Alarm Installation Posts

This post is a quick intro to the new 2GIG GC Touch, plus the top initial questions and answers circulating among dealers and forums. Documentation is still scarce at launch, so this post collects the most commonly asked questions we’ve seen and summarizes the early answers.

Caveat: This information is based on initial reports and community/dealer chatter about the GC Touch and may contain errors. Consider the Q&A below to be “early info” rather than final specs, we’ll update this post as more official documentation becomes available.

2GIG GC Touch:

Quick overview

The 2GIG GC Touch (Verizon LTE version and AT&T version) is positioned as a budget-friendly successor to the GC2/GC2e series: a modern touchscreen panel that retains broad backward-compatibility with legacy sensors but trims some premium features found on 2GIG’s flagship 2GIG Edge (Verizon LTE and AT&T LTE) model.

Early reports indicate the GC Touch emphasizes compatibility and value. It supports legacy 345 MHz sensors, adds support for encrypted 345S/eSeries devices, and improves wireless zone capacity over the old GC2 family.

Below are the top 20 questions installers and end users are asking right now, grouped by topic, followed by the current answers being reported. Again this is early info and may change.

Upgrading & Compatibility

1. Can I replace my old 2GIG GC2 or GC2e with the GC Touch?
   ○ Yes. It is designed as the direct "budget-friendly" successor to the GC2e series.
2. Will my existing 2GIG sensors (legacy 345 MHz) work with the GC Touch?
   ○ Yes, it is fully backward compatible with legacy 2GIG 345 MHz sensors and Honeywell 5800 series sensors.
3. Can I use my old GC2 power supply with the new panel?
   ○ No. The GC Touch uses a 14VDC adapter. You must swap out the old 12VDC transformer to avoid damaging the new unit.
4. Does the GC Touch fit the same mounting holes/backplate as the GC2?
   ○ It covers a similar wall footprint, but the backplate is new and must be replaced.
5. Will my old TS1 secondary keypad work with the GC Touch?
   ○ No. The legacy TS1 keypad is not compatible. You will need to use the Alarm.com app or a newer compatible secondary touchscreen. We don't currently know if one will be available.
6. Does it work with 2GIG eSeries (Encrypted) sensors?
   ○ Yes, it supports both the older non-encrypted sensors and the newer encrypted “eSeries” / “345S” sensors.

Features vs. 2GIG Edge

7. What is the main difference between the GC Touch and the 2GIG Edge?
   ○ The Edge is the “flagship” with Facial Recognition and a glass-to-edge screen. The GC Touch is the value model with a plastic bezel and no facial recognition.
8. Does the GC Touch have Facial Recognition disarm?
   ○ No, that feature is exclusive to the 2GIG Edge.
9. Does the GC Touch have Bluetooth disarming?
   ○ Yes, you can pair a smartphone to disarm the system automatically when you arrive home.
10. Does it have a built-in glass break detector?
    ○ No, the Edge has a built-in glass break; the GC Touch does not.
11. Does the GC Touch support Z-Wave Long Range (LR)?
    ○ It features the Z-Wave 800-series chip, which supports Z-Wave long range. However, the panel software must also support it, and it's unknown at this time if it does. Regardless, even without the addition of Z-Wave long range, the Z-Wave 800-series chip offers a significant improvement in range and speed over the older 500-series chip found in the GC2e.

Installation & Troubleshooting

12. What is the default Installer Code for the GC Touch?
    ○ 1561 (standard 2GIG default).
13. How do I reboot (power cycle) the panel without opening it?
    ○ Usually via the menu: Toolbox > Advanced > Reboot.
14. Why does the screen look different than my old panel? (Dark Mode)
    ○ The GC Touch introduces a “Dark Mode” UI that matches the 2GIG Edge style — a major visual change from the bright GC2 interface.
15. How do I add the new “345S” sensors?
    ○ With no installation documentation available, the exact process for adding sensors is not available. We'll provide full documentation as soon as it becomes available.
16. Does it support 5G cellular?
    ○ No. It uses an LTE (4G) communicator (AT&T or Verizon), which is standard for security systems today.

General & Smart Home

17. Can I view my Alarm.com cameras on the panel screen?
    ○ Yes, like the Edge, the GC Touch supports live view of compatible Alarm.com doorbells and cameras.
18. Does it work with Apple HomeKit?
    ○ Not directly. It integrates with Alarm.com, which can be bridged to HomeKit via Siri Shortcuts — there is no native HomeKit support on the panel itself.
19. How many wireless zones does it support?
    ○ Up to 128 wireless zones, which is double the capacity of the older GC2 (which maxed at 60).
20. Is there a secondary keypad available for it?
    ○ At launch, users are typically directed to use the mobile app, but a dedicated wireless keypad (like the 2GIG-PAD1-345) can typically be used for basic arming/disarming.

