AT&T LTE Cellular Communicators Posts

Alarm Grid recently ran into an issue upgrading a customer's 2GIG GC2 with a new 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 communicator. The panel simply would not recognize the new radio. To compound the problem, we were unable to find anything online that would indicate that a firmware update was the solution.

After speaking with 2GIG technical support we found that recently, within the past couple of months, all newly manufactured 2GIG LTE communicators that are compatible with the 2GIG GC2 and the 2GIG GC2e require the newest available panel firmware in order to support the radio. For the 2GIG GC2 that means firmware version 1.19.4+ and for the 2GIG GC2e that means 1.24+.

The packaging on these new communicators, both the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 and the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 will have information on the firmware update requirement if the communicator is new enough. It should be on the outside packaging, as well as the inside. However, if you don't pay attention to the packaging and discard it, there is no way to look at the communicator itself and tell which firmware it requires. So, if you have a 2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC2e and you're updating to an LTE communicator, pay attention to the packaging, or at least hold onto it.

If you're in a position to be upgrading your GC2 or GC2e to LTE, you may have an existing communicator that is no longer working. If that's the case, and you need a firmware upgrade before the new LTE communicator will work, don't worry, Alarm Grid has you covered. We host the firmware files for both the 2GIG GC2 and the 2GIG GC2e on our site. There are two ways you can update. You can use the 2GIG UPCBL2 updater cable and a Windows computer, or you can use the 2GIG UPDV EZ Updater Tool.

• How to update the panel using the EZ Updater Tool
• Video instructions for using the 2GIG UPCBL2 updater cable

If you don't want to purchase the EZ Updater Tool, and you don't have a Windows computer to use with the updater cable, Alarm Grid offers a loaner program for the EZ Updater Tool. Contact us at support@alarmgrid.com to inquire about the specifics of the loaner program. If you purchase the EZ Updater Tool, there is a good chance you will need to update it before you can use it. Doing so will require the use of a Windows computer.

This situation is a good reminder to always pay attention to all information you receive with new alarm equipment, including what's written on the packaging itself. You never know when you may have to return a piece of equipment, so keeping the packaging, at least until everything is set up and working, is a good idea.

Johnson Controls released a Technical Advisory Bulletin on Monday noting that some PowerSeries Neo, Pro LTE, and Internet Dual-Path Communicators have labeling errors. The serial number on the box appears to be incorrect. Comms built between August 15, 2021, and July 29, 2022, are affected.

The model numbers affected are the DSC TL880LECVZ, TL880LECAT, TL880LEBAT, TL880LEBTL, and TL880LECTL. This is a labeling error only and does not affect the signal transmitting, or Alarm.com remote control capabilities of these communicators in any way. The mixup seems to be with the name on the label on the product, and the serial number on the label on the box.

The model name listed on the label of the product is incorrect, while the serial number listed on this label is accurate. The model name listed on the sticker for the box is correct, but the serial number listed on the box is incorrect. So, be sure when registering one of these units that you use the serial number from the sticker for the product and not the one from the box.

The following products, built during the listed date range, are affected:

Beginning July 29, 2022, new, updated and correct labels should be placed on these products. Remember, the performance of communicators that were manufactured during this timeframe is not compromised. This is only a labeling error, so as long as the serial number taken from the sticker affixed to the product itself, or the IMEI number from the printed circuit board is used everything should work as intended. DSC offers a handy Date Code Lookup tool at this site. You can find information on looking up a date code for any DSC product on that page.

The fact that this issue wasn't discovered sooner seems to indicate that this is a very minor issue. What do you think about this announcement? Do you often use these communicators? Have you run across this issue? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think. We always enjoy hearing from our readers. That's all for today, until we meet again, stay safe!

On July 5, 2022 Resideo announced that all LTEM-PA, LTEM-PV, LTEM-PIA, and LTEM-PIV communicators will undergo a slightly revised activation process. Upon registration, if the communicator is not using the latest firmware version, it will automatically receive an Over-the-Air (OTA) update.

