Honeywell SiX Door Sensors and Window Sensors Posts

Alarm Grid is happy to announce that the Honeywell Home PROSIXRPTR Wireless Repeater is now available for purchase. The wireless repeater works with Honeywell Home and Resideo PROSIX Sensors and Honeywell SiX Sensors used with the ProSeries Security Panels, including the PROA7PLUS.

If you aren't familiar with wireless repeaters, these devices effectively double the range of compatible wireless sensors. This works by taking the wireless signal sent out from a wireless sensor and sending it out a second time, thereby effectively repeating the signal and doubling the sensor's range, assuming that the repeater module is placed strategically. The PROSIXRPTR is the first wireless repeater released from Resideo since the Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater which is used to repeat the wireless signals of Honeywell 5800 Sensors. The new PROSIXRPTR is also the first-ever encrypted wireless repeater released by Resideo. Up to two (2) PROSIXRPTR devices can be used with a ProSeries System, with each repeater being placed in a different direction from a centralized ProSeries Panel.

There's a lot to take in with the PROSIXRPTR, so we'll do our best to cover everything here. The first thing we want to note is that the PROSIXRPTR is not a "plug-and-play" device, as you may be accustomed to with most wireless repeaters. In other words, the PROSIXRPTR will not begin repeating wireless signals until it is enrolled with a ProSeries Panel. These panels include the aforementioned PROA7PLUS, the Resideo PROA7PLUSC, the Resideo PROA7C, and the Honeywell Home PROA7. Any ProSeries Alarm System in need of a PROSIXRPTR Wireless Repeater must be on at least Firmware Version 3.591.92.0, which you can read about in greater detail here. The reason why the PROSIXRPTR needs to be enrolled with the alarm panel is because it is interacting with encrypted signals, and it needs to know sensitive network information to do its job successfully. Although you can have two (2) different PROSIXRPTR modules paired with a single ProSeries Panel, the two units will not communicate or "talk with" each other in anyway, and you cannot use a "series" setup to "triple" the range by having a sensor signal bounce off of one PROSIXRPTR to another PROSIXRPTR on its way to the panel. The PROSIX or SiX wireless signal will only be recognized by a single PROSIXRPTR, it will get repeated once, and will then end up at the ProSeries alarm panel.

There are other limitations affecting the PROSIXRPTR Repeater that should be discussed. While the unit can repeat SiX Sensors used with a ProSeries Alarm Panel on a high enough firmware version, the PROSIXRPTR cannot repeat the signals for SiX Series Sensors used on a Honeywell Lyric Security System. Remember, the PROSIXRPTR must enroll with the panel it is being used with. The unit has no way of integrating with the Lyric, and it cannot repeat wireless SiX Series signals used with that system. Unfortunately, Resideo never released a repeater for the Lyric and SiX Sensors, so that is just a limitation that Lyric users will have to live with, at least for now. The PROSIXRPTR also cannot repeat the signals of any legacy sensors that are being used with the Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module. There are various legacy wireless repeaters available, so please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com during our usual 9am to 8pm ET M-F business hours if you need help figuring out which one to get for your alarm system.

One other thing we want to note with the PROSIXRPTR is that while it comes with its own transformer and backup battery, it does not come with any cabling for connecting the transformer. Make sure you have some around when you go to set it up. The unit supports a wire run of up to fifty (50) feet (~15.2 meters) when using 18 AWG cabling, and the maximum distance goes down if thinner cabling is used, so make sure to observe the permitted wire runs. Alarm Grid offers alarm wiring on its website if you need some. We even offer 10 ft., 15 ft., and 25 ft., pre-cut lengths of 22 gauge, 4-conductor wire. Or, you should be able to find some at your local hardware store. You can also use a Honeywell LT-Cable if you don't want to prepare your own wiring.

The PROSIXRPTR can be purchased on our website now! Please email us if you have any questions. Also, don't forget to leave a comment down below to share your thoughts on this new unit. We would love to hear what you have to say. And of course, keep paying close attention to the Alarm Grid Blog if you want to hear the latest security news, tips, and product releases. We'll be back soon, so stay posted!

Last week, we took a look at three of the best alarm panels in the industry. These were the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the 2GIG GC3e. Today, we are checking out the sensors that you can add to support these systems. Here is our 2020 Security Sensor Buying Guide!

Sensors are accessories that are added to alarm systems to report specific activity. Each sensor has its own job of looking for a certain type of activity in its designated location. All of the sensors on a system communicate with a single centralized panel or hub. This panel is actively listening for any sensor that is triggered due to a potentially important system event. Adding new sensors is perhaps the best way to expand upon an existing system, and they make awesome gifts and stocking stuffers for the security enthusiast in your life.

Broadly speaking, sensors can be split into two main categories, which are security and life safety/environmental. Security sensors look for activity that suggests potentially unauthorized entry into a monitored and protected location, such as a door being opened, movement in a room where nobody is supposed to be present, or a window being broken. Life safety/environmental sensors look for activity associated with unwanted or potentially harmful conditions that affect the well-being of those in the area, such as a flood, an extreme temperature, a fire, or the presence of CO gas. We'll be taking a look at life safety/environmental sensors another time. Today, our focus is on security sensors.

Wireless Sensor Basics

Before we dive into specific security sensors for our top panel picks, we're going to start by giving you some general, generic information that can be applied to any sensor out there. First, understand that this post is focusing only on wireless sensors. These are almost always the sensors chosen for use with wireless alarm systems. Wired sensors can also technically be used with wireless panels but a converter module is almost always needed. Not to mention the fact that wireless sensors are significantly easier to install, especially for DIY users. The only time you will realistically see wired sensors used with a wireless panel is if a user is upgrading from an older wired system and bringing over their old wired sensors, or in new construction where a user wants to integrate the sensors in with the building. But if you're expanding upon a wireless system by getting new sensors, then the new sensors will almost certainly be wireless.

