First Alert VISTAH3 Posts

The First Alert VISTAH3 is Resideo's premiere hybrid panel. It offers built-in wired zones and a built-in PROSIX receiver. With an added module, it can support legacy RF from various manufacturers. However, a touchscreen keypad must be added for local programming, and WIFI isn't included.

The VISTAH3 supports up to 96 zones total, with up to four (4) partitions. There are eight (8) built in hardwired zones, expandable up to a total of 64 hardwired zones. The panel has an RJ45 connector built-in for hardwired Ethernet. If a hardwired network connection isn't possible, the panel can support WIFI with the addition of a module.

The VISTAH3 supports the following agency listings (in no particular order):

• UL 985 - Household Fire
• UL 1023 - Household Burg
• UL 2610 - Commercial Burg
• UL 1637 - Home Healthcare Signaling Equipment
• UL 2017 - Safety General Purpose Signaling Devices
• ULC S545 - Residential Fire Warning System Control Units (Canada)
• ULC S304 - Standard for Control Units, Accessories and Receiving Equipment for Intrusion Alarm Systems (Canada)
• ANSI/SIA CP-01 - False Alarm Reduction Standard

Once the VISTAH3 is registered with AlarmNet it can be used with Total Connect 2.0. This allows the end-user to monitor their system remotely, check system status, arm and disarm from nearly any location, control home automation devices that are associated with the account and view video, if included in the monitoring plan.

Like the Honeywell Home PROA7 and PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC the First Alert VISTAH3 can be programmed remotely through AlarmNet360 or locally through a touchscreen keypad. Unlike the PRO Series panels though, the VISTAH3 doesn't come with a touchscreen interface from the factory.

To add a touchscreen to the VISTAH3, you must also add WIFI capability. This can be done by adding either the PROWIFI (WIFI only) or the PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus). Once the panel has access to WIFI the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH, Resideo PROWLTOUCHC, or the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC can be added.

Up to eight (8) touchscreen keypads are supported per VISTAH3 panel. You can read all about the number and types of supported keypads in this helpful FAQ. In the table below, we have a list of all the VISTAH3 associated products with links to each.

In addition to the individual components listed in the table, we provide a list of curated kits below. These kits make it easy for DIY customers to get all necessary items to program their system upon arrival. Click any link in the table for additional information on individual products, including specifications and documentation on the dedicated product pages.

First Alert VISTAH3 and Associated Products:

Product	Image	Description
First Alert VISTAH3		Hybrid alarm panel with eight (8) hardwired zones and PROSIX wireless capability built in.
Honeywell Home PROWIFI		WIFI-only Module
Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW		WIFI + Z-Wave Plus Module
First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC		WIFI Touchscreen Keypad
Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH		WIFI Touchscreen Keypad
Honeywell Home PROLTE-A		AT&T LTE Cellular Module
Honeywell Home PROLTE-V2		Verizon LTE Cellular Module
Resideo PROWLTOUCHC		WIFI Touchscreen Keypad
First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL		Legacy Wireless Takeover Module
First Alert VISTAHEXPHW		Hardwired Expander
First Alert VISTAHISO		iBus Isolator Module (Isolates burg from fire devices on the iBus. Only required in commercial fire applications.)
First Alert VISTAHRELAY		iBus Relay Module
First Alert VISTAHTKVR-B		iBus to ECP Expansion Converter
First Alert VISTAHTKVR-V		iBus to V-PLEX Expansion Converter
First Alert VISTAHPKP		iBus portrait-style wired push-button keypad
First Alert VISTAHLKP		iBus landscape-style wired push-button keypad

First Alert VISTAH3 Kits Available from Alarm Grid:

• First Alert VISTAH3PK:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFI (WIFI-only) Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
• First Alert VISTAH3PK-V:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFI (WIFI-only) Module
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROLTE-V2 Verizon LTE Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
• First Alert VISTAH3PK-A:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFI (WIFI-only) Module
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROLTE-A AT&T LTE Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
• First Alert VISTAH3PK-TCH:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW (WIFI & Z-Wave Plus) Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
• First Alert VISTAH3PK-TCH-V:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW (WIFI & Z-Wave Plus) Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROLTE-V2 Verizon LTE Module
• First Alert VISTAH3PK-TCH-A:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW (WIFI & Z-Wave Plus) Module
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC WIFI Keypad
  • 1 - Honeywell Home PROLTE-A AT&T LTE Module
• VISTAH3IND1***:
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAH3 Hybrid Panel
  • 1 - First Alert VISTAHPKP Portrait-style Wired Keypad
  • 1 - First Alert VX5 HD Indoor Camera

