That 'wireless' retrofit kit cost me 6 hours and a service call

Picked up one of those retrofit kits that claims to turn any old hardwired panel wireless. Sounded perfect for a 1980s house in Columbus with conduit that was packed solid. Got it for $180 online, figured it would save time over running new wire. Three hours in, the translator module kept dropping the keypad and I couldn't get it to enroll a single sensor. Called the vendor and they told me the panel firmware was too old, needed a $60 update chip. After another 3 hours wrestling with that thing, I gave up and just ran new 4-conductor cable through the attic. Took me 2 hours with a fish tape and it worked first try. Anyone else burn money on those retrofit gadgets that just don't play nice with older panels?

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