The important thing to remember when choosing wireless sensors for a wireless alarm panel is making sure the sensor is compatible with the system. It doesn't matter if a sensor has all the specs and features if it doesn't work with your panel! The way to determine compatibility is to look at the lineup that the sensor is from. Petty much every wireless sensor out there is part of a larger grouping of sensors that will all have the same compatibility.

To make it easier for you, we have the three panels we mentioned before (well, make that five, as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus actually comes in three versions), and all their compatible sensor lineups conveniently listed. We hope that this sheds some light on your options. The only caveat is that for any panel listed here that supports the Honeywell 5800 Sensors, we must be clear that this is only for the uni-directional sensors with one-way communication in the lineup. Any bi-directional Honeywell 5800 Sensors with two-way communication will not work with any of the aforementioned systems. The bi-directional Honeywell 5800 Sensors are only compatible with the Honeywell LYNX Touch and VISTA Systems, which were not included in our buying guides.

With that out of the way, here are compatible sensor lineups by system:

• Honeywell Lyric - Honeywell SiX Series, Honeywell 5800 Series, 2GIG 345 MHz Series
• 2GIG GC3e - 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors, 2GIG 345 MHz Series, Honeywell 5800 Series
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz - DSC PowerG Sensors, Qolsys S-Line Sensors, Qolsys Legacy 319.5 MHz Sensors, Legacy Interlogix Sensors, Legacy GE Sensors
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz - DSC PowerG Sensors, Honeywell 5800 Sensors, 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz - DSC PowerG Sensors, Legacy DSC 433 MHZ Sensors

You will notice that some of the sensor groups listed above are italicized and underlined. That is done to identify the lineups of encrypted sensors. These encrypted sensors have special protection measures put in place to make them more secure and less prone to being hacked or defeated by malicious attacks. Encrypted sensors tend to have more restricted compatibility. They may follow a special enrollment process. Encrypted sensors often use bi-directional communication so that the sensor knows that it is actively paired with the system. Many encrypted sensors may only be paired with a single system at any given time, and the sensor will need to be deleted from its existing system before it will work with a new one.

It's okay to use non-encrypted sensors with your system, especially in zones that are less likely to trigger an alarm, like a second story window. Many users will opt to use a mixture of both encrypted and non-encrypted sensors. Other users feel comfortable using entirely non-encrypted sensors. It really comes down to your level of comfort. Non-encrypted sensors are secure in most situations, and they are still tricky to defeat. But going fully encrypted is recommended for anyone seeking maximum security. One tip if you do decide to go with some non-encrypted sensors is to avoid letting others know what wireless frequency your sensors use or what type of system you have installed. Knowing the frequency and the system being used makes it much easier for a savvy intruder to defeat a sensor.

Door & Window Alarm Sensors

Now that you know some basics that apply to almost all wireless sensors, let's start talking about specific types and models. Door and window sensors will let a system know when a door or window has been opened or closed. These are some of the most basic and easy to use sensors on a security system. These devices work by using a larger sensor portion and a smaller magnet portion. The sensor is placed on or inside the door or window frame, and the magnet is placed on or inside the moving portion of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will move away from the sensor. This will trip a metal reed switch inside the sensor, which will tell the sensor to alert the system to the opened door or window. All of the sensors we've listed here follow that same method of operation.

Door and window sensors can be split into two (2) main categories. Surface-mount door and window sensors are mounted outside the door or window and its accompanying frame on the surface. The advantage to surface-mount door and window sensors is that they are very easy to install, and they can usually be mounted using double sided foam tape. But some users may not like how they are visible on the outside of the door or window. If you don't like the appearance of visible surface-mount door and window sensors, then you might instead consider recessed door and window sensors. A recessed door or window sensor is installed inside a door or window and its frame, so that it is hidden and cannot be seen from the outside. Recessed door and window sensors are more difficult and time-consuming to install, because you must drill holes in both the door or window and its accompanying frame. Whether you decide to use surface-mount door and window sensors, or recessed door and window sensors is up to you. Most DIY users and Alarm Grid customers in general will use surface-mount door and window sensors.

Now let's look at some door and window sensors.:

Sensor Name	Product Lineup	Compatibility	Range	Encryption	Installation	Notes
Honeywell SiXMINICT	Honeywell SiX Series	Lyric	200 Nominal Feet	128-bit AES	Surface-Mount	Premier mini encrypted door/window Sensor for Lyric.
DSC PG9303	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Surface-Mount	PowerG encrypted surface mount door/window sensor.
DSC PG9307	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Recessed	PowerG encrypted recessed door/window sensor.
2GIG DW10e	2GIG eSeries	2GIG GC3e	350 Nominal Feet	2GIG eSeries Encryption	Surface-Mount	Encrypted surface-mount sensor for 2GIG
2GIG DW20e	2GIG eSeries	2GIG GC3e	350 Nominal Feet	2GIG eSeries Encryption	Recessed	Encrypted recessed sensor for 2GIG
Qolsys IQ DW Mini-S	Qolsys S-Line	319.5 MHz IQ2+	600 Feet Open Air	Qolsys S-Line Encryption	Surface-Mount	Encrypted surface-mount sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Recessed Door-S	Qolsys S-Line	319.5 MHz IQ 2+	600 Feet Open Air	Qolsys S-Line Encryption	Recessed	Encrypted recessed sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5818MNL	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Recessed	Non-Encrypted recessed door/window sensor for 345 MHz systems.
VERSA-2GIG	2GIG 345 MHz	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Surface-Mount	Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 345 MHz systems.
VERSA-GE	Legacy GE	319.5 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Surface-Mount	Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
VERSA-DSC	Legacy DSC	433 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Surface-Mount	Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 433 MHz systems.

