Honeywell Home ADEMCO VISTA-15P User manual

ADEMCO VISTA SERIES
VISTA-15P
VISTA-15PSIA
VISTA-20P
VISTA-20PSIA
User Guide
K5309-1V7C3/15 Rev C VISTA-15P/15PSIA & VISTA-20P/20PSIA

IMPORTANT!
PROPER INTRUSION PROTECTION
For proper intrusion coverage, sensors should be located at every possible point of entry to a home
or commercial premises. This would include any skylights that may be present, and the upper
windows in a multi-level building.
In addition, we recommend that radio backup be used in a security system so that alarm signals can
still be sent to the Central Monitoring Station in the event that the telephone lines are out of order
(alarm signals are normally sent over the phone lines).
EARLY WARNING FIRE DETECTION
Early warning fire detection is important in a home. Smoke and heat detectors have played a key role
in reducing fire deaths in the United States. With regard to the number and placement of smoke/heat
detectors, we subscribe to the recommendations contained in the National Fire Protection
Association's National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72). These recommendations can be found on page
47 of this manual.
SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY NOTICE
This security system is designed for use with devices manufactured or approved by Resideo Technologies,
Inc., through its subsidiary Ademco Inc. (“Resideo”), for use with your security system. Your security system is
not designed for use with any device that may be attached to your security system's keypad or other
communicating bus if Resideo has not approved such device for use with your security system. Use of any
such unauthorized device may cause damage or compromise the performance of your security system and
affect the validity of your Resideo limited warranty. When you purchase devices that have been manufactured
or approved by Resideo you acquire the assurance that these devices have been thoroughly tested to ensure
optimum performance when used with your security system.
About This Manual
This manual is a step-by-step guide that will acquaint you with the system's features and benefits. It
defines the components and their functions, describes their operation, and provides clear step-by-
step instructions for normal and emergency procedures. Keep this manual in a convenient place so
that you can refer to it as necessary.
NOTE: Copies of the Programming, User, and Installation Guides must be left with the end user.

i
Table of Contents
System Overview ...................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
System Basics ...................................................................................................................... 1
Using the Voice Message Center (if Voice Keypad is installed) .......................................... 3
About the Keypads ................................................................................................................... 4
General Information.............................................................................................................. 4
FIXED-WORD DISPLAY KEYPAD....................................................................................... 6
Functions of the Keypads ........................................................................................................ 7
Entry/Exit Delays ..................................................................................................................... 10
Entry Delay ......................................................................................................................... 10
Exit Delay............................................................................................................................ 10
Exit Alarms.......................................................................................................................... 11
Checking for Open Zones ...................................................................................................... 12
Using the [∗] Key to Display and Announce System Status ............................................... 12
Arming the System ................................................................................................................. 13
STAY Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Entry Delay On .......................................................... 13
NIGHT-STAY Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Plus Selected Zones ..................................... 13
INSTANT Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Entry Delay Off .................................................... 13
AWAY Mode: Arms Entire System, Entry Delay On........................................................... 13
MAXIMUM Mode: Arms Entire System, Entry Delay Off.................................................... 13
Arming Commands ............................................................................................................. 14
Single Button Arming .......................................................................................................... 15
Single Button “Step” Arming ............................................................................................... 15
Keyswitch................................................................................................................................. 16
Using the Keyswitch ........................................................................................................... 16
Disarming and Silencing Alarms........................................................................................... 17
Using the [OFF] key............................................................................................................ 17
Bypassing Protections Zones ............................................................................................... 18
Using the BYPASS Key...................................................................................................... 18
Quick Bypass...................................................................................................................... 19
Chime Mode............................................................................................................................. 20
Using the Chime Mode ....................................................................................................... 20
Using the Voice Chime ....................................................................................................... 20
Date and Time.......................................................................................................................... 21
Viewing the Current Date and Time ................................................................................... 21
Setting the Date and Time.................................................................................................. 21
Panic Keys ............................................................................................................................... 22
Using Panic Keys................................................................................................................ 22
Macro Key Programming & Usage ........................................................................................ 23
About Macro Keys .............................................................................................................. 23
Example of Macro Programming ........................................................................................ 24
Using a Programmed Macro Key ....................................................................................... 24
Using Device Commands ....................................................................................................... 25
About Device Commands ................................................................................................... 25

