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Sync the master code on a SEM-Honeywell/ADEMCO Vista

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Syncing the master code (the M in SWIM) is essential for the proper function of the System Enhancement Module (SEM) unit that is not Uploader/Downloader (UL/DL) compatible.

Before troubleshooting the master code, verify a successful zone scan has occurred, and that the equipment list appears properly on Alarm.com. If a successful zone scan has not occurred and/or the equipment list does not appear on Alarm.com, troubleshoot those behaviors before troubleshooting the master code. For information about troubleshooting those behaviors, see SEM-Honeywell/ADEMCO Vista Troubleshooting Guide.

Important: Manually syncing the master code is typically not required for the SEM with a successful Uploader/Downloader scan.  

The following features behave unpredictably if the master code is not properly synced between the panel and Alarm.com.

  • Remote arming and disarming
  • Add/Delete a user code or duress code
  • Change a user code
  • Restore user codes function on Alarm.com
  • Request user codes function on Alarm.com
  • Delete all user codes function in the Remote Toolkit

Note: Once the master code is properly synced, delete all user codes that were in the panel before the SEM was installed. This is not required for a UL/DL compatible SEM with a successful UL/DL scan. 

The keypad may also become locked out if there are too many failed attempts to perform the preceding features.

Syncing the master code

With a legacy SEM (SEM 100 and SEM 200), a randomized master code is generated at account creation and applied to the panel as a part of the zone scan process on boot-up. If something goes wrong during this process and the system cannot arm/disarm remotely, re-sync the master code by setting it with a new, unique user code. 

Note: If the user code is properly synced, the customer's Event History shows the primary user's name associated with the arming/disarming (i.e., Disarmed by John Doe). 

To remotely sync the master code: 

Important: The panel should be disarmed when sending programming changes remotely. 

  1. Change the master code remotely using the Alarm.com customer website or Alarm.com app. 
    • The master code is the user code associated with the primary user's information. For more information about updating the user codes remotely, see Manage user codes remotely.
  1. Allow a few minutes for the code to save to the panel. The keypad will beep to indicate a successful change.  
    • A blue User Code Change message should also appear in the event history.
  1. Test arming/disarming locally using the master user code, or test remotely arming/disarming the system using the Alarm.com customer website or Alarm.com app. 

If the remote command to update the master code is unsuccessful, locally sync the master code using the keypad. 

Troubleshooting

If the master code is still not synced after changing the master code remotely and locally:

  1. Power cycle the system and verify that a zone scan has been initiated.
  2. If the master code is still not synced after a successful zone scan, try to change the master code locally again.