Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - FBI systems 1218 - lost passcode

I havent used the system for 9 years (which works perfectly by the way)and it is armed.
The master power switch is off, and it alarms when I turn it on - problem is, I don't know the passcode! 9 years in the house- simply lost it (from previous owner who can't remember) ADT says they can use the system but can't work on it (set it up for monitoring)until it is disarmed - how do I do this?
How can i wipe it all out and re-install a new passcode? Can I disarm it somehow? FBI systems mod #1218 with 4 zones, 3 keypads.
Thanks in advance......
Mikeey

They want to scrap my stuff and sell me new because the system is armed with no code to disarm. On an FBI 1218 system, does the trick of turning the battery off, then the power, clear the codes? Then, (since I don't have the code anymore) can I get a starter code (I think the former owner said it was originally 1,2,3,4,) and start from scratch? If not, Ademco (FBI owner now) will only give the starter codes to Pro's. - does my older sytem have that capability? Can I change one of the boards out and start from scratch?
Thanks,
-Mikeey

That model number doesn't even show up on the support library list. Just how old is this system? Could you possibly be giving us the keypad model, and not the _panel_ model?

If the system is older than their XL series, then it's not surprising that ADT doesn't want to mess with it. They probably don't have the software to connect to the panel (if it had that capacity to begin with) to program it.

A lot of those older panels don't have an easy arming bypass. You can _try_ a full power-down/power-up but I suspect that this is one that powers up in the last recorded state.

If I came across this system, I'd likely call it done, myself. There comes a point where diminishing returns come into play.

The manual I downloaded said 1218 xl and looked exactly like my unit-
The panel just said FBI 1218. I was hoping at worst maybe I could replace a board in the panel - noticed an internet site selling parts that has 7 1218 *boards*. sheesh......it really works well, just don't have the code.
-Mikeey

For whatever reason, the FBI website has nothing for your system, thus limiting my ability to try to advise you (it's not a common brand locally, so my manual stash doesn't have many FBI manuals).

If you _have_ the installer manual, then you need to read it carefully. In general, if there is a way to bootstrap the system into programming mode, this will usually disarm the panel. There are exceptions, but they are uncommon (installer lockout features, etc.)

you will need a prom reader to get the 1 code that is in the system. The company I worked for used 8888 when I serviced that panel in 1988.
try 1218 or see if it is written on the chip or in the can.

that panel comes up armed from complete power down as you found out

Double check this site and see if its any help....if the keypad looks like yours maybe we are on a track.

http://www.securitymasters.com/FBI%20XL%201218%20p%205%20keypad_programming.htm

Maybe the fallback code will be listed inside the panel like was said earlier or you can try 123456, I remember the installer code on some of the earlier FBI 4600 and DL panels had that code. Then try the procedure on the site.

you will need a prom reader to get the 1 code that is in the system.

According to my sources, this may be the case. It seems as though you need the Prom programmer to do any installer programming - which would explain why ADT doesn't want to touch it.

This panel can only be programmed by FBI Chip Programmer
Supposedly a Napco 410 will work but Prom chip must be inserted backwards

Do yourself a HUGE favor - call another local company, someone you can depend on to give you an honest answer and treat you well. ADT is not that company.

Good luck!

Dalsecman, yes, it is the same system - I looked on the back of the key pad, and no joy there- I will look around the main panel for some numbers- the siren goes off as soon as I hit the swithch, (loud) so theoretically, if I hit "1" and the right four numbers the system will go off - right?
I have tried 1-2-3-4-5, maybe 8888 will work - the problem is the time before the siren wakes everyone in the neighborhood - guess I could disconnect it...
Any suggestions on disarming based on the verification of yes, this is the system?
Thanks very much-
Mikeey

one of them has a dip switch that is switched to 1,2,4,5. it didn't work as the code though. I tried disconnecting the battery, then turning the main power on with entering various number2, 1,2,3,4,5, 8888, 1218, etc - still no joy. If I knew the installer code, maybe I could re-boot and program a new user code in. Previous owner thought it was installed with 1,2,3,4,5 - didn't work though...... :mad:
This is quite a challenge.........if anyone can think of something, please chime in!
-Mikeey

The siren disconnection should be easy enough, when you are in the panel there should be a schematic that shows bell or siren output and you can just disconnect the red/positive power wire and no more siren. Sorry I can't help you further with the whole code thing. Maybe some others guys will have better luck.