Honeywell PAL-T Posts

If you're setting up a new security system for use with Alarm.com, then you might be wondering which door and window sensors to use. The answer really comes down to which system you are using and how you intend on using your sensors. Plenty of contact sensor options are usually available!

Alarm sensors do not communicate directly with Alarm.com. Instead, sensors communicate with alarm panels. From there, the panel will use an alarm monitoring communicator to send signals to Alarm.com. This communicator must be activated and registered for Alarm.com service. Per Alarm.com requirements, cellular connectivity is required. This means that your system must use a cellular communicator or a dual-path communicator that is built for use with Alarm.com.

As far as choosing specific sensors, it comes down to determining whether or not they will work with the system you are intending to use with Alarm.com. Today, we're going to break down some of the most popular Alarm.com Security Systems and help you determine the best sensors to use. Remember that our security system kits already come with some compatible sensors to get started. It may only be that you just need to add a few more door and window sensors, or you might not need to add any extra ones at all!

We will give you three (3) scenarios for each system. These are:

1. Surface-Mounted Door/Window Sensors
2. Recessed Door/Window Sensors
3. Outdoor Door/Window Sensors

In most situations, surface-mounted sensors are what you want to go with. These are the standard regular sensors that you would use with virtually any door or window. They are super easy to install, and they are some of the most basic security devices you will encounter.

If appearance is important to you, and you want the sensor to remain hidden while the door or window is closed, then you may consider getting recessed sensors instead. Just remember that recessed sensors will require you rolling up your sleeves and drilling holes into your door/window and its frame. In addition to the added work, this may also have warranty ramifications with regard to the door or window.

And of course, if you plan on using the door/window sensor in an outdoor environment, then you will want to make sure the sensor is approved for outdoor use. Trying to use an indoor-only sensor in an outdoor environment will likely result in damage to the device due to exposure to rain, dust, etc. This also typically applies if you plan on using the sensor in an area that is not insulated, such as a shed, a gate or a barn.

Note: If you are totally new to door and window sensors and want to know more about how they operate, please check out this FAQ.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (PowerG)

Arguably the most popular system to use with Alarm.com right now in 2020 is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. There are three (3) versions of the system, with each one supporting a different legacy sensor frequency (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz). We will discuss the legacy sensor options in a minute. But one of the biggest reasons to purchase an IQ Panel 2 Plus is to use PowerG Sensors. All three versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus support the PowerG Sensors. These sensors can communicate with the IQ Panel 2 Plus System from up to 2,000 feet away in open air, and they utilize 128-bit AES encryption and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) for enhanced wireless security. For anyone with an IQ Panel 2 Plus, these are the sensors we would point to first.

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: DSC PG9303
• Recessed Sensor: DSC PG9307
• Outdoor Sensor: DSC PG9312

2GIG GC3e & 2GIG GC2e (eSeries)

Right now, we view the 2GIG GC3e and the 2GIG GC2e as the best alternatives for users who want to get started with Alarm.com, but don't want to use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The most popular sensors to use with these systems are the encrypted 2GIG eSeries Sensors. They are built for the GC3e and GC2e Systems, and they utilize encryption for protection against wireless hacking or takeover attempts. Remember that these systems are both backwards compatible with 345 MHz sensors (more on those later). But if you're running a GC3e or a GC2e, then we're going to recommend the eSeries products.

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: 2GIG DW10e
• Recessed Sensor: 2GIG DW20e
• Outdoor Sensor: 2GIG DW30e

Original Qolsys IQ Panel 2, IQ Panel, Interlogix Simon Systems (Legacy 319.5 MHz)

Things become a little tricky when we get into the legacy sensor frequencies. There is usually a lot of inter-compatibility across manufacturers, so often the choice comes down to preference. We will list our favorites based on value and functionality. But understand that you have a lot of options available when it comes to 319.5 MHz sensors. This frequency is used with the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2, the original Qolsys IQ Panel, and all of the legacy Interlogix Simon Series Panels. Keep in mind that you can also use these sensors with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus as an alternative to PowerG. The 319.5 MHz frequency is also typically used with any wired Interlogix NetworX Panel that has a wireless receiver added.

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: VERSA-GE
• Recessed Sensor: Qolsys IQ Recessed Door-S
• Outdoor Sensor: ELK 319DG

2GIG GC3 & 2GIG GC2 (Legacy 345 MHz)

If you are working with a 2GIG GC3 or a 2GIG Go!Control GC2, then you will be enrolling legacy 345 MHz sensors with your system. This frequency was popularized by the Honeywell 5800 Sensors, and later the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. The GC2 and GC3 support both of these lineups, so you really have a lot of options to choose from. We're just going to list our particular favorites. Remember that you can also use these sensors with a 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus as an alternative to PowerG.

