Where can I find the master code for my home alarm system (DCS-1500)?
I recently purchased a rental property that has a home security system. I want to activate the system but I don?t know the pass code. Isn't there a master programming code that I can use to reset the whole thing? Posted from the Free Home Improvement Forum at
Unless someone from the company that installed the system is on this forum, there is no way anyone here can know that info. Any decent installer will have changed the defaults.
Besides, without knowing what you are doing, jumping into programming without a guide could get you a system that is worse than useless.
See if there are any stickers on the panel, possibly on any of the doors or windows or maybe a yard sign with the name and number of the servicing company. If you can get in touch with the previous owners maybe they can tell you who to call.
If not, check out the local operators (try to avoid the nationals) with the BBB and and give one of those guys a call.
It won't be free and I'm sure they will try to get you on board with monitoring. But you should actually check out how much the monitoring is against how much it may save you on homeowners insurance - you may find it isn't that expensive in the long run.
A monitored fire system, along with low temperature sensing (in certain areas - check local listings) and strategically placed water detector (water damage is a real mother and insurance companies will usually do whatever they can to avoid paying for it) or two, in a house that will be used by tenets who may not care about the property as much as you do, could be just what you need for piece of mind and perhaps a cut on the insurance (I get 15% from my company).
There is a method of defaulting the board, but you'll have to reprogram it from scratch and you haven't indicated as to whether you have the programming manual or not. First you have to find out if the board has been "locked". Disconnect the battery and AC transformer (in that order). Wait for 30 seconds and reconnect the AC. If you hear a series of "clicks" from the onboard relay, the board is locked and the only way to access programming is by knowing the installer code. If the relay doesn't click multiple times, you can default the board. The procedure is in the installation manual which you will need to reprogram the system anyway.
The 1500 is ancient technology. You should consider upgrading to a newer system. Stick with DSC if you're considering the DIY route. It's one of the easiest panels to program. Find a friendly local alarm company that's willing to sell you a DSC 1832. You'll need new keypads as well. You can browse DSC's website at
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You can also purchase the system from any of a number of online stores and dealers.
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has some valuable tips and a couple of links to online dealers.
Joe's advice is correct. However, most local (and virtually all national) alarm companies will decline to work on the system unless you sign a multi-year monitoring contract. The terms and prices vary wildly from one provider to the next fir essentially similar services so shop around a bit.
Regarding breaks in homeowner's insurance, the discount is usually nn% of the burglary or fire coverage -- not the whole package. For example, our homeowner's policy costs around $8,000 a year. The 10% discount for an alarm system isn't 10% of $8,000. It's 10% of $800, or $80. Monitoring by any of the local outfits around Sarasota would run about $300 a year. A colleague,
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charges $12 a month. Net cost is $64 per year.
One thing you need to be especially careful about if you have an alarm company service and/or monitor the system for you is that pesky lockout code (the same one you're having trouble with at present). Most alarm companies use them to make it more difficult / costly for customers to switch service providers. Some will give you the code or default it for you for a price once you pay for nn years of monitoring. Others won't give you the code, even to equipment which you own, no matter what you do.
If you like to tinker you might want to consider buying a control panel and doing the job yourself. It's not particularly difficult though you'll need a modicum of tool skills and a bit of patience to get the hang of it. If that's not your idea of a fun way to spend a Saturday, take Joe's advice and check out a few local alarm dealers. Ask neighbors who they use and how they like the service. Either way, best of luck.
Does it also just so happen you hawk installed systems? Monitoring? I'm just curious.
I'd love to pay only $2,000 per year for homeowner's insurance.
If you *really* want to &*^% things up, vote Republican.
So the gentleman has a 1550. It can be upgraded if need be. However, if he can find a way to get the code he can easily get the manual from Jim Rojas. If not, he has a choice -- go with a professional or DIY. The deciding factors should be his ability or willingness to do it (the work is pretty simple) vs. the simpler solution which is to let someone else do it for him. No big deal either way.
I hawk stuff, but other than changing a battery, I don't suggest people DIY. Most are cheap bastards that piss and moan when they have to eventually pay the going rate for someone to come in and clean up their mess.
Besides, if the guy wound up hitting this newsgroup on recommendation, he doesn't have a DIY clue.
Here's a hint - - why not go to the manufacturer's web site?
Plenty of places that you're not overcharged for insurance.
Unless you're pretty well to do to start off, or you like seeing old motion picture actors, voting republican won't help.
Rojas? I heard he took a managers job with Brinks in Florida! Unfortunately the job won't last. He'll be out when they find out he knows what he's doing and the pay that he won't get equals $25,000.
I understand. If they DIY they don't have to pay you to do it for them. No problem. I sell direct to DIYers so of course I do suggest that *some* people DIY. Every so often I speak with someone who seems unable to handle the work. When that happens I suggest they hire a pro. That's not to common, mind you. Installing and servicing burglar alarms is fairly simple stuff.
We must be dealing with two different segments of the population. I find that most people interested in DIY do so because they enjoy the challenge. Some are only looking to save money but that's not a bad thing unless they happen to be saving by not paying you, right? :^)
The newsgroup is called ALT.SECURITY.ALARMS. To someone looking for information on security alarms this would seem a logical place to start. However, I prefer they search [blatant plug] -->
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Here's a hint - - why not go to the manufacturer's web site?
You think the manufacturer will help the gentleman? IME, most alarm cturers refuse to assist end users. They prefer the user go either to an alarm dealer or shop online, as long as the customer buys something without bothering them.
It may have something to do with the value of the home.
Heh, heh, heh. We certainly agree there.
Manager? I never met a Brinks manager. Do they actually supervise stuff?
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