Customer Reviews

80-649-3N-XT - GE SIMON XT WIRELESS Security System

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I reviewed systems for 6 months online before deciding on this system.I wanted one,that had a lot of options & different sensors,and that would work with my high speed connection.I bought:

1 GE xt control,with backup battery
1 phone line hookup
2 wireless door sensors(for entry doors)
4 wireless door/window sensors(to use with window sensors)
16 2 wire magnetic window sensors(all my windows)
3 motion detection sensors(upstairs & basement)
1 external alarm speaker (outdoor or indoor type)
1 roll 250 feet alarm wire 2 wire(you'll need for window sensors)
1 wallmount wireless fob(for arming & disarming from a master bedroom)
2 car keyfobs( for car keys,to arm & disarm alarm)
1 DVD GE XT setup & installation(can get from safemart.com)
2 alarm signs & stickers(another security thing,that'll let a perp no wrong house to mess with,cheap to buy)
2 dummy cameras(nice to have around entry doors,another nice security measure,cheap to buy)

after getting everything I set all items on kitchen table,got DVD and watched it real good and took notes,This DVD will cost you 30 bucks,but very valuable as setup will be a breeze after watching it.
I setup a front & back door wireless alarm inside the top of the door and made it no delay-instant alarm,when alarm is activated.the smoke detector i put on the main floor,and made that a no delay instant alarm.
then setup the wireless window sensors,which 1 wireless sensor can be wired to cover 4 windows,which you need alarm wire to do.I did all my windows and was able to save some money by not buying a whole bunch of wireless window sensors(which you could go that route if money is no option).The DVD will show you how to wire these up to make it easier for you.
then put in the wallmount keyfob in the bedroom so i could arm/diaarm when i go to bed.Then i mounted the motion sensors around the house in main areas & basement.motion detectors were just optional, but i wanted extra blanket security in my home.
You then need to run your phone line into your phone jack,or if you have high speed internet theres optional devices you can do there,and aftermarket companies that will assist you there.you'll need to pay a monthly or annual fee.You can also just set it up to call your cellphone,or directly to the police.I then ran a external outdoor speaker and mounted that in another room away from the control module(the GE control module has a ear piercing alarm built in as well).This is nice when a perp breaks in it will be ear piercing loud.You can also setup as a silent alarm,to sctually call directly to you or your alarm company.
I Then mounted the control module to a wall in another room,but center located to pickup all the wireless items.At first it seemed a lil confusing setting up the names,and each alarm sensor,but after doing 1 or 2,it was a breeze.You trip your wireless sensor,then the control module detects it.then you can name is like front door,back door,main room,bedrooms,basement ETC...,this is where you can also setup what level you want your sensors to be.rear door i made it instant as its not used much,motion sensors are all instant as well.front door & windows i give a 30 sec. delay,to allow enough time to lock the house and leave.there is a ton of options that you can set this this up.You can even get make this a silent alarm so a perp doesn't even know you have a alarm.
I setup a couple dummy cameras, and put 2 security signs in my yard & stickers on a few windows for an added security measure.
This DIY GE xt alarm system will seem a lil complicated without the aftermarket DVD,but with it setup and operating will be a breeze.You'll want the owners manual as well as a reference when setting it up as well.
I love my alarm,and its peace of mind when i go to bed at night & leave my premises.In todays age things our getting a lil rougher,and people more desperate.No one likes to be a victim,so protect yourself and get something like this.

The system is very good once installed. The instructions assume that you are an actual installer and not the end user. If you run into questions (you will) and try to call the tech support number in the manual, you will learn they do not offer ANY support to the end user. They will not even take your question. They have a policy that they only talk to registered installers.

My system went in fine after I spoke to an installer. There are little bits of info needed to program that you won't find in the manual. Once done, the system works fine, but know that if you need help, you will be directed to call an installer.

For those who can't follow cooking recipes or simple instructions perhaps it may be too difficult for you and if so go to [...] and get a pre-programmed system for another [...]$. For anyone else who isn't challenged this is a great system that gives you quite a few options if you consider all the devices that are compatible.

It took me about 2 hours from start to finish to install the telephone, power, and about 12 wireless detection devices. I purchased at safemart and they do support the device as well as being very helpful, I highly recommend.

This can sync up with your thermostat, lighting, internet monitoring...etc.

Instead of paying [...]$ a month through Brinks/ADT/Gaurdian you can get independent monitoring which is exactly the same. I highly recommend this and feel confident with my purchase.

