How do I install a Honeywell iGSMV4G on a VISTA-128BPT?

The Honeywell iGSMV4G is a "dual path" internet and cellular communicator designed to integrate ECP compatible VISTA panels. The Honeywell VISTA-128BPT is a commercial grade alarm system and when paired with the iGSMV4G it is cable of internet and cellular monitoring. Dual path communications are ideal since the internet offers speed and the cellular offers reliability. Check out the iGSMV4G installation guide for more information on this versatile product.

You will need a total of 6 wired connections. This can be accomplished with 3 pairs of 2 conductor cable or 1 pair of 4 conductor with 1 pair of 2 conductor. Honeywell recommends using 18 to 22 AWG cabling.

1. Test signal strength and determine location. (Install guide page 2-1)

Connect the unit's battery back up and AC power supply. Ideally the communicator can sit beside the panel so boot it up locally and check the LEDs for signal strength. You will need at least 3 LEDS for minimum signal to function. This is a rough test so if you have 3 or more just move to the next step. Your monitoring provider will be able to do more accurate testing once registered. (Do not get hung up on this. Just mention it to the tech that activates your service)

2A. Standard Install. Land AC power connections. (Install guide page 2-5.) Check out the VISTA-128BPT connection summary for a diagram of the panel.

Remove the AC transformer that is powering the panel from wall power and disconnect a battery lead from the backup battery. Confirm the system is powered down by checking a keypad.

Connect the included transformer to terminals 1 and 2 on the communicator. There is no polarity so just connect each terminal to its own connection on the transformer. Do not plug this into an AC outlet until step 6. You can temporarily plug it in for testing but disconnect it before moving forward.

2B. Shared Transformer Install. Land AC power connections. (install guide page 2-9) Check out the VISTA-128BPT connection summary for a diagram of the panel.

Remove the AC transformer that is powering the panel from wall power and disconnect a battery lead from the backup battery. Confirm the system is powered down by checking a keypad.

First, swap the existing transformer with the iGSMV4G's included transformer. This prevents the need to take up another AC receptacle! The panel's transformer should already be disconnected from wall power. Remove the wires from the existing transformer and connect the new transformer. Ensure there are no shorts across the terminals. Do not plug this in until step 6.

Now, land terminals 1 and 2 on the iGSMV4G to terminals 1 and 2 on the panel. In other words, wire terminal 1 from the communicator to terminal 1 on the panel. Then terminal 2 goes to terminal 2. This will allow the communicator to draw power from 128BPT.

3. Land ECP connections. (Install guide page 2-5)

The panel is still powered down. First, connect the DC power connections. Terminal 3 (ECP +) on the communicator goes to terminal 6 (AUX +) on the panel. Then connect terminal 4 (Ground) on communicator to terminal 7 (Ground) on the panel.

Now, we can connect the data connections. Connect terminal 5 (data in) on the communicator to terminal 9 (data out) on the panel. Then wire terminal 6 (data out) on the communicator to terminal 8 (data in) on the panel. After the power and data connections are made, verify the connections and ensure there are no shorts across terminals. Please double check your work.

4. Connect the included back up battery. (Install guide page 2-5)

Start off by placing the battery in the compartment in the lower right side of the back plate. Screw in the retainer clip to the backplate in order to secure the battery in place. Connect the red and black spade connectors to the same color on the battery terminals. Then, plug the battery connection into the J1 battery port found on the communicator's board.

5. Mount the communicator. (Install guide page 2-2)

Simply mount the unit to the wall. Before making any holes ensure that your wiring is coming through the backplate. If it is not, then disconnect and pull them through. This unit does not weigh very much so using the included wall anchors should be fine. Line up the back plate on the wall and trace the keyholes while the unit is level. Then pre-drill for the anchors. Make sure to use a bit that is slightly larger than the small end of the anchor. This way the anchor will slide in snug. After you push in the anchors, screw in the screws leaving space for the wall plate to sit on before tightening them all the way down. After you sit the back plate on the screws you can tighten the screws so the device is snug to the wall.

6. Power up the alarm panel.

Reconnect AC transformer to the wall outlet. Let the system power up. Keep in mind that you will get a "Check 103" error if the cover is off your communicator. If you are still testing you can leave it off. Just keep in mind that you will need replace the cover and disarm twice in order to clear this error.

7. Program the iGSMV4G. (Install guide page 3-1)

Connect with a Honeywell dealer in order to activate and register the radio on the Alarmnet server. We offer no contract DIY home security monitoring services that include cellular communication for an additional $10 per month. We will dial into your panel remotely using software that allows us to make the programming changes for you. Simply sign up for the plan you would like and send us the MAC and MAC CRC address from the iGSMV4g. This can be found on a sticker inside the module and on the box. Take a picture or jot it down so you can email it into your dealer.

If you have an existing GSMV that you are replacing simply disconnect old unit and land the power and data connections on the new iGSMV4G. Do you have an older Honeywell VISTA-20P alarm panel and would like to install a dual path communicator and get Total Connect 2.0? No problem. Check out the iGSMV4G-TC2 . This kit includes the iGSMV4G and an updated PROM chip that will bring your older panel up to the newest revision (Total Connect 2.0 requires revision 9.12 or higher) with the flick of a paper clip. Simply power down the system and remove the existing PROM chip and gently push the new PROM chip into the slot and wala! Power it back up and your system will be able to use Total Connect 2.0! Follow the steps above to install the communicator.