January 2020 Archives

One excellent way to expand upon a new or existing Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System is with an image sensor module like the DSC PG9944. This is an outdoor PowerG Image Sensor that can pair very nicely with the Alarm.com platform and all versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System.

If you aren't familiar with image sensors, they are basically motion detection sensors with built-in still motion cameras. When your system goes into alarm, it will take multiple photographs. These photographs are then forwarded to the panel, and then ultimately to an interactive monitoring platform like Alarm.com.

For the DSC PG9944, it starts with it its reliable motion detection. The device features eight (8) internal passive infrared (PIR) sensors, with each using an advanced quad-detection configuration. This helps to ensure that the PG9944 reliably responds to movement, while ignoring potential false alarms. Operating in this manner is crucial for an image sensor device that will typically be used in an outdoor environment.

Being able to use your image sensor in an outdoor setting opens up a world of possibilities for keeping your home safe. Many users will install the PG9944 in a backyard, inside a garage, or even in a barn or shed on the property. These are all locations where you might otherwise have difficulties using standard indoor models. You can expect the PG9944 to work reliably when exposed to rain, dust, heavy sunlight, and extreme temperatures. And the device's IR night vision helps to ensure clear and concise images even during the darkest of nights.

Many Alarm Grid customers will choose to use the DSC PG9944 with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. We believe that this is a great alternative to using standard Alarm.com Security Cameras. A great aspect about image sensors is that you do not need a video-monitoring plan to use them. In fact, you can start using image sensors on an Alarm Grid Gold Level Plan (Self or Full), which is the standard level plan to start using Alarm.com. More info can be found on our monitoring page.

When the associated system goes into alarm, the PG9944 responds by taking ten (10) consecutive photos. These ten photos are sent to the IQ Panel 2 Plus for local viewing. These images can be easily viewed from the main screen of the IQ2+ by scrolling left or right until you see the other panel photos. Please note that they may be strung-together to appear as a stop-motion video. But rest assured, they are individual photos, and not a video. You can also take manual photos anytime, even if your system is not experiencing an alarm event.

It is also important to note that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus will send the first of the ten captured images to the Alarm.com platform for remote viewing. Only the first image is sent, and it will be available within the "Panel Camera Images" section of Alarm.com. Please note that this will only occur if the panel is connected with Alarm.com for monitoring and the "Panel Camera Images" feature is enabled for the Alarm.com account. That setting must be enabled by your monitoring company.

Also note that you will need to have the Panel Camera Alarm Image Uploads feature enabled on your Alarm.com account. You must enable this setting from the customer end of the Alarm.com website. Simply log-in to your Alarm.com account using a web browser, choose the Automation section, and make sure the rule is enabled. You can see an example in the image below.

We recommend using the DSC PG9944 if you require an image sensor for outdoor use. However, if you only need a unit for indoor use, then you might also consider the DSC PG9934P. This is another PowerG Image Sensor module that will offer similar performance to the DSC PG9944. But unlike the PG9944, the PG9934P can only be used indoors. This is a great device to use if you want to be able to see what's going on at home, but you don't necessarily want to pay the extra monitoring costs to use Alarm.com Video Cameras.

Both the DSC PG9944 and the DSC PG9934P are available right now from the Alarm Grid website. We recommend them for anyone looking for new image sensor modules for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. If you have any questions about these sensors or any of these other products on our website, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Last week, we featured a list of the Top 5 Worst US States for Fire Safety. We received some positive feedback from the post, so we decided to present you with the five safest states in that same category. By doing this, we hope to make everyone to be a little bit more aware of fire safety.

Before we present our list, we have a few things that we want you to keep in mind. Living in one of these states does not make you or your family immune to fires. You must have a plan in place for dealing with a fire in the event that one occurs in your household. The best time to take action is before any serious damage or loss of life occurs. A good place to start is by getting a monitored security system with programmed smoke and heat detectors for fire-safety. Make sure that your system and sensors are working correctly, and remember to test them regularly. Always put your system on test mode before testing to prevent any false alarms and potential fines.