This announcement came in the form of MyWebTech Technical Notification #83. For those communicators with a WIFI or Ethernet connection, the OTA update will be performed using this communication path. If WIFI or Etehrnet is not available, then cellular data will be used. The update process typically takes about five (5) minutes, but when cellular is the only communication path available, it may take longer. The length of time a cellular upgrade takes also depends on the cellular signal strength.

During the update, the communicator's LED's will light according to where the communicator is in the two-stage process:

• Firmware Downloading: REG, Status, and Fault LEDs will fast-blink in unison.
• Upon Firmware Completion: The device will reset, then all five (5) LEDs, REG, Status, Fault, Cell, and WIFI/Ethernet will fast blink in sequence.

The OTA software update will cause the communicator to generate a few different messages to the central station. These messages indicate the beginning and end of the software update process. The messages sent are as follows:

• E903 - Application Code Update (Remote Download begins)
• R903 - Application Code Update Restore (Remote Download Completed)
• E904 - Application Code Update Failure (Remote Download/Update Failed)

For Alarm Grid customers, this notice means that if you are using one of the LTEM-P Series communicators listed above, it is more important than ever that you have your equipment installed and ready when your activation appointment time rolls around. In particular, anyone who will be using cellular communication only, as any OTA update required may take some time to complete, and we currently have no way of knowing how long.

If you have any questions about this notice, reach out to your alarm dealer for details. If you are an Alarm Grid customer, you can send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern time to answer your questions.

The Resideo LTEM-PA and LTEM-PV are dual-path capable communicators that use the LTE Cat-M1 network. During the global chip shortage, these radios have come to prominence because of their availability in the absence of other LTE communicators. They provide nearly the same speed as LTE comms.

Another feature that differentiates the LTEM-PA and LTEM-PV from other communicators is their modular design. These radios are considered a part of the ProSeries lineup, which includes the Honeywell Home PROA7 and PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC. The reason for this is that many of the add-on modules that can be used with the ProSeries panels can also be used with the LTEM-P communicators. Including the PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW, the PROLTE-A or PROLTE-V, and the PRODCM.

The LTEM-P Series communicators support an ethernet connection, but if you find yourself in a situation where a wired connection is not possible, then you can install the PROWIFI or PROWFIZW, which will give you WIFI, or WIFI and Z-Wave Plus capabilities. The ability to add a modular cellular unit is exciting as it allows you to install a separate LTE communicator to use instead of the built-in LTE Cat-M1 communicator. This will come in handy if you purchase an AT&T LTEM-PA, but find out later that Verizon would provide a better signal in this particular installation. Also, far in the future, when LTE is eventually phased out, whatever takes its place can easily be installed in the unit, rather than having to replace the entire communicator.

The PRODCM is a dialer-capture module. It allows the LTEM-P Series communicator to work with an alarm panel that has a built-in dialer and can report using Contact ID Format. The PRODCM installs inside a slot in the LTEM-P Series communicator, then two wires are connected between it and the Tip and Ring terminals on the alarm panel. The panel believe's it is dialing out over a phone line, but the module captures the signal, and transmits it via IP, or Cellular. Many of these add-on modules are also compatible with the ProSeries panels, which is why the LTEM-P Series are considered a part of the ProSeries lineup.

Tip 1: Power Wiring

The LTEM-PA and LTEM-PV come with a 9VDC power supply. Depending on the communicator you may be replacing there could be an existing AC Transformer in place. Do not make the mistake of trying to use the existing transformer. You have two (2) options when it comes to powering the LTEM-PA or LTEM-PV. You can use the included power supply, making sure to observe proper polarity with the power wires, or you can wire it so that the communicator receives all its power from the alarm panel. If you choose the latter option, be sure to calculate the current draw for the communicator correctly, and if you decide to leave the battery out of the LTEM-P Series device, turn off the radio's Low Battery Reporting.

