Honeywell Vista 21IP Panel with Built-in Internet Communication -Board ONLY-

This is an awesome alarm system to replace your old ADT or Brinks system and take things into your own hands. And if you already have a wired security system, it's FAR SUPERIOR than trying to run your home security on WiFi which a knowledgeable criminal can overcome with a cheap jammer from ebay. It was easy to use existing sensor, alarm, and power wires in my home. Note that I did need to add the end of line resistor to each zone line (included) to eliminate trouble messages because the Vista system supervises each zone's wiring. You can find TONS of "how to" videos for programming on YouTube, just search "Honeywell Vista 20" (the 21IP programs exactly the same as the 20). Most are excellent and I rarely needed to find more that what they offered. You must get a alphanumeric keypad to configure your system (6160). Do not try to get by with a fixed display keypad (6150).I use GeoArm.com for self monitoring with the IP connection that the 21IP includes (and I've added a GSM module for backup). This costs $13/month and works through Honeywell's Total Connect web site.All in all, I'm free of the expensive security companies that charge for everything. I suggest that you assess your technical skills before undertaking this project as a do-it-yourselfer. This project requires some confidence, patience, knowledge of basic electricity and multi-meters, and some basic understanding of computer programming.

This is a quality alarm that is easy enough to install to replace an old system. It requires a good bit of configuration but there are lots of YouTube videos to walk you through it. I used the existing alarm box so that meant removing the box and drilling holes for circuit board standoffs (not included). All in all installation was not that difficult, I just wish they would include the mounting hardware like the standoffs.One reason I bought this specific model was because I thought I could monitor it via the internet. Nope - that is not what the internet connection is for. It is so that some monitoring company can do that via Alarm Net. You cant. However there is a great product called Eyez-On Envisalink EVL-4EZR IP Security Interface Module. This neat device acts as a network keypad so that it can be controlled via the internet. Add a cheap wireless bridge and the device can connect to your wifi with no cable required. You can then login to the device via the website or use the phone app and turn your alarm on or off and get alerts if the alarm is triggered. I highly recommend the Envisalink with this alarm.

This worked fine replacing a 25 year old Ademco panel. Easy drop-in replacement. Needed a pair of 6160 displays. Reused the expansion module. The reason for replacement was to move to GSM and drop our land line, so added an external GSM box. Hardware transition was easy enough (reused sensors, box, house wiring, battery) but it took a bunch of programming to get new one working, and then I needed central station help to get the GSM box to work. But a few bucks/month adder for GSM is a lot better than paying to keep my analog land line.

The panel works fine once I figured it out. The installation manual could be better.

This is my second system, works Great.