My Honeywell security panel is working but it is not logging events
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First thing always is to find the model of your control panel (NOT the keypad). If you have one of the Vista series, the model nomenclature should be on a diagram inside the door of the control panel's steel cabinet. The Vista series runs from the old Ademco 4110, 4110DL, 4110XM, through more than a dozen models I'm not going to bother to list, up to the more recent and contemporary Vista-10, Vista-15 and Vista-20 series. The V-20 series has been the most popular, and runs from Vista-20, Vista-20SE, Vista-20P, and Vista-21iP. Those model numbers should give you some idea of the kind of nomenclature you're looking for.
Once you get the model, you should be able to download the Installation, programming, and user manuals. Chances are that the logging hasn't been turned on in programming, but that can be daunting and I can direct you to the specific field(s) if you have trouble with it.
Another thing: PLEASE don't post any more on that years-old thread you bumped up about the "Honeywell 6000f" that had nothing to do with your question. I'm going to put (hopefully) ONE post on it requesting that it be ignored by any and all, and left to retreat back down the queue into oblivion where it belongs.
I've seen it happen before where different people ask and get answers to different aspects of a problem on two different threads, and every new person trying to contribute is missing information unless s/he happens to know that there is another thread; and then has to switch back and forth between threads to be sure s/he has all the info--starting with plowing through the years-old info that has nothing to do with the current problem.
So for future reference, on a DIY-type help forum, post on ONE thread and give people a chance to respond. This isn't Tech Support of a corporation, it's an all-volunteer board and some of us check in less often than others.
Once you get the model, you should be able to download the Installation, programming, and user manuals. Chances are that the logging hasn't been turned on in programming, but that can be daunting and I can direct you to the specific field(s) if you have trouble with it.
Another thing: PLEASE don't post any more on that years-old thread you bumped up about the "Honeywell 6000f" that had nothing to do with your question. I'm going to put (hopefully) ONE post on it requesting that it be ignored by any and all, and left to retreat back down the queue into oblivion where it belongs.
I've seen it happen before where different people ask and get answers to different aspects of a problem on two different threads, and every new person trying to contribute is missing information unless s/he happens to know that there is another thread; and then has to switch back and forth between threads to be sure s/he has all the info--starting with plowing through the years-old info that has nothing to do with the current problem.
So for future reference, on a DIY-type help forum, post on ONE thread and give people a chance to respond. This isn't Tech Support of a corporation, it's an all-volunteer board and some of us check in less often than others.
Sorry about posting in the wrong spot.
I looked at my panel and it is the Ademco vista 20p/20psia. I downloaded the user guide and all I can see in it is how to look at your log ahead and back but when I arm my system, pretend to leave and the come back I do not see the entry. Did you say there was a way to turn it on or off? Can you run me through the procedure?
I looked at my panel and it is the Ademco vista 20p/20psia. I downloaded the user guide and all I can see in it is how to look at your log ahead and back but when I arm my system, pretend to leave and the come back I do not see the entry. Did you say there was a way to turn it on or off? Can you run me through the procedure?
Download the Installation manual and the Programmer Guide.
http://www.alarmhawaii.com/Alarm Vista 15,20.pdf
http://site.aesecurity.com/Manuals/v15pand20pprogrammingguide.pdf
The Installation manual will tell you how to get into panel programming and how to leave programming. Do you have an Alphanumeric keypad (6160 or 6162), one that displays something like, Zone 10 FRONT DOOR, instead of just Zn10? You don't actually need an Alpha to program these fields, but the Alpha display makes it easier.
Search and you'll find the log enable and options in Field *90. The default setting is [3], which is 2(Trouble and Trouble Restore) + 1 (Alarm and Alarm Restore). Look at *90 program field in the manual and that will make sense. If it's set to default, it won't log open/close (arming and disarming).
At *90, enter [#15] to enable everything listed being logged.
*89 is for log reporting to your monitoring station--your system is most likely programmed for Ademco Contact ID (CID), so all you have to do is enter [01] to enable that. You might check to see if they charge extra for that.
Let me know if the procedures aren't clear.
http://www.alarmhawaii.com/Alarm Vista 15,20.pdf
http://site.aesecurity.com/Manuals/v15pand20pprogrammingguide.pdf
The Installation manual will tell you how to get into panel programming and how to leave programming. Do you have an Alphanumeric keypad (6160 or 6162), one that displays something like, Zone 10 FRONT DOOR, instead of just Zn10? You don't actually need an Alpha to program these fields, but the Alpha display makes it easier.
