8 Messages
The 2G to 4G cellular upgrade experience on SS3
I received 5 automated emails with the first titled "Vital replacement part needed to avoid monitoring service interruption". The upgrade is free. "The 2G cellular network it connects to is being shut down". If you don't get these emails, assume 2G is alive and well in your area. Or you may already be on 4G. If you are still worried, you can test your 2G/4G cellular connection by reading about test mode below.
Simplisafe provided a very good written instruction pamphlet: "4G Wireless Module Upgrade". The only unknown was how long the wires were to the mini plug. So plugging in the connector to the new circuit board was awkward, since I did not know how much free play there was. But it all worked out. I did not bother to view the video at https://simplisafe.com/new-module. You just need a Phillips screwdriver. The full size SIM card came preinstalled in the new circuit board.
What I learned about SimpliSafe SS3 this time: Test Mode & Cellular Test
* I shut off the WiFi to test 2G. 2G was still working.
* When you enter test mode, you get an automated phone call from SimpliSafe, which can be delayed by a few minutes.
* I used the opportunity to try out test mode to test my sensors, a redundant exercise. I learned to carry around the base station, running on batteries, so I could hear it announce when each sensor was triggered. All went well for my 17 sensors.
* So I entered test mode again with WiFi off to test the new 4G connection, after swapping the circuit boards. It worked.
* When WiFi is disabled or off, entering test mode enables you to test your cellular connection independent of your WiFi. If you get the phone call, the cellular connection is working.
The 5th upgrade automated email: "Confirmation: you have successfully replaced the cell module"
For more info:
https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039943571-2G-Sunset
What I learned about SimpliSafe SS3 this time: Other
* To replace the rechargeable batteries, you need to remove the power plug in the base station and then unscrew the screw under it. Then you can rotate off the base cover to get to the battery compartment. Why replace the batteries? When you have an extended power failure and you would like to sleep with the alarm system still working fine (except for WiFi features which require power). So I keep around extra sets of rechargeable batteries for those extended power failures. WARNING: Regular alkaline batteries will damage the base station.
* I moved a water sensor to detect flooding. When it went off, I received an automated phone call with an option to dismiss the alarm by pressing 1, which is what I did. After moving the water sensor out of the way, Simplisafe reported "No longer Detecting Water".
Simplisafe provided a very good written instruction pamphlet: "4G Wireless Module Upgrade". The only unknown was how long the wires were to the mini plug. So plugging in the connector to the new circuit board was awkward, since I did not know how much free play there was. But it all worked out. I did not bother to view the video at https://simplisafe.com/new-module. You just need a Phillips screwdriver. The full size SIM card came preinstalled in the new circuit board.
What I learned about SimpliSafe SS3 this time: Test Mode & Cellular Test
* I shut off the WiFi to test 2G. 2G was still working.
* When you enter test mode, you get an automated phone call from SimpliSafe, which can be delayed by a few minutes.
* I used the opportunity to try out test mode to test my sensors, a redundant exercise. I learned to carry around the base station, running on batteries, so I could hear it announce when each sensor was triggered. All went well for my 17 sensors.
* So I entered test mode again with WiFi off to test the new 4G connection, after swapping the circuit boards. It worked.
* When WiFi is disabled or off, entering test mode enables you to test your cellular connection independent of your WiFi. If you get the phone call, the cellular connection is working.
The 5th upgrade automated email: "Confirmation: you have successfully replaced the cell module"
For more info:
https://support.simplisafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039943571-2G-Sunset
What I learned about SimpliSafe SS3 this time: Other
* To replace the rechargeable batteries, you need to remove the power plug in the base station and then unscrew the screw under it. Then you can rotate off the base cover to get to the battery compartment. Why replace the batteries? When you have an extended power failure and you would like to sleep with the alarm system still working fine (except for WiFi features which require power). So I keep around extra sets of rechargeable batteries for those extended power failures. WARNING: Regular alkaline batteries will damage the base station.
* I moved a water sensor to detect flooding. When it went off, I received an automated phone call with an option to dismiss the alarm by pressing 1, which is what I did. After moving the water sensor out of the way, Simplisafe reported "No longer Detecting Water".
whoaru99
1.3K Messages
3 years ago
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biff
8 Messages
3 years ago
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route_66_guy
186 Messages
3 years ago
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jdunlevy24
1 Message
2 years ago
I did the 4g upgrade and have had issues with the system uninstalling itself now. I’ve had this system for years and never had any problems and then had to do the upgrade and within the last 2 months it’s been a headache because when it uninstalls it deletes everything. I don’t have a lot of free time to call support for these problems.
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