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more on diverting the communication
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Dear Ken,
I owe you and some of your readers a response regarding questions/comments raised about the AlarmPath AP-D200 wireless communication device. To clarify, the panel takeover function is just one of the potential applications of the AP-D200. While all AP-D200 units have the takeover capability built in should the need arise, most of the time the AP-D200 is installed by dealers in a non-takeover situation as a full data wireless communication path. Addressing the specific questions/comments raised by Mr. Mathis, Mr. Fisher and you: the device is not currently UL-listed and should not be used for applications that call for NRTL certified systems such as commercial fire; and given the ongoing reduction of POTS lines, we have not seen much demand from the market for a hardwired version, thus we do not currently offer a hardwired version. We have an upcoming webinar in September that will address these and other questions related to panel takeovers in much more detail. Interested parties can register by visiting the CRN Wireless website.
As demonstrated by the response from your readers on this subject, lock out codes and panel takeovers is an issue that affects most dealers at some point sooner or later. There are always inherent problems with doing a takeover without knowing the lockout code and in a perfect world, one would have the code or change the panel. But in real world situations, homeowners are often unwilling to replace the panel. And in the current economic environment, dealers typically do not have the profit margin that enables them to absorb the cost of a panel replacement. The AP-D200 offers homeowners and dealers an easy to install, cost effective option to dealing with these challenges. It is not the right solution for every situation, nor is it intended to be.
As always, Ken, thanks for continuously posting interesting topics.
Richard Moreau
CRN Wireless
www.crnwireless.com
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comment on how stupid can the alarm guy be?
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Ken,
Regarding the 8/24/2012 email.
"the question about the contracts and copying from ADT , et al has to be a joke from someone in the industry. No one can be that stupid, or can they ?
RON PETRARCA"
Guess what. I know this to be a fact: There are dealers out there who have been in the business for 30+ years who either have no clue that they need a limitation of liability in their agreement, or they just can't be bothered with "all that contract stuff."
The person who wrote the amusing inquiry posted on August 9, 2012 has far more sense than them. He deserves at least some credit and a little respect for having the potential to eventually become a good dealer.
I would have replied that I know what he's suggesting has been done but is a copyright infringement and then say how glad you are that he was only thinking about it; that the chances of getting everything right are slim without having the direct involvement of a legal professional; and his request to skip the ethics lesson notwithstanding, customers who depend on their alarm dealers' integrity will be unfavorably impressed to discover any lack of character and integrity in all aspects of life; and then it would be his kids who go hungry.
Lou Arellano, III
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