Disabling a Long Range Radio on a VISTA Alarm System

In this video, Joe discusses the process for disabling the long range radio for a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. This can be useful for situations where there is a Check 103 Error displayed on the keypad for the system. Disabling the long range radio will clear this trouble condition from the system.

The Check 103 Error is shown when a Honeywell VISTA System has tried unsuccessfully to send communication signals with the Honeywell AlarmNet servers. Once the long range radio is disabled, the system will no longer be able to use an IP, cellular or dual-path communicator. The Check 103 Error will also be removed from the system.

The long range radio can be disabled through the *29 field of installer programming. The Installer Code for the system will need to be provided in order to access this menu. Disabling the long range radio through this method should only be done if the user has an Alphanumeric Keypad, such as a Honeywell 6160. This should not be done through a Fixed English Keypad, like the Honeywell 6150.

The *29 Programming Option displays the message "Enable IP/GSM". The user will enter in "0", which corresponds to "No" when disabling the long range radio. They can then back out of programming by using the *99 command. Remember, once the radio has been disabled, the system will only operate as a local sounder or a system monitored through a phone line.

Users who intend on having their VISTA System serve as a local sounder will want to have the long range radio disabled. This is also a good idea for users who want to strictly use a POTS (plain old telephone service) connection with the system. But we strongly recommend using an IP or cellular connection with a VISTA. Anyone using an IP or cellular connection will want to keep the *29 option enabled. If a Check 103 Error is ever displayed for one of these users, they should attempt to troubleshoot the condition so that their panel communicates properly.

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