Nortek Security & Control says its next generation 2GIG GC3 all-in-one home security and automation panel will reach distributors and installers in Q1 2016.
The 2GIG GC3 is a highly intuitive all-in-one security and home control panel with 7-inch touchscreen that offers home security, manages up to 232 smart home devices, features zone and user customization options, provides mobile security and safety alerts, and brings update capabilities allowing installers to better support customers remotely.
“2GIG changed the alarm industry model by making it dramatically easier to add home automation and control features to security systems,” said Duane Paulson, senior vice president, Nortek Security & Control at CES 2016 where the release was announced.
“2GIG is at the forefront of driving the rapidly evolving security and home control market and the new 2GIG GC3 is the fruition of extensive research, beta testing, design engineering, and experience proven over millions of installations to deliver the premier all-in-one security and smart home solution in the industry, which is now poised to change the market again.”
On the comms side, this GC3 panel offers 3G and CDMA Cellular modules, integrated Z-Wave 500 Series and more. The panel can manage up to 100 users and control up to 100 wireless zones, 2 hard-wired zones and 32 keyfobs with scene support.
The GC3 will be Z-Wave Plus-certified and able to act as a smart home hub to support up to 232 connected Z-Wave devices. This allows installers to include smart home products including GoControl thermostats, light bulbs, light switches, alongside other popular Z-Wave devices such as door locks for maximum smart home capabilities.
Nortek says GC3 is the thinnest panel currently on the market, featuring a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a new GUI designed for intuitive user control. The completely redesigned GUI makes the 2GIG GC3 30 per cent faster to install than previous iterations and is engineered to effortlessly replace existing panels, according to the company.
State-of-the art programming architecture enables faster, more efficient and flexible customization. For example, single screen zone programming makes it easy to add devices. New “Rooms” and “Bookmark” custom features allow either dealers or users to group frequently used smart home controls on to one screen for quick access. The “Bookmark” button feature specifically allows the user to create a customized default home screen for the particular room. Dealer contact information can now be displayed on the panel so the customer can send with a single call button a request for support or even upgrades.
The unit has a new patent-pending resonant audio chamber design to allow clear 2-way voice communication, 24-hour battery back-up and 5-day weather forecasts and alerts. Mobile alerts allow homeowners to act quickly, whether responding to a home security or fire alarm, a safety alert such as smoke or CO2 detection, motion sensing, home entry from a door lock, or other notifications.♦
