August 2018 Archives

An exciting new feature is now available for users of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. It is now possible to view the live video feed for Alarm.com Cameras directly from the panel itself. This is made possible through firmware update 2.2.1, which can be easily downloaded to the IQ Panel 2 System.

The feature is compatible with both the IQ Panel 2 Plus and the standard IQ Panel 2 System. There are a few things to keep in mind about the live video feature. First, the panel must be connected to an active WIFI network in order for the feature to work. If the WIFI goes down, the panel will be unable to stream live video.

Second, the feature only works with compatible Alarm.com Cameras. Some cameras will allow the IQ Panel 2 to stream both video and audio, while others are for video only. The compatible cameras are listed below:

• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V622
• ADC-VDB101 - Model 102 will also work.
• ADC-VDB105 - Model 106 will also work.

Note: The ADC-V521IR needs Firmware IP8137-ALAM-0100d1 or higher for two-way audio. The ADC-V522IR Must be Hardware Version 0101 with Firmware IP8168-ALAM-0100b9 or higher for two-way audio.

Additionally, the cameras below are for video only:

• ADC-V722W
• ADC-VC725
• ADC-VC726
• ADC-VC825
• ADC-VC826

Third, a user will need to have an alarm monitoring plan that supports video. For Alarm Grid customers, these are the Platinum Level Plans. For two-way audio, the feature "Audio for Non-Doorbell Cameras" must be enabled on the user's Alarm.com account.

Remember, Firmware Version 2.2.1 is needed on the IQ Panel 2 System to support this feature. The IQ Panel 2 Plus should arrive with this firmware update already applied. But the standard IQ Panel 2 may need to have the firmware update applied. The panel should be connected with a WIFI network, have its transformer plugged-in and have a charged battery before performing the update to the system. If you need to upgrade the firmware, complete the following steps first:

1. Access the upgrade menu. Start from the home screen of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software. This will take you to the upgrade menu.

2. Provide the Patch Tag. Press "Patch Tag". Then enter in "iqpanel2.2.1". Press OK. This will provide the Patch Tag associated with the update.

3. Perform the update. Click "Upgrade Using Network". The update should begin to install. Press OK when prompted. The panel should reboot, and the update will be applied. This will take about five minutes. The home screen should be displayed once the update has been successfully applied.

Next, the feature must be enabled for the IQ Panel 2. This is done from Alarm.com. Login to Alarm.com website. Then choose the "Video" option on the left, followed by "Settings" at the top. Then choose "Stream Video to Security Panel Screen". Every compatible camera will have an "Authorize" toggle switch that must be selected to be used with this feature. Once all the cameras have been enabled, you can log-out of Alarm.com.

Finally, you can try streaming the live video feed from your Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Swipe left on the screen until you reach the "Live Video Cameras" page. Find the camera you want to view, and press the Play button. The panel will begin streaming the live video of the camera.

Firmware Version 2.2.1 also provided some other fixes and changes for the IQ Panel 2. These include:

• Improved reliability and performance for Live Answer and Live View features
• Filtering out unneeded "Motion Activated" messages sent from Alarm.com
• Corrects a Chime and Voice problem that resets settings to "Nighttime Mode" after performing a Software Update
• Corrects an issue where extra zones numbered 130 - 136 could be present on Alarm.com
• Corrects a problem where the panel was reporting cellular strength signals when disconnected fro the network

If you have any questions about this new feature, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. Or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am thru 8pm Monday thru Friday. We hope you enjoy using the video feature with your IQ Panel 2!

Hi DIYers! Today we're highlighting the Qolsys IQ Siren. This easy-to-use system add-on is great for IQ Panel 2 users who want to increase the siren volume for their system. The device communicates using Z-Wave Plus technology, and it is offers exceptional functionality and versatility.

There are many advantages to using a Qolsys IQ Siren. The most obvious is that it will increase the siren volume for the IQ Panel 2 Security System. The internal siren for the IQ Panel 2 is 85 dB, the minimum volume level for an alarm system. But the IQ Siren is rated at an astounding 105 dB. This is the volume equivalent to a jackhammer or a helicopter. Once the IQ Siren has been activated, everyone in the building will be made immediately aware of the emergency.

The great thing about the IQ Siren is its ease-of-use. Wired sirens can be tricky to install with wireless alarm panels, and extra equipment is usually required. But the IQ Siren can be installed by simply plugging it into a standard wall outlet. From there, it can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2 System in the same manner as any standard Z-Wave smart home device. Should the power go out, the IQ Siren will still be able to activate thanks to its 430 mAh rechargeable lithium backup battery.

