Overview
The Alula BAT-CONNECT is a very flexible Ethernet, WIFI, and 4G/5G LTE cellular communicator that can connect with many different system brands and models. This post covers connecting the Alula BAT-CONNECT to a Honeywell Vista panel. Keep in mind Vista comes in many flavors and names. First Alert panels are made by Honeywell and are pretty much identical to their Honeywell Vista versions. The same goes for the ADT SafeWatch Pro 3000 which is basically a modified Vista-20P but uses a proprietary firmware version made specifically for ADT.
The Honeywell models supported for interactive service (remote control) are:
- Vista 10P (virtual keypad support only)
- Vista 15P
- Vista 20P
- Vista 21IP
- Safewatch Pro 3000 (Vista-20P)
- Vista 128 (virtual keypad support only)
- First Alert FA148CP (Vista-15P)
- First Alert FA168CP (Vista-20P)
- First Alert FA130CP (Vista-10P)
Keep in mind many older Honeywell/Ademco panels can also be connected for Internet and/or cellular alarm monitoring using the BAT-CONNECT but interactive service (remote control) may not be supported.
ANY panel that can use ContactID format for communications will work with the BAT-CONNECT for alarm monitoring. This would include the Vista-10SE, Vista-20SE, 4140XMP for example. Most panels made from the late 90’s to today can use ContactID format which is what most modern central stations prefer today. The BAT-CONNECT however requires ContactID input from your alarm panel for transmission to Alula and our central station.
Step 1 – Installer Code
Step 1a – Test Your Installer Code
You MUST know your panel’s Installer Code to proceed. If you have a Honeywell panel the good news is its easy to reset the Installer Code if you do not know this important code. The default code for all Vista panels made the past 20 years is 4112. ADT (SafeWatch Pro 3000) generally uses 6321 as their default Installer Code.
To test, enter Program Mode:
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- Enter Installer Code + 800. If correct “20” or “Installer Code” will display on the keypad screen. If not the Installer Code has been changed and Step 1b is needed to reset the code.
- Enter *99 to exit Program Mode (if the Installer Code has been changed there is nothing to exit)
Step 1b – Reset Your Installer Code If Unknown
To reset the Installer Code for a Honeywell panel do the below steps.
NOTE: Touchscreen keypads such as the Tuxedo or 6290W cannot be used to reset a Honeywell Installer Code, only standard keypads such as a 6128, 6139, 6150, 6160 and their RF versions will work for this procedure.
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- Unplug the backup battery in the metal box. Disconnect the RED or BLACK wire. They just slip off the battery terminals. See pictures in Step 4a below.
- Unplug the AC transformer that is plugged into the 120VAC outlet near your metal box with all the alarm wiring. If in a closet the transformer may be plugged in in another location such as a basement, attic, garage since most closets do not have an AC outlet.
- Worse case if you can’t find the transformer CAREFULLY disconnect Terminal 1 in the metal box. Do NOT let this wire touch Terminal 2 or you will short out your transformer and will need to replace it! There is always a wiring diagram on the inside door of your panel’s metal box. Confirm that Terminal 1 and 2 connect to your 16.5VAC transformer.
- Confirm the panel has been powered down by checking the keypad. It should be dark (OFF)
- Plug your transformer back in and within 50 seconds go to your standard keypad and press * and # at the same time. “20” or “Installer Code” will display.
- Press *20 followed by 4112.The keypad will beep three times. You have now changed your Installer Code to 4112.
- Reconnect your backup battery.
Step 2 – Create Your Alula Account With SafeHomeCentral
Step 2a – Sign up for one of our Alula alarm monitoring plans.
Pick the plan you want (and options such as video), Add to Cart, then Checkout. Click HERE for our Alula Plans.
Step 2b – Complete our Monitoring Enrollment Form.
Complete the Monitoring Enrollment Form online for the UL central station and be sure to include the MAC and CRC shown on a sticker inside your BAT-CONNECT. The MAC and CRC are used to identify and register your specific Alula communicator. Click HERE for our Monitoring Enrollment Form.
Even with Self-Monitoring plans we need an electronically signed Monitoring Enrollment Form with your MAC and CRC address to create your account.
Step 3 Program Your Panel To Work With The BAT-CONNECT
Vista panels use “device addresses” for all keypads and communicator. Touchscreen keypads use “AUI addresses” (also know as ECP address) which are just a subset of device addresses. Only certain panels have AUI addresses which are used by touchscreen keypads as well as virtual keypads such as the Alula Security app which acts as a remote keypad.
