Honeywell ADEMCO VISTA 10P User manual

SYSTEM
ENHANCEMENT
MODULE
Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA®
INSTALLATION GUIDE
INSTALL WIZARD AVAILABLE AT 
DUAL PATH

2
EQUIPMENT
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED
• Small blade screwdriver and Phillips screwdriver
• Drill and bits for screws and/or wall anchors
• Four-conductor, 22-gauge or larger stranded wire
• Alpha keypad
OVERVIEW
The System Enhancement Module (SEM) can be used with
Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, and VISTA-20P panels to
enable wireless reporting of alarms and other system events over the
wireless cellular network and optional broadband Ethernet. The SEM
is intended to be used as the primary communication path for all alarm
signaling to the central monitoring station. The wireless alarm signaling
and routing service is operated by Alarm.com. The SEM also features
integrated support for Alarm.com’s home automation services with
built-in Z-Wave capabilities.
Alarm.com strongly recommends installing an alpha keypad with at least 32
zones to ensure the “Communication Failure” trouble condition is displayed to
the user. See FAQs for more information.







3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Step 1: Verify Panel Compatibility ....................................4
Step 2: Create an Account ..................................................5
Step 3: Enable Keypad Address.........................................6
Step 4: Disconnect Power from Panel .............................7
Step 5: Mount the SEM........................................................8
Step 6: Wire the SEM to the VISTA Panel.......................9
Step 7: Power Up the Panel.................................................10
Add & Delete Z-Wave Devices...................................................11
Touchscreen Keypads...................................................................14
Panel Settings................................................................................15
LEDs ................................................................................................. 16
FAQs .................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting............................................................................. 21
 ................................................................................22
Regulatory Information ..............................................................23
SEM Quick Tips..............................................................................24

4
STEP 1: VERIFY PANEL COMPATIBILITY
The SEM is compatible with Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA-10P, -15P, and
-20P panels and the equivalents below, dating back to 2005. The date
will be printed on the chip inside the panel as shown below.
Honeywell/ADEMCO
VISTA-10P
Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA-10PSIA
First Alert FA130CP
First Alert FA130CPSIA
Honeywell/ADEMCO
VISTA-15P
Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA-15PSIA
First Alert FA148CP
First Alert FA148CPSIA
Honeywell/ADEMCO
VISTA-20P
Honeywell/ADEMCO VISTA-20PSIA
First Alert FA168CPS
First Alert FA168CPSSIA
Please see the Alarm.com Partner Portal Knowledge Base
(www.alarm.com/dealer) for the most up to date list of compatible panels.
TOUCHSCREEN KEYPADS
Touchscreen keypad compatibility details can be found on page 14.
Some system changes will not be processed by Alarm.com
unless the touchscreen keypad is used in Console Mode.
The SEM is not compatible with POTS. The SEM should
be the only communication path for alarm signaling to
the central station.

5
STEP 2: CREATE AN ACCOUNT

We recommend creating the account at least 24 hours prior to installation.
This will ensure that the SEM is activated prior to installation. To create an
account go to the Alarm.com Partner Portal or MobileTech and log in. You
will need the following information to create the account:
• Customer Address
• Customer Phone Number
• Customer Email Address
• Preferred Login Name for the Customer
• Alarm.com Module Serial Number
• Existing Panel Installer Code
During Step 4 of the “Create New Customer” process, you will be prompted
to enter the current Installer Code on the panel. Alarm.com will use this
code to access panel programming and read information stored on the
panel.
At the end of the “Create New Customer” process, you will be able
to print or email a Welcome Letter for the customer, which includes
login information for the Alarm.com Customer Website.

