GE Simon XT with Z Wave Automation
Originally Posted by wrxman Figured I'll add my question to this existing thread. I have the Simon XT v. 1.3 panel with the Alarm.com GSM module with z-wave. Does anyone know what the press here button is on the z-wave chip. I guess I like living on the edge because I pressed it and it didn't seem to do anything. In fact, I went as far as pressing and holding it down which made a small status LED on the chip blink (thinking it would reset the z-wave chip if anything). Hopefully I haven't changed anything by accident. The main reason I'm asking is because I'd like to figure out if it is possible to set the z-wave controller in the Simon XT panel as a secondary controller to my Leviton VRCPG-SG Programmer. The VRCPG has more programming options and is obviously easier to manipulate. Some features require that the VRCPG be the primary controller. So, I thought maybe this button would allow the z-wave chip to be included into other z-wave controllers (similar to pushing the button on a dimmer module to include it). I can probably post up a photo if required but hopefully GEGUY will know the answer? I am not sure what that switch does, but it doesn't include or exclude it from a controller. The installation manual for the emPower module states: **If installing a portable Z-Wave controller (such as the GE 45601), first add the controller to the Alarm.com Z-Wave network using the Simon XT panel, and then use the portable controller to add the remaining devices to the network. (Locks cannot be added to the GE 45601, and will need to be added by the Alarm.com module.) So based on that I think you'd need to completely delete everything from the panel including the controller so everything is back to how it originally was. Then program the controller into the panel, then program each device into the controller which should also update at the panel as well simultaneously. I haven't actually tested the system with a controller yet. I've purchased one, just haven't had a chance to play with it so I'm not sure how well it will work but give it a try. I'll also try to test it within the next few days and I'll post my outcomes on here. Good luck! I just tried it out (I couldn't wait to see whether or not it would work), and it worked like a charm. I have all of the advanced programming features the controller gives me and still have all the option in Alarm.com I did before. I used the GE 45601 (which is what they explain using in the install manual), but I assume it would work very similarly with any other controller. Originally Posted by GEGUY You read my mind...Just got word that the Zwave radio for ADC IS available as we speak...must order through ADC (or one of their providers, can't go through UTC/GE quite yet)...Since there is no touchscreen (yet...getting closer) most of the zwave functionality must be controlled via the website (as in not through an existing Concord keypad). You can toggle all on/off zwave lighting via a keyfob... GEGuy, With the ADC module, would I be able to join the Concord 4 panel in with the reset of my existing z-wave network? If I already have a z-wave controller such as a remote or PC software, can I program a 3rd party controller to arm/disarm the security system or is ADC my only real configuration means until the touch screens come out? Thanks for all your help. You can still use your controller with the ADC module. The ADC module is still the primary controller, and your remote is considered the secondary controller. You will still have all the features of your remote, including and timers or scenes you want to set up. You first program the remote into the ADC module and then use the remote to program each light switch into the remote itself. I've done this successfully with the GE 45601 controller on both the Simon XT and Concord 4. Originally Posted by dasotter GEGuy, With the ADC module, would I be able to join the Concord 4 panel in with the reset of my existing z-wave network? If I already have a z-wave controller such as a remote or PC software, can I program a 3rd party controller to arm/disarm the security system or is ADC my only real configuration means until the touch screens come out? Thanks for all your help. The arm/disarm commands are not Zwave commands...So they would not be able to arm disarm the system via Zwave. I'm not obviously able to see what 3rd party controller you have, so not sure about other ways to arm/disarm. If you are using a 3rd part controller that interfaces with the home automation module (like Crestron, AMX, Control 4, etc), then the answer is yes... I just installed a new GE Simon XT with the GSM/zwave module. I also have a VERA zwave home automation system. I also have the two way LCD touch Simon touch screens. Can I