Hello - I came across a forum explaining some options for utilizing my existing ADT sensors. When I sold my last home, I took everything but the panel on the wall. Everything is wireless and I have a dozen or so wireless contact sensors, smoke detector, and 2 motion sensors. Am I correct in understanding that I can utilize these sensors with a 2gig product? I think i saw that your GC2 and GC3 are compatible. Can you clarify this for me? Im not sure off hand what the models are of the smoke and motion but I believe the contact sensors are Honeywell 5816.
If a product is compatible with these, am I required to have monitoring? Basically, I’m looking to use all of the equipment I already have, and probably add some other sensors for the rest of my home as needed.
You would want to verify the model of each sensor, but in general, Honeywell 5800 series wireless sensors are compatible out of the box with 2GIG GC2 or GC3 control panels. 2GIG and Honeywell use the same 345mhz RF radio.
Depending on how old the smoke detector is I would consider replacement. Be sure to check the manufacturer replacement date which should be on a sticker on the detector. Smoke detectors lose sensitivity over time and should be replaced when indicated on the detector.
If a product is compatible with these, am I required to have monitoring? Basically, I’m looking to use all of the equipment I already have, and probably add some other sensors for the rest of my home as needed.
No, you wouldn’t need monitoring, but the answer here really depends on what you are referring to.
The GC2 and GC3 panel (pretty much any professional alarm panel actually) will be intended for use with a back-end service provider. They do not have a stand-alone app to remotely interface with. We are an Alarm.com service dealer, so that back-end would be Alarm.com if you choose suretyDIY.
Our service plans are compared here. You can obtain Alarm.com services through suretyDIY with or without 24/7 Central Station Monitoring, and all services are month to month. Alarm.com is the secure software platform for remote access and system integrations.
Given the nature of the panels, using a panel without a back-end service would be pretty much just a noisemaker locally.
What would it take to get these things working?
If the sensors are all 5800 series Honeywell sensors, it would be very easy to learn them directly into the GC2 or GC3 panel. We would be happy to provide programming instructions for the models you have.
To get started with suretyDIY service, you would just purchase service online long with your chosen panel and communication module.
Thank you for the information. Is there a significant difference between the GC2 and GC3? Should the motion sensor work as well? A concern for monitoring is the lack of cellular service in the area.
All Honeywell 5800 Series sensors would work. If the door window sensors were 5816 sensors, chances are the motion detectors would be compatible. However, you would want to verify the model number of your device. We cannot confirm functionality without a model number. If you would like to confirm them, please post the model numbers of your devices here. All compatible Honeywell sensors would have a model number starting 58xx
A concern for monitoring is the lack of cellular service in the area.
Each Alarm.com account requires a cellular communication module for service. Cellular communication is the primary method. Dual path options are available, allowing for concurrent broadband signals.
Note that voice coverage on your phone does not always provide a very good indicator of service. This coverage check tool will help determine overall coverage for your area.
Also, is it possible to use a pre-owned GC2 or GC3? I assume flashing the firmware will be required but I’m not sure about the master code unless it is hardcoded to them.
You can use compatible equipment purchased from any vendor or source. Used panels are fine.
Of the products you might purchase, we do not generally recommend buying used communication modules or used Alarm.com video cameras as they are linked to one account and unless removed from the account or the account is deleted from Alarm.com, they will still be registered and unusable on another system.
You should always make sure the panel’s master code has either been defaulted or the seller provides the current code. Either the master code or the installer code would be required to perform the connection steps for a new module.
The default master code for both the GC2 and GC3 is 1111.
Firmware update is only required before connecting if you intend to use a communication module requiring a more recent version. For example, The GC2 LTE Verizon module requires 1.17 firmware, which you are unlikely to see on a used panel. You can find the GC2 update cable here. The GC3 just uses a standard USB flash drive.
Are there specific install/pairing instructions for these? Once I receive my Kit and install all of this, I’ll get the monitoring set up as I also got a cell thingymabob
I didn’t see any date on the smoke sensor, it was originally installed in 2014 i think. Anyway, thank you very much for the help and those instructions!
received my order today. so far so good except: I can’t figure out how to disable the alert of the 2gig motion detector. It sounds ever time we walk in the room, and that’s annoying. suggestions?
BUT, will it still announce the fault if it is “tripped” during a situation like ARMED STAY?
A motion detector should typically not have chime enabled. If programmed properly as an interior follower zone type it will not be active in Stay arming.
The motion detector only trips an alarm when the system is Armed Away.
Chimes being enabled or disabled does not impact alarms or sirens in any way.
I think im good to go now. Thanks for the help. One last question for now. Is there any way to turn down the button sound when selecting options (ie arming the system) it’s so LOUD. The chime and announcement sound i have figured out but not a way to turn down the sound of a button press.
On the GC2, no, all sound volume (aside from siren) is governed by the overall brightness/volume slider in programming. You cannot control button press sound separately unfortunately.
The volume slider can be found by pressing Security - Menu - Toolbox - Master Code - Brightness/Volume.