Security system control module

A security system control module with a portable housing including a wireless receiver, control circuitry, nonvolatile memory, and a data connector. The receiver receives data transmissions from at least one wireless security device that monitors a condition of a premises in which the wireless security device is installed. The data connector exchanges data between the control circuitry and an external host device, and it also accepts from the external host device primary operating power for operating the wireless receiver, the control circuitry, and the nonvolatile memory. The control circuitry is adapted to process signals in accordance with a preprogrammed configuration file stored in the nonvolatile memory, the signals received via the wireless receiver from a wireless security device, and to communicate with an external computer located remotely from the external host device via the data connector using a first communications protocol.