New home, old alarm

[norman]

37 minutes ago, Logan said:

Adt doesn't have the greatest reputation 

As opposed to? 

[sixwheeledbeast]

ADT dummy box more of a deterrent than a working system? If that was the case hardly anyone would fit a system.

[Logan: ADT is whole different topic you can't compare a national to a local like that, start that topic somewhere else, please]

 

Considering the knowledge you have shown about the components and operation (areas/zones) of the system and my experience giving advice here, you'll probably struggle to DIY.

Minimum requirement will be batteries (probably replacing the bell at the same time) system checks with a multimeter (knowledge how to do these), walk test, beel test, operation checks etc etc.

Even then you will have to hope the programming is to your liking, otherwise you'll have to learn how to program a system with limited access to manuals or the terminology in them.

Someone that knows how to program a Menvier could likely recommission everything in less than an hour.

Consider all this before you leap at the task of DIY, your playing with a safety system that could annoy your neighbours when you can't shut it up in the early hours, you've then lost some of your deterrent factor.

[datadiffusion]

48 minutes ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

ADT dummy box more of a deterrent than a working system? If that was the case hardly anyone would fit a system.

 

TBF that sounds like the last ten years to me!

[norman]

58 minutes ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

ADT dummy box more of a deterrent than a working system? If that was the case hardly anyone would fit a system.

 

He's talking about the deterrent value though, you wouldn't know it was a real system until you'd passed the point of being 'deterred'

[datadiffusion]

Especially with ADT since they don't sell dummies, and even the dumbest most drugged up crim will probably recognise the brand / box. Hate to admit it but Yale have the same effect - see a Yale box, 9.5/10 it must have at least been a whole system at some point. Granted, probably badly installed / not working / unset now, but you won't know until you try.

Edited February 2, 2020 by datadiffusion

[norman]

2 minutes ago, Logan said:

Havent yet seen a adt job as neat as this 

You've lived a very sheltered life then. 

Nice mains btw 

[norman]

K

[GregT]

So would really appreciate an honest general consensus please? What is my best option bearing in mind I don’t want anything too sophisticated. 

1. Is it worth me buying a back up battery for the panel, switching it on and just see what happens? 
I have the codes, the installation and user manuals. As far as my skills are concerned I have never touched an alarm system, but prior to Part P regs, I rewired my house, so am comfortable with electrics. 
I am conscious there must be a reason why it was disconnected but based on my knowledge of the previous owner who was an overseas landlord and cut all the corners, I am guessing/hoping it was easier than dealing with tenants false alarms, maintenance, etc. 
 

2. Or the obvious alternative of calling out a local installer, which may be sensible  or may be a wasted call out charge

 

3. Or, use the money for a call out charge, to invest in a very basic, simple to install, diy Wi-fi system. Looks like that would cost maybe £500. 
 

4. Or is there a simple wired system I could slip into my existing panel maybe.

 

Mr Happy, I know you will add the fifth, get a dog! The fact is we have a large dog, the alarm is only for occasional use when we go away on holiday etc. 
 

thanks for the help. 

[MrHappy]

34 minutes ago, GregT said:

Mr Happy, I know you will add the fifth, get a dog!

 

dam...

 

The alarm has been messed about with so-

 

Ideally you need a proper alarm man, who'll charge you to look at it

 

Its 20yr old kit if the rkp & cables are okay, a new battery & external sounder will probably be needed

 

Retain the wires & replace every item is my preferred option

 

Then you need to have a service agreement in place, as daft it seems they do require checking

 

To do things properly cost money (I doubt you have 20yr mobile. Tv or car as daily driver)

[james.wilson]

To think logon if nothing ever gets updated your musuem will look sparse