ADT PowerMaster 360R - Frequency

[Jezza]

Hello All,

 

I've done some searching around this morning on this forum and Google but I haven't been able to find the answer to my question. 

 

Long story short, my ADT contract was cancelled as I received poor customer services when dealing with an service and they tried to charge me for the visit despite paying a monthly service fee and monitoring fee. I've recently taken control of the system myself, I have all the codes to perform all the actions that an ADT engineer would do be able to do consulting the Visonic Installation manual pending on knowledge. I have the alarm system also setup on a Visonic PowerManager that I'm paying a yearly fee through a third party so I retain all the features I had with ATD plus a couple of extra features.

 

I like to add new motion detectors to the alarm system, as I understand the alarm system run on the frequency of 868-0 which is unique to ADT so I would need to buy second hand off eBay. Obviously I can't buy brand new ADT monition detectors and if I were to buy brand new I can only buy 868-1 motion detectors. My questions is can I change the frequency of the alarm system, I'm assuming this is controlled by hardware but is it's possible to replace the module that controls the frequency or is it a software change? I wasn't aware of the frequency difference when taking control of the alarm system myself and again shows the lack of customer services from ADT pre-warning me off this and that I can only fit ADT equipment. 

 

If this can't be done is it a matter that I just need to buy a new alarm panel, plus motion detectors, etc. If this is the case I don't see why I've paid ADT for myself to take on the alarm and they had just fleeced me of money for the final cash grab.

 

Thanks

J  

[sixwheeledbeast]

Nope it's replace everything or find ADT versions.

They gave you what you asked for I suppose, you have paid for them to check over the programming, change the codes and hand over the system, also maybe set up PowerManager to this TP?

For most companies focus is on the product as a whole, (i.e. a full working system) this is how it's sold. The components and compatibilities between them are engineering questions, unlikely to be a topic of conversation when talking contracts.

 

To add insult to injury, Visonic are part of Tyco group so buying non ADT branded Visonic would be the "final cash grab", if you want to phrase it like that.

[Jezza]

36 minutes ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

Nope it's replace everything or find ADT versions.

They gave you what you asked for I suppose, you have paid for them to check over the programming, change the codes and hand over the system, also maybe set up PowerManager to this TP?

For most companies focus is on the product as a whole, (i.e. a full working system) this is how it's sold. The components and compatibilities between them are engineering questions, unlikely to be a topic of conversation when talking contracts.

 

To add insult to injury, Visonic are part of Tyco group so buying non ADT branded Visonic would be the "final cash grab", if you want to phrase it like that.

 

I may as well stick with finding ADT versions and continue with it until it becomes hard to to find replacement parts. I guess that could be a life span for at least 5 years.

 

They certainly gave me what I asked for, wish they would had explained this before but this is a difference between someone in the call centre and the engineer though I've not had great time with ADT, not that I'm having a pop at the engineers.

I have a working system and notifications for when I'm out of the house, I just retain the maintenance myself which has it's risks with mainly is finding parts. As long as I have the notifications I'll be doing a better job than ADT ever did where I never received calls when the alarm had triggered. 

 

Can I have your opinion in terms of others risks I may have not factored in managing the system myself? 

  

[al-yeti]

1 hour ago, Jezza said:

Hello All,

 

I've done some searching around this morning on this forum and Google but I haven't been able to find the answer to my question. 

 

Long story short, my ADT contract was cancelled as I received poor customer services when dealing with an service and they tried to charge me for the visit despite paying a monthly service fee and monitoring fee. I've recently taken control of the system myself, I have all the codes to perform all the actions that an ADT engineer would do be able to do consulting the Visonic Installation manual pending on knowledge. I have the alarm system also setup on a Visonic PowerManager that I'm paying a yearly fee through a third party so I retain all the features I had with ATD plus a couple of extra features.

 

I like to add new motion detectors to the alarm system, as I understand the alarm system run on the frequency of 868-0 which is unique to ADT so I would need to buy second hand off eBay. Obviously I can't buy brand new ADT monition detectors and if I were to buy brand new I can only buy 868-1 motion detectors. My questions is can I change the frequency of the alarm system, I'm assuming this is controlled by hardware but is it's possible to replace the module that controls the frequency or is it a software change? I wasn't aware of the frequency difference when taking control of the alarm system myself and again shows the lack of customer services from ADT pre-warning me off this and that I can only fit ADT equipment. 

 

If this can't be done is it a matter that I just need to buy a new alarm panel, plus motion detectors, etc. If this is the case I don't see why I've paid ADT for myself to take on the alarm and they had just fleeced me of money for the final cash grab.

 

Thanks

J  

As swb 

 

Or like you say wait for stuff to come up on eBay, 

 

By the way ADT haven't fleeced you at all , you need to think about why I say that , I don't work for them or have any connection with them , your not saying much others don't say  about other companies aswell.

 

You want to save money per month which is fine , but things cost money for companies they can't pay for everything 

 

 

Anyhow back on track , eBay is your only way 

 

 

[al-yeti]

1 minute ago, Jezza said:

 

I may as well stick with finding ADT versions and continue with it until it becomes hard to to find replacement parts. I guess that could be a life span for at least 5 years.

