FBII StarFone - 80s tech, it talks, and you can control it with your phone

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  • Опубліковано 24 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 109

  • @achannelwithnopurpose1977
    @achannelwithnopurpose1977 2 роки тому +26

    For its time, that system was very space age and for today’s standard is still really nice. I feel like it was one of the systems paved the way for the newest high end systems which can be monitored and utilized with a cellphone

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +5

      I would not call "SimpliUnsafe" high end at all

    • @achannelwithnopurpose1977
      @achannelwithnopurpose1977 2 роки тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm i do agree they’re really flawed especially in how easy they are to bypass for anyone with a simple signal jammer fob. I only meant high end as in with gimmicks.

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 7 місяців тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarmI have that system as seen in a video of mine, however now I call it sh*t. It does not run correctly as I want it to like it did in 2018. They discontinued a bunch of things I liked

  • @bringit7271
    @bringit7271 Рік тому +24

    I have an FBII XL-2T in my house with those same flush mount keypads. Very nice system that blends well with the house and doesn't look offensive like today's modern systems. I've even got the old X10 home automation with the Powerflash module that flashes all of the lights on and off during an alarm. After watching this video I grabbed a scrap keypad and started to sort of reverse engineer it. I'm wiring it into a USB input/output interface to allow my home automation PC interact with it, just like as if it was a keypad. I'm going to use Twilio to recreate the Starfone features to the best of my ability, because I think this is really cool. I'll probably even write code to facilitate panel programming using an easy desktop application, since the app will technically be able to operate the keypad.

  • @PINKBOY1006
    @PINKBOY1006 2 роки тому +32

    I forgot you were a phonephreak for a second until I saw the Telstar and heard a ring from one of Evan Doorbell's tapes. Very nice demo!

  • @CJ9899
    @CJ9899 Рік тому +5

    This gives me a whole new appreciation for Security systems. Very cool!

  • @Alarmo05221
    @Alarmo05221 2 роки тому +8

    I see that Ademco scooped that feature right up with their phone module known as the 4284 or 4285VIP. This panel was definitely had future in mind at a high level.

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +3

      FBII was owned by Pittway at the time this was made and they got absorbed into Ademco when Pittway bought them too.
      Several other companies did this as well though, including ITI who despite not being first, did actually do it better than this. It’s going to be a future video..

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 2 роки тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm ahh I see, however with Ademco’s version, it had the voice similar to the 6160V

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +3

      Armed. Away. exit. NOW.
      Instead of a voice synthesizer chip like the StarFone It’s actually a bunch of recordings of a person basically reading words or phrases from a script.

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 2 роки тому +1

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm yes

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 Рік тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarmthat’s also pretty much was happened to the FBII VS279, the VS299 does not use a voice chip, it uses recordings from a similar voice

  • @Flanks719
    @Flanks719 2 роки тому +1

    Love the setup. It always makes me happy to see a Upload From you! im liking the new series

  • @37JTVOfficial
    @37JTVOfficial 6 місяців тому +1

    DECtalk Speech Paul 3:45 7:53
    "The Security System Is Off." 10:16
    "The Security System Is On
    The Interior Is Off.
    All Delays are Off." 10:32
    Ringing Tone/DTMF 6:14

  • @DanburyDK
    @DanburyDK 6 місяців тому

    I love the simplicity of this system. And the tie in with the phone makes it more fun.

  • @NIKOSGEOR
    @NIKOSGEOR 5 місяців тому +1

    I have personaly installed over 500 of FBii Star and XL series and just one StarFone which was planned to be connected with house external lights but never actually realized that.
    Back in the day programming these panels was a matter of 2 minutes pressing keys on the keypad.
    I still have people calling to change backup batteries on XL2 panels installed back in 1997 - 1998.
    😀

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  4 місяці тому +1

      Bet this video brought back some memories! Thanks for watching!

  • @XMguy
    @XMguy 6 місяців тому

    I have the FBII Star XL 4600. It was put in when I was a kid in 1989. Never knew you could have a unique code for each user. Til this video. Mine was pulse dialing only too.

  • @FourtyFiftyEighty
    @FourtyFiftyEighty 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome video. These old security systems are very interesting

  • @CascadiaFA
    @CascadiaFA 2 роки тому

    Glad to see you back

  • @TheCarson116
    @TheCarson116 2 роки тому +2

    A _very_ interesting system indeed, nice video on it!
    That's not the same Star XL-4600 you had years ago is it? (the one you had in the closet of your room)
    15:30 Cool-looking telephone there!

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому

      That is actually the exact same one

    • @TheCarson116
      @TheCarson116 2 роки тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm Well what do you know...