We also want to share a selection of outdoor door and window sensors with you. These surface-mount contact sensors are specifically designed to withstand the conditions of an outdoor environment, including intense rain, wind, dust, and sunlight. You can see them listed below.

Sensor Name	Product Lineup	Compatibility	Range	Encryption	Installation	Notes
Honeywell 5816OD	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Surface-Mount	Outdoor contact sensor from 5800 Series.
DSC PG9312	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Surface-Mount	PowerG Outdoor Contact Sensor.
2GIG DW30-345	2GIG 345 MHz	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	350 Nominal Feet	None	Surface-Mount	Outdoor contact sensor from 2GIG 345 MHz series.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement within the sensor's coverage area. This is done by looking for the changes in infrared (IR) energy that occur when a person, animal, or object comes within the sensor's field of view. Standard motion sensors are typically PIR only. These are appropriately called PIR motion sensors.

Some motion sensors will also use microwave technology in addition to PIR technology. This involves having the sensor send out microwave signals and seeing how the signals bounce off of objects in the area. Movement will change the pattern of these microwave signals, and the sensor will be able to detect this. These motion sensors that use both microwave and PIR are called Dual-Tech motion sensors. The purpose of using both PIR and microwave together is to prevent false alarms. A Dual-Tech motion sensor will only activate and alert the system if both its PIR sensor and its microwave sensor are triggered. A microwave sensor is not vulnerable to the same environmental issues that may cause a false activation on a PIR. You will not find a motion sensor that uses microwave technology without PIR detection, as microwave alone would result in too many false alarms without having PIR to confirm movement.

One feature that you will often see listed on a motion sensor is pet-immunity. A motion sensor that has been set up for pet immunity can be configured to not "look" in the areas close to the ground where pets and small animals walk. Instead, the motion sensor only looks in the areas higher up, where humans move while walking upright. A pet immune motion sensor is not impervious to small animals, and you must position it carefully so that it works as intended. Pet immune motion sensors normally have a weight limit, where animals under that weight limit should avoid triggering the sensor, assuming that the sensor is installed properly. Please note that most pet friendly motion sensors will require you to set the sensitivity for the sensor to the lowest possible setting.

When it comes to motion sensors, mounting them carefully is very important. A motion sensor may cause false alarms on the system if it is not installed properly. These sensors should not be facing any vents, air ducts, ceiling fans, or curtains that may cause the sensor to activate without any movement. If you are using the motion sensor for pet immunity, then it should also not be facing any furniture or stairwells that your pet could use to get within the sensor's field of view. You will likely want to perform a Walk Test of your motion sensor to make sure that it responds properly when movement is present, and does not respond due to other external factors when there is no movement. You should also have any pets participate in the Walk Test to ensure that pet immunity is working properly.

We recommend reading the following FAQs to learn more about motion sensors:

• What is a PIR Motion Sensor?
• What are Microwave Motion Sensors?
• What is a Pet-Immune Motion Sensor?

Below are some of the most popular motion sensors for our recommended systems:

Sensor Name	Product Lineup	Compatibility	Range	Encryption	Coverage Area	Detection Type	Pet Immunity	Notes
Honeywell SiXPIR	Honeywell SiX Series	Lyric	300 Nominal Feet	128-bit AES	40 by 56 Feet	PIR	Up to 80 lbs	Encrypted PIR Motion for Lyric.
DSC PG9914	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Up to 39 Feet	PIR	Up to 85 lbs	PowerG Encrypted PIR Motion.
DSC PG9984P	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Up to 50 Feet	Dual-Tech	Up to 40 lbs	PowerG Encrypted Dual-Tech Motion.
2GIG PIR1e	2GIG eSeries	2GIG GC3e	350 Nominal Feet	2GIG eSeries Encryption	30 by 50 Feet	PIR	Up to 55 lbs	Encrypted PIR Motion for 2GIG.
Honeywell 5800PIR-RES	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	35 by 40 Feet	PIR	Up to 80 lbs	Non-encrypted residential PIR motion for 345 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5800PIR-COM	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz, IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	60 by 80 Feet	PIR	None	Non-encrypted commercial PIR motion for 345 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5898	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	35 by 40 Feet for Pet Immunity	Dual-Tech	Up to 100 lbs	Non-encrypted Dual-Tech motion for 345 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Motion-S	Qolsys S-Line	319.5 MHz IQ2+	600 Feet Open Air	Qolsys S-Line Encryption	30 by 40 Feet	PIR	Up to 40 lbs	Non-encrypted PIR motion for 319.5 MHz systems.

There are also certain outdoor motion detection sensors that are better-suited for use in an outdoor environment. These outdoor motion sensor models are typically more expensive than indoor variants. You can see some of our most popular ones listed below:

Sensor Name	Product Lineup	Compatibility	Range	Encryption	Coverage Area	Detection Type	Pet Immunity	Notes
DSC PG9994	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	Up to 30 Feet	PIR	Up to 40 lbs	PowerG Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor
Honeywell 5800PIR-OD	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	40 by 30 Feet	PIR	None	Honeywell 5800 Series Outdoor Motion, 1st ed.
Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	40 by 30 Feet	PIR	None	Honeywell 5800 Series Outdoor Motion, 2nd ed.
Optex FTN-RRIX	Legacy Interlogix	319.5 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Up to 16.5 Feet	PIR	None	Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 319.5 MHz Systems
Optex FTN-RR2G	2GIG 345 MHz	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Up to 16.5 Feet	PIR	None	Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 345 MHz Systems.
Optex FTN-RRDS	Legacy DSC	433 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Up to 16.5 Feet	PIR	None	Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 433 MHz Systems.

