Newbie installing a GE Simon XT
Hey all! First time poster, first time Alarm DIYer. Looking to get some clarification on a few items so please bear with me. My new home came with an existing CPI system that used a GE Concord 4 control panel. CPI confirmed I own all the equipment but would not give me the installer codes so I decided to put in a new system of my own. All the doors and windows have wireless contacts on them marked 60-362. My understanding is these are crystal devices and use 319.5Mhz frequency thus allowing me to reuse them with compatible systems. I just ordered a GE Simon XT which I plan on putting inside the old metal box that housed the Concord 4 system (assuming it fits) which resides in a hall closet. I'm hoping the new Simon system will connect easily with my existing door/window contacts as well as an existing wireless glass break sensor (60-873-95) and two existing smoke alarms (60-848-02-95). I also ordered a GE 2-Way Talking Touch Screen Keypad (60-924-RF-TS) to use as my main means of control over the system. Now for the questions: Do you see any issues with my logic? I also have this speaker. Is there any point to incorporating it with my new system? Can I control my thermostat right away or do I need an additional module? I may add the alarm.com GSM module next. Where can I find monthly rates for each of the potential services I could get? This siren/strobe combo is really aesthetically pleasing and would look fine mounted in my living room. Know of a cheaper, compatible version that would work with my Simon? My wife will have a cow if I try to hang a big ugly speaker and strobe light in the house... Actually putting the simon inside the old system enclosure is a bad idea. This is a radio receiver, and you will block the signals from the tranmitters. While the simon is compatible with your existing transmitters, the better solution is to replace the Concord motherboard and re-use your existing keypads and any hardwired devices and sirens. Plus the simon woud be strained to provide power to a siren/strob combo unit (strobes draw a lot of power) Actually putting the simon inside the old system enclosure is a bad idea. This is a radio receiver, and you will block the signals from the tranmitters. I'm pretty handy with modifying things and can even do a little soldering if necessary. Would it be possible to add an antenna to the receiver to boost signal? I'm just throwing out ideas here because the unit hasn't arrived yet so I don't know the details of the components While the simon is compatible with your existing transmitters, the better solution is to replace the Concord motherboard and re-use your existing keypads and any hardwired devices and sirens I started to go down this path but the programming involved on the concord 4 looked geared more toward installers and I didn't understand a lot of key areas. I couldn't get definite answers as to what I could and could not control with this system (although, it looks very powerful) so I opted for the more user-friendly Simon version. Plus the simon woud be strained to provide power to a siren/strob combo unit (strobes draw a lot of power) Does this mean I need to look for a siren/strobe that's independently powered? Is wireless an option or should I go wired? Either one is fine with me, won't really affect my installation at all but the pricing on wireless seems much higher The Simons and the Concords are the same family of design. They actually use the same programming model, it's just that the Concord has more options available, most of which aren't used for a residential install. Well, I already ordered the Simon system so hopefully it will still function as I need it. If not, I can always return it and try my hands at the Concord 4. That aside, how about the rest of the questions? Simon XT Data sheet: http://www.interlogix.com/resources/...T_data_sht.pdf Now for the questions: Do you see any issues with my logic? I also have this speaker. Is there any point to incorporating it with my new system? NO Can I control my thermostat right away or do I need an additional module? You need the GSM module for the Z-wave stuff to work. I may add the alarm.com GSM module next. Where can I find monthly rates for each of the potential services I could get? Contact the service provider. This siren/strobe combo is really aesthetically pleasing and would look fine mounted in my living room. Know of a cheaper, compatible version that would work with my Simon? My wife will have a cow if I try to hang a big ugly speaker and strobe light in the house... There is not a similar item on the Simon part list. Read more: Newbie installing a GE Simon XT I really want the ability to control my thermostat via the control panel so I guess I need to order the GSM module and figure out what my monthly costs will be with alarm.com. After a bit of googling I see I can add z-wave sirens. Seems like this would be an easy solution to adding strobes and sirens to my system without straining the output of the control panel. Does this seem like a good idea? (something like this?) Could you give me a little bit of clarification on what module to purchase? I've only found two and they say they are for the XTi (600-1048-XT-ZX-AT 600-1048-XT-ZX-TM). They are both listed as alarm.com modules but say ATT and T-mobile. How does that work? The Z-wave output device is as good of a solution that you are going to find. As far as the GSM, which carrier has a better signal in your area? Go with the one with the best coverage.
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