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Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we now offer Replacement Adhesive Tape for the Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S and a Replacement Magnet for all Qolsys Door and Window Contact Sensors. Both of these convenient accessories from Qolsys are available for purchase now from the Alarm Grid site.

Qolsys iq dw mini s encrypted wireless sensors for iq panel 2 qs

Using double-sided mounting tape to install wireless sensors is a convenient option for many users. This way, a user will not have to use any screws or drill any holes into their wall. But if a user tries to adjust the sensor or mount it in a new location, they might find that the double-sided adhesive does not work as well the second time around. In that case, they might want to replace the double-sided mounting tape.

This mounting tape is specifically designed to fit the Qolsys IQ DW MINI and IQ DW MINI-S Sensors. Two pieces of double-sided are included - one for the sensor and one for the magnet. While this adhesive can technically be used with other sensors, a user might be better off getting a custom-sized piece of adhesive from their local office supply store if they have non-Qolsys sensors. Still, this is a convenient option for owners of an IQ DW MINI Sensor who want to easily re-mount and adjust their sensor.

The Qolsys Replacement Magnet is a relatively standard magnet for door and window contacts. This accessory is normally installed on the moving portion of the door or window. When the door or window is closed, the magnet should be placed within a half-inch of the sensor for proper operation. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will become separated from the sensor. This will release a reed switch inside the sensor and cause it to alert the security system. This way, the system will know that the door or window has been opened.

Although the Qolsys Magnet is specifically designed for Qolsys Sensors, a user should have no problem using it with door and window contacts from other manufacturers as well. The device is nothing more than a simple magnet that keeps the reed switch for a door and window contact closed. Still, this is a great accessory if you ever lose or damage your original magnet. Now you don't have to spend the money on a completely new sensor just because a small replacement component is needed! Alarm Grid also offers the Honeywell 5899, which is a similar magnet designed by Honeywell.

You can get the Qolsys Replacement Mounting Tape and the Qolsys Replacement Magnet right now from the Alarm Grid website. Also make sure to check out our monitoring page for more information about our monitoring services. As always, thanks for checking out Alarm Grid!

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Hi DIYers! You may have heard the term "Dual Tec Motion Sensor" being tossed around at some point or another. The term refers to motion detecting sensors that use two forms of detection for picking up movement. Usually, these two methods are passive infrared sensing and microwave detection.

Honeywell 5898 wireless dual tec motion detector

A common complaint with motion sensors is that they are known to cause false alarms when mounted improperly. This is usually caused by having the motion sensor placed near a window, a ceiling fan or an air vent. The motions that cause these false alarms are usually PIR-exclusive sensors that use only one method for detecting motion. Now, these sensors will generally work very well and won't cause any false alarms when mounted properly.

The reality is that most false alarms caused by motion sensors are the result of poor mounting. But having a second detection method for verification can go a long way towards preventing any system false alarms. Although proper mounting is still very important, you might be able to save yourself some major inconvenience by springing for a more-advanced motion detection sensor. This is where Dual Tec Motions can come into play.

Honeywell Dual Tec Motion Sensors use passive infrared (PIR) detection and microwave detection when looking for movement. In order for one of these devices to activate and alert the alarm control panel, both the PIR sensor and the microwave sensor must activate. Nothing will happen if only one part of the sensors is triggered. This can be very useful if a single technology sensor is prone to randomly activating due to local environmental sources. The name "Dual Tec" comes from the fact that the sensors use two technologies in detecting motion.

The PIR sensor in a Dual Tec Motion will work by looking for changes in infrared (IR) energy that occur with movement. Every person, animal and object gives off some amount of IR energy. If a large mass of IR energy from a person or large object moves within the field of view of the PIR sensor, then it will signal that motion is present. Meanwhile, the microwave sensor will send out continuous signals that are designed to bounce off of objects and return to the sensor at a consistent rate. If the signal pattern changes, then the sensor will assume that motion is present.

Although a PIR sensor can technically work by itself, a microwave motion sensor would cause too many false alarms on its own. This is because microwave signals can pass through objects and walls, and they could very easily detect movement that occurs outside the building. But the PIR sensor will not work through walls, so it will only detect motion that occurs from the inside.

