Touchscreen Keypads Posts

Update 12/02/21:

We have confirmed with Resideo and at least one customer that the issues regarding the syncing of Automation between all versions of the Tuxedo Keypads, and the VAM have been resolved and that remote control of Z-Wave devices has returned to normal. Users should now be able to remotely control Z-Wave Automation Devices during any Total Connect 2.0 session. Any Alarm Grid customer that notices issues like this in the future, please report it to support@alarmgrid.com.

Update 11/26/21:

On Tuesday of this week, Resideo announced an update meant to fix this issue. Apparently, it fixed the portion of the issue where all Automation Syncs were failing, but did not address the issue with being unable to control Z-Wave Devices remotely.

There is something of a workaround for this portion of the issue at this time. During the TC2 session where a successful Automation Sync occurs, you can control Z-Wave devices remotely. Once you end that TC2 session and begin another one, you will lose that ability. So, for now, if you need to control a Z-Wave device remotely, perform a sync, and once you see in the Activity Log that the Automation Sync was successful, you will be able to control Z-Wave devices until the current TC2 session ends. Stay tuned and we will provide further updates as this issue is resolved.

Original Post:

In the last couple of weeks, Alarm Grid has noticed several customers with VAM and Tuxedo Keypads (all versions) having trouble syncing Z-Wave devices with Total Connect 2.0. This prevents newly added Z-Wave devices from showing up in TC2, though local control at the device is still available.

This issue doesn't seem to affect Total Connect 2.0 accounts associated with AiO (All-in-One) panels such as the Lyric Controller and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Accounts with these panel types should be working fine. It is unknown exactly what the problem is, and there is currently no workaround available. We've been in touch with Resideo and Honeywell Home and they are aware of the problem, but there is no Estimated Time of Resolution (ETR) for a fix.

You can continue to add and remove Z-Wave devices locally at the VAM or Tuxedo. But any changes that are made locally at the Z-Wave controller will not be synced to Total Connect 2.0. This means that any device deleted locally will continue to show up in TC2, and any device added locally will not show up in Total Connect 2.0 until this issue is resolved and a successful automation sync occurs.

Any device that currently shows up in Total Connect 2.0, and still exists in the Tuxedo or VAM CANNOT be controlled remotely through TC2. When an attempt to perform an Automation Sync occurs, there is no Automation Sync Failed, or Automation Sync Successful message displayed in TC2 Activity. Status changes from the Z-Wave device to TC2 seem to be coming through fine. It's only the sync process and remote control that seem to be having issues.

Alarm Grid is working with Resideo and Honeywell Home, and as soon as this issue is resolved, we'll post about it here. We posted information earlier this year about the Tuxedo Keypads and VAM Automation Controllers not updating the weather properly. We don't know if this current issue is related to the previous one, but we hope that it will be resolved soon. Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

Update 12/02/21:

We have confirmed with Resideo and at least one customer that the issues regarding the syncing of Automation between all versions of the Tuxedo Keypads, and the VAM have been resolved and that remote control of Z-Wave devices has returned to normal. Users should now be able to remotely control Z-Wave Automation Devices during any Total Connect 2.0 session. Any Alarm Grid customer that notices issues like this in the future, please report it to support@alarmgrid.com.

Update 11/26/21:

On Tuesday of this week, Resideo announced an update meant to fix this issue. Apparently, it fixed the portion of the issue where all Automation Syncs were failing, but did not address the issue with being unable to control Z-Wave Devices remotely.

There is something of a workaround for this portion of the issue at this time. During the TC2 session where a successful Automation Sync occurs, you can control Z-Wave devices remotely. Once you end that TC2 session and begin another one, you will lose that ability. So, for now, if you need to control a Z-Wave device remotely, perform a sync, and once you see in the Activity Log that the Automation Sync was successful, you will be able to control Z-Wave devices until the current TC2 session ends. Stay tuned and we will provide further updates as this issue is resolved.

Original Post:

In the last couple of weeks, Alarm Grid has noticed several customers with VAM and Tuxedo Keypads (all versions) having trouble syncing Z-Wave devices with Total Connect 2.0. This prevents newly added Z-Wave devices from showing up in TC2, though local control at the device is still available.