6
STEP 3: ENABLE KEYPAD ADDRESS
ENABLING KEYPAD 8 DEVICE ADDRESS 23
The SEM communicates with the VISTA panel as if it is a keypad.
By default, the SEM will use Keypad 8 Device Address 23 to
communicate. Address 23 must be enabled via panel programming.
To do this, enter programming and select *196 + [1] + *99 at the keypad.
IF ADDRESS 23 IS ALREADY IN USE
In most cases, Address 23 will be available. If another keypad is already

keypad address. You can do this by using the DIP switches on the SEM,
as pictured below.
1. Identify an available keypad address.
2. Using the chart below, change the DIP switches on
the SEM to match the corresponding keypad address.
3. Enable the address by entering the corresponding
VISTA programming command at the panel.
If the correct keypad address is not enabled, repeated
reports of Panel Malfunction will be shown in the Event
History on the Partner Portal or MobileTech once the
SEM is powered on and connects to the network.
Keypad
Address
DIP Switch
Setting
VISTA
Programming Menu
17 None—all OFF *190
18 Switch 4 ON, others OFF *191
19 Switch 3 ON, others OFF *192
20 Switch 3 and 4 ON, others OFF *193
21 Switch 2 ON, others OFF *194
22 Switch 2 and 4 ON, others OFF *195
23 Switch 2 and 3 ON, others OFF *196

7
STEP 4: DISCONNECT POWER FROM PANEL

panel is disarmed. Next, remove panel AC Power and disconnect the
backup battery.
This is necessary to prevent damaging the panel
or module while making wiring connections.

8
STEP 5: MOUNT THE SEM
You must be free of static electricity before handling electronic
components. Touch a grounded metal surface before touching
the circuit board.
Press down on the bottom tabs of the enclosure cover to remove it
and set it aside.
Carefully remove the SEM circuit board by depressing the interior
bottom tab.
Place the SEM back plate on the wall at the desired mounting
location and mark the three mounting holes as shown below.
Set the back plate aside and drill holes at the mounting locations.
Use wall anchors where studs are not present and secure the back
plate to the wall with the enclosed screws.
Insert the SEM circuit board back into the back plate.

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STEP 6: WIRE THE SEM TO THE VISTA PANEL
Verify panel AC Power is removed and
the backup battery is disconnected.
• Connect panel terminal 4 (GND) to SEM GND.
• Connect panel terminal 6 (GREEN: DATA IN FROM KEYPAD)
to GREEN (OUT).
• Connect panel terminal 7 (YELLOW: KEYPAD DATA OUT)
to YELLOW (IN).
• Use the included red cable with the two prong battery connector
to connect the battery to both the SEM and the panel. For a power-
limited circuit, ensure the fuse is inside the VISTA panel.
Once wiring is complete, route the antenna(s) outside of the enclosure,
away from the SEM, and replace the enclosure cover. Please note that
the antenna(s) should be routed through the second and third channel
openings at the top of the enclosure (see zoom view below).
12V Battery
VISTA Panel
GND
4
5+12V
GREEN (DATA IN)
YELLOW (DATA OUT)
6
7
SEM
+12V
YELLOW (IN)
GREEN (OUT)
GND
CDMA/HSPA
Modules
LTE Modules

10
The zone scan will automatically begin after the panel is powered up.
On the keypad you will see a series of disarms and programming setting
changes before seeing “MODEM COMM” on the screen.
STEP 7: POWER UP THE PANEL
Connect the backup battery and restore AC power to the panel.
For the SEM to interact with the existing zones on the system, it must
read them from the VISTA panel. The SEM will do a “zone scan” to read
this information.
Additionally, the SEM will automatically set the panel settings needed
for the SEM to communicate. These settings can be found on page 15.
ZONE SCAN
~3 minutes
Do not touch the panel or keypad.
When the zone scan is complete the keypad will display the home screen.
This process will take less than 3 minutes.
Now that the zone scan is complete, the Equipment list should be updated
on the Partner Portal and the Installer and Master User codes should be
synced with the SEM.
ZONE SCAN
COMPLETE
Ready to Arm
If you do not see the MODEM COMM message appear on the
keypad during zone scan and instead notice the keypad scrolling
through each zone individually, the SEM is using an alternate

leave programming before interacting with the panel. Resync
the panel master code with the SEM by changing the Master
Code at the panel or through the Customer Website.

For Broadband Ethernet,
connect the provided Ethernet
Dongle to the connector on the SEM.
Connect the Ethernet cable to the
provided Ethernet Dongle.