Also, work with all members of your household to ensure that everyone follows proper fire safety practices. This includes any children in your household, as well as anyone who is elderly, hard of hearing, or may have trouble moving. Put a proper fire-safety plan into place, and make sure that everyone in your household is aware of that plan and how to follow it. You may even want to hold regular fire drills in your household or enlist help from your local fire department by contacting them on their non-emergency phone number for additional ideas and support. And make sure to check out our post on the top ten (10) causes for house fires so that you can understand how most fires occur and what actions can be taken to prevent them.

If you saw our previous post on the five (5) worst states for fire safety, then you will already understand our methodology. Our list represents the average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year across the years 2013 thru 2017. The statistics we are using were reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). This represents the newest NFPA data that we were able to find. We believe that this data presents a pretty accurate picture of current fire safety, even though it is technically a few years old at this point.

The table below shows the five (5) US states that have the lowest average number of fire-related death per million people per year for 2013 thru 2017. Just like last time, we have included earlier groupings of years in the graph. While it is interesting to look at how these statistics have changed over time, please understand that these five states made this lists exclusively because of their 2013 thru 2017 statistics. With that out of the way, let's take a look.

Based on this information, the five best states for fire safety are:

• 5. Massachusetts
• 4. Colorado
• 3. Hawaii
• 2. California
• 1. Utah

Before breaking down this list in fine detail, it's very good to see that fire-related casualties do indeed suggest a downward trend over time. Four of these five states have seen their average annual rate of fire-related deaths be reduced by at least half their NFPA-reported statistic since 1981. And when looking at Massachusetts, the figure has been cut down to less than one-third!

Massachusetts was the only state in the Top 5 to not get its average annual fire-related death rate under six (6) deaths per one million people. The state came very close with its rate of 6.1. Still, keeping the average number of fire-related deaths to just 6.1 for every one million legal residents is pretty remarkable. And what's more promising is that the figure has the potential to go further down.

The only state without a clear downward trend on this list is Hawaii. The Aloha State posted the lowest figure in the entire study, with just 2.8 deaths per million people on average from 2008 to 2012, only to see that figure nearly double to 5.3 deaths per million people on average from 2013 to 2017. Still, that 5.3 figure is good enough for third place in the entire country.

Some observers might be surprised to see California anywhere on this list, let alone being landing second place for fire safety. The state has a notorious reputation for its wildfires, and they seem to be an annual occurrence for the region. It's important to consider that this list is strictly measuring loss of human life in determining these rankings. While California certainly has its ongoing issues with wildfires, it's clear that the state has done an excellent job of ensuring the safety of its citizens when dealing with these natural disasters, at least when covering the years 2013 thru 2017.

Congratulations to Utah for having the lowest average rate of fire-related deaths per million people for 2013 thru 2017. The state had just 4.6 fire-related deaths per million people on average for these years. However, Utah has reported lower fire-related deaths in the past, so it's anyone's guess whether the figure will go up or down the next time this information is collected.

Remember, these states made this list not because fires don't occur in their areas, but because its residents know how to take proper action when fires do occur. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is equally as important as preventing fires in the first place. And never forget that while most of your possessions and your home can be replaced, the lives of those around you cannot.

If you are looking for top-quality residential fire monitoring, then Alarm Grid is happy to help you get started. We encourage you to reach out to us for more information by emailing support@alarmgrid.com, or by calling (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our experts can help you determine the perfect system for your household, and we can work with you to choose the best life-safety accessories for your needs. We look forward to working with you and your family to help you remain fire safe.

One of our main principles at Alarm Grid is to always empower our customers. Anyone who has monitoring service with us should be able to make changes to their security system settings at any time they would like. This is an incredibly important value to us as a monitoring company.

