alarmdecoder.com

Does this support an older alarm system? We bought the house last year and it already has this installed. I hope it's supported, I've been looking off and on for a year for a way to use this without paying a company!




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Control panels are way older than the photos shown.



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We do support older alarm panels - however, this one is non-compatible as it doesn't even have alpha display support.

Thanks,
Kevin

I was about to just buy the rPi version outright until I started looking at the panels and how much newer they look than mine. I've been waiting to pull the trigger on starting home automation for a year until I found out whether or not I could get it to work with my existing security system. I was so excited earlier when I saw this supported Ademco but when I saw 90s and later this evening I choked. It kind of looked like I had the same pins for positive and ground as the one in the video but I am just not sure.

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Also here is the picture of the wiring diagram.. I'm a little worried because I don't see a DI DO which I would assume is digital in and digital out


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The alarmdecoder will connect to your panel, it will just not relay messages properly due to protocol incompatibilities.

Thanks for the response.

One more question because you guys seem to be really awesome and very knowledgeable with this, and I really want to give you money.. It seems to me that I can buy a Vista 20p panel, a 6160 keypad, and a battery for like $130. From what I've read the hardwired sensors are pretty much compatible with anything so they should work fine. I might need to replace a component or two if they're defective but all in all it doesn't seem like that bad of price and easy installation because everything is already wired. Then it's just a $70 board from you guys and I'm in business with a much more up to date alarm system anyways. Do you think I would run into any speed bumps replacing my panel and keypad? I'm fairly confident in my ability to follow wiring diagrams, it can't be much more difficult than adding a rain/temp sensor to my irrigation system, as long as I'm not going to run into any compatibility issues. Thanks for all of the help!

The Google seems to believe that programming the Vista 20p is a pain for the end user, but I found this https://www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-you-program-a-honeywell-vista-20p-alarm-control-panel guide and along with the instructions and a youtube video or two I can probably manage it.

If you're comfortable with wiring things and comfortable being methodical with your keypresses, an upgrade to a vista20p, in my opinion is not that bad. You're right on the cost, not too hefty, and yes, most of the sensors should be compatible - but easily replaceable piecemeal if not. The hardest part is programming, but the programming manuals are pretty good and there are lots of tutorials out there.