May 2020 Archives

Alarm.com will soon be pushing automatic firmware updates to all their doorbell camera devices. This includes the round ADC-VDB101 and ADC-VDB102, as well as the slim line ADC-VDB105 and ADC-VDB106. No action is needed by end users, and no major interruption in service should occur.

According to Alarm.com, the upcoming firmware update will provide enhanced monitoring and control for their video doorbell camera devices. The update process is fully automated, and end users will not need to take any action. Both the round and slim line models will receive the update.

In order to receive the update, your Alarm.com Doorbell Camera must be online and connected with the Alarm.com servers. We expect that Alarm.com will push the same update on multiple occasions over the next week. Even if your doorbell camera is not online to receive the update from the initial push-down, there should be additional push-downs to ensure that your device is updated.

We recommend making sure that your Alarm.com Video Doorbell is online and working properly so that the impending update can go through successfully. Alarm Grid monitored customers who have questions about the update or require assistance using their video doorbell should 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!

Update 01/13/22: This feature has now been expanded upon, but only for the ProSeries panels. You can read all about it here!

The Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App for Android now allows users to arm, disarm, and check current system status using Google spoken voice commands. This handy new feature can be very useful for quickly and conveniently controlling your Honeywell Security System from almost anywhere.

In order to use Google voice commands with TC2, you must have the feature set up for your phone. To enable, go to Settings > Apps > Total Connect 2.0 > Enable Microphone. Once configured, you should see a blue microphone button in the bottom-right corner of the TC2 App. You can click on this button to have your phone begin listening for voice commands. At this time, only arming/disarming and status commands are available. We are hopeful that more commands will be arriving in the future.

Also keep in mind that you will need to give Total Connect 2.0 permission to use the microphone for your phone. Make sure to adjust the appropriate app permissions if you have not already done this. Remember that you can only make TC2 voice commands while you have the app opened. Google will not be able to understand any commands intended for TC2 unless they are performed through the app.

Please note that some commands may require a valid code entry. The following voice commands are available within the TC2 Android App:

• Arm Stay: Puts the system in Arm Stay mode.
• Arm Away: Puts the system in Arm Away mode.
• Disarm: Disarms the system.
• Home: Returns you to TC2 App home screen.
• Sensors: Displays list of programmed sensors.
• Keypad: Displays on-screen virtual keypad.
• Events: Displays Events list.
• Settings: Opens the TC2 Settings Menu.
• Profile: Opens your TC2 Profile.
• Location Settings: Opens the TC2 Locations Menu.
• Manage Locations: Opens the Manage Locations tab within the Locations Menu.
• Change Password: Opens the Change Password tab within your TC2 Profile.
• Help: Opens the Help Menu.
• Sign Out: Logs you out of TC2 and closes the app.

If you have any questions about this feature, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service for use with Total Connect 2.0, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the most out of Total Connect 2.0.

Alarm.com has recently announced that they will soon be dropping support for the Internet Explorer 11 web browser. The new change is being made to improve the overall experience for Alarm.com end users. Alarm.com recommends using a supported web browser or the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Beginning on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, Alarm.com will display a pop-up message to anyone who logs in using Internet Explorer 11. The message will let them know to switch to a supported web browser. The user will then be able to use Alarm.com like normal. But a month later in late June, Alarm.com will stop supporting IE11 entirely. Anyone who tries to login using IE11 will be denied.

According to Alarm.com, the best web browsers to use with their platform are the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. If you already use one of these web browsers, then you should have no problems using Alarm.com. Just make sure that you are running the latest version and make an upgrade if necessary.

If you have any questions about this change for Alarm.com, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service for use with Alarm.com, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the most out of Alarm.com.

Alarm Grid has a handy tip for you today. We have discovered that the latest TC2 redesign also now allows Android users to adjust the font size and style. When you adjust the font from within the Android device settings, you will also be adjusting the font in the Total Connect 2.0 App.

Adjusting the font size and style in TC2 is only available for Android devices. We haven't seen the feature implemented for iOS devices yet. To access the Font & Style Settings, start by accessing your phone's main Settings Menu. Then choose Display, followed by Font Size and Style. You will then be taken to a menu where you can adjust the font to your liking. The menu may appear slightly different from the one shown above, but any differences should be minor. Remember that changing these settings is not just for Total Connect 2.0, but for your phone as a whole.

