Question:
I recently bought a flat which had a British Gas security system fitted
already. My guess is that this is about 3 y old. The whole system seems
to be complete with wireless sensors in every room and one device
attached to the door. Having read through previous listings i can see
that it is usually a re-branded DSC that BG use, and that BG don't
give out the master codes for installation. In fact on the inside of
the LCD control paned there is a discreet 'DSC' in the corner.
Installing a security system that will only sound if there is a problem
(ie without necessarily linking up to a monitoring centre) will keep
the wife happy. As I want to save in paying for a complete new system I
was wandering if anyone could let me know if I can make use (or part
use) of the existing hardware. For instance is there a way of me finding
out the master code for this system without subsidising BG's already over
inflated profits? Or, if ripped out their LCD control panel and replaced
it with a new DSC one, would it work with the rest of the hardware?
Do you install a home security system?
Answer:Sir, without the master code, you must enter installer programming mode to
change the master (*8 function). From there, after changing it back to a
known code, you can enter other codes or change the master code and other
user codes from the keypad directly using the star 5 function. However, it
is not likely any company will give you the installer code for a number or
valid reasons. This leaves you the only option of defaulting the panel to
factory which means you must be able to reprogram the panel yourself. This
is not a fun thing to do unless you have done it before !
Your best option might be to contact the original company and have them dial
in and change the master code back to 1234. From there you can handle it
yourself. They may quite legitimately charge you for this service.
The other option would be to change the board for a new one, but then you
face the same task of reprogramming all the functionality of the alarm
system once again. Most of these systems are not particularily DIY user
friendly.....
