Maker Pro
Maker Pro

brinks home alarm hack

C

chaddo

Jan 1, 1970
0
I just bought a house that has a brinks security alarm system
installed. I don't know much about alarm systems, so I'm looking for
some help here. The previous owner lived here for 3 years and never
used the system (had it turned off). Apparently the person who owned
the house before the previous owner was the one with it installed.
While playing with the system the other night (thinking it was not
live or anything) I accidentally turned the thing on and all of a
sudden i have this siren and everything going. There was no monitoring
contract set up with brinks no harm done, and I called brinks and
they told me how to disable the system (power it down, disconnect it
from thephone line, etc..)

So my question is, I'd like to use this system if I can, but I do not
have the code. I do NOT want the monitoring service, I just want to
use the siren that goes off when someone trips the motion detectors.
Brinks tells me that if I get a monthly contract with them they'll
send out a tech to reset up the system, give me my own code, etc...
but thats the only way I could make use of the system.

Does anyone know how I can get into the system and set up my own code,
without having current system code?
 
A

alarman

Jan 1, 1970
0
chaddo wrote
I just bought a house that has a brinks security alarm system
installed. snip
Does anyone know how I can get into the system and set up my own code,
without having current system code?

Forget it. Brinks uses proprietary equipment, and they probably own the
system anyway. You could remove the components and install your own, but
what does Brinks want for monitoring anyway?
js
 
S

Spike

Jan 1, 1970
0
Would you stick your finger in an outlet because you thought the socket wasn't
energized...?

Been there, done that. If only you could SEE electricity.
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Spike said:
Been there, done that. If only you could SEE electricity.


The method favoured by one of the senior service techs at Chubb when I first
got into the industry over 20 years ago involved placing his tongue on the
bix block terminals to verify the "live" phone lines. I *still* prefer
using my meter. :))

Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
 
S

Spike

Jan 1, 1970
0
I've never actually been called that except by my pop when I was a kid,
rhymed with mike so I was mike the spike, funny how those things stay with
you.
 
B

Bossman

Jan 1, 1970
0
I just bought a house that has a brinks security alarm system
installed. <snip>

Alarman said...

Forget it. Brinks uses proprietary equipment, and they probably own
the system anyway. You could remove the components and install your
own, but what does Brinks want for monitoring anyway?

Bossman says...

Alarman is most likely correct. If you have Brinks rep come out and
you do not sign up for their monitoring, Brinks will, in most cases,
remove the system. In some cases, at least lately in the Dallas area,
Brinks does occasionally install the system for the building
contractor. In these situations, they do not use proprietary
equipment, although they do, like everyone else, use a lock out code.
Check with your realtor to ensure that the system is in fact not a
proprietary panel and ensure that you own the system, not Brinks.
Then, it's just a matter of getting the dealer code defaulted and the
system programmed as you want it. For that you will most likely have
to pay someone.

If the system is in fact a Brinks proprietary panel and the house was
advertised to you as having a security system, I would go back to the
realtor, seller and/or Title Company. A leased system that does not
belong to the seller should not be advertised as part of the home's
amenities, since ownership of the system does not transfer with title
to the house. If you were made aware that the system was leased from
Brinks, then you may be out of luck if you want a 'local only' alarm.
If you do want monitoring and Brinks owns the sysem, check with them
and try to negotiate a good rate over a short contract term.

Bossman
 
R

Robert

Jan 1, 1970
0
alarman said:
chaddo wrote

Forget it. Brinks uses proprietary equipment, and they probably own the
system anyway. You could remove the components and install your own, but
what does Brinks want for monitoring anyway?
js

About 7 years ago we purchased a home with a Brinks alarm. The alarm was
operational when we moved in, monitoring was cancelled. At that time they
charged us roughly $35 for monitoring.

