February 2020 Archives

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus owners will be glad to learn that there are some outstanding security cameras for the system. You can live-stream these cameras from the panel and access their live feeds from Alarm.com using the website or mobile app. Residential and commercial options are available!

All versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus support Alarm.com Security Cameras. In order to use these cameras with the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need a video monitoring plan that includes video surveillance service for use with Alarm.com. An example of a compatible video monitoring plan is the Alarm Grid Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). You can learn about our Self-Platinum and Central Station Platinum monitoring plans on our monitoring page.

Once you have the proper system and monitoring plan, you can start exploring the camera options. All of the Alarm.com Cameras listed here support Alarm.com Video Analytics and live-streaming from the IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Whether you are looking to protect your home or monitor your business, there are some truly fantastic options available. We have seven (7) cameras to check out today, so let's get started!

Alarm.com ADC-V523

We're starting off this list with the Alarm.com ADC-V523. This is an excellent residential camera that you can mount on a wall or ceiling or rest on a desk or table. It is highly regarded for its 1080p picture quality. its use of High Dynamic Range (HDR), and its 117° field of view. The camera also utilizes IR night vision with a range of 15 feet. This means that it can reliably record an intrusion that may occur in the middle of the night. It supports connectivity across a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI network, or it can use hardwired ethernet. This is truly the go-to Qolsys Camera if you are just looking for a simple, yet effective camera to use indoors.

Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL

The Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL was designed with the Alarm.com Wellness Platform in mind. But it's such an effective and useful camera, that it can really be used nicely in any residential location. This indoor camera can technically be mounted, but its design makes it quite appealing to just rest and leave on a desk. Features for the ADC-V622 include live video & audio streaming, 1080p recording, two-way voice functionality, power over ethernet (PoE), a built-in Bluetooth speaker, IR night vision (15 feet), a built-in call button, and an incredible 180° viewing angle. It makes a great addition to any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and it will really blend-in nicely with your smart home.

Alarm.com ADC-V723

Residential Qolsys users looking for an outdoor camera can turn to the Alarm.com ADC-V723. This is a 1080p outdoor camera with an IP66 weather protection rating. It is very similar to the ADC-V523 we mentioned earlier. The difference is that this one is built to withstand the elements of an outdoor environment, including rain, wind, dust, heavy sunlight, and more. The camera retains the same 1080p recording capabilities and High Dynamic Range (HDR) of the ADC-V523. It also offers a further IR night range distance (~40 feet) to better capture activity that occurs in the middle of the night. Please note that you cannot use a wired ethernet connection with this IP camera. It must be set up with a 2.4 GHz or a 5 GHz WIFI connection.

Alarm.com ADC-VC726

The Alarm.com ADC-VC726 is where Alarm.com starts to bridge the gap between residential and commercial grade cameras. This is a mini bullet camera that measures 6.1" long and 2.76" wide. While you normally see these "bullet-style" cameras in commercial locations, this camera is so small that it can fit in very nicely outside a home. The camera was built for outdoor use with its IP67 protection rating, but it can certainly be used indoors as well. It offers 1080p recording, an 86° viewing angle, and an IR night vision range of ~95 feet. The camera must use a wired ethernet connection, and it supports PoE. It is extremely versatile and can really be used for almost any application.

Alarm.com ADC-VC736

Commercial Qolsys users typically consider the Alarm.com ADC-VC736 as the go-to outdoor camera option. This is the largest of the cameras listed here, and it really packs some power. It has 1080p recording capabilities, an IP67 weather protection rating, an IR night vision range of about 260 feet, and an 86° viewing angle. The camera measures in at 11.8" long and 4.1" tall, meaning that it's not exactly the most discreet camera out there. But if you need something large and powerful for monitoring the outside of your business, then the Alarm.com ADC-VC736 is a tremendous choice to use with your IQ Panel 2 Plus.

Alarm.com ADC-VC826

The Alarm.com ADC-VC826 Dome Camera is another model that blurs the line between residential and commercial. You normally associate dome cameras with commercial use, but the ADC-VC826 is small enough that you might not mind having it around your home. Its dimensions are just 4.4"D x 3.2"L, so you will have no problem fitting it in a tight space. And you can feel confident using this Qolsys-compatible camera outdoors with its IP67 protection rating. Other features include 1080p recording, a 108° viewing angle, an IR night vision range of ~95 feet, pan/tilt capabilities, and a vandal-resistant exterior. The camera must use a wired ethernet connection for network access, but it does support power over ethernet (PoE).

