Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - NX-4 Unknown master code help!

I was changing our alarm code, had tested it and was satisfied it worked. I went back into the code change mode and must have inadvertently did something wrong and now the system won't accept the code. (I think I went back into the settings and hit * a number of times thinking it would get me out of the code entry function) Worse yet, the alarm was tripped and it refuses to be silenced. I had to unplug the power and the backup battery.

I read some other comments from Mr. Ron (the man who seems to know everything about alarms), and I understand that there is no way to reset the alarm without hooking up to it with a laptop.

There seems to be a number of places selling the NX586e connector for $60 or so which is likely cheaper than a service call. I also downloaded from another site the DL900 Download Tool version 2.19 which seems to support the NX-4.

It APPEARS that I should be able to use the NX586 to plug into my alarm panel and then run the DL900 software to connect to my box and then use the "View Control Panel" option to see what the current master code is. My questions are:

1) Is it really that simple?
2) Do I need to do anything special to interface with my NX-4 given that it is currently in an alarm state?
3) After my web scouring experience on this issue tonight, I noticed a program called NXUnlocker to unlock the Download Access Code. I'm not sure why this program would be required if DL900 allows you to change that code SO I am thinking that maybe figuring out the master code with DL900 and an NX586e isn't as easy as I am hoping. (I know the download access code is different than the master code but if DL900 lets you change that what is the point of NXUnlocker?)
4) Is there anything else I should consider?

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

The NX unlocker is for when the master and installer codes are unknown _and_ the code for direct connect access has been changed. In that circumstance, it's the only way in.

Normally, the direct connect code is rarely changed, so you should be able to get in and view/change the user codes. Having the 586 is the only way around an armed system.

If you know the installer code, you do have the option of going into programming and setting the installer code to be a master code so that you can reset the master code.

Thank you Mr. Ron, that helps me understand my issue. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with everyone!

I have two follow up questions if you don't mind in relation to your email:

1) I know the installer code. In the third paragraph of your response, can you please confirm that you mean I can use the installer code to change the settings using that code AND the NX586/DL900?

2) Will I need a default Direct Access code or is the default no code? If there is a code for direct access but since I know the installer code will I still be able to get in?

3) Is the NX586 essentially the same thing as the NX586e for my purposes? (i.e. will my 1999 version of DL900 support the 586e?)

4) Lastly since the system is in the alarm state and I have pulled the power, I am guessing it is best to connect the NX586 and THEN reconnect the power, correct?

5) Do I need to disconnect either of my two panels to make this connection work?

Thank you again!!!!!

Jeremy

No, since the panel is in alarm, you need to use the NX586.

If all you had done was munge the master code, you could go into programming and set the installer code as a master code, exit programming, set a new master code, and you are good as gold.

I normally set the installer code back to it's default settings after using this trick (it's a big liability loophole).

The direct connect will connect at the default settings if the DA code hasn't been changed in the panel you are connecting to.

I use NX 586 generically. Get whatever model is the current one. You need the current version of DL 900 (Mine is 3.04, but 2.19 should work well enough to get your codes fixed). The only difference is support for the newer V2 panels.

You don't need to power down. The direct connect will connect just fine and you can use the keypad interface in the software to disarm it.

FYI...
NX586 - Cannot store programming templates. Direct connect only (not made anymore). Serial port connection.

NX586E - Can store up to 4 control panel templates in addition to direct connect cabability. Serial port connection.

NX588E - Same as 586E with the ability to flash upgrade modules and control panels. USB connection.

Bottom line...get the 588E if you can. Should cost the same as the 586.

Yes, I forgot about the 558e (which I need to get as my next laptop may not have a serial port, and those emulators tend to be hit and miss...)

I was trying to make the point that for the purpose of recovering from a miskeyed mastercode that any of the direct connect modules would do the job.

I had thought about getting the 588e but my concern was my version of DL900 and whether or not it would be supported. I came across DL900 on a resellers website and I know it's not the most recent version but it does talk about the NX586 but not the NX588 and it looks very windows95-ish so USB support probably is only in the cards for the more recent version.

This is too bad as I had recently recycled an old Dell Laptop with regular 9 pin serial ports. I'm going to have to actually set up my computer near the alarm panel to get this done!!! I should know better - Never throw out any piece of electronic gear!

Thanks again for your guys' help!

One last question on the version of DL900, Mr. Ron you indicated that the newer versions support V2 panels, anyway to know if my panel is a V2? It was installed in our house in October 2003 if that helps. If it is a V2 would version 2.0+ of DL900 work?

Thanks!

Jeremy

Read the label on the diagram inside the system can and on the main IC chip. If it's NX-4v2, it will say so.

I had thought about getting the 588e but my concern was my version of DL900 and whether or not it would be supported. I came across DL900 on a resellers website and I know it's not the most recent version but it does talk about the NX586 but not the NX588 and it looks very windows95-ish so USB support probably is only in the cards for the more recent version.

This is too bad as I had recently recycled an old Dell Laptop with regular 9 pin serial ports. I'm going to have to actually set up my computer near the alarm panel to get this done!!! I should know better - Never throw out any piece of electronic gear!

Thanks again for your guys' help!



One last question on the version of DL900, Mr. Ron you indicated that the newer versions support V2 panels, anyway to know if my panel is a V2? It was installed in our house in October 2003 if that helps. If it is a V2 would version 2.0+ of DL900 work?

Thanks!

Jeremy

Software is free on the GE website (gesecurity.com), yes, you need a user name and password. No big deal, create your own when you register...just make something up, I always do!

Thank you Mr. Ron and Ge Guy. I received my NX586e cable, and was able to use the DL900 to correct my invalid master code. I had inadvertently set it to 'null'. It was incredibly easy to interface with my alarm system and correct this issue but I wouldn't have had a clue how to accomplish it without finding and researching all of the previous messages by the wizards on this forum (esp. Mr. Ron).

THANK YOU GUYS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP OUT FOLKS ON THESE KINDS OF ISSUES!!

Now I'm off to eBay to unload my one-time-use NX-586e!! (Still cheaper than a service call!)

One last question if I might: As my alarm was going off, it was calling my cell phone (and it transmits alarm data using the pager format). If I had my computer answer the phone using its modem through DL900, could I have interfaced with my panel that way? I don't believe I could have dialed in given that my alarm was going off so I couldn't use the panel to tell the NX-4 to pick up an incoming call.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

In the past I've tried to access NX panels via dial up while they are armed, and had no luck. I think being armed blocks that route.

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