The 2GIG GC3GR-A is a 3G communicator for a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 System. It communicates across the Rogers 3G Network in Canada, and it allows the GC2 Panel to connect with Alarm.com for monitoring service. The communicator can still be activated as of November 2019, as Alarm.com will still allow users to activate 3G communicators in Canada. However, it is inevitable that the user will eventually need to get an LTE communicator instead. But for now and the foreseeable future, this communicator will continue to work great. We give it a 5 Star rating.

The biggest advantage to the 2GIG GC3GR-A is that it provides reliable monitoring service and access to Alarm.com. Cellular communication is perfect for alarm monitoring, as it rarely experiences outages. This is unlike IP monitoring, which isn't as reliable. And being able to access Alarm.com is a major benefit as well. You can access Alarm.com from a web browser or by using a convenient mobile app on your phone. After logging into your Alarm.com account, you can arm and disarm your system, control Z-Wave devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Security Cameras, and more. This makes the 2GIG GC3GR-A a great investment for GC2 owners in Canada with strong service from the Rogers Cellular Network.

There are some downsides to the 2GIG GC3GR-A that should be considered. The most glaring weakness is that this is a 3G communicator. Most 3G communicators can no longer be activated for monitoring service or for use with Alarm.com. The 2GIG GC3GR-A is a rare exception, as it connects to a Canadian network. Rogers currently has no plans to shut down its 3G network. As a result, Alarm.com is still allowing activations. But you can be pretty sure that a day will come when you need to upgrade to LTE. With that in mind, you are probably just better off upgrading the panel. Also, keep in mind that this module must be physically installed inside the GC2 Panel.

Good: Reliable Monitoring Service, Access to Alarm.com

Bad: 3G Communicator, Requires Installation

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Qolsys QZ8103-840, also known as the Qolsys Image Sensor, is designed to confirm break-ins and fires. The device is basically a motion sensor combined with a camera. When the device detects movement, it will snap a photo and send it to both the panel and Alarm.com. You can then check the panel or Alarm.com to view the image that was produced. Being able to check the image from Alarm.com is particularly useful, as you can do so from pretty much anywhere. It must be mentioned that you need a Qolsys CARD-IS installed inside your IQ Panel 2 to use this image sensor. But because of its excellent benefits, we give the Qolsys Image Sensor a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the Qolsys Image Sensor. It is great for confirming intrusions and fires. Our techs have found that it works very reliably. And being able to check images from Alarm.com is very convenient and great while you're away. The sensor is a great alternative to buying Alarm.com IP Cameras and paying extra every month for video surveillance.

However, we must also mention the downsides to the Qolsys Image Sensor. For one, you need to install a Qolsys CARD-IS inside your IQ Panel 2 System. If you have a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The CARD-IS uses the same antenna as the PowerG Daughtercard for supporting PowerG Wireless Sensors. Although you can technically have both the CARD-IS and the PowerG Daughtercard installed inside the system at the same time, you can really only use one at a time in practice. If you have an IQ Panel 2 Plus, it is a much better decision to just get a PowerG Image Sensor rather than trying to make the Qolsys Image Sensor work. Finally, the Qolsys Image Sensor uses two (2) lithium AA batteries. With typical use, they last for two (2) years. This means that you will occasionally need to buy new batteries and replace them.

Good: Confirms System Events, View Images from Panel & Alarm.com, Works Reliably

Bad: Requires CARD-IS, Uses Batteries

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The 2GIG XCVR3-GC3 is a transceiver module that allows you to use the 2GIG IMAGE3 Image Sensor with a 2GIG GC3, 2GIG GC3e, or 2GIG Edge System. An image sensor is basically a motion sensor with a built-in camera. The camera will take one or more photos when movement is detected. This is good for confirming an intrusion or a fire. The 2GIG IMAGE3 in particular is known for providing high-quality images. In fact, it is a noticeable improvement over earlier image sensors. This makes the 2GIG XCVR3-GC3 module a good purchase and a nice addition to your GC3, GC3e, or Edge System. That is why we give it 5 Stars.

