Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - ADT system

I was a bozo and while changing the battery on my 12 year old Caretaker Plus system pushed the memory reset and the system now is not working. Did call ADT whose service guy couldn't get into the system and reprogram it, so they say to replace it. I have 27 sensors and fire. Through this great forum, I was able to get the code myself and enter programming but only have a keypad numbers, not alphanumeric and need to reset all the sensors or tell ADT how to do it? Do I need a seperate programmer and manual. System says Safewatch Custom RF but the manual fits the CaretakerPlus . Model SDT 37847
Chip Show 15-195 CTP ADT 2.0

Thanks for any input.

I'll start with the observation that this system has been out of production for about 12-14 years, so it's not surprising that ADT doesn't have a lot of support available for it.


Do you have the installation manual for this system? The information for replacing the text is in chapter 4. It's kinda convoluted, and I'm not going to transcribe the 6 pages of information needed.

You may want to consider upgrading this system to one of the modern Concord family systems that will be able to use all or nearly all of your existing transmitters.

Where might I find an installation manual for an ADT Vista 20? The keypad and contol box with power supply is all that is left. Any help would be appreciated. thanks

Sadly, this defines the difference between an alarm installer and an alarm technician. An installer can install what they've been taught. A technician understands what he's doing and how systems work. Given a manual, a good technician (typically not found at places like ADT) can work on just about any panel. They can also program with led keypads and such.

As a last resort, the wireless sensors from a Caretaker Plus system will work with GE Concord and NX panels. (I prefer the NX line). But if you like the phone and voice, try to find a text keypad or someone to program it for you.

Any good suggestions to find the install manual and the programming manual for the caretaker plus system?

Is it something a homeowner can do or should I find a local technician to reprogram it? Thanks.

Any good suggestions to find the install manual and the programming manual for the caretaker plus system?

Is it something a homeowner can do or should I find a local technician to reprogram it? Thanks.


PM me...I got em.

I also have a Caretaker Plus system and need to re-set the master code--bought the house 5 years ago and never got around to it, the previous owners are gone, and the alarm company who previously monitored it are not helping unless i am monitored again. help!

As a systems integrator and security company owner, one who keeps their monitored accounts, I think companies that won't service you if you're not monitored, give our industry a black eye. It's poor customer service and totally unprofessional. All they need to do is charge for a service call. I wouldn't hesitate to tell your friends.

I have all the books for a Caretaker + in pdf form

Different company came out to monitor and couldn't connect to their central station as communicator wasn't working. I can have it call my cell phone. What to do next? is there a way to turn the communicator on or was it deprogramed?

It will call your cell, but not the central station? Doesn't seem likely. If the communicator didn't work it wouldn't dial. As far as deprogrammed, no. If they can get into programming, they should be able to get it monitored. I don't think the Caretaker+ was ever sold to ADT as proprietary (hardcoded phone numbers).

Don't have my manual handy but...Keeping in mind the age of the panel, that thing probably isn't going to communicate in CID or SIA format. Perhaps they are expecting it to?

Good point GEGuy. The Caretaker+ only talks ITI format and 4/2. Really simple, for a true pro, but since 80% just know one or two things......

I got the monitoring on a panel recently, because the company that monitored for this chain only monitored honeywell & GE (I think it was). Didn't matter that it was a CID format. The panel was a Pacom that the electricians put it. Licensed but they don't monitor.