2GIG GC3 Security & Automation System 2GIG-GC3-345

I love this product and the service that I receive from alarm.com. No, you do not have to purchase monitoring via a third party, but I opted to do so, because I felt it would protect my home better. I will not speak about the monitoring service because that has nothing to do with the capabilities of the device itself. That said, not only is set up very easy (I was up and running the same day), but installing/additional various add-on components is very simple. It takes no more than two minutes to add a sensor. Just type in he number on the box and name it (front door, living room smoke detector). It works with Honeywell products (which are a lot less expensive) and GoControl. This unit came with the cellular connection kit and a backup battery. If the internet goes down or power is cut, the device still works. It can be armed/disarmed via cellphone, the panel or the internet. It also can be controlled via Alexa (if you decide to get monitoring through alarm.com). I receive status reports (which I setup) via my cellfone and email. If that wasn’t enough the device can also act as a Zwave hub (think Wink or SmartThings). So, can also control your lights and appliances, create scenes and control other smart devices such as locks, humidifiers, and thermostats. For example, I have my panel set up so that when the panel is armed, the dead bolt is engaged on the doors. When the panel is disarmed, the deadbolts are retracted. There are also cameras such as the Hikavison which have a built-in motion detector that can also be set up to work with this alarm panel. I know what you’re saying to yourself, “So, what I already have a hub.” As do I and the makers at 3gig thought of that. This can act as a secondary controller for all your Zwave (and only Zwave) devices. Example, I have a Wink (yes, this works on SmartThings and Vera, too) system. I associate all my smart devices to the Wink (ex: smart locks, smart plugs, sirens, bulbs, thermostats, etc). I then put the 3Gig in learning secondary controller mode and tell the Wink that there is a secondary controller. All the Zwave devices are then added to the 3agig control panel device. Now, both are controllers/hubs for my devices. Why is this important? Because now, when the alarm goes off, I can have all the lights come on, or have individual codes for my smart locks, or program my alarm panel to have a “lived in look” whenever the panel is armed in Away mode. It’s fantastic! And you know what? I still haven’t listed all the features of this alarm panel.That said, I would like to admit a few cons. 1. The biggest con is the lack/slowness in firmware updates. I purchased my 3Gig panel in 2016. There was supposed to be a firmware upgrade to allow it additional capabilities which was due in early 2016 and of this writing, Sept 2018, the update has yet to be released. 2. If you only wanna buy/purchase 3Gig/GoControl devices, they are very expensive. I have found using Honeywell as a less expensive alternative with no drawbacks. 3. If you decide to not a have a monitoring service, this is a definite DIY system. 3Gig help/ customer service is non-existent for the end user (I’ve been told they only deal with professional installers). Now that said, if you are willing to Google like crazy, you can locate a lot of different areas for assistance. But specific questions, you’ll just have to hope that someone takes pity and answers it for you. That said (and I by no means trying to push someone to get Alarm.com) Alarm.com was very helpful when I was trying to do some crazy figurations that were not the norm (ex using the panel as a secondary Zwave controller, configuring Zwave devices that were not on their “tested” list). So, I give them a thumbs up for that. 3. There is no real camera support. Meaning, I wanted to be able to use the onscreen device to monitor my cameras; however, this is not a feature the 3Gig has. However, if you purchase a high end camera which has the alarm output connects, one can configure the alarm system to act basised upon information sent to it from said camera(s). Those I believe are the biggest/most important grievances. I mean I have petty ones like the additional keypad sucks, because it’s just a keypad with no display unit. See, petty things like that. Which means in encessence this is a solid device.I would highly recommended it to anyone. I truly believe it would fit 85% of all your desires and 100% of all your security needs.****Update 2 DEC 2018****Still loving my panel! In fact, I came up here to locate the exact package I purchased so I could recommend it to a friend. Only to find that it is no longer being sold by Amazon. The package I purchased had everything to get one up and running, the cellular/AT&T module, a SIM card, the AC/DC cord, backup battery and window and door warning stickers. The package was $400 and cost less that buying each piece separately and less of a headache of trying to understand what one needs just to make it work. That said, I’d still recommend it. I don’t know how ADT is as monitoring service, but Amazon does sell a 2Gig package that uses ADT (you DO NOT have to have a monitoring service, in order for the 2Gig to work as a security system and to utilize the SmartHome features. However, if you decide you want the monitoring service, you have no option other than ADT). Right now, that package is on sell for $99 regularly $400: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Wireless-Security-Detector/dp/B077JRBSSZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543776637&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=ADT&psc=1No matter how you look at that, it’s a great deal! Well, unless you want a monitoring service and you would rather not have ADT. LOL!Oh and another update to my review, 2Gig still has not released the firmware upgrade, but they have released two versions of the digital LCD screen, which I had listed as a petty complaint that they didn’t have one. Amazon sells one of the versions currently for $150:https://www.amazon.com/2GIG-Technologies-2GIG-SP2-GC3/dp/B07B1G3LRC/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1543760789&sr=1-8&keywords=2gig+control+panelPlease note, this is ONLY an additional LCD display and keypad with limited functionality. From my understanding, it cannot run the system.Some other things I didn’t mention in my original post:1. the device has limited function with Alexa.2. Alarm.com and ADT both have apps and web interfaces which provide full functionality (my preferred method of arming/disarming my 2Gig is the Alarm.com app, which is also on the iwatch)3. I have yet to identify a wireless outdoor siren which is compatible (yeah sucks)4. It is compatible with IFTT5. On the SmartHome side of the house, the 2Gig is limited to which manufacturers it supports. However, you can get around this limitation by using it as a secondary controller and using something like Wink* hub as your primary controller6. The 2Gig/GoControl devices/accessories although easy as pie to install on the panel, they are truly the most expensive. If possible use Honeywell (first default), SmartThings Zwave (2Gig does not support Zwave plus, WiFi, or BlueTooth), and then look at various other Zwave manufacturers (I heard that Vividant devices are compatible. However, I have never tried, so I can’t say).Well, that’s it... I gotta get this info over to my friend. Enjoy the rest of your wkend!* Full disclosure, I own both Wink Hub and Hub2. However, on SmartThings support blog, they have an excellent write up concerning how to make the 2Gig panel a secondary Zwave controller to the SmartThings Hub.