This issue doesn't seem to affect Total Connect 2.0 accounts associated with AiO (All-in-One) panels such as the Lyric Controller and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Accounts with these panel types should be working fine. It is unknown exactly what the problem is, and there is currently no workaround available. We've been in touch with Resideo and Honeywell Home and they are aware of the problem, but there is no Estimated Time of Resolution (ETR) for a fix.

You can continue to add and remove Z-Wave devices locally at the VAM or Tuxedo. But any changes that are made locally at the Z-Wave controller will not be synced to Total Connect 2.0. This means that any device deleted locally will continue to show up in TC2, and any device added locally will not show up in Total Connect 2.0 until this issue is resolved and a successful automation sync occurs.

Any device that currently shows up in Total Connect 2.0, and still exists in the Tuxedo or VAM CANNOT be controlled remotely through TC2. When an attempt to perform an Automation Sync occurs, there is no Automation Sync Failed, or Automation Sync Successful message displayed in TC2 Activity. Status changes from the Z-Wave device to TC2 seem to be coming through fine. It's only the sync process and remote control that seem to be having issues.

Alarm Grid is working with Resideo and Honeywell Home, and as soon as this issue is resolved, we'll post about it here. We posted information earlier this year about the Tuxedo Keypads and VAM Automation Controllers not updating the weather properly. We don't know if this current issue is related to the previous one, but we hope that it will be resolved soon. Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

Here at Alarm Grid, we recently learned that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 supports the Qolsys IQ Remote, but only the most recent iteration. Older Qolsys IQ Remotes are not compatible. If you plan to replace a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with an IQ Panel 4, read on to see how you can tell the keypads apart.

As of now, only the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 AT&T LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Verizon LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version are available. The other iterations of the panel will become available in the next couple of months. The only touchscreen keypad that is currently compatible with these panels is the Qolsys IQ Remote, and only the latest version with P/N QW9104-840, at that. Keypads with a P/N of QW9103-840 or below are not compatible. The sticker showing the part number should be on the back of the keypad.

Below, you can see the back of an IQ Remote with the P/N: QW9103-840. This keypad is not compatible with a Qolsys IQ Panel 4:

Looking at the sticker on the back of the keypad is the first way to easily determine whether the IQ Remote will work with the IQ Panel 4 or not. But, what if the sticker has been removed, or the touchscreen keypad has been mounted to the wall and the back side is difficult to access? There is another easy way to tell whether the IQ Remote you have is the older or newer version.

When the IQ Remote was re-designed, the front-facing camera was moved from the upper right corner to the center of the keypad. This was done, in part to better match the look of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2/2 Plus. Checking the location of the camera is the easiest way to determine whether it is a newer or an older Qolsys IQ Remote.

Below you can see one of the original Qolsys IQ Remotes. You can see that the camera is located in the upper right corner of the keypad.

Below is an image of the newer Qolsys IQ Remote, P/N QW9104-840. You can see the camera has been moved to the front center, and in the upper right corner you can see that a microphone has been added:

Checking the camera location is by far the easiest and quickest way to determine if the IQ Remote you have is compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. It's rumored that a PowerG Touchscreen Keypad is in the works, which, if true will likely make the IQ Remote obsolete given the superior wireless range of the PowerG protocol.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can support up to three (3) IQ Remotes, but it also supports the use of up to five (5) Wireless PowerG Keypads (WS9LCDWF9, HS2LCDWF9, and HS2LCDWF9ENG) and up to two (2) Hardwired DSC Keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) per DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless translator module. Up to two (2) modules are currently supported per panel, so up to four (4) of the wired keypads can be used. This gives a total of up to 12 remote keypads.

Have comments, questions, suggestions? Leave a comment below and we'll be happy to respond. Our support hours are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday - Friday, and our support email is support@alarmgrid.com. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Here at Alarm Grid, we recently learned that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 supports the Qolsys IQ Remote, but only the most recent iteration. Older Qolsys IQ Remotes are not compatible. If you plan to replace a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with an IQ Panel 4, read on to see how you can tell the keypads apart.

As of now, only the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 AT&T LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Verizon LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version are available. The other iterations of the panel will become available in the next couple of months. The only touchscreen keypad that is currently compatible with these panels is the Qolsys IQ Remote, and only the latest version with P/N QW9104-840, at that. Keypads with a P/N of QW9103-840 or below are not compatible. The sticker showing the part number should be on the back of the keypad.

