The Qolsys IQ Smoke is a wireless smoke, heat, and low-temperature sensor that operates at 319.5 MHz. The sensor will alert the system upon detecting smoke, high heat in excess of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, or low temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The Qolsys IQ Smoke is widely used with 319.5 MHz Qolsys Systems, but it is also compatible with Interlogix Simon Series Panels and wired Interlogix and GE Systems with an added 319.5 MHz receiver. Overall, this is a very reliable life-safety sensor, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Qolsys IQ Smoke. Packing smoke, heat, and freeze detection into one compact sensor is very nice of Qolsys, and you only need to set it up with one zone. The device has its own built-in sounder, as well as an LED light and a test button. The device is easy to test, clean, and maintain, making it a great choice for a DIY user. We also appreciate the fact that the Qolsys IQ Smoke has a long lifespan, making it a long-term solution for fire protection. All of the needed mounting hardware is included, as well as an initial set of three (3) AAA batteries.

There are some downsides regarding the Qolsys IQ Smoke that should be considered. There is no way to turn OFF or disable any of the functions, which has presented difficulties for some users. For example, mounting the Qolsys IQ Smoke in a non-insulated garage can result in false alarms when the temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The Qolsys IQ Smoke communicates with the panel at a non-encrypted 319.5 MHz signal. While this isn't a huge deal for a non-security sensor, some users might feel more comfortable getting encrypted smoke and heat detectors for their systems. You will need to replace the batteries periodically.

All things considered, the Qolsys IQ Smoke has many positive attributes. The downsides should be taken into careful consideration based upon your needs, but we still reward the Qolsys IQ Smoke with a 5 Star score.

Good: Three Detection Functions, Integrated Sounder, LED Light, Test Button, Easy to Clean & Maintain, Mounting Hardware Included

Bad: Cannot Disable Functions, Not Encrypted, Batteries Must Be Replaced Periodically

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC HS2LCDWFDMK is a desk mount used with various keypads for a DSC PowerSeries NEO Security System. As the NEO is a hardwired panel, it requires an external keypad for basic operation and control. While such keypads are traditionally wall-mounted, the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK allows users to neatly place their keypad on a table, counter, or desk. This is typically preferred to laying the keypad flat. The desk mount will position it upright and make it easier to access. The DSC HS2LCDWFDMK has a great build quality, and it works with a variety of different PowerSeries NEO Systems. For that reason, we give the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we appreciate about the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK. For one, the desk mount prevents the need for mounting the keypad to the wall. This can be very useful if you don't want to drill holes in the wall or if you do not have space for a keypad. The desk mount is also great for DIYers who may have trouble or difficulty mounting their own keypad. As stated earlier, the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK has an excellent build quality, and being compatible with many types of NEO Keypads makes it very versatile.

There are not many downsides to the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK. The biggest is that the desk mount if only built for certain DSC PowerSeries NEO Keypads. If you do not have a DSC PowerSeries NEO System, then you will most likely have no use for the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK. It is also a fairly expensive desk mount, as it is listed at $22 as of May 2020. But these drawbacks are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from rewarding the DSC HS2LCDWFDMK a perfect 5 Star score.

Good: Prevents Wall Mounting, Great for DIYers, Excellent Build Quality, Versatile

Bad: Only for NEO Keypads, Somewhat Expensive

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Yale YRD220 is a Z-Wave Plus touchscreen lock that provides protection and security for a home or business. The lock has a sleek design that fits in nicely with any modern decor, and it certainly provides the aesthetic touch that many users are looking for. Installing the YRD220 and enrolling it with a Z-Wave hub is a great way to make your life more convenient, as you can control the lock remotely using an app like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. As a Z-Wave Plus device, the Yale YRD220 is both versatile and reliable. This makes it a great addition to nearly any smart home. We give the Yale YRD220 a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Yale YRD220. It is a Z-Wave Plus lock, which gives it improved range and battery life when paired with a certified Z-Wave Plus controller. The lock works with nearly any Z-Wave or Z-Wave Plus controller, making it very versatile. We are big fans of the acrylic touchscreen, which provides the lock with a sleek look that is sure to impress. The lock does a great job of keeping the building secured. And we really appreciate the different finishing options so that users can add a nice personal touch.

