Reviews

2GIG GC3PK10 - Base Kit GC3 Security System, w/ 10 Door/Window Sensors, 1 Motion Sensor, 1 8-Foot Cable

No Communicator, No Encryption, Discontinued
Submitted on 09/23/2020 Alarm Grid

The 2GIG GC3PK10 is a discontinued security system kit from Alarm Grid. The kit included a 2GIG GC3 Security System, ten (10) door and window contact sensors, a motion detection sensor, and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power. Although this kit has been discontinued, there really isn't anything wrong with it. The 2GIG GC3 can still be used for alarm monitoring service, provided that you obtain a compatible cellular communicator upgrade. The major downfalls for this kit are that no communicator is included and that no encrypted sensors are supported by the 2GIG GC3. Because of these downsides, we give the 2GIG GC3PK10 a 4-Star rating.

There are positive aspects about the 2GIG GC3PK10. The panel and the included sensors all have a great build quality, and you should be able to rely on them for many years. By adding a compatible LTE cellular communicator, you can use this system for alarm monitoring service and connect it with the Alarm.com servers. This will allow you to control your system remotely and check its status from pretty much anywhere. We also like the fact that the GC3 has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller. This is ideal for establishing a smart home automation network for use with the system.

But the downsides for the 2GIG GC3PK10 should not be ignored. No communicator is included with this kit, so you will need to buy one separately. Really, it makes more sense to just buy a kit with a bundled communicator. Alarm Grid offered various GC3 Kits with included communicators, so buying one without a communicator is a bit silly, unless you were planning to use the GC3 as a non-monitored system. There are no encrypted sensors supported by the 2GIG GC3, so that's a letdown if you were hoping to set up an encrypted system. There is also the fact that this system kit is discontinued, and you are unlikely to find it new. All things considered, the 2GIG GC3PK10 gets a 4-Star score from Alarm Grid.

Good: Good Build Quality, Can Activate w/ Added Communicator, Z-Wave Plus

Bad: No Communicator Included, No Encrypted Sensor Support, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

Honeywell 5899B - Small Magnet for Wireless Door and Window Contacts

Good Replacement Magnet
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell 5899B is a small replacement magnet for a door and window contact sensor. Being a Honeywell product, it is specifically designed for use with sensors like the Honeywell 5816, the Honeywell 5800MINI, the Honeywell SiXCT, and the Honeywell SiXMINICT. But really, you shouldn't have trouble using the magnet with any standard surface-mounted door and window sensor. The magnet is typically installed on a door or window frame, and it can be mounted using screws or using double-sided foam tape. This is a simple, yet effective magnet that serves its intended purpose quite well. We give the Honeywell 5899B a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell 5899B. For one, it is a smaller magnet, making it great for use with smaller door and window sensors. The compact design helps make it less noticeable when mounted on a door or window frame. We also like the fact that the magnet is versatile and able to be used with nearly any surface-mounted door and window sensor. The rounded edges for the Honeywell 5899B are also a nice touch, as they give the sensor a more futuristic and modern appearance.

There are not many downsides for the Honeywell 5899B. Some users are disappointed by the fact that the Honeywell 5899B is only available in a White color option. Users with a different colored contact sensor, such as a black or brown contact may not like the fact that the 5899B doesn't match. And the fact that this is a smaller magnet may make it difficult to use with larger contact sensors. You can try your best to align it, but you may encounter performance issues if you want to use the Honeywell 5899B to replace a larger magnet. But really, these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell 5899B a 5-Star rating.