11

Please visit the Alarm.com Knowledge Base for a complete explanation
of Z-Wave communication, Z-Wave signal strength,
and additional installation resources.
Alarm.com will not recognize any Z-Wave devices previously learned into
the panel. These devices will need to be deleted from the previous Z-Wave
network and added to the SEM for the customer to use Alarm.com’s
home automation services (for example, automation control using the
Customer Website, Mobile App, and intelligent automation rules).

we recommend having them log in to that site and taking

device names for reference later.

Using the Partner Portal or MobileTech is strongly recommended.

1. 
2. Log in to MobileTech.
3. Find the customer account.
4. Tap .
5. Tap .
6. Tap to expand .
7. Tap .
8. Wait for the bolded message: 

9. Trigger a device to add it to the network.
10. When a device is added successfully, it shows up on this screen
following a 30-second delay.
11. Continue triggering devices. You may add several devices to the
network without re-entering Add Mode.

1. 
2. Log in to the Partner Portal.
3. Find the customer account.
4. Click .
5. Click the .
6. Click .
7. Wait for the bolded message:

8. Trigger a device to add it to the network.
9. When a device is added successfully, it shows up on this screen
following a 30-second delay.
10. Continue triggering devices. You may add several devices to the
network without re-entering Add Mode.


12

1. Press and hold the Z-Wave button on the Alarm.com module.
2. 

3. Trigger a device to add it to the network.
4. When a device is added successfully, L5 illuminates solid.
5. You need to re-enter Add Mode before triggering the next device.

Using the Partner Portal or MobileTech is strongly recommended.

1. Log in to MobileTech.
2. Find the customer account.
3. Tap .
4. Tap .
5. Tap to expand .
6. Tap .
7. Wait for the bolded message: 

8. Trigger a device to delete it from the network.
9. When a device is deleted successfully, and its network data is
erased, it will show up on this screen following a 30-second
delay.
10. Continue triggering devices. You may delete several devices
from the network without re-entering Delete Mode.
If you cannot add a device to the network, you may need to
delete the device’s current network data using the device
deletion process before you can add it to the new network
(some devices come from the factory with network data).


13

1. Log in to the Partner Portal.
2. Find the customer account.
3. Click .
4. Click the .
5. Click .
6. Wait for the bolded message: 

7. Trigger a device to delete it from the network.
8. When a device is deleted successfully, and its network data is
erased, it will show up on this screen following a 30-second
delay.
9. Continue triggering devices. You may delete several devices
from the network without re-entering Delete Mode.

1. Press and hold the Z-Wave button on the Alarm.com module.
2. 

3. Press and hold the Z-Wave button on the module a second time.
4. 
5. Trigger a device to erase its network data and delete it from the
network.
6. When a device is deleted successfully, L5 illuminates solid.
7. You need to re-enter Delete Mode before triggering the next device.

14
TOUCHSCREEN KEYPADS
The SEM is compatible with AUI devices, including the 6280, Tuxedo Touch,
and other touchscreen keypads. Arming, disarming, panics, and alarms
initiated on these keypads will be processed by Alarm.com and reported to
the central station. However, the following activity will not be processed by
Alarm.com unless the keypad is used in Console Mode.
• Changing the Installer Code via Quick Programming mode
• Bypassing open sensors
• 
Please note that the SEM supports Z-Wave automation via Alarm.com
only. This means that customers using the Tuxedo Touch to control their
Z-Wave devices will need to choose whether to continue using the Tuxedo
Touch for Z-Wave automation, or whether to switch to Alarm.com
(for example, automation control using the Customer Website, Mobile
App, and intelligent automation rules). If the customer chooses to
switch to Alarm.com Z-Wave control, all of the Z-Wave devices will need
to be deleted from the Tuxedo Touch and learned into to the SEM.
Even if customers choose not to switch to Alarm.com for Z-Wave
automation, they will still be able to enjoy access to video, garage door
automation, and Lutron lighting control in addition to interactive security
with Alarm.com.

15

PANEL SETTINGS
For the SEM to communicate with the panel and report all alarms,
the following VISTA settings need to be set at the panel. These settings

no further action should need to be taken. Here is a list of the automatic
programming changes, for reference.