In addition to the 105 dB sounder, the IQ Siren also includes a built-in strobe light for providing a visual indication of an alarm. This can be good for hearing-challenged or deaf users. Since the IQ Siren is a certified Z-Wave Plus device, it will serve as a viable repeater for other Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices. Remember, it's always smart to add new Z-Wave devices to strengthen your Z-Wave mesh network!

At just 3.25" tall and 1" deep, the siren is unobtrusive, and it will only require a single wall outlet. And of course, it's compatible with the brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems! This makes the siren an exceptional add-on for any Qolsys user who wants to easily and effectively increase their system's siren volume.

The IQ Siren is available for purchase right now from Alarm Grid. Get yours today!

Hi DIYers! We've received news from Honeywell that Total Connect 2.0 has been updated. While this is not a major update, there are a couple of new features that may improve the experience for end users. The update primarily concerns TC2 notifications and partitions for VISTA Systems.

Under the Notifications tab, notifications are now auto-grouped into different subcategories. This will make it easier for users to quickly sort through notifications. Sorting notifications can also be accomplished by using the filter button located in the upper right corner. Pressing the filter button gives the user many different filtering options.

As for the Partitions Feature, users with multiple locations can now select the number of locations displayed from the main screen of Total Connect 2.0. This can help with screen loading and make it easier to view the desired location:

Finally, Honeywell has corrected an issue that prevented VISTA users from adding new users to TC2 after replacing the panel's cellular communicator. Now, all VISTA users should be able to add new users to TC2 successfully.

If you have any questions about this update, please feel free to reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am thru 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Alarm Grid is sad to announce that the Honeywell GSMVLP5-4G Cellular Communicator for Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems has officially been discontinued. Without this cellular communicator, a Honeywell L5100 System will have no way of using cellular communication for alarm monitoring.

The Honeywell GSMVLP5-4G was the first 4G cellular communicator ever released for Honeywell Alarm Systems. It was designed exclusively for use with Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels. Now that the module is discontinued, it becomes much more difficult for an L5100 user to upgrade their system to cellular.

Please note that existing GSMVLP5-4G modules are not affected by this news. If you already have an L5100 or any other LYNX Touch System that uses a GSMVLP5-4G for monitoring, then the module will continue to work just fine. Likewise, if you have a LYNX Touch L5200, L5210 or L7000, you can still upgrade to cellular using a Honeywell LTE-L57V or 3GL. Please note that the L5200, L5210 or L7000 System will need to be running Firmware Version 9.00.201 or higher to support the LTE-L57V module. For more information on the LTE communicator, please review this prior blog post.

Unfortunately, the L5100 System needs the GSMVLP5-4G to use cellular communication. If a user can obtain a second-hand GSMVLP5-4G module, they will still be able to activate it and use it with the system. Additionally, an L5100 user can forgo cellular and use an L5100-WIFI to access Total Connect 2.0. But please note that this will not be as reliable as using cellular communication.

Perhaps the best option for an L5100 without an active cellular communicator is to replace the system entirely with a newer model. We recommend purchasing the Honeywell Lyric Controller as a replacement. All of the sensors used with an L5100 will work with the Lyric. The Lyric is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, making it great for users looking to get started with smart home automation and the ability to control Z-Wave devices using voice commands. A LYRICLTE-A can be added to get the system connected to a cellular network. Update: The LYRICLTE-V is also available!

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap, covering August 18th through 23rd. This time we have four videos - two from Jorge and two from Joe. The team has been working hard as usual to make new videos that will help users learn how to use their systems. Let's take a closer look:

Can I Connect A Wired Smoke To My 2GIG GC3?

Joe explains how the 2GIG GC3 System cannot support a hardwired smoke. The two wired terminals on the system are used with normally closed security devices only, and they cannot be used with hardwired smoke detectors. However, the 2GIG GC3 can support 345 MHz wireless smokes, including those from the 2GIG and the Honeywell 5800 Series. But an Encore FF345 can essentially integrate an existing hardwired smoke with a GC3 System. The FF345 will listen for the sound of an activated smoke detector and alert the system.