Glass Break Sensors

The last type of security sensors we will be discussing are glass break sensors. These sensors include built-in microphones, and they actively listen for the unique sound of glass breaking. Most of these sensors will need to hear both the high-pitched shattering sound of the glass breaking, as well as the low-pitched sound of an object striking against the glass in order to activate. This design choice is to prevent false alarms caused by similar sounds. Most users will use glass break sensors to monitor windows, but they have also been known to work effectively on protective glass display cases that store valuables, such as what you might find in jewelry stores or gun shops. Most types of glass will work with glass break sensors, though there are some exceptions. For example double and triple pane glass windows won't work reliably. The same is true for coated or "safety" glass. Refer to the manual for the exact glass break detector you are using to determine compatibility.

A single glass break detector can monitor multiple windows or display cases, as long as the glass it is monitoring is within its detection range, which is typically 15 to 25 feet. Any glass that is being monitored must have a direct line of sight with the sensor, with no obstacles blocking the path that sound will travel through. When testing your glass break sensors, it is strongly recommended that you us a glass break simulator. These devices will mimic the sound of the glass breaking and activate your glass break sensors without actually breaking any glass. Remember to refer the instructions of your glass break simulator for more information. When choosing a glass break simulator, it is best to use a simulator from the same manufacturer, if possible. We have a Honeywell Glass Break Simulator and a DSC Glass Break Simulator available on our website. If you get one of the 2GIG Glass Break Sensors mentioned in this buying guide, then the Honeywell Glass Break Simulator is best for testing. Otherwise, just match the manufacturer.

• Honeywell FG701 Glass Break Simulator
• DSC AFT-100 Glass Break Simulator

Below are some of our most popular glass break sensors:

Sensor Name	Product Lineup	Compatibility	Range	Encryption	Notes
Honeywell SiXGB	Honeywell SiX Series	Lyric	300 Nominal Feet	128-bit AES	SiX Series Glass Break Sensor for Lyric
DSC PG922	PowerG	All IQ Panel 2 Plus	2,000 Feet Open Air	128-bit AES	PowerG Glass Break Sensor
2GIG GB1e	2GIG eSeries	2GIG GC3e	350 Nominal Feet	2GIG eSeries Encryption	Encrypted glass break sensor for 2GIG.
Honeywell 5853	Honeywell 5800 Series	Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+	200 Nominal Feet	None	Non-encrypted glass break sensor for 345 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Glass-S	Qolsys S-Line	319.5 MHz IQ2+	600 Feet Open Air	Qolsys S-Line Encryption	Encrypted glass break sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.

Reach Out to Us!

Remember that you can reach out to us with any questions you might have about planning your system and determining sensor compatibility. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to use if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Our team checks for new email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you're using a newer wireless security system, then you will definitely want to explore the encrypted sensor options that we offer! Encrypted sensors are virtually impossible to hack, and they can make your security system even more secure. There are many great options available.

As you know, a home security system or a business security system is an investment you make for the protection of yourself, your property, and those around you. A proper system should also give you peace of mind and make you feel safe. It doesn't do you any good if an intruder manages to defeat your system. But with encrypted sensors, that is extremely unlikely to ever happen.

If you aren't familiar with encryption, it refers to techniques for encoding data and signals so that only authorized individuals and/or equipment are able to access the information. When it comes to wireless alarm systems, encrypted sensors send protected signals that can only be accessed, received, and interpreted by the authorized panel.

When wireless systems first rose to prominence, they rarely, if ever, used encryption. This made many people wary of wireless security panels, and they felt more secure using wired ones. The lack of encryption wasn't seen as a fatal flaw, as an intruder would have to be extremely savvy and really know what they're doing to defeat even a non-encrypted sensor. To this day, many people feel totally comfortable and safe using non-encrypted equipment. Remember, most intruders don't have the knowledge to beat wireless sensors, even if they aren't using encryption.

But there are the rare, professional criminals who do take the time to extensively study security equipment, and they develop techniques for beating non-encrypted devices. This is very uncommon, but it's not unheard of. And if you aren't using encrypted sensors, then you are leaving yourself open to this small risk. Whether or not that means outfitting your system with all-new encrypted sensors, or even upgrading to a different system that is capable of supporting encrypted sensors is up to you. We just want to make you aware of your options.

Today, we're going to briefly look at some popular wireless systems and explore their encrypted sensor options, as well as their non-encrypted sensor lineups. This will help you learn more about your system, or one you are considering for purchase.

Honeywell Lyric Controller

The Lyric represents the first the first encrypted panel from Resideo, formerly known as Honeywell. The system has its very own lineup of encrypted sensors called the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors. The lineup is a bit limited, as its lacking options like an outdoor door and window sensor and a curtain motion sensor. But the good news is that these sensors are extremely secure with their military grade 128-bit AES encryption.

You can supplement your SiX Series Sensors on your Lyric System with devices from the Honeywell 5800 Series. These sensors are not encrypted, but the lineup offers more diverse selection than the SiX Series lineup. You could consider using encrypted sensors for the most vulnerable parts of your home or office, while using non-encrypted 5800 Series devices for areas where it isn't as important. The non-encrypted 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors are also compatible with the Lyric once the system is on Firmware Version MR3 or higher.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

There are some outstanding encryption options available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, regardless of which version you have. Any IQ Panel 2 Plus System can readily support DSC PowerG Sensors. Not only do these sensors have an outstanding wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus, they also utilize military grade 128-bit AES encryption and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology.