However, pairing a PIR sensor with a microwave sensor in a Dual Tec Motion Sensor results in the perfect team. Even if the PIR sensor responds to flowing air or sunlight or some other local change in IR energy, the microwave sensor will keep it in check. Likewise, the PIR sensor will not respond to the outside movement that may trigger the microwave sensor. But both sensors will still respond very reliably to any real motion that is actually present in the building. And once that happens, it's game over for any intruders!

Honeywell offers Dual Tec Motion Sensors of all types. Their Dual Tec lineup includes wireless motion sensors like the Honeywell 5898, as well as wired motion sensors like the Honeywell DT8035. There's even a long range Dual Tec Motion, the Honeywell DT906, that is perfect for large commercial settings that require the highest level of protection possible. Honeywell has truly covered all their bases here!

Honeywell dt906 dual tec long range motion detectorYou can get all of these great Honeywell Dual Tec Motion Detecting Sensors from the Alarm Grid website. If you need help deciding on a perfect motion detector, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com, or by calling us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a close look at the Honeywell SiXPIR Lyric Smart Motion Sensor and all of the great features it offers. The wireless encrypted sensor was designed exclusively with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System in mind, and it works exclusively with that security panel.

Honeywell sixpir lyric smart sensor motion

The Honeywell SiXPIR is perfect for any Lyric user looking for an effective residential motion sensor. It offers a coverage area of 40 feet by 56 feet, which is great for monitoring a living room, basement, hallway, office or other restricted area. This max coverage area can be easily achieved by mounting the sensor from a recommended height of 7.5 feet high. The sensor also offers a convenient walk test mode that features a red LED light whenever motion is detected. This is great for ensuring that you have mounted the sensor in a good location. The Lyric System includes an option within programming to initiate the walk test at any time.

Pet-owner will love the fact that the SiXPIR includes pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 pounds. Again, mounting the sensor from a proper height and angle is important for this feature to function properly. With pet immunity, small animals will walk underneath the detection pattern of the sensor. However, a human walking upright will still cause a change in infrared (IR) energy that sets off the sensor. Users should make sure though that their pets cannot get in the field of view (FOV) of the sensor by climbing up the stairs or on top of the furniture. The sensor should also not be placed in view of active vents or ceiling fans that could cause false alarms.

Remember, the SiXPIR is designed exclusively with the Lyric System in mind. Users of older Honeywell Panels can achieve great results with the Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, which provided much inspiration for the SiXPIR Sensor. But only the SiXPIR Sensor offers 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless security. The SiXPIR is also a "smart" sensor that knows when it has been programmed to a Lyric System. It will then not be able to be enrolled with a new system unless it is deleted from the old one. The device is powered using a single lithium CR123A battery. In its default setting, the sensor will be enrolled as an interior zone and only remain active when the system is Armed Away. When Armed Stay, the sensor will remain active so that the user can move freely throughout the building.

You can get the Honeywell SiXPIR and the Honeywell 5800PIR-RES Motion Sensors from the Alarm Grid website. They make a great addition for nearly any Honeywell looking to expand upon their current setup. Buy one now to help keep your home safe!

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Hi DIYers! We're thrilled to announce that the Honeywell SiXCOMBO is finally here, just in time for the holidays! This Honeywell SiX Series Sensor offers support for smoke, heat and CO detection all in one convenient device. Additionally, new Honeywell 5800C2W Kits are also available!


With support for smoke, heat and CO sensing, the Honeywell SiXCOMBO is the first-ever encrypted combination life-safety sensor available for the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The device includes a built-in photoelectric smoke detector, a heat sensor that activates at temperatures of 135°F or higher, an IR sensor that measures ambient light and flame signatures, and a carbon monoxide sensor that responds to dangerous levels of CO gas. These four integrated sensors all work together to ensure that your home or business stays protected against fires and CO outbreaks at all times.

Users will also appreciate the One-Go-All-Go feature of the Honeywell SiXCOMBO. If the device activates for a fire or CO alarm, any additional SiXCOMBO devices that are also programmed with the system will also activate. This One-Go-All-Go feature affects Honeywell SiXSMOKE devices as well, so all your SiX Series life-safety devices will respond to the emergency. Each sensor includes an 85 dB sounder, which is plenty loud enough to alert anyone in the building.

