Ademco 6160RF w/5881 ENH built in

We have a wired Vista 20P with 1 6160 and 2 6150 keypads. I would like to move some of the wired zones to wireless (now) and in time (soon we hope) when we replace the windows I'd like them all to be wireless.

Can I simply replace the existing 6160 (in the living room) with this RF/5881 keypad and not have to do anything more to the crowded 20P box (in the garage) ? Can I use the existing wires to wire the new RF keypad to the panel and yet 'converse' with the wireless contacts etc?

Is there a range limit for the wireless signal ? I need to use a range expander on my wireless internet to get coverage throughout the house. Is there the same concept in the wireless security world as well ?

Thanks

 

Yup, you can swap any of the keypads. I would be inclined to replace one of the 6150 keypads, and keep the 6160. It's a straight wire to wire swap, then you set the new keypad address to match the one you removed.

If your existing windows are already hardwired, I recommend sticking with hardwire for the replacements. The hardwire connection is always the first choice. If you are trying to break large numbers of windows up into smaller groupings, adding a hardwire expander is a better way to go (assuming that the openings are all home run to the main board). If your system enclosure is pretty crowded, you can put the expander in an external enclosure (they come with one).