simon xt lcd panel brands

A cultural heritage museum in the South of Germany for decades, the installed intrusion alarm system has provided reliable protection on the premises. But suddenly, the detectors trigger false alarms every night after the museum closes. The system integrators are puzzled and conduct extensive tests of the entire system.

Not an easy fix situation, since a new lighting system would prove far too costly. Ultimately, the integrators need to perform extensive detector firmware updates and switch to different sensor architecture to eliminate the error source. This scenario is by no means an isolated incident, but part of a growing trend.

Strong temperature fluctuations can be interpreted by sensors as indicators of a person inside the building. Triggers range from floor heating sources to strong sunlight. In this context, room temperatures above 86°F (30°C) have proven particularly problematic.

Extensive bandwidth frequencies in Wi-Fi routers can potentially confuse sensors. Only a few years ago, wireless routers operated on a bandwidth of around 2.7GHz while today’s devices often exceed 5GHz, thereby catching older detectors off guard.

Over the next few years, sensors were also equipped with sensors detecting visible light to catch flashlights used by burglars, as well as temperature sensors. In Bosch sensors, engineers added proprietary technologies such as First Step detection to trigger instant alarms upon persons entering a room.

The site also presents additional error sources such as large amounts of dust that can contaminate the sensors, as well as visitors accidentally dropping their cameras or mobile phones next to museum exhibits.

The Interlogix Simon XT is a basic all-in-one wireless control panel that serves as the central hub for a home or business alarm system. It includes its own push-button keypad that allows for quick programming and easy operation for home and business owners. With the proper upgrades and add-ons, it can perform most of the features found in a more advanced touchscreen system. Overall, the Simon XT is a solid, no-frills security panel for users who are looking for a basic plug and play setup, with the potential to upgrade to a more advanced system later on. The Simon XT is also sold in two touchscreen models: Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5.

As a panel, the Simon XT will support up to 40 total zones. Two of these zones have the option of being used as wireless zones or hardwired zones for normally closed hardwired security devices. The rest must be used as wireless zones. This is plenty of zones for most households and small businesses. Like most Interlogix alarm panels, the Simon XT interfaces with sensors that communicate at a wireless frequency of 319.5 MHz. This makes the system compatible with all GE/Interlogix and Qolsys wireless sensors that operate on this legacy frequency. The Qolsys encrypted S-line sensors are not compatible.

Out of the box, the Simon XT can only communicate using a POTS (plain old telephone service) connection. The system requires an additional module to utilize cellular communication which is highly recommended. You can choose between the Verizon, AT&T and Telus (Canada Only) cellular networks. By using a cellular radio, the Simon XT can interface with the Alarm.com platform. This service allows users to remotely arm and disarm their system, check the status of their sensors and control Z-Wave devices. Alarm.com also allows users to control the Simon XT using certain smart assistants, including Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Alarm.com is constantly expanding their lineup of cloud integrations with brands like Nest thermostat, Liftmaster MyQ and Lutron Caseta. This makes the Interlogix Simon XT an affordable basic option for users who are looking to integrate their alarm system with the robust Alarm.com interactive service.

The Simon XT can also interface with up to 232 different Z-Wave home automation devices. This will require one of the Alarm.com radios since the automation controller is integrated into the same module. The Z-Wave nodes are limited to controllable devices such as lights, locks or thermostats. The system will not support Z-Wave versions of burglary, life safety or environmental sensors. These devices are considered separate from the 40 main zones on the system. With all that said, adding an Alarm.com cellular communicator to your Simon XT adds a ton of value and really cannot be matched with phone line monitoring service. Cut the cord and get a cellular radio if you are on the fence.

Another helpful feature of the Simon XT is its spoken-voice capabilities. This function enables the Simon XT System to verbally announce the name of any programmed sensor that has been activated. With this feature, users will have an easy time identifying a faulted or troubled sensor. The panel also offers options for chimes and confirmation beeps. Many users program chimes so that they receive an audible alert whenever a door or window has been opened. Meanwhile, the push-confirmation beeps are helpful for many users in making sure that their panel commands are going through properly. A user can enable or disable these system sounds at any time.

The Simon XT will support up to eight programmable access codes. For situations where a greater number of users will need to access the system, we recommend choosing a more robust panel like the IQ2 or GC3. Additionally, new users should be aware that the Simon XT can have a slightly more difficult learning curve than a system with a touchscreen display. But for those who are seeking a very basic wireless system with the potential of doing more, the Interlogix Simon XT is a very capable choice.

Please Note: The former GE Simon XT was simply rebranded as the Interlogix Simon XT. Also, if you end up installing an Alarm.com cellular communicator, it will occupy zone 40 on the Simon XT. A replacement power transformer for this system can be purchased here.

Are you a Simon XT Panel owner, or are you looking to get one in the not-so-distant future? Well, you’re in luck. Welcome to the Simon XT Panel: Most Frequently Asked Questions blog, where we’re going to answer the most popular FAQs surrounding this panel.

Your LCD display will then show Motions, the panel will say Motions out loud, and the button will light up. You’ll then have an allotted amount of time to exit the premises before the motion sensors are fully armed.

Your Simon XT Panel will then display Doors + Windows & Motions, speak Doors and Windows On, Motions On, and the Doors + Windows and Motions buttons will also light up.

To cancel an accidental alarm before the programmed dialer delay time expires, enter your access code. It’s that simple. The panel will display Alarm Cancel and make a beeping sound.

Whether your Panel lost power or you’re setting it up, setting the correct date and time is super easy.To set the date:Scroll until thedisplay shows Set Date, and then press OK. The display will then show Enter Code.

You can test sensors one at a time to make sure they’re sending strong signals to the panel. Simply:Scroll until the display shows System Test, and then press OK. The display shows Enter Code.

If any of the sensors didn’t test successfully and you want to terminate the test, press Status. The panel displays Sensor Test Fail or Aborted. The display then shows Sensor Test. Press Status once to exit the system test. If a sensor test fails, call your security dealer.