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 2 роки тому

      A panel that has been constantly moved and put into silence, what do ya know?

  • @Lachlant1984
    @Lachlant1984 2 роки тому +4

    Those voice prompts were quite verbose which is quite good, better than just single word or two word responses. I think most of us probably understood the meaning of the relays, but for those who aren't in the know, would you please explain the function of the relays? Also, how do you program the names of each zone? Is that info programmed into the phone voice chip?

  • @JessieMHadaller
    @JessieMHadaller 2 роки тому +3

    This is very cool. I’ve always seen those keypads when I was younger and thought they were cool! 😅
    I wonder what’s next in the series. DMP? Caretaker+? So many possibilities! 😅

    • @bringit7271
      @bringit7271 Рік тому +1

      Me too, to the point where a few years ago I purchased one, purely due to how sleek and well-fitting the keypads are. People don't even notice I have an alarm system because they blend so well with the house. These new wireless systems are absolute crap, I watch ADT eviscerate my friends properties leaving wires showing, and that huge ugly keypad of theirs slapped on a random wall. Not to mention the fact that if you get in and smash an ADT wireless keypad before the entry delay, the system is dead. Smash these keypads all you want, the system will still run. I coupled the system with a dial capture cellular dialer that gives the system reliable cellular monitoring that works seamlessly. It's a shame they don't manufacture systems like this anymore. The security industry has lost it's way and is focused on money only, which means very quick installs of slap and stick wireless systems, in which nobody needs a "security expert" to install.

  • @expgretaillegacy
    @expgretaillegacy 2 роки тому +1

    Happy (late) New Year, Andrew!

  • @VacuumandFirealarm
    @VacuumandFirealarm 2 роки тому

    Hi NewageServerAlarm I’ve been watching your videos for a long time and I became a member of the fire alarm community in the beginning of April last year, 2022

  • @Tiger21820
    @Tiger21820 2 роки тому +3

    Would the A B C & D DTMF tones simulate the Stay, Bypass, Instant, and Code buttons? And does the security system transmit these commands via DTMF? If so, would Stay, Bypass, Instant, and Code represent the A B C & D keys?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +2

      No the ABCD tones aren't supported as almost nobody actually had a phone that had that capability

  • @NyxKemo
    @NyxKemo 2 роки тому

    Very very advanced system for it’s time, FBII is pretty impressive, i have a star xl 4800 system with 16 zones and 2 alphanumeric keypads for it and i love playing around with it

  • @awgybop1
    @awgybop1 5 місяців тому

    Crazy how much these systems were capable of for back then. Although I do find it weird that they didn't prioritize the burglary message over the first two through the telephone, wonder if it was oversight or if it was just due to design.

  • @siphonralarms9411
    @siphonralarms9411 2 роки тому +2

    This is quite the unique system! I actually have an XL 4600 in my collection, but it’s unfortunately completely dead.

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому

      those are pretty resilient panels so i’m surprised it’s not working.. did you check the fuses and make sure your 12VAC transformer is working ?

    • @siphonralarms9411
      @siphonralarms9411 2 роки тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm I’ll eventually take another look at it. I’m planning on setting up my good old Silent Knight 2615 in my room at some point, just need more wire.

  • @djifirealarms
    @djifirealarms 2 роки тому +7

    very nice setup, im loving this security series honestly. feels really professional and explains things in a simple easy to understand way IMO.
    that panel is very ahead of it's time, goes to show how much you really could do with relatively basic technology back then.
    is there any way of doing a total reset to defaults? like say you messed up setting a passcode and screwed the whole thing up (due to there being no password set confirmation), is there an easy way to fix that? if not, how would you fix it?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +1

      There is a way to factory default these panels actually. I just didn't show it in the video.

  • @HenBasketFireAlarms
    @HenBasketFireAlarms 2 роки тому +3

    That’s quite a neat system there! Is it just me, or does the fire tone sound a bit like a 1st generation Gentex HG?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому +1

      I thought the same thing, honestly

    • @Flanks719
      @Flanks719 2 роки тому

      It actually does lol i thought the same

  • @Lachlant1984
    @Lachlant1984 6 місяців тому +1

    Where did you get the footage used when you described what the duress function does?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  6 місяців тому +1

      Made that. Messed around with lights and stuff

  • @wigwagstudios2474
    @wigwagstudios2474 6 місяців тому +2

    YEAHHHH GIMME THAT EARLY 80S SPEECH SYNTHESIS!!!

  • @Noname_2014
    @Noname_2014 6 місяців тому

    Fire... leave immediently. Fire... leave immediently. Thats such a cool system.