Now I'm doing research on getting an alarm installed in our new home
(pre-wired). I'm doing research and getting prices. So far I've called
Brinks and ADT. Brinks wants about $200 and monitoring at $29.99 for 15
windows, 6 doors, 1 smoke detector, 1 keypad. All windows and doors already
have 1/2 of the contact (wired side obviously). ADT wants $1,300 and
monitoring at $35 for the same thing adding glass breakage and 1 more smoke
and a heat detector with 2 keypads.

I'm an air conditioning and heating contractor with service and low voltage
controls experience so now I'm considering doing it myself. I'd rather pay
someone though as I'm extremely busy.

After seeing some of the monitoring prices online ($9 to $14) it looks like
I could see a payback on very thorough alarm system in less than 2 years
compared to Brinks or ADT.

Rob
 
B

Bob Worthy

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert,

I see you are in Central Florida area. Be very careful by going on line to
get a monitoring company or even to buy parts. Sale of parts only do no
require a Florida license, but warranty issues are always a question as many
of these sites are resellers of equipment and the manufacuture warranty does
not "necessarily" apply to the resale. The very first thing to ask, when
speaking to a monitoring center, is to get their Florida State License
Number. The licensing number that will enable them to operate within the
State will start with EC, EF, or EG. If you have smoke detectors on the
system, the number can only be EC or EF. If they do not have a license from
the Electrical Contractors Licensing Board that start with those letters,
they cannot legally monitor system in Florida. The police and fire
departments will not take their calls for dispatch. Some smaller
municipalities do not have the personnel to track this and may take their
calls but more and more are realizing that these companies maynot be
unlicensed and will dump those calls in leiu of others. Do Not Let Them Tell
That They Are Not In Florida So They Don't Need A Florida License.
Absolutely Not True. Everything comes with a price so just be careful. Have
you talked to local companies rather than the large national with tremendous
overhead and debt load? You may be able to find a local company that you can
work with.

Bob4Secur
 
S

Spike

Jan 1, 1970
0
I guess I've been lucky as far as 110 goes. I've had a couple of gafs where
I was surprised the outcome wasn't worse. Pretty dramatic sparks, welds, and
crack sounds but I'm always able to let go. Great idea, these grounds.

On this grounding thing...
This place originally had Tel Hydro and Cable all coming in at the same
entrance, all aerial. As the tel was coming in front the back yard, I
dropped it down the pole and buried it to the back of the house. I brought
it in below grade and buried a rod but that's it. Trouble is, the more I
read, the more I think there's a step voltage thing could happen in a
T-storm. Should I get an electrician out here?
 
B

Bossman

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert said:
About 7 years ago we purchased a home with a Brinks alarm. The alarm was
operational when we moved in, monitoring was cancelled. At that time they
charged us roughly $35 for monitoring.

Now I'm doing research on getting an alarm installed in our new home
(pre-wired). I'm doing research and getting prices. So far I've called
Brinks and ADT. Brinks wants about $200 and monitoring at $29.99 for 15
windows, 6 doors, 1 smoke detector, 1 keypad. All windows and doors already
have 1/2 of the contact (wired side obviously). ADT wants $1,300 and
monitoring at $35 for the same thing adding glass breakage and 1 more smoke
and a heat detector with 2 keypads.

I'm an air conditioning and heating contractor with service and low voltage
controls experience so now I'm considering doing it myself. I'd rather pay
someone though as I'm extremely busy.

After seeing some of the monitoring prices online ($9 to $14) it looks like
I could see a payback on very thorough alarm system in less than 2 years
compared to Brinks or ADT.

Rob

You should be able to beat these prices if you contact a few local,
independent or small dealers to give you a quote. From your header
info it appears you're in Florida. I can't speak to the going rate
there, but I, and many other dealers in Dallas, offer a 'trim' package
on prewired homes that includes trimming out the contacts on all
windows and doors, an Ademco Vista 15P with one 6150 keypad for $69
and $24.95 per month for 36 months. A smoke generally runs between
$100 and $125 with most dealers, as does a extra keypad or glass break
detector. The Brinks offer doesn't seem out of line, although the rate
is a touch on the high side. ADT should be including several glass
break detectors to justify the $1300, and $35 a month is way high.

