How Do I Upgrade My Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 to a Honeywell PROA7PLUS?

You can upgrade your Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 to a Honeywell PROA7PLUS by installing a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module inside the PROA7PLUS Panel. You can then use the old wireless 319.5 MHz sensors from your Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5 with your new PROA7PLUS Security System.

The Interlogix Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 are essentially the exact same security system. Both systems feature the same user interface, and they support the same selection of 319.5 MHz wireless sensors. The only difference between the two is that the Simon XTi-5 has a larger touchscreen. When upgrading to a PROA7PLUS, you follow the same process for either system. Once you install the PROTAKEOVER Module inside the PROA7PLUS, you can use your old system's existing 319.5 MHz sensors with your new PRO Series system. The PROTAKEOVER can support one (1) of five (5) legacy sensor frequencies, with 319.5 MHz being one of the selectable options. You select 319.5 MHz sensor support by setting the dial on the PROTAKEOVER to 3. Just make sure to keep the following things in mind.

First, the PROTAKEOVER can only support one (1) legacy frequency at any given time. To support the 319.5 MHz sensors used with a Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5, you want to set the adjustable dial to 3. When you do this, no other legacy sensor frequencies can be simultaneously supported by the PROA7PLUS. Only one (1) legacy frequency can be chosen using the PROTAKEOVER dial, and only (1) PROTAKEOVER Module can be installed inside the panel at a time. This means that the other four (4) legacy sensor frequencies will not be supported by the panel once this selection is made. If you are upgrading from a Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5, then this probably isn't a concern, as only 319.5 MHz sensors are supported by the panel. But if you were planning to use legacy sensors of a different frequency, then understand that they will not work with the PROA7PLUS when the PROTAKEOVER is set to work with 319.5 MHz sensors.

Second, there are some sensor types that cannot be used with the PROTAKEOVER Module. Most significantly, life-safety sensors like smoke detectors, heat detectors, or carbon monoxide (CO) detection sensors cannot be used with the unit. Resideo designed the PROTAKEOVER this way intentionally out of safety concerns. It's also worth mentioning that most key fob devices are also not listed as compatible. If you have concerns about a sensor being compatible, then you may want to review the PROTAKEOVER Compatibility Chart. Any sensor not listed on the chart cannot be guaranteed to work. That being said, it has been discovered that some sensors not on that list will still work with the PROTAKEOVER anyway. One example is the Honeywell 5800MINI, which while not being listed, will still work when the PROTAKEOVER is set to support the corresponding 345 MHz sensor family. In theory, with the PROTAKEOVER selection dial set to 3, any 319.5 MHz sensor that isn't a key fob or a life-safety device should be supported. But just be aware that any sensor that is not listed cannot be guaranteed to integrate successfully.

Anyone needing to buy both a PROA7PLUS and a PROTAKEOVER Module should definitely consider getting one of our bundled kits. Every kit listed below comes with a PROA7PLUS Panel, a PROTAKEOVER Converter, and a Honeywell LT-CABLE. One of the listed kits relies on WIFI connectivity only, while the other two include an added cellular communicator. Adding a cellular communicator will provide an additional communication pathway for the system in communicating with AlarmNet and the central station. Although the PROA7PLUS already has its built-in WIFI card, an internet outage will disconnect the panel from monitoring if a secondary communication path isn't set up. Adding a cellular communicator will make the PROA7PLUS a dual-path system that will remain connected for monitoring even if one of the communication paths isn't working properly. There are cellular options for AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE. If you are having trouble deciding between AT&T and Verizon, then just go with whichever network works more reliably in the area where the system will be used. You can check coverage maps if you are unsure. Remember, this decision has nothing to do with your personal cell phone carrier. Your alarm panel can use a different carrier from your cell phone as the cell charges for your alarm panel will be included in your monthly monitoring bill. Also, keep in mind that you must get a monitoring plan that includes cellular service if you decide to use a cellular communicator. You can learn more about the monitoring plans offered by Alarm Grid by checking this blog post.

PROA7PLUS RF Takeover Kits

Complete the following steps to upgrade to a PROA7PLUS from a Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5:

1. Install the PROTAKEOVER Converter. Start by powering down your PROA7PLUS System if it isn't already. You can power down the system by dropping both AC power and backup battery power. To drop AC power, either unplug the system's transformer, or turn off power at the circuit breaker. To drop battery power, disconnect the panel's backup battery pack. You must take the panel off its backplate to access the backup battery pack. This will require taking out the panel's bottom set screw first.

The PROTAKEOVER comes with a new backplate to use with the PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel. You are required to use this new backplate, because it has an inner antenna that is used with the PROTAKEOVER. If the converter unit does not have access to this antenna, then the PROA7PLUS will have virtually zero wireless range whenever it is communicating with wireless legacy sensors. The PROTAKEOVER Module has two (2) metal prongs that make contact with the inside antenna when the panel is connected properly. If you were previously using the original stock backplate with the PROA7PLUS, then just take the old backplate off the wall, and mount the new one that came included with the PROTAKEOVER in the same location.

Once the PROA7PLUS is off its backplate, flip the panel over so that you are facing the opposite side from the panel's touchscreen. On your right, there should be a cover that you can easily slide to the right and remove. With the cover off, gently insert the PROTAKEOVER Converter. Don't forget to set its dial to 3 so that it supports 319.5 MHz sensors before you install it. You will know that the PROTAKEOVER was installed properly because its set screw slot will be aligned with the corresponding screw hold in the panel plastic. You don't need to apply the set screw if you don't want to, but it is recommended for keeping the unit as secure as possible.