Good: Compact Design, Versatile, Rounded Edges

Bad: Only in White, Difficult to Use w/ Large Contacts

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Honeywell Lyric AT&T-LTE 10-1 Kit - Wireless Alarm System, 10 Door/Window, Motion, 8' Cable

Great Lyric Kit!
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell Lyric AT&T-KTE 10-1 Kit is a security system kit from Alarm Grid that includes a Honeywell Lyric Controller, ten (10) VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Sensors, one (1) Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor, a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator, and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power to the system. This complete kit includes everything you need to get started, and it is highly recommended for those who are just getting started with alarm monitoring service. We give the Honeywell Lyric AT&T-KTE 10-1 Kit a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about this security system kit. The Lyric is a robust and powerful all-in-one wireless alarm system. It is easy to program, and it offers enough zones for a large home or business. The sensors all have a nice build quality, and they can last for many years when maintained properly. This system kit is dual-path ready, as the Lyric has built-in WIFI, and the LYRICLTE-A offers cellular connectivity. Providing power to the system is easy with the included Honeywell LT-Cable. The system can be readily used with Total Connect 2.0 once it is activated for monitoring service. This will allow the user to control their Lyric System remotely. This also opens up the door for other integrations, including Amazon Alexa. And we also love the fact that the Lyric is HomeKit-compatible.

There are not many downsides regarding the Honeywell Lyric AT&T-KTE 10-1 Kit. One limitation is that the built-in automation controller for the Lyric is only standard Z-Wave, rather than Z-Wave Plus. Therefore, you might want to choose a different system if automation outside of HomeKit is your top concern. It's also important to mention that the included door and window sensors with this kit are non-encrypted devices. The Lyric readily supports encrypted contact sensors like the Honeywell SiXCT and Honeywell SiXMINICT, so you can buy those if you want encrypted door and window sensors. But overall, these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell Lyric AT&T-KTE 10-1 Kit a 5-Star rating.

Good: Easy to Program, Many Zones, Good Build Quality, Dual-Path Ready, LT-Cable, Total Connect 2.0, Smart Home Integrations, Apple HomeKit

Bad: Standard Z-Wave, Non-Encrypted Door/Window Sensors

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Qolsys QR0023-840 - Replacement Adhesive Tape for the IQ DW MINI

Good Replacement Tape
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Qolsys QR0023-840 is replacement adhesive tape for the Qolsys IQ MINI-S Door and Window Sensor. You use this adhesive tape when mounting the sensor to avoid drilling holes in the walls. Although the sensor already comes with this double-sided foam tape, you can purchase the standalone replacement tape if needed. The tape is very sticky, and it does a great job of keeping the Qolsys IQ MINI-S Door and Window Sensor mounted and secured. It includes sections for both the sensor and its accompanying magnet. You can even cut the tape if you need to use it with a sensor of a different size. While this isn't the most revolutionary product out there, we still give the Qolsys QR0023-840 a 5-Star rating, as it is great for its intended use.

The main thing that we like about the Qolsys QR0023-840 is the fact that it keeps a sensor properly secured in its needed location. The adhesive tape is reliable, and it can even be repositioned a few times if needed. We have also found the tape to be very long-lasting, and it can properly support a sensor for many years. The fact that this tape can be cut and used with other sensors beyond the Qolsys IQ MINI-S is also a nice benefit. We have seen this adhesive tape used nicely with other door and window sensors, as well as other sensor types entirely such as motion detectors and glass break sensors.

There aren't many downsides for the Qolsys QR0023-840. If you reposition it many times, then it will begin to lose its stickiness, and you will need to replace it. Additionally, if you drop the tape on the floor by mistaken, then it may pick up hair, dirt, or dust and become virtually unusable. But really, you are likely to find these same downsides for any piece of double-sided foam tape. This is a useful and effective set of adhesive tape for a door and window sensor. We award the Qolsys QR0023-840 with a 5-Star rating.

Good: Keeps Sensor Reliably Secured, Can Reposition a Few Times, Can Cut Tape for Other Sensors

Bad: Will Lose Stickiness if Repeatedly Adjusted, Can Pick Up Dust/Dirt/Hair if Dropped

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

2GIG Go!Control-345AC2 - Wireless System w/ AC2 Power Cable

Older Panel
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The 2GIG Go!Control-345AC2 is a version of the 2GIG GC2 System that includes a packaged 2GIG AC2 Power Supply. The prepared 10-foot cable is fixed to the transformer, and it cannot be removed. The other end is a barrel connector that plugs directly into port on the 2GIG GC2. Some users prefer this cable due to the fact that it eliminates the need for stripping wires. But the trade-off is that the user won't be able to easily extend the length of the cable if needed. However, the main objection to this system package is the fact that the GC2 is rather old and limiting in general. All things considered, we give the 2GIG Go!Control-345AC2 a 4-Star rating.