Below, you can see the back of an IQ Remote with the P/N: QW9103-840. This keypad is not compatible with a Qolsys IQ Panel 4:

Looking at the sticker on the back of the keypad is the first way to easily determine whether the IQ Remote will work with the IQ Panel 4 or not. But, what if the sticker has been removed, or the touchscreen keypad has been mounted to the wall and the back side is difficult to access? There is another easy way to tell whether the IQ Remote you have is the older or newer version.

When the IQ Remote was re-designed, the front-facing camera was moved from the upper right corner to the center of the keypad. This was done, in part to better match the look of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2/2 Plus. Checking the location of the camera is the easiest way to determine whether it is a newer or an older Qolsys IQ Remote.

Below you can see one of the original Qolsys IQ Remotes. You can see that the camera is located in the upper right corner of the keypad.

Below is an image of the newer Qolsys IQ Remote, P/N QW9104-840. You can see the camera has been moved to the front center, and in the upper right corner you can see that a microphone has been added:

Checking the camera location is by far the easiest and quickest way to determine if the IQ Remote you have is compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. It's rumored that a PowerG Touchscreen Keypad is in the works, which, if true will likely make the IQ Remote obsolete given the superior wireless range of the PowerG protocol.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can support up to three (3) IQ Remotes, but it also supports the use of up to five (5) Wireless PowerG Keypads (WS9LCDWF9, HS2LCDWF9, and HS2LCDWF9ENG) and up to two (2) Hardwired DSC Keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) per DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless translator module. Up to two (2) modules are currently supported per panel, so up to four (4) of the wired keypads can be used. This gives a total of up to 12 remote keypads.

Have comments, questions, suggestions? Leave a comment below and we'll be happy to respond. Our support hours are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday - Friday, and our support email is support@alarmgrid.com. We always look forward to hearing from you.

The leading keypad option for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is unquestionably the Qolsys IQ Remote. This innovative touchscreen keypad mimics the screen of an IQ2 or IQ2+, and it allows for security and automation control from a second on-site location. But sadly, it lacks a replaceable battery!

To be clear, the Qolsys IQ Remote does have a backup battery. When AC power for the IQ Remote is lost (either due to the transformer being unplugged or an electrical outage), the backup battery will keep it running for several hours. But like any rechargeable battery, the one inside the Qolsys IQ Remote has a limited useful life. And once that useful life is up, the battery cannot be replaced with a new one. This means that the IQ Remote Keypad will need to be plugged in at all times in order to be used. If AC power becomes lost for any reason once this happens, then the IQ Remote will immediately power down. Also, the keypad will then always show a low-battery warning that can never be cleared. While not completely debilitating, it is an unfortunate aspect of the Qolsys IQ Remote device.

When we spoke with Qolsys about this issue, they assured us that the IQ Remote battery is "very long lasting", and a user shouldn't encounter this issue for at least ten (10) years from the initial manufacture date, assuming that the battery is cared for properly. Additionally, the company has stated that they have not received any excessive reports of IQ Remote battery failures since its release more than five (5) years ago. But it's fair to expect that Qolsys might be hearing about this issue more frequently in about five year's time when a large number of Qolsys IQ Remote batteries begin failing! At least most IQ Remote Keypads are not carried or transported around, and most users just leave them mounted in a single location. If a user gets a backup generator for the device, then the issue might not cause serious problems.

Still, this is definitely a disappointing limitation of the Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad. We hope that Qolsys will see this message and consider updating the IQ Remote to support an end-user replaceable battery. A well-constructed device can certainly be used for more than 10 years, but it needs a replaceable battery option so that it can truly go the maximum distance. Also, for anyone considering the IQ Remote for use with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus, we still think it's a great keypad option, and we still recommend using it. Just be aware that after ten (10) years or so, the battery will probably stop holding a charge and will begin not working as intended. The keypad will need to be plugged in and receiving power at all times once this happens, or else it will power down immediately. Our hope is that Qolsys redesigns the IQ Remote Keypad to put an end to this issue. Then a user can buy a new battery once the original reaches its end-of-life, install the new one, and keep using this great keypad!

For now, we would love to hear what you have to say about the Qolsys IQ Remote lacking a replaceable battery. Does this issue influence your decision in buying this keypad? Or do you think that it's not a major concern? Please let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We're sure that many users who buy this keypad, and also those who have bought it in the past, may be surprised to learn that the device's backup battery cannot be replaced. And if we ever learn of Qolsys updating the IQ Remote to fix this issue, or releasing a successor keypad with a replaceable battery, then we will be sure to let you know in the Alarm Grid Blog so that you can make an informed buying decision. Please stay tuned for more security news and updates coming real soon!