Tip 2: Installing A WIFI Module

If you want to add support for WIFI to your LTEM-P module, you can add the PROWIFI module. When the PROWIFI module is installed, the ethernet connection becomes unavailable, so you can only use one or the other of these, but not both. If you want to add both WIFI and Z-Wave Plus capabilities to your system, then you can choose to install the PROWIFIZW.

Using the PROWIFIZW can add Z-Wave support in a situation where it would otherwise be unavailable, such as when using the LTEM-P with a non-VISTA panel. The PROWIFIZW cannot be used as a secondary controller, so it can't be used to extend the range of another controller such as the Tuxedo or VAM. Using the PROWIFIZW also doesn't give you an option to create scenes through Total Connect 2.0, only manual control of Z-Wave devices is available.

Tip 3: Always Default the Communicator

We've found, through painful experience, that it is a good idea to always default the LTEM-PA or LTEM-PV once all the wiring is completed, prior to account creation and activation. To default, hold down the red button on the upper right side of the main communicator board for at least 20 Seconds. The LEDs on the communicator should begin going through their initial power-on sequence. This is how you can tell the default has completed.

Once the communicator has booted completely up, then do one last power cycle. Do this by unplugging the transformer and disconnecting the red battery lead. If the communicator is being powered completely by the panel, simply power the panel down and back up by unplugging its transformer and backup battery. If the communicator battery is still connected though, be sure to disconnect this battery as well to completely power the communicator off. Wait about 30 seconds, then power back on as you normally would. For VISTA panels, plug in the transformer, then the battery. If the communicator has its own DC Power Supply, plug in the communicator battery, then plug in the power supply. Now you can proceed with programming and activation.

An announcement on the AlarmNet360 page shows that they will send a remote reset command to some LTEM-PA, LTEM-PV, LTEM-PIA, and LTEM-PIV radios. This will occur today, Friday 04/15/22 between 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET. This may cause a trouble condition, and queued alarm reports could be sent.

It's unclear why this is being done. After a successful reset occurs, the radio will send an "E339-EXP. Module Power ON / Reset" message to the monitoring station. If the radio was in comm failure prior to the reset and any unsent alarm signals were queued, this reset may cause those alarm messages to be sent. These signals would show up immediately following the E339 signal at the central station. We assume this would also cause the same alarm messages to show up in Total Connect 2.0, and to be sent as notifications.

In addition, depending on how the panel is programmed, this event may cause the panel to display a bF or Check 103 message, and could also cause trouble beeping from the keypad. Disarming the system twice should clear the message and return the system to its normal state.

If you read our blog regularly, you know that certain Qolsys IQ Panel 2 systems that use the AT&T LTE 4G network require an update to the communicator. Without this update, these cellular units will stop communicating after the 3G Sunset. On January 10, these updates will begin automatically.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 panels that use an AT&T LTE Cellular Communicator will need a firmware update prior to the AT&T 3G sunset, which is scheduled to occur on 02/22/22. Without this update, these panels will lose their connection to the cellular network and could leave the alarm system with no communication path. The update can be performed over WIFI, or by using an SD Card.

For those panels that have a WIFI connection, Alarm.com will begin to automatically push the update on Monday, January 10, 2022. Once these updates begin, they will continue from 8 am - 8 pm seven (7) days per week until all are completed. Some panels will require both a panel firmware update and the cellular communicator update. The Alarm.com server will determine the panels that fall into this category and will perform the updates in the correct order automatically. Once the update has been applied, the panel will reboot as part of the update process. This is normal.

If a WIFI signal is available in the location where the panel is installed, but the panel is not currently connected to it, there are a few different ways to get the panel connected:

1. Locally: The connection can be made at the panel using the touchscreen. Instructions for connecting to WIFI locally can be found here.
2. By the dealer, remotely: Alarm.com dealers, like Alarm Grid, can use the Partner Portal to connect the panel to WIFI. This is found on the Partner Portal website under the Signaling/Broadband Settings.
3. By the end-user, remotely: Starting on 12/13/21, Alarm.com has enabled a tool that allows an end-user to connect the panel to WIFI through the Customer Alarm.com App or Alarm.com Website.