ii
Table of Contents (Continued)
Paging Feature ........................................................................................................................ 26
About Automatic Paging ..................................................................................................... 26
About Manual Paging ......................................................................................................... 27
Latch Key Paging................................................................................................................ 27
Security Codes & Authority Levels ....................................................................................... 28
About Security Codes ......................................................................................................... 28
Authority Level Definitions .................................................................................................. 28
How to Assign Security Codes and User Attributes ........................................................... 29
Accessing Other Partitions (Vista-20P) ................................................................................ 30
About Accessing Partitions (VISTA-20P) ........................................................................... 30
Using the GoTo Command (VISTA-20P) ........................................................................... 31
Multi-Partition Arming (VISTA-20P).................................................................................... 31
Common Zone Operation (VISTA-20P).............................................................................. 32
Scheduling ............................................................................................................................... 33
About Scheduling................................................................................................................ 33
Creating Schedules ............................................................................................................ 33
Event Logging Procedures .................................................................................................... 35
About Event Logging .......................................................................................................... 35
Viewing the Event Log ........................................................................................................ 35
Understanding the Type of Event Displayed ...................................................................... 35
Testing the System ................................................................................................................. 37
About Testing the System .................................................................................................. 37
Trouble Conditions ................................................................................................................. 38
Maintaining Your System ....................................................................................................... 41
Fire Alarm System................................................................................................................... 42
Quick Guide to Basic System Functions.............................................................................. 46
Summary of Audible/Visual Notifications............................................................................. 47
Summary of Audible/Visual Notifications (Continued) ....................................................... 48
Regulatory Statements and Warnings .................................................................................. 49
System Features Log.............................................................................................................. 51
Limitations of this System ..................................................................................................... 59

VISTA-15P/20P/SIA User Guide
1
System Overview
Introduction
Congratulations on your ownership of a Honeywell Home Security System. You've made a wise decision
in choosing it, for it represents the latest in security protection technology today. This system provides:
•Three forms of protection: burglary, fire* and emergency
•At least one keypad which provides control of system and displays system status
•Various sensors for perimeter and interior burglary protection
•Smoke or combustion detectors* designed to provide early warning in case of fire.
Your system may also have been programmed to automatically send alarm or status messages to a
Central Monitoring Station.
* Commercial installations and some residential systems may not include fire protection – check with your
installer.
NOTE: Features and procedures described in this manual apply to the VISTA-20P/VISTA-20PSIA
(VISTA-20P series) and VISTA-15P/VISTA-15PSIA (VISTA-15P series) security systems. Differences are
noted where applicable.
System Basics
Burglary Protection
•Several modes of burglary protection: Stay, Night-Stay, Away, Instant, Maximum.
STAY: arms perimeter zones only and entry delay is on
INSTANT: same as STAY, except entry delay is off
NIGHT-STAY: arms perimeter zones and selected interior zones; entry delay on
AWAY: arms perimeter and all interior zones, entry delay is on
MAXIMUM: same as AWAY, except entry delay is off
•You can BYPASS selected zones while leaving the rest of the system armed.
•CHIME mode alerts you to the opening of protected doors and windows while the system is disarmed.
Fire Protection and Carbon Monoxide Protection
•Fire and carbon monoxide protection are always active (if installed) and an alarm sounds if a fire or
carbon monoxide condition is detected.
•If necessary, you can manually initiate a fire alarm using the keypad (if programmed).
•Refer to the Fire Alarm System section for information regarding fire protection, carbon monoxide
protection, smoke detectors and planning emergency exit routes.
Security Codes
•You were assigned a 4-digit security code (master code) during installation.
•Use your security code when arming and disarming the system, and when performing other system
functions.
•Other users can be assigned different security codes, each with different authority levels, which
define the system functions a particular user can perform.

