The Honeywell iGSMHS is a discontinued AlarmNet Communicator for Honeywell VISTA Systems that operated across the AT&T 2G Cellular Network. That cellular network was shut down several years ago, and the communicator will no longer work. You will not be able to find a new model of this communicator. And if you attempt to use an existing unit, then it will not work. It cannot be activated, and it cannot be used for monitoring service. You should get an LTE cellular communicator like the Honeywell LTE-XA or Honeywell LTE-XV instead. With this in mind, we give the Honeywell iGSMHS a 1 Star rating.

There were some things to like about the Honeywell iGSMHS before it became obsolete. It was a high security communicator, meaning that it was suitable for use in locations that require extra security, such as banks and government buildings. The communicator provided reliable cellular monitoring service. A cellular connection will almost never go down or become unavailable, so it is ideal for alarm monitoring service. The communicator is UL listed, and it meets the strict requirements of a high security communicator.

The downsides to the Honeywell iGSMHS are obvious. The communicator cannot be activated for monitoring service. And since the AT&T 2G Network has been shut down, the communicator will no longer work, even if it was activated for monitoring service at one point. Also, as a high security communicator, the Honeywell iGSMHS could not be used with Total Connect or Total Connect 2.0, thereby making it even more useless. This is a relic of the past that has absolutely no functional purpose today. It is basically an expensive paperweight if you find one now. Get an LTE communicator instead. It will still offer great security, and you will actually be able to use it. Plus, the new communicators can support TC2. As for the Honeywell iGSMHS, it gets 1 Star.

Good: High Security, Reliable Cellular Connection. UL Listed

Bad: Cannot Be Activated, Network Discontinued, No TC2

Bottom Line: 1 Star

The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S is a wired to wireless converter that operates a 319.5 MHz. You connect hardwired sensors to this device so that they can be used with your 319.5 MHz alarm system. Up to 16 different sensors can be connected with the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. However, it does not support any life-safety sensors. We like the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S because it works very well, and it offers some nice features. For that reason, we give the product a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. For one, it is a great way to bring existing wired sensors over to your new wireless system. At the 319.5 MHz frequency, the IQ Hardwire 16-S can be used with the original IQ Panel 2, the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the wireless Interlogix Systems. End-of-line resistor learning is included so that users do not need to rewire resistors. There is also an on-board siren relay, which can be used with the IQ Panel 2 and compatible IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The harness for connecting a backup battery is also included. And it's important to mention that the IQ Hardwire 16-S can support both NO and NC sensors.

There are some downsides to the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. For one, it cannot support hardwired life-safety sensors. This includes smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. While the battery harness is included, the actual backup battery is not, so you will need to supply your own. We have backup batteries available for purchase on our website. There is also the fact that this model has been discontinued in favor of the newer Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. But if you find a used IQ Hardwire 16-S it should still work fine. But these downsides are quite minor, and they do not stop us from awarding the IQ Hardwire 16-S 5 Stars.

Good: Converts Wired Sensors to Wireless, Versatile 319.5 MHz Frequency, On-Board Siren Relay, Backup Battery Harness Included, Supports NO and NC

Bad: Cannot Support Life-Safety Sensors, No Battery Included, Discontinued, Outclassed by IQ Hardwire 16-F

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 944T is a hardwired recessed door and window contact sensor with screw terminals for connecting wires. The sensor is 3/8" in diameter, and it will stay hidden with your door or window is closed. This is a very straightforward and simple recessed sensor if you are looking for a hardwired option. You can certainly count on it to monitor a door or window with very little fuss or inconvenience. That is why we give the Honeywell 944T a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell 944T. For one, it will be completely out of sight when the door or window is closed. The sensor includes screw terminals instead of leads, which some installers may prefer. Since this is a wired contact sensor, it will not draw any power from the panel. And like any Honeywell product, the 944T has an outstanding build quality. You can certainly expect it to last a long time. We also like the fact that the sensor has great versatility, as nearly any wired panel or wired to wireless converter will support the device.