have both the VERA zwave system control the thermostats and lights and the simon system? How do I get started with making the Simon aware of my zwave stuff? I don't know add the zwave items to the simons system... Are you an Alarm.Com customer (have to be)? Adding zwave devices is done in Installer programming...so you'll need the installer code. Programming is done under Interactive Services Yes I am. I do have the installer code. Will look at Interactive Services... DO you know can two different zwave controllers (in this case the Simon Xt and my Vera system) control a single devices (thermostat?) Not sure...I've never worked with the Vera stuff. alarmtech1 Does the GE 45601 support scenes? If so can you execute scenes via the Simon Xt? I have a vera zwave controller and wonder if I can either make the Simon Xt a secondary or the vera a secondary controller so I have some scene control is it just me or is anyone confused on the z-wave stuff you can buy the z-wave gsm module and add it to your simon xt therefore my touchscreen will work with any z-wave devices...like my trane thermostat that i just installed, or any of the schlage deadbolt locks, or any lamp modules to turn on or off or you can buy a usb z-wave stick for $30-$50, add it to a dedicated pc running 24/7, with software like homeseer or any of the dozens home automation pc and use this to run all your z-wave devices plus get your pc on the internet and remote control it if your good with vpn and remote access like pcanywhere or vnc then therfore you can have your touchscreen to add to the z-wave network on the usb/pc zwave and also add a couple hundred z-wave devices.... or am i still confused? Yes, you are confused... If you add the zwave radio, you MUST have an account with Alarm.Com in order to control those zwave devices via the touchscreen or XT panel... As far as the USB route, you may very well be able to control your zwave devices as you describe (never tried it)....BUT it will not interact with the Simon XT or touchscreen.... Thx for clearing that up GE Guy So the touchpad is not zwave. Only the simonxt zwave module. So even if i were to buy the zwave radio module for the simonxt, it wont be active? I dont want to pay more with alarm.com which im not part of. Correct....No alarm.com = no zwave This is more directed to the geguy, are you aware of the password to the ihub as a wifi point? You must have the ADT Pulse (or Comcast/Time Warner) setup?! Don't know the password...Not sure you can do anything with it anyway. The Ihub WIFI is only for the touchscreen and the RF cameras (at least the 802.11 frequency)... For others reading this, this is not Alarm.Com... It's the Interactive Services from GE/UTC (only available currently with ADT, Comcast, or Time Warner) Had someone inquire whether he could assign the ihub to his network but couldn't access it. Did a lot of research and a lot of tech support from ge but to no avail. Thanks geguy Will the addition of a GSM module to a Simon XT result in interference with wireless communication to sensors? I wonder if putting that hardware right in the Simon panel (with or without Zwave) could cause interference with basic communication with window, door, motion, and other sensors and evidenced by loss of connectivity or range. Not if you use the remote antenna (about 3ft long...comes standard now with the GSM). Was designed to offset the type of behavior you speak of. Yes, there was some loss of range using the older style antenna (that sits on top of the XT). For most installs, it was a non factor... GEGUY, have you heard any updates on timing for a touchscreen panel for Concord 4 that would provide access to z-wave network via the z-wave GSM ADC module? It was in the works...It has been pushed back till the release of concord 5 (or whatever the final yet to be determined name for that system will be)...In the meantime, you can use the inclusion controller discussed previously in this thread to control zwave... Is there a targeted release date for the Concord 5? And do you know if the associated touchscreen would be backwards compatible with the Concord 4 or would I be facing a panel upgrade? Thanks. Hi, all! Been a couple of years since I posted before buying a Simon 3 that has new owners, as it's time for a new system and the 'rules' of the game have changed Hopefully, I can get some good advice. I've had good luck w/ Safemart and ADC in the past, so I'm probably going to go thru them again. ATM, I'm planning to buy a Simon XT w/ the GSM module, some door and window contacts and glass breaks, water and smoke detectors, a couple of ZWave light controllers (I'll replace a couple of light switches that're dedicated just to lighting loads), a couple of keyfobs to give family for emergencies/housesitting, and