2
System Overview (Continued)
Zones and Partitions
•The system sensing devices have been assigned to various “zones,” which are specific areas of
protection (e.g., front door, kitchen window, etc.).
•Zone numbers are displayed at the keypad when an alarm or trouble condition occurs on a sensor.
•Partitions (VISTA-20P Series) provide two independent areas of protection, with each partition
containing a group of zones that can be armed and disarmed without affecting other zones or users.
•Partitioned systems (VISTA-20P Series) can include a common zone area, which is an area shared
by users of both partitions (such as a lobby in a building).
•Cross Zoning: Your installer may have set the cross-zoning feature for some of the zones. Cross
Zoning is designed so that a combination of two zones must be faulted within a defined time period of
one another before an alarm occurs, and can help reduce false alarms. Once the first zone opens,
the cross zoning time window begins, and when the second zone opens within that window an alarm
for both zones occurs. If one zone opens and the other zone does not open within the time window,
an error message is sent to the central station (code 380).
NOTE: Both zones in a cross zoning pair must protect the same area and be in the same partition.
Arming, Step-Arming and Disarming Burglary Protection
•The system must be armed before the burglary protection can sense intrusions.
•To arm your system, enter your security code followed by the desired arming key.
•If programmed, you can press the [#] key in place of your security code when arming the system
(e.g., instead of entering your 4-digit security code + [3-STAY] to arm the system in STAY mode, you
can press [#] + [3-STAY]).
•You can also use the step-arming feature if programmed, to arm the system. This is a function key
that allows you to arm the system in one of three modes by simply pressing the key repeatedly.
•To disarm the system, enter your security code then press the [OFF] key.
Alarms
•When an alarm occurs, the keypad sounds and displays the zone(s) causing the alarm. For most
alarms, the external sounder also sounds.
•If your system is connected to a Central Monitoring Station, an alarm message is also sent. (Delayed
Reporting Note: Message reporting is delayed 30 seconds by default to reduce false alarms. If
desired, this delay can be removed or can be increased to 45 seconds. See your installer if you want
the delay time changed.)
•To stop the alarm sounding, simply disarm the system.
Memory of Alarm
•When an alarm condition occurs, the keypad displays the number(s) of the zone(s) that caused the
problem, and displays the type of alarm.
•The message remains displayed even after disarming the system, but can be cleared with another
“off” sequence.

3
System Overview (Continued)
Function Keys
•The “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D” keys can be programmed to perform various functions.
•Functions include: activate a panic alarm, arm the system, provide step arming, switch lights on/off,
send a message to a pager, display Time/Date, and start a programmed Macro sequence.
Paging Feature
•If programmed, the system can automatically send certain system condition messages to up to four
(VISTA-20P Series) or two (VISTA-15P Series) pagers.
•The pager displays code numbers identifying the type of condition that has occurred.
Scheduling
•Your system can be programmed to automatically perform certain functions (e.g., arm the system) at
a predetermined time each day.
Using the Voice Message Center (if Voice Keypad is installed)
Voice keypads feature a voice message
center that lets you record and playback
one message.
•The message can be up to 2.5-
minutes
long
•
The message remains in memory until a
new message is recorded.
•The volume control is adjustable.
•
Refer to the procedures below when
using the Message Center functions.
Message Center Functions
To…
Press these keys…
Notes…
record a
message #
FUNCTION
+ 0
VOICE
+ 1 OFF
RECORD
The red MESSAGE LED lights.
Message remains in memory until a
new message is recorded.
end
recording 1 OFF
RECORD
The red MESSAGE LED flashes,
indicating message waiting.
play a
message #
FUNCTION
+ 0
VOICE
+ 3 STAY
PLAY
The recorded message plays and the
red MESSAGE LED turns off.
adjust the
volume #
FUNCTION
+ 0
VOICE
+ 2 AWAY
VOLUME
, then press
volume key [3]
↑
(up) or [6]
↓
(down)
Adjusting message volume also
adjusts status volume. Volume cannot
be adjusted while playing.