And if you have the 319.5 MHz Version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you can also pair Qolsys S-Line Sensors, which use rolling code encryption. This rolling code encryption isn't quite as secure as the encryption used by PowerG Sensors, but it still does a good job of keeping your system protected. The S-Line Sensors will also utilize encryption when paired with the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2. The original IQ Panel 2 cannot use PowerG Sensors.

In terms of non-encrypted options, each IQ Panel 2 Plus can support one of three (3) non-encrypted radio frequency signals. The available options are 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz, and it is dependent upon which version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus you buy. Again, it is certainly possible to mix encrypted sensors with non-encrypted sensors on the same system. But with the diversity and selection of the PowerG lineup, you probably won't need to look outside too much.

2GIG GC3e

The big highlight when the 2GIG GC3e was introduced was its ability to support encrypted sensors. While it took a little while before its encrypted sensor lineup became available, we were very pleased with the result. The 2GIG eSeries Sensors use highly secure encryption to keep your system protected. It also seems that 2GIG is regularly expanding upon this lineup, as we have been seeing new eSeries Sensors hit the market it recent times. All of the 2GIG eSeries Sensors are compatible with the GC3e, as well as its little brother, the GC2e.

With the GC3e, you also get access to the Honeywell 5800 Sensors and the 2GIG 345 MHz lineup. Just like with the Lyric, there is a bit more of a diverse selection of non-encrypted sensors available for the 2GIG GC3e. You can definitely set up a mixture of encrypted and non-encrypted sensors to meet the needs of your business. But with new 2GIG eSeries offerings continuing to become available, you shouldn't have much trouble building a fully encrypted 2GIG Security System.

If you are looking to set up an encrypted security system, then Alarm Grid is here to help! We can let you know if your existing system has any encrypted sensor options available. We can also help you determine if you are currently using encrypted devices or if your existing sensors are non-encrypted. Many users have trouble determining. Either way, we'll help you make an informed decision so that you can get the most out of your monitoring service. If you want to reach us, please email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

A couple of weeks ago, we released a complete guide to door contact sensors. Today, we're taking a look at alarm window contacts. Admittedly, there's not much difference between door sensors and window sensors. Many can be used interchangeably. But there are a few tips to keep in mind.

First, let's review how alarm contacts actually work. It is the same general process for both doors and windows. These devices consist of two portions, those being a sensor and a magnet. When the sensor and magnet are in direct contact or very close proximity, a reed switch inside the sensor will remain closed. Once the magnet becomes separated from the sensor, the reed switch will be released, and the sensor will know to alert the system to let it know that the structure has been opened.

The key with window contacts is to place them so that when the window is opened, the magnet and the sensor will become separated. But when the structure is closed, the sensor are magnet will remain in direct or near-direct contact. It is almost always recommended to place the sensor on the stationary frame of the window and the magnet on the moving portion of the window that is opened and closed. This will prevent the more valuable sensor from being pushed around and potentially damaged. The magnet is designed to take much more abuse and use than the sensor itself. Positioning the sensor this way will also make it easier to wire the sensor if a hardwired contact is being used.

One special note with window contacts is that they are only designed to let a system know when a window has been opened normally. If an intruder smashes a window to gain entry, they will avoid activating a window contact, as long as the sensor remains in contact with its magnet. This means that they might be able to gain entry without setting off an alarm. Fortunately, there are two other types of sensors that can be used to alert an alarm system to a broken window. These are glass break sensors and shock sensors. Glass break sensors detect the audible sound of a window being broken, while shock sensors detect the physical vibrations associated with a broken window. However, these sensors are used for intrusion support only. Unlike a standard window contact, they will not let the user know if the window has merely been left open by accident. But they are still recommended for users who want to know if a window has been broken. We generally prefer glass break sensors over shock sensors, since they tend to work more reliably. It can also be helpful to use monition detection sensors alongside standard window contacts to detect any movement in the building.

Just like door sensors, window sensors can be either surface-mounted or recessed. Another major distinction is whether they are wireless or hardwired. So really, window sensors can be grouped into four major types. These are wireless surface-mounted, wireless recessed, hardwired surface-mounted and hardwired recessed. Choosing the perfect variation for your window and the type of installation you want to perform is crucial for success. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to decide on the perfect type of window sensor for your needs.

Simply put, surface-mounted sensors are installed on the exterior surface of the window and its frame. This means that they will be visible when looking at window. However, these sensors are usually very small and discreet, so they won't normally be drawing direct attention to themselves. A major advantage to surface-mounted sensors is that they are very easy to install, since no holes necessarily need to be drilled. Instead, many surface-mounted sensors and magnets can be mounted using double-sided foam tape.

The other option is to use recessed sensors. These sensors are hidden inside the window and its frame so that they are out of view. To do this, holes must be drilled into both the window and its frame for the magnet and sensor. Using recessed sensors for windows is somewhat less common than it is for doors. This is because some windows don't have an effective solution for drilling a hole to insert a magnet. Additionally, some window manufacturers put disclaimers stating that drilling holes into the window will void its warranty. But if the window has space for a hole to be drilled so that the magnet can be accommodated, then a recessed window sensor can certainly work. Please note that recessed plunger switches aren't normally used with windows, but there's no definitive reason why they couldn't work in certain situations.

A special mention needs to go to the Honeywell 5800Micra. This is a recessed alarm contact specifically designed for use with windows. The advantage to the 5800Micra is that only one hole needs to be made in the window frame for the sensor. The magnet is small enough that it can be surface-mounted on the side or bottom of the window. It uses an adhesive backing to remain securely in place. This is a great way to achieve a recessed installation without having to void the manufacturer's warranty for your window. Please note that the Honeywell 5800Micra is a wireless sensor that operates at 345 MHz. It is part of the Honeywell 5800 Series, and it will only work with compatible systems.

