December 2020 Archives

Happy New Year! As you can tell from the title, we're discussing our holiday schedule. All Alarm Grid offices will be closing early at 6pm ET on Thursday, December 31st. We will remain closed all day Friday, January 1st. We will then reopen for business as usual on Monday, January 4th, 2021.

First, let us give the obligatory, "we're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause", but please understand that security experts also like to enjoy the new year! One place that will not be closing is our central station partner, Criticom Monitoring Services, and neither is Rapid Response for our monitored customers in Canada. These monitoring centers don't close for silly events like ringing-in the new year, and they will remain vigilant, protecting your homes and businesses like always.

Remember that we will not be answering our phones or checking emails while we are closed. If you need to contact us, then send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will do our best to reply back when we reopen on Monday, January 4th. But please keep in mind that we expect to be confronted with a large number of emails when we groggily cheerfully return to our offices on Monday. We may not reply early in the day, so we ask that you be patient. We promise that we will get to you as soon as we can!

If you need to reach Criticom to put your system on test mode or to cancel a false alarm then please call our number (888) 818-7728, and choose option number [9]. Similar inquiries for Rapid Response can be made by calling (800) 932-3822. Remember to only call the central station for relevant matters. They are extremely busy handling emergencies, so we want to prevent any unnecessary calls that may clog their phone lines preventing them from handling priority issues. Send all other matters to our support email, and we will take it from there.

To everyone, please have a fun and safe New Year Holiday, as we move on from what has surely been a historic year. We are just as ready for 2021 as you are. And please, stay tuned to our blog for the latest security news and happenings. Thank you so much for being a loyal reader in 2020, and we'll see you next year!

Earlier in 2020, cryptocurrency storage company Ledger experienced a major data breach. It has since been revealed that more than 1 million email addresses, plus around 272,000 names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers were exposed. Major lessons can be taken away from this incident.

For those unfamiliar with Ledger and the resulting incident, Ledger is a French company offering cryptocurrency "wallets" that are used to store electronic cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. These are actual physical devices that resemble something like a USB flash drive. In July 2020, it was revealed that Ledger customers had their personal data exposed by hackers. Initially, it was thought that only 9,500 individuals were impacted. But it has since been revealed that the number of those affected is significantly more staggering.

The fallout for Ledger has been severe. Since the incident, more than 170 phishing websites have been taken down to try and prevent more people from being victimized. The company has also hired a new Chief Information Security Officer in an effort to provide stronger security moving forward. And of course, Ledger has repeatedly apologized for the incident, and they are promising to take the security of their customers more seriously from here on out. Many individuals have since criticized Ledger, not just for allowing the data breach to take place, but also for holding onto this sensitive data in the first place.

At Alarm Grid, we take security very seriously. And while our main focus is on alarm monitoring services, stories involving digital security are also fascinating to us. The purpose of our post today isn't to attack or shame Ledger, but we do want to remind our readers to protect themselves whenever possible. While we often expect that the companies in-charge will do the heavy lifting for us, mistakes and incidents clearly happen, so take it upon yourself to keep your personal data safe.

For starters, use a VPN while browsing the internet to prevent outsiders from accessing your browsing history and personal information. And yes, that means using a legitimate VPN, not just "Incognito Mode" in Chrome. Second, when you do have to provide information to outside companies, do what you can to keep your information safe. Try using a disposable email address when shopping online instead of your personal or work email. For your address, consider getting a PO box, or use a mail forwarding service. You might also want to get a second phone number to manage two-factor authentication, or use an app to generate fake phone numbers. Finally, always make sure to use safe and secure passwords, and never share them across multiple websites.

If you have any questions about keeping your personal information safe, or if you are interested in starting new monitoring service to protect your home or business, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Security is something we take very seriously, and we will be happy to help you. We are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Alarm.com has updated the video timeline used with their Streaming Video Recorder (SVR) devices. The changes were made to accommodate for the end of life of Adobe Flash, and to introduce the new Smart View feature. You can see the changes on the Alarm.com website.

With support for Adobe Flash ending after 2020, Alarm.com has updated the SVR Timeline on their website to now use native in-browser streaming. The most recent versions of recommended web browsers will provide the proper resources needed to support the feature. Alarm.com recommends using the latest version of Chrome, FireFox, Safari, or Edge with their services. Please note that the Microsoft Edge Legacy Browser cannot support the SVR Timeline if the browser version is less than Version 79. Alarm.com no longer recommends the use of the Microsoft Edge Legacy. Please see this post for more.

