I have an old 2GIG GoControl GC2 alarm panel that I would like to replace. It is registered connected to Surety/Alarm.com but recently stopped communicating and is generally showing it’s age. It has connected to it a TAKE-345 takeover module with two hard wired door sensors, two hard wired motion sensors and a hard wired glass break sensor. It also has a CT100 ZWave thermostat. I would like upgrade the panel to something newer while also keeping as many of the devices as possible. My research has pointed me to the 2GIG Edge, Qolsys IQ Panel 2+, and Qolsys IQ Panel 4.
I found a new-in-box 2GIG Edge for $250 that I think should be compatible with my existing devices. If I buy this, what would be the procedure for transitioning to the new panel? Would it basically be this:
Record the zone information for the TAKE-345 devices from the old panel.
Power down and remove the old panel.
Install the new panel.
Provide the new IMEI to Surety with the Swap Cellular Modem link
Re-setup the TAKE-345 to keep the zone information as it was with the old panel
Re-setup all my wireless devices like the panic buttons, smoke detectors and remote arm/disarm devices.
Will I need to set up pin numbers and users again or will that come down when the alarm.com connection is transferred? Are there any holes in my plan? Is 2GIG a dead-end device/company or is there a reason to move to Qolsys?
All three panels are compatible with Surety however the IQ Panel 2+ has been discontinued and the IQ Panel 4 would be the newer generation.
This is one option of doing it. The easier way would be to restore the sensors and user codes via a backup. There is currently a backup on your account from January 26th that can be used to restore the sensors and user codes. The 2GIG EDGE panel will need to be on firmware 1.3+ in order to restore the backup.
Ahh I’m glad I can restore to the Edge from the GC2 now as I didn’t think that was available. I went ahead and ordered it. I see the latest firmware here. I will upgrade it according to those instructions, then I should send a PM to support with the IMEI, and the panel will be activated and backups sent down.
Will I be able to backup/restore Z-Wave devices as well? Also - does this panel require being the primary Z-Wave controller? I want to integrate it with my Home Assistant install.
I should be receiving my new EDGE panel this evening. Once I update the firmware to 1.3, how late in the day will I be able to send that PM with the IMEI ? If not today, what days/hours will I be able to do so?