Using the Lyric Alarm System w/o Total Connect

Jorge discusses using the Honeywell Lyric Controller without Total Connect. While this is possible, it would severely limit the functionality of the system. For example, self-monitoring is impossible without access to Total Connect. But the system could still report out to a central monitoring station, or it could be used as a local sounder. But the Lyric Controller does not need a cellular module to access Total Connect, though adding one is recommended. Instead, it can use a WIFI connection from its built-in WIFI card to access Total Connect. The user will just need an appropriate monitoring plan.

Can I Use a Honeywell L7000 System Without Monitoring?

Jorge talks about using a Honeywell L7000 without alarm monitoring services. Without monitoring, the system will be unable to be used with Total Connect. The user will not be able to receive text or email alerts regarding system events, and they will not be able to receive automatic emergency dispatch from a central monitoring station. Instead, the system will only serve as a local sounder. This can be useful for alerting on-site occupants to an emergency.

Changing the Installer Code on an a LYNX Touch Security System

Joe shows users how to change the Installer Code for a Honeywell LYNX Touch Alarm System. While this is easy to do, we generally advise users to keep the Installer Code for a Honeywell System at its default of 4112. This will prevent the user from being locked out of programming later. If they ever forget the code, it will be okay because they can just look up the default. But while we recommend keeping the Installer Code at the default, changing the Master Code is very important. Remember, an Installer Code can only disarm if it was the code used to arm the system.

Hi DIYers! Today we are extremely pleased to announce that the brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security Systems are here! Three different versions of the system are currently available on the Alarm Grid website. This is truly very exciting news, as we are sure you will love these systems.

With the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys has raised the bar for wireless all-in-one Alarm Systems. These are definitely some of the most robust and powerful panels we have ever offered from Alarm Grid. Currently, there are three versions of the system available:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and Verizon LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and AT&T LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & Legacy Honeywell + 2GIG and AT&T LTE

All of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems provide support for the top-of-the-line PowerG Wireless Sensors. These sensors operate at 915 MHz, and they can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air. This will allow users to setup their sensors from virtually anywhere on the property, regardless of where their alarm system is located. The sensors are also protected by 128-bit AES encryption, making them nearly impossible to be hacked or taken over by others. These are definitely some of the most versatile and secure alarm sensors that we have ever encountered.

In addition to PowerG, each IQ Panel 2 Plus System will provide support for a sensor lineup at a lower wireless frequency. There are three different "flavors" that a user can choose from. These are support for 319 MHz Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors, 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG Sensors, and 433 MHz legacy DSC Sensors. The 319 MHz and 345 MHz options are already available, and the 433 MHz option should be available soon. Also note that a Verizon LTE version of the 345 MHz sensor option should also be arriving in the near future.

Every IQ Panel 2 Plus System comes with a built-in WIFI card and an LTE cellular communicator. This will provide an immediate dual-path communication setup for the system. The only thing that an end user will need is an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. If either path ever goes down, the IQ Panel 2 Plus will still be able to use the other communication path and remain monitored. Both AT&T and Verizon LTE options for cellular monitoring are available.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus has also made great strides in video surveillance. Users can view the live feed for their Alarm.com Security Cameras right from the panel itself. And Qolsys worked to better-integrate the system with the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras. Now, a users can answer their SkyBell doorbell from their panel. They can even have a live conversation with the person at their door from their IQ Panel 2 Plus! This is also possible for any ADC Camera that supports two-way voice.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus also supports a plethora of other features. These include Bluetooth disarming, an integrated glass break detector, a built-in 5MP camera, an integrated Z-Wave Plus Controller and an easy-to-use setup wizard for getting started with the system. All of this makes the IQ Panel 2 Plus one of the best systems we have ever had the pleasure of using.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is available from Alarm Grid now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday through Friday. We hope that you will enjoy this system as much as we do, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! As you all know by now, home security is important. But like many important things in life, home security isn't free. Fortunately, the cost for a home security system is probably not as much as you think. Today, we're breaking it down, to show you the true cost of home security.

Now first of all, we can't speak for other alarm monitoring companies. They may offer monitoring service and equipment that is more or less expensive than what is offered from Alarm Grid. But keep in mind that Alarm Grid has no-contracts, no added fees, and all of the equipment is non-proprietary and yours to keep. With Alarm Grid, what you see is exactly what you get, and customers choose to stay with us because of the top-level service and support that we provide. However, if you ever do choose to leave Alarm Grid, you can certainly bring your equipment to a different monitoring company.

