Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M

The Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M is a System Enhancement Module (SEM) allowing Honeywell VISTA alarm panels to work within the Alarm.com ecosystem. In the past, VISTA panels have almost exclusively been used with AlarmNet communicators, which provides access only to Total Connect 2.0.

This product is offered in addition to the Alarm.com ADC-SEM300-VT-AT, which also uses the AT&T LTE network. The difference is that the ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M uses the LTE Cat-M1 network. The Cat-M1 network was created specifically for IoT (Internet of Things) use. Compared to the LTE network used for voice and data, the Cat-M1 network has an upload speed of around 200 - 400 Kilobits Per Second. This is very slow compared to the data rates achieved on the traditional LTE network, but because the amount of data being transmitted by an alarm panel is very small, compared to the amount of data transmitted for traditional voice and data use, the Cat-M1 network works very well for this type of communication.

The VISTA line of alarm systems is manufactured by Resideo, which used to be known as Honeywell Security. Resideo is also the owner of AlarmNet. AlarmNet manages the platform used to transmit alarm signals and provide connectivity for Total Connect 2.0 on behalf of their communicators. This is why traditionally VISTA alarm panels have always used AlarmNet communicators, because they were literally made for each other. Alarm.com introduced the first SEM modules several years ago so that users who prefer a VISTA system, but want to use the Alarm.com infrastructure can do so. With a VISTA panel and a SEM module, a user can have the best of both worlds.

The AT&T network is known to be very reliable. In addition to cellular communication capabilities, the ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M also offers an Ethernet connection. Most locations have a connection to the internet, and by including an Ethernet port on the SEM, users can take advantage of this connection when it exists. When both a Cellular and an Ethernet communication path are available, this is called a Dual-Path setup. When available, Dual-Path communication is always recommended. When an Alarm.com communicator has two paths available, it will always send each signal via both paths. Whichever signal reaches Alarm.com first, be it cellular or internet, that signal is processed. The signal received second is discarded. In this way, Alarm.com always ensures that every signal sent is sent via the fastest available path.

The ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M also includes a Z-Wave Plus Controller. By using the Z-Wave Controller built into the SEM, a user can control their Z-Wave devices remotely through the Alarm.com app or customer website. VISTA panels also support the use of Tuxedo Keypads. These keypads also have a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller, however, if the Tuxedo Keypad is used for Z-Wave control instead of the SEM, then the ability to control devices and create scenes and rules via Alarm.com is lost. So, if the ability to control home automation devices through the Alarm.com app or website is desired, then be sure to use the Z-Wave Plus Controller built into the SEM, rather than using a Tuxedo Keypad. The only drawback to this is that the user won't be able to control their Z-Wave devices locally through the touchscreen keypad. They will need to use the Alarm.com app on a smart device, or the Alarm.com website instead.

The ADC-SEM300-VT-AT-M has a relatively low power consumption as compared to previous SEM modules. For this reason, it doesn't come with its own separate power supply, and instead gets its power (and backup battery) from the alarm panel. The SEM operates at 12VDC and draws 125 mA of current in standby (continuously) and 230 mA when transmitting. For this reason, be sure to perform accurate current draw calculations when setting up your system. Any device that receives power from the panel such as keypads, wired motion detectors, expansion modules, receivers, etc. will need to be included in that calculation. These calculations are also important when determining the proper backup battery to be used for instances when primary power is out.

This product is compatible with the VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P, and VISTA-21iP panels. In order to be compatible, the panels need to have been manufactured in 2005 or later. The date of manufacture is available on the square chip with a white sticker near the center of the board. The VISTA-21iP panels have an internal communicator built into the panel board. In order for the SEM to work with these panels, the Jumper for this communicator must be set to OFF. If you need to move the jumper, be sure to power the panel completely down first to avoid damaging it. To take full advantage of all of the SEM features, including the ability to upload and download panel settings, the panel must be on a version that supports Compass IP Downloading. For the VISTA-10P this is version 2.0+, for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P this i version 5.2+, and for the VISTA-21iP this is version 3.1+.

If you need a Verizon version of the SEM, check out the Alarm.com ADC SEM300-VT-VZ-M.

Compatibility Notes:

• The SEM is compatible with Touchscreen Keypads. Arming, Disarming, Panics and Alarms initiated through these keypads are processed through Alarm.com. However, changes to the Installer Code via Quick Programming Mode and bypassing of open sensors through the touchscreen will not be processed by Alarm.com unless they are performed using Console Mode.
• To use the "Bypass Open Sensors" feature in Alarm.com, panel programming field *23 Forced Bypass must be enabled, and is not enabled by default.
• The AVS (Audio Verification System) is incompatible with the SEM. If the panel is using an AVS system, it must be removed in order for the SEM to function properly.
• The 4232CBM (Connected Building Module) is not compatible with the SEM.
• Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) is incompatible with the SEM. When a SEM is being used, it should be the only communication path for alarm signaling.
• SAM (Sensor Activity Monitoring) is not available for the 5822T Tilt Sensor. Be sure SAM is disabled for any of these sensors.

Specifications

• Power Requirements: 12V Nominal, 125 mA Continuous, 230 mA Max
• Cellular Network: 4G LTE CAT-M1 Network, No Fallback
• Panel Interfaces: Two Keypad Bus Connections (Data In, Data Out) 12V Power and Ground
• Enclosure Indicators: Five (5) LEDs (Red, Green, Yellow, or Blue)
• Operating Temperature: 14℉ - 131℉ (-10℃ - +55℃)
• Storage Temperature: -30℉ - 140℉ (-34.4℃ - +60℃)
• Humidity: 90% Relative Humidity, Non-Condensing
• Enclosure Dimensions: 7.66"L x 4.35"W x 1.65"D (19.46cm x 11.05cm x 4.19cm)
• Enclosure Color/Material: White Fire-retardant PC/ABS, PC