Fred Daniels Posts

The maker of the 2GIG GC3 and GC3e recommends that all users with a panel approaching 3 years of age replace the backup battery. Initially, the expected battery life was between three and five years. With the recent notice Nice, 2GIG's parent company is now suggesting a battery replacement ahead of schedule.

Apparently, swelling has been observed in some of these panels' lithium-polymer batteries. The manufacturer notes that some minor swelling is normal, but based on the notice it sounds like some batteries may be swelling beyond what is normal.

Once you open up the GC3/GC3 panel to access the battery, Nice is also warning not to puncture the battery upon removal. Do not use any type of sharp object to remove the battery. Puncturing the battery could allow dangerous chemicals to spill from the casing. Once the battery is removed, please follow local guidelines with regard to the proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

It is also recommended in this notice to do a firmware upgrade of your 2GIG GC3 or GC3e alarm panel at the time you replace the battery. The latest revision for these panels is 3.2.6.6770.

Reading through the firmware release notes, it does mention that the latest firmware update includes the addition of battery testing, and conditioning, as well as a status indicator for battery replacement. So, we will double down on the advice to update your panel's firmware. This revision also includes compliance with UL 985 edition 6. This standard requires that the panel recognize batteries that can no longer provide battery backup for at least 5 minutes worth of alarm signaling. When the panel recognizes that the battery lacks this capacity, it will alert the user of a low battery and the battery should be replaced at that time.

The 2GIG GC3 and GC3e use the same firmware beginning with revision 3.2.3. If you already have revision 3.2.1 or higher, then you can find all updates on the GC3e firmware update page. Older revisions may require a stepped approach to upgrading and cannot be updated all-at-once. You can find the older firmware versions on the GC3 firmware update page.

You must update to the base build of each revision, and then you can skip to the latest build of that revision. The base of each version is 3.0.x then 3.1.x, then 3.2.x. If you have an earlier revision and attempt to update directly to 3.2.1, your panel will very likely be damaged and will have to be replaced. Updating over the air using Alarm.com can help with this process, as their server should only allow you to update in the proper order.

GC3/GC3e firmware updates can be sent by your alarm dealer. When the update can be sent using WIFI at the panel, there is usually no charge, though different dealers may have different policies on this. An upgrade that has to be sent using cellular data will incur a fee, which will likely be passed onto the user by the dealer. Alarm Grid always passes these fees along with no markup. We recommend that you update using the USB port at the top of the panel. We have written detailed instructions on updating the firmware using the USB port to make this process easier to accomplish.

If your panel is approaching or past the 3-year mark, it is best to be proactive and purchase your new GC3/GC3e battery today. Then make sure to install the latest firmware, as recommended.

A New Rules Builder feature has been added for customers who have a monitoring plan with Alarm.com. It was designed to simplify the process of automating actions for scenes and rules. The feature can easily be accessed using either the customer website or the iOS or Android app.

A benefit of modern-day alarm systems is the ability to add smart devices to them. This allows for control directly from your alarm panel, remote app, computer, or by using your voice (when connected to Google Home or Alexa). Rules allow you to automate many of these actions rather than having to manually activate your devices over and over.

Previously, there was only an option to create event triggered rules, which is still a thing on the customer website, but Alarm.com has also made this new rules builder available. Alarm.com can be accessed via an app on a mobile device or a web browser on a computer. The Alarm.com mobile app is available on iOS and Android app stores. On a computer, navigate to alarm.com to log into the website.

If you always want the connected lights to come on when you enter a room that has a motion detector, you can set up a rule for that to occur any time the motion detector is activated. In an attempt to make building these types of rules easier, Alarm.com created the New Rules Builder to assist.

For example, to set up a light to turn on when motion is activated:

After logging in and selecting Automation, select +ADD NEW RULE then New Rules Builder.