The biggest downside to the Yale YRD220 is that it has been discontinued, so you are unlikely to find a new model anywhere. But if you find a used model, then it should still work just fine. Also, there is the matter that the lock will need to be physically installed. This is the case for any door lock, so keep that in mind. The installation is fairly easy for a DIYer, though you will need some tools. Overall, these downsides a very minor, and they do not stop the YRD220 from earning 5 Stars.

Good: Z-Wave Plus, Versatile, Touchscreen, Sleek Appearance, Secure, Finishing Options

Bad: Discontinued, Must Be Installed

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC WS4939 is a wireless 433 MHz key fob that is used with systems like the DSC Impassa, the DSC PowerSeries Systems with added wireless receiver, and the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. It has four (4) buttons that you can use to control your security system. We think this is a phenomenal 4-button key fob, and we recommend it from the bottom of our hearts for anyone with a 433 MHz system. Therefore, we give it 5 Stars. Your life will be better after purchasing this key fob.

There are so many things we love about the DSC WS4939. It is durable and scratch-resistant to ensure long-lasting happiness. It is compact and convenient. You will likely take it with you in your travels and feel pleased when you return to your home and can quickly disarm your security system. Options for carrying the key fob include its packaged multifunction belt clip or attaching it to a key ring or lanyard. The key fob prevents false alarms, as you need to hold a button down for at least three (3) seconds in order for it to activate. The four (4) distinct buttons on the key fob are for arming stay, arming away, disarming, and triggering a system panic.

The downsides for the DSC WS4939 are relatively minor. The battery it uses is kind of unusual. You don't usually come across many CR2025 coin batteries. Why DSC couldn't use the less obscure CR2032 is a mystery to us all. The key fob also works with a limited number of security systems, as you don't really come across the 433 MHz frequency too often. But despite these drawbacks, we still reward the DSC WS4939 with a 5 Star rating. Hooray.

Good: Durable, Scratch-Resistant, Compact, Convenient, Multiple Carrying Options, False Alarm Prevention

Bad: CR2025 Battery, 433 MHz isn't Super Common

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC FSA-410 is a 4-wire smoke detector that works with nearly any system that supports 4-wire smoke detects. As is the case with nearly any 4-wire smoke detector, you will need a relay and some other equipment to use the DSC FSA-410. The product has been discontinued, so you will be unlikely to find a new model anywhere. But should you come across a used model somewhere, it should work just fine. We think the DSC FS-410 is a great product, and we reward it graciously with a 5 Star rating.

There are many positive things we can say about the DSC FSA-410 Smoke Detector. It works with nearly any system that supports 4-wire smoke detectors. You have many options in choosing a zone for the device, as 4-wire smoke detectors can really be used at any hardwired zone, provided that they are configured properly. There is a test button on the DSC FSA-410, which allows you to easily test the device. It also alerts the system and triggers a trouble condition if too much dust gathers in the device. What an exciting feature! And we appreciate the fact that the removable smoke chamber is easily accessed.

But be forewarned, as there are some downsides to the DSC FSA-410 that you should take into consideration. As we mentioned earlier, you will need all sorts of different equipment to properly configure a 4-wire smoke detector with your system. That is why many users will just use 2-wire smoke detectors at an appropriate zone. There is also the fact that you will need to physically install the sensor in order for it to work. But these downsides are minor, and they do not stop us from giving the DSC FSA-410 a 5 Star score.

