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i have a vista 20 system thats around 24 years old. i have

 
LOAJ3256's Avatar
  • Answered by:LOAJ3256
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Customer Question

i have a vista 20 system thats around 24 years old. i have forgotten the master code that i used to program the system and i see from info on the web that an installer code will let me reset this system and program the master and other user codes. is there a way that i can obtain that number please.

 



Already Tried:
all combinations of 4 digit numbers that i could think i might have used. i haven't really used the system for anything beyond the chime function for the last 10 years or so, and one zone went out and i bypassed it with the code then, but other then change the battery every few years, haven't had to reprogram anything. which is why i have forgotten what numbers i used originally

Submitted: 334 days and 14 hours ago.
Category: Home Security Systems
Value: $30
Status: CLOSED
Picture
Expert:  LOAJ3256 replied 334 days and 10 hours ago.


LOAJ3256 :

Hello -- here is a tutorial I have assembled to *try* to read the codes back as well as reset the panel, is this what you are looking for?

Customer :

did not receive tutorial attachment, but doubt that will suffice anyway. I have already searched the web, and found tutorials, but they all require an installers or tech code. That code is what I am looking for to proceed with the process of resetting my system. I am the original owner, and unfortunately the original installer didn't leave me any of the codes, I barely found a hand scribbled drawing of the layout of the wiring from the box to the various sensors around the house.

LOAJ3256 :

Sorry the instructions did not post. I think this *may* help, actually. If it was an origianl ADT, maybe not. But please try this to recover the current p/w, and you can change (I would not) but please see if this helps and thank you for your time.

LOAJ3256 :

Disconnect the battery & AC, then do the following:

POWER UP (plug in the AC), then depress [*] and [#] both at once, within 50 seconds of powering up.

You will now be in the installer mode with 20 in the display.

Either press [#] 20 which will display the current installer code or press [*] 20 and enter in your new installer code followed by a [*].

When you exit, press[*] 99

Re hook up the battery and your good to go. To get back in to the installer mode, enter the following:

Installer code plus 8 + 0 + 0
THEN SLOWLY AND EXACTLY PRESS ON ORDER *41* *42* *99.


enter [installer code] + 8 + 02 + [new master code]

Customer :

I need the installer code. Don't know what it is. That's the problem

LOAJ3256 :

This is the method used to display the code. "Either press [#] 20 which will display the current installer code or press [*] 20 and enter in your new installer code followed by a [*]." which , as I mentioned should show you the code and also allow you to change it. It is the only "hack" that I have used successfuly , If it was an original ADT, or other OEM branded version, as this was common to private label panels with company specific programming and display changes embedded in the system EEPROM. If you can try the sequence and see if your panel falls into the catagory as a "stock" Vista 20, then I think you will be able to "read back": the code and use it to program per your request. If you have already try with no success, I would be out of options, unless you want to replace the EEPROM. Please advise and thank you for your time.

Customer :

No that didn't work. In fact it somehow set the thing to "armed" status. I'm going to have to power down the whole system to keep the alarm from going off now.

Customer :

Please return my money, as you weren't able to satisfy my request.

Customer :

Thanks

LOAJ3256 :

I will send in for refund. I am sorry the sequence did not work on your panel. As I mentioned I have used it before with success, thank you for your time.

 
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