[Camera.Ken]

Hi All:

We have an ADT Safewatch Custom RF system. This morning I had an unusual thing happen, which has never happened before.

I got a phone call (with caller ID) where no one answered my "hello". Thought it was a boiler room and hung up.

A few seconds later, got a single ring on the phone (no caller ID) -- and the ADT system sounded 3 "chirps". When I went to investigate, I heard the ADT system make a voice announcement, but did not catch what it was.

ADT's staff cannot find any record of activations or problems, and their phone test runs normally.

Any ideas as to what this is?

 

[99semaj]

ADT marketed different controls under the Safewatch brand,so while i dont know exactly which system you're talking about, it sounds like the double call within a few seconds activated the dealer download function. This is a common feature of alarm panels which enables the dealer to remotely program or diagnose your system using a secure program and password.

Nothing to worry about.

 

[Camera.Ken]

Thanks and More Info

Hi:

Thanks for the information.

A few hours after this incident, the unit began to emit double-beeps. I called ADT again, who asked me to activate the memory recall function. The unit advised that "sensor 83" had been activated.

We have no sensor 83.

A tech is visiting soon to diagnose the system.

 

[Mango]

Ken, how did this turn out?

 

[Camera.Ken]

Nothing Further To Report

Hi Mango:

Apparently, this was an isolated incident. The tech was unable to find any problem. Nothing like it has recurred.

However, the tech told me that the panel is obsolete; many other techs may not be familiar with it and parts are no longer available.

I subsequently got ino a big sales cycle with ADT, and am still considering my options. It looks like I'd need to replace both panel and sensors. Clearly, monitoring is the main cost item in the long term, and ADT is uncompetitive.

I'm trying to think through the whole issue -- threats, options, cost and so on. It is a surprisingly slippery subject which is so far eluding a conclusion.

Meanwhile, I will remain at status quo -- at least until the old system conks out completely.

 

[HDTV101]

When I worked in the alarm biz years ago codes in the 80’s were supervisory. 81 was low battery, 82 was Bell cut, etc… so 83 means something has gone wrong with the system and it needs to be serviced.

 

[Zrock]

I would just go with a system that you can set up to monitor yourself. Mine calls my cell phone instantly and i can hear what is happening and make the choice to investigate or call police... I have no fear of phone lines getting cut unless they want to climb the pole and everything inside the house is hidden so by the time they realize the alarm is their its to late