Good: Versatile, Works at Any Wired Zone, Test Button, Dust Trouble alert, Removable Smoke Chamber

Bad: 4-Wire Smokes Requires Added Equipment, Must be Physically Installed

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell DT8050A is a dual-tech motion sensor that features anti-masking to prevent others from disabling the sensor. It offers a wide coverage area of 72 feet by 53 feet, and it uses PIR and microwave technology to detect movement. Both the PIR and microwave sensors must be triggered for the device to activate. The wired sensor must connect with either a wired panel or a hardwired to wireless converter in order to be used. Overall, we think the Honeywell DT8050A is an excellent sensor, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many aspects we appreciate about the Honeywell DT8050A. For one, using both microwave and PIR technology helps prevent false alarms. Even if one sensor is activated, no alarm will occur unless the other is activated. This ensures a reliable response during true motion events, while preventing any false alarms from occurring. We also like the large coverage area of the DT8050A. And the anti-masking is a great feature, as it alerts the system if someone applies a substance to the detection lens that could otherwise prevent the sensor from working properly. The DT8050A also features a bug guard to keep out any unwanted insects. And the fact that you can adjust the sensitivity for both the microwave and PIR sensors is a nice touch. And it has an LED light for walk testing and troubleshooting.

There are not many downsides for the Honeywell DT8050A. The sensor must be physically connected with the panel or a wired to wireless converter, and it will draw a small amount of power, so keep that in mind. But really the Honeywell DT8050 is great for anyone who needs a hardwired dual-tech motion sensors. It earns 5 Stars.

Good: Dual-Tech, Prevents False Alarms, Reliable, Anti-Masking, Bug Guard, Sensitivity Adjustments, LED Light

Bad: Must be Wired, Draws Power

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell PAL-T is a hardwired surface-mount door and window sensor. This sensor will let a system know when a door or window has been opened. It is an extremely popular door and window sensor due to its compact size and ease of use. Nearly anyone needing a hardwired door and window sensor can make use of the Honeywell PAL-T. It is a fantastic sensor, and we can wholeheartedly recommend it. Therefore, we give the Honeywell PAL-T a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Honeywell PAL-T. For one, it is extremely compact, meaning you can fit it into a variety of tight spaces and areas. This also makes it less noticeable when installed. The Honeywell PAL-T has an easy-open cover that makes it easy to access the wire terminals. The surface-mount contact is extremely easy to install, thereby making it a great option for both professionals and DIYers alike. We love the extra wide magnet spacing gap of 1.125 inches, which is a little more than twice the magnet spacing gap for a typical door and window sensor. The sensor can be mounted with screws or with double-sided foam tape. This gives the user great flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor. It conveniently uses a 2-wire connection, with six (6) wire entry points.

We do not have many downsides for the Honeywell PAL-T. One small issue is that this is a Form A device, meaning that you must use Normally Closed (NC) wiring. You cannot use Normally Open (NO) wiring with the Honeywell PAL-T. And as a surface-mount sensor, it will be visible from the outside. But these minor downsides do not stop us from giving the Honeywell PAL-T a 5 Star rating.

Good: Compact, Easy Access Cover, Simple Installation. Wide Magnet Spacing, Different Mounting Options, 6 Wire Entry Points

Bad: Form A, Visible from Outside

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC WS4920 is a wireless repeater for 433 MHz wireless sensors that are frequently used with the DSC Impassa, the DSC PoweSeries Panels with added wireless receiver, and the 433 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The repeater allows for up to 164 different 433 MHz signals to be repeated. But you cannot repeat a single signal multiple times. The DSC WS4920 is excellent for overcoming range issues. Overall, we think the DSC WS4920 is a great product, and we give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the DSC WS4920. For one, it can effectively double the wireless signal range of compatible sensors. You can also program the DSC WS4920 to a 433 MHz panel for supervision purposes. The module also includes a tamper switch so that the system can be alerted if anyone tries to open up or disable the repeater. You can use a backup battery to keep the DSC WS4920 powered on in the event of an electrical outage. A transformer comes included with the DSC WS4920.

