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Ademco Vista Security System User Guide

ABOUT THE KEYPADS

IMPORTANT: If the key-pad beeps rapidly upon entering the premises, it indicates that an alarm has occurred during your absence and an intruder may still be on the premises.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and CONTACT THE POLICE from a nearby safe location.

Your keypads allow you to control all system functions. The keypads feature a telephone style (digital) keypad and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) which shows the nature and location of all occurrences.
The keypads also feature a built-in sounder which will sound during alarms and troubles.
The keypads also "beep" during certain system functions, such as during entry/exit delay times, in CHIME mode, and when depressing any of the keys (to acknowledge the key press).

There are two basic types of keypads ­ a Fixed-Word keypad and an Alpha key- pad (both described below). Fixed-Word and Alpha keypads are functionally the same, even though they have different types of displays.

2-Line Alpha Keypad
2-line Alpha keypads feature a 2-line, 32-character alphanumeric LCD which can display system messages in friendly English. These keypads can also be programmed with custom zone descriptors. The screen displays depicted in this manual are those that typically appear on a 2-line Alpha keypad.

1-Line Alpha Keypad
1-line Alpha keypads feature a 16-character alphanumeric LCD which can display system messages in friendly English. Messages are the same as those for 2-line Alpha keypads, but are displayed one line at a time. To view the second line of the message, simply press the # key. To return to the first line, press the # again, or wait 3 seconds. After pressing the # key, wait at least 3 seconds before entering a command.

Fixed-Word Keypad
Fixed-Word keypads are functionally identical to Alpha keypads, but the LCD display uses pre-designated words to identify the nature and location of occurrences.

ABOUT THE KEYPADS

FUNCTIONS OF THE KEYPADS

1. ALPHA DISPLAY WINDOW: A 1-line or 2-line, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Displays protection point identification and system status, messages, and user instructions.

2. OFF KEY: Disarms the burglary portion of the system, silences alarms and audible trouble indicators, and clears visual alarm trouble after the problem has been corrected.

3. AWAY KEY: Completely arms both perimeter and interior burglary protection for backup protection by sensing an intruder's movements through protected interior areas aswell as guarding protected doors, windows, etc. Entrance can be made through an entry delay zone without causing an alarm if the system is disarmed before the entry delay time expires.

4. STAY KEY: Arms the perimeter burglary protection, guarding protected doors, windows and other perimeter protection points, and sounds an alarm if one is opened. Interior protection is not armed, which allows movement within your house without causing an alarm. Entrance can be made through an entry delay zone without causing an alarm if the system is disarmed before the entry delay time expires.

5. MAXIMUM KEY: Arms in manner similar to AWAY mode, but eliminates the entry delay period, thus providing maximum protection. An alarm will occur immediately upon opening any protection point, including entry delay zones.

6. TEST KEY: Tests the system and alarm sounder.

7. BYPASS KEY: Removes individual protection zonesfrom being monitored by the system. Displays currentlybypassed protection zones.

8. INSTANT KEY: Arms in manner similar to STAY mode,but turns off the entry delay period, offering greater security while inside and not expecting any late arrivals. An alarm will occur immediately upon opening any perimeter protection point, including entry delay zones.

9. CODE KEY: Allows the entry of additional user codes that can be given to other users of the system.

10. CHIME KEY: Turns the CHIME mode on and off. Whenwhile the system is disarmed will cause a tone to sound at the Keypad(s).

11. READY KEY: When depressed prior to arming thesystem, the keypad will display all open protection zones within the keypad's home partition.

12. # KEY: Permits ARMING of the system without the use of a security code ("Quick Arm", if programmed). Also used toview the second line of single-line Alpha keypads.

13. KEYS 0-9: Used to enter your individual security accesscode(s).

14. POWER/READY INDICATOR: On keypads with a "POWER" LED, primary power is on when lit. If off, system is operating on backup battery power. On keypads with a "READY" LED, system is ready to be armed if lit, while unlit indicates system is not ready (a zone is open).

15. ARMED INDICATOR: (RED) Lit when the system has been armed (STAY, AWAY, INSTANT or MAXIMUM).

16. INTERNAL SOUNDER: Source of audible internal warning and confirmation sounds, as well as alarms (see "Summary of Audible Notifications").

17. A-B-C PANIC KEYS: Some keypads use key pairs to activate panic alarms, rather than individual keys. Refer to the PANIC KEYS section for descriptions of these keys.

