Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - HELP! Vista-15PMT W/6150

I have a feeling Im screwed but here goes...

I moved into a home with a previously installed Monotronix (there's everyone saying ah ferget it buddy!) Well I unplugged all power, pluged it back in, got the dt, pushed # + *and it read 20 with no AC. I hit #20 and it reads back

00
11
02
00

Its locked isnt it? haha

*99 exits programming mode too. Everything seems to work except getting the installer code.

Well I tried using these numbers in every combonation... and nothing. I test it by trying the chime. I tried [all the combos] + 8 + 1 or 2 + new code but nothing seems to be taking.

Am I doing something wrong or does it sound like Im toast? Thanks for any assistance!

Ummm, no, I'm guessing that it read back the installer code 0120 (you ignore the leading zeros).
(I'm not sure where the 11 came from... could it have been 01 01 02 00? In which case the code would be 1120)
Try that code to turn on and off the chime mode. If it works, key in [installer code] + 8 + 02 + [new code]. The leading zero on the 02 is necessary, and don't hesitate more than a couple of seconds between keystrokes, or it kicks back out of code change mode.

It is possible that Monotronix has locked out local programming with the software, but if they had, the power up bootstrap wouldn't have worked.

Right on the money go figure I tried it again and it works now. Awesome. I do have some questions though...

1. Chime can be turned on and off but it doesnt make a sound even when its on anyway. Whats up with that? Oh and the battery is good. It took about 12 hours for the BAT to go away when I changed it. Still no worky though.

2. I enter code and TEST. Uh....wheres the test. It does nothing. Other than that it all works. Any ideas.

When you turn the chime on by using the code+9, you then have to open the doors or windows. These are the only devices that will chime. The test function is for either walk testing or a dialer test. You have to use your code+5+0, but the system has to be ready to arm to do so.

It sounds like you need to run a websearch using the phrases: "installer manual Vista 15p" and "user manual Vista 15p". This is a pretty common system and having actual instructions will make it a bit less mysterious.

Well the test makes sense after reading the instructions in the manual I see what its saying about the dialer and walk. The chime however, used to work but now doesnt. I can open the doors and windows and nothing. I will go through more of the manual maybe there is some sort of master diable/enable??

I briefly read over the 15P installer manual and there are a couple fields where you can program zones to chime. You can read it over and see if it makes sense.

When the file opens, do a "find" (ctrl+F) and type in chime.

http://www.nextalarm.net/Files/V15P-20pInst.pdf

Your right that was it. Well thanks for all the help everyone. Maybe next Ill fool around with getting it to call a specific phone number without fancy equipment.

I bought this keypad to save money and then found out you need a 6160 alpha display for easy programming. If you get a 6150 and don't want to return it or buy a 6160, it is possible to program basic functions with the 6150. For example, if you want to arm your system using the # key. First enter the installer code 4112 800. A 20 will appear which indicates you are in the data field programming mode. Enter *21 and then 1 This enables quick arming. Then enter *99 which is the code to exit programming. If you bought the Vista 10P as I did to replace an old radio shack hard wire control panel (lightning took mine out), it will do the job with no programming. Six resistors come with the 10P and need to be put in the loop for normally closed zone (cut one wire and patch it with a resistor) and across the loop (strip but do not cut wires incoming and outgoing and place a resistor between the sides) for normally opened zone. This turns your system into an EOL (end of line resistor) type. The default for the Vista 10P is six EOL zones, so you are back in business without any complicated programming or expense. In short, if you have taken a shot at fixing your old radio shack system the Vista 10P and Ademco 6150 keypad will do it quite simply. Use the default setup and you can skip the incredibly complex programming hassles "progress" has caused. This information is in the Vista 10P manual, but hard to find due to all the other details.