There are few downsides to the Honeywell 944T. Since this is a recessed sensor, you will need to drill holes into the door or window and its accompanying frame. Most DIY installers just get surface-mounted contacts to skip this step. And since the sensor is wired, you will also need to run a wire from the panel to the sensor. Again, this can be troubling for a DIY installer. But if a 3/8" recessed hardwired door and window sensor is what you need, then you really cannot go wrong with the Honeywell 944T. For that reason, it gets a 5 Star rating from Alarm Grid.

Good: Sensor is Hidden, Screw Terminals, No Power Draw, Great Build Quality, Versatile

Bad: Must Drill Holes, Must Wired to Panel

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell L7000PK is a security system kit from Alarm Grid. It includes a Honeywell L7000 LYNX Touch System, three (3) door and window sensors, a motion sensor, and a key fob. This is a rather incomplete kit, as it does not include a communicator to use with the L7000 System. And without one, there is no way to use the system for alarm monitoring service. You really should just buy a kit that includes a communicator instead. Or you might also consider the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System, which comes with built-in WIFI. But still, we really like the L7000 as a system itself, and the included kit sensors are nice as well. But since we do not recommend this particular kit, we can only give it a 4 Star rating.

There are positive aspects regarding the L7000PK. For one, the system can still be used for reliable and effective monitoring service, provided that a compatible communicator is added. There is the Honeywell L5100-WIFI for IP service, plus either the Honeywell LTE-L57A or Honeywell LTE-L57V for cellular service. The sensors that come with the Honeywell L7000PK are of high quality, and they will last a very long time. They are also very easy to enroll with the L7000. And the system itself also has an outstanding build quality, and it will certainly serve you well. And we also like the fact that the system has firmware that is very easy to upgrade using the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool, which is purchased separately.

But there are some big downsides to the Honeywell L7000PK. This kit does not come with a communicator, so you must add one if you want to get the system monitored. And it's also important to note that there are many other more advanced systems on the market today, including the Honeywell Lyric. Alarm Grid has kits for those systems as well, and we'd really recommend those kits over the L7000PK. That is why we can only give this product a 4 Star rating.

Good: Reliable for Monitoring, Great Sensors Included, Excellent Build Quality, Easy Firmware Upgrades

Bad: No Communicator Included, Better Systems Available

Bottom Line: 4 Stars

The Yale YRD246 is a smart lock that works with Apple HomeKit. Yale is known for their high-quality lock products, and the YRD246 is no exception. It is a visually pleasing lock that offers the security and protection you need. And being able to integrate it with Apple HomeKit is a big plus for iOS users. Overall, we really like Yale YRD246, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to appreciate about the Yale YRD246. The biggest benefit is its compatibility with HomeKit. By setting up a HomeKit Hub, you will be able to control your Yale YRD246 from anywhere in the world using Siri voice commands. And if you get the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System, you will be able to integrate that with your HomeKit network as well. The touchscreen keypad of the YRD246 is certainly sleek, and it fits almost any modern decor. You can store up to 250 codes inside the keypad, which makes it great for offices. The lock is Grade 2, meaning it will keep any compatible door nice and secure. And the lock is loaded with nice features like a weather-protection gasket, one-touch locking, backlit numbers, a privacy button, and a tamper-resistant battery cover.

There are some downsides to the Yale YRD246. Like any door lock, it will need to be installed. This may be a difficult task for DIYers who are not used to working with tools. But really, the installation process isn't that bad. Since this is not a Z-Wave lock, it cannot be paired with most security systems. It also will not work with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. If you are looking for a lock to pair with a security system being used as an automation hub, then you will probably want to look for a Z-Wave model instead. This lock is mostly for users who are building around the HomeKit network. But if that is your intention, then the Yale YRD246 will make for a great addition to your HomeKit network. With that in mind, we give the Yale YRD246 a 5 Star rating.

