Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Simon XT compatible accessories/sensors list

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an install a GE Simon XT system from FrontPoint (Alarm.com really) and as I have been doing my research, I have found some inconsistencies on the type of sensors supported by this system. Some websites I've seen mention some sensors that are compatible with it and other websites do not mention those at all. I'm looking for an extensive/definitive list of accessories/sensors that are really supported by this system. I found a small list in the GE datasheet for the XT but it is a bit short compared to what I see around the internet.

Also, can anybody provide some insight on this? All related to GE sensors.

- Glass break sensors (which one is better?)
NX488-60-873-95 or NX487-60-834-95

- Motion sensors (What is the difference between)
60-703-95 (crystal motion sensor)
and
60-511-02-95 or 60-511-01-95

- Are there any GE Pet safe motion sensors I can use with the XT that support pets over 40 pounds. I have two dogs (30 lbs beagles) and I'm told that the 40 lbs sensor will not work if both dogs are on the same room.

- Can other wireless sensors (non GE) work with this system?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ed

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an install a GE Simon XT system from FrontPoint (Alarm.com really) and as I have been doing my research, I have found some inconsistencies on the type of sensors supported by this system. Some websites I've seen mention some sensors that are compatible with it and other websites do not mention those at all. I'm looking for an extensive/definitive list of accessories/sensors that are really supported by this system. I found a small list in the GE datasheet for the XT but it is a bit short compared to what I see around the internet.

Also, can anybody provide some insight on this? All related to GE sensors.

- Glass break sensors (which one is better?)
NX488-60-873-95 or NX487-60-834-95

- Motion sensors (What is the difference between)
60-703-95 (crystal motion sensor)
and
60-511-02-95 or 60-511-01-95

- Are there any GE Pet safe motion sensors I can use with the XT that support pets over 40 pounds. I have two dogs (30 lbs beagles) and I'm told that the 40 lbs sensor will not work if both dogs are on the same room.

- Can other wireless sensors (non GE) work with this system?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ed

Everything works on the XT EXCEPT dialogue products (Wireless dialer, 2 way talking touchpad, and RF thermostat)...These are coming, the talking touchpad will be first (non dialogue).

I'm not going to go digging for part numbers, but I believe you are comparing SAW VS Crystal motions above...main differences between the two are battery (alkaline VS lithium), and you'll see a bit of a bump in range on the crystal version (nothing to lose any sleep over)...Guts are the same unless you are comparing pet immune vs non-pet immune.

Nothing pet immune for those size dogs in the RF variety...

Must use 319.5 MhZ wireless (GE)

Does anyone know if the SimonXT will control Smart Remote light modules? If so, do I still need the line carrier power adapter?

Thanks!

Nope, Simon 3 only...

Have to use X-10 on the XT

Thanks for the quick response GEGUY. I really appreciate the help.

Couple of questions though.

1. When you say everything, I assume you mean GE sensors and not overall wireless sensors from other companies as well. Right?

2. What do you mean by "Must use 319.5 MhZ wireless (GE)". Is this related to motion sensors?

3. Which one of these two sensors do you think will work better in detecting glass breaks:

NX488 GE Wireless ShatterPro Glassbreak Sensor (Sold by FrontPoint)
or
NX487 GE, ITI, Caddx Wireless Glassbreak Sensor (Dual tech sound sensor) (Not provided by FrontPoint)

Again, thanks for the quick response.

Regards,

Ed

Yes, all Ge wireless devices will work except the ones previously mentioned...

319.5 is the radio frequency used...can't use brand "X"

Go with the 488...for a variety of reasons!

Thanks GEGuy.

Can I ask the most important reasons why not go with the NX487?

Also, do you (or anybody else reading this post for that matter) know how would I go about testing a glass break sensor? Short of breaking a glass in front of it?

I know GE makes a tester but is there a simpler way of doing this without buying the tester?

