How to Install an Ademco Lynx Security System

An Ademco Lynx security system is one of the easiest panels a homeowner can install himself. That being said, installing any modern home alarm system will involve some reading to understand the programming procedure. This is a project for an advanced do-it-yourselfer that is patient and detail oriented.

An experienced alarm technician can install an Ademco Lynx panel, several door and window transmitters, a couple of motion detectors, and program the system in a few hours. An adventurous, handy homeowner will likely need a weekend or two to do it, mostly because the programming can be a bit tedious.

Ademco Lynx security panels are available from many sources. Be sure to get a package or kit that contains all the door and window transmitters and motion detectors you need for your home. Read all installation and programming information before beginning the job.

Ademco Lynx package
Alarm wire, 22 gauge 2-conductor
Phone wire
Fish tape
Drill with 3/16" bit
Plastic anchors and screws, #6-8

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location for the Lynx alarm panel. It should be near the usual entry door(s) of the home, to make arming and disarming easy. The alarm will need a nearby outlet for power, and if the system will be monitored, access to a phone jack. In most houses, the best location is often in the kitchen area.
- 2
  Use the back plate of the alarm panel to mark and drill mounting holes and an opening for wiring access. Fish wires for the phone and power connections, and fasten the plate to the wall with plastic anchors and screws.
- 3
  Connect the wiring to the circuit board, following the diagram in the manual. Install a resistor across the onboard zone if the unit has one. Install the battery, and connect its cord to the circuit board. Plug in the main console connector cord, and attach the panel to the plate.
- 4
  Mount the wireless transmitters at each door and window to be protected, leaving the batteries out and the lids off. Mount any motion detectors, also minus covers and batteries.
- 5
  Starting with the front door, install the transmitter battery and snap the cover on. Plug in the transformer at the main panel. Enter programming mode and follow the steps to enroll the front door transmitter. Each transmitter must be faulted (tripped) two times to be recognized by the system, and tripped a third time if using "set to confirm" (recommended).
  
  Add the codes for the voice descriptor, and save the settings when finished. Repeat the enrollment process for all the doors and windows in the system.
- 6
  Enroll each motion detector, using the on-board jumper to place the unit in "test" mode. Install the batteries and cover, and wave a hand in front of the unit enough to trip it two or three times. After enrolling each unit, remove the cover, move the jumper out of test, and reinstall the cover.
- 7
  When all transmitters are enrolled, exit programming mode. Arm the system in "Stay" and "Away" modes and walk test to be sure the motion detectors are bypassed in stay mode. Open each door, and verify that all of them cause the alarm to sound when armed. Set the system to chime, and check that each zone's voice descriptor is correct.
- 8
  Save the Lynx alarm program sheets and paperwork for reference. If you have the system monitored, a technician will benefit from having all the panel documentation.
  
  Test the system on a regular basis, at least every year. Replace transmitter batteries as soon as they show "low battery" on the display.

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