Reviews

Honeywell MPS51C - Overhead Door Contact

Excellent Industrial Contact!
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell MPS51C is an overhead door contact that has since been discontinued. However, if you come across a used model somewhere, don't be afraid to give it a shot. These are high-quality, long-lasting contact sensors that are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of industrial use. You can expect this sensor to withstand repeated use, even in the most demanding of settings. It is great for use on overhead doors, garage doors, and more. We really like this sensor, and we give it a perfect 5 Star rating.

Hardwired door contacts like the Honeywell MPS51C are extremely simple and effective devices. They are very easy to wire, and they can be readily used with wireless transmitters if needed. Remember, a wired contact is a purely mechanical device that does not require any electricity. This makes them very straightforward and easy to set up. For added durability, the wire leads are encased in 24" armored cable. This is a Form C contact, meaning that a NO or a NC wiring configuration can be used. We also appreciate the fact that this contact allows for a large magnet spacing gap of two (2) inches. This makes it suitable for more industrial applications, including for use on overhead doors and garage doors.

There are not many downsides to the Honeywell MPS51C. One issue is that it is discontinued, and it can no longer be purchased new. You will likely only find used models elsewhere. There are plenty of newer models available. But with this being an extremely simple device, don't expect the newer models to really offer any flashy upgrades. We must also admit that the design of the Honeywell MPS51C is somewhat dated and ugly. But for industrial use, that isn't very important. Overall, this an outstanding industrial grade contact, and you will not be disappointed with its performance. It gets 5 Stars from Alarm Grid.

Good: Simple & Effective, Does Not Use Electricity, 24" Armored Cable, Form C, Built to Last

Bad: Discontinued, Ugly Design

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Alarm.com ADC-T2000 - Smart Thermostat

Simple, Effective Z-Wave Thermostat
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Z-Wave Thermostat was once the flagship smart thermostat for use with the Alarm.com Platform. It has since been replaced by the Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat, which is a bit sleeker, more advanced, and utilizes the more reliable Z-Wave Plus technology. That's not to say that the ADC-T2000 Thermostat isn't a great product. These devices have worked reliably for years, and they continue to be purchased and added to security systems as of mid-2020. In fact, we still regularly recommend the ADC-T2000 Thermostat to customers looking for a no-frills Z-Wave thermostat option. Whether you are using the device with Alarm.com or a different interactive service platform like Samsung SmartThings or Total Connect 2.0, the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 should not let you down. We give it a 5 Star rating.

While there are more advanced thermostat options available, there are still a lot of things we appreciate about the Alarm.com ADC-T2000. The thermostat offers customized scheduling and temperature presets. This is important, as it helps the user save money, while also keeping their home or business comfortable. Like all Z-Wave devices, you can integrate the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 in with your smart scenes for automatic operation and control. You can have smart scenes trigger based upon a schedule, with certain system events, or both. The ADC-T2000 also integrates nicely with the ADC-S2000 Temperature Sensor if you need to detect temperature across a larger building.

As we said earlier, the ADC-T2000 is an older model, and you should get the ADC-T3000 if you want the latest Z-Wave thermostat from Alarm.com. The ADC-T2000 is a standard Z-Wave thermostat, meaning that you may get better results with a Z-Wave Plus model if you have a certified Z-Wave Plus controller or hub. Some users do find the ADC-T2000 to be "too simple" of a device. But if you are just looking for a basic no-frills thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 is still a great option. It gets 5 Stars from us.

Good: Customized Scheduling, Temperature Presets, Easily Integrates w/ Z-Wave Network, Pair w/ ADC-S2000 Temperature Sensor

Bad: Not Z-Wave Plus, Very Basic

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Honeywell CR2032 - 3 Volt Lithium Battery

Great CR2032 Battery!
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell CR2032 is a lithium 3V coin battery that can be used with a variety of different devices, including many security devices. As a CR2032 coin battery, you will usually find this size of battery inside smaller electronic devices, like handheld flashlights, key fobs, compct door and window sensors and more. It is a fairly common coin battery size, and you can likely find it in most pharmacies irf you need to pick up a quick replacement. But if you prefer to buy one online, then we have you covered here. Really, this is a great battery, and as a lithium battery, you can expect it to last a very long time in your compatible electronic device or security sensor. We give the Honeywell CR2032 Lithium Coin Battery a perfect 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Honeywell CR2032. It is easy to install and replace when needed. You don't need to call out a professional installer or a handyman to replace a CR2032 coin battery. This is something that you can do yourself quite easily. We also appreciate the fact that the Honeywell CR2032 is very long lasting. This is due to the fact that it is a lithium battery, which typically last longer than their alkaline counterparts. We have found that we have had to make battery replacements less frequently with the Honeywell CR2032, which has saved our company money in the long run. Not a lot of money, sure, but those little bits add up! And you can save money too with a longer lasting battery.