When we come across features and settings that can make it more difficult for our customers to get into programming, we make sure to discuss these features and explain why we do not recommend using them. One such feature that we never recommend using is the Lyric Lock feature on the Honeywell Lyric System. This feature provides zero benefits from an end's user's perspective, and it can lead to wasted time and frustration if it is mishandled. We strongly advise always keeping Lyric Lock disabled so that accessing programming is kept as easy and as simple as possible.

The Lyric Lock feature requires the end user to get a generated code from their alarm monitoring company whenever they want to enter the programming menu their panel. This feature can only be enabled for a Honeywell Lyric Panel that is actively monitored and connected with the AlarmNet360 servers. If you try to enter programming on a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled, then you will be prompted to enter a validated code to gain entry. The Lyric System will connect with the AlarmNet servers to verify the correct code before granting access to local programming. If you are unable to provide the correct validated code, then you will never be able to enter programming.

Since there is no way to "backdoor" a Lyric System, having the Lyric Lock feature enabled will make it impossible for you to make system changes if your monitoring company refuses to provide you with the generated code. Some monitoring companies may refuse to provide the generated code as a means of restricting when the user can enter programming and what changes they are able to make. By doing this, the alarm company can limit what the end user can do at the panel, and they may make it impossible for the user to switch monitoring companies without buying a new system.

Only a monitoring company with access to AlarmNet360 can enable/disable the Lyric Lock feature. This isn't something that can be turned ON or OFF freely by end users. If you find that your Lyric System has the Lyric Lock feature enabled, then the company that is actively monitoring the system will need to disable the feature. This because only that monitoring company can access the associated AlarmNet360 account and turn the feature OFF. You can identify the feature as being enabled by seeing "Yes" under the Lyric Lock option after you enter your system's Installer Code when trying to enter programming.

If you are an alarm grid monitored customer, then we will never enable the Lyric Lock feature on your account. However, we sometimes come across prospective customers who have Lyric Panels that were previously monitored by other alarm companies. These other monitoring companies may have enabled the feature for one reason or another. Unfortunately, since we are not the ones with access to the AlarmNet360 account, we are unable to disable the feature in these situations. Only the monitoring company with access to the account can turn off the Lyric Lock feature.

We have one main piece of advice for anyone in possession of a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled. That advice is to contact Alarm Grid directly. We will point you in the proper direction for getting the feature disabled so that you may ultimately begin service with Alarm Grid. If your old alarm company refuses to disable the feature or ignores your request entirely, we may be able to work with Resideo directly to disable Lyric Lock on your panel so that you can enter programming. Remember, entering programming is an important step for taking over a Lyric System so that you can use it with a new monitoring company.

The best way to contact Alarm Grid if you need help dealing with the Lyric Lock feature is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will be happy to help you get into programming so that you can continue using your current Lyric System with Alarm Grid monitoring services. Make sure to provide us as much information as possible when emailing us so that we are able to provide you with top-quality support. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to working with you and helping you get the very most out of your security system.

Note: The Lyric Lock feature can also result in difficulties with defaulting Honeywell SiX Series Sensors so that they can be successfully brought over to a new Lyric System if needed. More information on the subject can be found in this detailed FAQ.

If you're in the market for a new wireless repeater for your Honeywell System, you might want to consider our certified refurbished Honeywell 5800RP. Our refurbished model will work just as well as a brand-new Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater, but it is available at a lower price.

Our certified refurbished products are shipped directly to the Alarm Grid headquarters from the manufacturer. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned, and any defects are restored to ensure that the product operates like brand-new. We guarantee that any certified refurbished product from us will work just as well as the brand-new equivalent. For more information on our certified refurbished offerings, please check out this prior blog post.

If you aren't familiar with the Honeywell 5800RP, it is a wireless repeater that works with Honeywell 5800 Sensors. Normally, these sensors only have a maximum range of 200 nominal feet. But the 5800RP will take the signals sent out from these sensors and send them out a second time. This will increase the maximum possible wireless range to 400 nominal feet.