Alarm.com ADC-VC836

Business owners who want to take the turret camera route have the perfect option in the ADC-VC836. This is a camera that you can certainly trust to monitor your business and keep an eye out for any suspicious or unwanted activity. The camera is great for use with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, as it offers 1080p recording, an IR night vision range of ~95 feet, a 0 to 75 degree tilt function, and power over ethernet (PoE). It is protected against environmental elements with its IP67 rating. You will also appreciate the camera's modest size at just 5"D x 3.8"L. And with its tamper resistant exterior, nobody is going to disable the ADC-VC836 and break into your business without you knowing about it!

Get Monitored!

Alarm Grid offers residential and commercial video monitoring services for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus through Alarm.com. Any of the seven (7) above cameras will work great with your new IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Just choose the best one for your needs. Or if you want extra coverage, feel free to add multiple cameras. Every Alarm.com Video Monitoring Plan includes support for four (4) cameras by default, and expansion packs for additional camera support are available upon request. We recommend checking out this FAQ for more information on what an Alarm.com Video Plan includes.

Wanting to get started? Send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you monitor your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus for your home or business!

The Grover Beach Police Department (GBPD) has recently announced that fines for false alarms will soon be increased. The department says that it is making this change to reduce wasted resources. End users should take proactive measures to prevent false alarms and avoid fines and fees.

Starting April 1st, users in Grover Beach, CA will be required to pay an annual $25 alarm permit fee and register their security systems with the city. This permit fee applies to both residential and business users. An alarm permit in Grover Beach is valid for one year, and a $25 fee is required for renewal. Grover Beach residents and business owners can apply for alarm system permits at this link.

The break down for false alarm fines for registered users is as follows:

• $50 for 1st False Alarm
• $75 for 2nd False Alarm
• $100 for 3rd False Alarm
• $200 for All Subsequent False Alarms

The break down for false alarm fines for non-registered users is as follows:

• $150 for 1st False Alarm
• $175 for 2nd False Alarm
• $200 for 3rd False Alarm
• $300 for All Subsequent False Alarms

According to the GBPD, the department wastes about $30,000 each year dealing with false alarms. Most of these false alarms can be prevented through proper usage and understanding of a security system. As an alarm monitoring company, Alarm Grid encourages customers with central station monitoring service to prevent false alarms by taking proactive measures. These include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delays and enabling alarm report delays if necessary.

From our perspective the new false alarm policies for Grover Beach, CA seem tough, but fair. While we are never fans of annual fees for alarm permits, we do believe that end users need to be held accountable for managing their security systems. We also understand that some fees are occasionally needed for maintaining this type of support. Fortunately, most responsible security system users do not cause false alarms. Most users in Grover Beach, CA will likely pay nothing more than this $25 permit fee and the monitoring fees from their alarm companies.

Taking measures to prevent false alarms is very important, as they can prevent the local authorities from dealing with serious issues. Additionally, repeated false alarms can result in the police not taking a real alarm seriously. If your system is repeatedly causing false alarms, then the authorities might not feel like it is important to urgently respond in the event that a real emergency occurs. We understand and respect the decision from Grover Beach to begin implementing a false alarm policy.

For more information on preventing false alarms, or if you want to learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have recently heard about an issue affecting Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points. These access points (APs) have a feature called "Auto Optimize Network" that prevents certain security systems from connecting. The feature must be disabled in order for the panel to reconnect with the IP network.

At this time, we have only confirmed that the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System is affected by this issue. Other alarm panels may also be affected, but we have not been able to test. Once the Ubiquiti UniFi AP has the feature enabled, the panel will lose its connectivity with the network. If the panel has cellular backup, then it will remain monitored using that communication path. But if the panel has IP-only service, then it will lose its ability to send out signals to a monitoring platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

We have received reports from some customers that Ubiquiti has pushed down an automatic update that auto-enables the "Auto Optimize Network" feature. Once that happens, a Lyric System will lose its connectivity with the local WIFI network, even if it is configured with the proper SSID and password. Other systems may also experience a similar issue, but we have only received reports about this affecting the Lyric. The solution is to disable the "Auto Optimize Network" in the UniFi device network settings.

