Home security system - alternative to ADT/Brinks

[murphy55d]

I can't even figure out how to open the keypad to get to the wiring without breaking it. It appears to be "tamper-proof". Engineer how did you get the keypad off the wall?

 

[nick1985]

Faux security sign in your yard

+

= Win

 

[spacejamz]

Faux security sign in your yard

+

= Win

so how does the shotgun work when you not at home when the robbery takes place??

 

[dabuddha]

so how does the shotgun work when you not at home when the robbery takes place??

A string from the trigger to the doorknob?

 

[Engineer]

Engineer, were you able to use the existing wiring for the keypad as well, or did you have to run new wires? I actually have a Brinks keypad as we got them before ADT bought them out.

Existing wiring. 4 wires if I recall correctly. YMMV.

 

[Engineer]

I can't even figure out how to open the keypad to get to the wiring without breaking it. It appears to be "tamper-proof". Engineer how did you get the keypad off the wall?

IIRC, it was a snap in type. Had to take a screwdriver and pop the front off. Once I did that, you could see the screws holding the back bracket to the wall. Of course, your brinks may be different.

 

[nick1985]

so how does the shotgun work when you not at home when the robbery takes place??

Thats where the security sign comes in. I live in a townhome community and only about 3 houses have security signs in front. I figure my odds of getting robbed are way lower than the other townhomes since they have no security system signs.

 

[murphy55d]

that's how mine is too I can see it snaps on but I tried popping it off with a screwdriver and it felt like it was going to snap. ill try it again.

 

[bruceb]

You can easily swap the main alarm panel and keypad. First thing you need to do is open the alarm panel and see what is connected where. Tag all your wires, so you know which goes to Front Door (has entry / exit delay), Windows (usually a Normally Closed contact), Motion Sensors (usually a Normally Open contact, closes when it sees motion), there are also 1 pair of wires to Siren, 1 pair to Backup Battery, 1 Pair to DC Power Pack, usually they run a 4 wire cable to the keypad, as that works with most of them. I did a job once for a fellow in NY where the alarm co removed his panel. All I was left with was a mess of wires to trace out. Took 2 days to get it all back together.

Note: ADT Keypads are screwed to the baseplate. The overlay by the keys pops off, you should then see 4 screws to remove. Keypad comes right off.

 

[Engineer]

Note: ADT Keypads are screwed to the baseplate. The overlay by the keys pops off, you should then see 4 screws to remove. Keypad comes right off.

Ah yes, that does seem right. The cover pops off revealing the screws. It's been a while since I took mine off and I threw it away right after that.

 

[arch113]

http://www.lifeshield.com/home/

 

[Sunbird]

Am I correct that in the US ADT just monitors you alarm and if triggered they contact the police who come out?

Here is South Africa if the alarm is triggered ADT (or whichever other security company you are signed up with) sends a armed response vehicle (that would probably have been parked somewhere in the neighbourhood) to check it out (they also try to phone to verify if the alarm is real or false).

 

[alkemyst]

Just go steal an ADT sign from someone's yard and put it in yours.

Please ban this idiot promoting theft.

 

[alkemyst]

Alarmsystemstore.com is really good. They have monitoring as low as $8.95 per month.

I did my own system with a DSC 1864 wired system with a 32 zone wireless transmitter and cell back up, but the Alexor is really good and mostly wireless.

Signs and stickers you can buy off ebay easily. They sell solar sign lights online as well.

 

[highland145]

Is there no way for murphy to use/activate his existing adt system that's in place sans monitoring?

 

[bruceb]

Yes, the alarm can be set up for local alarm only, by just removing the connection to the telephone line. Problem is, some alarm companies own the alarm control board, not the homeowner, so if you can monitoring, they can and most times, wil send someone out to remove the control board. I don't think that is good business practice, they should just sell it off at that point for a small amount. They only cost between $60 and $150 max at retail prices.

 

[alkemyst]

Faux security sign in your yard

+

= Win

at night chances are they won't see the sign.

during the day they will probably end up stealing the gun too.

 

[highland145]

Yes, the alarm can be set up for local alarm only, by just removing the connection to the telephone line. Problem is, some alarm companies own the alarm control board, not the homeowner, so if you can monitoring, they can and most times, wil send someone out to remove the control board. I don't think that is good business practice, they should just sell it off at that point for a small amount. They only cost between $60 and $150 max at retail prices.

Murphy, why not do this then?

 

[alkemyst]

Is there no way for murphy to use/activate his existing adt system that's in place sans monitoring?

Well without monitoring it will work...it's going to be up to the local alarm permitting authority to determine though.

ADT systems usually have everything locked down.

Most of the time they aren't that great to begin with and leave major openings to break in relying on common traffic patterns.

IMHO something is better than nothing, but for my piece of mind I went fully comprehensive.

Every door and window protect by contacts, every room protected by glass breaks, two fire/heats, 3 motions and landline+GSM.

I also have an IP Communicator I have to set up for remote access and monitoring.

 

[highland145]

Well without monitoring it will work...it's going to be up to the local alarm permitting authority to determine though.

What? You have to have an alarm permit? If so, f*cking government!!!!

ADT systems usually have everything locked down.

With the nerds/geeks around here, should be child's play to override.

 

[alkemyst]

What? You have to have an alarm permit? If so, f*cking government!!!!

Most of the time only if you want the police/fire to respond. Also without the town's permit, most baddies know you probably are bluffing (signs only/stickers on windows/etc).

With the nerds/geeks around here, should be child's play to override.

It's code based. Depending on the system usually a 4 digit pin. However, some panels lock you out after too many failures and other security measures.

If you get the ID/Make/Model off your unit people can be more helpful. However, most ADT systems are really a $100 brain and maybe another $100 in sensors.

Usually better off starting over anyway.

 

[murphy55d]

Murphy, why not do this then?

I was under the impression that ADT remotely disables the system altogether if you are not signed up for monitoring. They own the equipment, I do not. However, they do not come and take any of it if you cancel.

 

[highland145]

Thanks, Alk.

I was under the impression that ADT remotely disables the system altogether if you are not signed up for monitoring. They own the equipment, I do not. However, they do not come and take any of it if you cancel.

Might be worth investigating. An ex-ADT tech maybe.

Edit: Yeah, I'm a cheap bastard.

 

[nick1985]

at night chances are they won't see the sign.

during the day they will probably end up stealing the gun too.

I have a solar light right next to the sign, its visible at night. Plus, at night I would be around to shoot them to death.

Depending on the day, my GF might be home. She has her FOID card and knows how to use the XD40 thats loaded under the bed.

I think I'm ok. I know I'm about 100x more prepared for a break-in that most other families.

 

[bruceb]

I don't know of any alarm company that can access your panel and reconfigure it remotely.