I purchased a custom Simon XT system for my mom & dad - so I had it shipped to me, programmed it and then gave it to them as a gift. I have a GE Concord 4 system with a combination of wired and wireless sensors, and this XT is nearly functionally identical, especially mow that they have added cellular and X-10 options. To address the two most common complaints - ease/difficulty of programming and "defeatability": the included instructions are not difficult, but they are incomplete for some installations; you need to search and download the installers "installation manual" in addition to the included installation "guide". Several on-line retailers have the manual on their websites. Nonetheless, programming is lengthy and cumbersome, but not difficult unless you're not the sharpest tool in the shed (an increasing common condition in our society). Concerning "defeatability" - by destroying or damaging the control panel - this isn't an issue if you do a smart system design with an external siren (indoor, but separate from the panel - a $15 item) - after all, that's why the system specifically includes an external siren output. The siren can be mounted a very long way away (hardwired) and the panel siren disabled - so any burglar wouldn't even know where the panel is. Piezo alarms bounce off the walls and are actually hard to pinpoint quickly - especially for panicked burglars who usually scram the second an alarm sounds. And if they find the exterior siren and disable it, it doesn't affect the panel, which is now dialing you or the cops. Plus, you can add a 2nd wireless keypad panel (like near the main entrance), with this panel siren enabled, and with the main panel in, say, your bedroom - so you can easily see what's going on if it goes off in the middle of the night, while being able to easily disarm the system with the 2nd keypad when you enter your home/apt. Plus, the mythical courageous burglar could smash the 2nd keypad, realize it didn't affect the system (exterior siren and main panel are still fully active) and then go in search of the exterior siren while the main panel in your bedroom/closet/hidden place calls the cops. Duh. Meanwhile, up to 40 other wireless sensor are watching for smoke, fire, water leaks, glass breaks, carbon monoxide, freezing temps, etc. If you don't want to pay for a monitoring service, you can just enable the panel to call your cell phone or neighbor or whatever. But all this is meaningless, because with millions of houses and apartments to choose from, burglars don't mess with those that display security system signs, then start making noise when they are dumb enough to break in. It just doesn't happen.
But all this does raise the point that you're going to end up spend a lot of cash for a full system - more than just a basic system cost. You can pretty much triple the cost of the basic system, plus a lot more if you add cellular capability. But it's still a great deal. Our central panel system costs thousands. After working with the Simon XT, I would recommend it for anyone doesn't have a basement for a main panel, doesn't want to run a lot of wires, needs a minimal system, or just doesn't want to drop a load of cash.

First of all, do not expect to get the same unit that is in the picture. It is misleading, as what is shipped is the newer model. The good news is that the unit comes with the latest and greatest firmware, Rev. 1.4, so you will be able to use one of the new fancy two-way LCD touchpads with the control panel.

The kit is pretty darned complete with everything that you'd probably need to set up a small apartment. But if you're doing a house installation, you'll definitely need more sensors, readily available on Ebay for dirt cheap. The kit comes with a DVD which instructs you on how to operate the system. There are two other sets of instructions that accompany the kit, but I didn't find everything that I needed there, so I drummed up a couple more pdf instructions on the web, which were easy to find.

The setup was pretty much a snap, except I was having issues with the system calling out to my cell phone. At first, I was thinking that it might be because I'm using VOIP, but that shouldn't have been an issue if I selected "voice dialer". I was baffled and tried all sorts of configurations, until I found something on the Internet that clued me into my mistake. There are two ports on the back of the panel- one is an RJ31 jack and the other a RF45. Being a network engineer, I just figured that the unit had some sort of disabled broadband function. If you look more closely, you'll find that the smaller jack is labeled "phone", while the larger jack is labeled "line". So, to make a long story short, the phone cable (even though it's small) goes into the big port. As soon as I did that, the alarm notified me of the tripped sensors, when I tested it. Voilà!

As I mentioned, I'm using VOIP, so I'm still shopping around for central monitoring solutions. Most companies will sell you an appliance to match their specific services, and then you pay the ongoing monthly. There is always the GSM cellular module that you can buy for the panel, but it's kind of expensive, plus you have to pay for another cell phone line.

All in all, the system is quite handsome and it's features are robust. It's extremely expandable. There is nothing cheap about this system- it's definitely high quality all the way!

Living in the Bay Area you would expect ADT and Bay Alarm to be one of the best deals since they are the main players but ! ADT tried to screw me for $1900 for a third rate system ! Never will I ever recommend ADT again ! Worst ever and it was a factory rep ! Bay Alarm was not bad for the price but customer service was sub par.

What I learned is that there are 2 basic systems Honeywell (lynx) is pretty good but VERY hard to program OR GE Simon XT which is VERY user friendly and easy to program. You can search youtube for videos and ebay for the deals but then it boils down to Monitoring.

Both Systems you can use the land-line to call to check on the system statue but if the burglar cuts the phone line or power goes out your screwed. Go with Cellular they can't cut the phone line !

Monitoring ... you can go without paying (i.e. buy a prepaid card and self monitor)but then what's the point, you are not as fast as the monitoring center and that extra layer of protection is why I went with FrontPointSecurity.

Their monitoring is interactive. I can check on my cell or internet oh how my house is doing @ ANYTIME ! Other companies charge you an arm and leg for this feature. They even have video monitoring with the GE units.

Bottom line, GE Simon XT is a great system to install, Battery backup can be Mod. to add more batteries (daisy chained for longer backup power) Can use both Landline and Cellular for interaction and ALL wireless ! Peace of Mind !

I love this thing. It will do so much and is very configurable. The cost of accessories is kind of high but comes with enough for us for now. It was also a little hard to get set up good but if you really read the directions well and that makes it a little easier.

i am no techy but had no problem setting up the basics for this system
It has been installed for about 4 months now and performs perfectly
good quality professional looking
recommended

I purchased this security system because of its high reviews from various sites. Over all it's a competent system and not hard to set up. The only issues I had with the system was the instructions, they didn't seem to belong to the system I bought because if you followed them step by step you didn't get the expected results. I had to learn and set up the system by exploring the menu's. I would think that any decent security system should include comprehensive instructions for the unit and not a four page manual that doesn't have the correct instruction set. Even the DVD that was included didn't work if you followed the instructions there. The price was good but as a system it would be nice to have the correct manuals.

The reviews were right, it can be time consuming and confusing to set up and program each sensor.
Googling will find some sights that explain it easier and makes the setup painless.

Well, worth the money. I have every intention of adding additional sensors onto it, including the touchpad.

You can't go wrong with this one.

Oh, and don't be fooled about the less expensive wireless systems. They not as good, and likely not reliable.
Even the large Monitoring Security companies use this same system. That should say enough about it.