Wireless repeaters like the Honeywell 5800RP are great for situations where you need a little bit of extra range for your sensors to communicate properly. They can also help your sensors overcome obstacles that may disrupt communication, such as thick walls and large metal appliances. For best results, try playing the 5800RP in a location directly in-between the panel and the sensor.

The Honeywell 5800RP is a plug-and-play device, and you do not need to enroll it with the panel for it to work. It will begin repeating 345 MHz signals from Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors as soon as it is powered on. However, you can still enroll it with your panel for supervision purposes. This will require one wireless zone on your panel.

Please note that the Honeywell 5800RP does not include a transformer for providing power. This applies to both the brand-new model and our certified refurbished offering. The transformer you will want to purchase separately is called the Honeywell 300-07753 AC Transformer. You will also need a wire to connect the transformer. We recommend using the Honeywell LT-Cable for this job. The Honeywell K0257 Backup Battery does come included with the 5800RP, and that should last about three (3) to five (5) years with typical usage.

Also note that the Honeywell 5800RP can only repeat 345 MHz signal from Honeywell 5800 Sensors. It cannot repeat 345 MHz signals from 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. Alarm Grid offers the 2GIG Repeater, which can repeat signals from both Honeywell 5800 Sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. But only the Honeywell 5800RP can repeat signals from bi-directional Honeywell 5800 Series devices. These include the Honeywell 5828 Keypad and the Honeywell 5800WAVE Siren.

Finally, it is not possible to use multiple Honeywell 5800RP units to repeat signals an indefinite number of times. Each Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor can have its signal repeated only once. But you can have two distinct 5800RP modules on separate sides of your panel to repeat signals coming from both directions. Keep this in mind if you intend on using the Honeywell 5800RP.

You can get our certified refurbished Honeywell 5800RP right now from the Alarm Grid website. If you have any questions, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our video team was hard at work last week after their new year break. We put up several new videos, mostly featuring Jorge. We hope that you enjoy these new videos and find them super helpful. Remember, we make these videos to help you out. Let's take a look at our newest videos!

The Honeywell Home 6290W Works With a VISTA Alarm System

Joe explains how you can use a Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad with a Honeywell VISTA Security System. The Honeywell 6290W is perfect for anyone who wants to add touchscreen operation and control to their VISTA Panel. Many new users prefer touchscreen keypads because they are easier to operate and less intimidating than traditional push-button keypads. The 6290W connects to the panel just like any other keypad. It must be addressed before using. More information on addressing can be found here.

Using Motions with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge talks about using motion detection sensors with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. All versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can support PowerG Motion Sensors. These systems can also support one of three (3) different legacy sensor frequencies (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz). The legacy sensor frequency supported by your IQ Panel 2 Plus will depend on which version of the system you get. Meanwhile, the original IQ Panel 2 can only support 319.5 MHz motion sensors.

Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Without a Phone Line

Jorge discusses how the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus does not use a phone line for monitoring. Phone line communication was traditionally used with alarm systems, mostly before the rise of cellular and IP monitoring. However, it is rarely used today. This is largely because phone line connectivity is known for being very slow and unreliable. Qolsys knew that phone line communication was mostly an archaic technology, so they did not even make phone line monitoring possible for the IQ2.

Setting Up WIFI & Cell on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge shows you how to set up WIFI and cellular communication for an IQ Panel 2 Plus. The system has a built-in LTE cellular communicator and an integrated WIFI card for connecting with Alarm.com. The cellular communication path must be set up per Alarm.com requirements. By connecting the system to a local WIFI network, the panel will utilize dual-path monitoring with both WIFI and cellular. This means that the system will send out signals across both WIFI and cellular when communicating with Alarm.com.

Self Install a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and Still Get Monitoring

Jorge mentions how you can install your own IQ Panel 2 Plus System and still get monitoring service from Alarm Grid. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is a very easy system to install, and the entire process can be completed using only a screwdriver. At Alarm Grid, we do not care whether you install the system yourself or hire a professional installer to do it for you. By installing your own security system, you can save a lot of money.