So with that out of the way, let's focus on what a customer can expect to pay with Alarm Grid. First, they will need equipment. This includes a control panel, security sensors and any additional add-ons, like a keypad or a cellular communicator. Some customers might already own security equipment that they can use to get monitored with Alarm Grid. But let's assume the customer is starting from scratch. In this situation, the cheapest option is generally to obtain a security system kit.

A security system kit includes everything a new user needs to get started with home security. This usually includes a wireless all-in-one (AIO) panel, a few door and window contacts, a motion sensor and a cellular communicator. Of course, more sensors can be added, like smoke detectors, glass break detectors, flood sensors and more. But for a basic setup, a kit is a great start.

So how much does a kit cost? Well, it depends on the kit. Let's assume that the user has a small home or an apartment and they want the reliability and performance of an LTE cellular communicator. Let's also assume that they want the panel to have a built-in Z-Wave controller so that they have the option for adding Z-Wave devices later on.

In this case, the cheapest option is the 2GIG GC2 Verizon-LTE 3-1 Kit. This kit comes with a 2GIG GC2 System, 3 door and window contacts, a motion sensor, a Verizon LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for powering the system. The panel also has a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating up to 232 Z-Wave devices. Yes, there are more-advanced panels available. But all things considered, the GC2 will still get the job done in most situations. The complete kit linked above costs just $339. Add in an optional desk stand to make the installation even easier, and the cost is just under $350 dollars. So a complete security system can be obtained for just $350, assuming that the user cannot find any cheaper used equipment somewhere else.

Once a user has a system, they just need a monitoring plan. Again, Alarm Grid has no activation fees, and since a desk mount was purchased, the hypothetical user will not need to pay an installer to set up their system. The most popular monitoring plan from Alarm Grid is the Gold Plan. This will provide the user with service from a central monitoring station, remote Z-Wave control, access to the Alarm.com interactive service and text and email alerts for system events. This plan is just $35 per month. Multiply that by 12, and the cost is just $420 per year. So adding things up, a user can achieve a complete and robust security setup with top-of-the-line alarm monitoring for just $770 the first year and $420 every following year.

But things can get even less expensive. If a user doesn't need central station monitoring, they can get a Self-Monitoring Plan. With this type of plan, a user will receive email and text alerts regarding any system events. They can then contact the authorities on their own. The Self-Gold Plan is just $25 per month, or $300 per year. So with that setup, a user will pay just $650 the first year, and $300 every year after.

Keep in mind, this is just assuming one type of scenario. If a user requires a more-advanced system, additional sensors or video surveillance, the costs will probably be higher. Likewise, if a user already has equipment or they can get by without cellular monitoring, the costs can be even less. But if you want a basic estimate of how much home security costs, it's just $350 down, and then $420 annually.

Of course, some people get stuck into long-term contracts with their security company, and they might pay upwards of thousands of dollars in installation and activation fees. But not with Alarm Grid! We provide top-quality alarm monitoring, exceptional customer service and support, and non-proprietary equipment at an affordable price. Remember, paying a small price to protect your home or business can save you a huge amount of hassle and expenses later. Sign-up for alarm monitoring today!

Hey there DIYers! As you probably know by now, we're huge fans of Z-Wave smart home devices. Nothing beats being able to control the devices in your home remotely and having them activate based on a schedule or with system events. This is one of the best perks of owning an alarm system.

Many newer alarm systems come with a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave devices. But what if you have an older Honeywell VISTA System that you are perfectly happy with? How would you add Z-Wave functionality to your system. Sure, you could always purchase a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad. But that add-on is expensive, and many users are absolutely content with using a normal touch-button keypad. Fortunately, there's another way, with the Honeywell VAM.

The Honeywell VAM, or VISTA Automation Module, is an advanced user interface device that allows a Honeywell VISTA System to work with Z-Wave smart home devices. This includes Z-Wave lights, locks, thermostats and more. But please note that the VAM is only a standard Z-Wave controller, not a Z-Wave Plus controller. Z-Wave Plus devices can still be used with the VAM, but they will only have the range of non-plus Z-Wave devices.

The devices can be controlled through a web browser by connecting with the VAM itself. But most users will operate the devices through Total Connect 2.0. This can also be done through a web browser, but it also is possible to do remotely using the Total Connect Mobile App on Android and iOS devices. Remember, the VISTA will need either an IP or cellular communicator, and the user will need a monitoring plan that includes access to Total Connect and remote Z-Wave control capabilities to do this.

