Ecolink Security Products ECWST101 GE-Compatible 4-Button Remote

I don't do reviews often, but has now to start doing them. I often reviews before buying a product, I know how helpful they are.So far, this remote functions just like the stock remote. I chose this one because I have already broken three of the stock remotes, they seem to break away right where they are being held onto the key ring. This remote is made out of metal and plastic, I can't see this breaking like the others, and it is much more stylish. I do recommend it.

cheaply made

Housing is a great improvement over factory units. Unfortunately the panic buttons push too easy, two false alarms while in my pocket. Police arrived etc etc....

I bought two of these to replace the key-fob controls I bought from FrontPoint for use with GE Simon XT home security system. The more commonly purchased key fob for the GE Simon systems seems to be:  UTC Fire & Security NX-470 SAW 4-Button Keychain Touchpad (60-659-95R) . If found those to look and feel cheap and they had horrible battery life that kept getting worse.The Ecolink, in comparison, looks nice on your key chain and it feels solid. I called FrontPoint and they helped me configure it for use with my system in a few minutes. So far it has been working just fine. Having it on my keychain makes it easy to (dis)arm my system from my car as I'm coming up or backing down the driveway.I have not had any false presses yet, which is always a concern when putting one of these on a key chain and in a pocket. You can get z-wave key fobs that have covers that slide over the buttons (such as the z-wave controller from Aeon Labs), but I think it is more convenient not having to fiddle with a cover (especially if you ever need to access the panic button!).There are a couple issues that keep me from giving this a full five-star rating:First, my wife's controller slipped out of the metal case the first day it was on her key chain. I actually found it in the grass. It must have fallen off when she took her keys out of her bag. While it is made to slip off for changing the battery, it snaps in quite securely and is difficult to get out without using screwdriver or knife to push on the release tab on top. My wife's key ring is a heavier than most and oval. By bending the key fob just right I got the key ring to push onto the tab and cause the control to slip out. I solved the issue by using a small split ring (basically a very small key ring) to connect the fob to the key ring. I feel that the tab placement is a poor design decision. I would be better to use a screw to hold it together.Second, the buttons are all the same size, shape, and texture. In the dark you only know what you are pressing by remembering the order of the buttons and counting from the top or bottom. Not a big deal, but I think that at least the panic button should feel different from the other keys to help avoid accidentally pressing it (or being able to locate it quickly if needed) in the dark.Other than these two issues, I'm very happy with this device so far.

Nice keychain remote. Key ring attachment point is metal, so should be a lot stronger and less prone to breakage than the plastic ones. Paired up to my system easily, works flawlessly. Great buy!

Much better than the plastic ones that came from my alarm co. Only problem is its a little touche. The buttons need to be recessed more. Maybe next redesign will take this in account.

This is a great remote it is well made and sturdy. It is made of metal so it won't break off your key ring like the cheap plastic ones that came with your system. Well worth it. I will be replacing all my remote with this one.

Love this remote, It was only a few bucks more than the cheap plastic ones that are always breaking, but this remote is ROBUST but heavier than the typical alarm remote. I'll trade a little added weight any day for a more durable remote. The chrome finish looks great too!