01 Nov Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel: Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as Safewatch Pro 3000, the Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel is one of the more common panels available, and it’s quite obvious why. It offers numerous end-user and installation benefits.
Do you own this panel, or are you thinking of getting it?
Let’s quickly run some of the most frequently asked questions so you can get to know this panel even better and learn how to control the system’s functions with your keypad.
Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel: Frequently Asked Questions
How many burglary-protection modes are available?
There are a total of 5 modes that you can utilize. They are as follows:
- Stay – Use this mode to protect the perimeter of your residence while you’re at home. There’s also a slight delay in the entryway. This means there’s a certain amount of time your system will wait before triggering an alarm, making it the perfect mode to keep activated as you go about your day at home.
- Instant – This mode is very similar to the Stay mode, except that the delay is turned off.
- Night-Stay – This mode is also similar to the Stay mode. When Night-Stay mode is activated, the perimeter is armed as well as select interior spots of your residence, keeping you and your loved ones protected during the night. Also, the entry delay is enabled.
- Away – This mode is perfect for when you need to leave your house unoccupied as you run errands, head off to work, go on vacation, etc. In this mode, the perimeter and all all available interior spots of your residence are armed. Entry delay is also enabled.
- Maximum – This mode is similar to Away, except there is no entry delay.
How do you arm/disarm these modes?
To arm any of these protective modes, simply enter your user code followed by the appropriate arming key on your keypad.
To disarm any of these modes, just enter your user code followed by the OFF key on your keypad.
Your user code is 4 digits and was assigned upon installation.
If your keypad displays “Not Ready,” what does that mean and how can you fix it?
The “Not Ready” signal may appear when you’re trying to arm your system. This means that there’s an entrance (window, door, etc) that’s inside the zone you’re trying to protect and it’s open.
To fix this, simply close the open area. The system will let you know it’s ready to arm when the “Not Ready” signal disappears and an indicator light comes on. Sometimes, you may have everything closed and still get this reading. That would be because there could be motion in front of the motion detector, causing it to trip. Or it could be that you’re missing a magnet, so the system thinks a door or window is open.
Is there a way to arm my system quickly?
If your installer programmed the system, you can use the “#” key and then press the appropriate arming key, rather than needing to type in your 4 digit security code plus the arming key.
How can you set up your system to be alerted when doors or windows are opened?
Chime mode is a great way to be notify if perimeter doors or windows have been opened. Three tones/sounds will emit from your keypad should a door or window open.
To arm your system to CHIME mode, enter your 4 digit security code plus the appropriate CHIME button on your keypad.
How can you silence a low battery warning?
A low battery warning sound will emit from your keypad when you need to replace battery. To silence this sound, simply push the OFF key, but don’t forget to change your battery!
A red light is flashing on the keypad, what does that mean?
When a red light is flashing, that means the system is currently armed in STAY or AWAY mode.
A green light is flashing on the keypad, what does this mean?
A green flashing light indicates that the system is disarmed.
What is a protection zone?
Zones are areas of the system/property that are governed by a sensing device.
How do you arm your fire protection?
If you’ve installed it, fire protection is always active, and an alarm will sound if the system detects a fire condition. You can manually initiate a fire alarm by pressing the test button.
How do I change the master code?
Type in the current master code, then 802, then the new master code twice. (Do this without any pauses and you should hear a confirmation beep.) If it’s not working, perhaps you aren’t using the master code.
How do I add a secondary user code?
Type in the master code, then 803, and then the new user code once. (You should hear a confirmation beep.) Do the same thing using 804, 805, etc. for more users.
How do I remove a user code?
Type in the master code, then 803, and then #0. (Repeat for 804, 805, etc. if needed.)
How do I set the date and time?
Type in your master code, then #63. Then follow the prompts.
How can I arm the system when a fault is present? (a door or window is open)
Type in your master code, then 6, then #. Or type in your master code, then 6, then the zone number you want to bypass.
How do I reset the system after an alarm?
Type in your code, then push off, then type in your code and push off again.
Get to Know Your Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel
Learn more about your control panel’s features so you can better utilize all of the advantages it has to offer.
If you happen to have a question about your Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel that we didn’t answer in this blog post, be sure to leave us a comment below, and we’ll be sure to answer it.
Feel free to check out the Honeywell Vista 20p Control Panel user manual by clicking here.
As an Authorized ADT dealer, our number one goal is to keep your residence or business completely protected. If you are interested in upgrading your security to the latest ADT technology, get backup batteries for your system, or even get a system installed if you don’t have one, visit our website today.