Users must also decide between wireless and hardwired sensors for their windows. Wireless sensors are much easier to install, since no wires need to be run. They are the recommended option for almost any DIY installer. Assuming that you have a wireless system with a wireless receiver, there is almost certainly a contact that will work for you. Just make sure that the sensor operates at a frequency that is compatible with your panel. The most common wireless frequencies at 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz and 915 MHz. Additionally, the encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Contacts, the Honeywell SiXCT and Honeywell SiXMINICT operate at 2.4 GHz WIFI.

If you go with hardwired contacts, the installation will be more challenging, since wires must be run. This can sometimes be an impossible task for the typical DIY user. However, there are two distinct advantages that make hardwired window sensors suitable for certain applications. For one, having them integrate with the building can add to the property value. Users also appreciate the fact that they never need to replace batteries for hardwired sensors.

Below is a table that outlines many of the window contacts available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site. It's actually the same as the one posted for our door contacts guide, only with some minor tweaks for windows. Make special note of the Honeywell 5800Micra at the very bottom!

If you need any help deciding on the perfect window sensor, do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also encourage you to check out our monitoring page for more information about the services we offer. We look forward to hearing from you!

Door contacts represent some of the most popular sensors that are used with alarm systems. Nearly every setup will incorporate these devices in some form. After all, knowing when a door has been opened is critical for most systems. But there is a lot to consider when choosing door contacts.

A door sensor is a device that is used to let an alarm control panel know when a door has been opened. When this happens, the system will respond depending on panel's current arming state and the programming settings for the zone. Some popular responses for door contacts include requiring a system disarm within the entry delay period, producing a simple chime and triggering an immediate alarm. These responses are present with virtually any door contact and system setup. A previous blog post of ours actually covers the Response Types for door sensors in greater detail. We recommend checking out that post for more information. But while the general functionality is the same across almost any contact, selecting the best option for your system might seem overwhelming.

Perhaps the first thing you should consider is whether you want a hardwired contact or a wireless contact. A wired contact will communicate with the panel through a direct hardwired connection. A wireless contact will communicate with the panel through wireless RF signals. The advantage to a wireless sensor is that it will be much easier to set up, since no wires will need to be run from the system to the sensor. But some users prefer hardwired sensors, as they essentially become a fixture for the building itself. Another advantage to hardwired contacts is that they don't use batteries. This means that a user will never have to buy new batteries for their hardwired contact. There are all types of door sensors in both the hardwired and wireless variety.

If you choose a hardwired contact, you will need to have a hardwired zone available on your system. Most hardwired contacts can be used with nearly any system that supports hardwired sensors. On the other hand, if you choose a wireless contact, you will need to have a wireless zone available. You will also need to make sure the wireless contact communicates at an RF frequency that is compatible with your system. Knowing which wireless RF signals are accepted by your alarm system is very important for getting sensors to work properly. Some of the most popular RF signals used by alarm systems include 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz, 915 MHz and 2.4 GHz. Remember to always make sure the wireless door contact you choose operates at a frequency that works with your alarm system!

Another major distinction for door contacts is whether they are surface-mounted or recessed. A surface-mounted contact is visible on the outside of the door. A recessed contact is hidden inside the door and its frame. As a general rule, surface-mounted contacts are easier to install, since no holes need to be drilled. But the advantage to recessed contacts is that the end result can appear neater, since no sensor will be visible. We generally recommend that users installed surface-mounted sensors, due to the fact that they are easier to install and generally offer more reliable performance.

With that in mind, door sensors can be assigned to one of four major categories. These are wireless surface-mounted contacts, wireless recessed contacts, hardwired surface-mounted contacts and hardwired recessed contacts. Regardless of which category a door contact is assigned, these devices generally all work in the same way. Most door contacts consist of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is installed on the stationary portion of the door frame, while the magnet installed on the moving portion of the door. In most cases, the magnet must be within a half-inch of the sensor. Placing the sensor itself on the stationary portion of the door helps prevent it from being damaged when the door is opened or closed. Once the door is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor and cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. The sensor will then alert the system to let it know that the door has been opened. Please note that there are a few door sensors that are exceptions to this general operation. Namely, recessed sensors that use a plunger switch, like the wireless Honeywell 5800RPS and the hardwired Honeywell 956RPT.

Before we get into general door contacts that would be used for most applications, we want to make special mention of some more unique sensors that would be used for specific setups. Honeywell offers many hardwired wide-gap contacts that can be used with garage doors and industrial applications. The advantage to these sensors is that they can utilize a much larger spacing gap between the sensor and magnet than what is possible with standard door contacts. We have seen some industrial contacts where the spacing gap can be up to 2.5 inches. That's five times the recommended maximum spacing gap for standard door contacts! Some examples of these industrial-grade hardwired contacts include the Honeywell 958, the Honeywell 968XTP, the Honeywell 959, the Honeywell 958-2, the Honeywell 950W, the Honeywell 960 and the Honeywell 7945. Many of these industrial-grade contacts are also suitable for outdoor use. Another option for a garage door is to use a tilt sensor, like the Honeywell 5822T or an Interlogix TX-E401.

But if a user requires a wireless contact for an outdoor application, there only option is really the Honeywell 5816OD. This wireless contact offers a recommended maximum spacing gap of 1.5" inches, and it is great for use with fences and outside doors. It has a nominal range of 200 feet when used with most systems. As a 345 MHz Sensor from the Honeywell 5800 Series, it will work with nearly any Honeywell Alarm System.

