2GIG Vario System — Quick Install Guide

Quick Install Guide for the 2GIG Vario System — a modular alarm control panel supporting wired BUS zones, wireless zones, keypads, and expansion modules for professional security installers. This guide covers the common installation and programming steps based on factory default settings; for full detail refer to the 2GIG Vario System Installation & Programming Guide.

Overview & Mounting Location

Choose a central mounting location to minimize wiring to expanders and accessories. Before installation, map out the physical locations of all expanders and accessories to determine which expander types are needed at each location. The control panel location should be:

• In a dry place near an AC power supply
• Accessible for routing cables to detection devices
• Accessible to the customer's phone lines or IP network

Main Unit — BUS Connection

The four terminals on the left side of the terminal block represent the expansion BUS, supporting keypads and expansion modules via terminal-to-terminal, color-coded wiring:

• AUX (RED): +12VDC power
• COMM (BLK): 0V common
• BUS (YEL): Yellow data
• BUS (GRN): Green data

Notes: The parallel wiring system supports connections from any point along the wiring. Max wire run is 300 meters (1000 feet) for all BUS legs. For BUS communication problems, add two 2.2KΩ resistors — one at each end of the data BUS, between the green and yellow wires. If connecting remote power supplies, do NOT connect the red wire (+12V) between the power supply unit and the main panel.

Set BUS Accessory ID Numbers

Most devices use DIP switches to set an ID category number. Devices are split into "Families," each with sequential ID numbers set via DIP switches — the first module in each category is ID = 1. Families with sequential IDs: Keypads, Zone expanders, Outputs, Power supplies, BUS zones, Wireless zone expanders.

The main unit supports a max load of 1.4 Amp — install additional power supply modules (3 Amp max) if more current is needed. If a DIP switch is changed on any device, power-cycle it afterward.

Connect Zone Inputs

Zones can connect to the main unit or an 8-wired-zone expander. It's recommended to use an end-of-line (EOL) resistor at the far end of each hardwired zone (16 x 2.2KΩ resistors supplied). For a zone with a tamper switch, a double end-of-line resistor can save additional main-panel connections. The EOL/DEOL resistance value is separately configurable per zone group via software (Quick Keys ②①③):

Wire Auxiliary Devices, Bell, and Utility Outputs

• Auxiliary Power (AUX+/COM-): Powers PIRs, glassbreak detectors (4-wire), smoke detectors, audio switches, photoelectric systems, or any device requiring 12VDC.
• Internal Bell (Bell/LS): Powers the internal siren — watch polarity, and position DIP switch SW1 correctly for the siren type. Use a 2.2KΩ resistor in place of the siren if none is connected, to avoid bell loop trouble.
• Bell Tamper: Connect to BELL TMP and COM terminals using 2.2KΩ resistors (red/red/red). If unused, still connect the 2.2KΩ resistor between TMP and COM.
• Utility Output 1: Can activate a self-powered siren or other self-powered device.

Main Unit DIP Switches

Connecting BUS Detectors

Up to 23 addressable BUS detectors can be assigned to the 2GIG Vario system, wired to the main BUS or to a BUS zone expander.

• To the main BUS: Set the detector's ID (1–32) via DIP switches (for WatchOUT, LuNAR, WatchIN, BWare, and Seismic, set the mode switch to BUS mode). Wire AUX (RED), COM (BLK), BUS (YEL), BUS (GRN) to the system BUS. Do not exceed 300 meters (1000 feet) of wiring from the detector to the panel.
• Via a BUS Zone Expander: Set the expander's ID (1–3) via SW1 1–3, and SW2–3 to ON. Wire the expander's "TO PANEL" terminals to the system BUS. Set each detector's ID (1–32) — don't repeat IDs on the same expander. Wire each detector to the expander's "TO DEVICE" terminals. Don't exceed 300 meters from the expander to the panel, or from the expander to the last detector.

Programming via the Keypad

Key Menu Navigation

• Number keys (1–0): Enter numeric values or quick-key programming options; also used to edit labels/names.
• Back/Quit key: Go back, quit, or discard changes.
• Enter/Save key: Move into a menu or save changes.
• Scroll keys: Move through menu listings.
• Toggle key: Switch menu options between N and Y.
• +/- keys: Increase or decrease selected screen digital values.

If lost in the menu structure, press Back repeatedly to return to the main menu.

Accessing the Installer Programming Menu (First Time Power Up)

1. Disconnect all power from the main panel.
2. Set SW1-2 (default) to ON.
3. Set tamper switches SW1 3, 4 to bypass unused tampers per the enclosure, to prevent a tamper alarm.
4. Connect power. The panel and keypad initialize for several minutes.
5. Press Enter, then scroll through language options and confirm.
6. Enter the Installer code (default: 1561) and confirm.
7. Enter the current time and date, and confirm.
8. The system automatically enters Automatic Accessories Settings — proceed to "Identifying the Connected Devices."

To re-enter Installer Programming Mode later: press the menu key, enter the Installer code, confirm, then select option [1].

