Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - New to Compass....need help

Helllo all. My first post here, but not really new to the alarm world. However, I have just received the Ademco Compass Program to use with my Vista 10SE. I'm needing help on learning how to connect. I know that I can connect with a modem and phone line, but is there a way to direct connect. I'm used to doing Bosch (Radionics) panels, and I know with these panels, I can come from a comm port on my laptop....is this possible with the Compass Program?

Thanks for the help!

The 10se is not compatible with direct connection with the software. There _is_ a workaround for directly connecting a modem, but it takes a bit of kludge-work:

Some guidelines:
1. The panel MUST have the ability to be downloaded from a remote PC.
2. Panel must have the ability to do Telco handoff using [Installer Code] + # + 1
3. If the modem is an Ademco CIA 2400 – it requires a special connection and configuration different than that outlined below.
4. If panel is a Vista-15P or Vista-20P – they also require the special configuration regardless of the type modem being used.

You will need:
1. An approved modem for use with Ademco panels. (if modem is Ademco CIA – there is a different configuration)
2. Downloader PC/Laptop capable of using approved modem and Compass software with
(preferably) a standard on board serial port.
NOTE: If attempting to use USB to serial converters be aware that the results have been inconsistant.
3. Standard length of phone cord with RJ-11 plugs.
Do the following: (if using standard non CIA modem and non Vista 15p/20p panel)
1. Plug the phone cord into the Line side of the modem.
2. Strip the other end of the phone cord down to tip and ring (typically red and green or the middle
pair) and attach it to the incoming phone line terminals of the panel (be sure to remove any
existing phone lines, both incoming and house phones)
3. Open compass and the account you have programmed for the panel.
4. Go to the communications section of the software and select “Initiate from Telco” (and other
settings) then click “connect” – this will prepare the modem and generate a box with “OK” on
your communications screen
5. Enter [Installer Code] + # + 1 on the panel keypad, wait just a couple seconds and click the “OK”
button the on PC
NOTE: It may occasionally be necessary to place a random number in the “download phone”
field prior to performing this step.
6. Modem and panel should begin to communicate as if you had called from a remote site with the
PC - allowing uploads and downloads of panel information.

Is there a list on which modems are compatible with Compass?

So,the Vista 10SE will connect with a modem, as described in your procedure? What if the panel is a Vista 15/20? What is the difference in connecting them?

There are no guarentees, but this is the configuration that Honeywell/Ademco suggests will work. There are variables for the version of the software and/or panel.
Honeywell/Ademco lists the following modems as compatible for connection to Ademco panels.

Accura 336 (DOES NOT INCLUDE FAX)
ADEMCO CIA MODEM
BizComp Intellimodem 1200 w/vol
BizComp Intellimodem 2400
Cardinal MB 2400EX
Hayes Optima 336 External
Hayes Smartmodem 1200
Hayes Smartmodem 1200 w/vol
Hayes Smartmodem 2400
Hayes Smartmodem Optima 2400 FAX96
Repko 336
Spirit336L
StarComm2400E

If you know your modem AT commands, you might be able to coax other modems to work, but that's the way it is. This is one of the reasons _I_ don't bother with it. Compass is more headache than it's worth (in my opinion) unless you work with large numbers of Ademco design panels.

Do the following: if using Ademco CIA 2400 modem and/or downloading Vista 15p/20p panel
1. Connect a Jumper wire between the control panel “incoming phone line terminals” and the
modem LINE plug. (modem side will require an RJ-11 jack)
2. Connect a 150 ohm, 1/2 watt resistor between RING terminal on the panel, and
(+) DC positive Aux power on the panel.
4. Connect a jumper between RING terminal on the panel, and (-) DC negative on the panel.
5. Open compass and the account you have programmed for the panel.
6. Goto the communications section of the software and select “Initiate from Telco” (and other settings) then click “connect” – this will prepare the modem and generate a box with “OK” on your communications screen
7. Enter [Installer Code] + # + 1 on the panel keypad, wait just a couple seconds and click the “OK” button the on PC
NOTE: It may occasionally be necessary to place a random number in the “download phone” field prior to performing this step.
8. Modem and panel should begin to communicate as if you had called from a remote site with the PC - allowing uploads and downloads of panel information.