Can I easily Upgrade My VISTA-50P to a First Alert VISTAH3?

Yes, upgrading a Honeywell VISTA-50P to a First Alert VISTAH3 is pretty straightforward. First, plan ahead by selecting which sensors to reuse. Then, clearly mark any zone wires, disconnect the VISTA-50P, and remove it. Install the VISTAH3, then reconnect the zone wires and program the panel.

The First Alert VISTAH3 is the newest hybrid security panel from Resideo. Hybrid, means that it supports both hardwired and wireless zones out of the box. It seamlessly blends many popular features of older systems with the convenience and lifestyle enhancement capabilities found in new systems. The VISTAH3 offers a cost-effective upgrade option by allowing the reuse of many components from older Ademco, Honeywell, and Resideo alarm panels.

The VISTAH3 offers solid system capabilities, with up to 64 zones and four (4) partitions. It features eight (8) built-in hardwired zones, and if you choose to use zone doubling, which is available on Zones 2 through 8, the panel can accommodate up to 15 hardwired zones without the need to add any expansion modules. The panel offers native support for SiX and PROSIX wireless sensors.

Older VISTA panels use the Enhanced Console Protocol (ECP) for communication on the keypad bus. Put simply, ECP is the language these devices use to interact. The VISTAH3 introduces a new bus technology called iBus. This new bus protocol incorporates RS-485, a widely adopted hardware and driver architecture used in industrial automation. Two (2) takeover modules are available to adapt older VISTA expansion modules for compatibility with iBus. These are the First Alert VISTAHTKVR-B ECP takeover module and the First Alert VISTAHTKVR-V V-PLEX takeover module.

The ECP devices supported by the VISTAHTKVR-B are:

Product Name Product Description Compatible with VISTA-50P?
4219/4229/4229EX Hardwired Zone Expander/Expander + 2 Relays/High-Security Capable Expander + 2 Relays No
4204/4204CF Relay Module/Supervised Add'l Bell Output Module 4204 - Yes
4204CF - No
5881ENH, 5881ENHC, 5881ENL, 5881ENM, 5881ENMLA, and 5883H 5800 Series Wireless Receivers Yes. On the VISTAH3, only one-way wireless devices are supported. No bi-directional wireless such as the 5828 keypads can be used.
ECP-ISO/ECP-ISOR Keypad Bus Short Isolator Yes, but usually only required when a panel is used for commercial fire. The VISTA-50P is not a commercial fire panel.

Built-in Wired Zones

The VISTAH3 features eight (8) built-in hardwired zones that operate in a similar fashion to zones 1-8 on the VISTA-50P. Zone 1 on each panel can accommodate up to 16 two-wire smoke detectors and requires a 2k Ohm resistor (red, black, red color code). Any two-wire smoke detector that is compatible with the VISTA-50P will work with the VISTAH3.


Zones 2 through 8 on both panels support the same conventional sensors. The VISTAH3 also supports zone doubling and double balancing on these zones. Neither of these options are features of the VISTA-50P. With zone doubling, the VISTAH3 can support up to 15 wired zones without the need for an added expansion module.

Zone 9 on the VISTA-50P differs from any of the other hardwired panel zones. It's a normally closed zone that does not support the use of an end-of-line resistor (EOLR). If you need to use all nine (9) hardwired zones from the VISTA-50P without adding an expander, you can program one of the VISTAH3 zones as normally closed and connect the Zone 9 wiring to it. Then you can double one of the other available zones, resulting in a total of nine (9) wired zones. Note that only normally closed sensors, usually devices like door/window sensors and motion detectors, can be used with zone doubling.

Some of the early VISTAH3 panels were shipped without the necessary resistors for zone doubling. The correct resistors are a 3k resistor (orange, black, red) on the lower-numbered zone and a 6.2k resistor (blue, red, red) on the higher-numbered zone. For convenience, the VISTAH3 panel also supports resistor learning on zones 2-8. That means you won't have to find and replace or remove resistors if you're dealing with a panel other than a VISTA-50P.

There is one minor difference between the VISTAH3 and older VISTA panels that support zone doubling. On the VISTAH3, when you double a zone, the second zone in the pair will use the next available zone number, starting with Zone 9. For example, if you double Zone 2 and no zones above Zone 8 are in use, the system will pair it with Zone 9. This ensures efficient use of available zone numbers.