Search and you'll find the log enable and options in Field *90. The default setting is [3], which is 2(Trouble and Trouble Restore) + 1 (Alarm and Alarm Restore). Look at *90 program field in the manual and that will make sense. If it's set to default, it won't log open/close (arming and disarming).
At *90, enter [#15] to enable everything listed being logged.
*89 is for log reporting to your monitoring station--your system is most likely programmed for Ademco Contact ID (CID), so all you have to do is enter [01] to enable that. You might check to see if they charge extra for that.
Let me know if the procedures aren't clear.
If one has an alpha numeric keyboard I would assume you connect at the metal box and not the control panel, right? If you do not have a keyboard, how do I access the * codes from the panel. You can not just put in your access code and *90 for example to see the log entry status.
Let's get on the same page with our terminology: The Control Panel is the brain of the system. There is only one and it lives in a metal cabinet.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-V...631793?hash=item3ac266fa31:g:v3gAAOSw3xJVWgTg
I like to use eBay for illustration because I can generally find good pics so we can see what I'm talking about.
Keypads are the User interface, and there may be one or several in a system. They have 12 keys and a display to show you what's happening. Users sometimes refer to them as "the control panel", or "the panel", because that's where users "control" their alarm system; but they're the interface, not the control panel itself. Think of a desktop computer where the computer is in the "tower" under the desk and the keyboard and screen are your interface.
They come in "Fixed-English" keypads like the 6150,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-A...281523?hash=item4d43eff6b3:g:iWYAAOSwhRxXJ-5p
Or in Alphanumeric keypads (e.g. 6160) where you can program custom words like, "Front Door" or "Kitchen Window" instead of just "Zone 8" or "Zone 6".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-6...532355?hash=item3d1a32a783:g:3gwAAOSwt7pXM24T
To get into panel programming mode and do Data Field Programming, as in this case at *90, you only need a Fixed-English keypad to display the field number and data entry as you program. If you ever want to get into menu programming (e.g., adding or changing a zone), you would need an Alpha keypad to navigate the menu.
If you have a 6150 or equivalent, you have everything you need to get into panel programming and turn on the log options you want. Read the relevant part of the Installation Manual and Programming Guide (there is overlap, but read both, about entering panel programming mode and Data Field *90) and you'll probably see what I mean.
If you still have trouble with specific steps, I'll give you a step-by-step walk-thru, but you don't want to go into panel programming mode until you've looked over the manual.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-V...631793?hash=item3ac266fa31:g:v3gAAOSw3xJVWgTg
I like to use eBay for illustration because I can generally find good pics so we can see what I'm talking about.
Keypads are the User interface, and there may be one or several in a system. They have 12 keys and a display to show you what's happening. Users sometimes refer to them as "the control panel", or "the panel", because that's where users "control" their alarm system; but they're the interface, not the control panel itself. Think of a desktop computer where the computer is in the "tower" under the desk and the keyboard and screen are your interface.
They come in "Fixed-English" keypads like the 6150,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-A...281523?hash=item4d43eff6b3:g:iWYAAOSwhRxXJ-5p
Or in Alphanumeric keypads (e.g. 6160) where you can program custom words like, "Front Door" or "Kitchen Window" instead of just "Zone 8" or "Zone 6".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honeywell-6...532355?hash=item3d1a32a783:g:3gwAAOSwt7pXM24T
To get into panel programming mode and do Data Field Programming, as in this case at *90, you only need a Fixed-English keypad to display the field number and data entry as you program. If you ever want to get into menu programming (e.g., adding or changing a zone), you would need an Alpha keypad to navigate the menu.
If you have a 6150 or equivalent, you have everything you need to get into panel programming and turn on the log options you want. Read the relevant part of the Installation Manual and Programming Guide (there is overlap, but read both, about entering panel programming mode and Data Field *90) and you'll probably see what I mean.
If you still have trouble with specific steps, I'll give you a step-by-step walk-thru, but you don't want to go into panel programming mode until you've looked over the manual.
Ok I have a keypad that should work (picture included) but not sure how to get into programming mode. Sounds like you need installer code. They start by saying .....