There isn't much to dislike about the CR2032. The size can be easily confused with the CR2025 battery size. The CR2025 size is a little bit thinner. Sometimes, a user might get away with jamming a CR2032 battery in a CR2025 slot or using a loose CR2025 battery in a CR2032 slot. But really, your best bet is just use to use the proper size. And when you need a CR2032 battery, the Honeywell CR2032 will not let you down. We give this battery 5 Stars.

Good: Easy to Replace, Long Lasting, Lithium Battery, Saves You Money in Long Run

Bad: Easily Confused with CR2025

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ - Verizon LTE Cellular Communicator for Simon XT, XTi & XTi-5

Good LTE Communicator
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ is a Verizon LTE Communicator and Z-Wave controller for an Interlogix Simon Series Alarm Panel. The module works with most Simon XT, Simon XTi, Simon XTi-5, and Simon XTi-5i Systems, though there are some firmware requirements to keep in mind. By installing and activating this communicator, your Interlogix Simon Series Panel will be able to communicate with the Alarm.com Servers for monitoring service. Just be aware that you will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular service and access to Alarm.com in order to activate this communicator. Overall, this is a great no-frills cellular communicator for the compatible Interlogix Simon Systems. We give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ. For one, it provides reliable cellular connectivity through the Verizon LTE Network. Cellular connectivity almost never goes down or becomes unavailable, making it arguably the single best communication path for an alarm system. And as an LTE communicator, you can expect this module to keep your system monitored well into the very distant future. We also appreciate the fact that a Z-Wave controller is built-in, as it will open up many home automation possibilities for your Interlogix Security System.

There are some downsides to keep in mind when using the Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ. The most glaring is that there are certain firmware requirements to use the module. If you have a Simon XT, it must be at least firmware version 1.3. Updating older firmware can be difficult or impossible, so make sure to check the firmware first if you have a Simon XT. You should also be aware that older versions of the Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ may have trouble interfacing with Simon XTi-5i Systems. Fortunately, any new model you purchase on our site will not have this issue and will work with Simon XTi-5i Systems. But this is something to keep in mind if you come across an older model somewhere else. Finally, you should be aware that there are newer and more advanced Interlogix Simon Communicators that offer dual-path connectivity (LTE & IP) and Z-Wave Plus functionality. The Interlogix 600-1040-XT-LTE-VZ is much less advanced and more of a "no-frills" option.

The Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ is good for what it is. It will provide your Simon System with reliable monitoring service, and for some people, that's enough. For that reason, we give it 5 Stars.

Good: Reliable Connectivity, Verizon LTE Network, Built-In Z-Wave Controller

Bad: Firmware Requirements, Older Models Cannot Interface w/ Simon XTi5i, More Advanced Communicators Available

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Honeywell 5815 - Wireless Aesthetic Door Sensor and Window Sensor

Fantastic Door/Window Sensor!
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell 5815 is designed to be an aesthetic improvement over the classic Honeywell 5816 Door and Window Contact, and it certainly fits that bill. With its rounded edges, the Honeywell 5815 Door and Window Sensor presents a friendlier, more inviting appearance when compared with the older 5816 model. Meanwhile, the 5815 still manages to retain the nominal wireless communication range of the 5816 at 200 feet. Also returning is the ability to connect a hardwired Normally Closed (NC) contact to the 5815 so its operates as a wireless transmitter. This further increases the versatility and effectiveness of the sensor. Overall, the Honeywell 5815 is a great sensor with relatively few downsides. We give a 5 Star rating.

The main thing to like about the Honeywell 5815 is its aesthetic design. It looks very nice in a modern home, and the magnet can be oriented along two different sides. The 200-foot nominal range is suitable for most homes, though you should make sure to test the sensor after installing and programming. The lithium battery lasts a long time, as you shouldn't expect to make any replacements for roughly three to five years. The sensor is very easy to install and program, making it perfect for DIY users.

There are not many downsides to the Honeywell 5815. Its magnet spacing gap is somewhat small at just 0.5 inches. This is another reason why it is important to test the sensor after installing. Although the sensor offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance, there are even smaller sensors like the Honeywell 5800MINI available. Still, this is a very nice sensor that you should expect to last for a very long time. That is why we rate the Honeywell 5815 a perfect 5 Stars.

Good: Pleasing Design, 200-Foot Nominal Range, Wireless Transmitter Capability

Bad: Small Magnet Spacing Gap, Smaller Contacts Available

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Honeywell 5800CO - Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector

Simple, Effective CO Detector
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell 5800CO is a 345 MHz wireless carbon monoxide (CO) sensor. The device was built with the LYNX Touch Panels in mind, but it will also work great with the Honeywell Lyric, Honeywell LYNX Plus, a Honeywell VISTA System with an added 345 MHz wireless receiver, the 2GIG Wireless Panels, and the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This is an extremely versatile sensor, and it makes for a great addition to any compatible security system. We give it a 5 Star rating.