Keypad Support

Currently, keypads designed for the VISTA-50P are not compatible with the VISTAH3. There have been discussions about potential future compatibility though. If this becomes a reality, keypads like the 6160RF or 6150 might be compatible with the VISTAH3. In such a scenario, these devices would likely connect to the panel through the First Alert VISTAHTKVR-B ECP to iBus takeover module.

First Alert VISTAHLKP:


At this time only the First Alert VISTAHLKP landscape keypad and the First Alert VISTAHPKP portrait keypad are supported. These are basic push-button keypads that provide essential functions like arming/disarming the system and displaying current system status. Panel programming is not available through pushbutton keypads.

First Alert VISTAHPKP:


Adding a PROWIFI (Wi-Fi only) or PROWIFIZW (Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Plus) module to the panel enables support for WIFI touchscreen keypads. Several compatible models exist. For example, the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC touchscreen keypad is compatible with all VISTAH3 firmware versions.

The Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH and Resideo PROWLTOUCHC touchscreen keypads are also compatible, but require a firmware update to work with the new panel. The VISTAH3 should be updated, after which the panel will automatically push the update to the keypad. Be aware, this process can take up to 30 minutes.

Unlike the pushbutton VISTAHLKP and VISTAHPKP keypads, touchscreen keypads allow system programming. Without a touchscreen keypad, all panel programming must be done through AlarmNet360, which can only be accessed by professional alarm dealers. Therefore, DIY alarm installers must have at least one touchscreen keypad on the system to perform any programming.

Non-V-PLEX Wired Expansion

If you need to add additional wired zones to the VISTAH3, there are several options available. The VISTAH3 supports the First Alert VISTAHEXPHW, an eight (8) zone hardwired expander. With its relatively small form factor, this hardwired expander can be mounted conveniently inside the enclosure with the main panel, or remotely using a single or double-gang electrical box. This is an iBus expander, so it connects to the panel's iBus terminals directly.

First Alert VISTAHEXPHW:


The VISTAHEXPHW provides up to eight (8) additional hardwired zones when using traditional wiring, and up to 16 hardwired zones when zone doubling is used. It comes with 2.2k resistors, but also offers resistor learning, simplifying the replacement of other expanders that may have different resistor values. The panel also allows you to program the expander zones as normally closed or normally open, for use with no resistor.

Beyond the VISTAHEXPHW, the VISTAH3 supports the VISTAHTKVR-B ECP to iBus translator. This module enables the conversion of expansion modules such as the Resideo 4219 eight (8) zone hardwired expander or the Resideo 4229 eight (8) zone hardwired expander with two (2) relays, for use with the VISTAH3. While these expansion modules are not compatible with the VISTA-50P, meaning you won't be bringing any of these over from it to the VISTAH3, you may decide to use them for other reasons. Ultimately, the VISTAH3 gives you exceptional flexibility in terms of expansion possibilities.

Wireless Expansion

The VISTAH3 provides native support for SiX and PROSIX wireless sensors. If you will be bringing 5800 Series wireless devices over from the VISTA-50P, you can use the aforementioned VISTAHTKVR-B to integrate some existing 5800 receivers with the VISTAH3. See the compatibility chart above for a list of compatible receivers. See the VISTAHTKVR-B Data Sheet for a list of compatible 5800 Series Sensors.

If you currently have a legacy keypad with a built-in 5800 Series receiver working with the VISTA-50P, you may want to consider adding a VISTAHTKVRWL to the VISTAH3. Since the legacy keypad is currently not compatible with the new panel as of January, 2025, you may need to replace it with a different receiver. The easiest option is the VISTAHTKVRWL. This module connects to the panel on Slot 3, as seen below in this excerpt from the wiring diagram:


Although you will likely only be working with legacy 5800 Series wireless devices when replacing a VISTA-50P, the addition of the VISTAHTKVRWL module allows the panel to support any one (1) of the following legacy wireless frequencies:

Only one (1) legacy wireless frequency is supported per VISTAHTKVRWL, and only one takeover module is supported per panel. Honeywell 5800 Series and 2GIG 345 MHz sensors are not interchangeable and DSC Legacy and Bosch 433 MHz sensors are not interchangeable. The wireless takeover module will only support any one of these.

First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL:



The VISTAHTKVRWL is probably the easiest option you can choose whether you're adding 5800 Series wireless, or replacing a keypad receiver, but it may not be the best choice, depending on the wireless network's layout. Multiple 5800 Series receivers may have been used with the VISTA-50P. If so, it's likely due to inadequate wireless coverage by a single receiver. In that case, you may need to replace the keypad receiver with 5881 receivers tied to a VISTAHTKVR-B as described earlier. You can also wait to see if keypad receiver compatibility will be added through the takeover module at a later time.