There are positive aspects regarding the 2GIG Go!Control-345AC2. By adding a compatible LTE cellular communicator, such as a 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 or a 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2, you can get the system monitored and connected with Alarm.com. And since the panel includes a built-in Z-Wave controller, it can really be used in almost every way that a newer and more advanced panel can be used. The prepared AC2 cable is also sometimes preferred by users, as it makes the installation process easier.

But the downsides for the 2GIG Go!Control-345AC2 should not be ignored. For one, many users find the GC2 programming process to be cumbersome and annoying. There are no encrypted sensor options for the GC2, and a user will want to go with the newer 2GIG GC2e if they are hoping to add encrypted devices. The automation controller inside the GC2 is only standard Z-Wave, which is seen as inferior to Z-Wave Plus. Again, the newer GC2e offers Z-Wave Plus capabilities. And while the AC2 cable is convenient, it cannot have its distance adjusted. Also, if the cable becomes damaged, then the entire transformer must be replaced. This is because the fixed cable cannot be detached. With these downsides in mind, the 2GIG Go!Control-345AC2 only gets a 4-Star rating from us.

Good: Still Usable for Alarm Monitoring, Alarm.com Access, Built-In Automation, Prepared Cable for Easy Installation

Bad: Awkward GC2 Programming, No Encrypted Sensors, Standard Z-Wave, Fixed Cable

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

Qolsys IQ Doorbell - Smart Doorbell for Qolsys Security Systems

Good Doorbell Sensor
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Qolsys IQ Doorbell is a 319.5 MHz doorbell sensor that is used with alarm systems that support the 319.5 MHz frequency. Compatible systems include the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2, the 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the Interlogix Simon Alarm Panels. The Qolsys IQ Doorbell is installed in-place of a user's existing doorbell, and it is learned-in with a system once proper power has been provided. By pressing the doorbell, you will get a zone fault at the panel to serve as an alert. And if your system is monitored for use with Alarm.com, then you can also have Alarm.com send you text and/or email alerts regarding the activated doorbell. Overall, this is a fine doorbell device for a security system, and we give it a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Qolsys IQ Doorbell. For one, it's very convenient for receiving text and/or email alerts from Alarm.com when someone is at your door. It can use the existing wiring of an old doorbell, which minimizes the set up process. The IQ Doorbell can also be used as a trigger to activate other devices, such as your smart lights. We also appreciate the fact that the IQ Doorbell is suitable for use outdoors, which is where most doorbell devices are used. Lastly, the IQ Doorbell will work with the chime of the existing doorbell, which is essentially the main function of the device.

There are some downsides regarding the Qolsys IQ Doorbell. It will need to be installed, and while the process is generally quite easy, it's still a minor inconvenience. Some users may prefer to get a doorbell camera instead of the Qolsys IQ Doorbell, due to the fact that a doorbell camera will provide better opportunities for checking-in on your home. There is also the fact that the Qolsys IQ Doorbell has been discontinued, and you are unlikely to find it new. But if you come across a used model, then it should still work just as well. While the IQ Doorbell might be a bit of an old-school device, it still works well for its intended function. It gets a 5-Star score from Alarm Grid.

