Interlogix Simon XTi
Wireless Security System
This product has been discontinued and is no longer in stock.
Description
The Interlogix Simon XTi is a wireless all-in-one touchscreen control panel that serves as the primary controller for a home or business security system. It is essentially a full color touchscreen display version of the Interlogix Simon XT. The 3.5 inch full color LCD touchscreen display makes the Simon XTi panel easier for end users to program devices and navigate on a daily basis. Interlogix also carries the Simon XTi-5 which is a slightly larger 5 inch graphical user interface. Overall, the Simon XTi is a simple, reliable wireless alarm panel for those looking an affordable way to protect their home or business.
One of the biggest hardware features of the Simon XTi is its 3.5-inch ftouchscreen display. This makes the system significantly more inviting and engaging than the programming field based push-button Simon XT. A quick look at the Simon XTi System will show the user its current status, as well as any faults or trouble conditions. Users of the Simon XTi typically find that the system is very easy to set up and use. By navigating the menus, a user can quickly program sensors and execute a walk test mode whenever they need to do so.
The Simon XTi will support up to 40 different security zones. This is more than adequate for most homes and small businesses. Two of these programmable zones are compatible with either wireless sensors or hardwired normally closed sensors. The other 38 zones are compatible exclusively with wireless sensors. The Simon XTi interfaces with sensors at a frequency of 319.5 MHz. This makes the alarm system compatible with all GE/Interlogix and Qolsys wireless sensors that operate on this frequency. Qolsys S-line sensors are not compatible.
To get the most out of the Simon XTi System, we strongly encourage users to obtain an Alarm.com cellular communication module. Without this add-on, the Simon XTi will only be able to communicate over POTS (plain old telephone service) service. Monitoring an alarm system via POTS will limit the ability of a user to have any type of remote access to the system and handicaps an alarm company from offering any remote programming assistance. Cellular communication is both faster and more reliable than POTS service. Additionally, many panel features and capabilities for the Simon XTi are only available through the use of a cellular communicator. For example, Upgrading to cellular will allow a Simon XTi to interface with the Alarm.com server and communicate locally with any compatible Z-Wave devices.
The Alarm.com cellular communicators for the Simon XTi are available with Verizon, AT&T and Telus (Canada Only). Once you have one of these radios installed your system you will be capable of interacting with the Alarm.com platform and all the server level integrations this service has to offer. The Alarm.com app and website login allows end users to remotely arm/disarm the Simon XTi as well integrate with devices like the Nest thermostat, Liftmaster MyQ garage doors and Lutron Caseta lighting systems. The cellular module add-on for the Simon XTi includes a Z-Wave controller for this very purpose. Up to 232 Z-Wave devices can be programmed with the Simon XTi Panel after a cellular communicator has been added. The Alarm.com service is also needed for using a Simon XTi System with smart home voice assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
The Simon XTi offers support for up to eight different user codes. This allows multiple users to maintain their own access to the system. The panel also offers voice and chime functions to provide audible alerts for end users. When a zone experiences a fault or a trouble, the panel will clearly state the name of the associated sensor so that the issue can be quickly identified. A user can choose to enable or disable these sound functions at any time.
Please Note: The Interlogix Simon XTi was formerly known as the GE Simon XTi. It is simply rebranded. Also if you install an Alarm.com communicator it will occupy zone 40 on the Simon XTi so keep it empty. A replacement power transformer for this system can be purchased here.
Brand: Interlogix GE Security
Interlogix Simon XTi Compatible Products
Reviews
Submitted on 07/28/2020 Alarm Grid
The Interlogix Simon XTi is an early wireless all-in-one security system that is still occasionally used. It is a relatively limited system, and it is not one that we would necessarily recommend purchasing today. The most common reason why someone encounters a Simon XTi that they are considering getting monitored is because they find an existing unit inside of a home they have purchased. It is certainly possible to take an existing Simon XTi System and get it set up for monitoring service. Often, a new cellular or dual-path communicator is all that is required. But because of the add-ons required, buying a new Simon XTi is not a very cost-effective option. There is also the fact that it is far from being the most advanced option available, and it is a fairly lackluster option in terms of system capabilities. For those reasons, we only give the Interlogix Simon XTi a 3 Star rating.
There are some positive aspects regarding the Simon XTi. The system can be easily upgraded to support cellular or dual-path communication by adding the proper module. There are even some LTE communicators available that will keep the system online well into the very distant future. Compatible 319.5 MHz wireless sensors can be auto-enrolled with the system, which is pretty convenient. And you can even use the system with the Alarm.com platform, provided that you sign-up for a compatible monitoring plan. An Alarm.com Communicator will also double as a Z-Wave controller so that you can operate automation devices locally at the panel and remotely from Alarm.com.
But the downsides to the Simon XTi should not be ignored. It is a very limited system, as it only has support for 40 wireless zones. This will be insufficient for most large homes and businesses. The touchscreen on the Simon XTi feels cheaply made, and you can certainly tell that this is a "budget" security system. And there is also the factor that Interlogix went out of business, and receiving support for the Simon XTi may become a difficult task eventually. With these downsides in consideration, we only award the Interlogix Simon XTi with 3 Stars.
Good: Upgrade to LTE, Auto-Enrollment for Wireless Sensors, Alarm.com, Able to Add Z-Wave Functionality
Bad: Only 40 Zones, Poor Build Quality, Interlogix is Defunct
Bottom Line: 3 Stars
