I just realized that our old 2GIG-SMKT3-345 smoke & heat alarms are not connected to our QPanel4 (IQP4003). On the devices, there’s a sticker that says ‘Replace in: 2025’, so I guess it’s time. A couple of questions:
It looks like the most direct option is a couple of these correct?
If I wanted Carbon Monoxide detection, is this the only option, or is there a fire/smoke with carbon option?
In the past, I thought there was a device that would ‘listen’ for 3rd-party smoke/carbon detectors going off. Are those no longer an option?
It looks like the most direct option is a couple of these correct?
Correct, the SMKT8 is the replacement model for the 2GIG smoke detector. You could optionally use a PowerG smoke detector.
If I wanted Carbon Monoxide detection, is this the only option, or is there a fire/smoke with carbon option?
There are no compatible Smoke CO combo sensors for the IQ Panel 4 at this time. You would want one of those wireless 2GIG CO detectors, or optionally you could use a PowerG CO detector.
In the past, I thought there was a device that would ‘listen’ for 3rd-party smoke/carbon detectors going off. Are those no longer an option?
Yes, those are still an option. The 2GIG Firefighter audio detector can be found here.
Thanks @jason! I have a couple of follow up questions, if that’s OK:
The 2GIG Firefighter audio detector says it’s wired in the name, but the description says it communicates wirelessly. Any idea which one is correct?
From what I can tell, it appears the only advantage for PowerG models are really for added range - is that correct? Do you have any recommendations for when it’s more appropriate to use the longer-range PowerG devices?
The Firefighter is a wireless battery operated sensor. It is used to monitor wired interconnected smoke detectors.
2GIG 345Mhz sensors are not encrypted.
PowerG sensors operate at 900 MHz frequency and use 128-bit AES encryption. They offer Multichannel, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology which allows the transmission to hop between wireless frequency channels, allowing for enhanced encryption. They also have a much farther operating range of 2000 ft or so open air. They have adaptive battery usage, so if they do not need the extra range they can save on battery life.
Generally I recommend PowerG as the best option. However the most noticeable benefit will be range, so if you do not need the extra range you could just use a 2GIG sensor.