If you don't require an industrial or an outdoor contact, you will most likely be able use a relatively standard contact with your alarm system. We prepared a table below that outlines many of the most popular and widely used door contacts sold by Alarm Grid. Please note that not every contact is included - there would be too many to list! But this is a good chart to help you find the perfect sensor for your system.

If you're still having trouble deciding on the perfect door contact for your alarm system, our experts are always happy to help. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Honeywell is known for producing some outstanding security equipment, and their wireless door and window contacts are no exception. With wireless contacts available from both the 5800 Series lineup and the SiX Series lineup, there are certainly some great options. But with all the possibilities, it might seem overwhelming if you are just getting started. This guide will help you choose the perfect wireless Honeywell door and window contact for your needs.

First, a user should understand exactly how a door and window contact works. Almost every wireless Honeywell door and window contact functions using the exact same principles. These devices consist of a sensor and magnet. The sensor is the "brains" of the operation, and it is responsible for sending signals to the alarm system. It is typically installed on or inside the door or window frame. The magnet is installed on or inside the door or window itself. The only wireless Honeywell contact that does not use a magnet is the Honeywell 5800RPS. This is a wireless recessed sensor for doors only that operates using a plunger switch.

For proper operation, the device's magnet should be installed very close to the sensor. We usually recommend placing it within a half-inch of the sensor. However, some 5800 Series contacts, like the 5816OD, can function properly with a slightly larger spacing gap. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. When this happens, the sensor will send a signal to the alarm system so that the programmed Response Type can be performed.

It's also important to know the system compatibilities for the different Honeywell wireless contacts. Their wireless contacts come from two different sensor lineups. These are the 5800 Series and the SiX Series. The 5800 Series contacts are unidirectional devices that operate at 345 MHz. This makes them compatible with any Honeywell System or 2GIG System. But the SiX Series contacts are bi-directional, fully encrypted sensors that communicate using 2.4 GHz WIFI. These sensors only work with Honeywell Lyric Systems.

If you have a Honeywell Lyric Controller, then you can choose between any Honeywell wireless contact on the market. But if you have a LYNX Touch or a VISTA System with an added wireless receiver, then you are restricted to the 5800 Series contacts. Additionally, if you are using a 2GIG GC3 or a 2GIG GC2, then you can use either 2GIG Contacts or Honeywell 5800 Series contacts. Any alarm systems that do not accept the 345 MHz frequency are unable to use Honeywell contacts.

The only two contacts in the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup are the Honeywell SiXCT and the Honeywell SiXMINICT. These are both wireless, surface-mount sensors that work exclusively with Honeywell Lyric Systems. What makes these sensors special is that they feature 128-bit AES encryption. Whenever the sensor sends a command to the Lyric System, the system must then send a secure response back to the sensor. The command will only go through if this secure response is received. Many security experts refer to this as a "digital handshake", and it is excellent for preventing any hacking attempts or wireless attacks.

The SiXCT and the SiXMINICT do have a few slight differences. Most notably, the SiXMINICT is smaller and more compact than the SiXCT. The SiXCT measures at 3.13”L x 1.61”W x 1"D, while the SiXMINICT measures at 2.44”L x 1.25”W x .45”D. So users who want a smaller sensors should go with the SiXMINICT. But the benefit of the SiXCT is that it features a larger wireless range (~300 feet) than the SiXMINICT (~200 feet). However, only users with particularly large properties should have to worry about signal range. One thing that these sensors do share in common is that they can both be batch-enrolled with the Lyric Controller.

• Honeywell SiXCT - The standard SiX Series contact. Features a 300 foot range and encryption. Will only work with Lyric Systems.
• Honeywell SiXMINICT - The more compact SiX Series contact. Provides a 200 foot range and encryption. For Lyric Systems only.

But the SiX Series contacts aren't for everyone. For one, they will only work with the Lyric Systems. There are also no recessed contacts in the SiX Series lineup. Users who don't have a Lyric Controller or want a recessed sensor should look to the Honeywell 5800 Series instead. This is an incredibly diverse sensor lineup that has an appropriate contact option for virtually any situation. Any Honeywell or 2GIG System will work with these sensors. This includes any Lyric Controller, L7000, L5210, VISTA P-Series, 2GIG GC3, 2GIG GC2 and more. Most 5800 Series contacts feature a 150-200 foot wireless range that can be effectively doubled with the use of a 5800RP Wireless Repeater.

When selecting a 5800 Series Sensor, a user will choose between a surface-mount contact and a recessed contact. With a surface-mount contact, the sensor and the magnet are mounted on the outer surface of the door or window and its frame. But with a recessed contact, the sensor and magnet are installed inside the door or window and its frame. Surface-mount sensors are very easy to install, since they only require screws or double-sided foam tape. But the sensor will be visible on the outside of the door. Recessed sensors are more difficult to install since holes will need to be drilled. However, some users will appreciate the fact that recessed sensors are hidden.

For users who go with a surface-mount sensor there are certainly some great options in the 5800 Series. One of our favorites is the 5800MINI. This is a reliable sensor that boasts an impressive 200 foot range, despite its small size of just 2.2"H x 1"W x 0.25"D. This is arguably the best surface-mount contact in the Honeywell 5800 Series.

• Honeywell 5800MINI - A small and discreet surface-mount contact. Offers a 200 foot wireless range. Great for almost any application.

But there are other surface-mount options than just the 5800MIIN. The 5816 is the most popular sensor that Honeywell has ever offered. It features a larger size and roughly the same range as the 5800MINI. But unlike the 5800MINI, the 5816 can be used as a wireless transmitter for a normally closed hardwired device. Honeywell also offers the 5820L Slim Line for narrow installations and the 5816OD for outdoor use.