***Note: The last kit listed above (VISTAH3IND1) does not contain the required equipment for programming the VISTAH3. To program, you will need to add a WIFI-capable module and a touchscreen keypad from the list of individual products in the preceding table.

Although users accustomed to the Lyric's all-in-one style and convenience are unlikely to switch to a hybrid panel, it is still possible. Therefore, in this installment of "Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life," we will discuss replacing the Lyric with the new First Alert VISTAH3.

Replacing The Lyric With A Hybrid Panel:

The First Alert VISTAH3 may be a good choice to replace an aging Lyric. Much like the PRO Series panels, the VISTAH3 supports SiX and PROSIX sensors right out of the box. It can also support a variety of wired and wireless devices.

The VISTAH3 is more of a traditional system, like the VISTA-20P. The main control panel is installed in a remote location, away from entry points. Then, either wired or wireless keypads are used to control the system. This is the first panel Resideo has produced that can support wired zones, wireless devices, legacy wireless, ECP zone expansion, and V-PLEX zone expansion. That's every type of expansion the company has ever made.

While the VISTAH3 might seem complex, its programming closely resembles that of the PRO Series panels. When replacing a Lyric system, you may not immediately utilize the new panel's more advanced features. However, it's nice knowing these capabilities are available for future expansion.

Recommended Keypads:

DIY installers of the VISTAH3 should be aware that local programming requires a touchscreen WIFI keypad. This means adding either a PROWIFI (WIFI-only) or a PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus) module before connecting a programming keypad.

There are three (3) touchscreen keypads to choose from when using the VISTAH3. The Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH, the Resideo PROWLTOUCHC, and the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC. If you'll be purchasing a new touchscreen keypad for use with this panel, we recommend the First Alert model. It is compatible with all versions of the VISTAH3 panel without having to undergo a firmware update.

Before using either the PROWLTOUCH or PROWLTOUCHC with the VISTAH3, a firmware update is required. This update can take up to 30 minutes to download and install. The VISTAH3 panel must be registered and updated first; then, it will automatically push the necessary firmware to the keypad. If you intend to set up and program your system before registration, the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC is the best keypad for you.

Although touchscreen keypads offer the best functionality and control of both the system and automation devices, it is recommended that you have at least one wired keypad to provide control of the alarm system in the event of a wireless failure.

The First Alert VISTAHLKP and First Alert VISTAHPKP both connect to the panel through the iBus. This new bus technology leverages RS-485 and provides robust flexibility for long wire runs.

RS-485 is not a protocol. Instead, it's a standard that defines the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers in a serial network. It's been commonly used in manufacturing automation for years due to its relative immunity to electrical noise. It supports long wire runs in noisy environments and multiple devices connected to a single bus.

Support for Legacy Wireless:

The VISTAH3 is compatible with the First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL for legacy wireless zone support. This legacy wireless takeover module works exactly like the PROTAKEOVER module used with the PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC. The biggest difference between the two modules is in their antennas.

The PROTAKEOVER includes a new PRO Series panel backplate with integrated antennas. The original backplate must be replaced for proper module function. Similarly, the VISTAHTKVRWL utilizes two external antennas, installed within the VISTAH3 panel's enclosure, to ensure effective wireless signal reception.

Similar to the PROTAKEOVER, the VISTAHTKVRWL cannot support multiple legacy wireless frequencies simultaneously. That means it cannot support both 5800 Series 345 MHz sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz sensors. If your Lyric panel incorporates both sensor types, a decision will have to be made as to which wireless series to keep and which to replace.

