Can I Make an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 a Secondary Z-Wave Controller?

No, you can not make an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 a secondary Z-Wave controller. Once the panel is receiving active cellular service, it will be able to support Z-Wave devices. A user can then control their programmed Z-Wave devices directly from the panel or using the Alarm.com Service.

The Interlogix Simon XTi and XTi-5 Systems do not readily support Z-Wave home automation. Instead, a cellular communication module must be added. All of the cellular modules used with the XTi and XTi-5 Systems include an integrated Z-Wave controller. So by upgrading the system to cellular, it will become capable of supporting Z-Wave devices. However, it will not be capable of being configured as a secondary controller to another Z-Wave controller, such as a Samsung SmartThings Hub.

Adding cellular service is perhaps the most important upgrade that can be made for a Simon XTi or XTi-5 System. Without cellular service, these systems are forced to rely on POTS (plain old telephone service) connectivity for monitoring. Cellular service is substantially more reliable and faster than a telephone line connection. Plus, only cellular service will allow the XTi or XTi-5 System to work with Alarm.com. In order to upgrade to cellular, the system will need a compatible cellular communicator, along with an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular service.

Once the cellular communicator has been activated by the user's alarm monitoring company, they will be able to add and use Z-Wave home automation devices. Any Z-Wave devices that are programmed can be controlled either directly from the Simon XTi or XTi-5 System, or from the Alarm.com interactive service. The user's alarm monitoring company should provide the user with the resources necessary to get started using Alarm.com.

By using Alarm.com, a user will be able to establish rules and scenes for their Z-Wave home automation devices. This will allow them to activate automatically based on a schedule or with certain pre-determined system events. A user can also use the Alarm.com Mobile App to control their Z-Wave devices remotely. This makes Alarm.com necessary for any user who wants to unlock the full potential of Z-Wave home automation.

Although the Simon XTi and XTi-5 panels do not support being used as a secondary controller, a GE 45601 Z-Wave Wireless Remote can be learned into the panel as a secondary controller. This can come in handy when learning in large numbers of Z-Wave devices. If a secondary controller, such as the GE 45601, will be used, it is recommended that it be added to the Z-Wave network before any other devices.

Complete the following steps to learn the GE 45601 into the Simon XTi or XTi-5:

1. Access programming. From the main screen, go to Settings (gear icon in the lower right) > then arrow down until you see Programming > Enter > Enter Installer Code (Default is 4321) > OK. You're now in programming.

2. Access Z-Wave enrollment. Select "Interactive Services". Then choose "Z-Wave", followed by "Add Device". The panel will display "Press button on device to add..." This indicates that the system is in its Z-Wave enrollment mode.

3. Include the GE 45601. With the controller close to the panel, press and hold the "SETUP" button on the GE 45601 until the screen displays "LIGHT SETUP". Use the arrow buttons on the remote until you see "TRANSFER" on its screen, and then press "OK". The remote screen will display "PRIMARY". Use the arrow buttons to scroll until you see "RECEIVE", then press "OK". The remote should display "RECEIVING". The remote's screen will briefly say "SUCCESS" after the GE 45601 has been included into the panel as a secondary controller.

The GE 45601 can now be used as a wireless remote to add Z-Wave devices to the Simon XTi or XTi-5. For full details on using a Z-Wave remote as a secondary controller on the Simon XTi and XTi-5, check out the Alarm.com emPower for Simon XT/XTi Automation Guide.