TO ENTER PROGRAMMING MODE (using an alpha keypad connected to the control):
A. POWER UP, then press [✱] and [#] at the same time, within 50 seconds of powering up (this method must be used if ✱98 was used to exit program mode). OR
B. Initially,key:InstallerCode(4+1+1+2)plus 8 + 0 + 0.
Am I supposed to power off. I don't have the installer code. Not sure where to go from here.
TO ENTER PROGRAMMING MODE (using an alpha keypad connected to the control):
A. POWER UP, then press [✱] and [#] at the same time, within 50 seconds of powering up (this method must be used if ✱98 was used to exit program mode). OR
B. Initially,key:InstallerCode(4+1+1+2)plus 8 + 0 + 0.
Am I supposed to power off. I don't have the installer code. Not sure where to go from here.
Okay, that looks like an Alpha keypad, so you'll see more detail in your display.
Power your system off by unplugging the power transformer. It's usually a beige plastic-enclosed wall-wart, a 16.5VAC, 40VA transformer plugged into an outlet that is most often near the control panel. Depending on where your control panel is located, it may not be close.
Then remove one wire from the 12V sealed lead-acid battery in the panel cabinet. The red or black wires just pull off the battery terminals. Pull off the one easiest to reach. Removing just one wire means you can't get them mixed up when you re-connect.
Confirm you unplugged the right transformer: Your keypad screen will be blank. Forget reconnecting the battery until after the programming procedure. You'll be in a hurry when you plug in the transformer, so run like a bunny to press [✱] and [#] at the same time, within 50 seconds of powering up. You may need to hold them down a sec, but programming Field 20 will display on the keypad.
You are now in Panel Programming Mode, at Field *20. (Don't experiment! Just follow the procedure.) If the display isn't already showing your Installer code, then press #20, and the display will show your Installer Code. Now you don't have to do the power-up procedure next time you want to program something. If you want a new Installer Code, press *20 and enter a new 4-digit code.
WARNING: Don't get cute and try to make your User/Master Code the same as your Installer Code. It won't work, and using an Installer Code as a User Code can get you locked out of your panel while it's armed. Just keep the codes separate like they're designed.
After you've written it down, press *90 and read the display for the data at that address. My guess is that *90 was left at default and you will see [03] displayed. If you want all options logged, enter #15, three key presses. You should see the new entry displayed, which will be the 2-digit hexadecimal number which is the sum of the numbers for all of the log options selected. Don't remember it off the top of my head: A number digit and a letter between A and F.
Next, press *99 to exit programming. Your keypad will show your system status (READY TO ARM, if everything is closed.) You are back in Normal Operation mode and can test your log functions.
Remember to reconnect that battery wire and let me know how it goes.
Power your system off by unplugging the power transformer. It's usually a beige plastic-enclosed wall-wart, a 16.5VAC, 40VA transformer plugged into an outlet that is most often near the control panel. Depending on where your control panel is located, it may not be close.
Then remove one wire from the 12V sealed lead-acid battery in the panel cabinet. The red or black wires just pull off the battery terminals. Pull off the one easiest to reach. Removing just one wire means you can't get them mixed up when you re-connect.
Confirm you unplugged the right transformer: Your keypad screen will be blank. Forget reconnecting the battery until after the programming procedure. You'll be in a hurry when you plug in the transformer, so run like a bunny to press [✱] and [#] at the same time, within 50 seconds of powering up. You may need to hold them down a sec, but programming Field 20 will display on the keypad.
You are now in Panel Programming Mode, at Field *20. (Don't experiment! Just follow the procedure.) If the display isn't already showing your Installer code, then press #20, and the display will show your Installer Code. Now you don't have to do the power-up procedure next time you want to program something. If you want a new Installer Code, press *20 and enter a new 4-digit code.
WARNING: Don't get cute and try to make your User/Master Code the same as your Installer Code. It won't work, and using an Installer Code as a User Code can get you locked out of your panel while it's armed. Just keep the codes separate like they're designed.
After you've written it down, press *90 and read the display for the data at that address. My guess is that *90 was left at default and you will see [03] displayed. If you want all options logged, enter #15, three key presses. You should see the new entry displayed, which will be the 2-digit hexadecimal number which is the sum of the numbers for all of the log options selected. Don't remember it off the top of my head: A number digit and a letter between A and F.
