2GIGs GC Touch Panel
The world of smart home and facility automation can be a daunting one to jump into. Even if you’ve done a few installs, each new project brings its own challenges and obstacles. Each new client, their own preferences. Where do you even start? What kinds of products should you choose? Well today we’ll talk about 2GIGs new GC Touch Panel, the sensors and accessories it’s compatible with, and how to navigate the interface to ensure full control over the premises.

Whenever you’re planning for a new smart home install, you’ll start with mapping out what exactly needs to be surveilled, automated, or scheduled. Once you have that list, it’s time to decide the appropriate devices - considering specifications like price, coverage, abilities, accessibility, and maybe even branding.

If you find yourself needing to designate zones for cameras, sensors, access control devices, etc, you’ll probably like what the GC Touch can offer. Unlike the GC2e or even the 2GIG EDGE, the GC Touch supports over 100 unique zones. 128 to be exact. It can also support up to 64 users, because what good is a bunch of zones if everyone has to share one user profile?

Bluetooth Disarm
Each user can also connect their phone to the panel via Bluetooth. Why does this matter? Well, the GC Touch has a feature called Bluetooth Disarm, and as you might imagine, this allows a phone to disarm the panel via…. wait for it…. Bluetooth! An aptly named feature. But seriously though, this is a super convenient feature, because not only are you able to disarm the panel hands-free, but you can also know exactly which user’s device was the one that disarmed the panel.

If you’re worried about how secure it is to set up a phone for this feature, don’t worry. You have to add it in the Add User section, and that requires jumping into the settings menu which in turn requires a password known only to the installers and admins (unless you wrote the password out on a sticky note. Don’t do that.)

Sensor Compatibility
Just like the other panels from 2GIG, the GC Touch is compatible with Z-Wave devices, both the regular and long range ones. Additionally, it can also connect with 345MHz, 345S, and eSeries sensors. This makes up a majority of the sensors and devices 2GIG makes, with the exception of the E+ series (if you’re wanting those specifically, check out the 2GIG EDGE).

Live View
So you’ve got cameras set up around the facility or home, and there’s someone showing up at the front door. With other panels, you’d maybe get an alert, but then you’d need to check an app. That’s not the case with this panel. You can view alarm.com cameras from the panel itself, no other devices involved (well technically the camera is involved, but you get what I’m saying.)

Physical Build
Finally, let’s talk about the device itself. This panel has a sleek 7” screen similar to the 2GIG EDGE, with larger speakers right below the screen. This provides an impressive audio quality for clear 2-way voice communication and some loud sirens.

The UI has been simplified, and it’s more intuitive than ever. In a recent video we’ve made, I go through all of the various menus and tabs available. For more information, check out the video linked below.

If you’re starting an install where automation is important and connectivity with other devices is nonnegotiable, consider 2GIGs new GC Touch Panel.