Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Replace Ademco Vista 10SE

When I purchased my new home it came "prewired" for an alarm with a Vista 10SE installed. Unfortunately I closed on the sale before I obtained the master code for the system. When I inquired about the system the builder referred me to their alarm company who basically told me without monitoring they could not help. Basically I have a installed alarm that I can't use.

I thought that since it's already wired and "functional" I could perhaps simply purchase a new panel (same model or perhaps upgraded) and with a new system would obtain new default codes. With the same system I could, I assume, simply swap wiring terminal for terminal, plug it back in to power and the existing battery backup and proceed with programming, etc.

Does anyone have a simpler plan or see "issues" with my ideas.

Thanks in advance............

Rick

Sure, you can take control of your existing hardware. Read over the archive posts regarding ademco hardware. The same basic procedures work.

Power down the system; pull one battery terminal, and either unplug the power pack, throw the breaker, or remove one of the AC power wires from the first two terminals (it's 16vac) on the mother board. Restore AC power. Within 50 seconds, press * + # at the same time. This will bootstrap the system into program mode.

press #20, and the system will read back the installer code, one digit at a time. Exit program mode with *99.

Once you have that, peruse the web to find your installer manual. There are a few features you will want to turn off, and others to turn on. You also need this installer code to change the master User code. All of these instructions are in the manual.

This was actually a pretty decent panel, I wouldn't trash it for petty reasons.

Many thanks. I was missing the steps after removing power. I'll give it a shot this weekend.

RIck