I *think* the spiffy new touch screen controller. We have dogs, so no motion sensors for us. Maybe we'll try the Handheld keypad (see my comments re: hating to run wires for the fancy controller below) which I think is #60-671-95R. All of that *should* just work together and be happy-happy, especially as the wife and I are both iPhone users and love the app for controlling the devices. We'll probably add some ADC-compatible cameras down the road and replace my existing home DVR system (yay for storing video and alarms in the cloud, as it were; I'm on the fence between these and the Dropcam units, as I *really* like the little Axis cameras they're based on). All of that is easy, within reason. My real questions are: While I know the official answer is No, has anyone gotten X10 to work on a XT w/ GSM/ZWave for legacy devices, and is it worth the trouble or should I just bite the bullet and swap the (now aging anyway) X10 doohickies? I don't have a bundle invested, so if the real answer is Suck it up and upgrade I'll happily accept it as a good idea. Budget isn't the bigger concern, honestly. I've seen different ampacity Line Control Transformers (50VA from the concord, etc). This is mainly just wondering if it's super easy w/ the other transformer or if it's possibly error prone so just don't do it? Assuming X10 is a no-go, it leads to my followup Q: If I want to install a siren of some kind to give me more 'audible feedback' (ie, in the attic or the garage aimed 'outside' to let my retired or work-from-home neighbors know to look and see WTF is going on) what's the right way to do it now, since I don't think there're any ZWave sirens out? And I'd hate to have a totally wireless alarm system and then hear I have to run a wire to make it, you know, alarm... I have a nice Honeywell thermostat that does multi-day and multiple-schedules-per-day, has 'learned' how quickly before we get home to start cooling or warming to hit the next scheduled setpoint (recovery mode), handles my built-in humidifier, and just generally works. I know it has some whacky communications module downstairs that talks to an outdoor temperature sensor, but within reason I *think* it's just a 'good' thermostat (the furnace and AC are Rheem, for example). Safemart shows a Trane and a GE Zwave unit. The GE unit seems to be a major step backwards, other than it's remotely accessible. The Trane unit seems to really want to play only w/ the Schlage iLink stuff. Am I going to go insane trying to get this to work, or will I find out it's pretty easy so long as if I have 24V and 5 wires from my existing system? Safemart's page explicitly states they don't assist with the install of this at all. I don't know if I care about doing my thermostat, since mine works well, but it *would* be kind of 'fun' to remotely activate the AC. More of a toy than a 'gottahaveit'. I have a small outbuilding that's hardwired into the house's power w/ it's own circuits, and it's only 15' or so from the back of the house. I'd like to put a ZWave lightswitch out there on the lighting circuit so I can remotely turn on the exterior lights of the outbuilding as needed. My house is fairly small, but now the unit's going to have to thru 900MHz signal thru a single exterior (vinyl siding) wall and then into the small outbuilding (brick on the side facing the house). Any idea if the range of the ZWave will even possibly hit it? Total distance from the panel is going to be well under linear feet, but I'm not sure about attenuation/loss on the signal, and pointers would be good. X10 used to work fine for this, due to being wired in, but I was cheating and doing it with socket rockets in the light fixtures themselves When I install the newer touchscreen, how long is the antenna wire that has to get tucked into the wall? I Hate drilling holes in my wall I have to patch, so I'm considering sneaky ways to not do this, and to maybe stick the thing on my pantry (yes, I have 120V power available there w/ needing to do any 'real' work) and run the wire along the side or something cute like that where it's less invasive on a wall somewhere. The kitchen is a convenient spot, especially with the lil weather data thing! Sorry for the long post but maybe it'll help other folks w/ XT/ZWave Q's. At least a year, probably longer... Not sure on being backwards compatible... Cant help with all your issues, but can help on a couple. Originally Posted by seanmcp All of that *should* just work together and be happy-happy, especially as the wife and I are both iPhone users and love the app for controlling the devices. We'll probably add some ADC-compatible cameras down the road and replace my existing home DVR system (yay for storing video and alarms in the cloud, as it were; I'm on the fence between