Could I rig one up to text me if my panel went into alarm, also would I have to pay monthly?
Nic’s Systems and Electric did a video on doing it on his MS9200UDLS. I believe it works on all panels. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md7-cZaUvSE
Is there any way I could use a real fire alarm communicator if not I might just do that.
Most modern panels have built-in communicators but they call a monitoring company. Most stand alone communicators also call monitoring companies. I would do some research to see if you can find one that is programmable for who it calls or do something simple like Nic did.
Unlikely, as the DACTs send out a DTMF tone string, so you would need a translator on the other end of the system, like central station automation software.
However, if you are looking for a basic “There was an alarm”, search on the web for dry contact input to text message, and there are a few companies who make them, which you could connect to the alarm relay of your fire panel.