The 2GIG GC Touch looks to be a sensible, value-focused upgrade for GC2/GC2e customers. It has a modern touchscreen, broader sensor compatibility, and a big jump in wireless zone capacity, while intentionally leaving some flagship features (like facial recognition) to the 2GIG Edge.

Keep in mind this post compiles early reports and community feedback, so details may change as official documentation is released. Installers should confirm power, backplate, and keypad compatibility before a takeover, and end users should contact their alarm dealer for provisioning or account setup. We’ll update this page as 2GIG publishes final specs and installation guides so check back for the latest, and download this initial FAQ for a quick reference.

The Resideo PROSIX line of wireless sensors currently works with the PROA7, PROA7PLUS, and VISTAH3 panels. These encrypted sensors offer excellent range, reliability, and security. But to get the most out of your investment, it helps to follow some basic rules for installation and upkeep.

New to PRO Series sensors? This simple guide shows you how to place, pair, and care for Resideo PROSIX devices with your PROA7 or PROA7PLUS panel.

What To Do First

1. Plan install locations: Walk your home and decide where each sensor should be mounted. We'll talk more about mounting considerations next.
2. Name your zones: Make a short list like “Front Door,” “Kitchen Window,” “Hall Motion.” This makes setup quick and easy.

Sensor Placement Basics

Door/Window Contacts

• Protect any opening a person can reach from outside. If you’re on a budget, start with the highest-risk spots: ground-level doors and windows, especially those at the back of the home or in darker, hidden areas. Cover additional openings as your budget allows.
• Mount the sensor on the frame and the magnet on the moving portion of the door or window.
• Keep the magnet and sensor properly aligned and as close together as possible when closed. Check your model’s maximum gap specification and make sure the closed gap doesn’t exceed it.
• Avoid mounting directly on ferrous metal. If the frame is metal, use included spacers if provided. Aluminum doors usually don't pose a problem. A PROSIXCTV can be used to add a separate contact, such as the Honeywell 947-75T, that is made specifically for mounting on steel doors.

Motion Sensors

• Place on a wall or in a corner with a clear view of the room, about 6–8 feet high.
• Avoid pointing at windows, fans, or HVAC vents.
• Do not aim directly at heat sources (ovens, space heaters, sunny glass).
• If you have pets, follow the specific mounting instructions in the installation guide. The PROSIXPIRV offers up to 80 pound (36kg) pet immunity when the instructions for pet immunity are strictly followed. Generally speaking, mount where any animal, regardless of size, can't come within six (6) feet of the front of the sensor.

Glass Break Sensors

• Verify in the installation instructions that the PROSIXGB is suitable for the type and size of glass you want to protect.
• Mount the PROSIXGB in the same room as the glass to be protected.
• Avoid thick curtains or heavy drapes between the sensor and the protected glass.
• Set the sensitivity level for the PROSIXGB based on the distance between the detector and the protected glass.
• Mount on a wall or ceiling with a clear “line of sound” no more than 25' (7.6m) from the protected glass.

Tip: If you’re unsure about a mounting location, temporarily tape the sensor in place, finish setup, and test the glass break before permanently mounting.

How to Pair a PROSIX Sensor

1. On the panel, tap Menu (≡) > Tools > Installer Code (Default 4112) > Programming > Peripherals > + Key (upper right). The panel is now in listening mode.
2. Put the sensor into enrollment by pulling the battery tab on brand new sensors, or by opening the device's cover to activate the tamper.
3. Once the panel detects the sensor, give it a clear name, such as “Front Door” or “Living Room Motion.” Program any other sensor-specific fields, such as Response Type and Service for sensors that can use more than one zone, e.g., PROSIXCTV and PROSIXSMOKEV. For sensors with a single function Service will be filled automatically.
4. Be sure to click Save and close the sensor cover if the tamper was used to pair it with the panel.
5. Once you exit programming tap Menu (≡) > Sensors and check the signal strength of each PROSIX sensor in the location where it will be permanently mounted. Once a good communication path is confirmed, permanently mount each sensor and do a final signal strength check.

Important Note: If a sensor won’t enroll, confirm it isn’t paired to another panel. An unpaired sensor shows a rapidly blinking LED when you pull the battery tab, fault the sensor, or open the cover. A slow blink indicates the sensor is already paired. If possible, factory-default the sensor; otherwise, remove/release it from the previous panel, then enroll to the new one.