Good: Text and/or Email Alerts from Alarm.com, Uses Existing Doorbell Wiring, Outdoor Use, Supports Existing Doorbell Chime

Bad: Must be Installed, Not as Feature Heavy as Doorbell Camera, Discontinued

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Leviton DH15S-1BZ - 15 Amp Decora Smart Switch

Good In-Wall Switch for HomeKit
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Leviton DH15S-1BZ is an in-wall smart light switch designed for use with the Apple HomeKit platform. The switch connects with a local WIFI network to integrate with HomeKit. This allows iOS users to control the device remotely using their iPhones. The smart switch can also be operated using voice commands that are sent through the Apple Siri voice assistant. Overall, the Leviton DH15S-1BZ is a great light switch option for HomeKit users. However, non-HomeKit users won't really be able to get much out of it. But Alarm Grid gives the Leviton DH15S-1BZ a 5-Star score due to its HomeKit capabilities.

The main thing to like about the Leviton DH15S-1BZ is its ability to interface with HomeKit. As we mentioned before, the HomeKit integration allows the user to control the switch remotely through an iPhone and by making voice commands through Siri. We also appreciate the fact that the Leviton DH15S-1BZ can be set up and controlled through the Leviton Decora Smart Home App. This provides greater control over the accessory so that you can configure it exactly how you like. One other major positive is how the Leviton DH15S-1BZ works with most types of lights and ceiling fans. It can even be used with many other switch-operated devices.

The biggest downside for the Leviton DH15S-1BZ is how it doesn't really serve much use for users without Apple HomeKit. While you can control it through the Leviton Decora Smart Home App, that platform does not offer many integration possibilities. We also do not like how the Leviton DH15S-1BZ requires a neutral wire. There are other in-wall smart switches that do not require a neutral wire, so that has to be seen as downfall. Additionally, a traveler wire is needed if you plan to use the Leviton DH15S-1BZ in a 3-way or multi-pole configuration. Again, various other in-wall switches have eliminated this requirement, even in multi-pole wiring configurations. After considering everything, we still give the Leviton DH15S-1BZ a 5-Star rating.

Good: HomeKit, Leviton App, Works w/ Nearly All Lights & Fans

Bad: Limited for Non-HomeKit Users, Requires Neutral Wire, Traveler Wire Needed for Multi-Pole Setup

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

2GIG GC3GA-A - Alarm.com AT&T 3G Communicator for Go!Control

Obsolete Communicator
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The 2GIG GC3GA-A is an AT&T 3G Communicator for a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 Security System. This was once one of the premier communicator options for a 2GIG GC2. But with the quickly-approaching 3G Sunset, the 2GIG GC3GA-A is no longer a communicator you will want to consider purchasing. In fact, 2GIG has discontinued this communicator in favor of various LTE models. You can no longer activate the 2GIG GC3GA-A for monitoring service. And if you are currently using one, then you must replace it prior to the AT&T 3G Cellular Network being shut down to ensure that your panel remains connected for alarm monitoring. The only reason we even give this unit a 3-Star rating is because it can continue to provide reliable connectivity until the associated network is shut down, assuming that it has already been activated. New activations for the 2GIG GC3GA-A are no longer permitted, and once this module is terminated, it cannot be reactivated.

The biggest positive for the 2GIG GC3GA-A is the fact that the communicator provides reliable connectivity between a 2GIG GC2 System and the AT&T 3G Cellular Network. By sending signals across this network, the system can be used with Alarm.com. This platform allows users to control their systems remotely, check current system status, and perform Z-Wave smart home commands. But the downsides for the 2GIG GC3GA-A are more pressing. The 2GIG GC3GA-A can no longer be activated for new monitoring service. And if you have a 2GIG GC2 that is currently using a GC3GA-A for monitoring service, then you must replace the module with an LTE communicator before the AT&T 3G Network is being shut down. Otherwise, your system will no longer remain monitored. The possible LTE replacements include the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 (Verizon LTE). Due to these downsides, we only give the 2GIG GC3GA-A a 3-Star rating.

