Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Can't get new contacts to go READY

I recently moved into a house with an Ademco Vista10SE alarm system. I was able to replace the missing transformer and get the system up and running somewhat. The only things that are not working are the door contacts. The house was renovated and the door frames were replaced so the door contacts are missing. I ordered some door contacts and tried to install them but I can’t get the system to go READY unless I bypass the zones that should have the door contacts. I tried to connect the door contacts directly to the board and got no response. I have been trying to add a set of contacts to screws 8 and 9 on the panel. I tested the contacts with my multimeter and the contact does work properly. Do I need to power down the system, add the contacts, and then power back up?

Did you install the 1000 ohm resistor in series with one leg of the zone?

No, I didn't. I didn't realize I needed to do that. There are two resistors on what appears to be zone 5 and 6 and I don't see any on zone 3 where my motion detector is. The motion detector does work by the way. So, should I go to radio shack and get the 1000 ohm resistor? Where should I add the resistor also? Thanks for your help and patience. It's been at least 15 years since I've installed an alarm system.

While the ideal is for the zone resistors to be installed on the last device in the circuit, in a prewired residential install, often the door and window contacts get resistors at the panel terminals, while things like motions get the resistor installed at the device.

So, I'm going to get the resistors and put one end of the resistor on the terminal on the board and the other end of the resistor gets connected to the wire leading to the contact. Is that correct? And should I do this for the other door contacts as well? By the way the contact I have is the kind that has a ball that recesses down in to the contact when the door is shut and closes the circuit.

Yes, put the resistor in series with either leg of the normally closed contact circuit. You only need 1 resistor per zone.

Thanks, I just got the resistors during lunch and will try this when I get home.

Worked like a charm. Thank you :D