Once you go into Total Connect 2.0, you should find that the font for the app has changed. Keep in mind that the changes may not go into effect if you are not running the latest version of TC2. You can download the latest version for free from the Google Play Store. If you need any help using the TC2 app, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service so you can gain access to TC2, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: Below you can see what it looks like with the font set to "Cool Jazz". As you can see, the top menu and the arming buttons have updated with the new font.

And here you can see the same screen with the default font:

According to reports, Ubiquiti has corrected an issue affecting their UniFi Access Points (APs). Alarm Grid previously reported the issue back in February. The issue prevented various security systems from connecting. Users had to disable the Auto Optimize Network feature to connect.

It is our understanding that Ubiquiti pushed a firmware update to their UniFi Access Point devices. This firmware update made it so that a security system will not be booted from the network when the Auto Optimize Network feature is enabled for the AP. Users can now expect their systems to work while the AP is in this mode.

Before the issue was fixed, we were only aware of Honeywell Lyric Alarm Systems being affected. We later learned that other systems connecting with Ubiquity UniFi Access Points were believed to be affected as well. Regardless, there should no longer be any issues when using a UniFi AP with your system, as long as the AP received the firmware update.

If you are still experiencing issues, we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com. While we cannot push the update to an Ubiquiti AP, we can walk you through steps for making sure that your alarm system is doing its part. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also make sure to check out our monitoring page if you are interested in learning more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: The Honeywell ProSeries Panels (PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC, PROA7, and PROA7C), when used with Ubiquiti Access Points, require that an Ubiquiti device has its Auto-Optimize feature turned OFF. This is needed for maintaining a stable WIFI connection. Please keep this in mind if you use an Ubiquiti Access Point with a ProSeries System.

A security system is either monitored or unmonitored. While you can use an unmonitored system, we're here to tell you why having your system monitored is so important. Alarm monitoring service is the best way to ensure that responders arrive as soon as possible during an emergency.

When a monitored system goes into alarm, it will activate a siren to alert those on-site, and it will send alerts to a central monitoring station and/or the end user directly via text and/or email, depending on the user's monitoring plan. If a system is not monitored, then the siren will still activate, but no remote alerts or notifications will be sent out.

The only way an unmonitored system is useful is if you are always on-site with the system. Then you will hear the siren and know to take action regarding the alarm. But what if you are away from your home or business and a fire or break-in occurs? That is when you count on your security system alarm monitoring service to ensure that the appropriate party is notified.

There are two (2) types of alarm monitoring service. Central station monitoring involves having your system send an emergency alert to a central monitoring station where a highly trained operator will take immediate action. They can see the type of alarm that occurred (e.g. security, fire, carbon monoxide gas, medical, etc.) and contact the authorities in your area for help.

Some users prefer self-monitoring service. This involves having an alert sent to you via text, email, and/or push notification. The alert will tell you what type of alarm has occurred and which sensor or zone on your system caused the alarm. This way, you can take your own action regarding the alarm event. Just know that in order for help to arrive, you must be able to reliably respond to the alert.

It is also possible to get a central station monitoring plan that includes self-monitoring service. This way, you can still have emergency help sent out automatically by a central station operator, while also receiving a personal alert so that you immediately know what's going on. This is a "best of both worlds" option, and it is what most new users ultimately select when setting up their monitoring service.

Whether you go with central station monitoring, self monitoring, or a hybrid of both, having your system monitored is the best way to ensure that your home or business is protected while you are away. Alarm Grid offers monitoring plans for all types of homes and businesses, and we have a wide selection of security systems available. Our team is happy to help you every step of the way.

If you want to learn more about choosing and installing your own DIY security system and saving hundreds by not hiring a professional installer, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our system planners are available from 9am to 8pm ET to help you choose the best security system for your needs. You might also want to check out our monitoring page to learn more about what we offer. We look forward to helping you get started with your new security system!