Battery Care

• Use only the battery type listed on the sensor’s Install Guide, or Data Sheet.
• Always remove all batteries, wait a full ten seconds, then insert new batteries. This helps to clear any low battery signal. Always read the sensor instructions for any special notes about installing new batteries. For example, the PROSIXCMBOV requires that all new batteries be installed within 15 seconds of beginning the battery install process.
• For sensors with multiple batteries, always change all batteries at the same time. Don't mix old and new batteries and don't mix batteries from different manufacturers.
• You can check the battery level of other sensors by tapping Menu (≡) > Tools > Installer or Master Code (4112 and 1234 by default, respectively) > System Test > Test Sensors > Start Test > OK. The siren will sound for a few seconds. Go around and fault each sensor. Then check the panel for the signal strength and battery level of all tested sensors. If any other sensor batteries are low you can go ahead and change them to prevent future low battery messages on the panel.

Important Note: PROSIX sensors use two-way supervision, meaning they require an acknowledgement (ACK) from the panel after sending a check-in signal. If the panel is powered down or removed, a sensor will repeatedly attempt to check-in, quickly draining its battery. To preserve battery life, remove the batteries from your PROSIX sensors whenever the panel will be out of service for an extended time.

When powering the system back up, always power on the PROSIX transmitters before the PRO Series panel. The panel uses Frequency Agility to select the best RF channel and then instructs the sensors to follow. If the panel changes channels while the sensors are still off, they won’t receive the update. This leaves them in a state of limbo, unable to communicate with the current panel or with any new or defaulted panel.

Monthly Test

1. Put the system in test mode with your monitoring company if you subscribe to full monitoring. You'll need to provide your name, address, and false alarm password, as well as a duration for the test.
2. Enter the panel's Walk Test Mode.
3. Open and close each protected door/window and confirm it shows on the panel.
4. For motion detectors, follow the sensor's instructions for entering Walk Test Mode. For the PROSIXPIRV remove and replace the batteries. This removes any transmit inhibit designed to conserve battery life and enables the sensor LED. The motion will remain in Walk Test Mode for ten minutes. Walk in front of each motion sensor and verify you see it trigger when you walk in the protected area.
5. For glass break sensors, we linked above to an FAQ on using the Honeywell FG701 to perform a functional test. The FAQ is written describing the steps with a Honeywell 5853, but they translate to the PROSIXGB very well.
6. Exit test mode and confirm the system displays the proper status with no trouble conditions present.

Safety and Mounting Tips

• Use the included screws for permanent installs where possible.
• Clean the mounting surface before using double-sided foam tape. Press firmly in place for a full 30 seconds.
• Keep sensors dry and indoors unless the model is rated for outdoor use.

Quick Reference: Which Sensor Goes Where?

Keep Your Panel Updated

Connect your panel to WIFI so it can receive the latest over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. The PRO Series panels will not download firmware using cellular data. The PROA7PLUS comes from the factory with the PROWIFIZW installed. The PROA7 comes with no built-in communicator, so it will need to have a PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW added.

Firmware updates can improve stability and sensor compatibility. When firmware updates for PROSIX sensors are available, they are included in the panel's firmware package. Once the panel updates, the sensor firmware will be pushed by the alarm panel to each sensor.

Need a Hand?

Alarm Grid supports DIYers every day. If you want help selecting, placing, or pairing PROSIX sensors, we can help. We provide free technical support to our monitored customers M - F from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. You can reach us by calling 1-888-818-7728 or via email at support@alarmgrid.com.

Resideo recently announced that its VISTA and PRO Series panels are now fully certified to integrate with Control4 whole-home automation. Control4 is a premium automation platform, typically available only through authorized Control4 integrators, and it operates by using specialized drivers

Control4 drivers act as the essential software that enables communication between the Control4 automation system and various third-party devices. A certified Control4 driver allows for seamless integration and centralized control of different smart home products through the Control4 interface. The interface can be a touchscreen, an app, or even voice commands. For homeowners and installers, this means a unified experience where security, lighting, entertainment, and more can be managed from a single platform.

For homeowners, the benefits are clear. A certified integration allows the Resideo First Alert panel to do more than just secure the home, it becomes part of a larger ecosystem. Using Control4, you can arm the alarm system at night while having the doors lock automatically, the thermostat adjust to an energy-saving setting, and the lights dim across the house. That’s the type of seamless, one-touch automation that Control4 is known for, now enhanced with the proven reliability of a Resideo First Alert security system.

For dealers and installers, certification reduces guesswork and support headaches. Instead of relying on custom workarounds, they can now use official drivers that are tested and verified. This not only speeds up installation but also builds dealer confidence, by knowing their installations are backed by two major industry players working together.

The move also positions Resideo strongly in the high-end automation space. By joining the ranks of other security systems officially supported by Control4, VISTA and PRO Series panels are now a more compelling option for projects where premium automation is a requirement. It’s a win for integrators looking to expand their offerings, and a win for homeowners looking to unite all of their tech through a single interface.