If you would like to go ahead and perform the update on your own, and you need to connect the system to WIFI first, from the customer's Alarm.com app click on Menu > Manage Devices > Select the 3-dots icon next to the panel's name > Select Device Settings > Select Panel WIFI. From there you can either choose an existing camera to copy that device's WIFI settings or select the SSID and complete the authentication process by entering the proper password. Once the connection to WIFI is made, the communication path will be changed from Cell-only to Dual-Path.

Panels that are on version 2.3.0 or lower must be updated to a minimum of 2.3.1 or higher before applying the communicator firmware patch. Panel firmware updates on panels that have a WIFI connection can be performed locally from the panel with a Patch Tag or can be completed remotely by the alarm dealer via Alarm.com's Partner Portal. Once the panel's firmware is on a compatible version (see the link in the paragraph below) the cellular firmware can be installed using the patch tag: ATT3GSunset

For panels that have no WIFI connection available, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can be updated locally using a MicroSD Card. The upgrade files, as well as instructions on how to perform the local upgrade, are available on Alarm Grid's Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update page. Both the panel firmware files and the ATT3GSunset patch can be downloaded from there.

This issue only affects AT&T LTE Cellular units. Verizon cellular units are in no way affected. This update is required because early Qolsys AT&T units used a provisional VoLTE Firmware Version. This later changed when VoLTE was fully released and because the difference between the two firmware versions didn't affect a panel's ability to send signals via cellular, no action was required at that time. AT&T realized that the upcoming sunset would have a detrimental affect on these early communicators and alerted Qolsys and Alarm.com of the required update.

If you are unsure whether your panel requires the update or not, contact your alarm dealer. They can verify whether or not your panel requires the panel update as well as the cellular update. This version information is only available when checked through the Partner Portal Website, and is not available from the Alarm.com Customer App or Website. You can read the full Qolsys Technical Service Bulletin regarding this upgrade here.

If you use an Interlogix Alarm System with Alarm.com, then you can expect a firmware update for your system's LTE communicator. The firmware update will be automatic, and no action will need to be taken. Interlogix Simon Panels, NetworX Panels, and Concord4 Panels will receive the update.

If you haven't upgraded to an LTE communicator yet, then make sure to do so as soon as possible. The 3G Sunset is going to occur on January 31st, 2022 for AT&T and December 31st for Verizon. If you are not aware of the 3G sunset, then please read this blog to get acquainted. This upgrade is very important to ensure that you do not experience a loss of service.

We want to mention that each firmware update is just a general update designed to improve the user experience. Each update is being pushed down automatically, at no cost to the user. No action is needed on your end, just have your system online and connected with the Alarm.com servers, and everything will be taken care of.

Please note the update according to your Interlogix System:

• Interlogix Concord4 - Firmware Update 189d
• Interlogix NetworX - Firmware Update 189a
• Interlogix Simon XT, XTi, XTi-5, XTi-5i - Firmware Update 191f

Additionally, if you use a Honeywell VISTA System with an Alarm.com SEM (not AlarmNet or Total Connect 2.0), then you will also be getting a pair of automatic system updates. All VISTA Systems using Alarm.com SEMs will receive the SEM VISTA 187i Upgrade and the 1.61 Firmware Upgrade. Again, both updates are automatic, and they are being provided at zero cost.

That's all the news for now. If you have any of the aforementioned systems on Alarm.com, then you can expect the automatic firmware update. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid and you are having any trouble with your system, please email support@alarmgrid.com. Please keep in mind our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Alarm Grid is offering new Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs) for Honeywell VISTA P-Series Alarm Panels. The ADC-SEM300-VT-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP) are both available now. They provide reliable alarm monitoring and Z-Wave Plus capabilities.