Panels have two to four AUI addresses (device address) depending on Vista model. These are the allowable AUI addresses:
- Vista-20P, FA168CPS, Vista-21iP, SafeWatch Pro 3000 AUI 1, 2, 5, 6
- Vista-15P, FA148CP AUI 1, 2
- Vista-10P, FA130CP no AUI addresses
NOTE: If you have a touchscreen keypad such as a Honeywell Tuxedo on AUI 2 it will need to be moved to a different AUI address. The BAT-CONNECT must use AUI address 2 (Device address 2) for panels with AUI addresses. For the Vista-15P and FA148CP move the touchscreen’s address to AUI 1. For the Vista-20P, FA168CPS, Vista-21iP, SafeWatch Pro 3000 move the touchscreen to AUI 1, 5, or 6.
Go into Program Mode
Enter Installer Code + 800. “20” will display. Use code from Step 1.
Enable AUI 2 on your panel
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- For the Vista-20P, Vista-21iP, FA168CPS, SafeWatch Pro 3000 enter *189 1 1 1 1
- For the Vista-15P, FA148CP enter *189 1 1
Enable Keypad 8
Enter *196 1 0
Disable Keypad Lockout (Vista firmware version 10.21 and higher only)
Enter *188 0
Disable RIS
Enter *91 8 0
Exit Program Mode
Enter *99 Keypad returns to normal operation.
Step 4 – Connect Your BAT-CONNECT To Your Vista Series Panel
The inside door of your alarm panel’s metal box always has a wiring diagram. Confirm your panel’s terminals conform to the diagram below. This is how the BAT-CONNECT will be wired to the terminals in your metal box. We recommend the 6 wire hookup as shown.
You will need to supply your own 22 gauge wire available at any hardware store and sold by the foot. Get a 5 foot length of 4 conductor 22ga cable which is four 22 gauge colored wires in a single plastic outer cover.
NOTE: Alula does not supply hookup wire with their communicators.
Step 4a – Power Down Your System
Always work on a powered down system! There is little chance of physical danger to you but electronic components can easily be damaged if shorted while making connections.
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- Unplug the backup battery in the metal box. Disconnect the RED or BLACK wire. They just slip off the battery terminals.
- Unplug the AC transformer that is plugged into the 120VAC outlet near your metal box with all the alarm wiring. If in a closet the transformer may be plugged in in another location such as a basement, attic, garage since most closets do not have an AC outlet.
- Worse case if you can’t find the transformer CAREFULLY disconnect Terminal 1 in the metal box. Do NOT let this wire touch Terminal 2 or you will short out your transformer and will need to replace it! There is always a wiring diagram on the inside door of your panel’s metal box. Confirm that Terminal 1 and 2 connect to your 16.5VAC transformer.
- Confirm the panel has been powered down by checking the keypad. It should be dark (OFF)
Step 4b – Mount Your Alula BAT-CONNECT To The Wall
The BAT-CONNECT is generally mounted next to or above the metal box. If in a basement and reception is weak mount the BAT-CONNECT as high as possible and as close as possible to an outside wall to get the best cellular signal. In some cases you may need to locate the BAT-CONNECT on the first floor or higher to get a good signal if in a poor reception area. Be sure to buy enough wire if not mounting next to the metal box!
NOTE: Never place the BAT-CONNECT inside your metal box since this will seriously impact cellular reception.
Step 4c – Wire Your BAT-CONNECT To Your Vista panel’s Terminals
Always check the wiring diagram on the inside door of your metal box for exact terminal numbers if different from the below diagram. Connect all six wires as shown. Four wires for the virtual keypad function (terminals 4, 5, 6, 7) and two wires for telecom Tip and Ring (terminals 23, 24).
Step 5 – Power Your Vista Panel and BAT-CONNECT
Connect the AC transformer (or Terminal 1) and connect the leads to your 12VDC backup battery. Confirm the LEDs are lit on the BAT-CONNECT. If using cellular service then you must have at least 2 bars shown for reliable service.
If using Ethernet plug in your patch cable and the Ethernet LED will come on the cellular LED will go off.
If using WIFI unplug the Ethernet cord and press the WPS button on your router and then press the WPS button on the BAT-CONNECT to create a secure connection automatically.
NOTE: If your router does not support WPS then we can enter your SSID and key in manually from our dealer portal.
Step 6 – Test Your BAT-CONNECT
This last step is to make sure everything is working as expected. Your BAT-CONNECT will discover all your wired and wireless zones on your panel once powered up.
One of our SafeHomeCentral Tech Support agents will supply you with your Alula login (if using interactive services).
They will ask you to arm your system system using your Alula app (if interactive services selected) then trip an alarm to make sure both Alula and our central station is receiving the alarm event (zone number, type of alarm, account number).
You are now ready for service!