4
About the Keypads
General Information
Your keypads allow you to control all system functions and feature the following:
•A telephone style (digital) keypad
•Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) that show the nature and location of all occurrences
•Built-in sounder that sounds during alarms and troubles. The sounder also "beeps" during certain
system functions and also when depressing any of the keys (to acknowledge the key press).
•Backlighting of the LCD display windows. Backlighting turns on when any key is pressed or when
entering the premises through any assigned entry/exit door. This feature is helpful when a keypad is
located in a dimly lit area.
•Some keypads have a voice feature that announces the nature and location of all system occurrences.
Voice keypads also announce any faulted entry/exit or perimeter zone when Chime mode is on. Ask
your installer if this option has been programmed for your system.
IMPORTANT: If the keypad beeps rapidly upon entering the premises, it indicates that an alarm has occurred
during your absence and an intruder may still be on the premises. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and CONTACT THE
POLICE from a nearby safe location.
Your keypads are functionally the same, but may have different types of displays, depending on the type
installed with your system.
Alpha Display 2-line alpha display keypads feature a 2-line, 32-character alphanumeric LCD
that displays system messages in friendly English. These keypads can also be
programmed with custom zone descriptors.
Fixed-Word Display Fixed-Word display keypads are functionally identical to Alpha display keypads,
but the LCD display uses pre-designated words to identify the nature and location
of occurrences.
Voice Keypads Voice Keypads (if installed), are functionally the same as other keypads, except
that these keypads can provide the following:
•Voice announcements of system status (see Checking for Open Zones section)
•Voice chime, which can alert you to the opening of doors and windows while
the system is disarmed (see Voice Chime in Chime mode section)
•Message center, which lets you record and playback messages (see Using the
Voice Message Center in the System Overview section).

5
About the Keypads (Continued)
Standard Fixed-Word Display Keypad
Standard Alpha Display Keypad
Voice-Capable Alpha Display Keypad
Wireless Key Fobs
Your system may also include one or more wireless key fobs, which can perform various functions
programmed by your installer.
IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE
Your key fob is similar to your keys or access card. If lost or stolen, another person can compromise
your security system. Immediately notify your Dealer/Installer of a lost or stolen key fob. The
Dealer/Installer will then remove the key fob programming from the security system.

6
About the Keypads (Continued)
FIXED-WORD DISPLAY KEYPAD
AWAY: All burglary zones, interior and
perimeter, are armed.
STAY: Perimeter burglary zones, such as
protected windows and doors, are
armed.
NIGHT-STAY: NIGHT and STAY indicators both
light when perimeter burglary zones
plus pre-selected interior zones (set
by the installer) are armed.
INSTANT: Entry delay is turned off:
Lit with STAY = Instant mode
Lit with AWAY = Maximum mode
FIXED-WORD DISPLAY
BYPASS: This appears when one or more burglary protection zones have been bypassed.
NOT READY: Appears when burglary portion of the system is not ready for arming (due to open protection
zones). The system is ready to arm when this message disappears and the READY indicator
light comes on.
NO AC: Appears when AC power has been cut off. System is operating on backup battery power.
AC: Appears when AC power is present.
CHIME: Appears when the chime feature is activated.
BAT: Low battery condition in a wireless sensor (if zone number displayed) or low system battery
(if no zone number displayed).
ALARM: Appears when an intrusion has been detected and the system is armed (also appears during
a fire alarm or audible emergency alarm). Accompanied by the protection zone in alarm.
CHECK: Appears when a malfunction is discovered in the system at any time, or if an open is detected
in a fire zone at any time, or a fault in a DAY/NIGHT burglary zone during a disarmed period.
Accompanied by a display of zone number in trouble.
FIRE: Appears when a fire alarm is generated. Accompanied by a display of the zone in alarm.
A FIRE display also appears when a fire alarm is manually activated, accompanied by a
display of the fire emergency key zone number.
CANCELED: Appears when an alarm has been silenced by the Code + OFF sequence and will remain on
until another Code + OFF sequence is keyed.

7
Functions of the Keypads
Voice-capable 2-line Alpha keypad
(shown with flip-down front door removed)
IMPORTANT!
• Match the numerical callouts in the above graphic with the corresponding number on the following pages for a
description of usage.
• When entering codes and commands, sequential key depressions must be made within 4-5 seconds of one
another. If 4-5 seconds elapse without a key depression, the entry will be aborted and must be repeated from
its beginning. Be sure to observe this precaution when performing any of the procedures in this manual.
• If you make a mistake while entering a security code, stop, press the [] key, and then start over. If you stop in
the middle while entering a code, and then immediately start the entry over, an erroneous code might be
entered.

