HAI Wireless Transmitters

uptito

Member
I’m trying to add wireless transmitter/receiver to OP2 but I don’t know which one to use between 45A00-1 and 42A00-2. Beside cost wise and that HAI wireless receivers require 42A00-1, I need to know pros and cons between these two wireless transmitters. What I need to know is:
  1. which transmitter has more receivers option – I will be adding door, window contacts, drive way sensors, motion detectors, occupancy sensor and many more
  2. Functionality – which works better with OP2
  3. Integration with OP2 – which is more easy to add-on
  4. Any receivers that can be integrated to either transmitters beside the generic receivers (door, window contacts, drive way sensors, motion detectors). In other word, is it possible to add DIY type of receiver to either transmitters?
What I want to know is not limited to the above questions. The more detail the better. Thank you
 
Since no one else jumped in...

They achieve the same functionality but for two different communication standards. GE is more your generic brand and obviously the HAI is the manufacturer's brand and each operates on a different frequency. The only real way to choose is to determine which sensors you will need (now or in the future) and by the related device that supports those sensors. You could always run both.

The HAI is cheaper most likely because its the manufacturer's make and buying it means you will be buying their sensors as well. Where as with GE your money will be going to other manufacturers for the sensors.

The quick and dirty answer is GE has a broader range of choices but also varying make as there are different manufacturers and models. I believe the quality is still acceptable on almost everything, As for my opinion I would suggest going GE. More choices, hence better pricing. Buy enough sensors and suddenly the GE Receiver ends up being cheaper overall. HAI you get quality control and direct support, but less choices and usually higher prices for the equivalent sensor if one exists.

Just my $0.02! And I am a hobbyist not a installer!
 
Bal.. thanks for your input. I have always inclined towards GE for the same reason as you described but I wasn't quite sure. It looks like HAI sensors are a bit pricey then GE and with less options. However, the price of GE receiver is higher than HAI. So I’m not sure if I should get GE receiver and benefit from sensors options and less price or get cheaper HAI receiver and spend more on sensors. I don’t want my decision to be strictly only based on cost. Anyone has any more input on these, please share anything.
 
I use the HAI version because they have some specific products I Ike.
The driveway sensor and key fobs in particular.
I also like the hidden contact that installs inside the casing of a window or door.
 
As Desert_AIP said, choose the sensors you want then the related wireless receiver. If you end up really enjoying the hobby, you might end up with both one day regardless.
 
For my 2 cents:

I use GE because I generally need wireless smoke detectors. I've found GE to be very reliable. They make a full range of devices. If you want to save money, they still make the universal receivers that work with just about any panel (including HAI). These come in 1, 2 and 8 zone versions. They are cheaper, super reliable and have been on the market for years. The down side is the older/cheaper GE receivers need a zone for each device plus additional zones for supervisory and low battery rather than attaching to the keypad bus. GE also has key fobs which work well and there is a Driveway sensor in the current distributor catalog. Looks just like the HAI branded one but is labelled "Resolution electronics".
 
Resolution Electronics is a 3rd party manufacturer, they are "GE compatible" meaning they support the GE protocol, but that's where the commonality between the two ends.
 
Thanks everyone for your inputs.

I'd also like to get everyones input on GE door/window contact sensors and motion detectors. Which GE product do you recommand and why?

Thank you again.
 
I've used their version of the AP750 for the PIR's, the ones that offer mirror optics and 50X50 range and had them work really well in the applications I've used them in. I've really stuck to their standard wireless transmitters, and now that they only have the ones that support CR123 batteries (no more long-life) that's about all I've used. I have a bunch of Micras and plungers, but those are specific case by case installs. I wouldn't do a whole house with recessed wireless due to servicablity issues, if I could help it at all.

Any of the coin cell based units will have far less battery life than a standard transmitter, so that has to be weighed compared to asthetics.
 
I tend to hate the installer's point of view because it's a selfish one... as a homeowner myself, I don't want to see a transmitter - *ever*. But DEL pointed out an important point - there are a ton of "GE Compatible" transmitters that aren't actually made by GE.

To offer a contrasting view, I think the ION sensors are awesome, and they make a flavor for each common receiver out there. I too use the GE version. When installed in my modern vinyl windows, it seemed like they were built for the application, and installed perfectly; and you can't see them. 100% WAF and even Personal AF. That said, I'm not in love with their plungers. The concept is great, but I've had reliability issues with several of mine. And unfortunately to DEL's point, serviceability is kind of a b***h. They don't always remove cleanly and end up looking beat up, or flat out broken. They take patience. Then again, I wouldn't pay an installer by the hour to change the batteries - I'd pick a saturday and grab a couple narrow putty knifes and go for it.

I ordered a bunch and think I got some old stock because they didn't last a year; my window contacts on the other hand have been flawless. I have most interior doors on them as well for automation; like control of the closet/pantry lights, and to know when the little ones get out of bed at night (to alert us, as well as to turn on the bathroom lights for them).
 
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