*29 IP/GSM needs to be set to [1]. This will ensure that the panel
is communicating with the SEM.
SILENT ALARMS
For the SEM to report silent and duress alarms, the following VISTA
settings are automatically changed at the panel.
• *41 Primary Phone No. needs to be cleared.
• *42 Secondary Phone No. needs to be cleared.
• *43 Partition 1 Primary Acct. No. needs to be set to a four-digit
number. Alarm.com automatically set this setting to 1234.
• *45 Partition 2 Primary Acct. No. needs to be set to a four-digit
number. Alarm.com automatically set this setting to 4321.
• *48 Report Format needs the primary phone number format
set to [77].
• *55 Dynamic Signaling Priority needs to be set to [1].
• *64 Test Report Code needs to be set to [1,0].
• *92 Phone Line Monitor Enable needs to be set to [0,0].
• The Zone 92 reporting code needs to be enabled for duress reporting.
The customer’s actual Central Station Forwarding Settings
should be set up on the Alarm.com Partner Portal.
BYPASS OPEN SENSORS
Before the customer can use the bypass open sensors feature on the
Customer Website or Mobile App, *23 Quick (Forced) Bypass needs to
be enabled. This setting is not automatically enabled. If the customer
would like to use this feature on the Customer Site or Mobile App,
please enable this setting.

16
LEDs
The Alarm.com Module LEDs can be used to indicate communication
errors, panel communication, network communication, and signal strength.
LED FUNCTION
L1 

panel communication error, or radio error.
L2 
packet is received from the panel.
L3 
packet is received from the cellular radio.
L4 
the cellular signal strength, or toggles on/of f when
communicating with the Alarm.com servers.
L5 Z-Wave Error LED: Visit the Knowledge Base on the Partner
Portal or MobileTech for additional Z-Wave installation
resources.
L6 Reserved for future use.
L7 Reserved for future use.


the error number. If there are two or more errors at the same time, the

seconds between errors.
NUMBER OF LED L1 ERROR DESCRIPTIONS
AND SOLUTION FLASHES
1Alarm.com module cannot communicate with the panel.
Perform a power cycle on the panel. If the error persists
lift the Alarm.com module out of the SEM circuit board and
re-insert it while power is disconnected from the system.
 The Alarm.com module provisioning process could not be
completed. If the error persists, power cycle the system,
then contact Technical Support.
 The Alarm.com module provisioning process could not be

carrier’s primary network.

System
Enhancement
Module (SEM)
12

17

3The Alarm.com module is trying to register on the cellular
network. If it persists for more than a few minutes, the
module is having problems registering. Check L4 for signal
level. If signal level is lower than 2 bars, change the panel’s
location or use a remote antenna option.
4The Alarm.com module is registered on the cellular network
but could not connect with Alarm.com. Contact Alarm.com
Technical Support.
5The radio on the module is not working correctly. If this persists
for more than a few minutes the module may need to be
replaced. This error is extremely rare, so please verify that the

6This indicates an error only if it persists for more than a
minute. Otherwise, it’s an indication that the module is
resolving an unusual condition regarding communication
with the cellular network.
7The SEM is unable to access panel programming.
Check panel wiring and Installer Code.
8If this error persists, the account may have been set up
incorrectly. Check that the serial number being used matches
the serial number used to create the account. If the serial
numbers are the same, contact Technical Support.



when the Alarm.com module is in Idle mode or four seconds in PowerSave
mode. See Alarm.com Module States (modes) for an explanation of the
three modes.

when the SEM is being used to add or remove Z-Wave devices.


in Idle mode, and with every communication with Alarm.com in Connected



The number of bars may not correspond to the number of bars shown
on your cell phone. A level of 5 bars is obtained only in the strongest

or every 30 seconds if it is fairly stable.


as the provisioning process is complete.

• The Alarm.com module is in PowerSave mode
• The Alarm.com module just powered up
• There is no cellular coverage in the area

Alarm.com recommends a steady signal level of two
or higher for proper operation of the SEM.

18

L5 indicates Z-Wave errors. If you can’t add a device to the network, try
deleting the device and re-adding it to the network. Contact Alarm.com
Technical Support with additional issues.