8
Functions of the Keypads (Continued)
NOTE: The functions printed directly on the keys
indicate their primary purpose; the functions
printed under some of the keys (shown in brackets
under the respective key), indicate their alternate
or secondary purpose.
1. DISPLAY WINDOW
Alpha Display Keypads:2-line, 32-
character Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
keypads that display protection point
identification, system status, and
messages.
Fixed-Word Display Keypads:
Display protection zone ID and system
status messages using pre-designated
words in the LCD display area.
2. 1 OFF Disarms burglary portion of the
system, silences alarms and audible
trouble indicators, and clears visual
display after problem's correction.
[RECORD] On Voice keypads, used in
conjunction with the FUNCTION and
VOICE keys to record up to a 2.5-minute
message.
3. 2 AWAY Arms the entire burglary
system, perimeter and interior.
[VOLUME] On Voice keypads, used in
conjunction with the FUNCTION and
desired volume control keys ↑[3] or ↓[6]
to adjust the volume of a recorded
message or voice system status.
4. 3 STAY Arms perimeter portion of
burglary system only. Interior protection is
not armed, allowing movement within
premises without causing an alarm. If
pressed twice in succession, arms
system in Night-Stay mode.
[PLAY] On Voice keypads, used in
conjunction with the FUNCTION and
VOICE keys to play the recorded
message.
[ ↑] On Voice keypads, used in
conjunction with the FUNCTION and
VOLUME keys to raise the message and
voice system status volume.
5. 4 MAX Arms the entire burglary
system, perimeter and interior, but
without entry delay feature. Entering via
an entry/exit door will cause an alarm.
6. 5 TEST Tests the system and alarm
sounder if disarmed. Refer to Testing The
System section for test procedures.
7. 6 BYPASS Removes individual
protection zones from being monitored by
the system.
[ ↓] On Voice keypads, used in
conjunction with the FUNCTION and
VOLUME keys to lower the message and
voice system status volume.
8. 7 INSTANT Arms in manner similar to the
STAY mode, but without the entry delay
feature.
Entering via an entry/exit door will cause
an alarm.
9. 8 CODE Used to assign additional
security codes and attributes for other
users of the system.
10. 9 CHIME Turns CHIME mode on and off.
When on, the opening of windows or
doors while the system is disarmed will
sound 3 beeps at the keypad(s).

9
Functions of the Keypads (Continued)
11. # This key can be used for "Quick
Arming" of the system without use of a
security code (if programmed).
[FUNCTION]On Voice keypads, enables
the desired voice or volume function.
12. 0
[VOICE]On Voice keypads, enables the
RECORD, VOLUME and PLAY functions.
13. ∗READY Used to display all open
protection zones.
[STATUS]On Voice keypads, a
momentary press of the STATUS key
annunciates the current system status.
Pressing the STATUS key a second time
annunciates and displays system and/or
zone faults (if they exist).
14. KEYS 0–9: Used to enter the security
code(s) and to perform their associated
system functions.
15. MIC
On voice keypads, microphone for
Message Center recordings.
16. MESSAGE LED INDICATOR:(RED) On
Voice keypads, flashes red when
message waiting or lights red (steady)
when in record mode.
17. READY LED INDICATOR:(GREEN) Lit
when the system is ready to be armed
(no faults present). While the system is
disarmed, this indicator will go on and off
as protection zones are closed and
opened.
18. ARMED LED INDICATOR:(RED) Lit
when the system has been armed.
19. FUNCTION KEYS: Keys A, B, C, D may
have been programmed for a variety of
functions, including panic (emergency)
functions. For details, see the Function
Keys section.
20. INTERNAL SPEAKER: The built-in
speaker mimics the alarm sounder during
alarms, and will also "beep" during certain
system functions. The speaker also
provides voice playback for any recorded
messages.

