GE Simon XT Best Practices

Recently, we received the following question on our forum:

"I am about to receive my Simon XT for installation in my 2 story house with three entry doors (front, rear, through garage) and 12 windows on 1st floor.  I am thinking of installing the following:

Great room which includes the rear door and 6 windows: (a motion sensor and a glass shatter sensor)

The living room/dining room combo with 5 windows: (a motion sensor and a glass shatter sensor)

The hallway with front door, and a side hallway branch including the garage entry door and a window: (a motion sensor)

Here are my questions:

1- Should I install door and window contacts as well?

2. What are the best programming practices for Simon XT that everyone should use no matter the number or type of sensors?

3. Are there multiple GSM modules available for XT and if so, which one would you recommend?

Thanks."

Ok, lets answer these questions one by one.  

1. Should you install door and window contacts as well?  Yes!  Why?  A motion sensor is a great idea, but it should always back up existing security, not be the principle source of protection.  It will work well in conjunction with door/window contacts, not on its own.  A glass break sensor is also very helpful, but what if the thief doesn't break the window?  What if he pries it open?  Then your glass break sensor does nothing.  Because of their stated limitations, both motion sensors and glass break sensors should be used to complement door/window sensors, not to replace them.

2. What are the best programming practices for Simon XT that everyone should use no matter the number or type of sensors?  This is a difficult question, because every application is different.  So, what are the basics that everyone should do?  The best advice I can give you is to lay out your entire system and plan everything out before you begin programming.  It will save you a ton of time and frustration.

3. Are there multiple GSM modules available for XT and if so, which one would you recommend?  There are really two options available from SafeMart that will work with the XT.  The first GSM module is the GE Simon XT GSM Wireless Cellular Module, which is designed for the XT and retails at $249.00.  The second is just a generic GSM Module of which the Uplink DigiCell AnyNET GSM Cellular Communicator, is just one.  It retails for $239.11.  Ok, now which do we recommend?  For the XT, we recommend the GE Simon XT GSM Wireless Cellular Module.  Why?  Every other GSM module is only going to report that an alarm happened, not what happened.  The GE XT GSM Module has contact ID reporting, which means that it will state exactly what sensor was tripped, allowing the monitoring company or you to know if there is a fire or a burglary, or a freeze alarm.  For the money, its the only GSM module worth buying if you have the XT.