If you aren't familiar with Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs), they are basically cellular communicators that allow hardwired alarm panels to connect with the Alarm.com servers. The reason why SEMs for Honeywell VISTA Systems are so interesting is because normally these Honeywell-manufactured Alarm Panels are used in conjunction with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and the Total Connect 2.0 Security Notification and Automation Platform. With an SEM, you can take control of your Honeywell VISTA Alarm Panel and instead have it communicate with the Alarm.com servers and the Alarm.com platform. Alarm Grid customers can choose from a variety of alarm monitoring plans to use with SEMs, including our Gold and Platinum Level Plans (Self & Full) and our Cellular-Only Plan. You can learn more about all our monitoring plans in this comprehensive blog post.

When you break-down what Alarm.com offers versus Total Connect 2.0, both platforms are remarkably similar. However, there are some cases where a user may prefer to go with Alarm.com over Total Connect 2.0. The biggest reason why we can think of is that the user wants to take advantage of the robust selection of Alarm.com Security Cameras. If you compare the selection of Alarm.com Cameras versus the Total Connect 2.0 Camera Selection, then it's clear that Alarm.com is (at least for now) the hands-down winner. Even if you aren't using security cameras in your setup, maybe you want a better integration with the Alarm.com Smart Water Valve, or maybe there's an Alarm.com Demand Response Program in your area that you want to take advantage of. In any case, if you have a VISTA P-Series Panel (e.g. VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P, VISTA-21iP, VISTA-21iPLTE), then an Alarm.com SEM will give you the option of using their services instead of AlarmNet and TC2.

When you compare the new "300-Series" SEMs with the previous VISTA SEMs, the ADC-SEM210-VT-AT and the ADC-SEM210-VT-VZ, the new ones have a couple of advantages. For one, the new 300-Series SEMs utilize much lower power consumption at just 230mA. The new modules also have the ability to be used without an external power supply, which was required with the older modules. In the setup without an external power supply, all of the power is supplied from the panel. However, you can still use an external power supply with the new SEMs if you do not have 230mA available from your panel. Also, the new 300-Series SEMs have new externally-facing LED status lights that are easier to read when needed.

Just like the prior editions, the new ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ offer ultra-reliable connectivity across both an LTE cellular network and internet service using a wired ethernet connection. In addition, the new SEMs also return with Z-Wave Plus functionality, thereby allowing you to build a robust and complete smart home network around your security system. If you have been wanting to setup smart devices around your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System for use around the Alarm.com Security and Automation Platform, then these new SEM devices are perfect for the job at-hand. They are available right now and ready for use with Alarm Grid!

Do you have any thoughts about the new Alarm.com 300-Series SEMs, the ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ? Would you consider switching over your Honeywell VISTA System to the Alarm.com Platform from Total Connect 2.0? Or maybe you're already happy with using your VISTA System with its current LTE cellular communicator? Let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. We always make sure to cover new product releases and the latest security system news, so make sure to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog for more great content coming soon!

This is just a friendly reminder that the 3G and CDMA Sunsets are still on-track. The AT&T 3G Sunset occurs January 31, 2022, while the Verizon CDMA Sunset occurs December 31, 2022. Alarm Grid can help you take action and make a transition to newer LTE hardware, or make alternative plans.

The 3G and CDMA Sunsets go beyond the alarm industry. Older cellular technology is being shut down and will no longer work. This is being done to transition resources to newer and more advanced cellular technology that will provide more effective service for users. After the shutdown, only 5G and 4G LTE will remain active as major network bands. Once your alarm system is set up with LTE, you will have a trustworthy and reliable communication path for many years to come.

You may have to start thinking about the 3G or CDMA Sunset if you have an older alarm system that is still using a 3G or CDMA Communicator. By the time the Sunset occurs and the associated cellular network is shut down, you will either have upgraded to newer technology, or your hand will be forced and your system will no longer be monitored.

The following outcomes are possible for any user with a 3G or CDMA Communicator:

• Upgrade to a new alarm panel entirely, namely one that will support LTE, or a Honeywell Panel or Resideo Panel that is IP Only.
• Keep the existing alarm panel, and upgrade its 3G or CDMA Communicator to a new LTE Communicator that will allow it to stay monitored.
• Downgrade to IP-only monitoring service. This is not possible for any system that uses Alarm.com.
• Terminate all monitoring service for the panel. It can still be used as a local sounder, but it will not report signals.

