I will be replacing my current GC2 panel with a Vivint 2GIG-GCX panel this weekend due to a hardware failure (screen has gone white) on my current panel.
I plan on taking the cell module from my current panel and installing it in the (used) panel on Saturday.
After I install my existing cell module into the (used) panel I will perform a cell test. At that time, I would like you to please use AirFX to reset all the questions (Q43, Q44 and Q45 I think) to the appropriate values so that I can use the (used) panel on SuretyDIY.
Also, one of your techs on the forum said there is a way for you to copy all of my current settings, programming, etc from my current panel and then transfer that information to the new panel after I perform the cell test. I would like that done as well if possible.
I do plan on performing some firmware updates to the (used) panel using the upcbl2 but I will wait to do those until after you have provisioned the panel. Unless you think it would be better to do the firmware updates before I install the cell module?
I do plan on performing some firmware updates to the (used) panel using the upcbl2 but I will wait to do those until after you have provisioned the panel. Unless you think it would be better to do the firmware updates before I install the cell module?
If the firmware on the used panel is lower than 1.9.6 you will need to upgrade the firmware before you install the cellular module. We recommend checking the current firmware of the panel first and if it is 1.6 you should update to 1.13 prior to a higher version.
Also, one of your techs on the forum said there is a way for you to copy all of my current settings, programming, etc from my current panel and then transfer that information to the new panel after I perform the cell test. I would like that done as well if possible.
Yes that is possible. Your panel will need to be powered on and communicating for the backup to run successfully. The backup should also make changes to Q44 and Q45 to avoid any lockout that the panel you are switching to might have.
I plan on taking the cell module from my current panel and installing it in the (used) panel on Saturday.
In order to send the backup to your new panel, the old panel must no longer be communicating. So first you:
unplug your current panel (power supply then battery) and remove the Cellular Module.
Then install the Cellular Module into the new panel. (DO NOT POWER UP PANEL)
Then the backup will be sent from suretyDIY and then
you will plug in the new panel (Battery first then Power Supply) and run a cell test.
However, the backup can only be sent on our end during normal business hours. If the backup is sent on Friday EOD and your new panel isn’t booted up until Saturday there could be complications with the backup as files can degrade or become corrupted if they are not received by the panel in a short amount of time.
Again, it is also recommended that you update the new panel’s firmware before installing your cellular module.
I will check the firmware version of the used panel and incrementally update the firmware prior to installing the cell module.
Prior to powering up the used panel with my existing cell module I will send you a message (during your business hours) letting you know to send the backup through AirFX.
Thank you again for the help. I really enjoy working with your company.
I know there is difficulty backing up a GC 2 and restoring to a GC3, but are there any issues with backing up and older version GC2 and restoring to a newer version GC2?
What is the latest version of the GC2 and how do I identify it?
Ok, the firmware has been updated in the replacement GC2 panel and I am ready for the backup to be sent. I will run the cell test as soon as I see you’ve responded to this thread.
Also, separate question, but I see in some of your older videos that the GC2 panel you used has a sticker in the lower left corner of the panel that says SuretyCam or SuretyDIY. Am I able to get one of these stickers for my panel?
And just to clarify, I posted above in response to my sister’s (skipatino) issue with her panel (white screen). I am the one who will be running the cell test for her. Thanks.
Ok, the firmware has been updated in the replacement GC2 panel and I am ready for the backup to be sent. I will run the cell test as soon as I see you’ve responded to this thread.
The panel swap has been started. The restoral commands should go through within about a half hour. Please go ahead and power up new panel and run a cell test at this time.
It looks like panel provisioned ok, the surety logo is on the screen.
It doesn’t look like the backup restoral process (transferring the settings from the old panel) has occurred yet. Is there anything else I should do on my end?
It doesn’t look like the backup restoral process (transferring the settings from the old panel) has occurred yet. Is there anything else I should do on my end?
I’m seeing those commands showing successful.
What are you noticing not there? How many sensors should be showing?
Keep in mind Z-wave devices cannot transfer this way and would need to be added manually.
The backup did install my sensors (1 through 5) but it did not erase the previous user’s sensors (6-51). I didn’t know I would need to delete these sensors on my own. No big deal, but that’s why I was confused.
I was also confused for a little while until I figured out that the settings to all of the other questions in system configuration did not copy over to the new panel. For example, the installer code was still showing as the default Vivint code, not the one from my previous panel. Again, not a big deal but it confused me. I thought that the backup was a complete image of all settings, sensors, etc. from my previous panel.
Panel swaps are typically performed with a new panel, so it may have not wiped existing settings/zones. Are you able to access programming and edit everything? Let us know if we need to default installer/lockout.
I just wanted to close out this thread with my final thoughts.
Here is a short version of what happened:
My GC2 panel had a hardware failure.
Purchased a used Vivint panel on eBay for $30
Removed the cell module from the Vivint panel.
Updated the firmware on the Vivint panel.
Installed the cell module from my old GC2 panel in the Vivint panel.
Contacted SuretyDIY for panel provisioning.
End result: A replacement panel that functions perfectly for $30.
I am a very happy customer. Anyone reading this, if you are moderately technically inclined and capable of doing a little research this is very doable.
My one suggestion: I read on some other threads where it was mentioned that the Vivint logo can be removed with a little acetone and q-tips. I was able to remove the logo, but the acetone negatively affected the plastic on the panel. My advice would be to go very lightly if you are going to use acetone. I would probably try something else next time.