Re: Brinks vs. Tech-man.com

["Robert L Bass" <robertbass1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I beg to disagree with you on this one.
> The cost of replacing a board is so low
> as to virtually eliminate your argument
> on fear of takeovers...

I didn't say it's prohibitive.  I only said that anti-takeover is *the* primiary rewason for programming lockout codes.

> I don't lock a panel out but do use my
> own programmers code.  The reason for
> not wanting the owner to have access
> to the panel is to prevent him from accidentally changing a setting...

That's *your* reason, but you're honest.  Now think for a moment about all the scammers and rip-off companies you compete with.
Remember a certain unlicensed installing dealer right in your area?  How about all the low-lifes in the association who protected
them, despite knowing they operated illegally?

Aside from the inoirdinate percentage of crooks in the industry, let's examine what the manufacturers say about their products.
Remember, these companies are not marketing to homeowners.  Their target audience is us dealers.

FBII refers to the lockout code in their literature as an "CSID and installer code, anti-takeover feature".  This is an age-old
"feature" of alarm panels and it has always been touted as such be the manufacturers because they know that's why the dealers
demanded the feature.  Even the old Discovery system made several references in the manual to "an anti-takeover" featre, namely the
lockout code.

The ultra-modern ELK-M1 sports it.  From the manual: "ELK-RP programming utilizes extensive error checking and security safeguards,
including data encryption, password log-on, serial number, and dealer assigned RP access code. The serial # identifies the control
to RP while the RP access code identifies the computer to the control prior to a programming session. RP loads the access code
during the first connection. It cannot be viewed or changed from local keypad programming. In addition to these safeguards, you can
set an anti-takeover option from RP which prevents certain keypad programming. Even a total default of the panel programming cannot
reset the anti-takeover option once it is set..."

Manufacturers don't market the feature as an "anti-liability lawsuit because your customer screwed up" feature.  They market it as
"anti-takeover" because they know what will conveince dealers to buy the product.

> that will prevent the system from
> functioning correctly and therefore
> exposing us to litigation.

Speaking of litigation, I'd like to see just one of the folks who say this "feature" is to prevent liability cite a single lawsuit
arising from a client havine reprogrammed his own alarm.  Most of us have been in the industry for many years.  I, for one, have
been a dealer for nearly 30 years and I love to study case law -- aespecially alarm company related case law, yet I've never heard
of a single such case.

Allan, we've been friends for years.  You know I respect your personal integrity so please don't take this as reflecting on you but
I know for a fact that the vast majority lock customer out to make it harder to switch and for no other purpose.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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Bass Home Electronics
941-866-1100
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
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