Honeywell Lyric SiXPIR Wireless Motion Review

The Honeywell Lyric SiXPIR is an encrypted wireless motion sensor with mounting hardware and is intended for use with the Lyric Controller and systems that support's SiX™ series sensors. The Lyric SiXPIR can be programmed and enrolled into the Honeywell Lyric Controller in a very quickly. Once enrolled, the Lyric SiXPIR sensor cannot be used with another security system until it is removed from the current controller because of its Lyric Lock feature. Each SiXPIR has a unique MAC number located on the sticker on the unit.

The Lyric SiXPIR has a 300-foot transmission range which is around 100 feet more than the previous 5800PIR so now you can place your motion sensor in those far away extra bedrooms from the Lyric Controller. SiXPIR has moved to a 2.4ghz operating frequency which provides you with a 128 bit fully encrypted signal to prevent intruders from jamming the RF signals. The Lyric SiXPIR has expanded its detection with a 40 foot x 56-foot detection pattern which has been designed to protect every size room. The SiXPIR has front and back tamper protection, to prevent anyone from tampering with the enclosure. There are LED indicators on the motion sensor for visual sensor notifications. If you have Total Connect services activated, you can also receive text and email notification anytime this occurs. 

The Lyric Motion comes with a Panasonic CR12A Lithium battery that can last for 5 years with normal use. Once the Panasonic battery that comes with the SiXPIR has died you can replace it with One 3V lithium battery. Duracell DL123 and Duracell 123a, Panasonic CR123A, Honeywell 466. 

When installing a Honeywell SiXPIR motion sensor there are a few guidelines you should follow and look at if you are troubleshooting. The Lyric Motion sensor should be installed at a mounting height of 7'6" either wall or corner mounted and allow a clear line-of-sight to all areas protected. Do not directly face a Lyric SiXPIR towards a window as traffic, window shades, or animals outside can set the motion detector off a cause false alarms. Avoid mounting a SixPIR in close proximity to moving machinery, fluorescent lights, and heating/cooling sources. Lastly, the Lyric SiXPIR is for use with pets no greater than 80lbs. In applications with pets mount the SiXPIR sensor with the center at 7.5 feet and where pets can't come within 6 feet by climbing on furniture, stairs, or boxes. Before your permanently install a SiXPIR make sure that you run a Go/No Go test and determine if the pet immunity will work with your circumstance. 

If possible it is always recommended to have at least one Honeywell SiXPIR motion sensor but, if you can't use this there are other great options that will help solidify your home or business security system. Try to protect all of your door/windows by using one of the Honeywell SiXCT door/window contacts in the event an intruder opens an entry point and separates the magnet from the contact causing the Lyric Controller alarm to go off. Having door/window contacts is usually the most common method of security but, what if someone breaks into your location by breaking your glass door or window? If this is the case, we always recommend backing up your Lyric SiXCT contacts with a Honeywell SiXGB. The Lyric SiXGB works by detecting all UL listed glass break frequencies and sends the signal directly to the Lyric Controller as an alarm signal. A good combination of these devices will set your house apart from other homes especially when you have AlarmClub's Alarm Monitoring Service that comes with Signs & Stickers as a deterrent.

Honeywell Lyric Security System Impressions by AlarmClub

The Honeywell Lyric Security System is not just another all-in-one system, it's part of a new wireless connected platform that was announced almost two years ago at CES in January 2015. With Honeywell's full release of Lyric this opens the door for DIY home security and installations.

While Honeywell took most of 2015 to continue development they began their beta testing program around October which is where they select a few home security companies to test the functionality of the system. During the beta testing program, these companies send their feedback to Honeywell and they work the kinks out before releasing the system. AlarmClub was one of the first to receive a beta panel and was very honored to participate in the testing process.

Honeywell took a different approach than usual by releasing the Lyric platform in two stages. The first wave was only to Lyric Certified dealers such as AlarmClub that went through an intensive course explaining and interacting with all of its features. The second wave which occurred a few months ago was a full release to all security companies across the United States and Canada.

With Lyric being fully released to the public this opens the door for DIY “do-it-yourself” installation’s which is becoming the most popular way to obtain security in homes or businesses. Since Lyric was announced in 2015 there have been more inquiries and pre-orders over any other security system ever. Below you will find all of the key benefits that have been discovered after beta testing the Lyric system.

The new wireless platform has five key components; the Lyric Controller (LCP500-L), a new line of encrypted SiX-Series security sensors, integrations with the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi thermostat, DBCAM) and integrations with Apple HomeKit.

The Lyric Controller is the main alarm control panel for both security and home automation. This is where all the magic happens such as programming security sensors, arming/disarming, programming Z-Wave home automation devices and changing system settings. The Lyric System is compatible with previous Honeywell 5800-Series wireless sensors except for bi-directional devices such as the 5800WAVE wireless siren and 5828/5828V wireless keypads. This allows end users to reuse existing devices and upgrade to the new Lyric platform in a much more cost-effective way.

The looks similar to previous alarm control panels such as L5210 and L7000 systems but, it's NOT. Honeywell has made some major upgrades to the Lyric Security System such as

Internalizing the Wi-Fi and Z-Wave radios into the controller and adding a dedicated cellular communicator slot on the side of the control panel where end users can simply install one of the new AT&T, Verizon or Rodgers communicators. These cellular communicators can be replaced at any time to increase flexibility in communication providers.

