Clearing a Low Battery On a VISTA P-Series Panel

In this video, Joe explains how to clear a low battery condition on a VISTA P-Series System. A low battery condition will occur if the panel detects that the backup battery does not have a sufficient charge. You will need to either give the battery some time to recharge or replace it with a new one.
The only way to clear a low battery condition is to prove to the panel that a battery is present and that it will supply enough of a charge to support the entire power load if needed. This is done by having the battery pass a Load Test. The panel will automatically perform a Load Test as part of a Walk Test. You can enter Walk Test mode with the command [Installer Code] + [5] + [0]. Remember that the default Installer Code for a VISTA P-Series Panel is 4112. The panel will need to remain in its Walk Test mode for at least five (5) minutes for a successful Load Test to be performed. Make sure the panel remains in this mode for at least five (5) minutes. You can then exit Walk Test mode with the command [Installer Code] + [1]. The low battery message will disappear if the Load Test was successful.
If you find that the system is displaying a low battery message, then you should try and see if the battery needs time to recharge. Allow the system to run on AC power for 24 continuous hours with the battery connected the entire time. This will give the battery a change to recharge. Then put the system into its Walk Test mode for five (5) minutes to see if a Load Test is successful. If not, then you may need to replace the battery with a new one. Keep in mind that the typical battery life for these systems is about three (3) to five (5) years. If it has been that long since the last battery replacement, then it is likely time for a new one. Some good batteries to use with these systems are the UltraTech 1240 and the UltraTech 1270.
alrm.gd/get-monitored

[@terryhinze]

Installed a new battery and followed your instructions. Worked perfectly! Thanks.

[@csApollo11]

Thank you so much for this informative video!!

[@purpledancerbmw5279]

Thank you much!

[@IamFreeRu]

Thanks!

[@joegallegos9109]

Thanks. I have a slightly different model of an Adelco? Alarm And I swapped batteries but still had the BAT code on the screen. I used my code then pushed TEST and it cleared it.

[@traviscox7336]

When was it installed? It may take a day or so to charge.

[@thisperson6146]

What about for Chime Bat? I turned off my electrical panel which restarted everything in my house. Now my buttons won't work. The buttons are still lit up green, but when I push a button, there's no beep or anything as if it's not reading my commands. Therefore I cannot turn on or off my alarm, or anything for that matter. Please help. Thanks

[@Muffin192213]

I have a 10P with new battery & new 16.5VAC 40VA transformer, the keypad shows ‘ No AC’ any thoughts? Thanks.

[@jerrettbrown1845]

Can anybody tell me what check 90 receiver jam is on a vista keypad

[@jamescc2010]

Hi, I have Vista10 and it show Bat light on therefore won't let me arm.. I had replaced the battery on the control unit a while back back due to low bat and beeping sound, but maybe now it has gone bad. Should I replace the battery again? If the voltage is low, can I use a car battery charger to charge it, probably no?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Power the system down wait 2 min then plug the Battery in first then plug in your AC transformer. If it comes back to try one more battery. if it is still present after that may have to replace the pane the Vits-10 is no longer manufactured. The panels to replace it are the Vista 15p and the Vista-20p.

[@tomdainguyen]

where can i buy a new battery?

[@CattooButt]

What type or battery name should I get to replace old battery? I no longer have a battery in my unit and keep getting the lights battery beeps.

[@bananasInpajamas358]

Depending on your system and power demands. I usually use a 12v 7ah battery as it lasts longer than the 12v 5ah battery they use in this video.

[@bobdownes217]

I need to replace the battery in the transmitters can you show how to access the battery?

[@joshuagriffin2807]

Hey Bob, Could you send your question to [e-mail] with a picture of the transmitter?

[@kingcc2]

Hello. Nice video. I have a low battery sign on my alarm. The screen used to light up whenever I would push any buttons, but now it won't, but the key pad still lights up. I brought a battery on Amazon & connected for 3 hours & then overnight (13 hours total) & tried to clear the battery signal & it's still there. Maybe I purchased a bad battery? Do you think it's because of the low battery might be the reason why the screen won't light up anymore? I even followed your instructions on how to test the battery, but when I punched in the code, nothing happened. Do you think you can help me out? Thank you

[@freddaniels8259]

Hello Kev. The screen will not come on if you have a low battery. The SYSTEM MUST BE READY and the dialer cannot be active to start the walk test. Upon entering the WALK test mode (Installer, Master, or Partition Master code + 5 + 0) the outside sounder, if installed, will sound for 1 second. Are we sure we are using the correct code? Do you have a volt meter? Try measuring the dc voltage on the battery disconnected and the terminals when disconnected. You should be reading more than 12V on both.

