This is really the very weak link in an otherwise very good system. I'm replacing a wired security system and all of my sensor wires terminate in a closet. As I don't have good access to the main control panel, this wireless keypad was my main source of controlling the system. Even though it has a power cord, the back light turns off after a few seconds, making the numbers very hard to read until you press a key. Also, the alarm status on this keypad shows the last state you set with the RDIF keypad, not the actual state of the alarm. If the alarm is armed through the RFID keypad and then disarmed through a remote, the RFID keypad still shows the system as "armed". It is really ashamed as a good secondary keypad would make this an awesome system. As is, I'm returning everything and searching for another solution.

This system is cheaper but quality is not lower than PI at all, CS is friendly and helpful, only issue for the wireless system needs to pay attention from time to time on the battery that no worning when battery is out. Remote control via phone sometime not catching code key in from the phone. Overall worth the money.

The remote key fob is a necessity for the Fortress Security S02 system. Arming/disarming the system with the remote is far preferable to using the console, especially on this version of the system. The system can be set to "chirp" (loudly!) when the alarm is armed or disarmed, which is a very desirable feature when using the remote, but is harmful to the hearing when using the console (and with the default attached siren). These remotes are inexpensive enough for everyone to have one and they work very well. They have an antenna but I have never needed to raise it. And it has a cover to prevent the accidental press of the buttons. Overall we like this system very much, and the remote is a very desirable feature.

I have to say, as a beta tester, and an individual of technology, for the minimal price I paid for this item and for the fortress security system, I am impressed with it's performance. I had a couple of obstacles with setup, however minimal and customer service addressed them promptly. So relatively seamless setup. At this point in time, everything works as intended and would recommend this Fortress system to any of the do it yourselfers out there whom require basic home of small office security systems.Fortress Security Store (TM) S02-A Wireless Home and Business Security Alarm System DIY Kit with Auto Dial, Motion Detectors, Panic Button and More for Complete SecurityFortress Security Store (TM) S02-A Wireless Home and Business Security Alarm System DIY Kit with Auto Dial, Motion Detectors, Panic Button and More for Complete Security.[[ASIN:B00A1D907U Fortress Security Store (TM) S02-A Wireless Home and Business Security Alarm System DIY Kit with Auto Dial, Motion Detectors, Panic Button and More for Complete Security

Great addition - I'm using 2 of these. Would be nice to have a battery option but it works. Or at least supply a wall wart extension, but at least it's fairly long already. Panels do not receive anything from the base so panel lights do not reflect correct status unless you use that particular panel. Looks much nicer than base and allows base to be located somewhere more remote. Great range. Would be nice to have an always lit "light" button to light the nearly impossible to see numbers (especially in the dark!) but it works well enough and muscle memory should eventually kick in. RFID is great and very handy, although I wish the fobs were a bit smaller. Would be even better if it had the option to full arm/disable as a toggle with them but at least having disarm is a plus. Having the RFID fob plus the base remote on a keychain takes up some serious pocket real estate so make sure your pockets are large enough and/or your pants aren't too tight. Price is a bit high, but for the convenience & looks it's not bad. Overall very happy. See others posts about programming.