10
Entry/Exit Delays
Entry Delay
Entry Delays give you time to disarm the system when you re-enter through the designated entrance
door. There are two entry delays (if programmed). The first is for your primary entrance and the
second can be used for a secondary entrance, where a longer delay is required to walk to the keypad
to disarm the system.
You must disarm the system before the entry delay period ends, or an alarm will occur. The keypad
beeps during the entry delay period, reminding you to disarm the system. The beeps stop when a
code is entered, but will restart after about 15 seconds if an invalid code is entered.
You can also arm the system with no entry delay at all by using the INSTANT or MAXIMUM arming
modes. These modes provide greater security while on the premises or while away for extended
periods of time.
See your installer for your delay times.
Partition 1 ___________________________________________________________________
Exit Delay: seconds Entry Delay 1: seconds
Entry Delay 2: seconds
NOTE: Entry/Exit times set for partition 1 also apply to the Common Zone of the VISTA-20P Series.
Partition 2 (on VISTA-20P Series only) ____________________________________________
Exit Delay: seconds Entry Delay 1: seconds
Entry Delay 2: seconds
Exit Delay
Exit delay gives you time to leave through the designated exit door(s) without setting off an alarm.
Exit delay begins immediately after arming your system in any arming mode and Alpha Display
keypads display the message “You May Exit Now.” When “You may exit now” disappears, the
system is fully armed. If programmed, a slow beeping will sound during the exit delay period until
the last 10 seconds, which then changes to fast beeping (alerting you to the end of exit delay). If
you cannot leave within this delay time period, you should stop, disarm the system, and start over to
avoid a false alarm.
Exit Delay Restart (if programmed): If you wish to open the entry/exit door to let someone in after
arming STAY, you can restart the exit time delay at any time – simply press the []key, then let that
person in (the perimeter zones remain armed). The system automatically rearms the entry/exit door
when the exit delay expires, thereby avoiding having to disarm the system and then rearm it again.
Additionally, when the system is armed AWAY, reopening and closing the entry/exit door before
exit delay time expires (e.g., re-entering to get a forgotten item), will reset the exit delay time once.

11
Entry/Exit Delays (Continued)
Exit Alarms
Exit Error Conditions
Whenever you arm the system, the exit delay begins. If an entry/exit door or interior zone is faulted
before exit delay expires and remains faulted (e.g., exit door left open), the system sounds an alarm
and starts the entry delay timer. If you disarm the system before the entry delay ends, the alarm sound
stops and the message "ALARM CANCELED " or "CA" is displayed on the keypad, along with a zone
number indicating the faulted zone. No message is sent to the Central Monitoring Station.
To clear the exit error condition, the open zone must be closed; to clear the display, enter your code
plus OFF.
If you do not disarm the system before the entry delay ends and the faulted zone remains open, the
alarm sound continues and an "exit alarm" message is sent to the Central Monitoring Station (after the
installer-programmed dial delay expires). The message "EXIT ALARM" or "EA" is displayed on the
keypad, along with a zone number indicating the faulted zone. To stop the alarm, the system must be
disarmed (your code plus OFF); to clear the display, enter your code plus OFF a second time.
An “exit alarm” also results if an entry/exit door or interior zone is faulted within two minutes after the
end of the exit delay.
Your system may have been programmed for this feature to minimize false alarms sent to the Central Monitoring Station. Ask
your installer if "Exit Alarm" is active in your system. If so, check this box.
VISTA-20PSIA/VISTA-15PSIA: The Exit Error condition works the same as described above, except that in
addition to the “EXIT ALARM” message, a “zone alarm” message is also sent to the Central Monitoring Station.
In addition, if an entry/exit door or interior zone is faulted within two minutes after the end of the exit delay, a
“Recent Closing” condition occurs instead of the “exit alarm.” Refer to the next paragraph for details.
“Recent Closing” Condition (VISTA-20PSIA/VISTA-15PSIA only)
A Recent Closing condition is similar to the Exit Error condition described above, but occurs if an entry/exit door
or interior zone is faulted within two minutes after the initial exit delay expires. If you disarm the system within
the two minutes, the alarm sound stops and the message "ALARM CANCELED " or "CA" is displayed on the
keypad, along with a zone number indicating the faulted zone. No message is sent to the Central Monitoring
Station.
If you do not disarm the system within two minutes and the faulted zone remains open, the alarm sound
continues and a “recent closing” and a “zone alarm” message are sent to the Central Monitoring Station (after
the installer-programmed dial delay expires). The alarm message along with a faulted zone number is
displayed on the keypad. To stop the alarm, the system must be disarmed (your code plus OFF); to clear the
display, enter your code plus OFF a second time.