Using an image sensor can be a great alternative to using a more expensive video surveillance setup. The images provided from the 2GIG IMAGE3 that is used with the 2GIG XCVR-GC3 are high-quality, and you can use the image sensor to confirm any intrusions or fires. The 2GIG IMAGE3 takes four (4) photos when activated, and they are sent to Alarm.com. This way, you can view the images remotely from a web browser or from a smartphone with the Alarm.com Mobile App. You can even manually request a photo using the peek-in feature from Alarm.com. This is ideal for requesting a photo at any time.

There are some downsides to the 2GIG XCVR3-GC3. It is a physical module that needs to be installed inside the panel, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, while you can use the XCVR3-GC3 with the 2GIG Edge, the Edge System will only see a paired IMAGE3 Image Sensor as a regular motion sensor, and it cannot send images to Alarm.com. 2GIG says that this is not intended behavior, and a fix is being worked on. Unfortunately though, as of June 2021, image sensors on the 2GIG Edge will not work as intended. But despite these flaws, the 2GIG XCVR3-GC3 does its job well. For that reason, it earns 5 Stars.

Good: Alternative to Video Cameras, High-Quality Images, Peek-In from Alarm.com

Bad: Must be Installed, Image Sensors Do Not Work as Intended On the 2GIG Edge (Fix is being implemented)

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 is an outdoor IP camera designed for use with Total Connect 2.0. It is a 1080p HD camera that uses video analytics to determine when to record clips. The device is easy to mount to a wall or ceiling, and it uses IR night vision to capture activity from up to 65 feet away in the dark. Some downsides to the camera include its lack of a microphone and the fact that it can only be used on a 2.4 GHz WIFI network. Still, it is a very robust and powerful camera that is easy to use. We give it 5 Stars.

There are many positive aspects regarding the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. Its recordings are crystal clear, and they certainly match the advertised 1080p quality. In fact, we use this camera outside the Alarm Grid office! And since our office is located in South Florida, we can definitely say it's weather-resistant. The camera's IR night vision is quite powerful, as it reliably detects activity from up to 65 feet away. We tested this camera in the dark, and it worked great. The video analytics feature is effective in triggering recordings, and its settings can be adjusted from TC2. We also found that the camera was very easy to install, and we would certainly recommend it for any home or business with a Honeywell System that uses Total Connect 2.0.

There are some downsides to the camera. It lacks a microphone, and it cannot be used for audio recording in any manner. This was likely an intentional design, as a microphone may result in unneeded clips due to cars passing in the area. Still, it would have been a nice feature to have, as you could have just disabled audio-triggered video recordings. The camera also cannot be used on a 5 GHz WIFI network, as it is for 2.4 GHz only.

Overall, we like the IPCAM-WOC1 a lot. We give it a 5 Star rating.

Good: 1080p, Weather-Resistant, IR Night Vision, Easy to Install, Effective Motion Detection using Video Analytics

Bad: No Microphone, 2.4 GHz Networks Only

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The 2GIG DW20R is a recessed 345 MHz contact designed for use with 2GIG Security Systems. It is also compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System (MR3 or higher) and the 345 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. As a recessed sensor, it is hidden from view once installed. This allows for an aesthetically pleasing installation. The sensor is also very easy to use, and it works very well. However, it is more difficult to install than a surface-mounted sensor. All things considered, we give it 5 Stars.

Many users prefer to use recessed contacts with their doors and windows so that they are hidden and out of view. While these devices are not as popular as the easier-to-install surface-mounted sensors, there are many users who won't mind going through the extra trouble to use these devices. The device is quite simple to use. When the magnet separates from the sensor, a metal reed switch inside the sensor becomes released. This tells the sensor to report to the security system. We also like the fact that the sensor is compatible with a good selection of systems.

There are some negatives of the DW20R which must be mentioned. For one, it is more challenging to install than a surface-mounted sensor as holes need to be drilled. The sensor itself needs 2.6 inches of depth, which is fairly deep for a recessed contact. Meanwhile, the magnet requires 0.5 inches of depth, which isn't too much, but it might be impossible for certain windows. The sensor is not designed for use with steel doors and windows, which somewhat limits its versatility. The DW20R also has somewhat of a lackluster range, as it is recommended to use the device within 100 feet of the panel. However, the sensor can technically work from up to 450 feet away in open air.

Although the 2GIG DW20R has its flaws, it is still a very good contact. We give it 5 Stars.

