How Do I Add a User to a VISTA-21iP?

You can add a user to a VISTA-21iP by entering the command [Master Code] + [8] + [2-Digit User Number] + [Desired 4-Digit Code] on a keypad. The keypad will make a quick beep to confirm that the new code was accepted. You can then set various attributes for the new system user code.

You can add new user codes from an Alphanumeric Keypad like the Honeywell 6160 or from a Fixed English Keypad like the Honeywell 6150. You can also do this from a touchscreen keypad like a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch or Honeywell 6280 by using its Console Mode. This will have the touchscreen keypad operate as an Alphanumeric Keypad so that you can add a new system code. To get to Console Mode, choose Security > More Choices > Console Mode from the main keypad screen.

Complete the following steps to add a new code to a VISTA-21iP:

1. Add the code. Enter the following command:

[Master Code] + [8] + [2-Digit User Number] + [Desired 4-Digit Code]

The default Master Code for a VISTA-21iP is 1234, but this code is usually changed for security purposes. The 2-Digit User Number can be any open user slot on the system. The system supports 48 user codes. The Master Code counts as one of these codes, but the Installer Code does not. The Installer Code Code is hardwired to slot 01, while the Master Code is hardwired to slot 02. For a new user code, you can use any 2-digit user number from 03 to 49, as long as the number you choose is not used by a different code. Additionally, the 4-digit code you choose cannot be used by any other system code.

If you make a successful entry, the keypad will make a quick beep to confirm that you were successful. But if you get a long error tone, then something went wrong. A possible cause for this could be that the 4-digit code you entered for the new user is already being used by a different code on the system. Additionally, if you choose a 2-digit user number that is already filled, then the command will just be changing that existing code. You won't actually be adding a new user. However, the keypad will still make that same quick confirmation tone, as you entered a valid command. Make sure the user slot you choose is vacant so that you do not confuse yourself or other users later.

2. Set the attributes. Set attributes with the following command:

[Master Code] + [8] + [2-digit User Number] + [#] + [Attribute Number] + [Attribute Value]

The table below shows the available attributes and their respective values:

Authority Level determines what the code can do. A User can Arm and Disarm at any time. An Arm Only code can Arm the system, but it can never Disarm. A Guest code can Arm at any time, but it can only Disarm if it was the code used to Arm the system in the first place. A Duress Code will Disarm the system, but it will also be sending a secret message to the central station to let the operator know that help is needed immediately. A Partition Master can do all of the same functions as the Master Code, but only for the partition(s) for which it is assigned.

Access Group is used for restricting when the code can be used to Arm and Disarm. The code will follow the schedule with the Access Group it is assigned. The code won't work outside of the schedule. In most cases, you can just set this to 0, which is not assigned to a specific group. By setting it to the Access Group of 0, the code will work at any time.

Active Partitions determines what partition(s) the code can control. Remember that the main partitions for a VISTA-21iP are Partition 1 and Partition 2. The third partition, called Partition 3, is a common partition. If you only use your VISTA-21iP as a single-partition system, then just choose Partition 1, which is the default selection.

RF Zone Number is if you intend to assign this user to a specific key fob. Please see the section on key fobs in the VISTA-21iP Installation Manual for more information.

Open/Close Paging is for alerting a pager if the VISTA has a phone line connected. If enabled, the system will alert the pager. Remember, POTS is strongly discouraged for alarm monitoring.

In most cases, you will have the following attributes for a new user code:

• Authority Level - 0
• Access Group - 0
• Active Partitions - 1
• RF Zone Number - 2-Digit Zone Number of Key Fob Input
• Open/Close Paging - 0

3. Test the code. Try entering the command [New Code] + [2]. See if your new code can Arm successfully. If it does, try to Disarm with [New Code] + [1]. As long as the new code wasn't set to Arm only, then it should be able to successfully Disarm. If you can Arm and Disarm with the new code, then it was set up correctly. Remember to place your system on test mode if you are going to test a Duress Code!