Customer Reviews

GE Simon XT Wireless Home Security System

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

 

 

I recently purchased the Simon XT system after doing a ton of research. For anyone who is considering purchasing this unit, below are a few clarifications to the negative reviews posted so far.

1. X10 - Yes, this unit does not support X10 straight out of the box. The system menus DO have X10 settings, but you wont be able to control any X10 lamp/siren/etc. timers. Why? The power block that ships with the unit does not have the capability of transmitting the signals. You CAN, however, purchase the Simon 3 X10 power adapter and use it with this unit. That allows the power adapter and unit to send the X10 signals. In fact, the optional XT SlimLine keyfobs and other accessories contain buttons for lighting, so all that is required is the Simon 3 power adapter and you're good to go. One important note is that is that the Simon 3 power adapter is NOT compatible with the GSM module for cellular monitoring with the [...] service due to the power requirements of both features. If GSM monitoring is desired, X10 will not be an option.

2. Siren - The built in siren is strong enough for a small one story dwelling, but even with that said you do NOT want the base unit to emit tones or sirens. You would want to mount the main unit in an inconspicuous location, such as a closet or second story room, so that an intruder does not locate the unit easily and disable it. You would want to use a hardwired siren, which most are capable of 85db up to 110db, and leave the main unit silent. X10 sirens are available, but should be used as a supplemental siren since they could potentially not receive the alarm signal or 'flake out' when you need it most.

I guess no matter how much research you think you did, you can still get stuck.

After searching many of the different home security options on line for a few weeks, the Simon XT impressed me. Partly because of the GE brand, but also because it promised some great features and had some good reviews.

I particularly liked the documentation around at the GE site and in the installation and user manuals describing built in features for turning entry lighting on and off, even remotely, based on off-the-shelf standard X10 modules. I purchased and installed the unit. Most features seem to work fine. But while researching why I couldn't get the entry lighting features to work I discovered:

1) GE Security Systems has been acquired by UTC Security. UTC is ambiguous on this, but GE branding will probably go away, most likely as "stocks are depleted". And then what is the future of this product line when there are a lot of established brands out there?

2) A representative at GE Security/UTC Tech Support confirmed that the Simon XT I purchased will NEVER support X10 or the lighting features the product documentation describes and was promised by GE. I was told that the company had trouble getting the proper transformer approved by UL and will remove all mention of X10 in future versions. (Some future version of the Simon may support Z-Wave for the lighting features, but not without a complete replacement of the unit)

So here's the part that doesn't make sense....GE(aka "General Electric") couldn't get a simple device based on a 30 year old technology UL approved? To me, the fact that GE and now UTC appear unwilling to fund the R&D to fix a long outstanding X10 issue effecting a large installed base of devices, is a good indication that they are probably not committed to the product line long-term.

It's too bad. In many other ways it was a nice unit, but I would recommend staying away from the GE Security and Simon brands for now.

I did research on this item before purchasing it. The manual states that it supports x10 devices. I was planning on using several x10 wireless sirens because many have stated that the internal siren was very weak (true statement). I later found out from GE that there is no supported line carrier transformer for the xt which prevents the use of x10 devices. They also stated that they have no idea when it will be available. They also do not offer a supervised wireless siren. Since you cannot even hear the chime upstairs and you cannot hear the siren outside(barely upstairs), the unit does little to secure the house. I will not purchace from GE Security again, since they mis advertised their product.

Right on time with a great starter panel. This is my third ITI panel I have given to family because of it's simple efficiency.

Hey- NEVER EVER BUY YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM FROM THE GYSPY DEALERS..
First- you don't need them as you can order and install yourself with no contracts other than your monitoring company..
Second- A wireless monitoring service as of this date is about 20 bucks a month with 20 second response.

Also- the Simon XT product is still going strong. Sold by almost all dealers/ resellers.( the guys to avoid) Whomever the the parent company is, this product sells more now than ever before.

The monitoring companies like them since the false alarm calls are near zero. The units are time tested, easy to install and use and rock solid.

I'm really surprised about the negative comments on this product by the other reviewers. I personally installed the Simon XT about a month ago along with doors/windows sensors and a wired siren. Installation and programing was a breeze. I also researched and selected an alarm monitoring company. I made all the necessary connections and so far I have not encountered any issues.

As for X10 support, I just ordered the Simon 3 line carrier transformer. So far, from what I have researched (and as R. Rodriguez mentioned in his review here), that will allow the system to control X10 accessories. Will find out for sure once I get the transformer.

A company called "Pinnical Security" installed this device along with door sensors and motion sensors, the sales agent (who advertised to us and labor day) said that the device would work similar to "ADT"'s device and would have the same type of monitoring services.

DID NOT DO ANYTHING.

the device always called out, and interupted calls and dsl communication. the company's call station in Denver, CO never got the test signal to see if the alarm was triped to call the cops.

plus the agent said that the trial of the device would be "free" if we advertised the device with a yard sign. didnt happen either we got slaped with a $99.99 dollar a month service charge for something that didnt work.

long story short. DO NOT BUY.

I will never by anything from GE security.