Good: Hidden From View, Easy to Use, Good System Compatibility

Bad: Requires Drilling Holes, Large Sensor, Not For Steel Doors/Windows, Weak Range

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC WT5500 is a wireless push-button keypad designed for use with the DSC Impassa and the DSC PowerSeries Panels if a wireless transceiver module is added. It operates at the 433 MHz frequency, which makes it compatible with those systems. This is a very simple push-button keypad, but it does offer some nice features. As this is the best keypad option for a DSC Impassa, we give it a 5 Star Rating.

There are actually quite a few things to like about the DSC WT5500 Keypad. It can access Installer level programming, so you can actually use it to program your Impassa or PowerSeries System. Granted, you would usually just use the Impassa Panel or a wired keypad on a PowerSeries Panel, but it's still a nice touch. The keypad offers great convenience, as you can place it by a second entrance to have another spot for arming and disarming. The Impassa System will support up to four (4) of these keypads, so you probably won't run out of keypad slots. The keypad is also highly regarded for its strong backlight, which makes it easy to use in the dark. It even has a backup battery to stay running when the power is out. And a built-in chime will have the keypad produce a sound when an Entry/Exit Zone is activated. The keypad will also display the local ambient temperature on the main screen. Our technicians have found that the keypad works well and is reliable.

The biggest downside to the DSC WT5500 is the fact that it's a push-button keypad, and not a touchscreen keypad. This is rather outdated, and new users might feel intimidated when working with a push-button keypad. Still, if you're just looking for something simple, then this is a fine keypad to use. It gets 5 Stars.

Good: Installer Programming Support, Offers Convenience, Impassa has 4 Keypad Slots, Strong Backlight, Backup Battery, Chime, Local Temperature Display

Bad: Push-Button Keypad, PowerSeries Panel Requires Transceiver

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

Alarm Grid Outdoor Security Stickers feature an adhesive back, and they are designed to be used in an outdoor environment. They are very tough and durable, and we think they look great. We absolutely love these stickers, so they get an easy 5 Star rating.

There are so many things to love about the Alarm Grid Outdoor Security Stickers. They proudly feature the Alarm Grid blue, and they let anyone who passes your home or business know that you are monitored by Alarm Grid. The stickers also feature our phone number and website so that you can conveniently reference them if needed. Since the stickers are mounted on the outside of a window, it is less likely that children will tear them or peel them off. The stickers are weatherproof, and they will withstand whatever nature throws at them. You can put them on pretty much any outdoor surface. This includes a window, your mailbox, or even your car if you want. Our technicians have found that they stay up very reliably, and they look great in our opinion. These are large window stickers, so others are sure to notice them. You will love the octagon design and the awesome blue color. Simply put, these are some of the best stickers you will ever encounter. And best of all, they will most likely scare off any intruder!

The only downside to the stickers is that they cannot physically stop an intruder from entering your home or business. Sure, a security sticker is likely to scare off an intruder. But if they decide to break-in anyway, the sticker isn't exactly going to stop them. That's why it's important to have a real security system and monitoring service from Alarm Grid. You can use a sticker without a security system, but don't be upset with us if an intruder decides to call your bluff!

These stickers are excellent, and everyone should have them. We give them 5 Stars.

Good: Cool Design, Phone # & Website Listed, Weatherproof, Large & Prominent, Strong Adhesive Backing, Scare Away Intruders

Bad: Will Not Physically Stop Intruders

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC PG9905 PowerG Temperature Sensor is designed to detect unusually high or low temperatures in a home or business. This is important for detecting a broken HVAC system that could otherwise result in serious damage. The DSC PG9905 PowerG Temperature Sensor works quite well at detecting temperatures and alerting a compatible system. We give it a 5 Star rating.

There are many things to like about the DSC PG9905. For one, it has an adjustable temperature setting that you set at the system. This way, you can choose the high and low temperatures that will alert the system. The temperature values you can set range from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 999 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will certainly be able to choose an alert that works for you. Our technicians have found that the sensor works very well in reporting high and low temperatures to the system. You also get all of the great PowerG features with this sensor. It can be used with a system from up to 2 kilometers away with direct line of sight. It also uses 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless protection and security.

