Alarm Grid Recent Video Recap June 29th to July 9th

Hi DIYers! We're back with another recent video recap. This recap showcases videos from our techs Joe and Dylan as they show users how they can get the most out of their security system setups. We've got a great set of helpful videos this time around. Let's go and check them out.

Central Station Alarm Monitoring and How It Works

Dylan talks about the intricacies of central station monitoring and how it functions. The main purpose of central station alarm monitoring is to receive automatic dispatch in the event of an alarm. When an alarm occurs, a signal will be sent from the system to a central monitoring station to alert an operator of the event. The station operator can then alert the appropriate authorities on the behalf of the user. To prevent false alarms, a user can instruct the central station to try and contact them first before requesting emergency dispatch.

What Is Cellular Alarm Monitoring

Joe discusses the benefits of using cellular service with an alarm system. Cellular monitoring is seen as the most reliable communication path available. In order to receive cellular monitoring, the user will need a system with a cellular communicator and an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity. The cellular communicator that is used must be compatible with the security system. Some security systems, like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, come with a cellular module that is already included for this purpose. Others, like the Honeywell Lyric Controller need to have one added separately.

Wholesale Home Alarm Monitoring w: Alarm Grid

Dylan explains what wholesale alarm monitoring is and how Alarm Grid supports this type of monitoring. Wholesale alarm monitoring is where a single customer receives service for multiple locations. The customer will need a separate monitoring plan for each location. However, they will still be able to manage the systems for all of their locations with just one Total Connect or Alarm.com account. This possibility is useful for people who own multiple residences, as well as those running a business with multiple locations.

Add a Honeywell GSMX4G to a VISTA Security System

Dylan shows users how to add a Honeywell GSMX4G Cellular Communicator to a VISTA Security System. The GSMX4G is a 4G communicator that connects with the AT&T cellular network. The device receives power directly from the panel using a four-wire connection with the ECP bus. These terminals are four thru seven. The communicator receives this connection via a plug-in port. By feeding the wire through the slot, there will be no exposed wires. The communicator will need to be activated by the user's alarm monitoring company before it will work.

Adding a wired siren to a 2GIG GC3

Joe goes over the process for adding a hardwired siren to a 2GIG GC3 System. To do this, a user will need a power supply, a power relay and a backup battery. The panel will connect with the power relay through its bell terminals, and the negative (black) wire will also parallel splice to the power supply. The relay will connect with the panel, the siren and the power supply. The siren will connect with the relay and the power supply. The backup battery will connect with the power supply exclusively. A plug-in transformer connects with the power supply. A full diagram can be seen here.

Voice Commands on the Lyric Security System

Joe talks about the voice control feature on the Honeywell Lyric Controller. This feature is often overlooked on the system, but it can be very useful when used effectively. Voice commands can be used to control smart scenes and to open the camera menu for older model Honeywell IP Cameras. Voice command options can be set from within the Master Tools menu. It is recommended that a user completes the voice training on the system so that the Lyric Controller can better understand the user's voice.