How Do I Add an External Keypad to an Interlogix Simon XT?

You can add an external keypad to an Interlogix Simon XT System through the panel's System Programming Menu. You will need to know the Installer Code for the Simon XT in order to access this menu. The best keypad to use for this application is the Interlogix Two-Way Talking Touch Screen.

The Interlogix Two-Way Talking Touch Screen can be learned in with the Simon XT System in basically the same manner as a wireless security sensor. Complete the following steps to add an Interlogix Two-Way Talking Touch Screen to an Interlogix Simon XT Alarm System.

1. Access programming. From the main screen of the Simon XT System, keep pressing the down arrow until the option "System Programming" is displayed. Then press the "OK" button. The system will ask you to enter in the system's Installer Code. By default, this code is set to 4321. Once you have entered in the code, press the "OK" button. If the code was entered in correctly, you will enter into System Programming.

2. Enroll the keypad. Keep pressing the down arrow until you find the option for "Sensors". Then press the "OK" button. The option for "Learn Sensor" will be displayed. Press the "OK" button. The message "Trip Sensor" will be displayed. This indicates that the system is now in its learn mode.

From the Interlogix Two-Way Talking Touch Screen, press the Settings button (the gear icon) in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Using the arrows on the right side of the screen, scroll down until you reach a button labeled "Clear & Enroll". Press this button. The device should say that it is waiting for enrollment. The Simon XT System will indicate when it has recognized the keypad.

3. Configure the keypad. The first part of configuring the keypad involves choosing a group number. For a keypad, you will assign it a Group Number that is associated with a panic or auxiliary switch. The most common Group Numbers to use with the Interlogix Two-Way Talking Touch Screen are the following: 00, 01, 04, 05, 06, 07. Enter in the desired 2-digit Group Number, and then press the "OK" button to select it. For more information on what each Group Number means, please consult pages 8-10 of the Simon XT Installation Manual.

Next, choose a name for the keypad. The Simon XT System includes a pre-programmed list of possible names. You can scroll between names using the up and down arrows. Choose a name that is appropriate and easy to remember. Once you have found a good name, press the "OK" button to select it.

4. Exit programming and test. Repeatedly press the "Status" button on the Simon XT System to return to the main menu. This will save any changes that were made. You can test the external keypad by attempting to use it to arm and disarm the system. If the keypad was set up properly, it will be capable of arming and disarming.