And before we forget, we wish everyone in the United States a Happy Independence Day (4th of July) over this upcoming weekend! We are open today, Friday, July 2nd, and we will also be open for business as usual on Monday, July 5th. We look forward to serving you!

The leading keypad option for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is unquestionably the Qolsys IQ Remote. This innovative touchscreen keypad mimics the screen of an IQ2 or IQ2+, and it allows for security and automation control from a second on-site location. But sadly, it lacks a replaceable battery!

To be clear, the Qolsys IQ Remote does have a backup battery. When AC power for the IQ Remote is lost (either due to the transformer being unplugged or an electrical outage), the backup battery will keep it running for several hours. But like any rechargeable battery, the one inside the Qolsys IQ Remote has a limited useful life. And once that useful life is up, the battery cannot be replaced with a new one. This means that the IQ Remote Keypad will need to be plugged in at all times in order to be used. If AC power becomes lost for any reason once this happens, then the IQ Remote will immediately power down. Also, the keypad will then always show a low-battery warning that can never be cleared. While not completely debilitating, it is an unfortunate aspect of the Qolsys IQ Remote device.

When we spoke with Qolsys about this issue, they assured us that the IQ Remote battery is "very long lasting", and a user shouldn't encounter this issue for at least ten (10) years from the initial manufacture date, assuming that the battery is cared for properly. Additionally, the company has stated that they have not received any excessive reports of IQ Remote battery failures since its release more than five (5) years ago. But it's fair to expect that Qolsys might be hearing about this issue more frequently in about five year's time when a large number of Qolsys IQ Remote batteries begin failing! At least most IQ Remote Keypads are not carried or transported around, and most users just leave them mounted in a single location. If a user gets a backup generator for the device, then the issue might not cause serious problems.

Still, this is definitely a disappointing limitation of the Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad. We hope that Qolsys will see this message and consider updating the IQ Remote to support an end-user replaceable battery. A well-constructed device can certainly be used for more than 10 years, but it needs a replaceable battery option so that it can truly go the maximum distance. Also, for anyone considering the IQ Remote for use with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus, we still think it's a great keypad option, and we still recommend using it. Just be aware that after ten (10) years or so, the battery will probably stop holding a charge and will begin not working as intended. The keypad will need to be plugged in and receiving power at all times once this happens, or else it will power down immediately. Our hope is that Qolsys redesigns the IQ Remote Keypad to put an end to this issue. Then a user can buy a new battery once the original reaches its end-of-life, install the new one, and keep using this great keypad!

For now, we would love to hear what you have to say about the Qolsys IQ Remote lacking a replaceable battery. Does this issue influence your decision in buying this keypad? Or do you think that it's not a major concern? Please let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We're sure that many users who buy this keypad, and also those who have bought it in the past, may be surprised to learn that the device's backup battery cannot be replaced. And if we ever learn of Qolsys updating the IQ Remote to fix this issue, or releasing a successor keypad with a replaceable battery, then we will be sure to let you know in the Alarm Grid Blog so that you can make an informed buying decision. Please stay tuned for more security news and updates coming real soon!

And before we forget, we wish everyone in the United States a Happy Independence Day (4th of July) over this upcoming weekend! We are open today, Friday, July 2nd, and we will also be open for business as usual on Monday, July 5th. We look forward to serving you!

A day after announcing the impending discontinuation of the ADC-SVR122, we bring more news of a product being discontinued without a replacement. This time, it's the 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. This leaves the GC3 and GC3e with no touchscreen keypad option.

This time, Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, declined to give a reason for the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1. All we know is that it's gone. It was very sudden and unexpected. And since the other touchscreen keypad option for the GC3 and GC3e, the 2GIG SP2 was discontinued late last year, users of the GC3 and GC3e are now left without an ideal secondary touchscreen keypad option.

With the highly anticipated 2GIG Edge set to release soon, it's possible that 2GIG will release a fancy new cutting-edge keypad for that system. Interestingly, a look at the 2GIG Edge Website, shows that its release has been pushed by roughly three (3) weeks. We're now anticipating a release date of mid-to-late March for the 2GIG Edge. No word on how the 2GIG Edge release will affect the existing 2GIG GC3e, but given that Nortek isn't bothering to provide the system with a secondary touchscreen keypad option, our guess is that the days for the 2GIG GC3e are numbered. Again, total speculation, but that's our best guess.