Overall, using a VAM represents an ideal solution for VISTA users who want to use Z-Wave devices without paying several hundred for a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. The Honeywell VAM is available on the Alarm Grid site. Get one for your VISTA System and start using Z-Wave devices today!

Hi DIYers! Today we have great news regarding Total Connect 2.0. Honeywell has updated the website version of Total Connect 2.0, and they are also planning to update both the iOS and Android mobile app versions in the near future. Let's dive in and take a closer look at these changes!

On the website version of TC2, there is now a "Refresh Status" button under the "Locations" tab. Previously, this feature was only available for the mobile app versions of TC2. Pressing this button will send a "refresh status" signal between Total Connect and the alarm panel to help users determine if their panel is currently connected with the service. If the panel has recently lost its connection or has reconnected to the network, the Refresh Status button will allow users to confirm the current condition. This can be useful for making sure that the panel is currently communicating properly with Total Connect 2.0.

Total Connect will also soon be adding an option to use a fan icon in association with any Z-Wave smart home devices. This will be the recommended icon for any Z-Wave fans that may be used with the Total Connect 2.0 service.

Honeywell will also soon enable Total Connect 2.0 desktop notifications for the Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. In order to receive desktop notifications, the user must enable notifications from their web browser, and they must have email notifications enabled for their TC2 profile. Desktop notifications will only be sent while the web browser is open. Honeywell is also working on enabling notifications for the Safari Browser as well.

As for the mobile app versions, users will soon be able to conveniently access the TC2 Amazon Alexa Skill from the main settings menu. New users will also see a special Amazon Alexa Welcome screen upon first opening the app.

The Android version of the TC2 Mobile App will soon provide support for Total Connect Comfort and RedLINK Connected Thermostats. Users will be able to control these devices right from the TC2 Android Mobile App.

A new button will soon be added to the login screen for users to launch an option to login through face-recognition or fingerprint ID. The iOS app version will support both face-recognition and touch ID, depending upon which version of iOS is being used. The Android app version will only support fingerprint ID, at least initially. These features will be very useful for users who lost their password, have their password cleared or who have experienced a failed face-recognition or touch ID attempt.

If you don't already have a security system, you may be wondering "well why do I need one?" If your goal is to provide the best possible protection for your home, then having a security system is very important. The benefits of a home security system make the investment worthwhile.

An alarm system is the best way to know what happens in your home while you are away. A modern security system can send alerts right to your phone whenever something occurs in your house. This could include a door being open, someone walking into a particular room, or something being broken. This is possible using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All a user needs is a system, the right sensors, and an alarm monitoring plan. A user can also install security cameras that will integrate with their system and provide them with a live look at their property at any time.

Most people who sign-up for alarm monitoring have their systems connected with a central station. If an alarm even ever occurs, the alert will be sent to a 24/7 monitoring station. The station can then request emergency dispatch to be sent out to the home. This can provide great peace of mind for end users in knowing that even if they aren't able to respond to an alarm event, a trusted and qualified operator at a central station will on their behalf. Again, this can be very important for people who are often away from their homes. Keep in mind that if a robbery occurs while you're away and you don't have a security system, there is very little that can be done.

But alarm systems are for more than just security purposes. A user can also integrate smoke and heat detectors into their setup as well. If a fire ever occurs, they can receive automatic fire dispatch, assuming that their system is set up with a central station. And this can even save a user's life if a fire occurs in their building while they are sleeping. There are also other life-safety and environmental sensors that monitor a home for other conditions as well. Some examples of hazards that an alarm system can monitor for include flooding, unusually low or high temperatures, and an outbreak of lethal carbon monoxide gas.

An alarm system can also be useful if a user wants to get started with home automation. Many panels double as Z-Wave controllers for operating smart home devices. These can include lights, locks, thermostats and more. A user can control these devices from their security panel or remotely using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. They can even have their devices respond automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events. Not only is this very cool to show-off to others, it can also be extremely helpful for saving money on energy bills. So any user who wants to get the most out of the devices in their home can benefit significantly from an alarm system.

There are many reasons to get a security system and to sign-up for monitoring. There truly is no other way to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones. And an alarm system will provide a few other nice perks as well. All of this means that having a security system is very important for almost anyone. Alarm Grid can provide you top-quality monitoring services at a competitive price and no longterm contract. We feature the best customer support in the industry, and our central station partner Criticom is second-to-none. Protect your home with a brand-new security system and a monitoring plan from Alarm Grid today!