Ya…that’s what I figured. Was hoping there was some other forced flash method that could reset the cp.
My theory was that if you reset the settings to factory default while running the normal 2GIG 1.13 firmware instead of Vivint’s custom firmware it might set your installer code back to 1561. I don’t know it would work, just being hopeful. There is no 2GIG supported process for taking back control of a dealer custom panel so all we can do if offer tips and things to try. Quite a few have successfully taken back control of Vivint’s 2GIG panels and @riven is the most knowledgeable about it. He’s actually done it. We don’t do that, we work with standard 2GIG panels.
Seeing alot of these branded 2GIG panels where it no longer recognizes a cell module.
Makes me wonder if there is something on the airfx backend that allows disablement/bricking of these non-OEM panels… or if not, if there is some kind of defect. On the other hand, It’s too easy to inadvertently damage the MB on these panels, and it doesn’t take much.
It wouldn’t be a far fetched theory that vivint is rendering panels useless that they used to monitor when they realize the new owner will not subscribe to their service.
Do you have any un supported methods to try taking back the panel?
It wouldn’t be a far fetched theory that vivint is rendering panels useless that they used to monitor when they realize the new owner will not subscribe to their service.
It’s not quite like that. The vivint go control uses the alarm.com backend, same as SuretyCAM. the alarm.com program is called “airfx”
The whole purpose of Q’s 43,44, 45 was to prevent takeovers. The fact you could do it and reset those Q’s simply by replacing cell module was a loophole that was bound to upset many Dealers, it is possible someone at 2GIG/ADC may have someone closed it somehow.
One method I know of would be to use airfx on a customer that has canceled, but still has an active alarm.com cell module in panel, and then remotely change Q44 and Q45 to “0”, and change Q91 to “0”
that would effectively brick the panel and prevent unlocking via cell module.
The only problem is, that it requires at least firmware 1.10 (vivint doesn’t support anything higher that 1.9.6)
As for other methods, there are none that I am aware of, that functional cellular is the only way.
Looks like I should just buy a refurbished panel.
For years I’ve flashed custom ROMs on many android devices so accepting defeat is hard to do.
Airfx is the only backdoor, but to use it, the panel must have an active alarm.com connection either via cell or bridge (but without installer access, you can’t pair/install the bridge)
You can buy a brand new vivint branded go control panel for like $50 on ebay, then it it a simple matter to update firmware, add a cell module, disable the 48 hour installer lockout, and reprovision it to work with any provider.
Why do you say vivint branded? I have an unregistered cell module already and have flashed updated firmware so all I need to do is buy a new panel
Why do you say vivint branded?
Vivint gocontrol panels usually are a fraction of the price of an OEM gocontrol panel
If you replace panel, you will have most likely want to re-flash any firmware to new panel (Vivint only goes to 1.9.6, and current firmware is 1.13 (and will shortly be 1.14)).
Its a 2gig panel with a vivint silk screen logo on front. That is what “vivint branded” means. Once you turn on a new Vivint panel for the first time, you have 48 hours to disable Q44 lockout using installer code 2203.
Once firmware is updated on the vivint panel, and all Q’s are optimized, it is identical in every way to a 2GIG OEM panel that retails for $150-$170.
you can even remove the silk screen vivint branded logo with q-tips and acetone (nail polish remover).
Here is how to default and optimize the programming Q’s of a vivint branded GoControl panel:
To be honest I’m not sure I want anything to do with a 2gig panel that had any association with vivint. I’m afraid of having issues like I’m having now.
That’s your call.
But the 2gig panel hardware is exactly the same, all that is different is Vivint locks out Q44 and Q45, uses an older firmware variant, and silk screens their logo on panel. That’s it.
The problem you encountered can happen with any panel branded or OEM. That’s the chance you take when you buy someone else’s used equipment. Buy new.
Why would vivint new ones sell for such a lower price? And the key is to buy new, not used or refurbished?
Dealers and vivint techs/ ex- employees (with surplus stock), and others that get them from storage units sell the equip on ebay . Buy New equip. Not used. I would not pay more than $70 for a brand new Vivint branded 2gig go control panel.
Vivint panels are (hence price deference):
Branded
Installer Locked out
Running older custom firmware variant (v1.9.6 or older)
Using a locked/Vivint registered 2GIG/Alarm.com cellular module
Those in the know, can save $100. All panel needs is a free firmware update, unlocking, cosmetic logo removal, new cellular module. Viola…2GIG OEM panel.
This was a Vivint panel with branding at one time, firmware was updated, cell module was replaced, Q’s were optimized, and vivint logo was removed, and panel was provisioned to OEM 2GIG:
Awesome thanks. Ill get one. Will there be any issues with flashing v1.13 as soon as I get it?
I should update version firmware with the new cell module installed and then will have access the system config?
Also…the vivint logo on bottom on screen will also be gone?
Make sure panel is new, and has never been turned on (48 hour lockout timer)*
Power it up, default Q44
Update firmware to newest version (update cable)
Optimize all programming Q’s
Then insert cell module, and reprovision panel (this will replace the vivint screen logo)
- IF panel has been previously turned on, the 48 hour lockout timer will have activated, and you will have to have Q44 reset via airfx if 48 hours have elapsed, then you can optimize programming Q’s.
Can I PM you a link to one I found and ask if it is what I am needing to buy? I found one for $85 Vivint branded listed as new.
As we have no control what anyone, other than our store, is selling, whether they are marketing it honestly, or what its history actually is, suretyDIY can make no guarantees or recommendations regarding what you find elsewhere. Used equipment is a risk.
I completely understand that. The model number is the same as my bricked panel and comes with a 14 day return policy listed for $85. As Riven suggested, find a new one. Just wanted an opinion as to whether this one that is listed as New, old inventory.
Its your call. Keep in mind though, there will be no manufacturer warranty.
If it isn’t as described, you can always get a refund on ebay with the buyer protection. Soon as you turn it on you will know if its new (a new panel will have an empty history, film on panel, and no scratches, etc). You want a CNTRL2/CP21 preferably. A CNTRL1/CP11 is older, but with Vivint branded panels, you may be SOL on a CP21 considering they no longer offer the GoControl. You want one that is on firmware 1.9.6 (they had the newer hardware, zwave version, etc). You can also tell because the Emergency button with have 3 symbols under it.
Firmware 1.9.6 was released in 2012 or so on the panels that sported the first hardware revision, and zwave firmware update that is still current (they were the first panels with the 3 emergency symbols as shown below).
If the buttons say “Emergency” and “Home” it is old hardware, and old zwave firmware version.
There were two hardware revisions that I am aware of, you want revision B see GoControl Revisions
You will want to replace the battey pack. Get it Here.
The batteries are only good for like 3 years, regardless of whether they sit boxed on a shelf unused or not. The packs are date coded, see: http://suretydiy.com/forums/topic/is-your-system-code-compliant-for-smoke-detectors/
2013/2014 CP21 revision C (with firmware 1.12):
