Honeywell TC2 communicators: Total Connect PROM Upgrade Included

In other videos, Alarm Grid has explained the differences between internet, cellular and dual path communications devices, as well as the PROM chip upgrade for your alarm unit which will allow for the use of Total Connect 2.0 services. Today, we’ll be covering the various Honeywell TC2 communicators, which includes the upgraded chip you’ll need to perform the PROM upgrade.

Included with the upgraded chip, you’ll also receive the communicator of your choice. These upgraded PROM chips allow you to upgrade a VISTA 15p, VISTA 20p or ADT SafeWatch panel that’s able to support Total Connect 2.0. Upgrading to Total Connect 2.0 will provide the user with a range of desirable new features that older home security systems aren’t capable of.

In this video, you’ll take a closer look at the GSNV4G and the GSNV4G-TC2 communicators, which offer cellular based communications. You’ll also see the iGSNV4G and iGSNV4G-TC2 communicators, which offer dual path (cellular and internet) operation. Finally, you’ll look at the GSNX4G, GSNX4G-TC2, CDMA X and CDMA X-TC2 Honeywell communicators. The -TC2 communicators are identical to the regular GSNV4g, iGSNV4g, GSNX4G and CDMAX communicators.

The only difference is that the -TC2 communicators also include the upgraded PROM chip that you’ll need to run Total Connect 2.0 service in your home. In fact, all of Honeywell’s cellular, internet, or dual path communicators are available with the TC2 upgrade, except for the 7847i model internet communicator.

Of Course, if you have a 7847i model, or plan on purchasing one, you’ll still be able to purchase the PROM chip you’d need to run Total Connect 2.0 service separately. However, this would involve an additional cost. With the -TC2 communicators, customers can save quite a bit of money compared to if they were to purchase the PROM chip separately.

As you’ve learned, each of these communicators serves the same function of communicating with either Total Connect or central station monitoring. The primary differences between these communicators refer to how they go about communicating with Total Connect or central station monitoring. Some use the internet to communicate, while others use a cellular network. The most advanced communicators use the internet and have a cellular backup system which can still communicate with Total Connect or central station monitoring in the event of an internet service outage.

Sterling explains in the video that if you’re interested in Total Connect 2.0 service and are leaning towards an internet only communicator, you may be better off purchasing the iGSNV4G dual band communicator, and wiring it only to operate using the internet as opposed to internet and cellular service. Doing so will end up saving you money you’d have to spend if you were planning on purchasing the 7847i internet communicator and a separate PROM upgrade chip since the PROM chip included with the iGSNV4G-TC2 communicator comes at a considerable discount.