Please note that the First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL is not interchangeable with the Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module, despite their similar appearance. Ensure you purchase the correct VISTAHTKVRWL module when working with the First Alert VISTAH3.

You can choose to use a VISTAHTKVR-B with one (1) or two (2) 5881 or 5883 receivers to support 5800 Series wireless devices. In addition, you can also simultaneously add a VISTAHTKVRWL to be used with any one (1) of the other legacy wireless protocols listed above. The VISTAH3 truly offers nearly endless flexibility with regard to expansion options, as long as you need 64 or fewer zones and four (4) or fewer partitions.

V-PLEX Wired Expansion

What truly unleashes the VISTAH3's power where the VISTA-50P is concerned is the optional First Alert VISTAHTKVR-V Gateway Module. This clever module acts as a translator, converting data from the V-PLEX serial protocol to the iBus standard. This allows you to seamlessly integrate existing compatible V-PLEX serial expansion devices, giving you even more flexibility. In fact, the VISTAH3 is the first alarm panel on the market to support both V-PLEX and ECP hardwired expansion, making it a truly versatile and adaptable system.


The VISTA-50P supports both serial and dip switch polling loop devices. Dip switch devices utilize older technology. The dip switches on these devices are used to set which zone numbers the device uses. Dip switch devices provide slower response times compared to serial devices and are not supported on new panels that use a feature called Global Polling.

A V-PLEX polling loop supports wire runs up to 12,000' (3,657m) in length when unshielded twisted-pair cabling is used. The V-PLEX loop is a two-wire bus where both power and data run on a single pair of wires. V-PLEX devices typically draw a very modest amount of current. Devices with a higher current-draw, such as the 4208U and 4208SN can receive their power from a separate source to keep current requirements on the polling loop low.

Product Name Product Description Image
269SN Hold-up Switch w/Stainless Steel Cover
4101SN 1 Zone/1 Programmable Relay
4190SN 2 Zone Expander
4191SN Recessed Contact
4193SN 1 Zone
4193SNP 1 Zone
4208SN 8 Zone Expander
4208SNF 8 Zone Expander w/Class A Zones See Above Image.
They look alike, but work differently.
4208U* 8 Zone Expander
*Must be set to serial mode
4209U* 4 2-Wire Smoke Zones
*Must be set to serial mode
4939SN 1 Zone, Surface Mount
4959SN 1 Zone, Overhead Door Contact
5193SD V-PLEX Smoke Detector
5193SDT V-PLEX Smoke/Heat Detector
DT8050A-SN Dual-Tec Motion w/Anti-mask
DT7500SN Dual-Tec Motion
FG1625SN FlexGuard Glass Break Sensor
IS2500SN PIR Motion Sensor
IS3050A-SN PIR Motion w/Anti-mask
V-PLEX VSI V-PLEX Short Isolator

Communicators

IP Communication:

The VISTAH3 has a built-in Ethernet communicator and can report alarm signals using Ethernet-only. If Ethernet connectivity is not feasible where the panel is mounted, the PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW module can be added to the panel to take advantage of available WIFI connectivity. The VISTAH3 can also report alarm signals using WIFI-only. Whether you choose Ethernet or WIFI, this is considered IP communication.

LTE Cellular Communication:

The VISTAH3 offers two options for LTE cellular communication: Resideo PROLTE-A for the AT&T LTE network and Resideo PROLTE-V2 for the Verizon LTE network. Both communicators provide robust LTE communication capabilities when used with the VISTAH3. When choosing an LTE module, select the communicator associated with the carrier that offers the best signal at your protected location, regardless of your personal cell phone carrier.

Dual-Path Communication:

For the most reliable communication, Alarm Grid recommends dual-path communication. This involves an IP communication path paired with an LTE cellular communicator. When both paths are available, the faster IP path is automatically used. If the IP connection becomes unavailable, the system seamlessly transitions to the more reliable LTE cellular path.

Summary

In summary, you can upgrade from a VISTA-50P to a First Alert VISTAH3 relatively easily. Although upgrading any alarm system requires a bit of work, with the proper planning and the right components you can switch to a modern, feature-rich system with a modest investment in time and money. If you're looking to upgrade your panel and you need help with planning, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com and we'll be happy to assist. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern.

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