K. V. K. PITIGALA
Posted at 02:26h, 15 FebruaryWhen we armed the system it shows an alarm “fault 02”. Please can you give an advise to solve the problem.
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 10:18h, 17 AprilFault 02 means that zone 02 (probably a door) is open (or at least the system thinks its open because maybe its missing a magnet or the alignment is off) If you need a new magnet you can get one here.
Richard Ermanski
Posted at 07:53h, 09 MarchI’m looking to buy Vista P20 keypads . One will be downstairs. We were going to use the second Vista P20 in the bedroom. Do you have any other suggestions? We currently have 4110 with 2 keypads and need to change it.
Thanks for your help
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 10:13h, 17 Aprilhttps://zionssecurity.com/product/alpha-custom-programming-hardwired-keypad-for-honeywell-vista-or-safewatch-pro-systems/Click here to find the keypad you are looking for
Kay
Posted at 07:26h, 04 MayHow do you change which door is set on delay
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 11:06h, 24 MayYour zones are programmed with a specific zone type. If you want the change the zone type from a perimeter zone to an entry/exit zone you will need a technician or our phone tech support to walk you through advanced programming. If the zone is already an entry/exit zone and you want to change the delay time then you will need help from a technician to change the delay time also because its also in advanced programming.
Jeff RIghts
Posted at 17:57h, 06 MayWhen we are at home and the system is not armed, the Ready LED is green 99.99% of the time. Every now and then if turns off for a few seconds, and then comes back on. We have recently replaced the batteries in the system. It is a VISTA-20P/PS Series alarm. Is this normal behavior?
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 11:04h, 24 MayIt is normal for your system to show not ready if there is motion in front of the motion detector. It only lasts a few seconds because once the motion stops it returns to ready again.
William Skipwith
Posted at 12:30h, 03 JuneMy vista keypad shows a zone. This zone does not respond when that door is open with three beeps like the other zone doors do. Also, the keypad is stuck at that zone # and you can not get the keypad to allow you to punch in anything at all. It just beeps when you hit the keys on the keypad.
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 13:54h, 09 JulyThe keypad might just need to be replaced with a new one if cannot be changed. You could also try powering down the entire system and then power back up and see if the issue continues.
Tom Webb
Posted at 14:08h, 16 AugustDoes turning off the AC power on the Vista 20 P to change the battery delete any users, programming, etc., or will all of the settings still be in the system when the power is restored ?
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 15:07h, 07 SeptemberAll the settings will be saved when you power it back up. Kinda like if you turned a computer off and then back on again.
Christopher
Posted at 11:39h, 03 DecemberHow can I set up the system to monitor the status of a sensor but not alarm. I have a wireless sensor to add to my garage door. I have a lan connection to the Vista panel and would like to be able to see if the sensor on the garage door is open or closed. I do not want it to alarm if opened as it would take too long from the opening to get to the panel to disarm the system.
admin2
Posted at 16:30h, 08 Januarya technician can program the zone to not report to the monitoring station
Chris
Posted at 16:07h, 27 DecemberI just purchased a house with an Ademco Vista SE security panel. I did not get the master code or the paperwork with the house. Can I reset the master code using the Installer code?
admin2
Posted at 09:24h, 28 DecemberYes, if you know the installer code. We could help you with this also with our phone tech support if you needed additional help. https://zionssecurity.com/product/phone-tech-support-to-help-program-new-devices/
Bo
Posted at 07:11h, 26 JanuaryHello, I have a Vista 20p in a house I just moved to and do not want monitoring with ADT, therefore the FC code is showing as expected. However, I keep getting alarms out of nowhere and message “fire check 01”. Is this something as simple as checking/cleaning all the smoke detectors to see if they are dirty? There’s multiple smokes on a 2 floor residence. How do I know which ones are on zone 1? They all look the same (esl 521) Thanks in advance.
admin2
Posted at 11:31h, 28 JanuaryYou probably need to replace one or more of them. They are all probably on zone one. If you look at them on the ceiling you might be able to see which one doesnt have a green light flashing every minute or two. If it is different that is probably the culprit. We can send you the link the replacement smoke detector you need and you should also have us help you with the programming to remove your FC error unless that doesnt bother you.