  • @dk12721
    @dk12721 21 день тому

    Hi,
    Do you know of any good resources for different settings on this old panel? I house I moved into has a Star XL 4600. For whatever reason, I have decided to try and connect it with a Konnected board to get it into my smart home. I would like to setup on a keyswitch that can arm and disarm the panel. It seems like other versions of this, like the StarXL 4600DL can do it, but this base 4600 only seems to have the panic switch option. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  19 днів тому

      you would be better off just putting in a newer panel if you’re trying to integrate with modern home automation. If you want a recommendation, I would be happy to give you one.

    • @dk12721
      @dk12721 16 днів тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm Yes I think I have probably hit the limit of what this thing can do. I'm really just taking it as a fun challenge at this point. I've been able to get the motion sensors and status of the alarm into my smart home setup already. Would like to be able to arm/disarm and know whether the system is armed, but not the end of the world if I can't. At some point I can just remove the old board from my setup and just use Konnected directly too. So yeah if you have any ideas on getting the arm/disarm status or keyswitch let me know, but if not, no worries!

  • @Kai-i2e2m
    @Kai-i2e2m 7 місяців тому +1

    3:50 "a police were called" like, I get what it's trying to say, but why did it say THAT

  • @user13424
    @user13424 2 роки тому +1

    Are you going to be doing any stuff with DMP Alarms. I would love to see a video of a DMP XT30 OR XR550 Alarm Reportng CID to a receiver. Also if you have a DMP receiver would love to see a video with that too.

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому

      Yeah actually, my Sur-Gard receiver which you saw in this video does take DMP format. I do however also have a DMP single line receiver as well.

    • @user13424
      @user13424 2 роки тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm could that receiver take outside alarm? Or is it only local? Because if it could take outside alarms, that would be a cool video. That would be a cool video some setting off there alarm for testing purposes from like a different state and it sending you signals. I would love to see what my alarm signal look like on the other end.

    • @HappyJigg
      @HappyJigg 2 роки тому

      @@user13424 I have 2 videos of mine on my channel. It can take calls from wherever you can call it from.

  • @nhweather19
    @nhweather19 2 роки тому

    The pull station brings back memories

  • @MrNewtDude
    @MrNewtDude Рік тому

    Is that a western electric 2500 telephone being used in the video?

  • @ZachToons25
    @ZachToons25 2 роки тому +1

    Where can I find this today?

  • @kermitlefrog3346
    @kermitlefrog3346 6 місяців тому +2

    i have gotten myself stuck in a security system rabbit hole

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  6 місяців тому +1

      Good luck haha. The industry was wild 30 years ago instead of now where it's just a big race to the bottom

  • @Joshtheweatherman
    @Joshtheweatherman 6 місяців тому

    Reminds me of those talking Chrysler cars from that era

  • @Undercoverelevator212-s2n
    @Undercoverelevator212-s2n 8 місяців тому +1

    What you didn't demonstrate with the voice is if multiple zones are faulted when checking the status.

  • @Lachlant1984
    @Lachlant1984 Рік тому

    Do you plan to make anymore videos about these security systems please? I like these videos.

  • @lspdfrisawesome8972
    @lspdfrisawesome8972 2 роки тому

    Hello! I cannot afford a FACP so I was wondering if you have instructions or something for those homemade alertek panels? Thanks!

  • @AKSoapy29
    @AKSoapy29 6 місяців тому

    Have you ever played with a Moose alarm panel? I believe they are of the same vintage. I'd have to dig one out to see if I could find some date codes.

    • @NewAgeServer
      @NewAgeServer 6 місяців тому

      I do have a few Moose panels. You can see the keypad for one in this video and the intro actually!

    • @AKSoapy29
      @AKSoapy29 6 місяців тому

      @@NewAgeServer Ahhh, I see that now. I had to look up their keypads to verify as I haven't seen that model before. I have two types, and neither are that kind, haha. What do you have it tied to? I have a couple of z1100e panels.

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  6 місяців тому

      it's an Aritech-Moose Z900.

  • @HelloKittyFanMan
    @HelloKittyFanMan 6 місяців тому

    Haha, interesting that the attic fan is something that an alarm system has any context for. Why is there any reference to an attic fan from an alarm system, NewAge?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  6 місяців тому

      “ATTIC” and “FAN” are two of the words you could choose to label that relay with

    • @HelloKittyFanMan
      @HelloKittyFanMan 6 місяців тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm: So this alarm system came with just this side feature to be able to control a non-alarm-related thing by remote via that relay and without setting off an alarm? Like... they're at work, didn't listen to the weather report before going in, but then hear that the rest of the day is supposed to be a scorcher, so they call their system and turn on the attic fan by remote, or...?

