The First Alert link doesn't have what you need but the FA panels are just Ademco panels re-labelled.
You will want to go to the Ademco (Honeywell) link then scroll down to the Vista 20's.
As for the 168C I think you will need the 20P for which there currently is not a program guide.
The guide for the 20-SE should have all the correct info for a basic program.
I could be mistaken about how far the compatibilities go but I'm fairly certain that as long as you don't want to do anything fancy, the basic zone programming, user codes and other simple things are the same.
were filled out and left with the system by the installer.
However, as I know nothing about alarm systems I was hoping someone could give me the steps needed to figure out what the user code was, leveraging the data left by the installer. I am also happy to overwrite the old code and put in a new one.
If the programming sheet is filled out by the installer...the installer code is field 20 the very first programming field on the sheet.
The default installer code is 4112 - you can try that.
If none else works; unplug the battery unplug the transformer for a few seconds plug the tranformer back in and press *# at the same time the keypad will display 20 now hit #20 and the keypad will display the installer code one digit at a time...so pay attention :-) to change the installer code hit *20 and enter the code you want for the installer code...the keypad will beep once to indicate it has "taken"
hit*99 to get out of programming.
now you can use the installer code to add a master code which you will use everyday. You never use the installer code except to get into programming.
The User Manual has the information for managing user codes.
The installer code is used to set the master codes and they are used to set the user codes. The user manual also shows how to set the various attributes for each code if you wish to get a little fancy.
Don't use the installer code as a regular daily code as you could accidently fatfinger your way into a programming dilemma. It also will only function as a "guest" or "babysitter" code (explained in the manual).
BTW - if you are planning on doing any programming I hope you have an alpha type keypad...
Joe brought up a good point...to do any serious programming you have to have a 6139 or 6160 keypad to see all the fields, you can only do some programming with the basic keypad (which you probably have).
Sounds like all he wants to do is discern the codes.
If you enter the code you think will work and then press the 1 key (which says off) you will hear a 'confirmation ding' if you have used a valid code.
Note: you have about just under 5 seconds between key strokes so I recommend you write down what you want to put in before pushing any keys
- you may not have time to figure it out.
If you have the program guide then the installer code should be the four digit number in field 20. If no number is written in then it may still be the default code.
If it is still the default code then pressing 4-1-1-2-1 should get you a ding.
If you cannot get any code to 'ding' then use the power up method to get into programming. This example supposes that you want to use 1 2 3 4 as your installer code. (once in programming it won't throw you out if you don't press a key within 5 seconds, but for each command you still have the time constraints)
a) Unplug one of the battery leads.
b) Disconnect power. The easiest way is to unplug the transformer from the outlet - be careful it may be screwed in.
If you cannot unplug it for whatever reason then CAREFULLY unscrew the first terminal on the left at the bottom of the board and pull that wire out. Hold it out for a few seconds **** Again - be VERY CAREFUL if you elect to use this method since the transformer has an nonreplacable fuse that will blow if you let the wire from the first terminal touch the wire from the second terminal even for a split second.
c) Reapply power and within 50 seconds press the * and the # keys at the same time, holding them until the number 20 appears in the screen.
d) Press the * key by itself then press 2, then 0. this will get you into programming field 20 (installer code).
e) Enter your new code, 1-2-3-4, this should be followed by a confirmation 'ding'.
f) Press the * key again followed by 9-9, this exits programming but will allow you to get into it again using this method. *** Warning - if you press *98 you will be screwed... NEVER use *98.
Now you can use the installer code to put in other codes.
With First Alert (Ademco) alarm systems first you tell it who you are then you tell it what you want it to do.
In this case, who you are is the four digit code.
Enter your code (who you are) then press 8 (has the word code written on it) + the user number 01, then press the code you want, 4-3-2-1 (for example) you should get a ding.
In a 168C, I believe that User 01 is the partition 1 master code and user 33 is the partition 2 master code. So, once you have entered a code in user 01 you use that code to put codes in users 02, 03 etc. The installer code will only program the partition masters. You don't need a partition 2 master if you only have one partition.
Again, I am more familiar with the 168CPS than with the 168C so I could be mistaken - If I am then hopefully someone here will set me straight.
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