Adding a CO detector to your home or business can prove to be life-saving. Hundreds of people die every year in the United States alone due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The gas is both odorless and tasteless, and it often isn't discovered until it's too late. The best way to prevent loss of life due to a CO outbreak is with a reliable CO detector like the Honeywell 5800CO. We recommend having at least one CO detector on each floor of your home or business.

The downsides to the 5800CO are relatively minor. Like all CO detectors, the 5800CO has a limited product life. In this case, the sensor is good for ten (10) years. That's pretty long for a CO detector, and end of product life is something you will have to deal with on pretty much any device. The device uses a lithium CR123A battery, and you will likely need to replace it at least once before the end of life is reached. Also keep in mind that some users may prefer using combination devices, such as the 5800COMBO or the SiXCOMBO instead of just a standalone CO detector like the 5800CO.

The Honeywell 5800CO is a versatile and reliable 345 MHz CO detector that makes a nice addition to any compatible system. It gets 5 Stars from Alarm Grid.

Good: Life-Saving, Versatile, Easy to Install

Bad: Limited Product Life, Battery Will Require Replacing, Some Users Might Prefer a "Combo" Sensor

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Yale YRD256 - Assure Lock SL Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus

Great Touchscreen Door Lock!
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Yale YRD256 is a Z-Wave Plus touchscreen door lock that can interface with virtually any Z-Wave controller. Yale and Assa Abbloy are known for their high-quality door locks, and the YRD256 Assure SL continues that trend. This lock offers a BHMA Grade 2 rating, which is excellent for residential use. It includes some nice features, such as auto re-lock, the ability to store and remember 25 unique user codes, a rubber gasket to protect the door's finish, and an emergency charge battery port at the bottom. The lock is completely key-free, meaning you will no longer need to carry around a set of keys to get in and out. Users also appreciate the three (3) beautiful finishing options available for the lock, and it really looks nice once installed. We have plenty of nice things to say about the YRD256, and we have no problem giving it a 5 Star rating.

We have found that the Yale YRD256 offers excellent reliability, and it provides all of the features you would expect out of a high-quality Z-Wave Plus door lock. It will work great on just about any residential door, and you will be extremely pleased with its fashionable appearance and design. There aren't many downsides for the lock, but you should keep a couple in mind. For one, like any touch screen, there is the possibility that it could fail or become damaged. In that sense, the lock is technically less reliable than a more traditional push-button device. Also the lock will need to be installed and replace your existing door lock. The process can be completed using a screwdriver, but it is still something you have trouble with if you are not good with tools.

Overall, there are many great things we appreciate about the YRD256. It gets a 5 Star rating.

Good: Great Build-Quality, Beautiful Design w/ 3 Finishing Options, Auto Re-Lock Feature, 25 User Codes, Rubber Gasket, Key-Free, Reliable Touchscreen, Z-Wave Plus, Extremely Secure

Bad: Small Possibility of Touchscreen Failure, Must Be Installed

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Linear PD300Z-2 - Z-Wave Plug-in Lamp Dimmer Module

Z-Wave Plus Options Available
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Linear PD300Z-2 is a standard Z-Wave plug-in lamp dimmer module. It has two (2) outlets, with one being for Z-Wave smart automation control, and the other being a simple pass-through outlet. By connecting a device (usually a lamp), you will gain the ability to control the device remotely and have it activate with Z-Wave smart scenes. Just be aware that the device has a limit of 300 watts, and it cannot be used with non-resistive loads, which includes CFL light bulbs. The fact that this is a classic Z-Wave device also hurts it, as superior Z-Wave Plus models are readily available. Also the device is discontinued, and you can no longer buy it new. If you find a used model somewhere, it should still work with a Z-Wave or Z-Wave Plus network. Overall, this is a fairly outdated devices that we would no longer recommend purchasing new. If you have an existing model already enrolled, then it should still work just fine. Otherwise, get a Z-Wave Plus model instead. We give the Linear PD300Z-2 a 4 Star rating.

There are positive aspects regarding the Linear PD300Z-2. It doesn't require any wiring, as you can just plug it in and enroll it with your Z-Wave network. This makes it perfect for DIY users. The device also makes an excellent repeater, as lamp modules tend to be. It will start repeating signals once plugged in and enrolled with the Z-Wave network. Many users get these devices simply for improving their mesh networks. However, it is important to understand that this is an outdated model, and most users will achieve better results by getting a Z-Wave Plus plug-in lamp dimmer module instead. But there was a time when the Linear PD300Z-2 was the best available. We give it 4 Stars and say to continue using yours if you already have one. If you are in the market for a new Z-Wave device, then get a Z-Wave Plus model instead.

