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

Replaced my old panel myself. Works perfectly.

I purchased this to replace a proprietary system,installed by a prior homeowner, that had been inactive for several years. With a little bit of Google research of of the model number it was clear that the old unit had been manufactured by Honeywell. I was interested in self monitoring and did not want to commit to an expensive, multi-year contract to re-activate the old system. The Vista system seemed well recommended as a neutral platform. On the physical side, I was able to re-use the existing wiring and Honeywell branded wireless sensors, but the speaker, keypad, and wireless receiver all had to be replaced. I paired this with a 6162 keypad, a WAVE-2 siren, and a 5881 wireless receiver. If I could do it again I would have probably went with the 6162rf keypad, since it has a RF receiver built in and my sensors are all relatively close to the unit. On the wiring side, you need to be comfortable stripping wire and using screw terminals, and for new installs there is the issue of routing wires through the wall for the power, keypad, and siren -- everything else can be wireless if desired. A keypad that supports Vista Intelligent Programming, such as one of the 616X series keypads, is essential. The control unit shipped to me had a v10.x firmware, so I was set under the requirement to have version 9.18 or higher to use the menu programming. In line with other comments, the programming menu is more oriented towards installers and requires navigating through several menus, but I was able to complete basic programming and enable ~5 wired and wireless zones over an afternoon by following along with online guides and YouTube videos. There are some great YouTube videos that basically walk from initial start up to configuring and naming a few zones. Im not sure if you need the software engineer background others mention to program it, but comfort with technology and a willingness to treat it as an adventure helped. So far the system is working great, and Ive added an Envisalink 3 for web based monitoring and control, which I was able to get up and running in about 30 minutes. The end result is that I have a system with plenty of capacity to grow that does everything I need -- I am very happy with the system. Day to day operation is very smooth, with the full text display again helping (as you can name zones and be notified of issues). The added features (web monitoring/control and text/e-mail alerts) from the EnvisaLink are great as well. While there are an increasing number of all wireless or home automation oriented systems out there, I am more comfortable with the idea of having a solid, stand alone, reliable system like the 20p for security, with home automation on its own platform until there is a little more standards convergence. Next steps include adding a sensor for the garage door and possibly wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. I will eventually look into the Honeywell Connect and/or Tuxedo Touch add-ons as they continue to mature.

Everything worked and programmed easily. Will buy again.

Ive installed many of these and have very rarely had an issue with any of these panels. Programming is straight forward as long as you follow the guide. Tech support is readily available. This panel has many options for both residential and commercial. Allows for expansion and zone programming allows your devices to be used in very versatile ways. If you want a traditional alarm panel configuration, Ademco Vista panels have been around a while and are still one of the best choices.

Panels work and Im happy. Great deal. I will buy more.

Great seller!! and product!!! Thank you

Purchased this panel directly from an authorized Honeywell dealer. This was to replace an existing Vista 20se which did not support the Tuxedo Touch console. The unit powered up correctly, but 20 minutes later AC failure was displayed on the console. I assisted the installer in tracing the failure to a burnt power brick. The unit was considerably hot and could have caused a fire. The installer checked all power leads and verified the board was properly cased in the panel. On further examination, there was a loose 1/2 inch solder lead found under three components. This leads was snipped during construction and was causing a short between several components. This led to a short in the external power brick which overloaded the unit. The enclosed power brick had no thermal fuse and continued to short until the unit literally burned up. Upon removing the solder lead and replacing the brick the unit continued working correctly. I have not observed any issues since that time. I personally contacted Honeywell Customer support and they completely ignored my information. I was told that any issues with the unit were in the hands of the installer and dealer. They wash their hands of any responsibility if the unit burns down your house due to manufacture defects. I would use this product at your own risk, and keep a smoke detector nearby.

Perfect replacement for our old existing one.

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.

These systems are easy to install for anyone with any basic tech skills...