Generally, in my experience, the cheap monitoring (less than about $15
a month) is a 'get what you pay for' thing. I lost a few customers to
a hit and run company here who offered $9.95 monitoring if you paid a
year in advance. Every one of those customers has come back to me, as
the company has had its license suspended and closed its doors. The
customers all spoke of poor service with the other company and all
regreted making the move. I charge $16.95 on my in-house accounts,
$19.95 with a full warranty, but there are always some who will risk
it for a few dollars a month.

My best advice...call a small, local dealer and pay upfront for the
equipment. Get a month-to-month contract for a reasonable rate, and
leave the headaches to the alarm dealer. If you decide you want to
sign a 3 year contract in order to get the equipment installed at a
reduced rate, check with a local Monitronics dealer. With Brinks, you
most likely won't own the equipment, and will be locked in with them.
Monitronics is a good company, and they have gone to a month-to-month
renewal after the initial contract term, increasing your options.

Bossman
 
N

Norm Mugford

Jan 1, 1970
0
Mr. Bass wrote:

"Alarm Central is in Massachusetts. They can
monitor alarms in Florida without a Florida license. I'm in Florida and
many of my clients are outside the state of Florida. I can sell monitoring
service to them because they are not in the state of Florida".

More lies Mr. Bass...you need to read F.S. 489 Part II

Monitoring in Florida requires a Florida license, no matter
where the monitoring company/facility is.

You quote misinformation as usual Mr. Bass. You need to get a
license and read the statutes.

AlarmCentral has a Florida license. If they accept monitoring customers from
you, they could be found to be aiding & abetting.

Note: Mr. Bass is not licensed in the State of Florida.
He is a self confessed convicted felon and any information shared with
Mr. Bass by any members to this NG, should use caution.
Check with the BBB and the Florida Department of Business and Professional
Regulations before doing business with Mr. Bass or signing a monitoring
contract with
Mr. Bass or anyone else.

Norm Mugford


Robert L. Bass said:
The manufacturer's warranty almost invariably requires that the product be
returned via the dealer who sold it. That is true whether the part was sold
online, in person or professionally installed.

I don't know about others' online stores, but every alarm component I sell
is covered under the full manufacturer's warranty. In addition, we offer a
30-day satisfaction guaranty. I've been selling to DIYers for over 25 years
and selling online for seven years. In all of that time I have never once
had a manufacturer refuse warranty service on anything I've sold.


If the alarm is in Florida and the service provider (sales and/or
monitoringFor example, Alarm Central is in Massachusetts. They can
 
B

Bob Worthy

Jan 1, 1970
0
If the alarm is in Florida and the service provider (sales and/or monitoring
facility) is also in Florida, that is true. If not, there is no Florida
license required. For example, Alarm Central is in Massachusetts. They can
monitor alarms in Florida without a Florida license.

Robert, please lets not go around that circle again. I was instrumental in
writing the state statute that governs alarm contracting in the State of
Florida. I know this thing inside and out. I teach classes to the State
Attorneys office, the Department of Professions licensing investigators, and
each year at the County licensing investigators annual get together. The
definition of monitoring, 489.505 (27) means to receive eletrical or
electronic signals, originating from any building within the state. This
was written to include any entity receiving that signal regardless of the
location of the monitoring center. Rather than trying to interpet the law to
ones own benefit, please tell me where in the statute, Chapter 489 Part II,
that there is an "exemption", which the statute does allow for many
different situations, for companies out of state to be exempt from
licensing. If there is one, Monitronics, ADT, Protection One, Brinks,
American Digital, Network Multifamily, Smith, etc, etc. would not need to
carry Florida licenses because their monitoring centers are outside of the
state. If that were to be the case, Why did Intergated Security Services, a
monitoring center out of the northeast, receive a Cease and Desist from the
States Attorneys office, which I have a copy of, because of the lack of a
State license. Maybe you are thinking of some law from another state, but in
Florida, one does need to carry a Florida license if they are involved in
any alarm contracting activiity regardless of the location of their
headquarters, monitoring center, offices, or employees.

