Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Vista 10 - Install code? Master code reset?

Alright, I've tried figuring this out and can't seem to get it based on information posted in other threads. I have a ADT Vista 10 system installed in a house I just moved into and wanted to simply enable it, no monitoring, just make it active. So far, I have done the following:

1) disconnect the battery at system location
2) flipped the main breaker off, then back on
3) ran to the panel hold # & * -- then it displays 20
4) info needed?

I don't know the installer code or master code. I would like to just reset everything.

Now it simply displays a small "no ac" in the corner which, according to the installers manual, means power interrupted.

I would appreciate any help on this, thanks everyone!

- Barry

ps. I have the security manager 2000 panel, if that helps anyone.

"no ac" means the power transformer that plugs into a receptacle is unplugged or the power leads from it are disconnected in the main panel.

Do the same procedure as you did above, but when the "20" appears on the display, hit #20. If ADT didn't install a lockout, the display will start reading back the installer # 1 digit at a time.

Typical Vista panels, like my 10SE is 4111 for installer code.

Thanks for the reply. As soon as I hit # - 2 - 0, it beeps and displays EE (assuming error?) Could this be the lockout you mentioned?

Did you fix the "no ac" problem yet by checking the transformer?

Yes. Power issue is fixed. The transformer that people are mentioning disconnecting, where is it? I'm just flipping the breaker at the power box.

Well, if the no ac is out, you are ok on that end. The transformer is what powers the panel. It's usually plugged into a outlet, either in the attic, adjacent closet or utility room.


You may have to wait for MrRon to chime in. He is most knowledgable with alarm systems. He may be on tonight or tomorrow morning.

I'll look for some more info for you though.

If it was an ADT install the installer code should be 6123. Try pressing 6321 + 9 and see if that will turn the chime one and off. If it is not 6321 you can power down by flipping breaker and disconnecting battery, then reconnect battery and turn breaker back on. You now have 50 seconds to press * and # together and the keypad should read 20 and NO AC, this means you are in programming. Press #20 and it should read the installer code back one digit at a time.

Okay, thank you. It looks as if the system is hardwired. Its installed inside a closet. I'm trying to think if there is any information I can mention.

When I return to the panel from disconnection, it displays "d1" -- not sure if that matters.

Okay, 6321 works at setting the chime on or off. The system now says Not Ready, assuming because my front door is opened from running back to the panel.

Now, is this the master code or installer code? I would like to set a master code.

-- okay, installer code it is.

If you have a "Security Manager 2000" it's actually a modified Ademco Vista 20se, not a Vista 10, they program very differently (count your zone inputs, the V-10se is a 6 zone panel, and the V20se is an 8 zone panel). This is the manual you should websearch for using the phrase "installer manual Vista 20se".

Since it looks like 6321 is your installer code and assuming that you have the V-20se clone: to change the master code you enter [Installer Code] + [8] + [02] + desired 4-digit Master code (on some versions you enter 01 instead of 02).

Test the code by turning on and off the chime function before you try to use it to arm and disarm.

P.S. "no ac" shows when you are in program mode as well as when power is actually off.

After I hit 02, the display changes to "20" which I believe means programming mode, I then enter my desired master code -- then it seems as its stuck in programming mode. I can't get the system back into "READY" without killing the power again. There is obviously something I'm missing. Thank you all for the help.

ps. panel has 8 zones

just figured it out, *99 to get out of programming mode.

I have tried 6321-8-01(and tried 02)-new master code -then I hit *99 and try the new code, no go :-( Still doesn't work.

Okay, just figured out that it was the "0" that was putting me into programming mode. By just doing 6321+8+2+new code I was able to successfully create a new master code. Hope this thread helps out other people, thank you all for your time!!

That's one of those quirky differences between the ADT modified panels and the standard Ademco design. Small changes in the programming syntax that can trip you up. I tend to type the leading 0 by reflex (sorry), because I work with devices that require it.