Is the GSMV4G Compatible w/ a VISTA 21ip Panel?

Technically, the GSMV4G is compatible with the VISTA-21iP, but the GSMV4G is cellular only and will not work in tandem with the integrated Ethernet connection in the 21iP. The VISTA-GSM4G, however, is designed to offer internal cellular backup for the built-in Internet communicator.

The GSMV4G is a standalone external cellular communicator. It has its own housing, and easily mounts to a flat surface. The unit connects to a compatible VISTA alarm system via a 4 wire connection to the ECP bus. As stated, this device is compatible with the 21ip, but it's recommended to use the VISTA-GSM4G. The VISTA-GSM4G is the better choice for the user because it installs directly on the 21ip board, and offers dual path communication.The integrated Ethernet connection will be the primary communication, and the GSM4G will be the backup cell. It ships with a small blade-shaped interior cellular antenna that installs on top of the alarm system cabinet. Currently, Honeywell only offers an AT&T internal cellular backup for the VISTA-21iP.

The Honeywell VISTA series alarm systems have multiple communicators available which bring cellular communication to the system. This means the system can connect to a cellular network, like AT&T, to transmit alarm signals. Some cellular communicators can be used by themselves, or in combination with an Ethernet connection on the system. This feature is called dual path communication, and is always preferred over relying on a single path.The cellular connection will kick in in the event that the primary Ethernet connection fails. Cellular is a very reliable communication path, and is highly recommended to use for alarm systems.

Since the 21ip already has integrated Internet communications, the VISTA-GSM4G simply adds an internal backup. Using this communicator is both simple and highly recommended. However, for the adventurous, an user is able to rig the VISTA-21iP to work with the other communicators. If the user disables the internal comms by moving the jumper pin on the board, they can physically wire any AlarmNet external communicator to the ECP bus. This includes the GSMX4G, CDMA-X, GSMV4G, or the dual path iGSMV4G.

To move the VISTA 21ip jumper pin:

1. Power down the alarm system. Unplug the 21ip's backup battery, and unplug the system's transformer from the outlet it's plugged into. This should completely power down the VISTA 21ip system.
2. Move the jumper. The jumper is a small plastic piece located near the top left side of the board. Remove it from its current position on the middle and top pin, and move it so it's connected to the middle pin and bottom pin. This will disable the internal communications and allow an external communicator like the CDMA-X to be used.
   
3. Power the system up. Connect the backup battery first, then plug in the system's transformer.
   

Any of the AlarmNet cellular communicators mentioned in this article are compatible with the remote interactive services that Honeywell offers. The Total Connect 2.0 app offers encrypted, remote access for control and customizable notifications. The communicators allow the VISTA system to be remotely connected by an alarm company who is monitoring the system. The alarm company can upload the system's programming, and make any changes needed after the communicator has been activated on AlarmNet.