Phone line goes dead OR CH error on keypad FREE FIX.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 26, 2005 Posts: 1

Problem: Phone line goes dead. If you wait 10 minutes it comes back on its own OR CH error on keypad and BEEP sounds at random intervals. Either problem, doesn't matter.

Fact: You notice in your Vonage outbound call log a bunch of calls to an 800 number. Groups of four calls at a time and at random intervals. You have a Brinks home security system. You have updated to the Voip card or you have not because it doesn't matter anyway (by the way you can get this card and a service call for free if you threaten to go to ADT or any other competitior).

Details: The problem is the security system card was not properly programed when installed. Although the alarm part of the device is working and a system test passes, there is another part of the system that is causing the issue which you cannot test. That part dials up to Brinks to set its own clock and to check for program updates. Because it must connect through a modem, like a Tivo, it fails through the analog to digital conversion at the phone adapter. My theory on this is too many modulations between analog and digital cause the modem hand-shake to fail. Anyway, by properly programming that part of the card to no longer dial to get program updates the issue is resolved. The phone number it is dialing is unlisted, so you might want to keep this on file for future issues 1-800-495-3555.

Fix: Contact Brinks and tell them you will switch to ADT or another competitor if they do not fix the problem immediately. They will give you an unlisted number to call between 8AM and 5PM M-F. If you call during this time, they will transfer you. Tell this person the same thing. They will dispatch a tech to replace the card and program it properly. If you do not get nasty with them the service call will be between $45 and $80 depending on who you talk to and how you have presented yourself over the phone (i.e. be mad, dissatisfied and convincing).

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: May 20, 2005 Posts: 5

45 dollar service call is rediculous. I just got off the phone with them. Why should we have to pay if their system isnt up to the technology that is coming out....there must be another way...