It is recommended that you keep the Auto Optimize Network feature on any Ubiquiti Access Point disabled to prevent connectivity loss for your security system. As long as the feature is disabled, you should not experience any connectivity issues for the system We recommend reviewing the manual for your Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point device for information on how to disable the feature in network settings. As we are not dealers for Ubiquiti products, we cannot provide technical support for this issue. But we can help you reconnect your Lyric System to WIFI after you have disabled the setting.

For more information on this issue with Ubiquiti Access Points, please review this FAQ. Remember to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions about our products or monitoring services. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

As you have likely heard, mainland China is currently dealing with the Coronavirus crisis. This disease has resulted in inventory shortages and manufacturing delays throughout the security industry. Certain products sold by Alarm Grid may be currently unavailable or delayed as a result.

Many of the products sold by Alarm Grid are backordered as China deals with this epidemic. This is completely out of our control, and there is very little we can do to combat the issue. If an item you have ordered is unavailable, we will do our best to recommend a suitable replacement or provide you with an estimate on when the product should be available. We apologize for any inconvenience that may result from this issue. We ask for your understanding and patience during this time. If you would like to know the status of a specific product or if you have any questions about any of the products on our site, 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!

It was a relatively quiet week for our video team last week, as we only put up three (3) new videos. There was one (1) from Jorge, one (1) from Jarrett, and one from myself, for a nice even split. We hope that you find these new videos helpful. Let's check out the newest Alarm Grid videos!

Using the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with Alarm.com

Jorge explains how you can use the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with Alarm.com. In order to do this, you will need to have the system set up with an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to the service. Some examples of compatible monitoring plans include the Gold and Platinum Plans from Alarm Grid (Self or Full). By accessing Alarm.com, you can remotely arm and disarm your system, check its current status, control automation devices, and so much more.

How Do I Connect a VISTA-20p to Wireless Internet?

I explain how you can get your Honeywell VISTA System set up with wireless internet. All of the IP communicators for Honeywell VISTA Panels use hardwired ethernet connections. But you can get the panel connected to WIFI by using a compatible ethernet to WIFI bridge, such as an Alarm.com ADC-W110. Compatible IP and dual-path communicators for VISTA Systems include the Honeywell 7847i, the Honeywell LTE-IA, and the Honeywell LTE-IV. The communicator will need to be activated for monitoring service to connect with the AlarmNet360 Servers.

The Internal Alarm Siren On the Lyric Alarm System

Everyone's favorite strapping young lad Jarrett talks about the siren built into the Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric siren is rated at 85 dB, and it activates during intrusion and life-safety alarms. The system supports the Honeywell SiXSIREN if you want to add another 85 dB sounder in a second location. If you are looking for a louder siren, the Qolsys IQ Siren at 105 dB is a great option. We have an FAQ on using the IQ Siren with the Lyric System if you decide to use that device. You can also add a hardwired siren using a FortrezZ MIMOlite Relay.

Many iOS users are looking for ways to build and expand upon their HomeKit networks. One potentially great addition is the iDevices IDEV0010 Wall Outlet. This HomeKit Smart Outlet is easy to install, and it can be conveniently paired with your local WIFI network for connectivity.

Apple HomeKit is continuing to prove that it is one of the top automation platforms to build around. Alarm Grid has worked with countless customers in helping them get their Honeywell Lyric Security Systems connected and set up with Apple HomeKit. The platform is perfect for iOS users, as using an iPhone and Siri is a super convenient way to control all your HomeKit devices from anywhere. You can also establish robust and intricate HomeKit Smart Scenes so that your devices activate automatically. For example, you might have your HomeKit Lights turn OFF when you arm your Lyric System before leaving for the day.

At Alarm Grid, we particularly big fans of iDevices products, and the iDevices IDEV0010 is no exception. This smart in-wall outlet conveniently replaces a standard receptacle. Just cut the power at the breaker, remove the existing outlet, install the iDevices IDEV0010 in its place. You will then be able to pair it with your HomeKit network and start integrating it with all of your smart scenes. Both the top and bottom ports are operated individually, thereby giving you the ultimate freedom. The device is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you more options for establishing a truly smart home. We can't think of a better HomeKit Wall Outlet to use!

Remember, no central hub or bridge is needed to get started with iDevices peripherals. And like the other iDevices products, this in-wall outlet can take advantage of both WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure that it is always ready for use. Whether you're using it at home or remotely, we are sure that you will love the iDevices IDEV0010 In-Wall Outlet. Other features include a customizable LED night light, and energy monitoring features to help you keep expenses low.

