Our contract just ran out with Protection One (originally… now ADT), and I’m looking at switching over to Surety because I hate not having control over my own system. We bought the house 3 years ago and I’d never had a security system before, so I didn’t know any better and just wanted to get it working.
The system has a 2Gig GC2 panel (I think). I don’t know much about the attached hardware, but it is hooked up to Alarm.com and has cellular data monitoring. I’m curious as to what I’ll need to do in order to make the switch. I don’t have installer access, and I’ve tried about two dozen different codes from the default code to things I found on the internet to the last four of the phone number for the installer. I’m a computer and DIY guy, so I’m not shy about reprogramming everything if I need to reset the unit.
I’ve heard conflicting stories on if Protection One / ADT will release the code and or the Alarm.com connection once the contract has run out. Does anyone have experience with how cooperative they’ll be if I ask for either of those things?
If they’re not cooperative, what’s the worst case scenario for what I’ll need to do / purchase to switch to Surety? I know this might get asked a lot, but I see conflicting information in regards to replacing cellular modules and which networks are supported, etc.
Hello welcome to surety ur gonna love the service as far the switch u might have to purchase the 2gig switch to surety kit because u will most likely need a new communicator and need to update the firmware I use to have protection and the code I remember is 1561 but that might have changed but reason I say u might need the new communicator because 3g and cdma radio r no longer about to be reactivated so u need to upgrade to Lte communicator and depending on the Firm ware on the system for it to allow the Lte communicator or if ur interested in upgrading all together u can purchase the Iq panel 2 plus which will use ur current sensors except any image sensors
So yes it looks like u will need to purchase that kit I was talking now if u just want to replace the panel it’s self u can purchase an new Iq panel 2 plus 345 and it will use ur current sensors
I’ve heard conflicting stories on if Protection One / ADT will release the code and or the Alarm.com connection once the contract has run out. Does anyone have experience with how cooperative they’ll be if I ask for either of those things?
I cannot speak for any other dealer’s policies, but I can say that the vast majority do not typically refuse to unregister a module. It is possible though. In that case they would be actively keeping an Alarm.com account registration active, which would be costly in the long run if you are no longer paying for the service.
However, you would only be able to reuse 4G LTE modules at this time.
If you have an older 3G module, as of June 2019 they can no longer be used to activate Alarm.com accounts. This is due to the impending 3G service sunset when major carriers will shut down 3G networks.
An easy way to tell if you have a 3G or 4G module in your panel currently would be to open it and physically inspect the module: if it has two antennae ports and two antennae connected it is an LTE. If it only has one it is a 3G or older.
You wouldn’t need to reprogram the panel. There is no reason to reset it generally. (Most installers lock out this option anyway) And the installer code is helpful but not required for the process of getting connected.
With Surety you would have full access to your system locally through programming, as well as remote management tools in your Surety System Manager including remote reboots, remote installer code changes, and more.
Thanks for the information. I checked inside the panel today and found only one antenna wire coming from the module, so it looks like I’ll need the upgrade kit.
Question: On the page to purchase the kit, it says Professional Monitoring is optional and $5 per month. What is that? I’m planning on getting a Surety Home plan, and I see that the kit comes with a one month free trial, which is great, but I don’t understand the additional $5 per month for professional monitoring above and beyond the Home Plan.
The Surety Home plan is $17/month and professional monitoring is a $5/month optional add-on. The first month is free whether or not you opt into professional monitoring. After the first month it’s either $17 or $22 depending on your choice.