The Honeywell SiXCOMBO is very easy to program with the Honeywell SiX Programming feature. This option is found within Installer-level programming. Once you have accessed the feature, you can power the SiXCOMBO on by removing its battery tab to have it auto-enrolled with the system. This can also be done by pressing and holding one of its test buttons until it auto-enrolls. The sensor will take up three zones on the system - one for smoke detection, one for heat detection, and one for CO detection.

In addition to the Honeywell SiXCOMBO, we are also glad to announce that Honeywell 5800C2W Kits are now available. We have two kits available - one of a Lyric Controller and 5800C2W Combo and another with just the 5800C2W and accessories. Both kits include enough LT-Cables for wiring and an UltraTech 1240 Backup Battery. Each 5800C2W is capable of supporting 9 hardwired sensors, so keep that in mind when system planning.

Honeywell 5800c2w hardwire to wireless system 9 zone conversion moduleThese kits are perfect for anyone upgrading from an older hardwired system who wants to continue to use their existing hardwired sensors. If the user needs a new system, the Lyric 5800C2W Combo Kit is a great option. As you know, the Lyric is HomeKit compatible for use with HomeKit Smart Scenes and Siri voice commands. Meanwhile, the 5800C2W itself will work with any alarm system that accepts 345 MHz sensors. This includes the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, the 2GIG GC2 and GC3 Systems and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with Honeywell Legacy Daughtercard.

Finally, we'd also like to briefly announce our office hours for the upcoming holidays. As usual, our office will be closed this weekend, which is Saturday December 22nd and Sunday December 23rd. Our office will then remain closed Monday December 24th and Tuesday December 25th in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day respectively. We will resume our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST on Wednesday December 26th. If you have any questions or concerns during this four-day period, we strongly encourage you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will do our very best to get back with you after we return from holiday on Wednesday the 26th. Once we return, you can also reach us by phone at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours. We also have online chat support available on our website.

Please also note that we will be closing our office early at 6pm on Monday December 31st in observance of New Year's Eve. We will remain closed on Tuesday January 1st in observance of New Year's Day. We will resume our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST on Wednesday January 2nd. Again, if you need to contact us while we are away, your best option is to use the email listed above. We would like to wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season, and we invite you to keep checking our blog in the following days for more information.

Alarm grid inside security stickers

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Ah the Honeywell 6160 Keypad. This is perhaps the most common alarm system keypad used with the Honeywell VISTA Security Panels. It is an alphanumeric keypad that allows for deep-level programming of the system, and it allows for the backdoor method if a user gets locked out.

Honeywell 6160 alphanumeric alarm keypadWith these great features, every Honeywell VISTA System should really have at least one keypad from the Honeywell 6160-series. For the Honeywell VISTA 15P, VISTA 20P and VISTA 21iP, up to eight of these keypads can be supported, as long as appropriate power is provided. Even if you supplement your VISTA with additional keypads like the fixed English 6150 or the touchscreen Tuxedo Touch, you'll still want at least one 6160 Keypad around to perform deep-level programming functions and for using the backdoor method in case you ever get locked out.

Many users mistakenly believe that the 6160 is an actual alarm control panel. But that is not the case. The 6160 is just a keypad use for controlling the rest of the system. The actual system is most likely inside a metal container that is hidden somewhere in the building. Some users also mistake the name for the Honeywell 6160, believing that it is called the K4274V1-H M274. However, this is just the part name of the small plastic door that is used to cover the buttons. This small plastic enclosure is used across all Honeywell 6160 Keypads. Indeed, the actual name for the keypad is 6160.

In addition to the standard Honeywell 6160 Keypad, there are also two other very popular keypads that are part of this same lineup. These include the 6160V and the 6160RF. For all intents and purposes, these are the same keypads as the standard 6160, but each offers an additional feature. The V in 6160V stands for "Voice", and the keypad offers voice annunciation. This means that the keypad will speak out any zone descriptors and the current arming status for the system. Users can also use the 6160V to record and playback voice messages of up to 2.5 minutes.

