Overview
Aritech/Challenger commercial control panels (Challenger10, ChallengerPlus, ChallengerLE) — scalable modular intrusion and access platforms with RAS keypads, DGP expanders, and UltraSync/Tecom integration options.
The panel is the brain of the intrusion system: it supervises wired and wireless zones, drives bell/siren outputs, manages automation on supported models, and reports to Alarm.com / UltraSync when a compatible communicator is installed. Installers program zones, user codes, and dialer options with dealer programming tools (varies by Challenger, Reliance, Simon); end users arm/disarm from RAS keypads, keyfobs, or the monitoring app.
At a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Commercial modular control panel |
| Scale | Multi-area, multi-door commercial installs |
| Bus | Challenger DGP / expander architecture |
| Comms | Ethernet, 4G modules, PSTN options per SKU |
| Successor | Regional catalog via Aritech / Fire Security Products |
What This Panel Does Well
Coordinates intrusion zones, automation, user codes, and central station reporting when cell and monitoring are configured.
Before You Service or Replace One
- Exact panel model — Simon vs Challenger vs Reliance vs Tecom — firmware and modules differ.
- Encryption — TX-E vs hardwired vs Challenger wireless sensors in the field.
- Cell module SKU — Simon Alarm.com LTE vs Challenger/Tecom 4G (AU/NZ SKUs).
- Installer code — required for zone changes; document before service.
- Alarm.com / UltraSync dealer — account status, plan, and remote programming access.
Official Sources
Use official Aritech install PDFs and install guides for exact wiring, enrollment, and firmware — specifications vary by SKU and region.
Installation Notes
Follow Challenger install and programming guide (Aritech documentation) and the official resource links in this product folder for mounting, wiring, and enrollment.
Pre-install checklist
- Confirm panel model (Simon/Challenger/Reliance/Tecom) and encryption requirements.
- Verify dealer cell account and module SKU before cell install.
- Document installer code and existing zone map for takeover jobs.
- Plan antenna routing (ANT5XL) when panel location has poor cell RSSI.
- Have listed batteries and tools for sensor mounts before enrollment.
Typical install sequence
- Mount and power panel; apply firmware updates per dealer bulletin.
- Install cell module and run communication test / Alarm.com / UltraSync activation.
- Enroll wireless sensors via installer Learn mode; label zones.
- Include Z-Wave devices after excluding from any prior hub.
- Install 433 MHz expander or optimize receiver placement before fringe wireless sensors.
- Run walk test, user code training, and central station test if monitored.
Challenger panel placement
- Mount panel central to wireless sensor layout — not buried in basement corner if sensors are upstairs.
- Route LTE antenna per module guide — attic ANT5XL when internal RSSI is weak.
- Connect AC power before enrolling many sensors; verify battery charges.
- Complete installer programming (zone definitions, dialer, cell module) before user handoff.
Power and connectivity reference
| Product type | Power | Network / RF |
|---|---|---|
| Simon/Challenger/Reliance/Tecom panel | AC + backup battery | DGP expanders; RAS keypads; 4G/IP communicators |
| Wireless sensor | Battery per SKU | 319.5 MHz TX-E; 433 MHz on Reliance NXG-433 |
| Cell module | Panel-powered | LTE to dealer / Alarm.com / UltraSync |
| RAS keypad | Data bus | Challenger/Tecom host |
| Z-Wave module | Mains or battery per device | Z-Wave to panel |
Source: Challenger install and programming guide (Aritech documentation) (Aritech official documentation).