Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Setup of Ademco Vista 10

Hello -- I'm a security system newbie, so these are probably pretty basic questions.

I'm trying to get a Vista 10 system that came with the house up and running as a local, unmonitored burglar alarm. Following the advice in another thread, I was able to use the keypad to find out the installer code and reset the master code. I have ordered new wired door/window sensors to replace a couple that had fallen off at some point.

I was able to test the system by bypassing those "troubled" zones using the keypad. (When I say "test," I mean I armed the system, opened the front door, then disarmed the system after the siren sounded.) I also bypassed the motion sensor that's in place, because I have small pets.

My question is this: How do I permanently disconnect that motion sensor, so that it is no longer a part of the system? If I just unplug the power lead from the motion sensor, the system still recognizes it as a trouble-spot, so I would have to use the keypad to bypass that zone every time I want to arm the system.

Alternatively, if I were to buy a "pet immune" motion sensor, would I be able to simply remove the wires from the old one and connect them to the new one, or would there be some re-programming involved? And do these pet immune sensors really work, or are they prone to false alarms?

Lastly, is the Vista 10 siren generally programmed to turn off after some amount of time? If not, is there a way to do that? Ideally, I'd like it to sound for 3-5 minutes and then turn itself off.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Vista 10 (P? SE?) There are big differences in the various models. There are at least 4 or 5 versions of this thing over the years. The suffix is important.

If you are planning to try to learn in new wireless devices, you need a 6139/6160 type keypad (full alphanumeric) the more limited fixed alpha will not get you into the zone programming prompts.

You can dummy off the motion zone by putting a plain resistor across the terminals at the motherboard and disconnecting the motion zone input wires.(this is where the model is important, there are 2 different resistor values that have been used over the years). Alternately, you can simply twist the zone connecton (not power!) wires together at the motion detector end of the circuit.

The siren will shut off within 5 to 8 minutes by default on nearly all systems.

Thanks, MrRonFL. As far as I can tell, it is a Vista 10, with no suffix. That's what it says on the wiring diagram inside the panel box. The user manual for the Vista 10 includes several possible keypads, but mine appears to model 612716120. It's a fixed-English keypad, so any programming would be problematic, methinks.

I don't plan to add any new wireless devices, just replace the missing window/door sensors by splicing them into existing wires that are still in place.

The simplest option for the motion sensor sounds like just twisting the wires together -- something even I can do! Still not sure if I can just replace it with a "pet immune" sensor.

The best pet immune motion detector in my opinion is the BOSCH DS-835i. Pet immune up to 1 100lb dog, two 60 lb. dogs, or up to 10 cats. The siren cut-off is typically 4 minutes.

Well, that's an uncommon one! They replaced the Vista 10 with the Vista 10se in a very short time.

In order to make changes to the zones, you will need the 2-line alpha keypad. Fortunately, everything else is pretty much accessible from your existing keypad.

Yes, if it has not been changed from the default, the siren cutoff is 4 minutes.

Thanks very much. Looks like I'll be in good shape, once the new window/door contacts arrive.

As for the Bosch motion sensor, it seems like someone with 10 cats might need more help than an alarm can provide.