Rebooting The Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge demonstrates the process for rebooting the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Rebooting the panel refers to a reset, in which the system will power down and then automatically power back on. This is something that you may need to do as a troubleshooting step or for making sure that a new firmware update has been applied. The rebooting process can be completed from the system menus, without having to disconnect the system's transformer or backup battery.

At Alarm Grid, one thing we take very seriously is fire safety. Our security systems integrate with smoke and heat detectors that trigger fire alarms when activated. Most residential users can use central station monitoring to receive automatic dispatch in the event of a fire alarm.

Although fire safety is important no matter where you live, statistics show that some areas experience higher rates of serious fires than others. We decided to look into this a little bit further to determine the five (5) worst US states for fire safety. Not only are these statistics rather interesting, they can also be quite eye-opening if you live in one of these states.

Our method for determining the worst US states for fire safety was quite simple. We just took a look at the average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year for the years 2013 thru 2017, as reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). This is the newest NFPA data we were able to find. Although this data is a few years old, it should still be quite accurate in determining the biggest offenders for fire safety.

In the table below, you will see the five (5) US states that have the highest average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year for 2013 thru 2017. You will also see earlier groupings of years in the graph. We won't focus too much on the earlier years, but it is good to see that fire-related deaths are generally decreasing. All of these states have experienced at least 11 fewer fire-related deaths per million people per year on average when comparing the years 1981 to 1985 with the years 2013 to 2017. That in itself is a good sign that these states are improving their fire safety.

Based on this information, the five worst states for fire safety are:

• 5. Alabama
• 4. Alaska
• 3. Arkansas
• 2. Mississippi
• 1. West Virginia

We understand that this is an overly-simple ideology for ranking states based on fire safety, but it is still interesting nonetheless. And just because your state is on this list doesn't mean that you should get discouraged. Whether or not your household or business practices proper fire safety techniques is up to you, not the rest of your state. Therefore, you should do your part to prevent yourself and those around you from becoming another unfortunate statistic in this dataset.

To keep your home or business as safe as possible, you should start by making sure that the building is properly outfitted with smoke detectors. It is recommended that you have at least one smoke detector on each floor. There should also be a smoke detector inside of every sleeping area and inside any large central area. Great locations for smoke detectors include bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and any big room in a business. You may also use standalone heat detectors in areas that are not suitable for traditional smoke detectors. These include bathrooms, garages, kitchens, and basements. Remember to test your smoke and heat detectors at least once per month and change their batteries regularly. If your smoke and heat detectors are enrolled with a monitored alarm panel, then make sure to place your system on test mode first to avoid false alarms.

We also strongly advise viewing this post we made last year about the top ten (10) causes for house fires. Understand how fires are caused, and take the proper actions to prevent them. Make sure that every member of your household or business is as fire safety conscious as you are. You should hold regularly scheduled fire drills in your home or business. Get everyone involved, and make it a group activity. It is crucial that you have an action plan and that everyone else in your home or business understands and follows that plan. You may even want to reach out to your local fire department on their non-emergency number to see if they can help you maintain fire safety.

Remember, fire-related deaths are something that you and those around you can prevent. But you need to take action beforehand. Once you lose someone to a fire, you can't bring them back. Let's work together to make this decade the safest yet. If you want to learn more about fire-safety or our residential fire monitoring services, then you can always reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you remain fire safe!

Are you looking to start alarm monitoring service, but you don't want to pay the full price tag of a brand-new security system? One option is to get a certified refurbished system from Alarm Grid. And now is a great time to do so, as our refurbished Honeywell Lyric is back in stock!

Alarm Grid offers certified refurbished versions of a select range of Resideo (formerly Honeywell) products, including the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. All of our certified refurbished products come directly to us from Resideo. When the original owner of an eligible Honeywell or Resideo product sends their product back to the manufacturer for one reason or another, then it may become a certified refurbished product. You can learn more about our certified refurbished products in our original blog post about the subject.