Next, press *99 to exit programming. Your keypad will show your system status (READY TO ARM, if everything is closed.) You are back in Normal Operation mode and can test your log functions.
Remember to reconnect that battery wire and let me know how it goes.
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Followed your instructions and got the installer code. Went into *90 and put in 15. Unfortunately I did not look to see what was there before. Anyway I now have a bell failure and my battery is fine and on top of that it is still not logging events. I armed the system then came back in and went in and looked at #60 and did not see my entry when I came back in after setting the alarm. Not sure where to go from here.
If you put it "15", then you didn't follow my instructions; which were to "enter #15, three key presses." That's #15, "Pound key, one key, three key" = pound-one-five, three keys to press. Sorry I didn't make that more clear.
The # symbol is sometimes called "pound", "number", "hash", or "hashtag". Its proper name is octothorp, but I never use that word because nobody else does either. In the alarm industry, referring to keypad entries, I've always heard it referred to as "pound", so that's the jargon I follow so the maximum number of people will understand what I'm saying.
I think I did give wrong information in thinking Field *90 displayed two digits--it's more likely one digit, which is the hexadecimal sum of what you choose to be logged. An entry of 15 (which requires you to press #15) will display as [F], hexadecimal for 15. I also neglected to tell you to press * after the entry, which you would have done if you pressed *99 to exit; but it's a good idea to check Field *90 before moving on.
In my defense, it was late and I was coming down with whatever is keeping me down coughing, sneezing and my nose running today. (I'm a sick puppy). :-(
Get back into programming, go to *90, enter #15 (pound-one-five) and then * (star) to save the entry. Then press #90 to have the panel display what is now in Field *90. I think it will be an F, but honestly I haven't done this in years--just don't have that much occasion to change that particular field.
Press *99 to exit programming, and check your logging again. If there's still a problem, I'll drag out my V-20P panel and hook it up and go over it myself to make sure I'm not leaving something out.
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The "bell failure" is a separate issue. There's no way changing *90 will affect your bell or siren. I've been assuming you were working with a home system here, but you didn't actually say so. Most home systems have a siren or two rather than a bell.
What sequence of events leads you to say you have a bell failure? Please remember, I can't assume anything here: My only information comes from you. Telling me you "have a bell failure" doesn't tell me what happened/didn't happen, or in what sequence.
The # symbol is sometimes called "pound", "number", "hash", or "hashtag". Its proper name is octothorp, but I never use that word because nobody else does either. In the alarm industry, referring to keypad entries, I've always heard it referred to as "pound", so that's the jargon I follow so the maximum number of people will understand what I'm saying.
I think I did give wrong information in thinking Field *90 displayed two digits--it's more likely one digit, which is the hexadecimal sum of what you choose to be logged. An entry of 15 (which requires you to press #15) will display as [F], hexadecimal for 15. I also neglected to tell you to press * after the entry, which you would have done if you pressed *99 to exit; but it's a good idea to check Field *90 before moving on.
In my defense, it was late and I was coming down with whatever is keeping me down coughing, sneezing and my nose running today. (I'm a sick puppy). :-(
Get back into programming, go to *90, enter #15 (pound-one-five) and then * (star) to save the entry. Then press #90 to have the panel display what is now in Field *90. I think it will be an F, but honestly I haven't done this in years--just don't have that much occasion to change that particular field.
Press *99 to exit programming, and check your logging again. If there's still a problem, I'll drag out my V-20P panel and hook it up and go over it myself to make sure I'm not leaving something out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "bell failure" is a separate issue. There's no way changing *90 will affect your bell or siren. I've been assuming you were working with a home system here, but you didn't actually say so. Most home systems have a siren or two rather than a bell.
What sequence of events leads you to say you have a bell failure? Please remember, I can't assume anything here: My only information comes from you. Telling me you "have a bell failure" doesn't tell me what happened/didn't happen, or in what sequence.
No I think I did everything right. I may have replied and you read it wrong or I stated it incorrectly but I do have 15 in the 90 field. The reason I chose 15 was because in the programming manual it said 15 would log all entries which was what I wanted. As for the Bell failure that came up as soon as I exited programming. I read some where that the battery may be low and that the system was not designed to charge a low battery only a trickle charge to keep the battery up. I checked with a meter and the battery is fine. I really hate to take up your time like this especially when you are not feeling well but you sound like a man that loves a challenge.
