How to arm a home security system?
Question:We have a security system that isn't fully functional due to issues with the poor installation but we would still like to be able to arm it at night. Does anyone know how to simply turn on the chimes? No need to fully arm it so police or fire are notified (not like they get notified anyway since the system isn't functioning yet we pay), just want the noise if a door or window is opened. System is a Honeywell.
Oh yeah, NEVER buy from Firstline Security out of Colorado. They take your monthly payments, stick you with a system that doesn't work, leave you with a defunct phone line and tell you to upgrade if you want it fixed or pay over $900 to have a non-functioning system removed! We're still fighting with them to fix our system. Nice gig if you can get it!
Answers:
Egad, sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately I run into alot of people who have issues with poorly installed security systems and a lack of service - Just went to one yesterday and will be tearing it out next week. This is Particularly true when it comes to wireless, which is why I only install hardwire.
First of all, what is the problem with the security system, maybe it is something that I can walk you through. I hate to see people paying for something they aren't using.
Failing that, I would do the following:
- document EVERYTHING, every conversation you have with these "people", every letter, every invoice and of course every problem
- tell them you are going to contact the media
- tell them you want out of your contract as they are in breach. They offered you a product (presumably you wanted one that worked) you accepted their offer by paying. They installed the system but it does not work.
- If you have a rock solid case you may want to just stop paying. I know in Canada, if someone puts you into collections and they do end up following it up, you would get a day in court. Of course this could also effect your credit rating.
With the chime mode, just contact me with the model number and I will send you a users manual. Personally I do not like the Honeywell / Ademco product line but I can get you a manual. Typically with this brand enter your code followed by chime to toggle it on and off. This will only chime zones that are programmed to chime. Typically not motion detectors.
you can GE security system .CISCO security system
First stop paying for them to monitor your alarm. Find the big box they installed & disconnect the alarm from the phone line. Then if it does go off it can't call the police. Even without u manually disconnecting the alarm from the phone if u don't pay them to monitor it they won't and esentially u r left w/what appears to be an alarm but is really a fancy loud siren. Some companies sell their alarms like that just a way of knowing no one can or has been in or out w/o u knowing. But do not pay another bill for them monitering your home. If I set my alarm off my company calls me within 2 minutes wanting to know my password EVERYTIME
in the user manual there will be part set/omit options/chime enable etc...
not all systems function in the same way, it wont be a pnel made by the company just one of perhaps 10 manufacturers, look on the keypad or control panel(big box) for an identifying number then search google for images, ceck honeywell's website theyre one of the largest, or ademco. how much control the end user has over part setting the system, omitting zones, selecting chimes etc is programmed by the installation engineer when fitting.
sorry to hear of your bad experience, but if i told you what i know about the security 'industry' and how customers are disadvantaged you wouldnt beleive me. Look on their headed notepaper to see if they are a member of a regulatory body/inspectorate, get in touch with them and CC your letter to the company, believe me, they wonnt like that since complaints management is one thing that can loose them there accreditation.
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