As for existing 2GIG GC3 and GC3e users who want a viable alarm keypad for their systems, the 2GIG PAD1-345 remains on the market. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a numeric touchpad keypad without a display screen. While primitive, it is a good keypad for basic arming and disarming functionality. If you want to set up a dedicated secondary keypad by a back door, a garage door, a master bedroom, or any other location where you want to control your security system, the 2GIG PAD1-345 is currently the best option for GC3 and GC3e users.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1, the impending 2GIG Edge release, or if you are interested in starting new Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

A day after announcing the impending discontinuation of the ADC-SVR122, we bring more news of a product being discontinued without a replacement. This time, it's the 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. This leaves the GC3 and GC3e with no touchscreen keypad option.

This time, Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, declined to give a reason for the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1. All we know is that it's gone. It was very sudden and unexpected. And since the other touchscreen keypad option for the GC3 and GC3e, the 2GIG SP2 was discontinued late last year, users of the GC3 and GC3e are now left without an ideal secondary touchscreen keypad option.

With the highly anticipated 2GIG Edge set to release soon, it's possible that 2GIG will release a fancy new cutting-edge keypad for that system. Interestingly, a look at the 2GIG Edge Website, shows that its release has been pushed by roughly three (3) weeks. We're now anticipating a release date of mid-to-late March for the 2GIG Edge. No word on how the 2GIG Edge release will affect the existing 2GIG GC3e, but given that Nortek isn't bothering to provide the system with a secondary touchscreen keypad option, our guess is that the days for the 2GIG GC3e are numbered. Again, total speculation, but that's our best guess.

As for existing 2GIG GC3 and GC3e users who want a viable alarm keypad for their systems, the 2GIG PAD1-345 remains on the market. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a numeric touchpad keypad without a display screen. While primitive, it is a good keypad for basic arming and disarming functionality. If you want to set up a dedicated secondary keypad by a back door, a garage door, a master bedroom, or any other location where you want to control your security system, the 2GIG PAD1-345 is currently the best option for GC3 and GC3e users.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1, the impending 2GIG Edge release, or if you are interested in starting new Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is thrilled to offer the brand-new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad! This sleek and modern keypad serves as a touchscreen controller for your Honeywell VISTA, while also providing Z-Wave Plus home automation capabilities. This will truly bring out the full potential of your VISTA Panel!

The new Resideo Tuxedo represents the third generation in the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Series. The original Honeywell Tuxedo Touch, the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch WIFI, and the Honeywell VAM have all been discontinued to make room for the new Resideo Tuxedo. While we are a little sad to see these classic products be sent off to the "product graveyard", we are extremely excited about this brand-new keypad and what it brings to the party.

If you are familiar with the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad that came out last September, then you will be pleased to learn that the new Resideo Tuxedo offers the exact same look and user interface (UI). In fact, the only difference between the two is the fact that the Tuxedo offers Z-Wave Plus functionality, while the 6290W is just a keypad for controlling the VISTA. With the Tuxedo, you get all of the same security functions from the 6290W (e.g. arming, disarming, bypassing zones), as well as awesome new home automation controls.

The great thing about a touchscreen keypad like the Resideo Tuxedo is that it can make your system much less intimidating and easier to control. This can be especially important for new users who are not used to working with a security system, especially one that uses a classic numeric keypad that requires specific knowledge to operate. The Tuxedo is easy to navigate, and the full-color menus can give a new user confidence in controlling their system. Most experienced users also appreciate touchscreen keypads just due to their overall ease of use.

You certainly have a great deal of automation devices that you can pair with the Resideo Tuxedo. Nearly any Z-Wave device can integrate with the keypad. You can add Z-Wave lights so that it looks like you're home while on vacation. A Z-Wave door lock can be helpful for letting your friend inside without getting up from the couch. And a Z-Wave thermostat can help you save a ton of money in energy costs, while still keeping your home comfortable. The unit supports up to 232 Z-Wave devices, so you're highly unlikely to run out of room. We recommend using exclusively Z-Wave Plus devices to build the strongest network possible.

