How Do I Enroll Wireless Sensors With the VISTAH3?

Enroll wireless sensors on a First Alert VISTAH3 using a touchscreen keypad. If you don't have a touch keypad, work with your alarm dealer to add zones using AlarmNet360. You'll need to add the device, assign a zone and partition, set its loop/service, name it, then test signal and operation.

The VISTAH3 supports PROSIX two-way encrypted sensors by default, and can also support legacy 5800-series or even some competitor's wireless sensors via the First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL module. Using the takeover module, legacy sensors from Honeywell 345 MHz (uni-directional only), 2GIG 345 MHz (unencrypted only), Qolsys/Interlogix (319.5 MHz unencrypted only), DSC (433 MHz, not PowerG), or Bosch (433 MHz) can be used.

Device and zone setup is performed through programming, where you add each sensor, select its partition and zone number, then choose any remaining programming options and define voice descriptors. After enrollment, use the built-in sensor test to confirm the signal strength and battery status of PROSIX devices, while activating all sensors to verify proper operation. For legacy 5800-series devices, ensure the VISTAHTKVRWL is properly installed with the included antennas. Note that only one non-PROSIX wireless protocol can be used per system; that is, one takeover module per system and one legacy wireless protocol per takeover module.

1. Open panel programming. From the main screen, tap Menu (≡) > Tools > Enter Installer Code (default is 4112) > Programming > Peripherals. Tap the “+” icon in the upper-right corner to begin adding a new wireless device.
2. Choose how to identify the sensor. When the Add Peripheral screen appears, the system will automatically be in learn mode. For best results, use learn mode to program each sensor. This will automatically choose the next available zone number for each sensor as it is learned.
3. Learn PROSIX sensors automatically. For PROSIX devices, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to trigger enrollment. If the PROSIX sensor is new, pull the battery tab to power the sensor on initially. It will automatically transmit and pair with the panel, as long as the panel is in learn mode. If the sensor has already been powered on, you can activate the cover tamper, or otherwise cause the sensor to transmit to begin enrollment. The LED flashes rapidly for up to 20 seconds, glows solid for about three seconds, then turns off when learning is successful.
4. Program legacy RF sensors. For legacy 5800-series sensors, you can opt to Add Manually rather than learn automatically. This involves manually typing in the serial number and loop number used. For any other legacy wireless sensors, you must learn the sensor into the VISTAH3. The serial number format differs from one manufacturer to another. The VISTAHTKVRWL converts the manufacturer's serial number for these competitor's sensors to a format like the 5800-series. If you attempt to enter manually, you won't know the serial number that will be output by the takeover module.
5. Assign the correct partition. Once the serial number has been learned, you must program the remaining information for each sensor. If you only have one partition, the default setting of Main or Home will automatically be selected. Otherwise, select the correct partition, 2 - 4, for the sensor.
6. Select a zone number. Choose the desired zone. The system automatically defaults to the first available zone number if none is specified.
7. Set the service or loop type. Choose the correct service or loop for the sensor (for example, internal reed switch or external contact). If a sensor like the PROSIXCTV supports both an internal reed switch and an external wired contact and requires more than one service or loop, use “Add Service” to program additional zones with the same serial number or MAC.
8. Name the zone for clear voice annunciation. Enter the zone description by selecting from the built-in vocabulary or by adding a custom word. Custom Voice words require an active IP or cellular connection. When Custom Voice is used, the panel does not include the device type in zone annunciation. For example, if the zone is a window and you program Descriptor 1 as Master and Descriptor 2 as Bedroom, the panel will announce “Master Bedroom Window” any time it needs to announce that zone's status. However, if you use a Custom Voice descriptor, such as Descriptor 1: John’s and Descriptor 2: Bedroom, the panel will announce only “John’s Bedroom” when that zone changes status. Be sure to tap Save after programming each zone.
9. Finalize and mount the sensors. If you haven't already done so, mount each device following its installation instructions, then exit programming by tapping the back arrow in the upper left of the screen until you return to the main screen. Remember, if 5800-series devices are used, the VISTAHTKVRWL must be installed, and only one non-PROSIX wireless protocol can be active alongside PROSIX.
10. Test all enrolled sensors. From the touchscreen, tap Menu (≡) > Tools > System Test > Test Sensors. Activate each device. While in test mode, The panel displays signal and battery status for PROSIX sensors while chiming and announcing zone names for all zones as the sensors are triggered.