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: VERSA-2GIG
• Recessed Sensor: 2GIG GW20R
• Outdoor Sensor: 2GIG DW30-345

DSC Impassa & DSC PowerSeries (Legacy 433 MHz)

DSC popularized their own wireless frequency of 433 MHz. If you have a DSC Impassa, then these will be the sensors you are using. The 433 MHz sensors can also be used with a DSC PowerSeries Panel that has a wireless receiver added. Although we do not sell the original DSC PowerSeries Systems, we do offer the DSC RF5132-433 Wireless Receiver that will allow support for these sensors. And of course, you can also use these 433 MHz sensors with the 433 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus as an alternative to PowerG. Unfortunately, we don't have a good recommendation for a 433 MHz outdoor door and window sensor. so we'll just list the other two types instead.

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: VERSA-DSC
  
• Recessed Sensor: DSC EV-DW4917
  

Honeywell VISTA, DSC PowerSeries, DSC PowerSeries NEO, Interlogix/GE NetworX (Wired Sensors)

Many hardwired security systems can connect with Alarm.com using what is known as an Alarm.com System Enhancement Module (SEM). And since hardwired panels often use wired sensors, this makes hardwired door and window contacts technically compatible with Alarm.com as well! Honeywell VISTA Systems, DSC PowerSeries Systems, DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems, and Interlogix/GE NetworX Systems all have compatible SEM communicators available.

The great thing about hardwired contacts is that they are pretty much universal across all wired systems, provided that the system is not using polling loop sensors. We'll focus on standard non-polling loop sensors here, but these are all good options for most hardwired alarm panels. Also keep in mind that there are MANY options when it comes to wired contacts. Don't feel like you are restricted to the ones we happened to pick!

• Surface-Mounted Sensor: Honeywell PAL-T
  
• Recessed Sensor: Honeywell 951WG
• Outdoor Sensor: Honeywell 958

Get Started with Alarm Grid & Alarm.com

If you are interested in signing-up for Alarm.com service through Alarm Grid, make sure to check out our monitoring page. We support Alarm.com with our Gold and Platinum Level Plans (Self & Full) and our Cell-Only Plan. If you have any questions about our products or monitoring services, be sure to shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell PAL-T Hardwired Door and Window Contact. Although we often get very excited about the idea of using wireless contacts, we recognize that some people still want hardwired contacts. The PAL-T is one of the most versatile options we offer.

In terms of operation the Honeywell PAL-T is extremely simple. The device consists of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is wired-in directly with the panel, and it is installed on the stationary frame of a door or window. The magnet is then installed on the moving portion of the door or window within 1.125" of the sensor. As a surface mount sensor, the PAL-T and its magnet will be visible from the outside of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to trigger. Once this happens, the sensor will send an alert to the alarm system to let it know that the door or window has been opened. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for that zone.

As a hardwired sensor, the PAL-T is most commonly used with hardwired systems. However, it can also be used with wireless systems that have available zone terminals for hardwired sensors. Additionally, a user can convert the hardwired connection into a wireless transmission through the use of a wired to wireless converter, like the Honeywell 5800C2W. This works by connecting the PAL-T with the wired to wireless converter. The converter will then send a wireless signal to the alarm panel on the behalf of any connected sensors. This will allow the wired sensors to be used with the system as though they were wireless sensors. Doing this is a great way to bring over multiple existing wired contacts and set them up with a newer wireless alarm panel.

What's great about the Honeywell PAL-T is its small size that allows it to be used in a number of different security applications. It will fit on almost any door or window and provide effective monitoring of that opening. The vast array of programming options make it extremely versatile. Depending on the system, you might just have PAL-T instruct the system to chime whenever it is activated. A common option is to have it set as an entry/exit door. If an entry/exit sensor is activated while the system is armed, the user will need to disarm the system within a set entry delay period, or else an alarm will occur. Another possibility is to make a door or window truly off-limits and set it as a 24-hour zone. This will cause an immediate alarm if the sensor is activated, regardless of the system's current state. Setting a zone for this purpose can be great for fire doors or emergency door or windows.

And of course, one of the best aspects of the Honeywell PAL-T is that it is one of the cheapest sensors we offer. If you are fine using hardwired sensors, then this is a very affordable way to monitoring virtually any door or window. You can purchase the Honeywell PAL-T on the Alarm Grid website right now. Stock up on a few, and provide complete protection for your home or business!