Can I reset password on keypad without contacting my monitoring company?

[chueh]

I just had my home alarm system activated today. The technicians set the password on the keypad for me. I asked him to teach me how to reset the password on the keypad, but he told me that I have to call the company, and they will walk-me-through step-by-step.

Ok, I am not trying to be difficult, but I just want to be cautious. Since the technicians who worked today throughout my house, I am not comfortable with their knowing the password. I would like to reset the password on my own without contacting the monitoring company. Is it a possibility? Does the company need the exact password in their file or system in order to monitor my house? I don't see the connection between the password setting and their monitoring. The password is just for my alarm system at home t recognize the authorization to disalarm it, isn't it?

By the way, the keypad is made by Monitronics, who is NOT my monitoring company. I use someone local. The keypad I have is from the previous monitoring company. The current monitoring company just continuously uses it to save my money to re do everything.

[MrRonFL]

In general, changing the master code is an end-user function. There are certain alarm systems where the master code has to be changed from the installer programming, but very few.

What is the actual brand and model of your alarm system? (the name on the keypad is just a label, not the system brand)

I suspect that your technician is in error in the information provided you.

[twelvepole]

Do you have the owner/operator manual? If keypad can be reset by you, then instructions should be there. If not call the company and have them walk you through the process. You should be able to do this without their knowing the new code. They will say, "Press this or that and now enter the new code." They don't ask you what your secret code is. All they do is monitor the alarms. Write the instructions down in case you ever want to change the code again in the future.

Also, most systems also require a password. If the monitors get an alarm, they call your number. When you or anyone answers the phone, they ask for the password. If the individual does not know the password, then they send the police. If you want to change the password, you must call the company. For instance, you come home and have to rush to the bathroom. You slam the door and race to the bathroom. Oops! No time to enter the code to turn off the system. Phone rings. You answer. They ask for password. Then, you have to apologize and explain what happened. Make sure you answer the phone. Some companies charge for false alarms if the police show up.

[chueh]

Thank you for your replies. Oops, I meant to say reset the CODE on the keypad, not the password. Sorry for using the wrong term.

To answer your question about the brand of the system, not the sticker name on the keypad, I really cannot answer that. I have no idea what system I have...... I even don't remember I have ever gotten a manual... The first time when the tech guys came to my house to install the contact on the windows, they did not finish the job, and they did not leave anything for me. Then, the company dropped the case, because our builder did not pay them off the balance (in our purchase agreement, the builder was paying for the installation of the alarm system and one year-monitoring). This time, I use a different monitoring company to pick up whatever the first company left. Thus,...... things are kind of bits here and there, without much information left for me...

[MrRonFL]

Open the door to the metal cabinet containing the motherboard and backup battery. 99% of the time there will be a diagram on the inside of the cover with the system name and model.

It's probably a variant on an Ademco vista panel, but it may be a DSC.

[chueh]

yes, yes, it is ademco vista- 20p. Ok, so now we know the system, what do I do next, please?

[MrRonFL]

Websearch using the phrase "Vista 20p user manual" for one thing...

To change your master code:

[Master code] + [8] + 02 + [new code] + [new code again]

You must do this in one smooth flow (do not hesitate more than a second or 2 between keystrokes, or it kicks out of code programming).

[chueh]

MrRonFL, you are SUPER. I DID it.............