Any word on a new model smoke detector?

Hi ddddssss,

We're not quite sure where that representative got that info, since we haven't announced it! Though we are always working on new additions to our product lineup.

But you did mention that you currently have a Gen2 system. Unfortunately, all future development and additions will be for the Gen 3 system.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

Johnny,

>> Unfortunately, all future development and additions will be for the Gen 3 system.

That is disappointing, (and a little surprising since the Gen3 system uses the old Gen2 compatible detector.)

Having to spend, (for me ~$700 dollars), to get something I theoretically paid for already, seems a bit inconsiderate.

I also hate it new key fob, (don't any of your product developers wear pants with pockets?)

@ddddssss SS2 sensors are not compatible with SS3, including the smoke sensors.  I have 4 smoke sensors, clean them as instructed in the owners manual (yeah, i eventually read it) and since doing that no false alarms. They are much better than the SS2 gen.  

I understand your disapointment on the noncompability, but this is common in many, many tech and non tech products.  Just curious, how long did you own your SS2 system?  And your comments on the new keychain is valid, a poor design all around but since I never use it, doesn't impact me. (Use my phone app)

The Captain is, as usual, correct.

One of the biggest differences between the two generations is the method of communication, which allows Gen3 components to work at a significantly larger distance and more securely. This does mean that Gen2 components are not able to communicate with Gen3, however.

So while the Smoke Detector and the Carbon Monoxide Detector do look similar (and even if their core functions do remain the same), they are not cross-compatible across generations.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

>> So while the Smoke Detector and the Carbon Monoxide Detector do look similar (and even if their core functions do remain the same), they are not cross-compatible across generations.

Well that will teach me to listen to Simplisafe personal.

I understand the keypads and sensors being non-compatible, (hopefully based on better encryption?), but I'd been told the smoke detectors they were the same. (Perhaps they meant identical in operation even though they weren't compatible.)

So if the Smoke detectors are different, what are the parts number?

@ddddssss I will leave the sensor part numbers to Johnny M, but to clarify, nothing is encrypted with SS2. Everything is encrypted, and has the ability to have its firmware updated, with SS3. BTW, one of the best things about the SS3 vs SS2 keypad is that it lights up so you don't need a stick on LED light from Amazon to use it. :-)

ddddssss,

I suspect that's what the representative meant - that they're functionally the same and even look the same. Only the part that communicates with the Base Station is different.

The packaging between the two generations is completely different so it's easy to tell them apart. But they also have different model numbers printed on the rear face:

• Gen 2: SSSD1
  
• Gen 3: SSSD3

And to add to that, all Gen2 sensors have 5-digit serial numbers, and Gen3 sensors all have 8-digit serials. So you couldn't even try to install a Gen3 sensor into a Gen2 system, because you can't type in all the characters.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

Since the Gen3 smoke detector is based on the same technology as the Gen2, I suspect that it will demonstrate the same false positive behavior as the Gen2.

If it wasn't, I'd consider upgrading the Gen3 system.

The main reason I started this enquiry was that the company the currently provides my monitored smoke detectors is ending its business. Interestingly, their smoke detectors are the same as the SS ones with the addition of ionization detection.

Since they don't demonstrate false positives for me when used in the same area as the SS one, (including using the same wall mount), SS should consider purchasing their design.

That would certainly make me upgrade to be able to use them.