How do I install a Honeywell iGSMV4G on a VISTA-20P?

The Honeywell iGSMV4G dual path internet and cellular communicator is a versatile, reliable communicator for your Honeywell VISTA-20P alarm system. The speed of the primary internet path and the reliability that the back up 4G cellular path offers is rock solid. Check out the iGSMV4G installation guide which is a great tool that walks you through the installation process step by step.

If this is a fresh installation follow these steps:

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.

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

Simply mount the unit to the wall. This unit does not weigh very much so using zip-its or the included wall anchors will work well. 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.

3A. Standard Install. Land power connections. (Install guide page 2-5.) Check out the VISTA15/20P quick install guide for a diagram of the panel.

Remove AC power and battery from panel. Power down completely.

Connect the included transformer to terminals 1 and 2 on the communicator. There is no polarity so just connect each terminal to one of the AC terminals on the transformer. Then plug into a 110 Volt AC outlet.

Connect to the alarm panel's auxiliary power terminals. Terminal 3 (ECP +) on the communicator goes to terminal 5 (AUX +) on the panel. Then connect terminal 4 (Ground) on communicator to terminal 4 (Ground) on the panel.

3B. Shared Transformer Install. Land power connections. (install guide page 2-9) Check out the VISTA15/20P quick install guide for a diagram of the panel.

Remove AC power and battery from panel. Power down completely.

Swap existing transformer with the iGSMV4G included transformer. Then wire terminals 1 and 2 on the communicator to terminals 1 and 2 on the panel. This will allow the IGSMV4G to share a connection to the transformer that powers the panel.

Connect the iGSMV4G power terminals to the alarm panel. Terminal 3 (ECP +) on the communicator goes to terminal 5 (AUX +) on the panel. Then connect terminal 4 (Ground) on communicator to terminal 4 (Ground) on the panel. When using the shared transformer method, do not exceed 30 feet of wiring between the communicator and the VISTA panel when using 18 gauge, 4 conductor wire.

4. Land data connections. (Install guide page 2-5)

Connect terminal 5 (data in) on the communicator to terminal 7 (data out) on the panel. Then wire terminal 6 (data out) on the communicator to terminal 6 (data in) on the panel. After the power and data connections are made, verify the connections and ensure there are no shorts across terminals.

5. 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.

6. Power the VISTA panel back up.

Depending on if you did the shared transformer setup (Step 3A) or not (Step 3B), you'll need to plug the AC transformer(s) back to the wall outlet and then re-connect the system's battery backup lead that was removed in step 3A or 3B. Let the system fully power up. If you get any faults try doing a disarm to clear any residual faults from the panel memory. Keep in mind that you will get a tamper alert 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 then perform a disarm before you can arm the system.

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 alarm 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 (version 2.0 or higher) 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, voila! Power the system back up and it will be able to use Total Connect 2.0! Follow the steps above to install the communicator.

For further information on the iGSMV4G, please check out our FAQ page where you can also find the quick install guide.