Additionally, Alarm.com has recently redesigned the SVR Timeline to accommodate its new "Smart View" feature. Smart View is an interactive video player that allows users to playback Alarm.com Camera recordings for up to four (4) cameras at a time. Users can also filter content to find important footage faster. Smart View also introduces a new activity timeline that shows system-wide events, such as doors and windows being opened, alarm panel arming and disarming, Video Analytics events, plus more. Keep in mind that the updated SVR Timeline is only accessible through the Alarm.com website. It cannot be accessed through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Current Alarm.com Streaming Video Recorders include the ADC-SVR122 and the ADC-CSVR126.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com SVR Timeline, or if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service for use with Alarm.com, please email our team at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

When you move into a new home or office, you may find an existing security system that you're hoping to put to use. Or maybe you have an already monitored alarm panel, and you want to extend its useful lifespan. Alarm Grid is here to help determine the best course of action for your needs.

Most users with a security system will want to have it monitored. When we refer to alarm monitoring, we are talking about the ability of the system to send out signals in the event of an emergency, such as a break-in or fire. This allows the user to receive automatic dispatch from a trained operator at a central monitoring station. It also makes it possible for the end user to receive text and/or email alerts that notify them of the situation so they can contact help themselves. Whether you go with central station monitoring or self-monitoring is a personal decision. You can learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring plans on this page.

For alarm monitoring to work, you need a security system with a communicator that is installed and activated. If you inherit an old or existing system, then there is a good chance that you can get it monitored by simply replacing its communicator. This isn't always possible, but it can save you money by not having to start from scratch with a brand-new system. And for optimal reliability, we recommend getting the system set up with a cellular communicator, specifically an LTE cellular communicator. This will require a cellular monitoring plan, but it is the best way to ensure that your system stays reliably monitored.

Always power down your panel completely before installing a cellular communicator!

There are many advantages to cellular monitoring. For one, cellular outages are almost unheard of when an adequate cellular signal is obtained. The same cannot be said for internet, as internet outages are relatively common. A power outage won't affect your system's cellular connection, as the communicator will stay running using the panel's backup battery. And since cellular is completely wireless, there's no line for an intruder to "cut" to try and disrupt your system's cellular connection. This is far and away the most consistent and reliable type of communication available for an alarm system.

We also want to stress the importance of getting an LTE cellular communicator. Older cellular networks like AT&T 3G and Verizon CDMA are in the process of being shut down. Cellular communicators that connect with these older networks can no longer be activated. But LTE, which stands for Long-Term Evolution, provides a way to "future-proof" your system so that it can stay monitored for many, many years. Most systems capable of being set up for monitoring service will have some type of LTE option available. Many users with existing systems that are already monitored are simply looking for ways to upgrade their systems to LTE so that they remain connected as older cellular networks are shut down. If you would like to learn more about the 3G/CDMA sunset, we encourage you to check out this post.

Today, we're going to take a look at many of the popular alarm systems and explain which communicators you can use to get them set up with LTE. Just be aware that many panels will require you to know the system's Installer Code (IC) so that you can enter programming. This is an important step for setting up your system and getting it monitored. Simply find your panel in the table below, and review the relevant information.

Keep in mind that only communicators currently sold by Alarm Grid are listed. There may be other, discontinued alarm systems that we don't mention. And if you're having trouble identifying your panel, you can always reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com for assistance.

Note: In the chart below, IC is used to indicate the Installer Code:

Alarm Panel	LTE Communicators	Notes
Honeywell LYNX Touch L5000 & L5100	None Available. A panel upgrade is necessary. Honeywell Lyric Upgrade Kit-V (Verizon LTE) Honeywell Lyric Upgrade Kit-A (AT&T LTE)	Default IC is 4112. Can backdoor into programming if needed. Cannot upgrade to LTE. Replace w/ Honeywell Lyric Controller or 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Both L5000 and L5100 are discontinued.
Honeywell LYNX Touch L5200, L5210, L7000	Honeywell LTE-L57A (AT&T LTE) Honeywell LTE-L57V (Verizon LTE) Panel Upgrades are also available: Honeywell Lyric Upgrade Kit-V (Verizon LTE) Honeywell Lyric Upgrade Kit-A (AT&T LTE)	Default IC is 4112. Can backdoor into programming if needed. May need to purchase Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool to upgrade system firmware. Alarm Grid offers upgrade kits that include both an LTE communicator and the updater tool. LTE-L57A requires 9.00.209. AT&T LTE Upgrade Kit LTE-L57V requires 9.00.201. Verizon LTE Upgrade Kit L5200 has been discontinued.
Honeywell Lyric Controller	Honeywell LYRICLTE-A (AT&T LTE) Honeywell LYRICLTE-V (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 4112. Firmware update may be required. This can be done over WIFI using the panel's built-in WIFI card before adding the LTE communicator. Alarm Grid can activate the system on WIFI first so that the update can be applied, and then a cellular communicator can be added after.
Honeywell LYNX Plus L3000	Honeywell LTE-L3A (AT&T LTE) Honeywell LTE-L3V (Verizon LTE)	Default IC is 4112. Can backdoor into programming if needed. All firmware versions of the L3000 support the LTE communicators. However, you need Firmware Version 20.1 or higher to use the system with Total Connect 2.0.
Honeywell, VISTA-10P VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P, and VISTA-21iP	Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) Honeywell LTE-IV (AT&T LTE & IP) Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE) Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE) Honeywell LTEM-XA (AT&T LTE Cat M1) Honeywell LTEM-XV (Verizon LTE Cat M1) Alarm.com ADC-SEM210-VT-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) Alarm.com ADC-SEM210-VT-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP)	Default IC is 4112. Can backdoor into programming if needed. The VISTA-10P cannot be used with Total Connect 2.0. An Alarm.com System Enhancement Module (SEM) is recommended if you want to use your VISTA-10P with an interactive platform. The VISTA-15P and 20P require Firmware Version 9.12 or higher to use Total Connect 2.0. PROM Chip upgrades can be purchased from Alarm Grid. The 15P is here, and the 20P is here. We also sell bundled kits that include both a communicator and PROM Chip upgrades. LTEIA-TC2 LTEIV-TC2 LTEXA-TC2 LTE-XV-TC2 Adding an external communicator to a VISTA-21iP will require disabling the system's internal IP communicator. A VISTA-21iP must be running Firmware Version 3.13 or higher to use Total Connect 2.0. PROM Chip upgrades for the 21iP are here. VISTA-10P has been discontinued.
Honeywell VISTA-128BPT & VISTA-250BPT	Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) Honeywell LTE-IV (AT&T LTE & IP) Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE) Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 4140. All versions of the 128BPT can use Total Connect 2.0. For the 250BPT, Firmware Version 10.3 or higher is required for TC2.
2GIG Go!Control GC2	2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 (AT&T LTE) 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 1561. LTEA-A-GC2 requires FW 1.19.3 or higher. LTEV1-A-GC2 requires FW 1.19 or higher. FW updates are made via Updater Cable or Easy Updater Tool. GC2 has been discontinued.
2GIG GC3	2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 1561. LTEA-A-GC3 requires FW 3.2.3 or higher. LTEV1-A-GC3 requires FW 3.1.3 or higher. GC3 has been discontinued.
Interlogix/GE Simon XT, XTi, or XTi-5	Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP) Alarm.com XT-511-US-AT (AT&T LTE) Alarm.com XT-511-US-VZ (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 4321. Simon XT must be running FW Version 1.3 or higher. Make sure to check the firmware first. Simon XTi and XTi-5 do not have this requirement and can support any of the listed communicators. Consider upgrading to a newer panel.
Interlogix/CADDX NetworX NX-4V2, NX-6V2, NX-8V2, NX-8E	Alarm.com NX-411-US-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) Alarm.com NX-410-US-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP) Interlogix NetworX NX-592E-LTE-ZX-VZ (Verizon LTE)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 4321. Consider upgrading to a newer panel.
Interlogix/GE Concord 4	Alarm.com CD-411-US-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) Alarm.com CD-421-US-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 4321. Consider upgrading to a newer panel.
DSC Impassa	DSC TL8055LTVZ (Verizon LTE & IP)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 5555. Requires FW 1.3 or higher. Consider upgrading to a newer panel.
DSC PowerSeries PC1616, PC1832, PC1864	ADC-SEM210-PS-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) ADC-SEM210-PS-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 5555. Consider upgrading to a newer panel.
DSC PowerSeries NEO HS2016, HS2032, HS2064, HS2128	DSC TL880LEAT N (AT&T LTE & IP) DSC TL880LTVZ N (Verizon LTE & IP)	Must have IC for programming. Default IC is 5555.
Qolsys IQ Panel and DSC Touch	None Available.	Default IC for IQ Panel is 1111. Default IC for DSC Touch is 5555. You cannot swap-out the communicator for a Qolsys IQ Panel or DSC Touch. You must replace the panel to upgrade to LTE. The recommended replacement option for the Qolsys IQ Panel is the 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The recommended replacement option for the DSC Touch is the 433 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.