After setting its dial to 3 and installing the PROTAKEOVER, put the panel's side cover back on, and reapply system power. When doing this, make sure to reconnect battery power first, and then AC power second. Battery power is restored by plugging the pack into the designated connector port on the panel. AC power is restored by either plugging the transformer back into the outlet or by restoring power at the circuit breaker. You can then mount the PROA7PLUS on the new backplate that came with the PROTAKEOVER. Don't forget that you can consult the PROTAKEOVER Installation Guide if you need further help.

2. Enroll existing wireless sensors. You can now enroll the existing Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5 wireless sensors with your PROA7PLUS. This can be done yourself if your PROA7PLUS System supports local programming. As of May 2021, local programming is still in beta development, and it is not yet available to the general public. However, we have received repeated assurance from Resideo that the feature will be released very soon. If your system does not support end-user programming, then you must either upgrade the system to support the feature, or you must ask your monitoring provider to assist you with all system programming. This includes enrolling new sensors with the system. For this FAQ, we will cover the process as though you have access to local end-user programming so that you can program sensors on your own. Remember that if you don't have access to this feature, then you can contact your monitoring provider, and they will be able to help you enroll your existing sensors.

Assuming that your PROA7PLUS supports end-user programming, you can follow the easy programming process. Start from the main screen of the PROA7PLUS. Press the three (3) horizontal bars menu button near the bottom-center of the screen. Select Tools, and then enter the system's Installer Code. The default Installer Code for the system is 4112. From there, choose Programming, and then Peripherals. Then select the plus (+) icon located in the top-right corner. You can then fault a sensor or activate its tamper switch so that it is recognized by the system. The sensor must be powered on and within the panel's wireless range when you do this. The PROA7PLUS System should acknowledge the sensor and take you to an Edit Sensor screen. This is where you can configure the zone settings.

The following settings should be made in the zone settings:

• Sensor Type and Serial Number can be left alone. Those should have been generated during auto-enrollment.
• Adjust the Partition for the sensor if needed.
• You can use the Zone Descriptions to name the sensor. The panel will speak these along with the Device Type when the sensor is faulted, and Voice is enabled. You don't need to put the Device Type (e.g. door, window, motion, etc.) in the second Zone Description, as it would then result in the panel speaking it twice (e.g. "Front Door Door"). You can also skip setting a second Zone Description and leave the second field blank if you only need the first field when naming the sensor.
• Don't forget to set the appropriate Device Type, as that is very important!
• Adjust the Response Type according to the use for this zone. This setting determines how the system responds whenever the sensor is activated. Available Response Types will be limited based on the Device Type. For example, When the Device type is set to Door, the Response Types available are Entry/Exit 1, Entry/Exit 2, or Perimeter. If you need access to a Response Type that isn't available based on choosing the proper Device Type, then choose a Device Type of Other. This will give you all available Response Types to choose from. When Other is selected, the Device Type will NOT be spoken as part of the Voice Descriptor when Voice Chime is enabled, so use the Zone Descriptors accordingly.
• Enable Supervision if you want the system to display a trouble condition if the sensor fails to check-in with the system after a set time period. Supervision issues usually occur due to a sensor having a dead battery, or a sensor being taken outside of wireless range.
• Enable Alarm Report if you want the panel to send out an alarm signal whenever the zone causes a system alarm.
• The Chime setting decides the sound the panel will emit when the sensor is faulted and Chime is toggled on. There is an option for Disabled if you never want the panel to emit a Chime sound when the sensor is activated.

After you have finished programming the zone, press Save & Add Another in the top-right corner to program another sensor. When you have finished programming the last sensor, you can press the Save button in the upper-right. Make sure every sensor has been programmed before you continue to the next step.

Keep in mind that the PROA7PLUS can support up to 123 legacy sensors with a PROTAKEOVER Module installed. This is in addition to the 127 zones that are used for encrypted sensors, specifically those from the Honeywell SiX and Honeywell PROSIX lineups. If you combine the 123 legacy zones with the 127 encrypted zones, then the PROA7PLUS has 250 zones total. But only the 123 legacy zones can be used with legacy 319.5 MHz sensors. Still, a Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5 can only support 40 zones, so you should have plenty for covering all existing sensors.

3. Test the system. After you have finished programming all the sensors, we recommend performing a Walk Test to ensure proper functionality. If your system is being monitored, make sure to put the system on test mode with the central station before you do this. Walk Test Mode can be accessed on the PROA7PLUS by starting from the main screen and clicking the three (3) horizontal bars menu button at the bottom-center, and then selecting Tools, entering the Installer Code (default 4112), and then selecting System Tests, followed by Test Sensors.

Upon entering Test Sensors, every sensor programmed with the PROA7PLUS should show up on the screen. If any sensor is absent, it means that the missing sensor wasn't programmed correctly. Once you are sure that all sensors are present, click the Start Test button in the upper-right. Then press OK to start the test. A loud beep from the panel will be emitted. You should then go around and fault, or activate, every programmed sensor. Any programmed sensor that is faulted will appear at the top of the screen in bold. Make sure that every programmed sensor shows up on the panel screen when faulted. Upon testing each sensor, press the End Test button in the upper-right. You can then return home by clicking the security logo in the bottom-right corner. Or alternatively, you can repeatedly press the return arrow in the upper-left to return home.