "Instant Unlocker" and is made by Advanced Bridging Technologies, it is available at ADI.
It will not unlock every panel though, only a select few.
MAK
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts-Boston
MAK
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts-Boston
Agreed. The panels are pretty inexpensive. However if say you had a system with a bunch of wireless devices it maybe worth trying to get the installer code or default it. Could be quicker than having to pull all wireless devices to read ESN#'s and reprogramming every input.
I understand your frustration.
The reason for an Installer lockout is RMR.
Recurring Monthly Revenue. You have a contract with the customer, you don't want some one else just coming in and taking it over for several reasons.
First, if they do you can then hit the former customer for the entire contract amount, in full. That causes hurt feelings and is a bad business practice if you have to put customers in collections every day. Even though they supposedly read and signed a legally binding contract, you do want to be that guy every time.
Second, to compete with ADT and brinks you set the contract up to pay for the part of the install with the monthly fees, this allows the customer to have a higher quality system and install (rather than those guys) and still make it affordable.
A lot of Installer/Dealers would go belly up without that.
But, again, I feel your pain. You go in to clean up so Hack's mess and have to swap out the board and go around and collect those ESN's, and that just sucks.
When I have a customer want to leave our monitoring, we will let some of them out of the contract if its 1/2 way through, for a service call fee of $100.00. We will meet the new company on site, or just default the password and delete CS and acct numbers, leaving the programming in tact. This service call visit also allows us to give the customer one last chance to change their mind.
nhfire77, my post was going to ask if "no-neck Bruno" was the service tech you used for that "last opportunity service call".
In reality, I think you have found a very fair and reasonable method of handling that.
In reality, I think you have found a very fair and reasonable method of handling that.
hbiss
EC, Westchester, New York NEC: 2014
- Location
- Hawthorne, New York NEC: 2014
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- EC
A-F-E, are you a licensed security system company or tech as (or if) required by your state AND does your insurance cover such work? If you are just an EC you can find yourself in big trouble. Most ECs stay away from security because of the licensing, insurance costs and liability issues.
-Hal
-Hal
nhfire77, my post was going to ask if "no-neck Bruno" was the service tech you used for that "last opportunity service call".
In reality, I think you have found a very fair and reasonable method of handling that.
No, I would send a girl about 20 years old, from the office, to twirl her hair. That is if we had one
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