My panel isn't listed!

If your panel isn't listed in the table above, then all hope isn't lost quite yet. Nearly any hardwired alarm panel with a phone dialer can use a device called a Telguard TG-1 Express to connect with an LTE cellular network. The TG-1 Express will take over your system's dialer and convert the phone line signal into a cellular signal. This is a great option that works in many situations. Just be aware that you may still need to be able to access system programming using the Installer Code to configure some settings. This can be easier said than done, and many users simply elect to upgrade to a newer wireless panel. But if you are familiar and experienced with the panel you are using and you can handle the programming, then you can leave the monitoring to us. The Telguard TG-1 Express is available in an AT&T LTE model and a Verizon LTE model.

In addition to the Telguard TG-1 Express, Resideo now offers the LTEM-PA or LTEM-PV dual-path capable communicators. Either of these LTE communicators paired with the PRODCM module will allow any panel with telephone dialing capabilities that can report in Contact ID Format to continue to communicate using the LTE Cat-M1 network.

If you decide that upgrading your existing system to LTE is the way to go, then Alarm Grid is happy to help you! We recommend checking out the Alarm Grid Communicator Replacement Portal to get started. You can choose a time for an activator to help you get your new LTE communicator up and running. Just make sure to have your new LTE communicator installed before your scheduled appointment. Click here for our Communicator Replacement Portal.

We've also got your back if you decide to upgrade to a new system. To get started, simply reach out to us via email at support@alarmgrid.com or by calling us at (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

In observance of Christmas Eve and Day, Alarm Grid will be closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th. We will not be checking email or answering phone calls during this time. We will reopen on Monday, December 28th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need to contact us while we are away, please email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will do our very best to reply back on Monday when we reopen. Please understand that we expect to have a large volume of emails in front of us upon our return, and many members of our team are still fighting illnesses. We ask you to please bear with us as we try to keep up!

Remember that our central station partner Criticom is open 24/7 every day of the year, and so is Rapid Response, the central station that services our monitored customers in Canada. You can still reach out to your appropriate central station if you need to cancel a false alarm or put your system on test mode. Criticom is best reached by calling our phone number (888) 818-7728, and choosing option [9]. Rapid Response can be contacted by calling (800) 932-3822. Please only call the central station for related matters. All other inquiries should be sent to our support email address.

We hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday, whether you celebrate Christmas, another event, or nothing at all. We know that many of you may be reluctant to travel or visit with your family and friends this year. If you do decide to travel, make sure to arm your security system before you leave! We will see you again on Monday.

Alarm.com now offers an integration for Lennox iComfort WIFI Touchscreen Thermostats. This will allow you to control your compatible Lennox Thermostat from the Alarm.com platform using the website or mobile app. The integration offers the same control as other supported thermostats.

Please note that the supported models include those from the Lennox iComfort Lineup. These include the Lennox iComfort E30, the Lennox iComfort M30, and the Lennox iComfort S30. You can always reach out to us if you have any questions about smart thermostat compatibility for use with Alarm.com.

By completing the integration, you can perform a variety of functions for your Lennox WIFI Thermostat from the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App or website. The following features are listed as supported by Alarm.com:

• View Current Temperature
• View Current Mode
• View Current Setpoint(s)
• View Current Humidity
• View Current Fan Mode
• Change Setpoints
• Change Mode
• Change Fan Mode
• Request Status Update
• Complete Scene Integration

In order to get started, have your monitoring company apply the Lennox iComfort Integration to your Alarm.com account. Next, you need to pair your Lennox iComfort account with your Alarm.com account. This is what gives Alarm.com permission to control the thermostat. You must provide your Lennox username and password to complete the integration.

