I’ve had this panel deployed for almost 3 years and I’m happy with it as an alarm system. I finally have some cycles to play with Z-Wave and was intending to start. I bought a GE smart switch for one of my lights, wired it up and then it wouldn’t pair with the panel. I took the panel off the wall (TAMPER!!) and brought it near the switch, paired just fine. Normal location here is ~30 feet through a couple of wood walls and a floor so I’m imagining that I need a Z-Wave repeater.
Should I keep going with this panel (I have a remote as well) or upgrade it to the newest GC3 panel before I get all Z-Wave crazy? Any known issues?
Should I keep going with this panel (I have a remote as well) or upgrade it to the newest GC3 panel before I get all Z-Wave crazy? Any known issues?
Most of the interaction with Z-wave devices and automation rules will be through Alarm.com, and there aren’t really any differences in functionality between the two panels, so as far as Z-wave goes, I know it doesn’t sound salesman-like but sticking with the Go!Control would be fine if it is working well for you.
If you have a TS1, note that the TS1 would need to be replaced as well, it is not compatible with the GC3.
Now that said, the GC3 is newer, sleeker, with a larger capacitive touchscreen and an easier programming interface.
I’ve installed eight GE Z-Wave switches (four are Z-Wave Plus versions) in my house. I also have two Z-Wave Plus range extenders and a handful of other Z-Wave devices. I feel confident that my Z-Wave network is fairly robust. There is no lag and I never have devices drop out.
Last week I installed another GE switch and despite the more than adequate Z-Wave coverage, I still had to move the panel to include the switch and then rediscover my Z-Wave network once I put the panel back.
Given that I have to move the panel anytime I want to include a new device, I’ve installed my Go!Control panel so it can be removed fairly easily. The panel is located in my mechanical room and I have three TS1 panels through out the house.
Personally, I’m not a fan of the GC3 simply due to that fact that the additional control panels connect via WiFi. The dedicated 900mhz channel between the Go!Control and TS1 is a much better solution. This is particularly true in my situation where the I don’t interact with the Go!Control very often since it is tucked away in the mechanical room. I really solely on the TS1 for arming and disarming our system. With the GC3 setup, I would be dependent on WiFi, and while I have a strong coverage in my house, there are times (usually monthly) where I have to reboot my router. For something as critical as an alarm system, I’m not comfortable relying on a communications channel that can requires maintenance.
Personally, I’m not a fan of the GC3 simply due to that fact that the additional control panels connect via WiFi. The dedicated 900mhz channel between the Go!Control and TS1 is a much better solution. This is particularly true in my situation where the I don’t interact with the Go!Control very often since it is tucked away in the mechanical room. I really solely on the TS1 for arming and disarming our system. With the GC3 setup, I would be dependent on WiFi, and while I have a strong coverage in my house, there are times (usually monthly) where I have to reboot my router. For something as critical as an alarm system, I’m not comfortable relying on a communications channel that can requires maintenance.
I’m sure this is already taken into consideration in this case, but for readers I want to stress the importance of the cellular signal first and foremost. Make sure to install the control panel in a location with solid cellular signal. Installing in a location surrounded by large metal objects, lower than ground level, etc., can have a detrimental effect on signaling.
Also, keep in mind that the 900 Mhz direct connection between a Go!Control and a TS1 cannot in any way be improved or repeated. This means there is a firm range limit, which varies based on wireless attenuation from home construction etc. There is no firm limit with wifi.
While not available yet, (and I am not sure it will be), originally there was talk of enabling partitioning on the GC3. Using a location’s LAN is ideal for this, so that larger structures can install keypads wherever they are needed and parts of the system can be armed independently. (this wouldn’t benefit the standard home though)
I do tend to prefer direct connection, but the wifi connection is the direction I think all of the panels will end up going, and it does have some solid benefits on a good home wifi network.