I'm in Florida and
many of my clients are outside the state of Florida. I can sell monitoring
service to them because they are not in the state of Florida.

No comment
The gentleman in the present thread is located in Florida. If he wants
monitoring I would refer him to someone with a Florida license or to an
online dealer located outside the state of Florida. If he wanted
installation service I'd refer him to you. :^)

I appreciate that.
If the central station AND the dealer are outside of Florida They Do Not
Need A Florida License. Absolutely True.

Again, I would like to see what you are basing your opinion on. I am not
familuar with any exemption for this type of activity.
Good point. If the gentleman is looking for *service* he's more likely to
get it from a small, local dealer than from a national. That's not an
absolute, of course. There's one company in Bradenton I wouldn't allow to
monitor a dog house. There are some local offices of national dealers that
do good work.


That depends on the area. Many dealers, large and small, absolutely refuse
to work with a client who wants to service his own system.

And there are reasons for that. Liabiltiy is the biggest reason.

Some will sell
the system and then change the code to lock the end user out of his own
system -- even one which he purchased elsewhere.

And again there are reasons for that. There are liability issues that can
come into play. The bad part of that situation is when the relationship
between the two parties is over, the company refuses to unlock the panel and
trys to hold the customer hostage. That is when the industry gets a black
eye.
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert L. Bass said:
The manufacturer's warranty almost invariably requires that the product be
returned via the dealer who sold it. That is true whether the part was sold
online, in person or professionally installed.

When you purchase a part "online", and you DIY, you risk not being able to
return that part under warranty because it wasn't installed by the servicing
dealer. Most alarm equipment wholesalers sell only to alarm companies.
What the DIYer misses out on are the benefits a bona-fide dealer enjoys
through the wholesaler (like manufacturer sponsored training seminars in
which we get the opportunity to work with the equipment and learn about all
the features and benefits, programming, firm-ware updates, etc.). Robert
would have you believe that it's possible to gain the installation expertise
of a journeyman technician "in about an hour over the phone". This is utter
nonsense. The risk of terminating something incorrectly and possible
destroying a common control board is something every *installer* assumes.
The manufacturer's warranty doesn't cover such a loss and when it's caused
through the mistake of professional installer, the servicing dealer will
bear the cost, not the end-user. If you release the carefully packaged blue
smoke supplied with any component you purchase online, you won't be able to
return it for warranty replacement, but will have to fork over the
additional cost to purchase another. When you DIY you assume the risk
inherent in educating yourself.

Robert Bass will have you believe that you won't make a mistake under his
"careful tutelage" and "expert guidance". Ask to verify his "experience" as
a professional installer. Have him provide his license details, names of
clients for whom he's actually installed (and serviced) alarm systems, etc.
"Due diligence" applies.

I don't know about others' online stores, but every alarm component I sell
is covered under the full manufacturer's warranty. In addition, we offer a
30-day satisfaction guaranty. I've been selling to DIYers for over 25 years
and selling online for seven years. In all of that time I have never once
had a manufacturer refuse warranty service on anything I've sold.

Robert Bass' warranty isn't as simple as he states.

"30-Day Money Back Guaranty
Bass Home Electronics dba BassBurglarAlarms.com provides a 30-day, no
questions asked, money back guaranty on all products and services purchased,
except special order items, wire and cable. If for any reason you are not
satisfied with your purchase, simply notify us by e-mail or phone and we
will immediately issue a Return Material Authorization number.

DO NOT SHIP any merchandise directly to our Sarasota office. Returns must be
shipped to the supplier's return processing center. Merchandise shipped to
our address will incur additional shipping and handling charges which will
reduce the amount of your refund.