IMPORTANT!: When you use the keypad to enter codes and commands, press the keys within 2 seconds of one another. If 2 seconds elapse without a key depression, the entry is aborted and must be repeated from its beginning.

Fixed-Word Consoles are functionally similar, except for screen displays.

CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES

Using the READY key:

Before arming your system, all protected doors, windows and other protection zones must be closed or bypassed (see BYPASSING section). Otherwise the keypad will display a "Not Ready" message. Using the READY key will display all zones that are faulted, making it easier for you to secure any open zones.

To show faulted zones:

DISARMED- PRESS "READY" TO SHOW FAULTS

Note: A green READY indicator (if present) on the keypad will be lit if the system is ready to be armed. If not lit, the system is not ready.

  • 1. PRESS THE READY KEY (Do not enter security code, but simply press the READY key.)
  • 2. FAULT 05 FRONT UPSTAIRS BEDROOM SECURE FAULTED ZONES

  • Typical fault display shows open zones. Secure or bypass the zones displayed before arming the system.

    DISARMED SYSTEM CAN BE ARMED READY TO ARM
    The "Ready" message will be displayed when all protection zones have been either closed or bypassed.
    You may now arm the system as usual.

    ARMING PERIMETER ONLY (With Entry Delay ON)

    Using the 3 STAY key

    Use this key when you are staying home, but might expect someone to use the entrance door later.

    When armed in STAY mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is opened, but you may otherwise move freely throughout the premises. Late arrivals can enter through the entrance door without causing an alarm, but they must disarm the system within the entry delay period or an alarm will occur.

    Close all protected perimeter windows and doors before arming (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section). The green READY indicator (if present) on the keypad should be lit if the system is ready to be armed.


    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS STAY
    (Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the STAY key.)
    2. ARMED
    3. LISTEN FOR 3 BEEPS
    The keypad will beep three times and will display the armed STAY message. The red ARMED indicator also lights.

    ARMING PERIMETER ONLY (With Entry Delay OFF)

    Using the 7 key INSTANT
    Use this key when you are staying home and do not expect anyone to use the entrance door.
    When armed in INSTANT mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is opened, but you may otherwise move freely throughout the premises. The alarm will also sound immediately if anyone opens the entrance door.
    Close all protected perimeter windows and doors before arming (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section). The green READY indicator (if present) on the keypad should be lit if the system is ready to be armed.

    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS INSTANT
    (Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the INSTANT key.)
    2. ARMED INSTANT
    3. LISTEN FOR 3 BEEPS
    The keypad will beep three times and will display the armed INSTANT message. The red ARMED indicator also lights.

    ARMING ALL PROTECTION (With Entry Delay ON)

    Using the "2" AWAY key
    Use this key when no one will be staying on the premises.
    When armed in AWAY mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is opened, or if any movement is detected inside the premises. You may leave through the entrance door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm. You may also re-enter through the entrance door, but must disarm the system within the entry delay period or an alarm will occur.
    Close all protected perimeter windows and doors before arming (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section). The green READY indicator (if present) on the keypad should be lit if the system is ready to be armed.

    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS AWAY
    Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the AWAY key.
    2. ARMED AWAY
    3. LISTEN, YOU MAY EXIT NOW
    The keypad will beep twice, or beep continuously if exit warning has been programmed for your system, and displays the armed AWAY message.
    The red ARMED indicator also lights.
    The "You May Exit Now" portion of the message disappears when the exit delay expires.

    ARMING ALL PROTECTION (With Entry Delay OFF)

    Using the 4 MAXIMUM Key
    Use this key when the premises will be vacant for extended periods of time such as vacations, etc., or when no one will be moving through protected interior areas.
    When armed in MAXIMUM mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is opened, or if any movement is detected inside the premises.
    You may leave through the entrance door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm, but an alarm will be sounded as soon as someone re-enters.
    Close all protected perimeter windows and doors before arming (see CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section). The green READY indicator (if present) on the keypad should be lit if the system is ready to be armed.

    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS MAXIMUM
    Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the MAXIMUM key.
    2. ARMED MAXIMUM
    3. LISTEN YOU MAY EXIT NOW
    The keypad will beep twice, or beep continuously if exit warning has been programmed for your system, and will display the armed MAXIMUM message (AWAY/INSTANT on fixed-word keypads).
    The red ARMED indicator also lights.
    The "You May Exit Now" portion of the message disappears when the exit delay expires.

    DISARMING AND SILENCING ALARMS

    Using the1 OFF Key
    Use the OFF key to disarm the system and to silence alarm and trouble sounds. See "SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE NOTIFICATION" section for information which will help you to distinguish between FIRE and BURGLARY alarm sounds.