Good: Reliable Cellular Connectivity, Alarm.com

Bad: Can No Longer Be Activated, Must Be Replaced w/ LTE

Bottom Line: 3 Stars

Honeywell 6148 - Fixed English Alarm Keypad

Good Keypad Option
Submitted on 09/22/2020 Alarm Grid

The Honeywell 6148 is a Fixed English Keypad for a Honeywell VISTA System. This keypad is great for performing general system functions like arming and disarming. It is often compared with the Honeywell 6150, which is also a Fixed English Keypad. The advantage to the Honeywell 6150 is that it has the four (4) programmable one-touch function buttons. However, the 6148 is slightly more compact than the 6150. If a user just needs a basic Fixed English Keypad, and they don't care about the one-touch function buttons, then the Honeywell 6148 can be a good selection. We give the Honeywell 6148 a 5-Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell 6148. For one, it is one of the most compact keypad options available for a Honeywell VISTA. It is even smaller than the Honeywell 6150, which is already very compact. If minimizing space is a top priority, then the 6148 is usually the go-to choice. The keypad buttons are backlit, which makes it easy to operate the keypad in a dark setting. The keypad supports various dual-button inputs for triggering panics. This adds to the ways that you can use the keypad. We also appreciate the fact that the Honeywell 6148 has a very good build-quality.

There are some downsides for the Honeywell 6148 that should be mentioned. When using a Fixed English Keypad like the Honeywell 6148, you will be operating blindly in programming mode. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you do not use the Honeywell 6148 to program your VISTA System. There is also the fact that the Honeywell 6148 lacks the one-touch function buttons that are found on the Honeywell 6150. If you want to get a keypad with one-touch function buttons, then the 6150 is recommended instead. Or even better, you could get an Alphanumeric Keypad like the Honeywell 6160, which is much better for system programming. But overall, these downsides are relatively minor. We can confidently give the Honeywell 6148 a 5-Star rating.

Good: Compact, Backlit Keys, Dual-Button Inputs, Good Build Quality

Bad: Not Recommended for Programming, Lacks One-Touch Function Buttons

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

DSC PG9939 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless 4-Button Key

Useful Key Fob!
Submitted on 09/21/2020 Alarm Grid

The DSC PG9939 is a 4-button key fob that interfaces with security systems that support PowerG technology. These systems include the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and any DSC PowerSeries NEO System with an added PowerG Transceiver. A user must press and hold one of the four (4) buttons for at least one (1) full second to send a command to the system. The system will then respond depending on how the key fob was programmed. Overall, the DSC PG9939 is a simple, yet effective device. It is great for anyone needing a key fob for a PowerG-compatible system. We give it a 5-Star rating.

There are many positive aspects regarding the DSC PG9939. For one, the sensor is small and compact. You will easily be able to fit it inside your pocket or purse for carrying around. There is even an attached key ring so you can secure it to your car keys. The four (4) buttons are easily identifiable, and they will help you use the sensor more easily. The key fob also has an LED light to provide visual indication of a command being sent. It can even produce a beeping sound for added verification of the device being triggered. We also like the fact that the PG9939 prevents false alarms by requiring that command inputs must be held down for a full second, and three (3) full seconds for a panic. Like all PowerG sensors, the device uses 128-bit AES encryption. It is supposedly the same range as any other PowerG Sensor (up to 2km in open air when used with the NEO), but you will likely find the range considerably smaller in practice. Still, you should find the PG9939 to offer a great wireless range for a key fob device.

There are not many downsides regarding the DSC PG9939. The design is somewhat dated, as it seems to resemble a much older key fob. We've seen many sleeker looking key fob models hit the market in recent years, so we're a bit surprised DSC didn't do more to make this sensor appear more modern. The fact that this key fob does not support dual-button inputs is also a bit of a letdown, as key fobs from other manufacturers regularly support this feature. As a wireless key fob, you will need to replace the batteries for the device every so often. But these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the DSC PG9939 a 5-Star rating.

Good: Compact Design, Key Ring, Easily Identifiable Buttons, LED Light, Beeping Sound, False Alarm Prevention, Encryption, Great Wireless Range

Bad: Dated Design, No Dual-Button Inputs, Requires Battery Replacements

Bottom Line: 5 Stars