Should I upgrade from Simon XT? spending $110 on 4G panel anyway

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I need to spend $110 to buy a 4G communication panel for my older Simon XT. It’s probably 6 to 10 years old I’m guessing.

I’m wondering if I should consider upgrading to a newer system instead of spending $110 on an old system.

It’s a very basic setup with just Doors/Motions/Glass Break sensors and that’s all I need. No other controls needed, or any other fancy features. No need to remote program.

Should I upgrade to a newer system just for the sake of it due to system age?
Or will the Simon XT likely continue for many years of reliable service?

What is the least expensive option, perhaps one that could use the same sensors I already own. I see from an old post that the GE sensors should work with Qolsys ( 2014 post)

It’s a secured remote location 10 hours away. If it were to fail would be a costly problem involving missing 3 or 4 days of work to repair. The Simon XT has been reliable, so I would not want something that occasionally needs to be rebooted, or anything like that, because I’m not there most of the time and could end up with a non communicating system. Remote access needed for arm/disarm, but not remote programming.

Is there any reason to upgrade to an XTi, i5, 2gig, Qolsys, or any other?
XTi is easier to program, but don’t really need the added features I’ve seen, same for 2gig, etc.
Not using any home automation.

I do like to run the XT on a 12 Amp-hour battery, with longer leads to the external battery.
That way if someone shuts off the power for a week or more, the alarm will still be active.

The only consideration that comes to mind is during an alarm at a remote location the Simon XT sirens alarm for 5 minutes, then stops siren until another alarm is triggered.

Maybe if I could let it the alarm continue until it’s manually deactivated that might be a plus, though I’m not sure because if it had a false alarm and I could not be reached, neighbors might flip. I also plan to hook up 2 wired sirens. I did that with the XT.
That may not be as important as other features.

If the Simon XT is known to be a workhorse that will last for many years I will consider just upgrading the comm to 4G.

Thank You!

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It’s a very basic setup with just Doors/Motions/Glass Break sensors and that’s all I need. No other controls needed, or any other fancy features. No need to remote program…Is there any reason to upgrade to an XTi, i5, 2gig, Qolsys, or any other?
XTi is easier to program, but don’t really need the added features I’ve seen, same for 2gig, etc.

If you are only using the above features, switching panels may not be necessary so long as the panel is working as it should.

While newer panels will have more features and may be easier to program, If its not broke, don’t fix it.

That being said, Interlogix has stopped making home security products, so obtaining additional Simon panels in the future will become more difficult to source, if it isn’t already.

If you want to switch panels and use Alarm.com service and continue to use existing 319.5MHz wireless sensors, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2+ w/ 319.5MHz radio is your best option.

… I would not want something that occasionally needs to be rebooted, or anything like that, because I’m not there most of the time and could end up with a non communicating system. Remote access needed for arm/disarm, but not remote programming.

Local troubleshooting is something that may need to be done regardless of alarm panel type. As Surety is a DIY provider, this will fall on the end user.

Remote arming/disarming is available for all Alarm.com compatible panels, so long as the necessary service plan is in use.

The only consideration that comes to mind is during an alarm at a remote location the Simon XT sirens alarm for 5 minutes, then stops siren until another alarm is triggered.

Siren timeout on the Qolsys can be set from 4 to 15 minutes.

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I just switched from Simon XT to Qolsys 2+. The sensors transferred over easily. After being on Simon et al for 17 years the Qolsys is very different in a modern way.
I had The Simon XT itself in a secure hidden location with keypads, a touchscreen, key fobs and an interior siren wired to the XT. The Qolsys IQ panel is also in the secure location requiring control to be with Remotes and key fobs.
Having had numerous business experiences with alarms and thieves, the first thing they go for is the alarm panel and communications. Sirens being next. Question this new generation of table top alarm systems.
With Qolsys there aren’t any keypads I’ve found, only Qolsys remotes of which you can connect three. Unlike Simon keypads the remotes require AC power. The Simon could drive an external siren directly, Qolsys can but will require a 12v 300ma power supply.
Interlogix shutting down is the last nail in Simons coffin. I had bought a Simon XTi-5 version 2 panel. Turns out version 2 was the start of Interlogix encryption and Only worked on version 2 touchscreens and no touch pads. Not documented either. After wasting a weekend troubleshooting, returned it and bid farewell to Simon.
Good Luck

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With Qolsys there aren’t any keypads I’ve found, only Qolsys remotes of which you can connect three

You have the IQ Remote and if using the IQ Panel 2+ you have the option of using the PowerG 2-Way Wireless Keypad WS9LCDWF9 with a limit of 5. These are more simplistic keypads rather then the touchscreen that mimics the main panel.

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Thank You so much Tyler, your assistance here is amazing and invaluable! I would have replied sooner, but travelling.

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Thank You for the heads up, Rick. Good intel. Care to elaborate on what kind of experiences you’ve had with break ins, and if your alarm helped or did not help?

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You asked. I previously owned an Oem depot electronics repair business repairing proprietary equipment… Unknown no alarms. To augment cash flow a video repair division was added. To become factory certified with manufacturers you also had to sell their product thus a small showroom was set up. Then the fun started. Had a break in through a window, product stolen. Had ADT alarm installed. Had another break in, first things they did was break into the building utility room and cut phone lines. Product stolen. Next they added a constantly connected monitored phone line and bell over front door with self contained battery. Another break in. They tried to remove bell and again cut phone lines causing a central station alarm. Had an ADT system installed at home. They provided only a user code. Having gotten to the the ADT well he provided all the programming codes. It became DIY. Gave up on video business and sold depot repair. Started nice quiet medical software business.
The software business didn’t have an alarm. The building burned down over weekend, accidental other tenant.
IMPORTANT- I always backed up all my data and rotated home every week.
REMEMBER all of the digital data and pictures you have in phones, iPads, computers etc. If your house were to burn down, would you have a secure copy in another location?
Hide your alarm system and communications and make offsite backups

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PS, I’ve been using the Qolsys system without problem. Biggest thing to get used to is lack of battery operated keypads for arming and disarming near doors. No ac outlets in vicinity. Using iPhone app and keychains instead.
The remotes? Compared to interlogix touchscreens, they’re annoying……

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The WS9LCDWF9 PowerG keypad is compatible with the IQ Panel 2+, up to 5 of them, and they can be battery operated.

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Perfect , thank you !

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Thanks for sharing that…I can only imagine the sentiment dealing with those kinds of parasites…just had a shoplifter try to flip the script on me and tell the cop I was doing all kinds of negative things which she herself was doing…ended up being “he-said/she-said” and the cop had little he could do. Closed my business for an hour to deal with it.
I didn’t get notification on this, glad I checked back. Sorry to hear about that…especially when they thwart your actual business viability, the laws protect the perps more than the victims in many cases.