    IMPORTANT: If you return and the main burglary sounder is on, DO NOT enter the premises, but call the police from a nearby safe location.
    If you return after an alarm has occurred and the main sounder has shut itself off, the keypad will beep rapidly upon entering, indicating that an alarm has occurred during your absence and an intruder may still be on the premises.
    LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and CONTACT THE POLICE from a nearby safe location.

    To disarm the system and silence burglary alarms:
    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE, THEN PRESS OFF
    2. DISARMED
    3. LISTEN FOR 1 BEEP
    4. READY TO ARM
    The "Ready" message will be displayed (if no alarms have occurred while armed) and the keypad will beep once to confirm that the system is disarmed.

    Memory of Alarm
    If an alarm occurs, the keypad displays the zone number (s) that caused the alarm and the type of alarm. These messages remain displayed until cleared by a user.
    To clear the display, note the zone number displayed and enter an OFF sequence (enter your security code and press the OFF key).
    If the "Ready" message will not display, go to the displayed zone and correct the fault (close windows, etc.). If the fault cannot be corrected, notify your alarm company.

    BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES

    Using the 6 BYPASS Key
    This key is used when you want to arm your system with one or more zones intentionally unprotected.
    Bypassed zones are unprotected and will not cause an alarm when violated while your system is armed.
    All bypasses are removed when an OFF sequence (security code plus OFF) is performed.
    Bypasses are also removed if the arming procedure that follows the bypass command is not successful.
    The system will not allow fire zones to be bypassed.

    To bypass zones, the system must be disarmed first.

    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS BYPASS
    2. ENTER ZONE NUMBER(S)
    Enter the zone number(s) for the zones to be bypassed (e.g., 01, 02, 03, etc.). Important! All single-digit numbers must be preceded by a zero (for example, enter 01 for zone 1).
    3. BYPASS 07 FRONT UPSTAIRS BEDROOM (Shown on display)
    4. WAIT
    The keypad will display the word BYPASS along with each bypassed zone number. Wait for these zones to be displayed, to be sure that intended zones are bypassed.
    4. DISARMED BYPASS ARM AS USUAL READY TO ARM
    Arm the system as usual when the keypad displays the "Ready " message.

    Quick Bypass
    Your system may allow you to easily bypass all open (faulted) zones without having to enter zone numbers individually. Ask your installer if this feature is active.
    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS BYPASS
    2. BYPASS 07 FRONT UPST AIRS BEDROOM
    3. WAIT
    In a few moments, all open zones will be displayed along with the word BYPASS. Wait for these zones to be displayed before arming. Arming the system before zones are displayed eliminates all bypasses.
    3. DISARMED BYPASS ARM AS USUAL READY TO ARM
    Arm the system as usual when the keypad displays the "Ready" message.

    Displaying Bypassed Zones
    For determining what zones have been previously bypassed. Bypassed zones can be displayed only when the system is disarmed, and when the "Bypass" message shown in step 3 above is displayed.
    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS BYPASS
    2. BYPASS 07 FRONT UPSTAIRS BEDROOM (shown on display)
    3. WAIT
    In a few moments, all open zones will be sequentially displayed along with the word BYPASS.

    CHIME MODE

    Using the 9 Key for selected doors or windows if chime-by-zone feature is active.
    Ask your installer if this feature applies to your system.
    Your system can be set to alert you to the opening of a door or window while it is disarmed by using CHIME mode. When activated, three beeps will sound at the keypad whenever a protected perimeter door or window is opened. Pressing the READY key will display the open protection points.
    Note that the Chime mode can be activated only when the system is disarmed.
    To turn Chime Mode on:
    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS CHIME
    2. DISARMED CHIME READY TO ARM(shown on display)
    The "Chime" message displays while chime mode is on.

    To turn Chime Mode off:
    1. ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS CHIME
    2. DISARMED READY TO ARM(shown on display)
    The "Chime" message disappears from the display.

    PANIC KEYS


    (FOR MANUALLY ACTIVATING SILENT AND/OR AUDIBLE ALARMS)
    Your system may have been programmed to use special keys to manually activate panic functions. See your installer for the function(s) that may have been programmed for your system.

    To use a paired key panic function, simply press both keys of the assigned pair at the same time.
    If your keypad has lettered keys for panic functions, press the designated key and hold down for at least 2 seconds to activate the panic function.

