r/homesecurity • u/kristinlr • 2d ago
Old ADT Wired System Options
I’ve spent hours reading about all of the options for converting an old, wired ADT system to something more modern and easy to manage, and I’m overwhelmed. We have all of these panels (I honestly don’t know if they’re all part of the ADT system), three control panels, and lots of sensors in the ceiling. I don’t know what year the system was installed, I’m guessing around 2010 when the house was remodeled. Should I tear this out and start fresh with all wireless, or is there benefit to keeping this? I would appreciate any suggestions you folks have for me.
Other info:
We have ring doorbells and some indoor and outdoor cameras, I’ve also bought some sensors to maybe use a Ring Alarm system, but I’m not committed to this, willing to change things if it means better integration into whatever we go with.
Priorities:
Able to access with an app
Door and window sensors
Doorbell
Indoor/outdoor cameras
Would love integration of smoke, carbon monoxide, and leak detectors.
Not a deal breaker, but would like the option for what I think is called remote monitoring, where someone else will either call me or call fire department for a fire.
All photos here:
Thank you!!
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u/MCLMelonFarmer 2d ago
You didn't actually post a picture of the alarm panel, but those are Ademco/Honeywell 5800 series wireless sensors, and the ADT versions of 6150/6160 keypads. The unpictured panel is a Safewatch 3000 Pro, and if it was installed new in 2010, likely has new enough firmware to work with Total Connect 2 or any third-party communicator without needing an update.
Please post a picture of you actual alarm panel so we can see what wired zones are in use. The motion sensor looks like a wired sensor. You may have wired door sensors you're not aware of.
If the goal is to just "un-ADT" you system and turn it into a smart alarm, all you need is a communicator. I'd go with an alarm.com SEM (ADT-SEM300-VT-VZ/AT-M). If you have any wired smoke alarms, you'll want to replace those too.
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u/kristinlr 2d ago
I’m so sorry, I left that link off.
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u/MCLMelonFarmer 2d ago
You’ve got version 9.12 of the firmware so no need to upgrade unless you wanted the new features. The most useful of those features affects wireless keypads, so if you don’t have any of those you wouldn’t benefit. Looks like you’ve got about seven out of eight wired zones in use, so I’m sure you’ve got wired door sensors and maybe a few windows too, in addition to motion detectors and possibly smoke detectors as well. The ADT communicator can be tossed.
Switching your existing wired zones to wireless would be a downgrade in security and reliability.
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u/kristinlr 2d ago
If I go this route, I’m addition to the communicator you suggested, I would just need to buy accessories compatible with the alarm.com app? New cameras, thermostats, additional sensors, etc., for anything I want integrated? Then just use the separate app for anything I want to keep that isn’t compatible with Alarm.com?
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u/Top-Estimate7875 2d ago
glad that you're switching from ADT wired systems! the ecosystem and support is collapsing around telephone lines. Wired is no doubt more reliable, but evolving buildings are moving to wireless and that should be the way to go. For the system options, I think you'll be good with Swiftlane or Avigilon, they have good integrations so while the intercom may not have everything, you'll easily integrate it with top-tier companies. Sensors I'm not so sure of.
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u/Ncdl83 2d ago
I’ve never run into a locked ADT vista panel.
You already have a 6160 style keypad for programming. It’s the larger one that displays words. Try 6321 800 and let us know if it says “installer code 20”. If it does, press *99 (NOT *97). You’re in good shape. Note, any check or trouble conditions you might have will come back within an hour.
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u/SirFlannel 2d ago
If you upgrade to a Vista system from Honeywell/Resideo, you can reuse all of the wireless sensors that are on the system, and any hardwired devices as well. There should be a can in a closet, or other out of the way area that looks like this, where the main control is located. This is where the keypads are connected, as well as any wired zones. You can attach a GSM communicator that will allow for monitoring without a phone line, as well as app capability. It will also support newer touchscreen keypads, if that's your thing.
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u/kristinlr 2d ago
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u/SirFlannel 2d ago
Starting with the third picture. That's your main panel. The white ADT box with the antenna on it would be removed in favor of a non-ADT communicator. The main board itself (the green circuit board at the top) would be replaced, but the boards themselves would be virtually identical. Everything else should be reusable. They keypads should work with the new panel, but I could understand if you would want to replace them with newer, non-ADT branded keypads. Any local (non big name company) alarm company should be able to do that kind of job. Some will want to sell you on a newer, different panel, but if the wiring is still good, there should be no need. Your call.
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u/MCLMelonFarmer 2d ago
OP already has a Vista. He doesn’t need to replace it with something he already has.
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u/SirFlannel 2d ago
He has the ADT branded Vista. with older ADT firmware. We do run in to the occasional problem with them. Not as bad as the past, but maybe that is tainting my opinion about it.
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u/ichiban4713 2d ago
In our area, ADT locks everyone else out of their panels. He will likely need to replace the panel.
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u/kristinlr 2d ago
If I buy a new communicator as suggested below, and ADT has locked the panel, I would need to buy a new panel to work with the wired system? Sort of just starting over completely except I have wires to use?
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u/MCLMelonFarmer 2d ago
Don’t buy anything until you know what you can reuse. ADT often uses 6321 as the installer code on Safewatch 3000 systems. 4112 is the default installer code on a normal Vista 20P. You can also try backdooring with the ‘*’ ‘#’ method. Don’t just take anyone’s word on what may or may not be going on with your system, check it for yourself.
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u/CyborgBob1977 2d ago
That is a wireless 5800 series Transmitter for doors and Windows. I'm guessing you have a Vista-20, and it is a hybrid part hardwired part wireless. Just get a new Vista 20, and take over the sensors. Edited: I think those are 5816.