If you have been wanting to set up a complete video surveillance network around your home or business, then Alarm.com Security Cameras are your answer. These cameras can be used by anyone from a business owner to your average homeowner. Our guide will tell you everything about ADC Cameras.

Alarm.com is best known as an interactive service platform used with security systems. These systems communicate with Alarm.com so that alerts can be sent out to a central station and/or directly to an end user, depending on their monitoring service plan. A user can integrate special Alarm.com Cameras with their Alarm.com network so that the cameras respond based on activity on their security system. It is also possible to have Alarm.com Cameras without actually owning or using a security system.

An end user can view the live-streams for their Alarm.com Security Cameras through both the Alarm.com Mobile App and the Alarm.com Website. The mobile app is particularly convenient, as it can be used from pretty much anywhere in the world, as long as the user's phone can connect to the network. Whether you are across the street or across the planet, you can know exactly what is going on inside or around your home or business!

If you have or are considering purchasing a security system that uses Alarm.com, then in order to integrate Alarm.com Cameras you must upgrade to an alarm monitoring plan that includes the Alarm.com Video Surveillance Add-On. Examples of compatible plans are the Platinum Level Plans from Alarm Grid. Both our Self-Platinum Plan and our Central Station Platinum Plan will support Alarm.com Cameras. If you don't have a security system, and you just want to build a network of Alarm.com Security Cameras, then you may consider our $15 Per Month Video Monitoring Plan.

There is one exception in which an Alarm.com Camera can be used on an Alarm.com account without the Alarm.com Video Surveillance Add-On. If a user does not have true video monitoring service for their ADC account, they can still add a single (1) Alarm.com SkyBell Video Doorbell. The user will be restricted to 400 clips per month. More information on using an Alarm.com SkyBell without a video monitoring account can be found here. Please note that you must use a SkyBell model designated for use with Alarm.com. Other SkyBell models will not work with Alarm.com. Never try to pair an Alarm.com SkyBell with the SkyBell App or with another interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0. Doing so may result in the device being unusable with Alarm.com.

Before exploring cameras, it is important to understand how Alarm.com Clip Recording Limits work. Understanding this will prevent you from exceeding your allotted number of video clips and ensure that you can always save an important clip. The clip limit is also associated with the camera limit, which refers to how many cameras can be added to an Alarm.com Video Monitoring Account. More information on the subject can be found in this FAQ.

One feature that you will often come across when looking at Alarm.com Video Cameras is the Alarm.com Video Analytics Feature. This is a powerful feature that will really improve your end user experience and allow you to easily tailor how your cameras are used. We highly recommend the feature, and we are huge fans of it ourselves. Alarm Grid provides Alarm.com Video Analytics at no extra cost for anyone who has a Platinum Level Plan or our Video-Only Plan. More information on Alarm.com Video Analytics can be found in this helpful FAQ.

Depending on the camera, it will connect with your IP network through either local WIFI or a wired ethernet connection. Some Alarm.com Cameras using ethernet can be configured for Power over Ethernet (PoE), which prevents you from needing to run an extra wire to the camera for electrical power. Other cameras will use a plug-in AC adapter for power. As a loose rule, most of the cameras designed for residential use will use their own AC adapter and connect wirelessly to a WIFI network, while a commercial camera is more likely to use wired ethernet with PoE capability. Please note that if the IP router does not support PoE functionality, then a PoE injector will be needed. One example of a PoE injector is the Alarm.com ADC-POE-INJ.

It's also worth mentioning that many Alarm.com Security Cameras can be live-streamed directly from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System, as well as any IQ Remote Keypad used with the system. This is great news for anyone who happens to own a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus. This feature is available at no extra charge for anyone with a monitored IQ Panel 2 System and access to Alarm.com. To learn more about this feature, click here.

Now that you understand Alarm.com Cameras, let's take a look at some of the most popular models!

Alarm.com ADC-V523

The Alarm.com ADC-V523 is arguably the most popular Alarm.com Security Camera right now, and for good reason. It is both affordable and compact, and it provides some of the best recording capabilities we have ever seen in a DIY-friendly security camera with its 1080p recording quality and High Dynamic Range (HDR). It offers IR night vision for up to 15 feet, making it perfect for residential or light commercial use. The camera is compatible with Alarm.com Video Analytics, and it has an impressive 117-degree field of view. It is for indoor use only. The camera can be hard mounted if desired (hardware included), but it is also great for resting on a table.