Regards

Ed

Some glass breaks have a specific "clap test" function (look at the install sheet for the device).

I often use a large ring of keys, or a empty softdrink can with a handful of pennies. In either case, you have to shake pretty aggressively.

Thanks GEGuy.

Can I ask the most important reasons why not go with the NX487?

Also, do you (or anybody else reading this post for that matter) know how would I go about testing a glass break sensor? Short of breaking a glass in front of it?

I know GE makes a tester but is there a simpler way of doing this without buying the tester?

Regards

Ed

The 487 is older technology, prone to more false alarms...Shatterpro series is tough to beat!

Thanks all for the comments. I went ahead and signed up with FrontPoint Solutions. The best features (at least for my needs) I could find.

I just got the Simon XT system today and will be testing it tomorrow. I'll post any of my findings. Won't be able to test the video until Monday though (no internet yet in my new place, damn comcast :mad: )

By the way GEGuy, I went with the Shatter Pro glass sensor. Thanks for the recommendation.

Later,

Ed

Everything works on the XT EXCEPT dialogue products (Wireless dialer, 2 way talking touchpad, and RF thermostat)...These are coming, the talking touchpad will be first (non dialogue).

I'm not going to go digging for part numbers, but I believe you are comparing SAW VS Crystal motions above...main differences between the two are battery (alkaline VS lithium), and you'll see a bit of a bump in range on the crystal version (nothing to lose any sleep over)...Guts are the same unless you are comparing pet immune vs non-pet immune.

Nothing pet immune for those size dogs in the RF variety...

Must use 319.5 MhZ wireless (GE)

I REALLY wish they'd hurry up on the 2 way talking touchpad. I have my control panel in the master bedroom upstairs and it's a pain with just the keyfobs (not 100% sure that the system is armed or disarmed).

I REALLY wish they'd hurry up on the 2 way talking touchpad. I have my control panel in the master bedroom upstairs and it's a pain with just the keyfobs (not 100% sure that the system is armed or disarmed).


There are other (cheaper) solutions to this problem if you are NOT using the alarm.com radio...
Get the X-10 Simon 3 transformer....you could then use the X-10 powerhorn siren(s) and have it chirp the arming level when you disarm....you can also have X-10 lights flash the arming level as well

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an install a GE Simon XT system from FrontPoint (Alarm.com really) and as I have been doing my research, I have found some inconsistencies on the type of sensors supported by this system. Some websites I've seen mention some sensors that are compatible with it and other websites do not mention those at all. I'm looking for an extensive/definitive list of accessories/sensors that are really supported by this system. I found a small list in the GE datasheet for the XT but it is a bit short compared to what I see around the internet.

Also, can anybody provide some insight on this? All related to GE sensors.

- Glass break sensors (which one is better?)
NX488-60-873-95 or NX487-60-834-95

- Motion sensors (What is the difference between)
60-703-95 (crystal motion sensor)
and
60-511-02-95 or 60-511-01-95

- Are there any GE Pet safe motion sensors I can use with the XT that support pets over 40 pounds. I have two dogs (30 lbs beagles) and I'm told that the 40 lbs sensor will not work if both dogs are on the same room.

- Can other wireless sensors (non GE) work with this system?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ed

Here's a link that might help some:

Home Security Questions and Answers (http://www.safemart.com/knowledge-base.html)

I'm trying to "marry" several systems including a SmartSecurity and a Simon XT and I believe all the sensors will work okay; just as l;ong as they are on the same frequency.

As far as the PIR's go, they detect a mass in motion plus heat, so if your dogs were close together the PIR would pretty surely go off. If they were on opposite sides of the room, who knows. If it were me, I'd not use PIR's where I have petrs anyway, unless I could shield the beam from pet range and set it so it would monitor above their jumping height. Just my preference.

Lots of Simon XT's on eBay right now at good prices. Sensors are not priced well there; better off at the alarm dealers I guess.