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.

Construction Site Security

Construction sites are prone to security problems. Teenage kids who think it would be funny to vandalize a project, or thieves looking to steal any tools left behind, generally find construction sites to be free of any security system. Generally this makes sense. You're not going to install a security system in a home that is still being built. So, should you forget about construction site security?

Not quite. There is now a self-contained, reliable, completely portable security system from Elk Products called ElkGuard, now available from SafeMart. It has a built-in motion detector, an on board siren, and can operate for up to 3 months without AC power. You can also add up to 24 wireless accessories, such as sensors or keychain remotes. This system is ideal for a construction company that frequently finds itself the victim of attacks. It is also possible to purchase it with a GSM module already installed in the system (For more information on this, see previous post here). It is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to protect a construction site from expensive and frustrating attacks. Just because your home isn't built, doesn't mean it can't be protected. The ElkGuard also works great for anyone who wants to protect a relatively small area, such as a boat or apartment.

Home Security Devices: What Is GSM?

If you are looking at buying a home security system, you’ve no doubt seen the term GSM at one time or another. Unless you are technologically savvy, you probably had no idea what this meant. So, for the sake of your sanity, here it is. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications. It’s the same system that your cell phone uses to connect to a certain network. A GSM device uses this system to communicate back with your security system. The opposite is also true. So for example, if your phone line is cut, your security system will still be able to contact your central station, via GSM.

Still confused? Here’s a prime example. SafeMart just started carrying the Telguard Primary Residential Cellular GSM Communicator (see picture). Why would you want this? Well, let’s say that you don’t have a landline telephone; you only use cell phones. Normally, a security system runs into your landline. In this case, you don’t have one, so how will your system communicate with the central station? By using a GSM Communicator. This Communicator provides the link between the home security system and the central monitoring station. So, let’s say you have a fire. Your alarm system will use the Global System for Mobile communications to contact the central station.

If you don’t have a landline, this kind of technology is indispensable. But, even if you do, it’s not a bad idea to have one. This way, if a thief were to cut your telephone line, the GSM would kick in and make the call to the central station.