Can I Use 2GIG Encrypted Sensors With a 2GIG GC3?

No, you cannot use 2GIG Encrypted Sensors with a 2GIG GC3. The 2GIG Encrypted Sensors are not backwards compatible, and they cannot be used with the 2GIG GC3 in any way. There are actually no encrypted sensors that are compatible with the 2GIG GC3. Only legacy 345 MHz sensors can be used.

2GIG and Nortek built the 2GIG Encrypted Sensors for use with the 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Systems. Unfortunately, these sensors were not designed to be backwards compatible, and they cannot be used with the older 2GIG GC3 System in any manner. This includes using the sensors as non-encrypted devices on the system. It was somewhat surprising for 2GIG to not make that functionality possible. We have seen other encrypted sensors offer backwards compatibility so that they can still be used as non-encrypted devices on less-advanced systems. An example is the Qolsys S-Line Sensors, which retained functionality with non-encrypted 319.5 MHz systems.

The ability to offer encrypted sensor support is what drove 2GIG to discontinue the 2GIG GC3 System, in favor of the newer GC2e and GC3e. The GC3e is actually more or less the same panel as the original 2GIG GC3, except for the fact that the GC3e offers encrypted sensor support. Other than that, there is no major difference, other than a slight redesign. Having said that, there is probably a good reason why 2GIG felt the need to design entirely new panels for use with encrypted sensors. Doing this most likely allowed 2GIG to ensure the best possible performance and security for the 2GIG Encrypted Sensors when used with a GC3e or GC2e System. Rather than focus on backwards compatibility, 2GIG worked hard to make these sensors best-suited for their newest and most advanced systems.

Fortunately, there are still two (2) main viable sensor options for anyone with a 2GIG GC3 System. Although neither of these options offers encrypted communication, the sensors in these lineups are still quite reliable and easy to enroll. They also offer strong build-quality that will keep them functioning well for many years to come, as long as proper care and maintenance is provided. First, you can use the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, which are specifically designed for use with 2GIG Systems like the 2GIG GC3. The 2GIG GC3 can also be used with uni-directional Honeywell 5800 Sensors. This is a very robust sensor lineup, which can provide you with everything you need for an alarm system. The 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the Honeywell 5800 Sensors can also be used with the 2GIG GC2e and GC3e Sytems if you ever decide to upgrade later on.