  • @randykitchleburger2780
    @randykitchleburger2780 6 місяців тому

    This is perfect for the guard tower

  • @JvT-34-85
    @JvT-34-85 2 роки тому +3

    I expected a smartphone, BOOM old af telephone

  • @HelloKittyFanMan
    @HelloKittyFanMan 6 місяців тому

    Haha, wow, interesting old phone with a lid!

  • @carlomicillo4221
    @carlomicillo4221 9 місяців тому +1

    ADT had something like this

    • @Alarmo05221
      @Alarmo05221 7 місяців тому

      Yes but the difference is that they are recorded voices rather than the voice chip

  • @aarocka11
    @aarocka11 6 місяців тому

    lol love the GarageBand loops

  • @gradientgamer5480
    @gradientgamer5480 Рік тому +1

    will phone access work on a VOIP/Mobile number? meaning you can use your mobile phone to control the system?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  Рік тому

      as long as you can convert a voip line to an analog line, yes

  • @noahfurry4146
    @noahfurry4146 Рік тому +1

    That was very cool

  • @Vanool35
    @Vanool35 Рік тому +1

    Could this work with a ITI CS-4000 out of curiosity?

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  Рік тому

      It would, just you can only use double round pulse as that receiver oddly can’t do pulse with parity

    • @Vanool35
      @Vanool35 Рік тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm Okay. I looked on the CS-4000 manuals and it said it wasn't compatible with touch tone systems which kind of confused me. Also could this hypothetically be used in tandem with a SX-V with this acting as a 'slave' unit / phone line? Also where were you able to find this, I've been trying to look for a StarFone now myself and all I see on Google are manuals for it

  • @jeffmoss26
    @jeffmoss26 2 роки тому

    Very cool!!

  • @HelloKittyFanMan
    @HelloKittyFanMan 6 місяців тому

    Yeah, cool video; thanks!

  • @KJ7BZC
    @KJ7BZC 2 роки тому +1

    Very nice demonstration, strange that the system has absolutely no verification when changing user codes. I guess just don't mistype it lol

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  2 роки тому

      Yep and I accidentally changed the master code on it once.... so that was.. FUN

  • @vrryan6
    @vrryan6 2 роки тому

    This is very cool

  • @coolworms7297
    @coolworms7297 Рік тому +1

    this is cool. my modern system doesnt even have this lol

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  Рік тому

      what kind of modern system?

    • @coolworms7297
      @coolworms7297 Рік тому

      @@NewAgeServerAlarm its an ADT, not sure what model. though i live in the UK, so it may be different from the US ones. i'll have to check.

  • @douro20
    @douro20 6 місяців тому +2

    "Smoke detector is in trouble"...

  • @firealarm2903_
    @firealarm2903_ Рік тому +1

    I have a 4800 EZ that I pulled out of my grandmas house installed in 1991

  • @DiegoElevators44
    @DiegoElevators44 Рік тому

    Can you please make your old videos from back in the day public again?

  • @samtovar2447
    @samtovar2447 2 роки тому

    Nice!

  • @willbill808
    @willbill808 2 роки тому +1

    This panel must’ve been designed for the ESL 445 smoke detectors lol, they always falsely trip and need all that verification/trouble if it doesn’t reset

  • @carlomicillo4221
    @carlomicillo4221 10 місяців тому

    Do they still make them

  • @Flanks719
    @Flanks719 2 роки тому

    Btw Happy new years

  • @mattlauer3323
    @mattlauer3323 5 місяців тому

    must gave installed hundreds of the xl4600 never a starfone that was some amazing tech for the 80's

  • @HelloKittyFanMan
    @HelloKittyFanMan 6 місяців тому

    "...And there's actually a reason for this."
    OK, but then there's a reason for EVERYTHING anyway, so for future reference, you might wanna point out something more prominent than that, like a _purpose_ instead.

  • @WhatALoadOfTosca
    @WhatALoadOfTosca 5 місяців тому

    So if the person was under duress and pressed 6, the burglar would hear it dialing out? 🤦‍♂️

  • @Retroman8000
    @Retroman8000 6 місяців тому

    God ive instalked atleast 10k of thos keypads...i still have customers today that hate the non recessed versions and will pay anything for the recesses

  • @jeffbillings
    @jeffbillings 6 місяців тому +1

    “Global Thermonuclear War” 🤖

    • @NewAgeServerAlarm
      @NewAgeServerAlarm  6 місяців тому

      What a strange game. The only winning move is not to play.
      How about a nice game of
      Chess?

  • @2901er
    @2901er 2 роки тому

    Hi

  • @Egress.
    @Egress. 2 роки тому

    oooooooo

  • @sircampbell1249
    @sircampbell1249 7 місяців тому

    Burned lot of chips baCk in day....