As for the 6160RF, the letters RF stand for "Radio Frequency". This keypad has a built-in 345 MHz transmitter for supporting Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. This a great keypad to add if you want to start using wireless sensors with your Honeywell VISTA System. Not only can uni-directional devices like standard security sensors, be used, the transceiver will also support bi-directional devices, like the Honeywell 5800WAVE.

If you have questions about any of the 6160 Keypads, please reach out to us! You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you with all your security needs!

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Hi DIYers! We have learned that Alarm.com is adding a feature that will let you place an image of Santa Claus directly into a security camera screenshot! Now, as we all know, you can't actually capture a real picture of Santa - he's magic! But you can at least pretend with this fun feature!


Alarm.com is making this feature for any Alarm Grid customer on a Platinum Level Plan who uses the Alarm.com interactive service platform. The feature will only be available from December 21st thru the 26th. This will give you a chance to test the feature before Christmas Day. But once Christmas is over, the feature will disappear. You'll have to catch Santa next year instead!

The feature will be supported by the following Alarm.com Security Camera models only:

To get started, simply pull up the Alarm.com App or website. Navigate to the Cameras Section, and select the video feed for a compatible camera. Then press the Santa icon:


You can then choose which Santa image to add to the screenshot:


You can even move or resize Santa to fit your home's setting. Finally, download the image or share it via text or email. Then you can show all your friends and family that Santa paid you a visit! If you have any questions about this feature, reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

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Hi DIYers! We're taking a look at the 2GIG CO3-345 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector today. This life-safety sensor responds to the presence of invisible and odorless carbon monoxide gas that can be lethal when inhaled. Every home should have a CO detector as a form of protection.

2gig co3 wireless carbon monoxide co detector

As we enter into the winter months, it's important to know that carbon monoxide related deaths are the highest this time of year. This is largely due to the increased use of heaters in the home. The best way to prevent these fatalities is to have any heating systems inspected by a certified technician annually and to maintain ample carbon monoxide detecting sensors in the home. For owners of 2GIG Systems, the 2GIG CO3-345 is arguably the best sensor to use for this purpose.

The CO3-345 is a wireless sensor that is powered by a CR123A lithium battery. Upon activation it products a loud temporal 4 pattern sound to alert those in the building to the danger. A helpful LED status light assists users in recognizing an alarm. The device has a five year product life before needing to be replaced. For best results, the CO3-345 should be installed near fuel burning appliances and kept clean of any dirt or dust. In addition to working with the GC2 and GC3 Systems from 2GIG, the device will also work with the Honeywell Lyric Controller.

Alarm Grid also offers CO detectors for other systems. These include the Qolsys IQ Carbon and the Honeywell 5800CO among others. All of these sensors can offer great protection for your home or business. Keep your property monitored for CO gas with a new carbon monoxide detector from Alarm Grid!

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It's almost Christmas DIYers! The holiday is less than two weeks away, and time is running out to get presents. Even if you celebrate a different holiday, the season is here. It's time to start planning! If you're looking for a last minute gift, you might consider equipment from Alarm Grid.

2gig gc3 diy wireless security system w slash 7 screenThe most obvious present if you're shopping for a security present is to consider a new panel. Right now, wireless systems are all the rage, and most users with older systems have an easy upgrade option available. Three of the hottest systems right now are the Honeywell Lyric Controller, the 2GIG GC3 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Each one stands out in its own way. For example, the Lyric works with Apple HomeKit, the GC3 offers partitioning support, and the IQ Panel 2 allows security camera streaming directly from the panel. All three can keep a loved one's home monitored for many years to come!

If you don't want to shell out for an entire new alarm system, that's perfectly understandable. There are still many smaller security gifts you can offer for the holidays. If you know what panel you're shopping for, a new sensor or two is always a good idea. It could be something like a door and window contact, a glass break sensor or even a flood sensor for those who live in rainy areas. If you're looking for something more seasonal, a temperature sensor can monitor for freezing temperatures. Carbon monoxide detectors are also a nice gesture, as the winter months represent the most common time of the year for outbreaks of lethal CO gas.

If your gift-recipients don't need new sensors, maybe a second keypad is more appropriate? These gifts are great, because many users only bother to use the main panel for arming and disarming. Being able to easily control the system from a second location, such as near a back door or inside a bedroom, can offer great convenience. Often, a user doesn't know how convenient it is until they have one! Most systems have some type of wireless keypad that can easily be set up and programmed. Some examples include the Honeywell LKP500, the 2GIG SP2-GC3 and the Qolsys IQ Remote. Now controlling an alarm system has never been easier!