I replaced an existing basic alarm system. My existing system was a 4 wire - 2 for power and two for speaker to the panel. I had the panel going to a secondary lockbox about 10 feet away and there was no easy way to snake a 12 wire cable to this box. So hooking up the zones and addition features took an internet search. Also- this is only a two zone hardwire panel- 2 doors only. 80 wireless sensor zones is a huge bonus. I wired the doors and windows all through wireless sensors. The doors in the house are hardwired to the security box I mentioned, but I used a wired to wireless sensors and set Tham as wireless zones in the house. It took a bit of reading, but the process was not difficult. I have everything up and running. All in all it took about an hour or two of actual hands on work to get the old panel out and install all the new equipment. It was my Saturday project and was worth it. You can custom program the sensors and add the voice to let you know what sensors are tripped- "Front Bedroom Window Left" "Living Room Window Right", etc... I added sensors to my computer room, set it to let me know why my kids go in and try to use my computer. The GC3 was a good buy, but with the panel, 17 wireless sensors and two motion detectors- this whole package was about $650. in the end cheaper than a "Pro" install and no three year contract for service. Instead of $50 a month for three years, I am on $20 a month - no long term contract. I would have giving it five stars, but the manual provided for install lacks details and an internet search is a must for proper setup. So far very happy with this system after on month of use.

This does exactly what it is supposed to do. I purchased this, with a separate cellular module, and a 2GIG Takeover Kit. I had an old wired ADT system in the house I just purchased. To turn it back on would have cost me >70$ to have monitored. I used the 2GIG Takeover Kit to make my wired system wireless (It's a small module, super easy to install) then replaced my ADT panel with the 2GIG one (I used the same power and wiring). The 2GIG GC3 nicely integrated with the takeover kit and now my house is easy to arm and monitor. I now have my alarm being monitored for $20 a month and I can see which sensors are hit from my phone powered by alarm.com.I also like that it has Z-wave, easy to integrate with my front door lock. I do wish they had software to allow you to monitor it from your phone without a 3rd party Alarm.com.If you don't pay the monthly fee to some outside company to monitor your alarm, you cannot see the status of it outside your house with an app.

I am a person that really don't like buying electronics on line and was very unsure about purchasing this system. After receiving it, it took me about 15 minutes to read the installation instruction and probably 1 hour to install everything. Setting up of all the devices were extremely easy. Me and the wife played with it for a while and I wanted to see just how far the devices would pick up and I have a detached garage that sets close to 100' from the control panel and it had no problem reaching that far. And that even going through several wall.. Very impressive to say the least. After initial installation, I've purchase enough devices to have every door and window with sensors. I ended up going with Alarm.com for my monitoring services and so far, they been great to work with as well. Done a great job with some minor set up issues. The part that I like most of all, I have a great monitored security system and even after buying all the hardware and the monthly services, it's still less than half the cost of ADT or ATT systems. I'm a pretty picky individual and I'd give this system an A+...