Re: need unbiased advice about lynx system

["Russell Brill" <russwbrill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ILcNe.250583$5V4.214188@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
> "Jason_Schaitel" <jason_schaitel@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:1124422749.531026.259350@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> greetings all,
>>
>> I just bought a house last month (that was a foreclosure) and has a
>> lynxr-en security system. I would like to use it but I am not sure that
>> I want to pay $33 a month for ADT or someone to do the monitoring. We
>> also don't use a home phone and use cell phones, so the only reason to
>> get a home phone hooked up would be to enable the security system. I
>> called ADT today and they said to call them back once I had home phone
>> service connected.
>> I am new to this all because I have never has a home security system
>> and anyone I talk to like ADT will have a vested interest in me
>> activating through them or something and not giving me the strait
>> unbiased story. It seems to me I should be able to use this system
>> without having to have it monitored. I can use the family message
>> feature, the feature that turns on appliances or A/C electrical on a
>> timer (very handy for christmas lights in a couple months) and local
>> alarm alerts if there is a breakin or someone leaves the door open,
>> etc. The rub is, from what I have read, that there is an installer code
>> and a master code, so it looks like I can't just reset it and start
>> from scratch like I was able to do with the garage door opener and its
>> access panel outside.
>> So am I kinda stuck? does the company that installed the system and
>> previously monitored it have the install code and master code and the
>> system is pretty much worthless unless I sign up with them and have
>> them unlock it all and give me a master code? I can live without it and
>> I an not sure I want to spend $33 a month for ADT and another $30 a
>> month for Sprint local phone just to have the system working. But it
>> would be cool if I could use some of the features.
>> Any advice or input is appreciated.
>>
>> Jason
>
>
> ADT should be able to come out and program the system as a "local" for
> you. You'll have to pay the service charge though.  As a local system, I
> would suggest that you ask the ADT tech to change the installer code back
> to the system's default.  That way, you can pick and choose your
> monitoring provider when (and if) you decide to hook up a hard line.  Good
> luck!!!
>
Frank,

In my area (Sacramento, CA), ADT doesn't bother with local systems... They
tell the homeowner it will cost $99 plus a 3 year monitoring
contract........ Regards, Russ