Home Security Alarm Panel Unlocking - Downloading - Custom Programming
The founders and staff of LOCKED PANEL.COM have been providing engineering and technical support the to security industry since 1965. We provide Alarm Panel Unlocking Services, Panel Downloading, and Custom Alarm System Programming to dealers and end-users for most Ademco, DSC, GE and Moose security systems.
We provide Moose Technical Support for all Moose home alarm systems and we maintain an inventory of hard to find replacement modules for these systems.
Our Software Integration Systems allow for control of DSC Power Series security systems via a local personal computer as well as remote access and control from personal computer over the Ethernet.
The Tech Tips pages are provided as a public service to address home security system questions frequently asked by end-users and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Our goal is to make our services available to manufacturers, distributors, dealers and end-users alike and to offer each the same high level of quality, professionalism and integrity.
We look forward to being of service to you.
What is a locked panel?
First, a few words to hopefully clarify any confusion that may exist regarding several terms used in the trade: "Control panel", "control", "panel" and "board" all refer to the unit that contains the circuitry that provides the following:
Power for security and fire alarm sensors and standby battery charging
Timing circuits that provide Exit / Entry delays and other system functions
Supervision of selected cabling
Monitoring sensor status
Monitoring tamper and trouble conditions
Producing alarm signals upon programmed conditions
In essence, this panel is the computer "brains" of the alarm system.
The board arrives from the factory with basic "Factory Default" programming that was used for testing purposes and is also intended to give the alarm installer a starting point that might be appropriate for the average residential installation.
The installer modifies the board's Factory Default programming as may be necessary to accommodate customer needs and "fit" the system to the specific installation. Normally, the installer will then change the Factory Default programming and remote access codes to the proprietary codes used by the alarm company and, depending upon the terms of the service agreement, may lockout local programming or enable Installer Lockout.
Changing the codes and / or locking the panel is a legitimate practice employed for the protection of both the customer and the alarm company. The code changes ensure that only authorized personnel have access to system programming that controls the alarm system and provides the desired functionality.
If the alarm system is covered under a monitoring or service agreement, that agreement may preclude system maintenance, modification and programming changes by anyone other than the servicing company. Locking the panel may be necessary to ensure that the circuit board cannot be defaulted (reset to factory programming) by anyone other than those responsible for its proper operation.
If the security alarm system is no longer subject to contract AND IF the equipment is the rightful property of the customer, the alarm company should return the codes to the defaults (or as specified by the customer) and disable any lockouts. The written agreement between the parties should specify any applicable charges for this service.
If, under the above conditions, the alarm company is unwilling to change the codes and unlock the panel or if the company is no longer in existence, the rightful owner of the equipment can replace the locked panel or have the panel unlocked.
