Frequently Asked Questions

Honeywell L5210 vs Qolsys IQ Panel 2
The Honeywell L5210 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 are both wireless all-in-one alarm systems. Both are great panels that offer easy user accessibility. But the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is the more robust of the two systems, and it provides more capabilities out of the box. Learn more about these two panels.
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What Is a Monitored Alarm System?
Any alarm system that receives active monitoring service is said to be a "monitored system". This is true whether the monitoring plan includes central station monitoring or self-monitoring only. The benefit of a monitored system is that it can send outbound signals. Learn more about alarm systems.
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Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell 5819WHS
The 5800MINI and the 5819WHS are both sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series. The 5819WHS can function as a shock sensor, wireless transmitter and alarm contact. The 5800MINI can only be used as a door and window sensor, but it is more compact than the 5819WHS. Learn more about these devices.
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Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell 5820L
The Honeywell 5800MINI and the Honeywell 5820L are both wireless door and window contacts. They both operate at a wireless frequency of 345 MHz, making them compatible with the same alarm systems. Their biggest difference is their shape. Learn more about these two Honeywell alarm contacts.
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Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell 5814
Two wireless surface-mount door and window contacts from Honeywell are the 5800MINI and the 5814. Both sensors communicate at a wireless frequency of 345 MHz, making them compatible with the same systems. However, the 5800MINI has a farther range than the 5814. Learn more about these sensors.
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How Does a Glass Break Sensor Work?
A glass break sensor actively listens for the sound of breaking glass. These security devices will activate upon hearing the low-pitch "thud" of an object striking against glass, while simultaneously hearing the high-pitch "shattering" of the glass itself. Learn more about glass break sensors.
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How Do I Add a 2-Wire Smoke Detector to My Wireless Alarm System?
Adding a 2-wire smoke detector to a wireless alarm system is not possible. A 2-wire smoke detector can only be added to Zone 1 of a wired alarm system. This is because that particular zone contains specific logic needed for a 2-wire smoke to function properly. Learn more about 2-wire smokes.
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How Do I Add a 4-Wire Smoke Detector to My Wireless Alarm System?
In order to use a 4-wire smoke detector with a wireless alarm system, a special type of wireless transmitter is needed. The transmitter must be capable of supporting normally open life-safety devices with an end of line resistor. Learn more about using a 4-wire smoke with a wireless system.
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How Do I Re-Seat the SIM on My Communicator?
First, locate the SIM card for your device. Next, remove the backup battery and unplug the transformer. Remove the communicator, and extract the SIM. Make sure it is clean and free of fingerprints. Re-insert the SIM, and re-attach the cellular module. Then re-apply power. Read on to learn more.
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How do I troubleshoot a Vista-GSM4G on a Vista-21iP?
With pass-through programming, a user with an Alpha keypad can perform diagnostic testing on the Vista-GSM4G to help determine the cause of communicator issues. Using this feature, signal strength can be verified in addition to other diagnostic testing. Keep reading to learn about this feature.
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