Honeywell lkp500 wireless keypad for lyric controller

If you need any help deciding on a Christmas or holiday gift, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team will help you choose the perfect security gift to make the holidays merry! Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your choose the best security present for your friends and family!

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Hi DIYers! Recently, we paired an Alarm.com Security Camera with our Alarm.com account so that we could try viewing it through a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm System. We gotta say, we're extremely pleased with the crystal clear recording capabilities, and we're sure that you will be too!

Qolsys iq panel 2 at and t wireless security system with at and Streaming video directly to the panel from Alarm.com is a feature available for both the standard Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The system just needs to be running firmware version 2.2.1 or higher, and the user needs an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance that is set up with Alarm.com. For Alarm Grid customers, these are our Platinum Level Plans.

Only select camera models are compatible with this feature. At the time of this writing, the following Alarm.com Security Cameras can be used with the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus for panel streaming:

Many of these cameras can support two-way audio as well. For our testing, we worked with the ADC-V522IR 1080P Indoor Security Camera. We were amazed with the quality of the video, both through Alarm.com and from the panel itself. The two-way audio functionality worked great as well.

If you don't believe it, just see for yourself. Here's a quick photo taken of our IQ Panel 2 System as it streams live video and audio. Yeah, our support room is a bit messy, but bear with us! The key point here is that the quality looks absolutely tremendous for an easy-to-use security camera. Just imagine putting one of these cameras in your home and streaming directly from Alarm.com and your IQ Panel 2 System!


We also took the opportunity to create some new FAQs to help users get started with this feature:

We have to give it to Qolsys for creating such a versatile alarm system with this outstanding feature. Now you can view your ADC Camera from Alarm.com when you're on the go, or from your alarm panel when you're at home!

You can get the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus and many great Alarm.com Security Cameras from the Alarm Grid website. If you ever need any help deciding please reach out to us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: When streaming cameras to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or Qolsys IQ Remote (keypad streaming introduced in FW Update 2.4.0), the stream will typically time out after three (3) minutes. At that point, the user may receive a "Video Device Not Responding" notification. They will need to refresh the screen to continue streaming. An Alarm.com Streaming Video Recorder (SVR) device can more reliably provide continuous local playback when connected with a stable network.

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A couple of weeks ago, we released a complete guide to door contact sensors. Today, we're taking a look at alarm window contacts. Admittedly, there's not much difference between door sensors and window sensors. Many can be used interchangeably. But there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Qolsys iq dw mini s encrypted wireless sensors for iq panel 2 qsFirst, let's review how alarm contacts actually work. It is the same general process for both doors and windows. These devices consist of two portions, those being a sensor and a magnet. When the sensor and magnet are in direct contact or very close proximity, a reed switch inside the sensor will remain closed. Once the magnet becomes separated from the sensor, the reed switch will be released, and the sensor will know to alert the system to let it know that the structure has been opened.

The key with window contacts is to place them so that when the window is opened, the magnet and the sensor will become separated. But when the structure is closed, the sensor are magnet will remain in direct or near-direct contact. It is almost always recommended to place the sensor on the stationary frame of the window and the magnet on the moving portion of the window that is opened and closed. This will prevent the more valuable sensor from being pushed around and potentially damaged. The magnet is designed to take much more abuse and use than the sensor itself. Positioning the sensor this way will also make it easier to wire the sensor if a hardwired contact is being used.

Honeywell 951wg wh 3 slash 8 diameter miniature recessed contactOne special note with window contacts is that they are only designed to let a system know when a window has been opened normally. If an intruder smashes a window to gain entry, they will avoid activating a window contact, as long as the sensor remains in contact with its magnet. This means that they might be able to gain entry without setting off an alarm. Fortunately, there are two other types of sensors that can be used to alert an alarm system to a broken window. These are glass break sensors and shock sensors. Glass break sensors detect the audible sound of a window being broken, while shock sensors detect the physical vibrations associated with a broken window. However, these sensors are used for intrusion support only. Unlike a standard window contact, they will not let the user know if the window has merely been left open by accident. But they are still recommended for users who want to know if a window has been broken. We generally prefer glass break sensors over shock sensors, since they tend to work more reliably. It can also be helpful to use monition detection sensors alongside standard window contacts to detect any movement in the building.