The process can be completed using the website or mobile app, though the steps are slightly different. If you are using the website, then you should choose Settings > Manage Devices > Add Device (upper right) > Thermostat > Lennox iComfort E30, M30, S30 Thermostat > Next > provide your Lennox login information > Login, and then follow the on-screen prompts.

If you are using the mobile app, then login to your account, and click the three (3) horizontal bars button > Manage Devices > + icon > Thermostat > Lennox iComfort E30, M30, S30 Thermostat > Next > provide your Lennox login information > Login, and then follow the onscreen prompts as instructed to complete the device integration.

Keep in mind that you will be required to accept the terms and conditions, which you can review on the screen. The device should successfully pair after the discovery process has been completed. Make sure that your thermostat is online and connected to the network before attempting the above steps.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Lennox iComfort Thermostat Integration, or if you are monitored through Alarm Grid and you need us to apply the feature to your account, or if you are interested in starting new monitoring service, please email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We are here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have received word that Qolsys has released Firmware Version 2.5.4 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The main highlights for this latest firmware update include fixes with the Z-Wave S2 Encryption Protocol, plus fixes regarding the use of LiftMaster Garage Door Control.

We do have one thing to mention for users of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Solar Integration. If you are using the IQ2 Solar Integration then, DO NOT UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. Instead stay on 2.5.3. However, if you want to use the LiftMaster Garage Door Integration instead of the Solar Integration, then you should upgrade to 2.5.4, but you will LOSE the Solar Integration. On Version 2.5.4, it is IMPOSSIBLE to use BOTH the Solar Integration AND the LiftMaster Integration. Qolsys has said that this will be fixed in Firmware Version 2.6.0, which should hopefully be available in the coming months. For now, if the Solar Integration is more important to you than a LiftMaster Integration, then just STAY ON 2.5.3. This ONLY applies to users of the Solar Integration. If you do not care about the Solar Integration, or if the LiftMaster Integration is more important to you, then UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. All things considered, MOST USERS WILL WANT TO UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. Keep in mind that there is NO WAY TO DOWNGRADE TO A LOWER FIRMWARE VERSION AFTER UPGRADING.

Before we get into all of the exciting new changes for IQ2 Firmware Update 2.5.4, we will first explain how to apply the firmware update to your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. To get started, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind. Your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus must be on at least Firmware Version 2.0.1 or higher to apply the update. It must also be connected to WIFI, it should be receiving AC power from its plug-in transformer, and it should not have a low battery condition.

Now, this may get a bit confusing, but stick with us. Depending on which firmware version your IQ2 is currently running, it may be necessary to update in stages to get to 2.5.4. Start by considering which firmware version your system is currently running, and then take the appropriate action(s) based on what is outlined below. The important thing to remember is that your IQ2 must be already on 2.52 or 2.5.3 OR between 2.0.1 and 2.4.2 to upgrade directly to 2.5.4. If that applies to your system, then just go directly to 2.5.4.

For users on Version 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, things become a bit tricky. For these users, you need to upgrade to 2.5.2 or 2.5.3 first before you can get to 2.5.4. We recommend just updating to 2.5.2 and then going to 2.5.4, skipping 2.5.3. For information on updating to Version 2.5.2, please refer to this blog post. Once you are on 2.5.2 or 2.5.3, you can then follow the steps listed below.

Once you are on 2.5.2 or 2.5.3, or between 2.0.1 and 2.4.2, do the following:

• Start from the main screen of the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus.
• Swipe down the small grey bar at the top.
• Choose Settings > Advanced Settings.
• Enter your Installer Code. Remember that this code is 1111 by default.
• Choose Upgrade Software.
• Find Patch Tag, and enter iqpanel2.5.4. You must enter the patch tag EXACTLY AS DISPLAYED. Choose OK.
• Press Upgrade Using Network. If all the requirements have been met, the update will start.

Now, with that out of the way, we can start talking about what's new to 2.5.4. Here is a list of everything you can expect!

