Hi DIYers! We're back with another weekly video update. Most of the videos focused on Honeywell Systems this week. These videos featured our support members Joe, Jorge and Dylan demonstrating how to perform various actions and functions on alarm systems and through Total Connect 2.0.
Adding Z-Wave to a VISTA System
Joe talks about the possible options for adding Z-Wave home automation devices to a Honeywell VISTA System. To use Z-Wave, a VISTA system will need either a Honeywell VAM or a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. Users can control their programmed Z-Wave devices and establish any rules and scenes through their Tuxedo Touch or through the Total Connect 2.0 interactive service. The system will need a WIFI or cellular connection in order to work with Total Connect 2.0.
The Best Place to Install a Lyric Alarm System
Joe discusses the ideal place for installing a Honeywell Lyric Controller. Users will typically want to have their panel or an external keypad placed by their main point of entry for easy access. A great external keypad to use with the Lyric is the Honeywell LKP500. Another option is to use the My Home Controller App to control the system. And of course, a user can access their Lyric System through the Total Connect service.
Using a 2GIG GC3 w/o Monitoring
Jorge goes over the capabilities of 2GIG GC3 System that is not receiving alarm monitoring service. Without monitoring, a GC3 will only serve as a local sounder. This is good for alerting on-site users to alarm events. The device can also be used for local Z-Wave control. However, the system will have no way of alerting off-site users to any alarm events, and remote Z-Wave control will be impossible. This makes alarm monitoring very important for anyone who intends on being away from their GC3 System for any period of time.
Red Exclamation Point on a Lyric Alarm System
Dylan talks about what the Red Exclamation Point symbol on a Honeywell Lyric Controller means. This symbol represents the panic button on the system. It does not mean that there is an error or that there is anything wrong with the system. When the button is pressed and held, the system will display the different types of distress signals that can be sent to a central monitoring station. The button will only work if the system is receiving active alarm monitoring service.
Controlling the System and Bypassing Sensors in Total Connect 2.0
Jorge explains how to control a Honeywell Alarm System and bypass system sensors through the Total Connect 2.0 service. To access their system, a user must provide their username and password. The user can control their system from the main screen. The user can arm away or arm stay, and the command will be sent to their system. They can then disarm their system from this screen. There is also a sensors button that is used for bypassing sensors.
Disabling a Long Range Radio on a VISTA Alarm System
Joe shows users how to disable a long range radio on a VISTA Alarm System. This is useful for clearing a Check 103 Error or for downgrading to a phone line connection. To disable the communicator, a user must first access Installer Programming. From there, the *29 field must be accessed. Entering in 0 for this field will disable the communicator for the system. The *29 field can be reaccessed at any time re-enable to communicator.
Adding User Code to a VISTA Security System
Joe explains how to add a new user to a VISTA Security System. This can be done from Total Connect 2.0 or locally from the keypad. To do this from the keypad, a user must provide the Master Code for the system. The Master Code must be entered. followed by 8, then the 2-digit user code and finally the desired 4-digit user code. The panel will chime when the new code has been successfully added. The new user code will be able to arm and disarm the system as needed.