The iDevices IDEV0010 and many other great iDevices Smart Home devices are available from Alarm Grid right now. If you want to learn more about these products, or if you are looking to get started with designing your own smart home, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that the alarm permit policy in Colorado Springs, CO also applies to self-monitored users. This is in addition to those who receive central station monitoring service. All Alarm Grid monitored customers in Colorado Springs, CO are required to have a permit.

Many jurisdictions charge fees for operating an alarm system within their limits. However, these rules usually only apply to systems that are connected with a central monitoring station. It is very unusual to see a city mandate a fee for a self-monitored system. But Colorado Springs is one of the few examples.

If you aren't familiar with self-monitoring, it refers to the practice of having a secured system that is monitored, but not connected with a central station. When the system goes into alarm, it sends a signal out to a monitoring platform, such as AlarmNet or Alarm.com. That platform then forwards the signal to the end user via text and/or email. It is then up to the user to request help, if needed.

Monitoring permits in Colorado Springs, CO are renewed annually at the cost of $24 for residences and businesses, and $12 for senior residents. You can learn more about alarm permits in Colorado Springs, CO by checking the Colorado Springs Police Department website here.

At Alarm Grid, we are not fond of alarm permits. They make it more difficult for individuals to protect themselves, their businesses, and, most importantly, their families. However, they are something that we have no control over. As a law-abiding company, we play by the rules, and we inform any customer in a jurisdiction that requires alarm permits to obtain one.

If you are a new or existing Alarm Grid customer wondering if alarm permits are required in your area, then you should contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We are also happy to discuss our monitoring plans if you want to learn more about our services. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

When it comes to Z-Wave home automation devices, it is usually understood that they are universally compatible with all Z-Wave controllers and hubs. While this is generally true, some Z-Wave devices may appear as different device types than for what they were originally intended.

If you aren't familiar with Z-Wave, it is an automation protocol that is used with a variety of smart home devices. Some popular Z-Wave accessories include smart lights, door locks, thermostats, smart water valves, and more. In most cases, you can use any Z-Wave device with any Z-Wave controller. However, there are sometimes restrictions on how Z-Wave devices can be used. This depends on the Z-Wave hub that they are enrolled with

A few weeks ago, we wrote an interesting FAQ. It discussed whether not not mixing Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices on the same network is likely to cause issue. Normally, mixing the two protocols will not result in any problems. Z-Wave devices are known for being backwards compatible. You can typically bring a Z-Wave Plus device to a standard Z-Wave controller. And the opposite also applies, as you should have no trouble using a standard Z-Wave device with a Z-Wave Plus controller. The main thing to understand is that by mixing Z-Wave Plus with standard Z-Wave, the devices in which any signal passes (hops) through a standard Z-Wave device will result in the communications functioning as standard Z-Wave.

But there is another issue that we haven't talked about very often. This issue occurs when you pair a Z-Wave Plus device with a standard Z-Wave controller or hub. It's possible that the standard Z-Wave controller might not recognize the Z-Wave Plus device as its proper device type. Instead, the Z-Wave Plus device will still appear in the hub, but it will show up as different device type, usually as a Z-Wave switch.

Some examples of this issue that we've seen are if you try to pair a Qolsys IQ Siren (Z-Wave Plus) with a system that utilizes standard Z-Wave functionality, such as a Honeywell Lyric Controller or a 2GIG GC2. We actually created specific FAQs for using this siren with a Lyric and with a GC2. Another example we recently saw was when someone tried to us an Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Z-Wave Plus Water Valve with an L7000 System that had an L5100-ZWAVE module. Instead of the system seeing the ADC-SWV100 as a Z-Wave water valve, it saw it as a Z-Wave Switch.

The problem with this issue is that a system only knows how to turn a switch ON or OFF. When a Z-Wave controller sees a device as a "switch", it can only perform the binary function of ON or OFF. And it's won't necessarily know when to automatically activate the device. For example, if a hub sees a Z-Wave siren as a "switch", then it won't know to automatically activate the siren during alarms and to automatically stop it when alarms are cleared.

Fortunately, these situations can often be addressed by creating specific rules and smart scenes that have these devices activate automatically when desired events occurred. This usually requires some very specific instructions, with one scene & rule designed to automatically start the device, and another scene & rule to automatically stop the device. It can be a little tricky to get up, but there is usually some type of work-around other there. Depending on your setup, this may be done locally at the panel, or it may be done through an interactive platform like Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0.