12
Checking for Open Zones
Using the [∗] Key to Display and Announce System Status
Before arming your system, all protected doors, windows and other protection zones must be closed or
bypassed; otherwise the keypad will display a "Not Ready" message.
Use the READY key to display all faulted zones, making it easier for you to identify and secure any open
zone.
1. Press [
Q
] (do not enter code first) to display faulted
zones.
2. Secure or bypass the zones displayed.
The keypad’s READY indicator lights when all
protection zones have been either closed or bypassed.
3. Arm the system as desired.
Alpha Display:
DISARMED
HIT ∗FOR FAULTS
Fixed-Word Display:
Zone no. and “NOT READY”
Voice Status: Voice keypads (if installed), can announce system status and faulted zones (up to 3 zone
descriptors) if the Voice Status feature is turned on.
To turn the Voice Status feature on/off: # + 0 + 2 + 4
(also turns on Voice Chime mode; see Chime mode section)
To announce Status: Press [#] FUNCTION + [0] VOICE + [∗] STATUS key.
(Announces current system status; e.g., “Disarmed Ready to Arm.”)
To announce faults Press [#] FUNCTION + [0] VOICE + [∗] STATUS + [∗] again.
and status: (Announces up to three faulted zones with their zone descriptors, if
programmed.)

13
Arming the System
STAY Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Entry Delay On
•Used when you want to arm the system with persons staying inside (or if you have pets that are moving
throughout the premises).
•The door & window sensors are armed, but interior motion detectors are disarmed.
•Exit delay begins (you can leave through the entry/exit door, if desired).
•An alarm sounds if any protected window or non-entry/exit door is opened.
•You may otherwise move freely within the premises.
•Persons entering later can enter through an entry/exit door, but they must disarm the system within the
entry delay period to avoid sounding an alarm.
NIGHT-STAY Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Plus Selected Zones
•Use NIGHT-STAY mode to provide increased security while staying inside.
•Arms same as STAY mode, but also arms preselected interior sensors (programmed by your installer),
while other interior sensors are left disarmed.
•Persons entering later can enter through an entry/exit door but they must disarm the system and must
not violate any of the programmed interior zones to avoid sounding an alarm.
•IMPORTANT: When NIGHT-STAY mode is on, the selected interior zones are armed and cause an
alarm if anyone enters those areas (e.g., waking in the middle of the night). To avoid sounding an
alarm, you must disarm the system before any activity takes place in those interior zones.
INSTANT Mode: Arms Perimeter Only, Entry Delay Off
•Used when staying inside and do not expect anyone to use an entry/exit door.
•Arms same as STAY mode.
•An alarm sounds immediately if any protected perimeter window or any door is opened, including
entry/exit doors.
•IMPORTANT: Arming the system in this mode greatly increases the chance of false alarms. Use
extreme care in selecting this mode of arming.
AWAY Mode: Arms Entire System, Entry Delay On
•Used when nobody will be staying inside (including pets).
•The entire system (door & window sensors and interior motion detectors) is armed.
•Exit delay begins letting you leave through the entry/exit door.
•An alarm sounds if a protected window or any door is opened, or if any movement is detected inside
your premises.
•You can re-enter through an entry/exit door, but you must disarm the system within the entry delay
period to avoid sounding an alarm.
MAXIMUM Mode: Arms Entire System, Entry Delay Off
•Used when leaving the premises for extended periods (e.g., vacation).
•Arms same as Away mode, but entry delay is off.
•An alarm sounds same as Away mode, and sounds upon opening entry/exit doors.