    USING DEVICE COMMANDS

    Your system may be set up so that certain lights or other devices can be turned on or off by using the device command from the keypad. Ask your installer if this has been done in your system.
    If programmed for your system, some devices may activate automatically upon certain system conditions. See your installer for a full explanation of this feature.

    To activate devices ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS # + 7 + DEVICE NUMBER
    To deactivate devices ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS # + 8 + DEVICE NUMBER

    SECURITY CODES


    As an additional safety feature, other users who do not have a need to know your code can be assigned different security codes. These secondary users are identified by "user numbers," which are selected when assigning a user's security code.
    You can assign up 14 additional user codes (user numbers 03-16), including the babysitter and duress codes.
    Note that the master (primary) user of the system is the only one who can assign codes to secondary (or temporary) users, and is user number 02; user number 01 is reserved for the installer of the system.

    All codes can be used interchangeably when performing system functions (a system armed with one user's code can be disarmed by another user's code), with the exception of the babysitter code described below.

    Babysitter Code
    This code can be used to arm the system in assigned partitions, but cannot disarm the system unless the system was armed with this code. This code is typically assigned to someone (such as a babysitter) who has a need to arm/disarm the system only at certain times. The babysitter code is assigned to user 15. The user of this code should not use the "Quick Arming" feature described below.

    Duress Code
    This feature is intended for use when you are forced to disarm or arm the system under threat. When used, the system will act normally, but can silently notify the alarm monitoring company of your situation, if that service has been provided. Duress code is assigned to user 16.
    Important: This code is useful only when the system is connected to a alarm monitoring company.

    Quick Arming
    Note that if "Quick Arming" was programmed by the installer, the # key can be pressed in place of the security code when arming the system. The security code must always be used to disarm the system, however.

    SECURITY CODES


    To Add a User or Change a User's Code
    Important: Temporary users of the system (e.g., babysitters, cleaning staff) should not be shown how to use any system function they do not need to know, such as bypassing protection zones for example.

    Sequential key depressions for all steps in a procedure must be made within 2 seconds of one another, or else the entire entry is aborted and must be repeated from its beginning (e.g., perform steps 1, 2, and 3 below with no delay between steps).

    Changing the Master Code
    Follow the procedure or changing a user's code, but enter user#02; enter the newcode a second time toconfirm accuracy.
    WAIT for keypad beep before continuing!

    Changing a Users Code
    1. ENTER MASTER CODE THEN PRESS CODE KEY
    2. ENTER USER NUMBER
    Enter the 2-digit User Number (03-16) for the user you are adding or changing.
    3. ENTER USER'S CODE
    Enter the new 4-digit security code for that user.

    To Delete a User
    1. ENTER MASTER CODE THEN PRESS CODE KEY
    2. ENTER USER NUMBER
    Enter the 2-digit User Number (03-16) for the user whose code you are deleting.
    3. ----------- STOP
    Wait (about 3 seconds) until the keypad beeps once before pressing any other key.
    The code is automatically deleted.

    TESTING THE SYSTEM (TO BE CONDUCTED MONTHLY)


    Using the 5 TEST Key
    The TEST key puts your system into the Test mode, which allows each protection point to be checked for proper operation.
    The keypad sounds a single beep every 40 seconds as a reminder that the system is in the Test mode.
    Note: An alarm message will not be sent to be sent to your alarm monitoring company during the following tests.

    1. DISARM THE SYSTEM
    DISARMED READY TO ARM (shown on display)
    Disarm the system and close all protected windows, doors, etc.
    The "Ready" message should be displayed and the green READY indicator (if present on the keypad) should also be lit .

    2. ENTER THE SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS TEST

    3. LISTEN.
    The external sounder should sound for 2 seconds and then turn off.
    If the sounder does not sound, CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.

    4. FAULT ZONES.
    Open each protected door and window in turn and listen for three beeps from the keypad. Identification of each faulted protection point should appear on the display. The display will clear when the door or window is closed.
    Walk in front of any interior motion detectors (if used) and listen for three beeps. The identification of the detector should appear on the display when it is activated.
    The display will clear when no motion is detected.
    Note that if wireless motion detectors are used, there is a 3-minute delay between activations. This is to conserve battery life.

    To test all smoke detectors, follow the manufacturer's instructions. The identification of each detector should appear on the display when each is activated.
    If a problem is experienced with any protection point (no confirming sounds, no display), CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
    When all protection points have been checked and are intact (closed), there should be no zone identification numbers displayed on the keypad. When testing is completed, exit the TEST mode by continuing with step 5.

