Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Few hours to cancel ADT - did not provide keypad promised

Im hoping someone can help me in this Alarm security forum. I bought the alarm system from ADT and was promised a rounded DSC keypad but when they installed it - they used their usual Honeywell 6150RF and are now telling me that the other one isnt any good? But previous person on phone said that according to amount of zones (14) they would have to pay more for the box part (brain?) and they dont have enough in the budget. They basically promised something and changed their mind to save money. On top of that, they forgot my remote and placed alarm siren in my daughter's closet - which you cant hear when closet and bedroom doors are closed. ?

If Im not given what was promised and want to cancel, I need to do so now.

My question is - does anyone know which keypad/system is better? Rounded DSC or Honeywell 6150RF?

Thanks in advance!

Functionally, the DSC and Ademco/Safewatch systems are basically the same, as far as function is concened. Both are brands with long running reliablity histories.

If you wanted the DSC system, and they put it in writing, you are definitely in the right. Otherwise, it sounds like they did a bit of a slipshod install, regardless. If they have already installed the Ademco hardware, for 14 zones worth of wireless with keyfobs, the only way to get what you want would be to start over. The parts don't mix and match that way.

Your best bet is to either cancel altogether and have them remove their gear, or to beat them down on the pricing (IN WRITING!).

ADT subcontracts their work out all over the country. The number you are calling, is it the main number or the local subcontractor's? Call the main number.

personally, i prefer dsc over any of them. and if you can get out of the adt contract, do so. i know most companies deal with contracts, we don't. but i would stay away from adt. i find you are only a number there.

Functionally, virtually all major brands of security systems work well when installed and maintained correctly. If not, the liability would be enormous for any manufacturer who didn't provide a quality product.

The key is "installed and maintained correctly". ADT is in the business of recurring monthly revenue. They have to install systems as quickly and efficiently as possible to make up for their low initial prices (which are recouped over the life of their monitoring contracts.)

If you have a 14-zone system, you're paying ADT a premium over their "lick-and-stick" basic pricing and deserve better treatment than you've apparently received. Still, realize that a 14-zone system is going to be pricey, and moreso from another dealer than from ADT.

You'll need to decide if the pretty keypad is worth the exta money to you. There are no free lunches. Since it's a retrofit, ADT's undoubtedly installed wireless devices (pricey) and had to fish wire in walls, etc. to mount the keypads, control panel, and siren(s). All those devices would have to be changed out and remounted. Even the wire fishes might need changing.

I'd negotiate with ADT for the keypad (which may require a different central control panel and possibly replaced devices like glassbreaks, motions, etc.) you wanted, and to relocate the siren. Sirens are wired, so their location is not as flexible as wireless devices like glassbreaks, motions, and door/window contacts.

If you do decide to dump ADT, have several companies bid on the job, showing you the exact devices they will install. I suspect ADT did not realize there would be 14 zones, and thus the conflict. New bidders need to know in advance your requirements for placement of devices, including keypads, sirens, glassbreak detectors, motion detectors, and door/window contacts.

Be sure to factor in the cost of monitoring. ADT is typically as much as $10 higher than the competition. Also figure in the cost of maintenance, which may or may not be included in the monthly fees.

Good luck.

Be sure to factor in the cost of monitoring. ADT is typically as much as $10 higher than the competition. Also figure in the cost of maintenance, which may or may not be included in the monthly fees.

Good luck.



well I just got off of ADT service....
I was paying
$35.99 for monitoring
$12.99 for warranty....
______________
$50ish with nj tax and all....

didnt realize I dont need a warranty...

$130 a year in warranty and 0 items went bad.. if one did.. buy one from ebay or another dealer and have adt come out and program it in....

Personally I am glad I got rid of ADT....