Select "when." When is the trigger or what initiates the automation rule to run. In this case, when motion is detected in the Living Room. Next, you select "then." Then is the action(s) that the rule will perform after it is triggered. In our example, we want the Office Hallway light to turn on. Next, decide if the rule will run at all times or only during specific time windows. Finally, don't forget to "Save" your work.

The creation of rules can automate many repetitive functions to save time and make life easier. Rules can also go a long way toward going green and becoming more energy efficient. They provide convenience and can save you precious time and money.

Try out the new rules builder and let us know what cool things you are doing with it, and what you think of the feature.

Alarm.com partners with electrical power companies all across the country to offer a demand response program they call "Give Back, Get Back". They have recently announced they will be adding AEP I&M to this program. AEP I&M is the power company for some Indiana and Michigan customers.

When summer comes along and temperatures rise, so does the demand for energy. Managing this energy consumption and controlling energy use during high-demand periods, allows the power company to rely on more renewable sources of energy. These high-demand times are called "Peak Energy Use Events". According to the program, there are usually up to fifteen (15) of these events per summer.

When you opt into the program, you will receive notifications when any Peak Energy Use Events occur. Each event typically lasts between two (2) and three (3) hours. During these times, AEP I&M will make slight adjustments to your thermostat in order to decrease overall energy demand. Before a peak event, AEP I&M may alter your set point to help with an expected increased demand. You still maintain control of your thermostat, and you can adjust your thermostat during an event. You also have the ability to opt-out of a particular energy event, or out of the entire program. If you manually adjust your thermostat during an event it may affect your ability to obtain credit for that particular high-demand event.

Alarm.com customers with a compatible thermostat can now enroll in this rewards program through AEP I&M. Upon enrollment, Give Back Get Back participants will receive a $25 credit per device for up to two (2) devices. Plus, Michigan customers will receive a bill credit of $1.95 and Indiana customers will receive a bill credit of $2.40 per Peak Energy Use Event when your participation is at least 50% of the event’s duration.

To be eligible for the program, it does require a compatible WIFI-Connected Smart Thermostat with central air conditioning. Compatible thermostats are listed in the chart below.

AEP I&M Qualifying Thermostats:

Thermostats and discounts vary, based on your utility provider. If you have Alarm.com and a WIFI thermostat, check enroll my thermostat to see if you qualify for the program in your area. Check our website, to look into adding a compatible thermostat.

To opt-in from the customer website only, login and click the > symbol on the Thermostat card. If you have an eligible thermostat, you should see an option for "Give Back, Get Back". Click this option, then click Settings and Notifications and follow the instructions. Alarm Grid customers needing additional assistance, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support hours are from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern, Monday - Friday.

"That's Brilliant!" You will soon be hearing that a lot in automation circles. Brilliant Smart Home System has managed to gain a lot of ground in a short time. This is due to their many company relationships. Alarm Grid is pleased to offer the complete line of Brilliant Smart Home System products.

Brilliant Smart Home has designed an in-wall Smart Home Controller or Hub, an in-wall Smart Dimmer, and a Smart Plug. The smart home controller incorporates voice control with Alexa built-in. It can also be used with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, which offers voice control using Siri. At least one (1) Brilliant Smart Home Controller must be installed in a location in order to use their services.

The convenient thing about Brilliant's Smart Home Hubs is that they replace an existing in-wall switch. A Brilliant hub or dimmer can replace a toggle, paddle, Decora, rocker, or an existing dimmer. These modules are eye-catching and go with just about any decor. Since the Brilliant Control is installed in the wall it eliminates messy, exposed wires, which you usually have with traditional smart hub setups.

Brilliant's line of smart Home Controllers or Hubs includes four (4) options. Each adds a different level of switch control. There is the 1-switch panel, 2-switch panel, 3-switch panel, and 4-switch panel. The hubs each contain a 5" LCD Touchscreen. The 1-switch panel has on/off and dimming for a single light via the touchscreen. The 2-switch panel has on/off and dimming for 2 separate lights. The 3-switch for 3 lights and the 4-switch for 4 lights. These 2, 3, and 4 switch panels, all have separate touch sliders for on/off and dimming capabilities. Each Smart Hub will install in a standard electrical switch box. This should already be in place for retrofit installs.

