Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the status of an alarm system is disclosed. The sensor includes a base station at the location of the alarm system and arranged to respond to an alarm condition. When an alarm occurs, the base station latches the alarm condition and retains it until it is manually reset. A remote station includes a transceiver for interrogating the base station to determine whether an alarm condition has occurred. The remote unit may also be used to arm or disarm the alarm system, and to operate other controllable devices.