Can 2GIG Sensors Work w/ a Lyric Alarm System?

Yes, 2GIG Sensors can work with a Lyric Alarm System. The system will need to be running firmware version MR3 or higher to support these sensors. The current firmware version as of this writing is MR7. A firmware update can be made manually or pushed down by the user's alarm company.

All current 2GIG Wireless Sensors operate at a frequency of 345 MHz. This is the same wireless frequency as the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. One might think that any panel that can support Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors would also be able to support 2GIG Sensors as a result. But that is not the case.

The reality is that 2GIG Sensors communicate using a wireless protocol that is more restrictive than the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. Although the 2GIG Sensors are not encrypted, they are more difficult for a panel to interface with than the open-communication Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors.

For awhile, 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors could only be used with the 2GIG Systems. These included the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC3 Systems. But once Honeywell released Lyric Firmware Update Version MR3, the Lyric also became compatible with these sensors. The Lyric System can also support Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and the encrypted SiX Series Sensors. These other sensors do not require the Lyric System to be on a specific firmware with a few exceptions.

If your Lyric System is running a particularly low firmware version, then you may need to upgrade it before you can use any 2GIG Sensors. In order to firmware update a Lyric panel, the panel must be monitored. Alarm Grid monitored customers can have the update pushed down to their panels remotely, at no cost. It is also possible to manually update the system's firmware by accessing the appropriate menu option inside the panel. This helpful FAQ shows the process. Upgrading the firmware manually is also free.

Once the Lyric is running a high enough firmware version, the 2GIG Sensors can be easily auto-enrolled with the system. This is done by putting the system into its wireless enrollment mode and then faulting the sensor three times to auto-learn it. More information is available here.