When a piece of equipment is deemed worthy of being a certified refurbished item, Resideo will clean the hardware, restore any defects, and ensure that it works just as good as a brand-new product. Resideo is very strict in this regard so that any certified refurbished product is virtually indistinguishable from an unopened product. Alarm Grid then buys these products directly from Resideo, and refurbished products are sent to customers directly from the Alarm Grid headquarters.

We understand that some customers might be skeptical about purchasing a certified refurbished Lyric System as opposed to a brand-new one. You can put those concerns to bed because Alarm Grid offers a complementary warranty protection plan in conjunction with Resideo's original manufacturer's warranty. Alarm Grid will honor any remaining warranty from Resideo, or we will offer our own warranty of up to 90 days, whichever is longer. We are extremely confident in all of the refurbished equipment we are offering, but we understand that having these protective measures in-place will help some customers feel more confident.

A refurbished Lyric System will work exactly the same as a new one. The Lyric can support up to 128 wireless zones, and it is compatible with Resideo's exclusive lineup of SiX Series Sensors that utilize 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless security and protection. The system is also compatible with the Apple HomeKit platform for iOS users, and it features built-in Z-Wave for smart home functionality. And if you get the system monitored, then you can use it with Total Connect 2.0. For those wanting to buy a brand-new Lyric instead of a refurbished model, it can be found here.

If you have any questions about our refurbished Lyric Systems, or any of the other products on our site, then please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com users have some new features to enjoy. The platform now lets users easily share and save highlight videos, and you can now perform Alarm.com Smart Scenes directly from the an Apple Watch. We are sure that many users out there will want to take advantage of these great features!

The Alarm.com video highlights feature was first introduced last year, though we never really mentioned it in our blog. Basically, Alarm.com keeps track of different events and arranges them into a "highlight reel" for you to review. Any Alarm.com user with Video Analytics enabled on their account can take advantage of this feature. You will need to have version 4.10.3 or higher of the Alarm.com Mobile App to view highlights on your Android or iOS device. Remember that you can update to the latest version from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Alarm.com includes the following events into highlight reels:

• Z-Wave Door Locks are Locked/Unlocked
• Door/Window Contacts are Faulted/Restored
• Z-Wave Garage Doors are Opened/Closed
• Alarm.com System is Armed/Disarmed
• Z-Wave Thermostats are adjusted
• Motion Sensor detects movement
• Alarm.com System goes into Alarm
• Video Analytics Camera records a clip
• Sunrise/Sunset

If you have Video Analytics enabled on your Alarm.com account, then you can conveniently view your daily highlight reel from either the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. Each individual "event" in the highlight reel can be selected by tapping its associated thumbnail. And you can tap the double arrow to switch to the highlight reel for a previous day.

The reason why we're just now bringing up Alarm.com Highlights is because the platform now allows users to conveniently download and share highlight reels directly from the Alarm.com Mobile App. You can download your daily highlight reel to save it for permanent use. You can also click the Share button to conveniently send it to a friend via text message or email, or you can upload it to various social media platforms.

The other new Alarm.com feature we briefly wanted to mention is the new ability to perform smart scenes from an Apple Watch. With just a few taps, you can adjust your lights, thermostats, door locks, and more. Now you can have total control right on your wrist! Please note that scenes will need to be set up using the Alarm.com Mobile App or website before you can initiate them from your Apple Watch.

Remember that you need to have an alarm monitoring plan with Alarm.com service to take advantage of these great features. If you don't have Alarm.com service yet, then you should check out our monitoring page to learn more. Keep in mind that you will need a Gold or Platinum Plan (Self or Full) if you intend on using Alarm.com with Alarm Grid. If you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

With a new year comes reduced pricing on many of our great existing products. We have just dropped the prices on 73 of our existing offerings. You can certainly find something great to upgrade your existing system or use with a new installation. Let's check out these awesome products!