• Honeywell 5816 - Honeywell's most popular sensor. Can also be used as a wireless transmitter for a single NC hardwired device.
• Honeywell 5820L - A slim line door and window contact that is great for narrow applications. Features a 150-foot range.
• Honeywell 5816OD - A surface-mount contact for outdoor installations. Excellent for monitoring fences, sheds and detached garages.

Honeywell also offers some less popular 5800 Series contacts. These include the 5811 (discontinued), the 5814, the 5815 and the 5816MN (discontinued). While these sensors will work just fine, there isn't really any reason to choose them over another 5800 Series contact.

• Honeywell 5811 - A small and discreet sensor that has since been discontinued. Replaced by the Honeywell 5800MINI.
• Honeywell 5814 - Another compact sensor option. It is not as robust as the 5800MINI. Its wireless range is only about 100 feet.
• Honeywell 5815 - An aesthetically pleasing surface-mount contact that has roughly the same functionality as the 5816.
• Honeywell 5816MN - A discreet surface mount sensor that has been discontinued. Replaced by the Honeywell 5816MN.

There are also several great recessed contacts in the 5800 Series. The Honeywell 5818MNL is a relatively standard recessed contact that can be used with almost any door or window. It features a 200-foot range, and the installation only requires minor drilling. The Honeywell 5800Micra is a recessed contact for windows only. It is a very small sensor with an attached antenna for sending wireless signals. Finally there's the 5800RPS, which uses a plunger switch instead of a sensor and magnet. This sensor can only be used with doors. When the door is closed, the plunger switch will be pressed in. Once the door is opened, the plunger switch will come out and activate the sensor.

• Honeywell 5818MNL - A standard recessed contact for doors and windows. It is easy to install, and it has a 200 foot range.
• Honeywell 5800Micra - A small recessed contact for windows only. Its antenna must be adjusted carefully when installing.
• Honeywell 5800RPS - A recessed sensor that uses a plunger switch instead of a magnet. For use with doors only.

Alarm Grid has previously discussed the batteries used with door sensors. We recommend checking out that blog post for more information on which batteries to use with a door and window sensor. If you ever need any additional help choosing a Honeywell door and window contact for your DIY wireless alarm system, please feel free to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You can also contact one of our technical specialists by calling 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

When Honeywell first invited us to be a part of the beta program for their new Lyric Controller security system in 2015, one of the first things we noticed was that the wireless door/window sensors that came with the system were much bigger than the existing wireless door/window sensors that work with all of the other Honeywell wireless security systems. At the time, Honeywell said they were working on a smaller version door/window sensor and we are excited to finally announce that those smaller sensors are now available!

One of the major advantages of the Lyric security system over other wireless security systems is that the Lyric supports a new line of bi-directional, encrypted sensors that are more secure than the existing 5800 Series sensors. The SiX Series sensors utilize 128-bit AES encryption and communicate on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio frequency channel directly to the Lyric system. This advanced technology makes it much more difficult for a savvy intruder to be able to "spoof" or hack the wireless SiX Sensors in an attempt to gain access to the protected property without setting off an alarm. While the sensors use a similar frequency that WIFI routers will use, the sensors communicate right to the Lyric's built-in wireless receiver and don't use the WIFI network in the home for sensor communications. Honeywell developed the SiX Series technology themselves and even put in specialized protocols designed to scan nearby networks to prevent possible WIFI interference. Before the Lyric system and SiX Series sensors were released, there weren't really any good options for wireless security systems that utilized encrypted sensors but encrypted sensor technology is a growing trend in the industry and we encourage everyone that has a non-encrypted system to consider upgrading to add an extra layer of security to your home.

The original SiX Series door/window sensors that were available when the Lyric system first launched were the SiXCT sensors. The SiXCTs are 3.13 inches long, 1.61 inches wide and 1 inch deep (depth of the sensor out into the room compared to the mounted surface) which is fairly large when you consider that you may want to have one installed on all of your home's doors and windows.

The new SiXMINICT door/window sensor is only 2.44 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and 0.45 inches deep off the mounted surface making for a much less intrusive sensor and much more aesthetically pleasing installation of your Lyric system with encrypted sensors protecting your doors and windows. The magnet for the SiXMINICT is also smaller than the magnet for the SiXCT. The SiXMINICT magnet is 1.5 inches long, 0.44 inches wide and 0.44 inches deep off the mounted surface while the SiXCT magnet is 1.5 inches long, 0.44 inches wide and 0.69 inches deep. The SiXMINICT and magnet provide a much flatter design so that the sensor and magnet blend into your door and windows and frames much better than the original SiXCT and magnet.

While the SiXMINICTs are much nicer looking, please keep in mind that the don't offer the same ability as the SiXCTs to wire in a wired sensor to the SiXCT so that it can act as a pass through wireless transmitter to send the alarm from the wired sensor to the wireless Lyric security system. In re-designing the smaller sensor, there wasn't enough room to add in the internal screw contacts that the SiXCT has for the option to wire in a wired device so the SiXMINICT can only be used as a regular sensor with the included magnet.

We have updated all of our Lyric wireless security system kits so that they include the newer, smaller SIXMINICTs instead of the older, bigger SiXCTs and we even put together a value 5-pack of SiXMINICT sensors that can save you on your system purchase if you need more sensors than are included in the kit you're ordering or if you need to add encrypted protection to 5 or more new doors/windows.

We believe encrypted sensor technology is only going to become more and more popular and we are excited to see that Honeywell is going to build out their line of SiX Series sensors so that hopefully there will eventually be an encrypted version of every 5800 Series device they offer now. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog as we will continue to let you all knwo about any new SiX devices that are released by Honeywell.