Honeywell sixgb wireless glass break detector

Just like door sensors, window sensors can be either surface-mounted or recessed. Another major distinction is whether they are wireless or hardwired. So really, window sensors can be grouped into four major types. These are wireless surface-mounted, wireless recessed, hardwired surface-mounted and hardwired recessed. Choosing the perfect variation for your window and the type of installation you want to perform is crucial for success. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to decide on the perfect type of window sensor for your needs.

Simply put, surface-mounted sensors are installed on the exterior surface of the window and its frame. This means that they will be visible when looking at window. However, these sensors are usually very small and discreet, so they won't normally be drawing direct attention to themselves. A major advantage to surface-mounted sensors is that they are very easy to install, since no holes necessarily need to be drilled. Instead, many surface-mounted sensors and magnets can be mounted using double-sided foam tape.

The other option is to use recessed sensors. These sensors are hidden inside the window and its frame so that they are out of view. To do this, holes must be drilled into both the window and its frame for the magnet and sensor. Using recessed sensors for windows is somewhat less common than it is for doors. This is because some windows don't have an effective solution for drilling a hole to insert a magnet. Additionally, some window manufacturers put disclaimers stating that drilling holes into the window will void its warranty. But if the window has space for a hole to be drilled so that the magnet can be accommodated, then a recessed window sensor can certainly work. Please note that recessed plunger switches aren't normally used with windows, but there's no definitive reason why they couldn't work in certain situations.

A special mention needs to go to the Honeywell 5800Micra. This is a recessed alarm contact specifically designed for use with windows. The advantage to the 5800Micra is that only one hole needs to be made in the window frame for the sensor. The magnet is small enough that it can be surface-mounted on the side or bottom of the window. It uses an adhesive backing to remain securely in place. This is a great way to achieve a recessed installation without having to void the manufacturer's warranty for your window. Please note that the Honeywell 5800Micra is a wireless sensor that operates at 345 MHz. It is part of the Honeywell 5800 Series, and it will only work with compatible systems.

Honeywell 5800micra wireless recessed window contactUsers must also decide between wireless and hardwired sensors for their windows. Wireless sensors are much easier to install, since no wires need to be run. They are the recommended option for almost any DIY installer. Assuming that you have a wireless system with a wireless receiver, there is almost certainly a contact that will work for you. Just make sure that the sensor operates at a frequency that is compatible with your panel. The most common wireless frequencies at 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz and 915 MHz. Additionally, the encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Contacts, the Honeywell SiXCT and Honeywell SiXMINICT operate at 2.4 GHz WIFI.

If you go with hardwired contacts, the installation will be more challenging, since wires must be run. This can sometimes be an impossible task for the typical DIY user. However, there are two distinct advantages that make hardwired window sensors suitable for certain applications. For one, having them integrate with the building can add to the property value. Users also appreciate the fact that they never need to replace batteries for hardwired sensors.

Below is a table that outlines many of the window contacts available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site. It's actually the same as the one posted for our door contacts guide, only with some minor tweaks for windows. Make special note of the Honeywell 5800Micra at the very bottom!