If you are an Alarm Grid customer needing help setting up your automation devices in the way that you want, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will be happy to help. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that Total Connect 2.0 is experiencing some temporary issues. Users may be unable to perform security and automation functions during this time. They may also receive delayed notifications, and some notifications may not appear at all. But alarm signals are unaffected.

Resideo is working to fix this issues as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will update this post once we learn more. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember, alarm delivery services are not affected. The central station will still be notified about incoming alarms, provided that central station service is included in your monitoring plan.

Update: This issue has mostly been resolved. Total Connect 2.0 notifications may still be delayed, and users will be unable to correct the issue using the Sync Refresh button in the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App or website. We expect a complete fix shortly.

We have great news for Total Connect 2.0 users today, as Resideo has made it recently made it possible for a maximum of five (5) SkyBell Video Doorbell devices to a single Total Connect 2.0 account. SkyBell devices are still integrated with Total Connect 2.0 in the same manner as before.

If you are unfamiliar with SkyBell Doorbells, they are perfect for monitoring the front of your home and getting activity alerts. These devices conveniently connect with your home's WIFI network, and they can easily replace nearly any doorbell that uses a standard mechanical chime. There is also an adapter available that allows a SkyBell to replace a doorbell that uses a digital chime. Total Connect 2.0 can send updates to your phone whenever a SkyBell device detects motion or whenever someone rings the doorbell. You can also get updates through the native SkyBell app.

Previously, it was possible to only enroll a single SkyBell device with a Total Connect 2.0 account. Users wanting to integrate a second SkyBell device with Total Connect 2.0 needed to get a second account set up. But for many users that will no longer be necessary. And if you were hesitant about getting a second SkyBell because you didn't want to pay extra for an Alarm Grid Video-Only Account, well no you no longer need to worry about that. This is truly the perfect time for you to expand upon your existing SkyBell account.

You do not need true video monitoring service to start using SkyBell Cameras. As long as you have a Total Connect 2.0 account with the SkyBell feature enabled, you will be able to integrate up to five (5) devices with your account. You will need to have your monitoring company enable the feature. Alarm Grid will enable the feature at no additional charge for customers who use our monitoring services. Just contact us at support@alarmgrid.com if you need to have the feature enabled.

We understand that there are some Alarm Grid customers who have existing video accounts for the sole purpose of adding extra SkyBell device. There are even a few Alarm Grid customers with third and fourth accounts just for using extra SkyBell Cameras. The great news for these customers is that these extra accounts no longer necessary. We can deactivate your extra accounts if you have them and help you set up all your SkyBell devices into a single account, provided that you have five (5) or less SkyBell devices. If you fall into this category, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com.

We are also aware that there may be some customers who want to use more than five (5) SkyBell Cameras with a single Total Connect 2.0 account. Unfortunately, this is not possible. This 5 device limit is strict, and we have no way of increasing it. However, you can still use the same solution as before for adding additional SkyBell Cameras beyond the limit. You can add an additional Alarm Grid Video Monitoring Account, and you will be able to set up your additional SkyBell devices with that account. Each account will allow you to use five (5) additional SkyBell Cameras. If you want to use up to ten (10) SkyBell Cameras, you will need two (2) accounts. If you want to use 15 SkyBells, you will need three (3) accounts. And so on.

At this time, Alarm Grid only sells one (1) SkyBell Camera for use with Total Connect 2.0. This is the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM. That is the rectangular version of the SkyBell. The round model, the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM is discontinued and no longer sold by Alarm Grid. But if you come across the round model somewhere else, then you can certainly set it up for use with Total Connect 2.0. Just remember never to use an Alarm.com SkyBell with Total Connect 2.0 or the SkyBell App.

Keep in mind that SkyBell clips are stored on the SkyBell servers. They are not stored on Total Connect 2.0 or AlarmNet360. This means that SkyBell clips will not count towards your Total Connect 2.0 recording limits. They will also not count towards your security camera limits. If you already have Total Connect 2.0 Security Cameras set up, then you can add up to five (5) SkyBell devices without needing to change or remove any of your existing cameras. Remember that SkyBell video clips are available from the SkyBell servers for up to seven (7) days. After that, they are lost forever and no longer available. But it is possible to download and save any clip for permanent use. Just make sure you do so before the clip is deleted forever.

If you want to learn more about the SkyBell Cameras or our monitoring service for accessing Total Connect 2.0 using a Honeywell Security System, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We maintain support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!