Radionics Alarm Systems

What To Do With An Existing System

Radionics alarm systems have been installed in homes and businesses for decades. Their panels began with the early Omegalarm 4012/8012 basic systems with just a few zones and user codes. In the last 30 years, expandable systems have advanced to handle 100 zones or more, with about as many user codes available.

Radionics Inc is now a part of Bosch Security Systems, an international
company offering many intrusion alarm, video, fire, and access control
products.

You may have inherited a Radionics security system when you bought your house, and are wondering if it can be used or not.

If
the system doesn’t have power, check to see that the low voltage
transformer is plugged in and the main panel battery is connected. If
the system hasn’t been in use for a while, it may need a new battery. If so, see this page on DIY alarm system battery replacement.

If you do have a working code for the system and want to know how to use it, read on.

Radionics Alarm Systems User Manuals

If you don’t already have manuals for the system, download free copies
of the User Guides for your main panel and keypads from
Securityalarm.com.

Many Radionics alarm systems used several different keypads with each model of main panel,
and Radionics published manuals for all of them. To use the system at
its full potential, it’s helpful to get a copy of the Radionics alarm manual
for both the panel and the keypad(s).

Radionics main panels use a 4-digit model number,
such as 8112, 9412, etc. These all technically begin with “D”, as in
“D4112”. “D” stands for “device”, and it is often omitted in references
to equipment. Some of the most popular models are/were:

D2112D2212D4112D6112D8112D7212D7412D9412

(As far as I know, all of the panels listed above are out of production, with the possible exception of the D7412 and D9412.)

You can find the panel model number on the main control board inside the alarm box that contains the back-up battery.

Radionics keypads use 3- or 4-digit model numbers, again often omitting the D-prefix. Some common keypads include these models:

D222AD279D620D630D636D1255

Keypad
model numbers are found on the back of each unit, so removing the
keypad from the wall is the fastest way to find the model information.

If
you don’t want to remove a keypad, you can do a Google image search for your control panel model number, followed by the term "keypad". This will bring up images you can compare to your own keypad(s), leading you to its model number.

Existing Radionics Systems

It’s not uncommon to find a Radionics alarm system already
installed in a house you purchase. In many cases, the alarm can be used
if it’s in working order and at least one arm/disarm code is known.

If
you have a working code, you can just download the security system
manuals you need as described above, and use the system as you like.

Without a working code, your choices are limited. Why?

Radionics
alarm systems are proprietary, or sold exclusively through the manufacturer. This means that originally, the only way to purchase Radionics systems was through
Radionics authorized dealers. These days, you can purchase Radionics
home security systems on eBay and elsewhere.

For programming
anything other than basic code changes, you’ll need either a special
programmer or help from a Radionics authorized alarm company.

Just for fun, I searched for the programmers needed for Radionics panels. I found the Radionics D5000 Omegalarm Programmer (used on the older 4012/8012 panel) for about $100.

The Radionics D5200 Programmer (used on later panels) was for sale for about $450.

In addition to needing a special programmer, some Radionics systems are “data-locked”. Datalock is a feature that enables only the company that originally installed a system to program it.

Using the
handheld programmer is the only way to change the program settings on
most Radionics panels. The cost of the programmer and the steep
“learning curve” to use it make it impractical for the average
homeowner.

If you don’t have a brand preference, and you have a hardwired system, the Radionics equipment can be replaced with almost any brand of alarm you might choose.

The panel and keypads are the key elements that must be replaced. The door and window contacts, motion sensors, and often even the low-voltage smoke detectors are basically generic, and can be used with any brand of alarm system.

Learn about other brands by clicking on the "Alarm Brands" links along the left side of the page. You can also find a dealer quickly by completing the form below.

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