Users with 3G and CDMA Communicators who do not take any action will be subject to that last option. Once the 3G or CDMA Network is shut down, the panel will lose network connectivity, unless it is a Honeywell Panel configured for internet connectivity. A system that loses all connectivity due to a permanent network shutdown can still be armed and disarmed, but it cannot send any signals to the central station, meaning that no help can be automatically dispatched. The system also won't send notifications to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0, and the user won't be able to control their system remotely from one of those platforms. Also, the user will not be able to maintain an active Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a discount on their homeowner's insurance. Only actively monitored systems are eligible for a CoA.

Many users aren't even aware that their systems have 3G or CDMA Communicators that need to be upgraded. There are ways to tell if your communicator needs to be upgraded, but it may be difficult for someone who isn't trained to tell. If you have an older security system that you think may be in need of a communicator upgrade, then we can help you. Reach out to our team at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to make sure that you are ready for the 3G or CDMA Sunset. Depending on your situation and the equipment, we will advise you to do one of the following.

• Upgrade to a panel that can support LTE Cellular.
• Upgrade the communicator for an existing panel to LTE Cellular.
• Certain Honeywell Panels can be downgraded to support IP-only so that you can stay monitored using the equipment you already have.

Do you have any questions about the 3G or CDMA Sunset? Maybe you have already upgraded, and you want to let us know about your experience? Or maybe you have been putting off upgrading and are waiting until the last minute? We would love for you to leave a comment down below to let us know how you are preparing for the 3G or CDMA Sunset in your home or business. This is a major event for the security industry, and it's happening very soon. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more security news and updates on the 3G and CDMA Sunset, as we all transition to LTE.

Alarm Grid is here with a video recap! We have four (4) new videos this time, all featuring myself. We have cellular communicator installation videos for the 2GIG GC2 and GC2e and some videos explaining the use of thermostats on Alarm.com. Let's check out the latest Alarm Grid videos!

Upgrading the 2GIG GC2 to LTE

I show you how to upgrade the 2GIG GC2 to LTE. There are two (2) LTE communicators currently available for the 2GIG GC2. These are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 AT&T LTE Communicator and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator. Upgrading to LTE involves removing the system's old 3G or CDMA communicator and installing a new LTE module in its place. It is very important that you do this before the 3G Sunset to prevent any disruption to your monitoring service.

Installing a Cellular Communicator Into a 2GIG GC2e

I show you how to install a cellular communicator inside of a 2GIG GC2e. The 2GIG GC2e Security System does not come with any available communication path by default. You must add a cellular communicator to get the GC2e monitored. The communicator will connect the system with the Alarm.com servers. Alarm.com then forwards important information, such as alarm events and system trouble conditions to a central monitoring station and/or the end user directly via text message and/or email.

ADC-T2000 and ADC-T3000 Thermostats Work with Alarm.com

I explain how you can use the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Thermostat and Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat with the Alarm.com interactive platform. Both the ADC-T2000 and ADC-T3000 are Z-Wave Plus thermostats that pair with virtually any Z-Wave controller or hub. If that Z-Wave hub also happens to be an Alarm.com Security System that is actively being monitored, then the thermostat will be automatically pushed over to the Alarm.com platform after it has been enrolled with the system and the system syncs with Alarm.com.

Adding the ADC-T2000 to an Alarm.com Account

I show you how to pair the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Thermostat with your Alarm.com account. The ADC-T2000 is a Z-Wave device. Like most Z-Wave devices, when you pair it with your Alarm.com Security System, the device will be automatically pushed over to your Alarm.com account the next time that your alarm system performs an automation sync with the server. You will then be able to control the thermostat remotely through the Alarm.com website and mobile app and include it with Alarm.com Smart Scenes.