Obsolete or not????

Dec 21, 2005 10 Replies

Hi all,



I have a cousin in another state and she has a FA-1220C. Does anyone know if this system is obsolete or if parts, keypads, wireless expander is still availability for this model. I thought it might be an Ademco panel made for First Alert, but was a modified Vista 10 or 20.



Thanks for the help.



Les


Yes, it is obsolete. It is an Ademco Vista 40. I would replace it with a Vista 20P

Jim Rojas

Thanks Jim that is what I needed.

Have a good evening.

Les

I'd say as long as it still works, it's not obsolete. Impractical, maybe, if you can't get parts, but not obsolete.

I agree with out a doubt.

However the "local" alarm guy was there to add a couple of windows and one door to the system and told my cousin that the panel was old and would have to be upgraded, for a $FEE$ of course. She thought it was a little strange and did not agree at the time. Good for her!! Since she has a wonderful cousin in the business a few states away, she called me and told me what happened. She is now much better informed and will be asking some rather detailed questions when he returns.

I am not responsible for any blood loss or dismemberment that may occur.

Les

Hmmm, she MAY need an upgrade if the new sensors need to be added as separate zones and the panel she has doesn't have any zones available, but in reality, they could probably just as easily be connected to existing zones...

Actually the panel is only using 6 zones. By my count that would mean there are 3 zones available.

No reason her existing panel shouldn't work just fine then... again, unless there are additional features or functions she needs.

No, just hardwire two windows and one door. That was my point that the "installer" was looking to upgrade another unsuspecting female. He thought she was a push over. Wish I had a video when he comes back in January.

I would only use zones 7 & 8. Never used Zone 9 and right now I can't remember why.... But we never do. (perhaps there is no reason not to...)

It is possible that the company isn't familiar with Ademco or First Alert and don't have programming capability but I sort of doubt that.

Its a decent panel that works well. The last one I installed was about a year and a half ago. It will work with all current ademco expanders in the event you do run out of zones or need to add wireless. Only thing I'm not sure about is the FA-700 keypad...

As I understand it they (the servicing company installed the system 10 years ago or so.

At this time my cuz' has enough information to get some straight answers and solutions.

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