• An issue involving the 6.81.03 Z-wave Firmware Version, also referred to as the 6.81 Z-Wave SDK, has been fixed. The issue caused Schlage Z-Wave Plus Door Locks and the Honeywell T6 PRO Z-Wave Plus Thermostat to not function properly when S2 encryption was used. These devices should now work properly when enrolled using the S2 protocol.
• Corrections have been made to an issue that arose in Firmware Version 2.5.3 involving the use of LiftMaster Garage Door Control. The integration would not function properly from the panel UI. More information can be found in this document from Qolsys. Also, please see the message regarding the loss of the Solar Integration in 2.5.4 in the notes outlined above.
• An issue involving the LED status light on PowerG Smoke and Heat Detectors, namely the DSC PG9936, has been fixed. Previously, the status light would not reset after an alarm had been cleared when using Installer Mode or Test Mode on the panel. More information on the issue is available in this document released by Qolsys.
• The PowerG Radio Firmware has been upgraded to Version 80.34. This upgrade is designed to improve wireless communication, particularly when using multiple DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter units.
• Z-Wave Plus 500-Series Z-Wave Switches from Cooper and Eaton are now supported by the IQ Panel 2. The newly supported switches include RF9601, RF9617, RF9640-N, and RF9642-Z.
• An issue involving PowerG Shock Sensors, namely the DSC PG9935, has been fixed. The issue occurred following a 15 minute placement test mode timeout. There have been further improvements made for false alarm prevention when shock sensors are paired as two (2) separate zones on the system.
• The 2.5.4 Update now allows PowerG Keypads, namely the DSC WS9LCDWF9, to sound Fire Alarms triggered in other system partitions, provided that the Global Fire Setting is enabled. Please see this FAQ for more information.
• PowerG Keypads, namely the DSC WS9LCDWF9, can now show special characters on their LCD screens if they are used as part of a Zone Description on the main Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System.
• The Energy Optimizer for the system is now available locally on the IQ Panel 2. This is used to set Z-Wave thermostats and Z-Wave Plug-In Switches to reduce their energy usage during peak consumption hours. This feature should NOT be used alongside Alarm.com Thermostat Schedules. It is also NOT compatible with the "Give Back, Get Back" program offered by Alarm.com.
• Certain improvements have been made to the Help Videos as part of the Easy Install Wizard for the system.
• There have been small changes to facilitate support of Canadian ULC-S304 for Level II Residential and Level II Commercial Listings.
• A new setting for ULC Commercial Power Restoration is now available.
• PowerG Image Sensors, namely the DSC PG9934P and DSC PG9944, now take a picture upon the activation of a Fire Alarm or a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, for EU IQ Panel 2 Systems Only. Most United States users will not have this change applied. Furthermore, image sensors learned into Sensor Group 25 will also produce pictures if triggered while the panel is armed.
• If the EN Grade 2 Security Settings is Enabled, then User Codes will be hidden with dots, rather than showing the entered numeric code.

If you have any questions about Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Update 2.5.4, or if you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer needing help upgrading to Version 2.5.4, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com for assistance. This email is also good to use if you are interested in starting new monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Our support and planner teams are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are thrilled to announce that new Alarm Grid System Kits featuring the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS System are now available! We have twelve (12) kits in total, split into four (4) main categories, with options available for users in most situations. They're ready for your home or business!

UPDATE:

As of Firmware Version 3.591.92.0, the Honeywell Home PRO Series panels all support local programming through the keypad. You can read full details about this exciting firmware update here.

If you aren't familiar with the PROA7PLUS, then we strongly recommend reviewing this introduction post and buying guide, as it will really help you get acquainted with the latest Resideo Security System. For this post, we mainly want to focus on the new kits, so that is what we will do.

Potential buyers should keep in mind that the PROA7PLUS does NOT support local end user programming at this time, though we have received word from Resideo that the feature is coming. And while we do not have a firm answer on Apple HomeKit compatibility, we suspect that HomeKit support will be coming later down the pipeline. Remember that the Honeywell Lyric and its system kits DO support local end user programming and Apple HomeKit, so that can be a really good alternative if you don't want to wait for Resideo to get their system ready.

With that out of the way, here are the kits! Like we said earlier, there are four (4) distinct categories, with three (3) system kit options in each category. Basically, in each category, you are choosing an IP-only option OR a dual-path IP & LTE cellular option with either AT&T OR Verizon. Find the category that makes the most sense for you, and then choose - IP-only, Dual-Path AT&T & IP, or Dual-Path Verizon & IP.

