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.
I'm an Ademco (now Honeywell) dealer. Call me and I'll have a key sent to you free. If you find that you do need a battery you can order one online. The 12 Volt, 7.0 Amp Hour ones are $15 retail.
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.
Before you order anything from this indivdual please see his bad Better Business Bureau record below.
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?
I just love a story with a happy ending...
Cabling-Design.com Forums website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.