 

They certainly gave me what I asked for, wish they would had explained this before but this is a difference between someone in the call centre and the engineer though I've not had great time with ADT, not that I'm having a pop at the engineers.

I have a working system and notifications for when I'm out of the house, I just retain the maintenance myself which has it's risks with mainly is finding parts. As long as I have the notifications I'll be doing a better job than ADT ever did where I never received calls when the alarm had triggered. 

 

Can I have your opinion in terms of others risks I may have not factored in managing the system myself? 

  

Yes , risk is DIY and how confident you are and when a fault develops that you can't deal with 

 

Also how much insurance discount did you get for having the alarm ,? £100? Or no discount at all ?

[Jezza]

3 minutes ago, al-yeti said:

As swb 

 

Or lik

 

By the way ADT haven't fleeced you at all , you need to think about why I say that , I don't work for them or have any connection with them , your not saying much others don't say  about other companies aswell.

 

You want to save money per month which is fine , but things cost money for companies they can't pay for everything 

 

 

Anyhow back on track , eBay is your only way 

 

 

 

I accept there are monthly costs, happy to pay these for the maintenance of the alarm system plus the monitoring of the system too. It's a while ago now, and I remember in the T&C when I completed the sign through DocuSign that maintenance was included but when they came out to service I was charged. I guess the difference is maintenance and serviced are two different things with ADT, can't access the T&C through the original email now as they have expired. That's why I left ADT due to the cost of the services.

 

1 minute ago, al-yeti said:

Yes , risk is DIY and how confident you are and when a fault develops that you can't deal with 

 

Also how much insurance discount did you get for having the alarm ,? £100? Or no discount at all ?

 

I'm confident when it comes to developing faults, happy to spend the time to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. It's an oversight on my side not thinking about the frequency but you learn from these mistakes 

 

Can't remember the savings on insurance, don't think it was a great deal of savings to be honest but that isn't the reason I got the alarm system for savings costs. I'm not actually looking to have costs savings per month, it's part of the package but I see my money is spent else where with another company that offers the full package and decent customer services. Main problem is ADT has put me off with dealing with any other alarm services providers. 

 

 

[al-yeti]

Just now, Jezza said:

 

I accept there are monthly costs, happy to pay these for the maintenance of the alarm system plus the monitoring of the system too. It's a while ago now, and I remember in the T&C when I completed the sign through DocuSign that maintenance was included but when they came out to service I was charged. I guess the difference is maintenance and serviced are two different things with ADT, can't access the T&C through the original email now as they have expired. That's why I left ADT due to the cost of the services.

 

 

I'm confident when it comes to developing faults, happy to spend the time to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. It's an oversight on my side not thinking about the frequency but you learn from these mistakes 

 

Can't remember the savings on insurance, don't think it was a great deal of savings to be honest but that isn't the reason I got the alarm system for savings costs. I'm not actually looking to have costs savings per month, it's part of the package but I see my money is spent else where with another company that offers the full package and decent customer services. Main problem is ADT has put me off with dealing with any other alarm services providers. 

 

 

Ok

 

Your insurance is currently void with no maintainer btw

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sixwheeledbeast]

Yep I second that, it's the knowledge of how to maintain the system (annual checks, batteries, testing and programming).

Then also consider what you do if something unforeseen goes wrong with it, often happens at the least convenient time when you can't get help. Do you have the equipment to access all the components at that time. A well maintained system would rarely cause you an issue tho .

Maybe call some local companies and explain your situation if your uncertain, if they support Visonic they maybe flexible and work with what you have although most would prefer to only support there own kit so they offer you the best QoS.

[Jezza]

59 minutes ago, al-yeti said:

Ok

 

Your insurance is currently void with no maintainer btw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for highlighting this , I'll call the ensure to update them. 

 

54 minutes ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

Yep I second that, it's the knowledge of how to maintain the system (annual checks, batteries, testing and programming).

Then also consider what you do if something unforeseen goes wrong with it, often happens at the least convenient time when you can't get help. Do you have the equipment to access all the components at that time. A well maintained system would rarely cause you an issue tho .

Maybe call some local companies and explain your situation if your uncertain, if they support Visonic they maybe flexible and work with what you have although most would prefer to only support there own kit so they offer you the best QoS.

 

I really appreciate your responses. You have certainly highlighted areas that I haven't the full understanding off.

What equipment would I need to have access too, are these third party tools that are designed only to work with the alarm system? I have the PowerMaster 360R, in the PowerMaster_360R_G2_V19_4_Installer_Guide it looks like can control all settings through the panel, and with the PIR it's all setup in panel, so it's general maintenance I'll be doing. Laptop can be connected by the looks of it, but most likely require software that I do not know but sure I'm be able to find what it is but question is it in the public domain but is this actually needed if I have all options on the panel.  

 

What's your recommendation with the approach of the annual check, do I replace all batteries on the PIRs and 360R annually? Would you be able to recommend brand of batteries I should go with? 

 

I'll see what local companies have to offer as mentioned monthly costs isn't a problem for me, if a new system  is needed so be it. 

[james.wilson]

As above if an intruder alarm fails to perform your insurance company would claim from the maintaner. Thats why Insurance companies want an approved company as they have to have the specialist insurance for this. As such systems are locked down to prevent an innocent change to the config actually having unforseen problems. So without that you may not have a valid insurance cover