Remember that if you go dual-path, you will need a monitoring plan with cellular connectivity, such as an Alarm Grid Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). We always recommend the use of cellular backup, as it is the only way to keep your system connected for monitoring service in the event of an internet outage. But whether you ultimately go with IP-only or dual-path is up to you. As a reference, the cellular communicator options for the PROA7PLUS are the PROLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the PROLTE-V (Verizon LTE). And make sure that your monitoring plan includes access to Total Connect 2.0 if you want to control the PROA7PLUS System remotely from your phone or a web browser!

The first category we have is our 3-1 PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, three (3) PROSIXMINI2 Door and Window Sensors, one (1) PROSIXPIR Motion Sensor, and a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great for smaller homes and apartments where only a few sensors are needed.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031 - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 Base Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031A - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 AT&T Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031V - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 Verizon Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable

Next, we have our 10-1 PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, ten (10) PROSIXMINI2 Door and Window Sensors, one (1) PROSIXPIR Motion Sensor, and a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great for larger homes and businesses where many sensors are needed.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101 - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 Base Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101A - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 AT&T Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101V - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 Verizon Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable

Then, we have our Wired Upgrade PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, a PROSIXC2W Wired to Wireless Converter, and two (2) Honeywell LT-Cables. These are great if you are upgrading to the PROA7PLUS from a wired alarm system, and you want to keep using your existing hardwired sensors.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKE - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade Base Kit: System, Converter Module, Two (2) LT-Cables
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKEA - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade AT&T Kit: System, Converter Module, Communicator, Two (2) LT-Cables
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKEV - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade Verizon Kit: System, Converter Module, Communicator, Two (2) LT-Cables

Last, we have our Wireless Upgrade PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, a PROTAKEOVER Legacy RF Receiver Module, an a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great if you are upgrading to the PROA7PLUS from a wireless alarm system, and you want to keep using your existing compatible wireless sensors.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKE - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade Base Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKEA - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade AT&T Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKEV - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade Verizon Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, Communicator, LT-Cable

Like always, if you have any questions about compatibility, or if you are interested in signing-up for new monitoring service, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We are here to help you from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get started with your new PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel!

Resideo has made another big hire, this time bringing Travis Merrill aboard to serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy, and Commercial Officer. Merrill offers more than two decades of experience in corporate strategy, marketing, and general management. Congratulations Merrill!

Merrill will report to Resideo President and CEO Jay Geldmacher, and he will likely be working very closely with other executives and leaders throughout the company. He will oversee the company's corporate strategy, brand strategy, external corporate communications, and strategic partnerships. The hire becomes official on Monday, December 21, 2020.

CEO Geldmacher said of the hire, "Travis has a proven track record and unique expertise in developing strategy and fostering commercial partnerships to drive focus and growth... His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue to define the strategic direction for Resideo.”

Prior to being hired by Resideo, Merrill served as CMO of FLIR Systems. He also previously served as the Vice President of Samsung's tablet business in the United States. Merrill currently serves on the board of All Hands Raised, a non-profit group committed to the wellbeing of young people, and also has current affiliations with Wabash College.

"With its presence in more than 150 million homes and businesses and its numerous market-leading products, Resideo has a tremendous opportunity to deliver value for its customers and partners... I am excited to work with this team and our partners to position Resideo for long-term growth," said Merrill on joining the company.

With Merrill set to become the person in-charge of Resideo external corporate communications, our hope is that he will make quick work of securing Apple HomeKit compatibility for the new Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel, much like what is already available for our current top Resideo Security System pick, the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The two biggest items on our wishlist for the PROA7PLUS are end user programming and HomeKit compatibility. It sounds like Merrill needs to sit down with the folks at Apple and make some magic happen. Don't let us down Merrill!

If you are interested in getting started with monitoring service for a Resideo Alarm Panel, then please don't hesitate to reach out to us! The best way to contact our planning team for preparing a new security system is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will walk you through the process of planning a complete security system from start to finish. Our hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: The phones are working again.

Hey everyone! Our phone system appears to be down at this very second. If you call in, you'll get a "We are currently unable to connect this call" message. We are working with the company that administers our phones to get it back up, which we assume will happen shortly. In the meantime, we are staffing our chat app with more support members. Feel free to use that until we get the phone numbers back up and running.