Good: No Tools Required, Great for DIYers, Z-Wave Repeatrer, Pass-Through Outlet

Bad: Not Z-Wave Plus, 300-Watt Limit, Does Not Support Non-Resistive Loads

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

Interlogix 60-924-RF-TS - Talking Touch Screen for Simon XT & XTi

Nice Interlogix System Keypad
Submitted on 04/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Interlogix 60-924-RF-TS is a touchscreen keypad for the Interlogix Simon Series Panels, including the Simon XT, Simon XTi, and Simon XTi-5. This external keypad serves as a secondary on-site location for operating one of these systems. You can use the keypad to arm, disarm, check current status, and perform automation commands (cellular communicator w/ Z-Wave controller required for automation). The keypad also provides voice annunciation and chime to let you know about system activity. It also displays weather information when the system is connected with Alarm.com. Overall, this is a fine keypad for Interlogix Simon Series users. It serves a very specific function, and there are really no viable alternatives. We give it a 5 Star rating.

With the Interlogix 60-924-RF-TS, you get a simple, yet effective touchscreen keypad that offers some really nice features. It has the same interface as the Simon XTi and XTi-5, which makes it very intuitive for those accustomed to wireless Interlogix Security Systems. Being able to quickly check faulted zones is a nice touch, and while the voice and chime are primitive, these sounds serve their purpose of alerting the end user to system activity.

There are not many downsides for the Interlogix 60-924-RF-TS. One issue is that it takes up one a system zone slot when programmed. Since zones on Interlogix Systems are often limited (most have a MAX of 40), you may need to plan carefully when adding this keypad. Also, there is a limit of only four (4) keypads per Interlogix System. And we should also mention that this keypad is fairly dated and will look rather old-fashioned compared with the more advanced system keypads from the late 2010s and 2020s.

While primitive, the Interlogix 60-924-RF-TS gets the job done, and there aren't really any other physical keypad alternatives. Most users will just use Alarm.com for remote operation. After all, you will usually always have your phone on your person, whether you are on-site or not. But if you want a secondary keypad for your wireless Interlogix Simon System, this is the one to get. For that reason, it earns a 5 Star rating.

Good: Arm/Disarm, Check Status, Automation, Weather Information, Talks, Chimes, Touchscreen, No Viable Alternatives

Bad: Takes Up One Zone, Primitive, Touchscreen Feels Choppy, Limit of Four (4) Per System, Old-Fashioned, For Interlogix Simon Panels Only

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Honeywell 5878 - Wireless Remote Alarm Keypad

Nice Remote Device
Submitted on 01/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell 5878 is a wireless remote keypad that integrates with security systems that accept the 345 MHz wireless frequency. This device was originally built with the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems in mind, but you should have no trouble pairing it with other 345 MHz wireless systems. The remote features six (6) button and eight (8) programmable loops for providing a variety of different functions once it has been properly configured. This product has since been discontinued, and it can no longer be purchased new. But a used model should work fine if you manage to find one somewhere. Overall, we think this is a fine remote keypad option, and we have no issue giving it a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the Honeywell 5878. For one, its small design allows it to be carried around quite easily. Mounting hardware is also included if you prefer a setup that is permanently mounted somewhere. The device features an LED light, which can be useful for confirming that signal transmissions are successfully sent out. This is also good for knowing if the device has a low battery that needs to be changed, as no LED light will be shown when the battery is low. We also like the fact that the sensor is easy to program, even if it can be a bit tedious to set up and program all eight (8) possible inputs. Lastly, we think that the sensor has a really nice transmission range at 200 nominal feet.

There are not many downsides for the Honeywell 5878. The product is discontinued, so you are unlikely to find a new model anywhere. Like we said earlier, programming all eight (8) functions can be a bit tedious, though the overall process is easy. The battery life for the 5878 is average at best. It will need a new lithium CR2032 coin battery about every three (3) to five (5) years. That's rather unimpressive for a small remote device like the 5878. Finally, we will admit that the design for the 5878 is rather dated and somewhat ugly. This may be a big reason why Honeywell ultimately decided to discontinue the device. Still, these are relatively minor downsides, and the 5878 has numerous positive aspects. For that reason, we give the Honeywell 5878 a perfect 5-Star rating.

Good: Small & Compact, Mounting Hardware Included, LED Light, Easy to Programming, Strong Wireless Range

Bad: Discontinued, Programming 8 Functions is Tedious, Average Battery Life, Dated & Ugly Design

Bottom Line: 5 Stars