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home alarm system?

D

dallasalarm

Jan 1, 1970
0
Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)

I recently purchased a rental property that has a home securit
system. I want to activate the system but I don’t know the pass code
Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset th
whole thing
 
N

Nicko

Jan 1, 1970
0
Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)?

I recently purchased a rental property that has a home security
system. I want to activate the system but I don’t know the pass code.
Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset the
whole thing?


Wow, you really did your research before you bought this property,
didn't you?
 
J

JoeRaisin

Jan 1, 1970
0
dallasalarm said:
Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)?

I recently purchased a rental property that has a home security
system. I want to activate the system but I don?t know the pass code.
Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset the
whole thing?

Unless someone from the company that installed the system is on this
forum, there is no way anyone here can know that info. Any decent
installer will have changed the defaults.

Besides, without knowing what you are doing, jumping into programming
without a guide could get you a system that is worse than useless.

See if there are any stickers on the panel, possibly on any of the doors
or windows or maybe a yard sign with the name and number of the
servicing company. If you can get in touch with the previous owners
maybe they can tell you who to call.

If not, check out the local operators (try to avoid the nationals) with
the BBB and and give one of those guys a call.

It won't be free and I'm sure they will try to get you on board with
monitoring. But you should actually check out how much the monitoring
is against how much it may save you on homeowners insurance - you may
find it isn't that expensive in the long run.

A monitored fire system, along with low temperature sensing (in certain
areas - check local listings) and strategically placed water detector
(water damage is a real mother and insurance companies will usually do
whatever they can to avoid paying for it) or two, in a house that will
be used by tenets who may not care about the property as much as you do,
could be just what you need for piece of mind and perhaps a cut on the
insurance (I get 15% from my company).
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
dallasalarm said:
Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)?

I recently purchased a rental property that has a home security
system. I want to activate the system but I don?t know the pass code.
Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset the
whole thing?


There is a method of defaulting the board, but you'll have to reprogram
it from scratch and you haven't indicated as to whether you have the
programming manual or not. First you have to find out if the board has
been "locked". Disconnect the battery and AC transformer (in that
order). Wait for 30 seconds and reconnect the AC. If you hear a series
of "clicks" from the onboard relay, the board is locked and the only way
to access programming is by knowing the installer code. If the relay
doesn't click multiple times, you can default the board. The procedure
is in the installation manual which you will need to reprogram the
system anyway.

The 1500 is ancient technology. You should consider upgrading to a
newer system. Stick with DSC if you're considering the DIY route. It's
one of the easiest panels to program. Find a friendly local alarm
company that's willing to sell you a DSC 1832. You'll need new keypads
as well. You can browse DSC's website at http://www.dsc.com. You can
also purchase the system from any of a number of online stores and
dealers. http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/buyingonline.htm has some
valuable tips and a couple of links to online dealers.

Good luck!!!
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
JoeRaisin said:
Unless someone from the company that installed the system is on this forum,
there is no way anyone here can know that info. Any decent installer will
have changed the defaults.

Besides, without knowing what you are doing, jumping into programming
without a guide could get you a system that is worse than useless.

See if there are any stickers on the panel, possibly on any of the doors or
windows or maybe a yard sign with the name and number of the servicing
company. If you can get in touch with the previous owners maybe they can
tell you who to call.

If not, check out the local operators (try to avoid the nationals) with the
BBB and and give one of those guys a call.

It won't be free and I'm sure they will try to get you on board with
monitoring. But you should actually check out how much the monitoring is
against how much it may save you on homeowners insurance - you may find it
isn't that expensive in the long run.

A monitored fire system, along with low temperature sensing (in certain
areas - check local listings) and strategically placed water detector (water
damage is a real mother and insurance companies will usually do whatever
they can to avoid paying for it) or two, in a house that will be used by
tenets who may not care about the property as much as you do, could be just
what you need for piece of mind and perhaps a cut on the insurance (I get
15% from my company).