There are some downsides to the PG9905. For one, it is for indoor use only, unless you add a separate temperature probe. This probe would need to be purchased and added separately. Another downside is that Alarm.com will not send out high/low temperature reports for certain panels. This is not the fault of the PG9905, but rather a limitation of Alarm.com. This was eventually fixed on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 so that Alarm.com would send out reports, but users of others panels may run into problems. But overall, the PG9905 works really well as a temperature sensor, and it performs its job effectively. It gets 5 Stars.

Good: Adjustable Temperature Setting, Reliable Reporting, Excellent Range, Encryption

Bad: Needs Probe for Outdoor Use, Alarm.com Does Not Send Temperature Sensor Alerts for Certain Panels

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The DSC AC-101 is a wired glass break sensor. It is part of the DSC Acuity lineup for hardwired glass break detectors. The device is used to monitor for broken glass events. This could be a broken window or a broken glass casing. The device works quite well, and any detractions we have about it are largely superficial. For that reason, we give it a 5 Star rating.

The best aspect of the DSC AC-101 is its advanced microprocessor. This helps the sensor actively distinguish between the sound of breaking glass and other high-pitched sounds. Our technicians have found that the sensor responds very reliably to true glass break events, while ignoring other similar sounds. We are very happy that this false alarm prevention feature was included. The device also includes an omni-directional microphone so that it can detect glass break events from any side. Another huge plus of the DSC AC-101 is the fact that it can detect the sound of breaking glass from up to 25 feet away. That is pretty far for a glass break sensor. The device also includes a tamper switch, which is good for letting the system know if someone tries to disable the device.

There are some downsides to the DSC AC-101. It is Form A, meaning that you can only use Normally Closed (NC) wiring. This is opposed to Form C wiring, where you can use either Normally Closed or Normally Open (NO) wiring. The DSC AC-101 only works with plate, float, tempered, wired, and laminated glass. If you have a different type of glass window, then the DSC AC-101 will not support it. We must also say that the design of the DSC AC-101 is quite ugly. It looks very dated and straight out of the 90s. This isn't much of a surprise considering it's a pretty old sensor from DSC. Still, it's something we wanted to mention.

The DSC AC-101 works very well, and any complaints we have are very minor. It gets 5 Stars.

Good: Advanced Microprocessor, Omni-Directional Microphone, Great Detection Range, Tamper Switch

Bad: Form A Wiring, Only Works w/ Certain Glass Types, Ugly Design

Bottom Line: 5 Stars

The Honeywell Lyric-3G is an AT&T 3G Communicator for the Honeywell Lyric Security System. This communicator provides cellular backup for the system to accompany its built-in WIFI. The system will then be able to connect with the AlarmNet360 Servers through both WIFI and cellular. But there are some major downsides to this communicator as well. The device connects with the AT&T 3G Network, and 3G activations for AlarmNet are no longer permitted. But if you have this communicator already activated, then it will continue to work until the AT&T 3G Network is shut down. Still, it was a great product at its time of release, so we give it 5 Stars.

You can say a lot of good things about nearly any cellular communicator. The Lyric-3G provides very reliable connectivity, and it helps ensure that the Lyric System always maintains connectivity with the AlarmNet360 Servers. The device is very easy to install, as it can be conveniently inserted into a port on the side of the Lyric System. The WIFI for the system can still be used once the Lyric-3G is added, which will make the system dual-path ready.

But the downsides to the Lyric-3G must also be discussed. The communicator connects with a 3G network, and new activations for the module are no longer permitted. AT&T plans to shut down their 3G network in the coming years. Once that happens, this module will no longer work at all. The LYRICLTE-A (AT&T LTE) will provide faster and more reliable service. You will need to upgrade to that communicator in the coming years if you have a Lyric-3G activated. Or if Verizon works better in your area, go with the LYRICLTE-V.

The Lyric-3G Communicator is good at what it does, and you can continue to use it as long as it remains active. Just remember that the AT&T 3G Network will be shut down before too long! If you are in the market for a new communicator, get the LYRICLTE-A instead!

Good: Reliable Connectivity, Easy Installation, Makes Lyric Dual-Path Ready

Bad: 3G Network Being Shut Down, Can No Longer Be Activated, LYRICLTE-A Provies Faster and More Reliable Service

Bottom Line: 5 Stars