After much research I have decided to buy an Ademco system and attempt a DIY install. From a previous post I learned that being a novice, I should purchase an alphanumeric keypad to make the programming easier for me.

As such I have narrowed it down to two systems. System A.) includes the Vista 15 with 6160V keypad; and system B.) includes Vista R3 20P with the new 6270 touchscreen keypad.

I really don't need all of the bells and whistles of system B.), but I would gladly pay the the $100 premium for that system if it will make programming the system easier.

Does anyone have any advice for me on which system I should buy based on ease of programming?

Also I have 2 Ademco 5804 Keyfobs that I took with me when I moved. I am hoping to program and use these with my new system. I have not found much information on the net about programming keyfobs, can anyone point me in the right direction and/or share any tips.

Thanks,

 

The 15p and 20p systems basically the same panel. The 15p just has fewer features turned on in the programming, and two fewer hard wired zones. They even use the same installation and user manuals.

For the keyfobs to work, you have to have a wireless reciever in the system.

The touchscreen keypad is nice, very nice, but requires (you guessed it!) more programming to gain the benefits of the end user friendly interface.

For what you sound like you wish to do, the V-20p with a 6160RF keypad (which has the wireless built in) is a better combination (always take 8 hardwired zones over 6 if you have the choice, unless you are going all wireless).

 

I bought a 20ps/6270 combo when we bought our house (back in Jan/Feb). The setup wasn't all that bad but I had to keep reading to make sense of things at first. This forum helped me out both in answering my questions and also filling in gaps with MrRonFL's sage advice in the archives which I dug through whenever something I was reading in the manuals didn't click.

To program with the 6270 I had to put it into a console mode which looks like a regular keypad (6150/6160) drawn on the LCD screen. I'm going over to our condo tomorrow to reprogram the ADT system that we used there (which has a 6160V) and from what I've read it will be easier to deal with than a 6270 emulating a keypad. The behavior is identical but there is a bit of lag using the 6270 in this mode so you have to press the screen at an even pace.

It's like the difference between dialing a phone and using the touch screen ATM to do transactions. About the same functionally but the number pad responds flawlessly.

When I'm not in that console mode for programming the 6270 is a dream. Oh, and the other thing with the 6270 emulating a "keypad" is that you can't press two buttons (* and #) at the same time to reset when powering up. We had a 6128 in the new place, from the existing defunct alarm setup, so I was able to use this when I locked myself out of the panel. The 6128 has since found a home in the basement by that exit door.

 

MrRonFL and Digitalvoid, thanks for the advice. I guess I will go with Vista 20P and I will need the 6160RF to take advantage of our keyfobs. Unfortunately from the few estimates I got it looks like the 6160RF is priced considerably higher than the 6160, but I guess that is the price you pay for the convenience factor.
BillWPG

 

Compare the price to the cost of a 6160 keypad _and_ a 5881 wireless reciever, which is the only other combination that's going to get your keyfobs to work.

 

I went with the 20P over the 15P because of the additional number of output devices, definitions and schedules--and because of the availability of low priced Ademco/Honeywell accessories on sites like eBay. Mostly, though, because it was the only LCD touchscreen equipped, X-10 capable system for under $300--HAD TO HAVE THE TOUCHSCREEN!!

I've purchase much of my Ademco accessories on eBay, usually at about 50% of retail. I purchased my 20P controller and 6270 keypad through LufkinSecurity.com because they provide lifetime personal support and have an outstanding support site, they will handle any warranty issues, had a great package price and offer $5/month monitoring service for the first year.

Good luck, I have no doubt you will love your 20P. I've still only begun to tap it's potential over the 3 months I have had it.

 

PS - I picked up a 6150RF for $50 on eBay as a second keypad and to provide wireless and a relay output (for my garage door).

 

Jeffx/anyone,

On the Vista 20P system is it possible to install more than one RF receiver? I do not plan on installing any remote keypads, but I will be using RF Keyfobs. If possible I would like to install one receiver in the garage because my detached garage is some distance between my house where 6160RF Keypad will be. I like the idea of being able to pull up in the backlane and disarm my alarm from my car (where the distance would be too great to communicate with the 6160RF keypad in the house). I live in Canada and the we get some pretty cold winters, so I also need to know if it is possible to install a 5882 Receiver outdoors (i.e. in the garage).

Thanks

 

Honeywell makes a wireless repeater unit, the 5800RP, that will do what you want. Only a couple of the larger Honeywell/Ademco panels have the ability to support multiple wireless recievers.