REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Euro7r · 01-12-2011, 09:22 AM

I have a Paradox house alarm system installed in my house, but never used it before. Is there a way to reset the system and reprogram a new code because I am not sure if the previous owners to the house used it or not?

Any information to programming a new code or how to use a house alarm would be appreciated, since I'm a complete noob to this. Most of the time, I won't need to set the alarm because there's people home all the time, but just incase there's the occasional rare time there isn't, I would like to have my alarm system running.

Leopold Stotch · 01-12-2011, 03:26 PM

you need the previous master code to be able to change it
then just google the model and they'll probably have some sort of instructions for it.

Soundy · 01-12-2011, 03:34 PM

You should be able to download the user and installer manuals from www.paradox.ca. If the master code was changed from the default, you can still reset the system to factory settings with the internal reset switch (exact procedure will depend on the model). If the installer code was changed, though, that isn't reset-able.

Paradox panels are among the easiest to program, I've done a few of them.

Euro7r · 01-12-2011, 04:48 PM

This is complicated then, I would have to track down the previous owner of the house and find out if they change the code or not, if that seems to be what you guys are saying?

Soundy · 01-12-2011, 05:29 PM

You only need the Installer code if you want to change most of the programming. Basic changes, like enabling/disabling chimes, setting entry/exit delays, setting date and time, programming bypass zones, and setting other user codes, can be done with only the Master code. The reset button will reset the Master code to default. The Master code can also be reset by getting in with the installer code.

Installer code > Master code > User codes.

All but one installed alarm that I've come across (mostly Paradox and DSC) still have the installer code left as the factory default. Before you worry about tracking down the previous owner, it's simple enough to look up the default codes for your model, and trying them first. Again, if you only need to do basic programming, you can just use the Master code; if that's changed, you should be able to use the hard reset to get it back to default.

Euro7r · 01-13-2011, 12:40 AM

Thanks, I'm going to look into what model I have and go from there tmr.

Soundy · 01-13-2011, 06:56 AM

BTW, note that the model number is on the keypad is NOT the model of the alarm... you'll have to look at the actual circuit board in the panel... like, this is a Spectra SP65:

Euro7r · 01-13-2011, 11:58 AM

Guess I'll have to take it apart later. Thanks for the heads up.

Soundy · 01-13-2011, 05:18 PM

Shouldn't be any "taking apart", just open up the can:

Euro7r · 01-13-2011, 05:31 PM

I need to figure out where the box is located in my house...

Euro7r · 01-13-2011, 08:51 PM

How do I figure out the master code? I found out the model of my system. Soundy, like you said, System master code -> master code -> user code.

System master code, I believe is still at default. But I can't set my user code, until I figure out the master code?

Soundy · 01-13-2011, 09:23 PM

Default installer code should be listed in the installation manual (not the user manual), it varies from one model to the next. You SHOULD be able to find it on Paradox's site; if not, it should be somewhere on teh intrawebz.

Once in with the installer code, you can set master AND user codes.

Euro7r · 01-13-2011, 09:51 PM

Thanks for the help, I'll give it a try and go from there.

Just overwhelmed with all the options this alarm system is embedded with. The installation manual is 60 pages in size 8 font =/. I'll have to read this again later to become familiar with it.

Euro7r · 01-14-2011, 12:37 AM

I read the installation guide + user guide. I believe both installer code and mastercode are at default. So if I'm trying to set up my access code, how would I know the master code is correct? Since at the moment, I'm just assuming it's at default. If it's not at default, would there be any indication that what I entered is incorrect?

punkwax · 01-14-2011, 07:22 AM

There's a reason alarm installers require a TQ... relatively easy panel to program or not, my advice is you call a professional.

Euro7r · 01-15-2011, 12:45 AM

Why would I hire a professional to do it? What can possibly go wrong?

seakrait · 01-15-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Euro7r

What can possibly go wrong?

famous last words.

underscore · 01-15-2011, 09:07 AM

"Tonight on Global News - a man has burned a city block to the ground after a botched attempt at configuring his home alarm system by himself..."

Soundy · 01-15-2011, 09:51 AM

TQ is required for installers because if things aren't wired and set up properly, the system may not function correctly, and it can be considered a life-security and life-safety system. He's not going to burn down his house by fiddling with the programming. Worst thing he can do is change the installer code and then forget what it is, as it can't be reset. Anything else, the hardware-reset button will restore to factory defaults.

How do you know you've entered the right code? Well... if you enter the wrong code, you'll get some annoyed beeps and won't be able to do what you're trying to do. The right code usually results on certain lights blinking on the keypad (or appropriate text on the LCD display, if it has one). The manual should tell you what to expect.

Euro7r · 01-15-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore

"Tonight on Global News - a man has burned a city block to the ground after a botched attempt at configuring his home alarm system by himself..."

My house alarm is all setup and wired up properly when I bought the house by a professional. Just that I'm trying to setup the user code.

Burning a city block trying to setup a user code WTFF.

underscore · 01-15-2011, 01:43 PM

It was a joke, and in response to this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by seakrait

famous last words.

Euro7r · 01-15-2011, 01:46 PM

Soundy, so when I was setting up the user code, the arm 1 + stay 1 lit up and I was able to setup my user code. That's that mean, I only have access to those two features?

I think my system has been setup into partition 1 & 2. When I ran the system, my basements suites didn't arm? How would I set it up, so when I arm it, the entire house becomes armed.

And for whatever reason, I tried to do Stay arming and I walked past a motion detector to test it, the alarm just went off. It's suppose to not go off, only if a window/door is opened.

Euro7r · 01-15-2011, 02:04 PM

Fuck. I was just told the previous owner setup a master code already. But that doesn't make sense, if the master code was changed from default, how the heck was I able to setup my user code just now?

Soundy · 01-15-2011, 04:55 PM

If there are separate basement suites, it makes sense they would be on a separate partition - that essentially makes the one alarm operate as two independent alarm systems. To remove that, I'm pretty sure you'd have to get in with the Installer code.

You know... I could possibly be convinced to come deal with it for, say... beer and pizza

punkwax · 01-16-2011, 07:11 AM

^ this.

Haha. Look at the can of worms you opened Soundy. But hey, pizza and beer pays for everything lol