What's Check 103 Long Range Radio mean on a VISTA-20P?

Honeywell alarm systems like the VISTA-20P issue a 'Check 103 Long Range Radio' error on the keypad when there is an issue with an AlarmNet communicator. Depending on the communication setup on your panel the error can signify one or more of several different things. The keypad trouble is designed to inform the end user that there is an issue with the communicator, such as loss of network connection, cover tamper, or wiring issue between the panel and the communicator. Because the message can have multiple causes, it can be tricky to troubleshoot. If you are not being monitored, or simply want to silence the panel temporarily until a tech can work on the issue, you can disable the long range radio via panel programming. In a Vista-20P panel, you do this via programming location *29. By disabling the radio you are telling the system to no longer communicate via IP and/or GSM! If you are being monitored, and turning this feature off is not an option, there are a few ways to figure out what your issue is, and varying methods to solve it.

The first place to check is the tamper cover, if you are using an external communicator like a 7847i, LTEM-PV, or LTEM-XA. These lids can be very tricky to fully close. If the tamper switch is not fully depressed the system displays the same Check 103 error that is designated for communication failures. Sometimes the tamper cover may be in place but not making the proper contact with the tamper switch. A good method of troubleshooting is physically holding down the button and issuing two disarms at the keypad (this may require a partner). If this clears the error than you need to find a way to keep that tamper switch depressed, even if it means building something out, such as a piece of plastic or cardboard, on the inside of the tamper cover.

If you are using an 'IP only' setup the issue may be confined to the internet. These types of issues should be met with a reboot of your router and your alarm system. If the check 103 error reappears after a reboot it may mean there is still an issue with your network. This can be an internet outage, IP conflict, bad wired connection, etc. The first thing to do is verify that your communicator is getting an IP address by logging into your router settings, and searching for the device. If you are using a static (or fixed) IP address, please be sure to verify that it is not within your DHCP range to avoid potential IP conflicts. If you are still unable to solve the issue please seek professional assistance.

If you are using a 'GSM only' only configuration you can use the GSM signal LEDs to gauge signal strength. You need at least two yellow and one green LED in order for the panel to communicate via cellular network. If the signal is not meeting these needs you will need to relocate the unit, or setup an antenna or cellular amplifier, to increase cellular gain. If you are only seeing a single red LED on the GSM signal LEDs a panel and communicator (if external) reboot may do the trick. If not, and if you're sure the communicator is active with the cellular carrier, power down, remove the SIM card, re-seat it, then power back up and check signal strength again.

If the system is set up for dual path communication with IP and GSM then either path failing will cause a comm fail. Follow the steps above to troubleshoot each and use the status LEDs to decipher which path is the root of the problem.

If you have an Alpha display keypad, such as a 6160 the AlarmNet Communicator will display a 4 digit code, in addition to the "Check 103 Long Range Radio" that will help you decipher what the issue is. See below for a chart of these LRR ECP Status Codes, and what they mean.