Identify Your Existing Security Alarm System!
Its very common security system owners know very little about their alarm equipment especially if you just moved into a home with an existing system. If you are considering making a move to a lower priced, no contract alarm monitoring provider such as SafeHomeCentral its important we know what brand and model security system you own. This helps us confirm compatibility with our central station as well as what options such as interactive services for remote control of your system from a cell phone is possible.
The simplest way to get started is to just match up a picture below to what you see on your wall or countertop. Check both the Wireless Alarm Systems as well as Hardwired Alarm Panel sections. In some cases the dealer may have placed their own private label on the keypad. This happens all the time with national companies such as ADT. These dealers don’t make the equipment but may confuse identification since rather than saying Honeywell on the keypad it may say ADT for example.
Wireless Alarm Systems
A Wireless All-in-One (AIO) alarm system does not have the traditional metal control box hidden away in a closet. Instead everything is built into the main keypad along with a wireless receiver, siren, and backup battery. Most modern security systems are wireless types of alarm systems today and very powerful for their small size.
2GIG Rely
3G cellular can no longer be activated
DSC Touch
3G only. Can no longer be activated for monitoring
Qolsys IQ Panel
WIFI and 3G cellular – Can no longer be activated
Hardwired Panels With Keypads
A hardwired security system will have a metal box with all of the door, window, motions, keypads etc. all connecting back. This is the control box. It’s generally hidden out of view in a closet, garage, or basement. A hardwired control can still have wireless sensors in the mix especially to locations where running wiring is extremely difficult so an add-on wireless receiver is added.
Honeywell Hardwired Panel Models
Ademco 4110, 4110DL, 4110XM, 4110XMP, 4120XM, 4130, 4140XMP, 4150, 4180, 5110XM, 5120XM, 5140XM, Vista-10SE, Vista100, Vista-10P, Vista-10SE, Vista-128, Vista-128FBP, Vista-128BP, Vista-128BPT, Vista-15, Vista-15P, Vista-15PSIA, Vista-20, Vista-20P, Vista-20SE, Vista-21IP, Vista-250BP, Vista-30P, Vista-32FB, Vista-40, Vista-50, Vista-50P
Landline enabled, IP Internet and cellular options
AlarmNet Alarm.com Alula Telguard Landline
Honeywell Tuxedo
Honeywell 6150
Honeywell 6160
Honeywell 6128
Honeywell 6139
DSC PK5500
DSC PK5516
DSC PTK5507
NetworX LCD
Concord 4 Touchscreen
NX-108E
Concord LCD
Magnum Alert
GEM-RP1CAe2
Questions, Questions, Questions
There are indeed questions that must be asked when a potential customer reachs out for new alarm monitoring service especially if they do not know exactly what system they own. In some cases it was installed years ago and the original receipt is lost or perhaps you inherited this system when you moved into the house with no information left by the last homeowner.
Are you using Landline, Internet, or Cellular for communication to a central station?
In the old days it was always landline but few homeowners have a real landline anymore. It’s possible to use VoIP which is a landline-like telephone service from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) but unless this line is wired to the alarm panel it is not an option. Keep in mind that VoIP is not a reliable communication path to a central station. Some ISPs have a fairly good service while others are horrible and the transmission just will not go through because VoIP was not meant for digital signaling rather it was designed for voice.
Internet and cellular communication, while more reliable and faster, can also provide interactive services if your control panel supports it. If you have a hardwired panel the Internet or cellular communicator is a small box generally mounted next to the control panel. In a wireless AIO system the system may have a cellular, WIFI, or both card inside. What is important for us (or any dealer) is the MAC Address or IMEI number on the card (or inside the communicator addon box). This is how we register your communicator for service.
Pricing is based on communication path as well as interactive support options so be sure to understand this component.
NOTE: If your system/panel has an existing cellular communicator it MUST be 4G/LTE to be activated with AT&T or Verizon. If you have an older 3G model for example you will need to update to an LTE communicator to make a switch to any new security dealer. Some panels require a firmware update to use an LTE card.
External Cellular or Internet Communicator For Hardwired Panel
Cellular or WIFI Communicator Card For AIO Wireless Panel
Cellular Communicator Module For AIO Wireless Panel
Do you want to remote arm/disarm your security system?
Interactive services is what provides remote arm and disarm functionality from a smartphone, tablet, or PC as well as Z-Wave home automation to control lights, locks, and thermostats. The particular alarm panel or communicator in use determines if Z-Wave capability is possible with interactive services. Its worth pointing out interactive services is ONLY possible with Internet or cellular communication. Landline communications is a dial-out service and will not work with interactive services.
If in doubt just hit us up on Chat or give us a call to discuss!
We’re here 7 days a week, 9am-8pm EDT for technical and pre-sales support.
800-840-6150