“AT&T Home Security System - Central Controller Antenna”

 By Ron Stultz

19 April 2007

The power cord from the AT&T Home Security System central controller (CC)'s power transformer to the CC serves as the CC's antenna.

The CC antenna must be at least 7 feet in length.

Minimum gauge wire is 22.

There is no limit to antenna length but beyond 100 feet, the resistance of the wire might drop the voltage so much as to negatively affect CC operation.

To extend the length of the antenna, unplug the CC's power transformer from its power outlet and unscrew the wires coming from the CC to the transformer. Now open the CC by unscrewing the 2 screws in the face plate. Remove the front cover and notice where the power line\antenna, is connected to the CC. Disconnect the power wires from the CC. Attach the longer length of power cord to the terminals in the CC and route out the back of the CC. Replace the cover on the CC. Attach new power cord\antenna to CC power transformer and plug transformer back into power outlet. Now spread power cord\antenna in some pattern, like a rectangle to form a antenna.

(Note: on 20 December 2005 I installed a new power cord/antenna in my attic using 12 gauge outdoor electric power cable and made a rectangle of almost 100 feet in length. Measurement of voltage at CC was 17.6 volts and well within the range required of the CC. A test of the signal strength of all universal transmitters is now "good" and so perhaps I have fixed the problem I have been having with one universal transmitter not checking in randomly.)