Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Vista-20 changing master code

I have an older alarm system which I never activated since I moved into my house. It is a Vista-20AMT3 with 6139 keypad. The previous owner didn't leave me the master code so started researching if it can be reset. Unfortunately before I found the procedure (disconnecting battery, AC, and doing the *+#) I accidentally armed the system by pressing #2 (QuickArm). Now every time I unplug and plug the power it starts in Armed mode. Is there anything that I can do at this point?

Thanks,

--Rob in VA

When you do the power up with * + #, it bypasses the armed state, normally. So, you can do that then press #20 to get your installer code which you then use to set a new master code.

Thanks, I'll try it when I get home. :thinker:

--Rob in VA

Nope, didn't work. I unplugged both the battery and AC for at least 5 min. Plugged the AC and the battery and tried pressing *&# together. The display showed System - Busy D1 message for a while, and I continued trying to press the 2 buttons. Finally the system came up in Armed state and when both buttons were pressed again it went into 99 Police alarm mode.

I think I'm ready to give up. :wall:

--Rob in VA

They may have set the installer lockout. The last thing you can try is to have someone hold * + # _while_ you reconnect power. (unplug the phone if you haven't already, by the by)

The downloader software can be used to completely disable local programming access, and was often set that way on systems installed by Securitylink/Ameritech dealers.

If the last option outlined above doesn't work, junk the mother borard. The keypad and other components are compatible with current production ademco models.

Thanks! I tried the reboot procedure few more times and it finally worked! I was able to obtain the master code and I'm ready to continue troubleshooting the system. Looks like the wireless door sensors are reporting low battery condition so I'm just gonna replace all the batteries. I'm also learning limitations of the system so I may just wind up purchasing a new Vista-20P motherboard. I really want to interface the security system to the Internet and be able to SMS the alarms.

I appreciate all the help. :thumbup:

--Rob

Just a short note of correction. I did this tonight on my own unit (exact same model) and it should be *20 vs. #20.

Ummm, no. *20 is the command to change the contents of the installer code location. # + a location number displays the current settings. This is consistant on all Ademco clone systems.

I had a Vista 20AMT3 that I havent use since years ago after I cancelled my service and now I forget my master code and every time I powered up back it display dl for at least a minute .I pressed both key * and # at the same time ,nothing happens. I read that dl means the system is disable.What can I do .Help please

When you first power the system up you have 50 seconds while dL is displayed to press * + #. If that doesn't work, power down, have a helper hold * + # and power up.

The system is only disabled if dL is displayed _all the time_.

They may have used the download software to disable local programming access, if so, all you can do is replace the motherboard.

Where can I get one ,and the same model or different?

The current production model is Vista 20p. It'll be compatible with your existing hardware (you do need at least one of your keypads to be a 2-line alpha keypad (6139 or 6160), so if you don't have one, you will need to get one as well).

Shop around. I have no opinions of any of the web vendors, I buy this stuff from a wholesale distributor.

When I unplug the power and battery and get into the programming mode with * + # and hit #20, I get a sequence of 4, 2 digit numbers. If the installer code is only 4 numbers, what am I looking at?

When you get that installer code, you program in your master code.

ignore the leading zeros. Only the last digit counts.