There are three Alarm.com module states (modes).

In Idle mode, the AC power is up, the battery level is greater than 11.5
volts, and the SEM is not currently connected to the Alarm.com servers.
This is normal for the SEM and is the most common state.
L1 Flashes errors, if any
L2 Communication with panel
L3 Communication with radio unit
L4 Signal level (0 to 5 bars)
L5 Flashes errors, if any

In PowerSave mode, the module just powered up, AC power is down, or
battery level is less than 11.5 volts. The radio part of the SEM draws 10 mA
in PowerSave mode. It is fully functional and will go into Connected mode
as soon as a signal needs to be sent. Performing an Alarm.com phone test
will switch the module into Idle mode and update the signal level reading.
L1 Inactive
L2 Communication with panel
L3 
L4 Inactive
L5 Inactive

In Connected mode, the SEM is connected to the Alarm.com servers and
reported an alarm or other condition. The module stays in Connected mode
for at least six minutes after the last message is exchanged. Entering
Installer programming will cause the SEM to go into Idle mode.
L1 Flashes errors, if any
L2 Communication with panel
L3 Communication with Alarm.com
L4 
L5 Inactive

19
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


The SEM displays a Check 103 LRR message locally at the panel
immediately when a failure to communicate (FTC) condition arises.
During the FTC event, all events will still be picked up as normal by the
SEM. To clear the message, the user must disarm the panel twice. If
the FTC event is not over after clearing (disarming twice), the trouble
condition will be re-issued at the next supervised event.

• 
walking signal strength test by powering the SEM using the battery
directly (connect the GND and +12V terminals). After two minutes,


Alarm.com recommends a signal level of two or higher for proper
operation of the SEM.
• Avoid mounting the SEM in areas with excessive metal or
electrical wiring, such as furnace or utility rooms.
• Mount the module near an outside wall, preferably on an
upper level.
• Do not mount the SEM inside of the panel’s metal box. Doing so
will negatively impact Z-Wave performance.
• For homes or businesses located in canyons or with hills nearby,
it may be necessary to place the antenna higher in the building.
• If the SEM location requires a longer power cable, splice the provided
power wire with the fuse to your wire and leave the fuse inside the
VISTA panel enclosure.

The Installer Code entered during account creation (see Step 2) will
be used to access and read the zones currently learned into the panel.
The Installer Code can be changed after the zone scan is complete.


Perform an Alarm.com phone test by pressing [#] + [9] + [8] + [7] + [*].

on the Partner Portal or MobileTech Event History.

The SEM is compatible with the 21iP, if the Internal IP/GSM Jumper
is set in the OFF position.
OFF
position

20


The SEM will only report one instance of each alarm per alarm event

menu. The SEM does not support reporting multiple alarms on a
single zone.

No, the SEM should be the only communication path for alarm signaling
to the central station.

The SEM uses the Dialer Delay value that is stored in the panel. This value
can be changed using the Partner Portal, MobileTech, or on the panel in
programming section *50.


Yes, the SEM is compatible with Honeywell’s Street Smart Series
Code Encryptors. As with other touchscreen keypads or AUI devices on
a system with a Code Encryptor, the following steps will need to be
followed to install the SEM.
1. Disconnect power from the panel.
2. Disconnect the touchscreen keypad or AUI device from
the panel.
3. Install the SEM, following the SEM installation steps
(without the touchscreen keypad or AUI device connected).
4. Once the SEM is installed and working properly, power down
the system.
5. Reconnect the touchscreen keypad or AUI device.
6. Restore power to the panel and SEM.

The SEM does support partitions. The panel can have up to the maximum
number of partitions the panel supports; however, zones are not supported
throughout all partitions. Zones should only be enrolled in a single partition.
Zones in multiple partitions are not supported by the SEM.

Yes, sensors can be added, changed, or deleted using MobileTech or the
Remote Toolkit on the Partner Portal.


No, these terminals are for future development. Please disregard the relay,
zone, ring, and tip terminals on the SEM circuit board.

No, the SEM does not support the Cross Zone attribute. The SEM will not
report the Cross Zone event to the central station.