Alarm.com ADC-V723

The Alarm.com ADC-V723 is the outdoor equivalent to the ADC-V523. Just like the ADC-V523, it is extremely popular, and the fact that it can be used outdoors makes it excellent for both businesses and home use. It connects to the network via WIFI, and it offers 1080p recording capabilities with High Dynamic Range (HDR) and a 117-degree field of view. It features an ingress weather protection rating of IP66 and IR night vision of up to 40 feet. Alarm.com Video Analytics is also supported by the ADC-V723.

Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL

The Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL was designed as a wellness camera for monitoring a loved one. But really, it can be an effective security camera as well. Its design allows it to be mounted if desired, but it is more commonly just placed on top of a table, desk, or nightstand for monitoring. On the top of the camera is a call button that an end user can use to let a loved one know that they need assistance. This is done through an Alarm.com Notification. Both WIFI and ethernet with POE can be used with the ADC-V622-WELL. A Bluetooth speaker is built into the camera, and it offers IR night vision for capturing video at night.

Doorbell Cameras

Alarm.com SkyBell Video Doorbells are extremely popular, as they are great for monitoring the area around your door, and you can use one without having true Alarm.com Video Monitoring Service. These devices are great for nabbing package thieves and for seeing exactly who is at the door when someone rings the doorbell. Users have set up video doorbells to capture all sorts of activity in front of their homes, and you can easily get alerts from Alarm.com. A round model is available (ADC-VDB101 & ADC-VDB102), as well as a rectangular Slim-Line model (ADC-VDB105 & ADC-VDB106).

Bullet & Dome Cameras

Bullet Cameras like the ADC-VC726 and the ADC-VC736, and Dome Cameras like the ADC-VC826 are popular for businesses who want their cameras to give a more intimidating presence. These cameras are all suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and they support POE to make installation easier. The Alarm.com Commercial Cameras are known for having impressive IR night vision ratings (in most cases ~95 feet) and receiving really high scores for ingress (weather) protection. However, they tend to have smaller viewing angles than their residential counterparts. These are the cameras you will likely encounter at a bank, grocery store, or other commercial establishment. They can be very useful if you need an outdoor security camera to cover across a large area and record reliably in the darkest of nighttime settings.

Stream Video Recorders (SVRs)

We couldn't talk about the Alarm.com Cameras without at least mentioning the Alarm.com Stream Video Recorders. The Alarm.com SVR devices are used to store video clips. Any video clip on an SVR device can be accessed locally at the SVR or remotely through Alarm.com. Using one of these devices is necessary if you want to set up recording on a continuous schedule, including a constant 24-hour recording schedule. Otherwise, your cameras will only record when triggered (via audio/visual or system activity). If you want your Alarm.com Cameras recording on a set schedule, then an SVR device is an absolute must. There is a residential model called the ADC-SVR122 (available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options), and a commercial model called the ADC-CSVR126 (available in 2 TB and 12 TB models, with expansion of up to 16 TB).

Get Started with Alarm.com Video Monitoring!

Alarm Grid is here to help you get started with Alarm.com Video Monitoring. If you are an existing Alarm Grid customer looking to upgrade, please contact us via email at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Please also feel free to ask us any questions you might have. Email or phone is also a great way to contact us if you are interested in starting new monitoring service. Remember that our business hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that NextAlarm will be ceasing its IP monitoring service on June 30, 2020. Existing NextAlarm users will need to start new monitoring service in order to continue protecting their homes and businesses. A great option for new alarm monitoring service is Alarm Grid.

According to a press release from NextAlarm, the company will be shutting down its Internet monitoring service at the end of next month. Any NextAlarm customer who has prepaid service that extends beyond the shutdown date should contact NextAlarm so that a refund can be arranged. NextAlarm did not release any information stating whether or not their cellular monitoring services would also be affected.

