I am looking at getting a 2gig system and had a few questions. Just a heads up, I am going with a local provider and not suretydiy. I hope it’s ok for me to ask questions here.
-I asked the provider about adding z wave products that I choose to buy down the road, and they are saying that the GC2 panel requires a separate z wave module to enable z wave, which will cost $5 monthly. I thought the panel comes with z wave, and it just needs to be enabled in the menu. Can someone confirm that?
-Is there any reason for charging monthly for z wave other than it being a money grab? It doesn’t cost the provider anything extra to enable it right?
-What are the chances the installers leave the default installer password on the panel? I assume they change it for obvious reasons, but most likely do not share that with the home owner? I technically own the equipment, so maybe I should just ask?
-Can the 2gig recessed door contacts be installed on the top edge of the door/framing? The framing between the door and side light is only about 2" wide, and these contacts are 2.5".
Overall, you can of course ask questions here, we’re happy to help if we can, but note that we cannot speak for another service provider. For questions about a different service I would strongly recommend contacting that provider.
I thought the panel comes with z wave, and it just needs to be enabled in the menu. Can someone confirm that?
You are correct, there is no separate Hardware needed for Z-wave functionality, it is just built into the panel.
Is there any reason for charging monthly for z wave other than it being a money grab? It doesn’t cost the provider anything extra to enable it right?
We can’t speak for another provider, but there are additional data charges for remote control of Z-wave devices through Alarm.com, which is likely what they are referring to, not any sort of add-on radio hardware (which is not needed).
What are the chances the installers leave the default installer password on the panel? I assume they change it for obvious reasons, but most likely do not share that with the home owner? I technically own the equipment, so maybe I should just ask?
You would need to direct this question to your provider. We could not speak to their policy on installer codes or user access.
We can only say that suretyDIY users have access to all programming features at all times and maintain their own installer code.
Can the 2gig recessed door contacts be installed on the top edge of the door/framing?
Yes, you can install the recessed sensor into the top of the door/frame if needed, but it must be installed on the handle side of the door, not the hinge side. The sensor would need to be secured into the frame, but it comes with an optional cap which can be screwed down.
Thanks, Warren. I really appreciate your feedback. I never considered the extra data charges for controller the z-wave remotely. Whether or not it would be $5 a month worth is another thing.
I am happy this community is willing to help out. I am just getting into this stuff. All though I am excited, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, I have an IT background which should help. I’m sure I will be back with more questions down the road.
Just an update. I had the system installed. The installer was great. They don’t give out the installer code, because it uses their template, and would mean I would have access to all panels they install. After the contract, I could request to have the installer code changed and provided to me.
I went with the extra $5 package for home automation/z wave. Looking to install the garage door opening, adding an ecobee3 thermostat, and maybe a couple door locks.
Z wave is enabled now. Will I need the installer code to attach them, and make them accessible through the alarm.com app? Or can I just pair them, and they should work?
Z wave is enabled now. Will I need the installer code to attach them, and make them accessible through the alarm.com app? Or can I just pair them, and they should work?
This will depend on your installer. Q85 in programming determines whether the Master User code has access to Z-wave toolbox features. Unless enabled, you would need the installer code.
I just tested and didn’t have access, but funny enough, I some how guessed the installer code. It wasn’t default, but I thought I saw the guy hit a few different numbers. Anyway, is there any kind of audit they can run remotely to see if anything has been added or when the installer code is being used?
Does anyone else find the speaker in the GC2 panels aren’t great? They are loud, but seem distorted almost? Is there a way to turn off the tone when pressing the menu options?
Anyway, is there any kind of audit they can run remotely to see if anything has been added or when the installer code is being used?
Your dealer would have access to Alarm.com dealer tools, however we cannot speak for them. Questions regarding an alternate dealer’s capabilities should be directed to that dealer.
Is there a way to turn off the tone when pressing the menu options?
Volume is a global setting on the GC2 and would affect all sounds except the alarm siren. Enter Security - Menu - Toolbox - Brightness/Volume
Chimes and voice announcements can be toggled off, button presses cannot. The GC3 has a separate keypad beep volume control.
I see lots of posts saying Ecobee isn’t a supported thermostat. Is that still the case? If not, which would you recommend?
EDIT: I’ve just been reading about the ADC-T2000. Some really good selling points on that one… It doesn’t look quite a nice as some of the others, but its not really about looks.
Do you require the emPower tab in Alarm.com to control any thermostat? I know you won’t be able to tell me about my account, but will that tab only show up if it sees a z-wave device? I don’t currently have an z-wave devices connected, but i am paying for a home automation package. So I wonder if that will show up once i add a device.
I don’t currently have an z-wave devices connected, but i am paying for a home automation package. So I wonder if that will show up once i add a device.
With the new Alarm.com layout, rules, schedules etc., will be set up under “Automation” and access to control devices on the applicable card on the home page.
You will not see a card or options for the type of device until one is added to your system, so that is normal.
For devices that you can only add through the back-end (Lutron, Liftmaster, etc.) if enabled on your account access to add them would be under the Settings - Devices page on the new Alarm.com web format.
In my reading on the ADC-T2000 it appears like there were some bugs with wiring, and set points initially. I assume all that stuff has been worked out?
I’m not sure what you are referencing regarding Wiring. Could you link to the relevant info?
I believe I recall previous discussion regarding target temps not reflecting appropriately, however this was relevant to usage and Alarm.com back-end processing, not the device itself. Yes, updates have since addressed this.
This post here doesn’t specifically mention wiring, but talks about issues with programming different stages, and references the wiring (W1,W2,Y, etc).
Sounds to me like they have been all worked out at this point though.
The commentary regarding wiring and heat stages there is based on some confusion and incorrect. There are no overall concerns regarding that on the T2000
Good to know, thanks. My only concern with the T2000 is there are almost too much available customization. All the different set points and overshoots etc. The other smart thermostats seem much simpler. I guess its nice to have control so you can really fine tune it, but it seems like you need to be an hvac professional to understand it. Is there a wizard, or good explanations of each setting?
After first connecting the T2000 and logging into Alarm.com, there is an initial setup wizard walking through configuration. The wizard will help select the correct initial config, after which you can make tweaks as desired.
Good to know. If I want the weather to display on the panel, is that something I can turn on, or does the my ADC provider have to turn that on? I am guessing its an extra cost because it uses extra data?
If I want the weather to display on the panel, is that something I can turn on, or does the my ADC provider have to turn that on? I am guessing its an extra cost because it uses extra data?
Weather to the panel is a feature through Alarm.com, you cannot control it locally.
Through suretyDIY weather to panel is an included free feature for all Gold Interactive accounts.
Called my provider and they added weather… They said they weren’t sure why it wasn’t there. After getting it added, it’s really nothing special and not super accurate, for my location anyway. Ah well, nice for a quick glance.
More on the ADC T2000. How usable is this thermostat if you discontinue your ADC service? Is it basically useless?