Good: HomeKit, Touchscreen, Sleek Design, 250 Codes, Grade 2 Security, Lots of Features

Bad: Must be Installed, Not Z-Wave

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 5800RL is a wireless siren relay designed for use with the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels. This is one of the few Honeywell 5800 Sensors that uses two-way communication. It is commonly used to support hardwired sirens and other relay-triggered devices. Alarm Grid even sells separate siren kits that include the Honeywell 5800RL. This will allow the user to achieve an effective wireless siren setup for their Honeywell LYNX Touch System. This is great if you have a hardwired siren that you really want to use with the system, but you don't want to run a wired relay between the siren and the panel. Overall, we really like the Honeywell 5800RL Wireless Relay, and it gets 5 Stars from us.

The biggest advantage to the Honeywell 5800RL is that it allows you to essentially convert a wired siren into a wireless siren. You will still need to wire-in a power supply and backup battery, but the Honeywell 5800RL will at least make for a nice starting point. The device also features an LED light, which can be useful for determining system status and performing general troubleshooting.

There are some downsides to the Honeywell 5800RL that should also be considered. Its biggest weakness is the fact that it uses House ID technology to interface with a LYNX Touch Panel. This means that it cannot be used with the Honeywell Lyric or any of the 2GIG Systems. Some users are surprised by this, due to the fact that most Honeywell 5800 Sensors will work with the Lyric and the 2GIG Panels. It's also important to note that the Honeywell 5800RL really has no use on its own. You can only use it with an added siren or some other relay-triggered device. But these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell 5800RL a 5 Star rating.

Good: Convert Wired Siren to Wireless, LED Light

Bad: House ID Restricts Panel Compatibility, Cannot Be Used On Its Own

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The 2GIG GB1 is a wireless glass break detection sensor that operates at the 2GIG 345 MHz frequency. This makes it compatible with all of the 2GIG Systems, as well as the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System and the 345 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The sensor actively listens for the sound of glass breaking. Once activated, it will alert the system to the glass break event. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for the zone. Overall, we really like the 2GIG GB1 Glass Break Sensor, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the 2GIG GB1. For one, the sensor has a finely tuned microphone that reliably responds to the sound of glass breaking, while ignoring similar sounds. The sensor also prevent against false alarms by requiring that both the sound of the glass shattering and the sound of an object striking against the glass be present for activation. We also like the fact that the 2GIG GB1 offers tamper detection to let the system know if anyone tries to open or disable the sensor. And we appreciate its 360-degree coverage area when ceiling-mounted.

There are some minor downsides regarding the 2GIG GB1. One is that the sensor only works with certain types of glass. Make sure the glass you are monitoring is compatible. And like any wireless sensor, you will need to replace the batteries periodically. There is also the consideration that when the unit is wall-mounted as opposed to ceiling-mounted, the coverage area will only be 180 degrees. But these downsides are very minor, and they do not stop us from awarding the 2GIG GB1 a perfect 5 Star score.

Good: Finely Tuned Microphone, Prevents False Alarms, Tamper Detection, 360-Degrees Coverage Area When Ceiling-Mounted

Bad: Only Works w/ Certain Types of Glass, Requires Battery Replacements, Wall-Mounting Reduces Coverage Area

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell LyricC2WPK is a wireless system kit that includes a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System and a Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter. This kit was built for existing wired system users who are looking to upgrade to a newer and more advanced Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The Honeywell 5800C2W should be installed in-place of the old wired panel. All of the existing sensors will connect with one or more 5800C2W units. The 5800C2W will then allow these hardwired sensors to communicate wirelessly with the Lyric System. This is a very convenient kit that can make it easy to upgrade to a new wireless alarm system. That is why we give the Honeywell LyricC2WPK a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Honeywell LyricC2WPK. For one, the Lyric is a great system. It is extremely easy to use and set up, and it offers awesome features like built-in Z-Wave, integrated WIFI, and HomeKit functionality. The Honeywell 5800C2W can then support up to nine (9) hardwired sensors so that they can be used with the Lyric. Each sensor will require its own wireless zone on the Lyric System. If you need additional sensors, you can get another 5800C2W to support additional wired sensors. Or you can just add Honeywell 5800 Sensors or Honeywell SiX Sensors for use with the Lyric System. Another thing we like about the LyricC2WPK is that it includes a backup battery for use with the Honeywell 5800C2W.