Identifying the Connected Devices

1. Enter programming key sequence 711 (Install > BUS Devices > Automatic) and press Enter to begin automatic BUS SCANNING.
2. Verify the keypad displays all connected devices (each device needs a unique ID within its family, or it won't appear).
3. Press Enter to accept/progress through configuration screens for each device; repeat until all devices are confirmed.

When adding a zone expander, define its resistance compatibility for the detectors you'll connect (default 2.2K for EOL/DEOL). When adding a wireless expander mounted inside the panel housing, set Bypass Box Tamper to YES.

BUS Test (Quick Keys 7131): sends test commands to each device to confirm connectivity (target: 99%+ reliable). Repeat the test if a low reading occurs.

Zone Attributes

The system supports up to 50 zones, each defined as wired, wireless, or BUS type. Configure via Zones > Parameters (Quick Keys ②①), selecting "One By One" and entering a zone number. The display format XY:ZZ indicates: X = physical type (E=Wired, W=Wireless, B=BUS, I=Input), Y = expander ID (0 = main BUS), ZZ = serial zone number (01–50).

Set per-zone: Label (name), Partitions (which partitions the zone belongs to), Zone Type, Zone Sound (silent/bell/buzzer/chime behavior when opened or in alarm), Zone Termination (NO, NC, EOL, or DEOL — hardwired zones only), Zone Response time, and Advanced attributes (wireless supervision, BUS zone parameters, forced arming, etc.).

Wireless Zones

1. Allocate a Wireless Expander: Install menu > BUS Device > Manual > WL Expander (71205). Set receiver ID (1 or 2), type WM. If mounted inside the panel box, bypass the box tamper.
2. Calibrate the Receiver: Install > WL Device > RX Calibration (721). Select the expander and choose Y to re-calibrate — this measures ambient RF noise so the receiver ignores unwanted signals from nearby devices on the same frequency.
3. Allocate Wireless Zones (by RF enrollment): Install > Wireless Devices > Allocate > By RF (7221). Enter the zone number, then trigger the sensor to enroll it. Repeat for each wireless zone, then set zone attributes.

Communication & Monitoring Station

• Communication Method (51): Select PSTN or IP (via third-party providers) and configure parameters. IP/CELL communication requires a supported backend Cell/IP module.
• Monitoring Station setup (52): Configure up to 3 monitoring station accounts — report type (Voice), account number, and comm format (SIA or Contact ID).

General Settings, Users & Keyfobs

• System Timers (11): Set exit/entry times and siren duration.
• Set Up Users (Codes menu, 4): Define user authority level and partitions (option 1), or change the default installer code (option 3). Owners (Grand Masters) can change their own codes afterward.
• Keyfobs: Up to 8 one-way keyfobs can be enrolled (one per user). Allocate/calibrate as with wireless zones, then set each button's function via Devices > Keyfobs > Select User (8221): Button 1 = None/Arm/Stay, Button 2 = None/Disarm, Button 3 = None/Arm/Stay/Panic, Button 4 = None/Arm/Stay.

Exiting Programming Mode

1. Set SW1-2 back to OFF (default).
2. Close the main box to prevent a Front Tamper alarm.
3. Press Back repeatedly to return to the Main Menu, then press 0 and Enter to exit and save.

The system won't allow exiting Installer mode if a Tamper or System Fault condition exists — resolve these first.

User Definition & Testing

Instruct the end user to define their own user codes and change the Grand Master code, and to enroll proximity tags. Cover the following operations: Arm Away, Arm Stay, Disarm, Disarm Under Duress, Send a Panic Event, Check System Status, Operate a Utility Output, and use the Voice Menu for remote operation.

Before leaving the site, fully test the system: main unit noise level/buzzer/speaker/battery, communication and battery test per device, a Walk Test for zones (each should register "TRIP"), and a Follow Me feature test.

Technical Specifications

Expander Power Draw

Regulatory Information

FCC Notice: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules — operation subject to (1) may not cause harmful interference, and (2) must accept any interference received. Tested and found compliant with Class B digital device limits. If interference to radio/TV reception occurs, try reorienting/relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, connecting to a different outlet circuit, or consulting a technician. Complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment — avoid operating at less than 20cm from the user. Unauthorized changes/modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada (IC) Compliance: Complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s); subject to the same two conditions as FCC. Repairs should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility. Ensure electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system are connected together (particularly important in rural areas).

Limited Warranty

This Nortek Security & Control product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for two (2) years. This warranty extends only to wholesale customers who buy direct from Nortek Security & Control LLC or through its normal distribution channels — Nortek does not warrant this product to consumers (consumers should ask their selling dealer about the dealer's warranty). No liability for consequential damages, including loss of property, revenue, profit, or cost of removal/installation/reinstallation.

All warranty returns require a Return Authorization Number (RA#). Contact Returns at 1-855-546-3351.

Manufacturer

Nortek Security & Control | 1950 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA 92008-6517 USA | 800-421-1587