Joe's advice is correct. However, most local (and virtually all national)
alarm companies will decline to work on the system unless you sign a
multi-year monitoring contract. The terms and prices vary wildly from one
provider to the next fir essentially similar services so shop around a bit.

Regarding breaks in homeowner's insurance, the discount is usually nn% of the
burglary or fire coverage -- not the whole package. For example, our
homeowner's policy costs around $8,000 a year. The 10% discount for an alarm
system isn't 10% of $8,000. It's 10% of $800, or $80. Monitoring by any of
the local outfits around Sarasota would run about $300 a year. A colleague,
www.911Alarm.com, charges $12 a month. Net cost is $64 per year.

One thing you need to be especially careful about if you have an alarm company
service and/or monitor the system for you is that pesky lockout code (the same
one you're having trouble with at present). Most alarm companies use them to
make it more difficult / costly for customers to switch service providers.
Some will give you the code or default it for you for a price once you pay for
nn years of monitoring. Others won't give you the code, even to equipment
which you own, no matter what you do.

If you like to tinker you might want to consider buying a control panel and
doing the job yourself. It's not particularly difficult though you'll need a
modicum of tool skills and a bit of patience to get the hang of it. If that's
not your idea of a fun way to spend a Saturday, take Joe's advice and check
out a few local alarm dealers. Ask neighbors who they use and how they like
the service. Either way, best of luck.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Mark Leuck said:
Did you look under the couch?

Hmm. I thought you didn't like posts that aren't helpful, useful and
on-topic.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert L Bass wrote:

Joe's advice is correct. However, most local (and virtually all
national) alarm companies will decline to work on the system unless you
sign a multi-year monitoring contract. The terms and prices vary wildly
from one provider to the next fir essentially similar services so shop
around a bit.

On the contrary... most *local* dealers aren't going to turn down a
service call as long as the customer is willing to "pony up". Count on
a two hour minimum charge and make sure you understand exactly what that
is going to be (inclusive of any "fuel surcharges") *before* you order
service.
Regarding breaks in homeowner's insurance, the discount is usually nn%
of the burglary or fire coverage -- not the whole package. For example,
our homeowner's policy costs around $8,000 a year. The 10% discount for
an alarm system isn't 10% of $8,000. It's 10% of $800, or $80.
Monitoring by any of the local outfits around Sarasota would run about
$300 a year. A colleague, www.911Alarm.com, charges $12 a month. Net
cost is $64 per year.

I would imagine the cost of your insurance is so high because of the
recent losses the various insurers have had to cover because of the
hurricanes that frequent your area. Wow... That really sucks (pardon
the pun).

One thing you need to be especially careful about if you have an alarm
company service and/or monitor the system for you is that pesky lockout
code (the same one you're having trouble with at present). Most alarm
companies use them to make it more difficult / costly for customers to
switch service providers.

Actually, the reason alarm companies use a unique installer code on a
monitored alarm panel is to prevent an unathorized (untrained)
individual from compromising the system. It has to do with the
liability aspects involved, and has no "nefarious" or underhanded
reason. In fact, most alarm companies will release the panel if you
decide you no longer wish it to be monitored and want to use it as a
"local" system (as long as you *own* the equipment and don't owe them
any money).

Some will give you the code or default it for
you for a price once you pay for nn years of monitoring. Others won't
give you the code, even to equipment which you own, no matter what you do.

Again... that depends on whether or not you "own" the equipment (or owe
them money). Brinks (for instance) doesn't sell alarm panels (so they
say) so any panel with their sticker on it actually *belongs* to them.
They also won't program it as a "local system", but will insist on
recovering the equipment if you don't decide to employ their monitoring
service.

If you like to tinker you might want to consider buying a control panel
and doing the job yourself. It's not particularly difficult though
you'll need a modicum of tool skills and a bit of patience to get the
hang of it. If that's not your idea of a fun way to spend a Saturday,
take Joe's advice and check out a few local alarm dealers. Ask
neighbors who they use and how they like the service. Either way, best
of luck.