WIFI connectivity returns to the new Resideo Tuxedo. The keypad uses its WIFI connectivity for communicating with Total Connect 2.0. You can access TC2 to control your programmed automation devices remotely from a mobile app or web browser. The WIFI connection is also how firmware updates are applied to the Tuxedo Keypad. You can alternatively use a wired ethernet connection instead of wireless WIFI, but come on, who's gonna do that? Just be aware that the Tuxedo is not an AlarmNet Communicator. You will still need a separate alarm communicator for your VISTA System and a monitoring plan to access Total Connect 2.0.

And there are many other features and specifications that we love about the new Tuxedo. This keypad and automation controller boasts a 7-inch screen with a 480 x 640 resolution. The thin-film-transitor (TFT) LCD screen is backlit, so you will have no trouble using it at night. Other features include voice and chime, a weather display, the ability to live-stream security cameras, Console Mode, a digital picture frame, and more!

You can buy the new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad from Alarm Grid right now. We are sure that you will love using this robust and powerful keypad in your home or office. It really has a nice modern look that can fit in nicely with any decor. This is truly a great way to improve upon a VISTA System. If you have any questions about the Tuxedo, or if you want to learn more about alarm monitoring, contact us via email at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email during our business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is thrilled to offer the brand-new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad! This sleek and modern keypad serves as a touchscreen controller for your Honeywell VISTA, while also providing Z-Wave Plus home automation capabilities. This will truly bring out the full potential of your VISTA Panel!

The new Resideo Tuxedo represents the third generation in the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Series. The original Honeywell Tuxedo Touch, the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch WIFI, and the Honeywell VAM have all been discontinued to make room for the new Resideo Tuxedo. While we are a little sad to see these classic products be sent off to the "product graveyard", we are extremely excited about this brand-new keypad and what it brings to the party.

If you are familiar with the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad that came out last September, then you will be pleased to learn that the new Resideo Tuxedo offers the exact same look and user interface (UI). In fact, the only difference between the two is the fact that the Tuxedo offers Z-Wave Plus functionality, while the 6290W is just a keypad for controlling the VISTA. With the Tuxedo, you get all of the same security functions from the 6290W (e.g. arming, disarming, bypassing zones), as well as awesome new home automation controls.

The great thing about a touchscreen keypad like the Resideo Tuxedo is that it can make your system much less intimidating and easier to control. This can be especially important for new users who are not used to working with a security system, especially one that uses a classic numeric keypad that requires specific knowledge to operate. The Tuxedo is easy to navigate, and the full-color menus can give a new user confidence in controlling their system. Most experienced users also appreciate touchscreen keypads just due to their overall ease of use.

You certainly have a great deal of automation devices that you can pair with the Resideo Tuxedo. Nearly any Z-Wave device can integrate with the keypad. You can add Z-Wave lights so that it looks like you're home while on vacation. A Z-Wave door lock can be helpful for letting your friend inside without getting up from the couch. And a Z-Wave thermostat can help you save a ton of money in energy costs, while still keeping your home comfortable. The unit supports up to 232 Z-Wave devices, so you're highly unlikely to run out of room. We recommend using exclusively Z-Wave Plus devices to build the strongest network possible.

WIFI connectivity returns to the new Resideo Tuxedo. The keypad uses its WIFI connectivity for communicating with Total Connect 2.0. You can access TC2 to control your programmed automation devices remotely from a mobile app or web browser. The WIFI connection is also how firmware updates are applied to the Tuxedo Keypad. You can alternatively use a wired ethernet connection instead of wireless WIFI, but come on, who's gonna do that? Just be aware that the Tuxedo is not an AlarmNet Communicator. You will still need a separate alarm communicator for your VISTA System and a monitoring plan to access Total Connect 2.0.

And there are many other features and specifications that we love about the new Tuxedo. This keypad and automation controller boasts a 7-inch screen with a 480 x 640 resolution. The thin-film-transitor (TFT) LCD screen is backlit, so you will have no trouble using it at night. Other features include voice and chime, a weather display, the ability to live-stream security cameras, Console Mode, a digital picture frame, and more!

You can buy the new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad from Alarm Grid right now. We are sure that you will love using this robust and powerful keypad in your home or office. It really has a nice modern look that can fit in nicely with any decor. This is truly a great way to improve upon a VISTA System. If you have any questions about the Tuxedo, or if you want to learn more about alarm monitoring, contact us via email at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email during our business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!