If you are a current NextAlarm customer with IP service, and you are looking to continue using your system for IP monitoring, we recommend checking out Alarm Grid. We can take over most systems that currently use NextAlarm Monitoring Service and set you up with one of our own monitoring plans. This is great for anyone looking to maintain inexpensive and reliable monitoring service for their home or business.

We recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com with a picture of your current security system. This will help us determine if we can take over your system and use it with our monitoring service. If your system is housed inside a metal cabinet, make sure to include a picture of the inner circuit board. We may ask for detailed pictures of the system's PROM Chip if applicable, as that is often the best way for us to determine which system is being used.

Once we check your email, we'll send you a response letting you know your options. Many users will be able to activate without needing to purchase any additional equipment. This is a super easy way to maintain reliable and affordable monitoring service for former NextAlarm users. Our team checks new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, so please keep that in mind when emailing us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Baltimore Gas & Electric is now allowing their customers who use Alarm.com for smart thermostat control to sign-up for a demand response program that will enable them to earn credits toward their bills. The free program can help BGE customers save money and preserve natural resources.

The BGE program is designed to curb demand for electricity during peak hours. By participating in the program, BGE customers can earn credits that will help them save money on their energy costs. This is in addition to the savings presented from owning a smart thermostat and programming it to match the needs of your lifestyle. The program is optional, though anyone looking to save money can greatly benefit. No new equipment needs to be installed, making it super easy for Alarm.com users with BGE service to get started.

Upon enrolling, an end user will be giving permission to BGE to make small temperature adjustments to their thermostats. These adjustments should be very small and only occur during peak hours of electrical consumption. An example would be during a hot summer day when virtually everyone is simultaneously running their air conditioning systems. This will allow BGE to more effectively manage the distribution of electricity, prevent cost spikes for their customers, and delay the need for new power plants.

Alarm.com users should soon receive notification of the program through both the Alarm.com Mobile App and the Alarm.com Website. The notification will provide instructions for getting started. Please note that this program is available only for BGE customers who use ADC for thermostat control. If you are not with BGE, then check with your utility provider to see if any special rebates or demand response programs are available for you. Such programs are a great way to save money and manage resources more effectively.

If you are already with Baltimore Gas & Electric, but are looking to get started with Alarm.com, then we advise checking out our monitoring page to learn more about our plans that include Alarm.com service. Alarm Grid offers many security systems that are readily supported by Alarm.com. If you need help choosing a system, or if you have any questions for us, please email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Qolsys updated the recent Technical Service Bulletin TSB# 200413 regarding Software Update 2.5.2 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The revised version provides new instructions on successfully performing the update using a Patch Tag. You can view the revised Qolsys TSB here.

In the revised TSB, Qolsys suggests first changing the system Log Level to Verbose, then waiting two (2) minutes, then changing the Log Level to Debug, then waiting another two (2) minutes, then rebooting the panel, and then finally performing the update via a Patch Tag. These new instructions only apply if you are updating the system via Patch Tag. If you have the update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com, then no action is needed.

The previous version of the TSB did not mention waiting 2 minutes, and it did not mention changing the Log Level to Debug. It only said to change the Log Level to Verbose and then perform the update immediately afterward without waiting. We are hopeful that this updated TSB will help end users avoid any confusion or frustration.

In order to change the Log Level, start from the main screen, click the small grey bar at the top, and choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code or Dealer Code (default 1111 and 2222 respectively) > Installation > System Logs.

Remember you must set the Log Level to Verbose, wait 2 minutes, set the Log Level to Debug, reboot the panel, and then perform the update via patch tag like usual. The reboot can be performed by clicking the grey bar at the top of the screen, and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Panel Reboot.

The process for updating via Patch Tag involves clicking the small grey bar at the top of the main screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.2 > OK. The update will then begin. It should take less than 30 minutes for the update to finish. Remember, you must enter iqpanel2.5.2 exactly. The IQ2 must be monitored and connected with a local WIFI network for the update to be performed. It should have its backup battery charged, and the system should be receiving AC power from its plug-in transformer.

If you have any questions about this update, please contact your monitoring company. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, you may email us at support@alarmgrid.com for assistance. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!