Either way, it's better to deal with a local alarm dealer (if you can
find a "friendly" one) that will sell you just the equipment. Don't
expect them to honour the warranty if you decide to power up the system
after you do all the connections. I'd suggest doing the swap, and
terminating all the devices then pay the dealer the $100.00 to come out
and power it up for you. He'll ensure you've done everything correctly
and will then be in a position to replace anything you've purchased from
him (under warranty). Warranty claims are extremely difficult to
process if you've bought the equipment "online". In fact, most
wholesalers and manufacturers won't deal with end users directly (but
only through a recognized dealer).

My best advice is to buy an upgraded panel (as I suggested in my
previous response) and don't bother "fiddling" with that PC-1500. Jim
Rojas (at www.tech-man.com) will probably take it off your hands. :)
 
S

Sallie

Jan 1, 1970
0
And it just so happens this guy hawks alarm equipment.

In Texas it's 10% and written into legislation, so if you;re paying
$2000.00 a year for homeowners, you get a real 10% which is $200.

If you want to **** things up, do it yourself but realize that you'll
eventually pay.

DSC1500? No parts, no support because it's a bit old, although it's
probably a 1550. Still, no parts, no support.
 
D

Doug

Jan 1, 1970
0
dallasalarm said:
Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)?

I recently purchased a rental property that has a home security
system. I want to activate the system but I don’t know the pass code.
Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset the
whole thing?

The default master code will be in the installation manual. If the default
master code has been changed then you will need to default the entire panel
and reprogram the system from scratch. If the lock out feature hasn't been
enabled then defaulting the panel is a straightforward procedure. If the
panel really is a DSC 1500 and not a DSC 1550 then I'm not sure if it even
had an installers lockout feature.

Doug
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Mark Leuck said:
I don't recall asking him anything about motorcycles do you?

Have you never posted about recumbent bicycles?

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Sallie said:
And it just so happens this guy hawks alarm equipment.

Does it also just so happen you hawk installed systems? Monitoring? I'm just
curious.
In Texas it's 10% and written into legislation, so if you;re paying
$2000.00 a year for homeowners, you get a real 10% which is $200.

I'd love to pay only $2,000 per year for homeowner's insurance.
If you want to **** things up, do it yourself but realize that you'll
eventually pay.

If you *really* want to &*^% things up, vote Republican.
DSC1500? No parts, no support because it's a bit old, although it's
probably a 1550. Still, no parts, no support.

So the gentleman has a 1550. It can be upgraded if need be. However, if he
can find a way to get the code he can easily get the manual from Jim Rojas.
If not, he has a choice -- go with a professional or DIY. The deciding
factors should be his ability or willingness to do it (the work is pretty
simple) vs. the simpler solution which is to let someone else do it for him.
No big deal either way.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Doug said:
The default master code will be in the installation manual. If the default
master code has been changed then you will need to default the entire panel
and reprogram the system from scratch. If the lock out feature hasn't been
enabled then defaulting the panel is a straightforward procedure. If the
panel really is a DSC 1500 and not a DSC 1550 then I'm not sure if it even
had an installers lockout feature.

The first thing the gentleman needs is the correct manual. He can get that
from Jim Rojas or I can send him one if he wants. Jim stores tens of
thousands of manuals on tech-man.com. I keep a few hundred of the more
frequently requested ones around in case a client needs one. I don't charge
for manuals. Although Jim's site is a pay site, I think he'll send a free
copy to a homeowner if the gentleman requests one.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
S

Sallie

Jan 1, 1970
0
I hawk stuff, but other than changing a battery, I don't suggest
people DIY. Most are cheap bastards that piss and moan when they have
to eventually pay the going rate for someone to come in and clean up
their mess.

Besides, if the guy wound up hitting this newsgroup on recommendation,
he doesn't have a DIY clue.

Here's a hint - - why not go to the manufacturer's web site?

Plenty of places that you're not overcharged for insurance.