VISTA panels use the 4232CBM Connected Building Module to integrate with Control4. The module connects the VISTA panel's ECP bus to the Control4 system through a wired serial RS232 or RS422 interface. This setup allows the Control4 driver to import zone alpha descriptors directly from the VISTA panel, which eliminates the need for manual programming of zone data within Control4. As a result, users can arm, disarm, and monitor the status of zones directly through the Control4 interface. Check out the 4232CBM Install Guide.

Another plus that shouldn't be overlooked is the fact that Control4 will import life-safety zones and descriptors. This allows an integrator to create automations based on fire or carbon monoxide zone triggers. For example, in the event of a fire alarm the system might automatically turn off the HVAC system and unlock the doors while turning on lights that illuminate a path out of the building.

Control4 and First Alert PRO Series Integration

You can find the steps for integrating the PRO Series panels with Control4 here. Here's a quick overview of what you'll need:

Before You Begin:

• Control4 OS 4.1.0+ and Composer Pro Software.
• PRO Series Firmware 03.2476.183+
• PRO Series panel must have a PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW installed.
• PRO Series panel should have all its partitions and zones configured before pairing with Control4, though you can add or remove zones after initial configuration.
• Your alarm dealer must enable the Control4 feature through AlarmNet360. This is done as part of the Smart Home package (Packages > Smart Home > Add-Ons > Control4).
• The Control4 system and the PRO Series panel must be connected to the same network through the same router.

After configuration with Control4’s Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SDDP), the PRO Series panel must always use the same IP address. SDDP is a lightweight protocol created by Control4 that lets WIFI enabled devices announce themselves on the network, making it easy for Control4 to find and identify them.

If the panel’s IP address changes, it will disconnect from Control4. Because setting a static IP directly on the alarm panel can be tricky, the better option is to reserve an IP address for the PRO Series panel in your router’s DHCP settings. Check your router’s documentation for instructions on how to set this up. Below is a list of names for this feature, and which manufacturers use each term:

• DHCP Reservation – Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link (most common term)
• Address Reservation – D-Link
• IP Reservation – Linksys, Spectrum, Xfinity
• Reserved IP Address – Some ISP-provided routers (AT&T, Verizon)

Basic Steps For Setup:

1. Initiate discovery. From Control4 Composer Pro, initiate discovery (System Design > Items > Discovered).
2. Create association. Double click on the PRO Series driver that you discovered in Step 1. If Composer Pro fails to discover the driver, make sure that all the prerequisites listed above have been met. Once the driver has been discovered and you double click, the driver is downloaded to your Control4 system. The panel's IP and other required information is sent to Composer Pro. The driver and the IP address can then be associated with one another within Composer Pro.
3. Perform pairing. Within Composer Pro, click Actions > Start Pairing. You have 120 seconds to complete the next step. If two minutes elapse without a successful pairing, the process will timeout and you'll need to perform this step again.
4. Pair PRO Series panel. On the PRO Series panel, tap Menu (≡) > Tools > Enter Installer Code (4112 by default) > Control4 Controller > Pair to Control4 Controller. When Composer Pro receives the pairing command, it will know, based on the panel's IP address, to associate the PRO Series driver with the panel and complete the pairing process. If the pairing is successful, the Control4 Controller information will automatically populate. If pairing fails this field will remain blank. In that case, verify that all of the requirements in "Before You Begin" have been met, and try again.

Complete Integration:

1. Verify partition import. In Composer Pro select Properties. Partition information will be displayed here as the information is imported. Upon successful import, the partition state will update from "Unknown" to the current state. This process may take a minute, so please be patient. Verify that all partitions, along with proper status, are displayed in the left pane.
2. Import and verify zone information. From Advanced Properties within Composer Pro select Get C4 Contacts to update and display individual PRO Series zones with proper status. The zones will also show in the left pane. When a zone is added (or removed), it will show which zones have been added or deleted there.
3. Verify visibility. From a Control4 touchscreen, or the Control4 app, tap Security and verify that all partitions and zones are displayed. If a partition appears to be missing, check the visibility settings for that partition within Composer Pro:
   • In the left pane select PRO Series > Properties > Navigator.
   • Select Security in the navigator menu. This will display the Device Visibility settings. Partitions are either "Visible" or "Hidden". If any partition that should be visible within Control4 is listed as hidden choose the Modify option and move that partition from Hidden to Visible.
   • Click File > Refresh Navigators to update and display all partitions. Any partition that remains listed as hidden will not display on any Control4 touchscreen or within the Control4 app. Presumably, it will also remain hidden to any voice assistant you may be using.
4. Test integration. Once the previous steps have been completed successfully, use the Control4 touchscreen or app to verify operation and status. Verify that all partitions show the proper status, i.e., Armed, Disarmed, etc. Walk around and fault zones, i.e., open and close doors, walk in front of motion detectors, etc. and verify that the status updates within the touchscreen or app.