Please note:
Used merchandise which has been installed, connected to power, programmed or
modified in any way is not returnable for credit. If any product fails to
perform according to the manufacturer's specifications, you may return it
for warranty service. Used merchandise can not be returned for credit or
refund.

What you must do:
a.. Return the merchandise to us within 30 days of your original receipt
of the order.
b.. The products must be returned in new, resalable condition.
c.. You must include all packaging materials.
d.. Packaging materials must not be torn or damaged.
e.. All manuals and warranty registration cards must be unmarked.
f.. You must pay any return shipping expense.
Upon receipt of the returned merchandise in good order in accordance with
the above and within 45 days of original delivery, we will issue full credit
to your charge account. You may elect to receive store credit towards
another purchase or a refund.

Special Orders: Special Order products are usually shipped directly from the
manufacturer. Most special orders are shipped within 1 to 2 weeks. Special
orders are not returnable. If a special order product is defective or fails
in service, we will honor the manufacturer's warranty and expedite service
in accordance with that warranty. We will always do our best to provide
prompt, courteous customer service -- during and after the expiration of the
warranty.

Warrantees: Bass Burglar Alarms honors all manufacturers warrantees. Each of
the lines we carry is covered under a separate manufacturer's warranty. The
terms and conditions vary from company to company. You should therefor read
the warranty information which we have displayed on our site. The warrantees
are, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate copies of the
warrantees published by the manufacturers. Bass Burglar Alarms cannot assume
responsibility or liability for any typographical errors. Bass Burglar
Alarms does not provide any additional warranty for any product sold other
than to assist you in obtaining the benefit of the manufacturer's warranty.

Non-Returnable Items:
We can not accept returns of wire and cable unless the wrong cable was
shipped due to our error. Please be certain before ordering that you have
selected the right wire for your project.

We can not accept returns of Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) equipment of any kind
except for repairs or unless the wrong item was shipped due to our error.

Commercial Fire Alarm systems are special order and are non-returnable."


There is no return policy on anything to do with wire and cable, CCTV
products (the words "of any kind" would by default include DVR's, VCR's,
cameras, housings,etc.), and commercial fire alarm systems (this probably
extends to smoke detectors, heat detectors, and any other component that
could form a complete "system"). If you're unhappy with a detectors'
performance, you won't be able to return it once you've installed/mounted
it. Robert considers that a "used" item.

You also assume the responsibililty of returning the product to its place of
origin (the wholesaler) including charges for shipping, handling and
insurance. These won't be refunded. If the supplier refuses its' return
(and there's no guarantee they won't) you're "SOL".

As with anything you purchase online, Mr. Worthy's disclaimer is definitely
something you should note. You can also read the information on this page:

http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/buyingonline.htm

If the alarm is in Florida and the service provider (sales and/or monitoring
facility) is also in Florida, that is true. If not, there is no Florida
license required. For example, Alarm Central is in Massachusetts. They can
monitor alarms in Florida without a Florida license. I'm in Florida and
many of my clients are outside the state of Florida. I can sell monitoring
service to them because they are not in the state of Florida.

I think Robert's finally gone over the edge... "The cheese has fallen off
his cracker"...

The gentleman in the present thread is located in Florida. If he wants
monitoring I would refer him to someone with a Florida license or to an
online dealer located outside the state of Florida. If he wanted
installation service I'd refer him to you. :^)

Not Jim Rojas??

If the central station AND the dealer are outside of Florida They Do Not
Need A Florida License. Absolutely True.

Absolutely False.

Good point. If the gentleman is looking for *service* he's more likely to
get it from a small, local dealer than from a national. That's not an
absolute, of course. There's one company in Bradenton I wouldn't allow to
monitor a dog house. There are some local offices of national dealers that
do good work.

Heh... There's one online store in Sarasota I would never do business with
either.

That depends on the area. Many dealers, large and small, absolutely refuse
to work with a client who wants to service his own system.

This "gem" comes from an individual that isn't licensed, doesn't have
insurance, and isn't bonded.

