Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Help mounting Simon XT window sensors

Greetings all,

New user and new to alarm systems. I am looking in to getting a wireless system such as Simon XT. I prefer to arm all windows on the lower level. Here is my question/problem. My windows are vinyl double hung with a bottom sash that tilts in for cleaning/screen removal. The face of the window (as you look at it straight on) does not have a total flat area next to it (like a door jamb). The only way to mount a traditional sensor would be for the base of it to be facing either right or left with the magnet facing straight out. Thus creating a 90 degree angle where they would meet when the window is closed and they are lined up. Can the sensors be mounted like that? or do both pieces have to be secured on the same plane so they are both FACING into the room? Also will the sensor part stick to the vinyl lip (only about 3/4 inch wide). The other issue is that they tilt in to access the screen. How could you position them to avoid snapping them off? Finally is there any alternative, like another type of sensor, etc.

Sorry for the wordy post, but I need to know what will work before I purchase a bunch of stuff I can't use.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

Jerry Jones

As long as the distance from the magnet to the reed switch in the transmitter is less than about 1/2", you can place them at angles like that.

The bigger problem is the tilt function of your windows, that's a lot harder to work around.

These slim framed vinyl windows are a notorious headache for setting security devices, because with most of them, you void the warranty if you try to drill the frame or sill for flush mount devices.

Some models of GE transmitters take hardwired inputs, but I'm not sure if Simon XT will let you use that option.

As long as the distance from the magnet to the reed switch in the transmitter is less than about 1/2", you can place them at angles like that.

The bigger problem is the tilt function of your windows, that's a lot harder to work around.

These slim framed vinyl windows are a notorious headache for setting security devices, because with most of them, you void the warranty if you try to drill the frame or sill for flush mount devices.

Some models of GE transmitters take hardwired inputs, but I'm not sure if Simon XT will let you use that option.

All GE RF panels will accept RF sensors with hardwire inputs. The panels just treat them as RF devices.

Yes placing sensors without snapping them when tilting the window would be a concern.

When you say using hardwired inputs do you mean using standard hardwired contacts versus the wireless transmitter contacts? Would that be recommended because wired contacts are smaller?

Also GE Guy, I thought the XT panel only accepted 2 hardwired inputs. Would that mean only two sensors? I have 10 windows I would like to cover. 8 of which are this slim frame pain in the butt kind, so I am looking for the best option to arm them via wireless. It is near impossible to run wires from these things.

Do you know if the smallest wireless contacts work as well as the standard larger ones?

Thanks if you can help!

Jerry

What he means is that the door/window transmitters also have input connections for hardwired contacts, allowing you to use the smaller hardwired contact and place the wireless transmitter in a spot that won't get hit by the movement of the window.

I wasn't sure before, because I have yet to actually handle an XT, and I know they have some significant software differences from the Simon 3.

Yes placing sensors without snapping them when tilting the window would be a concern.

When you say using hardwired inputs do you mean using standard hardwired contacts versus the wireless transmitter contacts? Would that be recommended because wired contacts are smaller?

Also GE Guy, I thought the XT panel only accepted 2 hardwired inputs. Would that mean only two sensors? I have 10 windows I would like to cover. 8 of which are this slim frame pain in the butt kind, so I am looking for the best option to arm them via wireless. It is near impossible to run wires from these things.

Do you know if the smallest wireless contacts work as well as the standard larger ones?

Thanks if you can help!

Jerry

We are talking about using hardwire contacts which would then be wired into wireless transmitters. The signal then gets sent to the panel as (and the panel treats it as) a wireless device.

If you want to tray and bypass using the hardwire into wireless routine, then pick from the following...The smallest RF door window transmitters are the micro door window sensors (short, thicker than the next one) and the new Designline Slimline door window (short and skinny) sensor. There is also the Slimline (long and skinny) door window sensor. You can use any GE door/window contact on the XT.

Great, I understand now. Wasn't aware of the hardwire to wireless capability. Nice option if I can't get the small sensors to fit conveniently.

Thanks for the help guys! Probably hear from me again once I take on this project!

Jerry