These smart hubs can do so much more than just operate the lights or outlets they are wired to. They have a built-in camera, a motion detector, and ambient light sensors. They can also integrate with a compatible video doorbell, and allow viewing of the doorbell, and interaction with your visitor, right on the Brilliant 5" touchscreen display. They can connect and control your smart locks, compatible garage door openers, and smart shades. You can utilize the video and audio intercom feature to communicate between rooms. As long as each room has a Brilliant Smart Hub installed.

You can use these smart hubs to control a compatible smart thermostat, a Sonos speaker system, and many other options. They also integrate with Resideo's Total Connect 2.0 remote control platform for alarm systems. This allows for system arming and disarming, notifications, and Z-Wave device control. With this integration, the user can also view TC2 video cameras via the smart hub.

A monitoring plan with Automation enabled is required, and for camera viewing, a plan that includes video. However, the Brilliant integration is included with those plans at no extra cost. For Alarm Grid customers Automation is included with Self Silver, Silver, Self Gold, and Gold plans. Video surveillance is included in our Self Platinum and Platinum plans.

When you are away from home, even if you haven't yet set up scenes to automate your devices, you will still be able to remotely control them using the Brilliant Smart App. It is available as a free download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Automation scenes can be created based on events, schedules, or a combination of both.

Brilliant expands its range of smart home devices with the Smart Dimmer Switch that can turn on/off, dim, or run a scene based on the user tapping the capacitive touch plate. It has built-in motion detection, allowing the system to automatically turn lights on or off. Alarm Grid offers these smart dimmer switches in White, Black, Light Almond, or Gray. At least one (1) Smart Controller Hub must be installed in order to use the Brilliant Smart Dimmers.

To round out its family of Brilliant Smart Home Products, they offer a Smart Plug. It adds the ability to control nearly any plug-in device along with the option to integrate that device into scenes. Use it for lamps, coffee makers, fans, heaters, and more. At least one (1) Smart Controller Hub must be installed before you can use a Brilliant Smart Plug.

The Brilliant Smart Controller Hubs, and the in-wall smart dimmer switch, both require 120VAC, with a neutral, and a ground, and line and load wires for multi-way switches. They can be set up in a single pole or 3 or 4, multiway configuration. The smart hub can share control with a standard switch as long as there is no dimming capability on it. For the Smart Dimmer, all switches would need to be replaced with Brilliant Switches in a 3 or 4, multiway configuration.

Brilliant is compatible with the following manufacturers, and the list is growing all the time:

• Voice Assistants:
  • Alexa built-in
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant
• Lighting & Switches:
  • Leviton (via SmartThings)
  • Lutron(via SmartThings)
  • LIFX
  • Philips Hue
  • tp-link
  • WEMO
• Climate:
  • Ecobee
  • Google Nest
  • Honeywell Home
• Video Doorbell:
  • Google Nest
  • Ring
  • SkyBell (DBCAM-TRIM2 via Total Connect 2.0)
• Cameras:
  • Google Nest
  • Ring
  • TC2 Cameras via TC2 Integration (IPCAM-WIC1, IPCAM-WIC2, IPCAM-WOC2)
• Security (Including Locks & Garage Doors):
  • August Smart Lock
  • ButterflyMX
  • EMTEK
  • Genie
  • Kwikset
  • Overhead Door
  • Resideo (Total Connect 2.0)
    • Vista Panels that support TC2
    • ProSeries Panels
    • Lyric Panels
    • Lynx Panels
  • Schlage
  • Yale
• Music:
  • Sonos
• Hubs:
  • SmartThings
• Property Management:
  • Entrata
• Motorized Shades:
  • Somfy
  • Hunter Douglas