[@kingcc2]

@@freddaniels8259 Thanks for responding to me. I don't remember the master code (I've had the alarm for 10 years). I only use the extra code that I programmed. The green ready light is on when I tried to test the battery. I don't have a battery tester, so I'll go out & buy one. Is it a certain battery tester that you would recommend? Thank you

[@deangelo66]

Why does mine count from 57-60 and repeat?

[@yeungwilliam2091]

If the Vista-20P loss AC power, how long it send AC loss report to CMS ? It looks the panel did not send it immediately ?

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hi Yeung, AC loss occurs when the panel voltage drops below 16.5 VAC, which happens within 15 seconds of Loss. If AC Loss is enabled in field *62 the panel will Randomize the report to Central Station up to 4 hours after AC loss, IF AC Loss restores prior to sending the Loss signal no AC Loss restore signal will be sent if enabled. The Panel will log the event to the event log immediately when AC Loss occurs.

[@yeungwilliam2091]

@@DKAlarmgridSupport Can I program the panel send ac loss report immediately when voltage drops below 16.5vac ? 4 hours after seems a little longer time.

[@johnf5122]

​​​@@yeungwilliam2091Actually, it might be possible for you to just be notified by your power utility company by signing up for text notifications of AC loss. I have this, in my case the power co. is notified of power outages by customers in my area *(but that usually happens pretty fast right) then the automated system texts others on the same power grid quickly. If your panel notifies over a network, it is possible to have the IP pings monitored, so if the (very regular) ping intervals are missed, a notification is sent. i.e. this would notify the network is offine, possibly due to a network problem or AC loss since the AC drops your network as well. You could also configure an alarm input, say with a power monitoring device, that triggers the input. These guys might know of a device that would do this or you can search online for one that will.

[@bomatdaman]

Hi, I have a Honeywell Vista-20P alarm and I'm tired of buying batteries and dealing with low battery alarms in the middle of the night. Our power has never gone out in over 7 years. So, I don't want nor need a battery backup. Can someone tell me the installer programming code(s) to ELIMINATE the battery backup test by the alarm panel? I completely understand the risks, so no need for that warning. Thanks in advance.

[@nathangalarmgrid5205]

Hi Bo, Unfortunately there is no way to disable the low battery sounding or low battery supervision. First thing I would check if your having to replace the batteries often is what your charging voltage is, you can read the battery leads coming from the panel to see if your getting 12vdc. If you aren't their may be an issue with your board. If you have any other questions you can contact us at [e-mail].

[@jgerena34]

In 6290w with can’t program add device?

[@traviscox7336]

You can add devices with a 6290w. You must put the keypad in console mode first. Email with any questions.

[@mattdude]

Is this the same walk test that sets off the siren for a second?

[@freddaniels8259]

It is, it will chirp any sirens connected to the bell terminals, upon starting the test.

[@mattdude]

@@freddaniels8259 well considering my siren is right above my panel that’s certainly not ideal lol

[@freddaniels8259]

​@@mattdude Agreed. If you're comfortable with wiring, you can just disconnect one lead from one of the bell terminals on the panel and eliminate the heart stopping loudness you will hear.

[@mattdude]

@@freddaniels8259 I don’t know where that would be, maybe someday I’ll just get a 5828 so I can be in another room when I start it

[@freddaniels8259]

@@mattdude Guess what, Matthew. We have an article on that. It also includes a video, as well. www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-i-add-a-siren-to-my-honeywell-vista-alarm-system

[@m74d3]

Interesting, when I enter the default code (or my own code) and then hit 5 for Test, nothing happens. The "1=Dial, 0=Walk" never appears on the screen. Nothing happens at all (even though my panel is the one pictured here and it even says "TEST" by number 5 like the one in this video). Priceless

[@traviscox7336]

Do you hear any beeps? If not its possible the code doesn't work. Also are you sure you have an Alpha keypad? Email and see if we can help you out!

[@wranglercjseven69]

The code you entered before battery check would that just our code ? Thnaks

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hello, The code to initiate the walk test is the installer code used to enter programming + 5 + 0. The Default Code is (4112), so the command string would be the following 4112 + 5 + 0.

[@johnf5122]

Installer codes could've been changed from the 4112 default. Try 4112 to see if it is accepted, if it is, then the 5 + 0 If not, your panels default installer code was changed by the installer or another owner. The code your users use should be the user code (or possibly more than one user code) not the installer code.