Communicators:

The VISTAH3 features an integrated Ethernet communicator. If a wired Ethernet connection is unavailable, or if you plan to use a WIFI keypad, you'll need to add either the PROWIFI (WIFI-only) or PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus) module. For enhanced reliability, consider installing either the PROLTE-A or PROLTE-V2 LTE cellular communicator. However, similar to the PRO Series, the VISTAH3 requires an Ethernet or WIFI connection for firmware updates. Over-the-air updates are not allowed via cellular connection.

Total Connect 2.0:

As with choosing a PRO Series panel as a replacement for the Lyric the First Alert VISTAH3 also comes with the added convenience of supporting Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Whether you've already been using TC2 with the Lyric, or you want to begin using it with the replacement panel, the VISTAH3 provides you with that opportunity.

TC2 is the remote accessibility platform offered by AlarmNet. AlarmNet is a subsidiary of Resideo. It started life as a means of providing backup communication for alarm systems that relied on telephone lines for a communication path. A savvy burglar could cut the phone lines from outside the building, then make entry, secure in the knowledge that the alarm system was unable to communicate.

AlarmNet changed all that by providing cellular communication capabilities for alarm systems. Those old analog cellular communicators were used only in instances where the primary means of communication, namely the copper phone line, was compromised.

Now, cellular communication is often the primary or the only communication path used. With the addition of IP communication, in the form of an Ethernet or WIFI path alarm users can have the best of both worlds. The speed of IP communication with the reliability of cellular. Total Connect 2.0 leverages these paths to provide remote control, along with real-time remote monitoring and notification capability.

Be sure to check out the rest of this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 2 we discuss replacing the Lyric with another all-in-one panel, in particular with one of the PRO Series systems. In Part 4 we discuss using an Alarm.com compatible system as a replacement.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 2

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 4

Resideo and Honeywell Home unveil a new wall mount and charging station for PROWLTOUCH and VISTAHTCHWLC keypads. Redesigned with a 9VDC transformer, the PROWLTOUCHWA allows longer wire runs between the power outlet and the unit and offers improved stability while using wall-mounted keypads.

The original wall mount for PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC keypads, the PROWLTOUCHWM, utilized a 5VDC power supply. This lower voltage restricted power wiring to a maximum of 34 feet (10.3 meters) when using 18 AWG wire. This limitation rendered the PROWLTOUCHWM unsuitable for some applications. Furthermore, when the touchscreen keypad was mounted on the PROWLTOUCHWM and used for system control, the keypad exhibited instability and a tendency to move.

With its 9VDC power supply, the PROWLTOUCHWA supports wire runs that are up to 277' (84m) long. That's more than 500% longer than with the PROWLTOUCHWM! The redesign also improves the stability of the keypad while it is mounted. So, no more "Galloping Gertie" while you try to control your system.

Wire Gauge and Length Chart For PROWLTOUCHWA

The PROWLTOUCHWA and PROWLTOUCHWM use different power supplies (9VDC and 5VDC, respectively). These power supplies are not interchangeable*. Using the 9VDC power supply with the PROWLTOUCHWM could damage the touchscreen keypad during charging. This is due to the incompatibility of the PROWLTOUCHWM's internal circuitry with the higher voltage.

*Per Resideo, there will be a very limited number of PROWLTOUCHWM units that can work with the 9VDC power supply. These units will have a date code on the product, which signifies their ability to support the higher input voltage.

Both the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHWA wall mount and the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHDM desk mount provide the convenience of a fixed keypad location with integrated battery charging. However, these mounts also offer the flexibility to detach the keypad for portable use. This is especially helpful during tasks like adding zones or programming Z-Wave devices, which often require direct interaction with the device being configured.

Due to the design modifications required for enhanced stability of the keypad when mounted, the PROWLTOUCHWA is no longer compatible with installation using a standard gang box. This is a minor inconvenience when compared with significant gains in stability and overall performance.

Alarm Grid has discontinued the original PROWLTOUCHWM and is now pleased to offer the enhanced PROWLTOUCHWA. If you haven't explored wall or desk mounting options for your touchscreen keypad, it is an add-on that we can wholeheartedly recommend. The ability to detach the keypad for mobile use during programming is game changing. Whether you have a new VISTAH3, a PROA7, or a PROA7PLUS system with an add-on touchscreen, this is a product that will quickly prove its worth.