08-19-2025, 03:04 PM
More details about cellular usage.
It is not normally used at all. But having a backup method is critical to providing contact with First Responders when an alarm is triggered. If the WiFi is down and an alarm is triggered, the house could burn down.
In normal usage, even using a Wifi connection, the data usage is usually ZERO until an alarm is triggered. The monitoring service I use utilizes the a http_request and Json to create, cancel, get status, or update an alarm. These transmissions are less than 254 bytes.
I have been using this approach for many years, but it is not an all-in-one solution like the TA would provide. Because I have 24/7 monitoring, I receive a discount on my home insurance. And in those many years of use, I have never created an alarm. Thankfully.
So critical YES, but used much NO. I hope this paints a clear picture as to why a cellular solution is needed.
And like others, I would like to have more zones. Currently, my panel has 9 zones, so if I use a TA, I would have to combine my two door zones into one. It is not a problem for security, but the more zones you have defined, gives the First Responders better information.
It is not normally used at all. But having a backup method is critical to providing contact with First Responders when an alarm is triggered. If the WiFi is down and an alarm is triggered, the house could burn down.
In normal usage, even using a Wifi connection, the data usage is usually ZERO until an alarm is triggered. The monitoring service I use utilizes the a http_request and Json to create, cancel, get status, or update an alarm. These transmissions are less than 254 bytes.
I have been using this approach for many years, but it is not an all-in-one solution like the TA would provide. Because I have 24/7 monitoring, I receive a discount on my home insurance. And in those many years of use, I have never created an alarm. Thankfully.
So critical YES, but used much NO. I hope this paints a clear picture as to why a cellular solution is needed.
And like others, I would like to have more zones. Currently, my panel has 9 zones, so if I use a TA, I would have to combine my two door zones into one. It is not a problem for security, but the more zones you have defined, gives the First Responders better information.