Some will sell
the system and then change the code to lock the end user out of his own
system -- even one which he purchased elsewhere.

"Most" will actually do this. There isn't an E&O insurance carrier I know
of that wouldn't have "kittens" if they found out their clients' customers
can alter the system parameters to possibly prevent the alarm from
functioning and notifying the central station. As Robert doesn't carry
liability insurance, this isn't of any concern to him. He uses this fact to
support his own unique DIY mantra. If you're going to purchase "online",
then I'd suggest you contact one of several professional *dealers* that
offer this service. They're listed here:

http://www.yoursecuritysource.com/dealers.htm

Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
 
N

Norm Mugford

Jan 1, 1970
0
Frank wrote concerning Mr. Bass:

"The cheese has fallen off his cracker"...

I thought that was supposed to be a hamburger.

Norm Mugford
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Norm Mugford said:
Frank wrote concerning Mr. Bass:

"The cheese has fallen off his cracker"...

I thought that was supposed to be a hamburger.


I understand he's had to cut down on the red meats. :-(
 
S

Spike

Jan 1, 1970
0
Robert L. Bass said:
Yes. It sounds as though you've set yourself up for a lightning hit.

Alarm and Home Automation System FAQ
http://www.bass-home.com/faq/masterfaq/faq.htm

Regards,
Robert

My house is more attractive to lighting because I have two grounds instead
of one?
I'm more concerned about step voltage than lightning. You're bluffing again,
do you even know what step voltage is?
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Spike said:
My house is more attractive to lighting because I have two grounds instead
of one?
I'm more concerned about step voltage than lightning. You're bluffing again,
do you even know what step voltage is?


I'm sure he's going to "read all he can" on the subject and get back to
you...
 
F

Frank Olson

Jan 1, 1970
0
Every one of them has nexus within Florida. Show me a single, independent,
out-of-state monitoring center that carries a Florida alarm contractor's
license.


OK... Just one (for now)...
CounterforceUSA - License #EF2000321
There are lots more because to provide monitoring services *in Flordia*
requires a license (including Alarm Central, Inc., the station you use).

That's the most commonly stated reason.

Heh... so it's therefor the probably the closest to the truth.
The real issue is often the matter
of control. A client who has access to programming can walk away relatively
unscathed if he doesn't like the service.

That may be a "real issue" in your own mind, but most alarm companies want
solid repeat business. They can't get that from clients that are unhappy
with their service. Most alarmco's would rather allow the customer to
"switch" than fight. Not-with-standing certain contractual arrangements
*the customer agrees to* at the start of the monitoring agreement, the
company may decide it's in their best interest to wave those obligations as
well, but it's at the discretion of the company, not the consumer. I seem
to recall that you have done so on a number of occasions (or so you've told
us). I also seem to recall your monitoring contract is based on a one year
agreement.

See above.
Malarky...



Bob, I believe that you honestly believe that a client screw-up could expose
you to liability. We disagree as to the exposure.

It not only "could", it probably "would". The client will deny he made any
changes and will blame the company for the failure. There's enough
"ambulance chasing" Lawyers in the US that if they all decided to lay down
at once, you could walk from the west coast to the east without your feet
touching pavement. That means another Lawyer will have to be hired and
motions filed, etc... costs for which are covered under the company's
liability insurance. You wouldn't understand this Robert, because you don't
carry liability insurance, aren't bonded or licensed.
 
S

Spike

Jan 1, 1970
0
Frank Olson said:
more


I'm sure he's going to "read all he can" on the subject and get back to
you...

I'd have no problem with that at all. I've read up on it myself, that's why
I'm concerned. But lightning is like RF, it's friggin' voodoo...
I like having my tel lines buried and coming in underground at the less
available back of the house. I'd rather not put them back out front where
they're more vulnerable if I don't have to and I'm not sure that I do.

Some knucklehead shooting off at the mouth about something he knows nothing
about doesn't help though, I could do that myself :)
 
Top