these and the Dropcam units, as I *really* like the little Axis cameras they're based on). I would be interested in what you think of the cameras if you get them. I initially looked at the cameras but thought they looked expensive for a VGA camera that is locked into ADC and their software alone. Originally Posted by seanmcp I have a nice Honeywell thermostat that does multi-day and multiple-schedules-per-day, has 'learned' how quickly before we get home to start cooling or warming to hit the next scheduled setpoint (recovery mode), handles my built-in humidifier, and just generally works. I know it has some whacky communications module downstairs that talks to an outdoor temperature sensor, but within reason I *think* it's just a 'good' thermostat (the furnace and AC are Rheem, for example). Safemart shows a Trane and a GE Zwave unit. The GE unit seems to be a major step backwards, other than it's remotely accessible. The Trane unit seems to really want to play only w/ the Schlage iLink stuff. Am I going to go insane trying to get this to work, or will I find out it's pretty easy so long as if I have 24V and 5 wires from my existing system? Safemart's page explicitly states they don't assist with the install of this at all. I don't know if I care about doing my thermostat, since mine works well, but it *would* be kind of 'fun' to remotely activate the AC. More of a toy than a 'gottahaveit'. I use the Trane thermostats with my Simon XT panel and ADC. I am able to set up a schedule their emPower service and can change temps, turn on heat etc remotely. If you dont want to use emPower, you can program a schedule locally. Also, you can turn on recovery mode through the installer settings (see the manual at http://link.schlage.com/Products/Doc...r_manual-c.pdf). Finally, make sure you check your local Radio Shack as they were selling these thermostats for under $70 Originally Posted by seanmcp I have a small outbuilding that's hardwired into the house's power w/ it's own circuits, and it's only 15' or so from the back of the house. I'd like to put a ZWave lightswitch out there on the lighting circuit so I can remotely turn on the exterior lights of the outbuilding as needed. My house is fairly small, but now the unit's going to have to thru 900MHz signal thru a single exterior (vinyl siding) wall and then into the small outbuilding (brick on the side facing the house). Any idea if the range of the ZWave will even possibly hit it? Total distance from the panel is going to be well under linear feet, but I'm not sure about attenuation/loss on the signal, and pointers would be good. X10 used to work fine for this, due to being wired in, but I was cheating and doing it with socket rockets in the light fixtures themselves I will be trying something similar this weekend - hooking up an outdoor module for a light in the chicken coop which is about 50 feet from the house. I'll report back how it worked. Sounds good! Hopefully the range is good, and I'll be able to pull the trigger on it all. I have thought some more, and think I prefer the generic handheld pad, as the LCD touchscreen seems like overkill when I don't care about the weather alarmtech1: I'm wondering if you could share more details about make a GE 45601 become a secondary controller that you mentioned in post #84. I just picked up a couple of 45601 controllers for ten bucks each at the RadioShack clearance. I have been able to use the 45601 as the primary controller to add control devices; however, I can't figure out program the remote into the ADC module. Thanks! Any luck on the outdoor module, Jay? Sean
Related Posts:
Ge simon xt versions and sirens
GE Simon XT (Versions and sirens)Hi, I am considering buying a GE Simon XT. I have some questions about it and have done some searching but really can't find the answers. Are there different versi...
How to wire simon xt to relay to drive external sirens
wire Simon XT to relay to drive external sirensHi, Looking for help on wire a Simon XT to an external siren using a relay. Basically I just want one or two loud sirens, and need to use an external...
Farm pond algae
farm pond algaeDon't know if this is the right place to ask this, but some of you seem to have experience with algae. I'd like to remove most of the algae from our pond so we can swim and fish in...
Goodman ac brand any good
Goodman AC brand any good ?I am looking to get AC installed in my home. I have a choice of (all 4 ton, 13 SEER, except where indicated): 1. Goodman (5 Ton) 2. Rheem 3. Yorx 4. Amana (Goodman?) 5....
Framing labor cost for new house
Framing Labor Cost For New HouseIs there a general guide about how much the framing labor would cost when building a new house? And, if so, what all does that include. Thanks Not really, costs can...