There are not many downsides regarding the Honeywell LyricC2WPK. The most pressing issue is that it really isn't needed if you don't already have existing hardwired sensors that you are hoping to add to the Lyric System. And remember that the Honeywell 5800C2W can only support up to 9 hardwired sensors. If you need to add more, then you must purchase another Honeywell 5800C2W unit. But these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the Honeywell LyricC2WPK 5 Stars.

Good: Lyric System, Use Wired Sensors, Includes Battery

Bad: Only Needed If You Have wired Sensors, Limited Number of Zones on 5800C2W

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Qolsys IQ Mini is a wireless door and window that operates at 319.5 MHz. It was designed for use with the original IQ Panel, but it also works with the IQ Panel 2, the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus, and Interlogix Simon Security Systems. This is a compact and effective door and window sensor that works very well for its intended function. However, the sensor has been discontinued, and it can no longer be purchased new. But if you find a used model somewhere, then it should still work quite well. We are very pleased with the Qolsys IQ Mini, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Qolsys IQ Mini. As you can probably guess from its name, it is a compact sensor, and it will hardly be noticeable on the outside of your door or window. It only measures 2.25": x 1"W x 0.5"D. The sensor is extremely easy to use and install, as it operates pretty much like any other sensor of this type. The sensor also offers tamper detection to let the system know if anyone tries to open up or disable that sensor. And it has a nice wireless range of 600 feet in open air.

There are not many downsides regarding the Qolsys IQ Mini. The biggest issue is that the sensor has been discontinued. You will be unlikely to find a brand new IQ Mini model. That being said, a used model should still work great if you have a 319.5 MHz system. And the IQ Mini doesn't offer any fancy features like wireless encryption or an auxiliary input. But really, these downsides are extremely minor. There is no way that we cannot award the Qolsys IQ Mini a perfect 5 Star rating.

Good: Compact, Easy to Use & Install, Tamper Detection, 600-Foot Range

Bad: Discontinued, Not Encrypted, No Auxiliary Input

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell IS280CM is a hardwired ceiling-mount motion sensor. Like most motion sensors, it uses passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. It is designed to be installed on the ceiling so that it can detect the movement that occurs below. When mounted at a height of 10 feet, the Honeywell IS280CM will provide a coverage area of 45 feet across. Overall, the Honeywell IS280CM is a great option for those needing a wired ceiling-mount motion sensor. That is why we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Honeywell IS280CM. For one, it includes many features such as RF signal protection, a bug guard, and an adjustable pulse count for increasing or decreasing device sensitivity. The low-profile housing of the Honeywell IS280CM makes it virtually unnoticeable on the ceiling. Like most ceiling-mount motion sensors, the IS280CM offers a 360-degree coverage area to detect movement from all directions. The sensor uses an advanced microprocessor for state-of-the-art motion detection and excellent reliability. We also like the fact that the Honeywell IS280CM has easy wiring knock-outs, which makes the installation process painless for installers. Other features include a sealed optics chamber and tamper cover detection.

There are some downsides regarding the Honeywell IS280CM that should be kept in mind. Since you can't easily adjust the height of your ceiling, you can't really adjust the coverage area of the sensor. The higher you mount it, the large the coverage area will become. But if you mount it too high, then it won't be able to detect the movement below. Make sure your ceiling is of a proper height. Another restriction for mounting the sensor is the fact that the device should not be mounted towards any direct sunlight or heating and cooling elements. And like any hardwired motion sensor, the Honeywell IS280CM will draw some power from the panel. But these downsides are fairly minor, and they do not stop us from rating the IS280CM 5 Stars.

Good: RF Signal Protection, Bug Guard, Adjustable Pulse Count, Low-Profile Housing, 360-Degree Coverage Area, Advanced Microprocessor, Easy Wiring Knock-Outs, Sealed Optics Chamber, Tamper Cover Detection

Bad: Coverage Area Based On Ceiling Height, Should Not be Mounted Towards Sunlight or Heating/Cooling Elements, Draws Some Power

Bottom Line: 5 Stars