Before we go through and list each and every reduced price product, we figured we'd go through and talk about some of the ones that excite us the most. After all, sorting through a list of 73 products is pretty daunting. Our initial "best-of" list may help you find exactly what you're looking for. These products are great if you have an existing system, or if you are building a new system and want to add some cool accessories.

These products are presented in alphabetical order:

Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

The ADC-V723 is the current flagship outdoor security camera for use with the Alarm.com platform. This simple, yet powerful camera makes the perfect addition to any home or small business. It can capture video at up to 1080p quality, and it makes use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) to improve image depth and luminosity.

Alarm.com T2000 Smart Z-Wave Thermostat

If you are still looking for a smart Z-Wave thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 is an outstanding entry-level option. It conveniently wires in place of your existing thermostat to give you smart control over your HVAC system. It can pair nicely with both the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms. You just need a compatible Z-Wave hub to get started.

DSC PG9312 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor

The DSC PG9312 is the premier outdoor contact sensor for any user with a PowerG-compatible security system. It offers a maximum magnet spacing gap of 1.75", which gives you more flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor and magnet. Like all PowerG Sensors, it offers a wireless range of up to 2 km away from the panel, as well as 128-bit AES encryption.

DSC PG9914 Motion Sensor

Anyone with a PowerG Security System looking to add a basic indoor motion sensor should turn to the DSC PG9914. This is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that is great for use in nearly any home or business. It offers a modest coverage area of 39 feet, and the sensor provides pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 lbs.

Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Listening Module

The Encore FireFighter FF345 is perfect if you have existing high-voltage smoke detectors that you want to integrate into a 345 MHz wireless system. The module can detect both the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector and the Temporal 4 sound of an activated CO detector. And if your high-voltage devices are one-go-all-go, then a single FF345 can takeover your entire network.

Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor

Also for 345 MHz system users, the Honeywell 5822T allows your system to monitor your garage door to see if it's opened or closed. This wireless sensor works great for security and automation purposes alike. You might even create a special smart scene that activates as soon as the 5822T detects that you garage door has been opened!

Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera

The Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera is for anyone with an existing Total Connect 2.0 Video Monitoring service plan that they want to expand upon. This is a simple and straightforward camera that captures video at up to 720p quality. It can be easily rested on a desk or table, and no hard-mounting is required.

Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S Door/Window Sensor

The Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S can be used by anyone with a 319.5 MHz wireless system, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Interlogix & Qolsys Daughtercard. This is a straightforward door and window contact sensor that makes a nice addition to any compatible system. Its small and compact design allows for a tidy installation.

Please see our complete list of reduced price products in the table below, organized by product type:

If you have any questions about these products or any of the other products on our site, including product compatibilities, please reach out to us. You may also contact us if you want to learn more about our monitoring services. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you find the perfect product for your needs!

Back on December 27th, we uploaded a few new videos that we never got around to covering in a recap. We figured now was as good of a time as any to cover these videos. We have two (2) videos featuring Jorge, and one (1) video featuring Jarrett. We hope that you find them helpful!

Also, if you were expecting more videos, don't worry! Our video team is hard at work putting together some new content for you to check out. We expect that it will be ready in the next few days. And we should have an even bigger video recap next week. Anyway, on with the videos!

Using Alarm.com with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how you can use the Alarm.com platform with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. In order to do this, you will need to activate the system with a monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com. By accessing your Alarm.com account, you can arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Cameras, and more. You can access your ADC account using a web browser or the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Connecting an Android Phone to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge covers the process for using an Android Phone to operate a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This is done using the Alarm.com Mobile App. The app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Once you have the app, you can provide your Alarm.com account information to begin controlling your system remotely. This way, you can access your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System whether you are across the street or across the globe!

Activating Panic Mode on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett teaches you how to activate a panic on a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric has a red button on the front of the panel that can be pressed and held to open a panic menu. You will then be able to trigger an alarm on the system. This can be really useful if you have central station monitoring service, and you are currently experiencing an emergency situation. The Lyric allows you to trigger police, medical, fire, and local panics. Alarms can be silent or audible.