I've been trying to figure out how to change the codes for the alarm for a few weeks now and can't seem to get it. I've figured out most of the other programming, I'm just stuck on this.
I'm trying to change User 3, as they were programmed before we got the house and I'm not sure who currently knows it.
From what I've read, I need to put - Master Code + 8 + User Code + new code, or some variation of that. But I haven't had any success.
Any help is greatly appreciated, Jamie
Try Master Code + 8 + 03 + new code Keypad will beep once if successful.
Jim Rojas
Thank you for the reply. What you typed is what I've tried. It doesn't give any extra beeps at the end.
Should I press something else at the end? To let it know it's only 4 digits? Do I need to be in programming mode? I wouldn't think so.
Then the code you are using is not the master code. Give me a call tomorrow, and I will download your panel, and reset your codes.
Jim Rojas (813) 884-6335
The alarm company they're trying to stiff, ought to be real happy about that.
Aside from all the other advice you've been given I should point out that the Ademco product you're using "forgets" the digits you've pressed if you allow more than about two seconds between button pushes. If you've managed to change the codes in other locations, chances are you have the "master" or "manager" code.
Hope this helps.
I've managed to change some things. I've gotten into the program mode, using what I thought was the master code. And the alarm company didn't have anything to do with the programming of the alarm or sale of it. It's a new construction that was never monitored before I bought the house, so I'm tasked with setting it up (or the guy that installed it will come out for $75/hour).
Jim - thank you for the offer. If I can't dig up any other codes or get this working I'll give you a call.
If user 3 is the master code, which it may or may not be on a Vista 20 (not my specialty), you will need to enter the "master/installer code, 8, 03, new code" twice in a row.
User code 2 is the system master code, 3 is partition 1 master code
It would be worth the 75 bucks to fire it up.
You may have even voided their warrantee on a new house new alarm system by messing around with it.
To me it sounds like you have the INSTALLER code not the Master code. With the installer code, you THEN install a MASTER code (user 2) and with the MASTER code you add/delete/change other user codes....including changing the Master but that's a different procedure.
This is one area where even a DSC Maxsys is easier to work with... You need that code to be a master code? Done. You need this code to be able to access only partitions 1, 4, 7 and 8? No problem. You'd like me to program those now at the keypad instead of getting one of the alpha keypads, ladder, etc. out of the van; wiring it to your panel; getting it addressed; then programming? No problem.
I know the Ademco systems tend to have stable panels that never die, but can't they be a little more user/installer friendly and consistent... or detect a lack of a siren... or maybe even a phone line?
Or perhaps check the battery more often than randomly every 4 hours? Which can be a real pain when trying to close out a work order but the panel hasn't seen the new battery yet and therefore not sent a restoral to make the monitoring station happy.
No wonder they're stable, when they don't do anything it's hard to break them.
By the way, what is terminal 3 for? Well let's see, that would depend on the panel and version and version of that version. Why have a terminal installed onto the board that doesn't do anything other than provide you with an extra screw in case you lose one of the others.
...Ademco rant over, for now.
Spend 40 to 45 minutes uploading the Maxsys? check! :)
I was using the INSTALLER code, thinking it was the same as the master code. I've updated the installer code, using the master code, and now I can program the users with no problem.
Thanks for everyone's help!
-Jamie
Yer welcome. That's a common mistake btw. just make sure you test EVERYthing.
Well you do have a point there. Although if you're doing it by PC-Link instead of the modem it's much faster, perhaps a couple minutes (5?). I never have used Compass though.
Its a lot quicker uploading a Vista-250 with Compass than a 4020 using DLS-2002 however the Vista doesn't have 999 user codes either :)
1500 codes. I know... it's a ridiculous number. I don't think I've ever used more than 200. Although I'm sure there are systems in large commercial/industrial applications that need the ability to go to 1500.
Although I'm glad the 1832 has gone up to 72 from the 832's 32(ish). Many times we've had to send a code list back to the customer to get them to shorten it by a couple codes. Only once have we installed a Maxsys instead of an 832 just to have more codes available.
They must have added more in the later versions, I think the last ones I dealt with were 3.2's
3.5... perhaps the 3.3 as well
wanna chuckle? the bigger DMP panels have 9,999 user codes. I put one in client's home and they were concerned about adding a few codes...when I told them they had 9,990 empty slots left they thought I was joking - they can have a code for everyone they ever knew or will know :-)
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