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.
Error Codes
Interlogix systems report faults on the panel and keypad status screens, zone list, and Alarm.com / UltraSync (when interactive service is active) — not as a single universal numeric code list across all models.
How to read status
- Open panel status or installer menu → zones / troubles.
- Note zone number, trouble type (open, tamper, low battery, missing, cell fail).
- Cross-check Alarm.com / UltraSync device list if the account is interactive.
- For cell issues, run installer communication test before replacing sensors.
Common trouble indicators
| Panel / keypad display | Meaning | First checks |
|---|---|---|
| COMM FAIL / Cell failure | Cellular path down | Antenna, SIM, carrier, module SKU vs account |
| Sensor fault / zone open | Zone not secure or missing | Battery, gap, tamper, re-learn sensor |
| AC loss | Mains power removed | Transformer, outlet, power supply SKU |
| Low battery (panel) | Backup battery weak | Charge time; replace panel battery if aged |
| Z-Wave fault | Automation device offline | Exclude/re-include; verify within mesh range |
| RF fault | TX-E/hardwired/bus mismatch | Match sensor family — TX-E on Simon; wired on Challenger DGP; 433 MHz on Reliance NXG-433 |
Installer programming reference
| Task | Typical path |
|---|---|
| Enter installer programming | Installer code on panel (dealer-provided) |
| Enroll wireless sensor | Wireless enrollment → Learn → trip sensor |
| Delete sensor | Zone delete / sensor delete in installer menu |
| Cell module test | Installer → communication / dialer tests |
| User code setup | User management in installer or user menu |
| Z-Wave exclude/include | Panel Z-Wave management menu |
Panel actions (typical)
| Action | Where |
|---|---|
| View zone status | Panel home / status → zones |
| Walk test | Installer menu → walk test |
| Delete / enroll sensor | Installer → wireless enrollment |
| Cell test | Installer → communication tests |
| Alarm.com / UltraSync status | Dealer portal or customer app |
Source: Challenger install and programming guide (Aritech documentation); Aritech official resources linked in this product folder manifest.
| Code | Meaning | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|
| COMM FAIL / Cell failure | Cellular path down | Antenna, SIM, carrier, module SKU vs account |
| Sensor fault / zone open | Zone not secure or missing | Battery, gap, tamper, re-learn sensor |
| AC loss | Mains power removed | Transformer, outlet, power supply SKU |
| Low battery (panel) | Backup battery weak | Charge time; replace panel battery if aged |
| Z-Wave fault | Automation device offline | Exclude/re-include; verify within mesh range |
| RF fault | TX-E/hardwired/bus mismatch | Match sensor family — TX-E on Simon; wired on Challenger DGP; 433 MHz on Reliance NXG-433 |
| Task | Typical path | |
| Enter installer programming | Installer code on panel (dealer-provided) | |
| Enroll wireless sensor | Wireless enrollment → Learn → trip sensor | |
| Delete sensor | Zone delete / sensor delete in installer menu | |
| Cell module test | Installer → communication / dialer tests | |
| User code setup | User management in installer or user menu | |
| Z-Wave exclude/include | Panel Z-Wave management menu | |
| Action | Where | |
| View zone status | Panel home / status → zones | |
| Walk test | Installer menu → walk test | |
| Delete / enroll sensor | Installer → wireless enrollment | |
| Cell test | Installer → communication tests | |
| Alarm.com / UltraSync status | Dealer portal or customer app |