Batch programming - While Programming SiX Series wireless sensors into the Lyric Security System instead of having to individually learn in their serial numbers to connect simply activate and assign all of the serial numbers by pulling the battery tabs out of the new security sensors. Batch programming is only available with the newer Honeywell Six-Series sensors and not with previous 5800 series sensors such as 5816 contacts, 5800PIR motion sensors or 5834-4 wireless key fobs.

Smart Scenes - This is one of the best additions to Lyric because it consolidates older Honeywell LYNX programming modes called "scenes and rules" into what is now called smart scenes. Once a Z-Wave home automation device is learned into the controller locate the smart scenes button to enable that device into a smart scene which tells that sensor how and when to act.

GeoFencing - With activation of Honeywell Total Connect and a Second-Generation Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi thermostat its possible to set up a Geofence which is where a perimeter distance is set around a location and anytime one crosses in or out of the set Geofence the Lyric System can simultaneously trigger groups of security and automating devices.

Built-in Camera - The Lyric Security System has added a built-in 2-megapixel security camera on the controller, so that when the security system has disarmed a notification with photo can be sent as a text message and/or email notification directly to smart devices. For this feature to work either DIY or professional must be present.

Built-in microphone - The Honeywell Lyric Controller can now receive voice commands to control Z-Wave automation smart scenes and other features with the use of the built-in microphone. There are three basic commands the Lyric alarm control panel will understand Hello Lyric, Hello Lyric home, and OK Lyric.

All in all, the Honeywell Lyric is the perfect home security system for DIYers. AlarmClub has provided end users with an array of  Page and all of the product installation manuals.

Honeywell Lyric Security System How-To-Videos

Honeywell Lyric Security System Frequently Asked Questions

Honeywell Lyric Controller Product Manuals

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Honeywell Lyric SiXCT Product Review

The Honeywell Lyric SiXCT is a wireless door or window alarm contact, compatible with the Lyric Controller and other systems that supports SiX™ series sensors. The Lyric SiXCT can be programmed and enrolled into the Honeywell Lyric Controller very quickly. Once enrolled, the SiXCT sensor cannot be used with another system until it is deprogrammed from the current panel due to the Lyric Lock feature. Each SiXCT has a unique MAC number located on the sticker on the unit. A new feature of the Honeywell Lyric Security System and SiXCT wireless contact is its sensor health check. The transmitter will always report its battery status to the alarm control panel so the battery level can always be viewed on the ZONES screen. The SiXCT has upgraded its battery life to 5 years' typical use which is an improvement from the 5816 which had an estimated range between 3-5 years. Designed to conserve battery life, SiX wireless devices are normally in an ultra-low-power state. (Radio off, LED's off) Several events can "wakeup" a device; change of state for an external input (reed switch), sensors will also "wakeup" on a time-based interval, and time-based wakeups occur every 30 seconds.

The Lyric SiXCT is now has a 300-foot transmission range, which is about 100 feet more than the previous Honeywell 5816 contact. Which will allow you to place sensor's in faraway extra bedrooms. By using 128-bit AES encryption to prevent against RF jamming, rest assured your Lyric SiXCT open/close alarm signals are being sent and received securely by the Lyric Controller. The SiXCT contains front and back tamper protection, to prevent anyone from tampering with the enclosure. In the event, either of the tamper switches is activated your Lyric Controller will notify you with an alert. If you have the Total Connect application activated, you will also receive a text message and email notification directly to your smart devices. The Honeywell SiXCT has LED indicators on the door/window contact for visual sensor notifications for programming and status.

 The Honeywell SiXCT wireless contact can be installed and programmed in a few different ways. The first would be to install the contact using the magnet for complete wireless functionality. When choosing this installation, method make sure the magnet is between 0.75" - 1" or the sensor may not work correctly. The second installation method would be using the wired terminals on the inside of the SiXCT which is where you can wire a hardwired sensor with a max distance of 3 feet into the wireless Lyric Contact and have it send a wireless signal back to the Lyric Controller. Though the Honeywell SiXCT and 5816 both share the above installation and usage features they are a bit different as to how they are programmed into the alarm control panel. With older 5816 contacts, you would program two different zones using two different loop numbers. When programming a SiXCT sensor to use both a hardwired zone and a wireless zone using the magnet you would simply program the hardwired zone as a contact into its own zone and the wireless aspect would be programmed into its own separate zone labeled Reed. This is not the most common way to setup your SiX contact but, if it is not programmed correctly into the controller it will not function properly.

Honeywell SiXCT wireless devices are a great addition to your home or business and will protect you against intruders whether you are home or away if they open a door/window and separate the magnet from the contact but, you may be asking what if they decide to break the glass window or door? If you have a fear of an intruder breaking either your glass window or door, then you may want to think about adding a Lyric SiXGB glass break sensor which works as a sound detector for all UL listed glass break frequencies. The SiXGB will also protect your whether you are home or away. Another suggestion to be used in conjunction with the SiXCT is using the Lyric SiXPIR wireless motion sensor. The SiXPIR is a great addition to a home or business because no matter how or when an intruder decides to break in the Lyric Motion sensor will play clean up by detecting any kind of motion while you are away. In final while the Honeywell SiXCT is the staple of your security system they work best in conjunction with a variety of SiX Series Sensors.



Honeywell Lyric SiXCT Product Manuals

Honeywell Lyric SiXCT Frequently Asked Questions

Honeywell Lyric Security System How-To-Videos