I understand your frustration regarding the callout charges by the alarm company but see it from both side as i work for a security alarm company. If you dont want to pay the callout charge take out the control panel and replace it with a new unit and wire it up, then programme up the system for full set and then part set for night time use, the unit will only cost you £40-£50 saving you £130.
Regarding the battery i agree the cost of £80 is rather high, but like any other company they are there to make money so a percentage will be put on the cost of the battery depending on size of battery, then the company has to dispose of the battery to meet with regulations, this i doubt you will do apart from throw it in the bin.
The alarm company have to pay another company to come out and take away the battery and dipose of it properley, someone has to pay for this.
Regarding engineers codes every intruder company has a generic code for all of there systems and will change them every now and then.
The engineer risks being suspended if he gives the code out to a customer as he is risking the companies other systems.
if you dont want to replace the control panel crash the system and re-programme it, its simple.
One example for you all
When you move into your new home you have to get the telephone company, gas company, or electrical company or even your sat tv company to come out and get things on, each one will have a charge if there is a fault with your appliance.
When you buy the house you also buy the security alarm system, thats why the alarm company have a set charge.
If you take out a standard maintenance contract with them for 12 months they might do battery and codes for £0
Paul
Security systems specialist
paul
June 2010