Honeywell VISTA-20P Ademco Control Panel, PCB in Aluminum Enclosure

will buy again

Yup its a vista-20p panel with chip10.24. Includes a new transformer, lock and a dozen or so resistors.

I replaced my Vista10Se that was doing weird things. This model is very close in layout but the wiring was slightly different. If you are switching from a different model the resisters they ship with the panel are likely different from your old one and you will need to swap all of those out. What you could put on each port was more flexible than my 10SE, but there was a restriction on what you could put on one of the ports on the 20SE. I switched to two 6160 key pads with my upgrade so I have full text on both keypads. One of those keypads is a 6160RF so I can use things like key fobs. Make sure you copy all of the setting out of your old panel if you have access to the programming... otherwise just fill out options sheet as to what you may want to change from the default. You can likely just call your security company to get setting like the dial in number and responses if you need. Each company will vary. All of my wiring went back in without a problem. I like that I can put real words on my zones now so you dont need a chart to see what is open. The relays are a little louder. I can hear them clicking as I lock and unlock the system. The messaging off this unit is much better than my old one. I also saw some after market devices to have the messaging go direct a phone w/o the need of the monitoring company to forward it. Those devices and the app can let you remotely arm and disarm as well. Keep in mind that some monitoring companies just bundle all that in to their offering now so you may be able to get it that way. I was able to keep my old cellular backup and the IP adapter that allows my monitoring to work over the internet as well. If you have not programmed these before they can be a little frustrating... and understanding resistive loops might have you scratching your head. There are a lot of online videos for these panels. I have to say the programming my first RF device was a task even with the videos... I probably should not have started with trying to customize it to my desires and gone with the defaults as a starting point for the RF (as that would have worked). In the end all is good and as I want it.

Ordered as replacement for 16 y.o. ADT Safewatch Pro 2000 (rebrand of Ademco Vista 20SE). Straightforward replacement, with existing hardware leads easily matching up to same terminals. Honeywell programming and user interface are something only a mother could love. Given this is 21st century, would be nice if board had USB or wifi interface and programmability via browser, but most of these boards are sold to pros whose main value proposition is tied up in hiding the ball. Hey, Im happy to pay for quality work but original ADT install was slopped together so badly that it led to years of headaches. Enough! I am now definitively cleaning up the mess myself. Thank you Honeywell for giving DIY option so I can avoid pro turn & burn slop-meisters. But I digress. Board is very well supported, which, along with its good price, is its main selling point. As mentioned by others, head to YouTube for excellent tutorials. Looking forward to adding RF keypad and keychain FOB, and 3rd party IP board.

Excellent control panel easy to program

I had no idea this panel would bring me here. By here I mean due to my OCD the level of expansion it offers all for 70 bucks. In just over a year Ive nearly maxed it out. All 48 rf zones utilized, 7 hardwired and 10 button remote zones used. With a 20p & a 6160rf you can easily best any ADT or similar system out there. Add a Tuxedo touch and you can get Total Connect 2.0 with Zwave automated thermostats as I do up to 3 along with dimmers and outlets. With a 4204 relay module and some wiring you can open/close your garage doors. Or you could just get the panel, a 6160rf and an 5802wxt panic pendant and keep an aging parent safe with basic phone line monitoring all for less than 250$ I have opted for full Total Connect premium service for 44$ a month that includes texting of sensor events, video events & alarms. It can set my thermostats back, turn all my lights off and lock my door when I press the arm away button on my key fob saving on heating costs. Granted I spent the additional $ for the Zwave enabled devices but still, it is truly awesome what you can do with this 70$ panel. I could go on and on but simply put. This thing is the cats ass

Perfect replacement for our old existing one.

Awesome panel. Plenty features.

Just received this panel today (4/15/2014), and ordered from NuWave AV based off of one of the reviews below. I needed Revision 9.16 or higher to work with the keypad that I ordered. I received Revision 9.12 from them. I will be returning this immediately as it does not work with the keypad that I ordered. On top of that, the battery was shipped with it inside the panel box, and was loose during shipping. It moved around inside the box and shockingly didnt bust, but who knows how much damage it did to the panel itself. BEWARE OF ORDERING FROM NuWave AV. I will not order from them again!!!

I use this product as a local alarm/self monitored system for my home. The whole thing isnt really meant for those who are not willing to put the time and effort into something like this. While I was upgrading my older system to this, youtube came along and helped me as well. Once you get the wiring done, and you dont understand the programming guide, there are plenty of videos out there on youtube of how to program and understand what it means. Just type in something like Honeywell Vista 20p programming (The vista 15p is the same but with 2 less zones) **I want to give a heads up with programming you MUST have at least an alpha keypad to program. Keypads like the honeywell 6160 will do just fine. This is because the screen can show words and letters so you can understand what your programming. It is harder with the just numeric keypads like the 6150. If you can do all of that, your in luck my friend, youve found yourself a great security system.