14
Arming the System (Continued)
Arming Commands
Before arming, close all perimeter doors and windows and make sure the Ready to Arm message is
displayed.
Mode
Press these keys…
Keypad Confirms By…
STAY security code + 3STAY
•three beeps†
•armed STAY message displayed
•red ARMED indicator lights
NIGHT-
STAY
security code + 3STAY + 3STAY
•three beeps†
•NIGHT-STAY message displayed
•
red ARMED indicator lights
INSTANT security code + 7INSTANT
•three beeps†
•armed STAY message displayed
•red ARMED indicator lights
Note that entry delay is turned off.
AWAY security code + 2AWAY
two beeps†, or, if programmed, beeping for
duration of exit delay
•armed AWAY message displayed
•red ARMED indicator lights
Leave the premises through an entry/exit
door during the exit delay period to avoid
causing an alarm. The keypad beeps rapidly
during the last 10 seconds of the exit delay
to warn you that it is ending.
MAXIMUM security code + 4MAX
•same as AWAY (described above)
Note that entry delay is turned off.
† Arming Ding: In addition to the keypad beeps, the external sounder emits a short “ding” sound after arming, if programmed to do so. The ding
confirms that the system is armed, and may occur immediately after the command or be delayed (until arm/disarm report is sent or exit delay expires).
Ask your installer about how this feature is set for your system.
Quick Arming
If "Quick Arming" was programmed by the installer, the [#] key can be pressed in place of the security code
when arming the system in any of the arming modes (except Night-Stay). However, the security code
must always be used when manually disarming the system.
Function Key Arming
For any arming command, a function key may have also been programmed for your system. If so, you can
press and hold the appropriate function key for 2 seconds to arm the system. See your installer for the
designated functions (see Single Button Arming section).
Refer to the Accessing Other Partitions section for information on multi-partition arming (VISTA-20P
Series only).

15
Arming the System (Continued)
Single Button Arming
The “A”, “B”, “C”, and/or “D” keys on your keypad may have been programmed for single-button arming.
Note that while it is not necessary to use a security code for arming (by using the Quick Arm method
described previously), a security code must always be used when manually disarming the system.
If Single-Button Arming is programmed:
•A function key has been assigned to a specific type of arming: STAY mode, NIGHT-STAY mode,
AWAY mode, or STEP-ARMING (see Step-Arming paragraph).
•You DO NOT need to enter your user code before pressing the function key but
you always need your security code to DISARM the system.
Before arming, close all perimeter doors and windows.
1. Press and hold the assigned function key for 2
seconds (no code is required). Function keys are
shown below.
Alpha Display:
DISARMED
READY TO ARM
Fixed-Word Display: Green LED lit
2. The keypad begins beeping and displays the armed
message. The red ARMED indicator also lights.
Alpha Display:
ARMED***AWAY***
YOU MAY EXIT
NOW
Fixed-Word Display: AWAY
Single Button “Step” Arming
Single-Button “Step” arming may be programmed into one of the lettered keys (A, B, C, or D). Check with
your installer to see if this has been done in your system.
If Step-Arming is programmed:
•The assigned key provides a choice of three levels of security.
•The selected key can be pressed once, twice, or three times, increasing the level of security with
each press, as follows
Key

First Press

Second Press

Third Press

A, B, C, D Armed-STAY Armed NIGHT-STAY
(if programmed)
Armed-AWAY

16
Keyswitch
Using the Keyswitch
Your system may be equipped with a keyswitch for use when arming and disarming. Red and green lights
on the keyswitch plate indicate the status of your system as follows:
Green Light: Lights when the system is disarmed and ready to be armed (no open zones). If the
system is disarmed and the green light is off, it indicates the system is not ready (one or
more zones are open).
Red Light: Lights or flashes when system is armed in AWAY or STAY mode. See your installer for
the meanings of the lit red light:
Lit Steady = system armed AWAY or
system armed STAY and exit delay has expired
Flashing = system armed STAY and exit delay timer active
Rapid flashing = an alarm has occurred (memory of alarm).
Before arming, close all perimeter doors and windows.
To arm in the AWAY mode:
Turn the key to the right for 1/2 second and release.
Keypads beep twice and the red indicator lights or
flashes.
To arm in the STAY mode:
Turn the key to the right and hold for longer than 1
second, then release. Keypads beep three times and
the red indicator lights or flashes.
To disarm the system:
Turn the key to the right and release. The red light
turns off