But there are some downsides to the DSC WS4920 that should also be considered. One downside is that you can only repeat a wireless signal once using this device. You can technically have two different DSC WS4920 repeaters going in opposite directions from the panel, but you cannot repeat signals multiple times. Also, you will need to supply your own wiring to connect the transformer. The Honeywell LT-Cable works great for this purpose.And while the backup battery keeps the device powered on during electrical outages, you should keep in mind that you will need to replace the battery periodically. But these downsides are relatively minor, and they do not stop us from giving the DSC WS4920 a 5 Star rating.

Good: Doubles 433 MHz Range, RF Supervision, Tamper Switch, Supports Backup Battery, Transformer Included

Bad: Can Only Repeat Signal Once, Supply Own Wiring, Battery Must be Replaced Every Few Years

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell 470-12 is a hardwired flood sensor that requires an external probe to detect liquid. One probe, specifically a Honeywell 470PB is already included with this device. But you can also connect a second probe to the unit to provide an additional method for flood detection. Both the Honeywell 470PB and the Honeywell FP280 can be used nicely as well. We have found that the Honeywell 470-12 Flood Sensor and Probe works nicely, and we can recommend it for you use in your home or business. We give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things we like about the Honeywell 470-12. For one, a flood probe is already included, so you don't need any additional hardware to get started. The device allows for a long wire run between the sensor and the attached probe, which can be convenient when setting up. The device can reliably detect water when outfitted with a probe, which makes it useful for monitoring for floods or leaks. It has a great build-quality, as it is a Honeywell product. You can expect the Honeywell 470-12 to last a long time.

But there are some downsides to the Honeywell 470-12 that should be considered as well. For one, it draws a small amount of power from the panel, so you will need to take that into the load calculation. Fortunately, it is not a large amount of power. You must add a second probe if you need one, as only one probe is included with the device. But really, these downsides are relatively minor when all things are considered. Therefore, we give the Honeywell 470-12 Flood Sensor a 5 Star rating.

Good: Probe Included, Log Wire Run to Probe, Reliably Detects Water, Great Build Quality

Bad: Draws Power from Panel, No 2nd Probe Included

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell GSMV4G-TC2 is a discontinued AlarmNet Communicator and upgrade kit that was sold by Alarm Grid. It included a Honeywell GSMV4G Communicator and the latest PROM Chip upgrades for VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P. If you have this communicator activated for monitoring service already, then it will continue to work until AT&T shuts down the associated network. That is expected to occur sometime in 2022. Once that happens, you will no longer be able to use the communicator for monitoring service. You must upgrade to an LTE communicator if you want to continue receiving cellular alarm monitoring. As such, this communicator upgrade kit has been discontinued. While this communicator was once top-of-the-line we can no longer recommend using it. As such, we only give it 4 Stars, and we recommend upgrading ASAP if you have one still in use.

There were some great aspects regarding the Honeywell GSV4G-TC2. It can still be used for monitoring until the associated cellular network is shut down, provided that the communicator has already been activated. The communicator allowed for use with Total Connect 2.0, which is a super convenient platform. The appropriate PROM chip upgrades are also included, so you can upgrade your VISTA, as long as it is at least version 2.0. Remember that firmware 9.12 or higher is needed to support TC2. This communicator upgrade will make that possible.

But the downsides of the Honeywell GSV4G-TC2 cannot be ignored. The kit has been discontinued, and the communicator can no longer be activated for monitoring service. We recommend getting an LTE communicator like the LTE-IV or LTE-IA instead, as those can be activated for monitoring. Alarm Grid sells the appropriate update for those LTE communicators as well. Since we can no longer recommend the GSMV4G-TC2, we give it a 4 Star rating.

Good: Reliable Cellular Monitoring, TC2, PROM Chip Upgrades

Bad: Discontinued, Cellular Network Being Shut Down

Bottom Line: 4 Stars