Leah Roberts
Posted at 10:46h, 17 JuneI have a single zone on the Vista 20p panel that thinks a window is open but no windows are open. I can only set the alarm now if I bypass the zone. I have tried to remove the wires and bridge the zone to try and isolate the problem but I get the same “ not ready” please help.
admin2
Posted at 15:47h, 25 JuneI would recommend that we or someone helps you in the programming to remove that zone. If you have an alpha programming keypad we could walk you through it over the phone. https://zionssecurity.com/product/phone-tech-support-to-help-program-new-devices/
Laura Jones
Posted at 01:44h, 09 SeptemberHello I have a model274 can you tell me if the low battery alert will arm the system? Or does it just make a beep ever so often?
Kelsey McCallister
Posted at 11:28h, 09 AprilA low battery alert will still allow you to arm the system. It does cause some beeping to alert you.
Paul Fleming
Posted at 21:29h, 05 Octoberlooking to connect hikkvision cameras to a vista 20p panel and self monitor cameras and security. is there a way to integrate the two different systems?
admin2
Posted at 15:03h, 09 OctoberThey are really two separate systems that do not directly work together. The alarm would just make noise if it is not monitored. The camera system you should be able to see from your camera app. Are you wanting to view your cameras and your alarm system arm status from the same app? I would recommend Alarm.com for that.
Kelli
Posted at 12:52h, 17 JanuaryI would like to turn off sound for the buttons on the keypad. It is so loud it wakes up my babies when I set the alarm at night. Even when I set remotely with my phone. Is there a way to do this?
admin2
Posted at 06:37h, 22 JanuaryUnfortunately there is always a beep sound when it changes arm state. The new color touchscreens have the ability to control volume, but the old push button keypads do not. You could move the keypad to another bedroom or disconnect it on occassion.
Paige Getty
Posted at 21:26h, 07 AprilReplaced our battery but low bat alert still shows on panel and alarm goes off. Don’t use system and it isn’t serviced since we just bought the house. How do I get this alarm to stop going off at all hours the the day??
Kelsey McCallister
Posted at 11:43h, 08 AprilIt can take 24-48 hours after the new battery is installed for the low battery warning to clear. If it’s been at least that long and you’re still seeing the alert, submit a “Contact Us” form and we can assist in some additional troubleshooting with you.
Leslie Middleton
Posted at 11:15h, 08 JanuaryI have a Honeywell Vista Ademco 20P. One of my window sensors is bad and has to be replaced. Can I just buy one and replace it, or do I also have to reprogram the keypad? Thank you
Kelsey McCallister
Posted at 12:52h, 03 FebruaryIt depends a little bit on what kind of sensor it is. Wireless sensors would need to be reprogrammed into the system.
Chip Pike
Posted at 12:12h, 26 JanuaryI have the vista system and recently our door was replaced and the installers put the wires in the wall so it can’t be reinstalled how do I just delete one zone
Jacob Menke
Posted at 20:44h, 24 FebruaryYou will need someone to enter programming on a programming keypad and delete that zone for you. Then if you wanted you could add a wireless sensor on that door.
Jeanne Berry
Posted at 15:21h, 29 JanuaryI have an ADEMCO Vista 20 Security System. It started acting up a while back. First the chimes would go off randomly. Then i would hear beeping and it would say Check 05, Kitchen Windows and Doors. (Nothing was wrong there.) Then the Alarm would go off randomly telling me to check the front windows. The next thing that happed was it would say Open Circuit. The final straw was when the wall panel beeped continuously for 1 1/2 hours in the middle of the night. We disconnected the battery, and unplugged the power in the wall socket. We just replaced the battery hoping that was the issue. Supposedly the battery came fully charged. The key panel still says not ready and gives us the 05 Kitchen Windows and Doors. We are about at our wits end. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the kitchen windows and door sensors. Any suggestions? Do we wait and see if the battery needs to charge up more?
Jacob Menke
Posted at 20:42h, 24 FebruaryI would guess that a mouse/rat has chewed on the wiring in the walls causing these old hardwired zones to short out. I would suggest deleting the zones that are giving issues and replace them with a wireless sensor. You could also replace the entire system and replace some or all of the zones with wireless as well so you could have access to control it from an app and other modern features.
Julianna Dickerson
Posted at 16:03h, 21 DecemberWe have four control panels, one of them has gone dark. Any ideas on how to correct this? it still works, just doesn’t display.
Jacob Menke
Posted at 10:37h, 05 JanuarySorry to hear that the keypad is likely going bad and just needs replacing. This is the best replacement keypad for the Vista panel https://zionssecurity.com/product/alpha-custom-programming-hardwired-keypad-for-honeywell-vista-or-safewatch-pro-systems/