Re: Checking out a left-behind Ademco

["runderwo@xxxxxxxxxxxx" <runderwo@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 13, 5:32 pm, Milhouse Van Houten <n...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> runde...@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> >Moved into a house where the owner left behind an Ademco system.  I
> >don't see any identifying marks on or in the panel or on the box.  I
> >downloaded all the Ademco manuals but I'm not sure which one
> >applies... the Vista 20p looks "close" but it's hard to tell from the
> >pictures.  What would be tell-tale identification marks?  And how do I
> >get into the box without the proper key?  I would like to see what
> >shape the battery is in if nothing else.
>
> Just drill the lock or pop the can with a screwdriver.  You can close
> it back by using screws in the side of the lid (holes already there).
>
> On the circuit board there will be a sticker identifying the panel
> model.  You can get a batt. @ Radio Shack or an electronics supply
> house.

Funny... I called several local places who led me nowhere until one
told me nobody but ADT can give you the key.  So I figure ok, I'll
call ADT, maybe they'll be helpful.  I told them the previous owner
did not give me the key when I bought the house.  The ADT
representative informed me that they could not give me a key without
an active account.  I said fine, sell me a key then, you must have
spares?  The representative told me that they obviously would not sell
a key for security reasons.  I said that was nonsense, I was the
homeowner.  They said, sorry, that's company policy.  I said, well is
it okay if I break into the box.  He said sure, you own the box.  I
said, so basically you won't allow me access to a box that you
installed and that you just said I own, in a home that I own, because
that's considered a security risk - but only when I do not have a
contract with you.  He said, that is correct.  I said that's asinine
and hung up.

I then called another local alarm company who said they don't install
Ademco panels, but installers in this area normally place the key on
the top of the panel box.  I fished around in that crack between the
panel and popcorn ceiling and sure enough, the key fell out.  Got a
replacement 5Ah battery for $14.

The last local I called is also less than half the price of ADT and
half the contract length.

Guess who's getting my monitoring contract?