Sensor Name
Communication Frequency
Surface-Mounted or Recessed
Special Notes
VERSA-GE 319.5 MHz Surface-Mounted Same as 5800MINI, but for 319.5 MHz Systems.
VERSA-2GIG 345 MHz Surface-Mounted Same as 5800MINI, but will only work with 2GIG Systems, the Honeywell Lyric Controller, and the IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughercard.
Honeywell 5800MINI
345 MHz Surface-Mounted Very popular slim sensor that is used with Honeywell Systems.
Honeywell SiXMINICT 2.4 GHz Surface-Mounted Encrypted 2.4 GHz Sensor designed for use with Lyric System only. It is smaller and more discreet than the similar SiXCT, but offers less range. Uses 128-bit AES encryption.
Honeywell SiXCT 2.4 GHz Surface-Mounted Encrypted 2.4 GHz Sensor designed for use with Lyric System only. Larger than the SiXMINICT, but offers superior range. Uses 128-bit AES encryption.
Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S 319.5 MHz Surface-Mounted Encrypted S-Line Sensor. Will only utilize encryption when used with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Otherwise operates as standard unencrypted sensor. Mini version of IQ Door Window-S.
Honeywell 5818MNL 345 MHz Recessed Recessed sensor from Honeywell 5800 Series. Requires 0.75" diameter hole that is 3" deep to be drilled in the window frame. Hole must also be drilled into the window for the magnet.
Honeywell 5820L 345 MHz Surface-Mounted Slim Line sensor that is great for applications that require a thinner sensor.
2GIG DW10 345 MHz Surface-Mounted Door contact designed by 2GIG. Will only work with 2GIG Systems, the Honeywell Lyric Controller, and the IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughtercard.
Honeywell 5816 345 MHz Surface-Mounted Honeywell's most popular wireless sensor! Also includes a wireless transmitter for a normally closed hardwired device.
DSC PG9945 915 MHz Surface-Mounted PowerG Sensor with up to 2km range. Also features an auxiliary input and wireless transmitter for a normally closed hardwired device. Uses 128-bit AES encryption.
Qolsys IQ Door Window-S 319.5 MHz Surface-Mounted Encrypted S-Line Sensor. Will only utilize encryption when used with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Otherwise operates as standard unencrypted sensor. Larger version of IQ DW MINI-S.
Interlogix TX-E221 319.5 MHz Recessed Relatively standard recessed sensor that works with 319.5 MHz systems.
2GIG DW20R 345 MHz Recessed Recessed contact from 2GIG. Will only work with 2GIG Systems, the Honeywell Lyric Controller, and the IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughtercard.
DSC PG9975 915 MHz Surface-Mounted PowerG vanishing surface-mounted contact with thin profile. Great for any standard application where PowerG Sensors are supported.
Qolsys IQ Recessed Door-S 319.5 MHz Recessed Encrypted recessed sensor from Qolsys. Will only utilize encryption when used with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Otherwise operates as standard unencrypted sensor.
Qolsys IQ Mini 319.5 MHz Surface-Mounted Standard door and window contact from Qolsys. Same as IQ DW MINI-S, but without encryption features.
DSC WS4945 433 MHz Surface-Mounted Surface-mounted door contact for 433 MHz DSC Systems.
DSC EV-DW4975 433 MHz Surface-Mounted Slim line version of DSC WS4945.
DSC EV-DW4917 433 MHz Recessed Recessed contact for 433 MHz DSC Systems.
Qolsys IQ DW Standard 319.5 MHz Surface-Mounted Unencrypted version of Qolsys IQ Door Window-S.
Honeywell 951WG Hardwired Recessed Recessed hardwired contact with leads. Measures 3/8" in diameter.
Honeywell PAL-T Hardwired Surface-Mounted Currently the smallest hardwired surface-mounted contact offered from Alarm Grid.
Honeywell 7939WG Hardwired Surface-Mounted Relatively standard hardwired surface-mounted contact manufactured by Honeywell.
Honeywell 944T Hardwired Recessed Recessed hardwired contact with screw terminals. Measures 3/8" in diameter.
Honeywell 944TSP Hardwired Recessed Recessed hardwired contact with screw terminals. Measures 3/4" in diameter.
Honeywell 7939-2 Hardwired Surface-Mounted Basically same as Honeywell 7939WG, but is Form C for normally closed or normally open wiring.
Honeywell 940 Hardwired Surface-Mounted Relatively standard hardwired surface-mounted contact manufactured by Honeywell.
Honeywell MPS5 Hardwired Recessed Recessed contact with leads and diameter of 1/4".
Honeywell 944SP Hardwired Recessed Recessed contact with leads and diameter of 3/4".

Honeywell 5800Micra 345 MHz Recessed One of our favorite recessed contacts, designed exclusively for windows! Magnet is surface-mounted and does not require a drilled hole. This can allow for a recessed installation without voiding the warranty for the window.

If you need any help deciding on the perfect window sensor, do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also encourage you to check out our monitoring page for more information about the services we offer. We look forward to hearing from you!

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