Yes it is a home system and we pay a monthly fee for services, one of which is a weekly check of our homes when we are away for an extended period of time. Myself and several others suspect that we are not getting weekly checks if we are getting any at all. Some people can dump their logs to show the lack of entries but mine is not logging at all.
Yes it is a home system and we pay a monthly fee for services, one of which is a weekly check of our homes when we are away for an extended period of time. Myself and several others suspect that we are not getting weekly checks if we are getting any at all. Some people can dump their logs to show the lack of entries but mine is not logging at all.
Okay, I dug out my V-20P and plugged it in, and sure enough, Field 90 will show 15, decimal number, when it has a 15 value entered. But to get that 15 value in there, you have to enter #15 after *90. If you don't press # first, Field 90 will accept only the first digit, and immediately advance to Field 91 "Option Selection", which will accept the second digit of 5.
At the end of each field value entry, you should hear 3 rapid dings (ding-ding-ding) to let you know the entry was accepted. I guess I should have mentioned that in the beginning. If you hear two sets of 3 dings, then you made two entries in two different fields.
Field 91 selects options for Audio Alarm Verification (AAV) and doesn't even have a "5" option, but will still accept the 5, with "unpredictable results". You probably don't have AAV in your system but putting anything but "0" (zero) in Field 91 might explain your loss of bell/siren output.
Please go back into programming, then hit #90 to verify you have a "15" displayed for field 90. Using #90 lets you view the field but not change anything. If you don't have 15 displayed, then hit *90, then #15. When your Field 90 is confirmed (again) to have a 15 in it, hit #91 to see what's in that field. Unless you have Audio Alarm Verification, (where someone at the monitoring station talks to you through your keypad after an alarm), then Field 90 should have a zero [0]. If there is any other number there, then press *91, then 0 (zero).
At the end of each field value entry, you should hear 3 rapid dings (ding-ding-ding) to let you know the entry was accepted. I guess I should have mentioned that in the beginning. If you hear two sets of 3 dings, then you made two entries in two different fields.
Field 91 selects options for Audio Alarm Verification (AAV) and doesn't even have a "5" option, but will still accept the 5, with "unpredictable results". You probably don't have AAV in your system but putting anything but "0" (zero) in Field 91 might explain your loss of bell/siren output.
Please go back into programming, then hit #90 to verify you have a "15" displayed for field 90. Using #90 lets you view the field but not change anything. If you don't have 15 displayed, then hit *90, then #15. When your Field 90 is confirmed (again) to have a 15 in it, hit #91 to see what's in that field. Unless you have Audio Alarm Verification, (where someone at the monitoring station talks to you through your keypad after an alarm), then Field 90 should have a zero [0]. If there is any other number there, then press *91, then 0 (zero).
Ok, now we are getting somewhere! Not out if the woods yet but making great progress.
I did as you said and I did have 15 in the 90 field but I also had 5 in the 91 field. I probably did that from a previous unsuccessful attempt to put 15 in the 90 field. When I corrected 91 and put in 0 my bell alarm disappeared. I now can look at my log but it is not showing correct data. My first 40 or so log entry's have dates of 01/02/00 then it goes to 5/16/16 and starts counting down back to 2015. The 2016 and 2015 logs are correct I guess just the date and time on the new ones. Would I have zeroed the date and time when I unplugged the power and disconnected the battery? e. I did a few more arm the system then ok it and the log entries are there but with 01/02/00. I am going to try and find where you set the date and time and try it again.
I did as you said and I did have 15 in the 90 field but I also had 5 in the 91 field. I probably did that from a previous unsuccessful attempt to put 15 in the 90 field. When I corrected 91 and put in 0 my bell alarm disappeared. I now can look at my log but it is not showing correct data. My first 40 or so log entry's have dates of 01/02/00 then it goes to 5/16/16 and starts counting down back to 2015. The 2016 and 2015 logs are correct I guess just the date and time on the new ones. Would I have zeroed the date and time when I unplugged the power and disconnected the battery? e. I did a few more arm the system then ok it and the log entries are there but with 01/02/00. I am going to try and find where you set the date and time and try it again.