    5. EXIT TEST MODE
    Enter your security code and press the OFF key. If the test mode is inadvertently left active, it automatically turns off after 4 hours.

    TROUBLE CONDITIONS

    The word CHECK on the Keypad's display, accompanied by a rapid "beeping" at the Keypad, indicates that there is a trouble condition in the system. The displays in parenthesis may appear on non-alpha keypads when the associated trouble condition is present.
    To silence the beeping sound for "check" conditions, press any key.

    * Note that zone number 9 represents a problem with wireless receivers or other system devices, which are not user serviceable. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.

    1. CHECK + Zone Descriptors
    Indicates that a problem exists with those zone(s)*. First, determine if the zone(s) displayed are intact and make them so if they are not. If the zone uses a wireless detector, check that changes in the room (moving furniture, televisions, etc.) are not blocking wireless signals from the detector. If the problem has been corrected, the zone descriptor(s) and CHECK should disappear. If not, key an OFF sequence (security code plus OFF) to clear the display.
    A CHECK condition can also indicate a wiring problem. If the "check" display persists, CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.

    Note that the system will not allow arming if a CHECK condition exists. To arm the system with a CHECK condition present, you must first bypass the zone(s) having the CHECK condition.

    2. Telco Fault
    If the telephone line monitor feature has been programmed for your system, this display indicates that the telephone line has been disconnected or cut.
    In some systems, this display will be accompanied by a trouble sound from the keypad and the external sounder may be activated. CONTACT YOUR SERVICE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY.
    To silence the trouble sound, enter your security code plus OFF.

    3. COMM. FAILURE (or F C)
    Indicates that a failure has occurred in the telephone communication portion of your system. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.

    4. SYSTEM LO BAT (or BAT with no zone No.)
    Indicates that a low system battery condition exists, accompanied by a once-per-minute "beeping"* at the Keypad. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
    * The beeping that accompanies a low battery display (items 4 and 5) can be stopped by entering an OFF sequence (code + OFF)

    5. LO BAT + zone descriptor(or BAT with zone No.)
    Indicates that a low battery condition exists in thewireless transmitter** displayed, and accompanied by a once-per-minute "beeping"* at the Keypad. CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
    ** Not all systems use wireless transmitters.

    6. MODEM COMM (or C C)
    Indicates that the control is on-line with the central station's remote computer. The control will not operate while on-line. Wait a few minutes. The display should disappear.

    7. POWER indicator (if present) is off.
    The system is operating on battery power only.
    AC LOSS is displayed (or NO AC). If only some lights are out on the premises, check circuit breakers and fuses and reset or replace as necessary.
    CALL FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY if AC power cannot be restored to the system.

    8. Busy-Standby (or dI)
    If this remains displayed for more than 1 minute, system is disabled. CALL FOR SERVICE AT ONCE.

    9. OPEN CIRCUIT (or OC)
    The keypad is not receiving signals from the control.

    10. Long Rng Trbl (or bF)
    If programmed, back-up Long Range Radio communication has failed. CALL FOR SERVICE AT ONCE.

    FIRE ALARM SYSTEM (IF INSTALLED)


    Your fire alarm system (if installed) is active 24 hours a day, providing continuous protection.
    In the event of an emergency, the installed smoke and heat detectors will automatically activate you security system, triggering a loud, interrupted sound from the Keypad. An interrupted sound will also be produced by optional exterior sounders.
    A FIRE message will appear at your Keypad and remain on until you silence and clear the alarm display.

    In Case Of Fire


    1. Should you become aware of a fire emergency before your detectors sense the problem, go to your nearest Keypad and press the single panic key (or panic key pair) assigned as FIRE emergency (if programmed by the installer) and hold down for at least 2 seconds. The alarm will sound.
    2. Evacuate all occupants from the premises.
    3. If flames and/or smoke are present, leave the premises and notify your local Fire Department immediately.
    4. If no flames or smoke are apparent, investigate the cause of the alarm. The zone descriptor of the zone(s) in an alarm condition will appear at the Keypad.

    Silencing A Fire Alarm

    1. Silence the alarm by pressing the OFF key. To clear the alarm display, enter your code and press the OFF key again.
    2. If the Keypad indicates a trouble condition after the second OFF sequence, check that smoke detectors are not responding to smoke or heat producing objects in their vicinity. Should this be the case, eliminate the source of heat or smoke.
    3. If this does not remedy the problem, there may still be smoke in the detector. Clear it by fanning the detector for about 30 seconds.
    4. When the problem has been corrected, clear the display by entering your code and pressing the OFF key.