Unless you're pretty well to do to start off, or you like seeing old
motion picture actors, voting republican won't help.

Rojas? I heard he took a managers job with Brinks in Florida!
Unfortunately the job won't last. He'll be out when they find out he
knows what he's doing and the pay that he won't get equals $25,000.
 
S

Sallie

Jan 1, 1970
0
It does!

The default master code will be in the installation manual. If the default
master code has been changed then you will need to default the entire panel
and reprogram the system from scratch. If the lock out feature hasn't been
enabled then defaulting the panel is a straightforward procedure. If the
panel really is a DSC 1500 and not a DSC 1550 then I'm not sure if it even
had an installers lockout feature.

Doug
 
R

Robert L Bass

Jan 1, 1970
0
Sallie said:
I hawk stuff, but other than changing a battery, I don't suggest people
DIY...

I understand. If they DIY they don't have to pay you to do it for them. No
problem. I sell direct to DIYers so of course I do suggest that *some* people
DIY. Every so often I speak with someone who seems unable to handle the work.
When that happens I suggest they hire a pro. That's not to common, mind you.
Installing and servicing burglar alarms is fairly simple stuff.
Most are cheap bastards that piss and moan when they have to eventually pay
the going rate for someone to come in and clean up their mess.

We must be dealing with two different segments of the population. I find that
most people interested in DIY do so because they enjoy the challenge. Some
are only looking to save money but that's not a bad thing unless they happen
to be saving by not paying you, right? :^)
Besides, if the guy wound up hitting this newsgroup on recommendation, he
doesn't have a DIY clue.

The newsgroup is called ALT.SECURITY.ALARMS. To someone looking for
information on security alarms this would seem a logical place to start.
However, I prefer they search [blatant plug] --> www.BassHome.com. <--
[blatant plug]
Here's a hint - - why not go to the manufacturer's web site?

You think the manufacturer will help the gentleman? IME, most alarm cturers
refuse to assist end users. They prefer the user go either to an alarm dealer
or shop online, as long as the customer buys something without bothering them.
Plenty of places that you're not overcharged for insurance.

It may have something to do with the value of the home.
Unless you're pretty well to do to start off, or you like seeing old motion
picture actors, voting republican won't help.

Heh, heh, heh. We certainly agree there.
Rojas? I heard he took a managers job with Brinks in Florida!
Unfortunately the job won't last. He'll be out when they find out he
knows what he's doing and the pay that he won't get equals $25,000.

Manager? I never met a Brinks manager. Do they actually supervise stuff?

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-870-2310
Fax 941-870-3252
==============================>
 
C

Crash Gordon

Jan 1, 1970
0
So Brinks is letting Jim wash the dishes so to speak?



--
**Crash Gordon**
 
D

Doug

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert L Bass said:
The first thing the gentleman needs is the correct manual. He can get
that from Jim Rojas. Jim stores tens of thousands of manuals on
tech-man.com. Although Jim's site is a pay site, I think he'll send a
free copy to a homeowner if the gentleman requests one.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

==============================>
http://www.bassburgIaraIarms.com
==============================>

Since the Tyco suits have apparently warned Jim not to offer any DSC, ADT or
any other Tyco owned brand manuals on his website, its probably not a good
idea for him to send anyone a copy.

Doug
 
C

Crash Gordon

Jan 1, 1970
0
Tyco suits?




--
**Crash Gordon**







Doug said:
Since the Tyco suits have apparently warned Jim not to offer any DSC, ADT
or
any other Tyco owned brand manuals on his website, its probably not a good
idea for him to send anyone a copy.

Doug
 
D

Doug

Jan 1, 1970
0
Crash Gordon said:
Tyco suits?

I actually meant it as a slang term as in

Slang: a person wearing a suit; specif., a business executive or a
bureaucrat: usually a term of mild derision

not as a lawsuit, but given Jim's problems with Brinks and their (law)suits,
reading my post again I can see it was probably a poor choice of words.

Doug
 
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