I currently have an ADT alarm system, and for a couple of months now have been using the SHAW digital phone service here in Calgary. So far, 2 times (once was hardware failure) the alarm has went off when it should not have. The second was because Shaw was performing maintenance on the 'line' at 1AM and turned the connection off - hence the alarm went off after the phone line 'went down'. Now, if I leave for the weekend, I cannot arm the alarm because if the Shaw line goes down, the alarm will go off and the only ones which will know this are my neighbors - as it obviously cannot call ADT!

I have talked to ADT and they say TS basically - and that the cell module is not available in Calgary.
Shaw says they are working with ADT - but who knows how long before something actually happens.

Is it possible to have the alarm system ignore the status of the phone line while the system is armed? In the same way the system ignores the motion sensor when it is put on stay.

Any other suggestions??

Thanks!

Is it possible to have the alarm system ignore the status of the phone line while the system is armed?

I think you would have to ask ADT that question because generally the answer is no.

With my system if the phone line goes down the alarm monitoring system is supposed to be notified. The reason for this is to prevent thieves disabling your alarm system by simply cutting the phone line.

I'm with ADT (Toronto) and if the phone line doesn't call in, I think I get a "trouble" light and a "beep" on my touchpad (DSC 1500). The alarm doesn't go off. The alarm should only go off if there is a break-in.

Someone may have programmed your touchpad incorrectly.

If it doesn't call in for a couple of nights or so, then ADT check by calling me I believe.

I think you would have to ask ADT that question because generally the answer is no.

With my system if the phone line goes down the alarm monitoring system is supposed to be notified. The reason for this is to prevent thieves disabling your alarm system by simply cutting the phone line.

Yes, I know why a system would monitor the status of the phone line. However, if someone cuts the line, THEN breaks in - the alarm will go off because one of the doors/windows have been opened...I am just looking for a solution to try and keep the digital phone (because of cost savings), yet be able to use the alarm system still....

I'm with ADT (Toronto) and if the phone line doesn't call in, I think I get a "trouble" light and a "beep" on my touchpad (DSC 1500). The alarm doesn't go off. The alarm should only go off if there is a break-in.

Someone may have programmed your touchpad incorrectly.

If it doesn't call in for a couple of nights or so, then ADT check by calling me I believe.


Interesting...that, to me is how I would like my system configured but ADT is saying it's not possible.

Anyone else have any experience with ADT and Shaw Digital Phone?

I’ve worked for VIA security, Bell Guardian, and later I did 4 years with ADT so I know a thing or two about alarms.

57, the DSC 1500 is a basic 6 zone system and I’ve installed 100’s of them back then. This panel doesn’t have any telephone line voltage monitor (TLM). It however can be programmed to do a communicator test once per day. If it fails to communicate with the station after repeated attempts it will only turn on the trouble light and beep @ the pad.


BurnMaxx, your system does have a telephone line voltage monitor. More advanced system have this feature. When enabled the TLM will watch for a constant voltage between 3 and 48 volts. If the voltage drops below 3 volts the panel will turn on the siren after about 5 minutes. It will only report to the station if programmed to do so... that the line is once again ok if it gets the landline back... or switches to a cellular backup. The TLM can be disabled in the programming menu. Depending on the type of system ADT should be able to call into it to change programming parameters.

BurnMaxx, what model of system do you have?

I’ve worked for VIA security, Bell Guardian, and later I did 4 years with ADT so I know a thing or two about alarms.

57, the DSC 1500 is a basic 6 zone system and I’ve installed 100’s of them back then. This panel doesn’t have any telephone line voltage monitor (TLM). It however can be programmed to do a communicator test once per day. If it fails to communicate with the station after repeated attempts it will only turn on the trouble light and beep @ the pad.


BurnMaxx, your system does have a telephone line voltage monitor. More advanced system have this feature. When enabled the TLM will watch for a constant voltage between 3 and 48 volts. If the voltage drops below 3 volts the panel will turn on the siren after about 5 minutes. It will only report to the station if programmed to do so... that the line is once again ok if it gets the landline back... or switches to a cellular backup. The TLM can be disabled in the programming menu. Depending on the type of system ADT should be able to call into it to change programming parameters.

BurnMaxx, what model of system do you have?

The picture of the keypad matches the picture in the instruction manual for a KP5501Z.

The picture of the keypad matches the picture in the instruction manual for a KP5501Z.

Thats the model of Key Pad.

Go look on the alarm box for the model number.

ADT Focus 32

Is that what you are looking for? I did not open the box, the Focus 32 is stamped on the front cover of the box installed downstairs.

ADT Focus 32

Is that what you are looking for? I did not open the box, the Focus 32 is stamped on the front cover of the box installed downstairs.

The Focus 32 is ADT private label for the DSC Power 832

http://www.bassburglaralarms.com/product_11969_detailed.htm

Tyco owns both ADT and DSC.

I'll see if I can find a programming manual for the power 832.

here you go...

http://www.alarmsystemstore.com/832prog.pdf

Page 6, [015] Third System Options #7

is the TLM .... you need to de-select this option. It can be done!
You will need the installer code from ADT to make this change.

All you do is push *8 on the key pad. Enter installer code ???? then 015 then 7 then exit pushing #

Message from ADT about VOIP

http://www.adt.ca/en/about/resinewsletter/summer2004/voip

Excellent news! Thank you for this information! Now I just have to find out the installer code, or go to ADT with this information. Do the systems come with a 'default' installer code which I could try? Is the system going to do anything strange if I try a code and it is wrong?

default installer code on that box was 5010 but I'm sure they changed it. Alot of alarm companies liked to use the account number as the installer code.

Well just got off the phone with ADT - they are coming out Tuesday to see what they can do.

I mentioned TLM to both parties I talked to, and they had no idea what I was talking about...that does not sound good!

Print this out...
http://www.alarmsystemstore.com/832prog.pdf

highlight this,
Page 6, [015] Third System Options #7

The tech they send out will know more about it.... the guys on the phone are office people.

Burnmaxx I was just curious if all the issues you were having with ADT were resolved... I think if you need further assistance you can email marketing@adt.ca I think all the emails that go in there get dispursed to the right people... hope all works out

Unfortunately, no issues have been resolved. I have an alarm system which I cannot arm while I am away from the house. ADT came out to try what was suggested, but said it would not fix the problem and noted I had an 'incompatible system'.
When my contract is up, I will be changing to an alarm company which supports SHAW Digital...

Eventually, alarm companies will have to face reality.