Honeywell LTE-IA Dual-Path AT&T LTE VISTA Communicator Has Arrived!

Hi DIYers! We have exciting news today, as the Honeywell LTE-IA for VISTA Series Panels is now available! This has been eagerly anticipated by VISTA users with strong service from the AT&T LTE Network. We are sure that many of you will want to take advantage of this great new communicator!

As a dual-path communicator, the Honeywell LTE-IA can send signals thorough both a local IP network and a cellular network. It uses a hardwired ethernet connection for IP service, and it works across the AT&T LTE Network for cellular service. The communicator will use IP as its primary path, and cellular will serve as the backup.

Being able to connect with the AT&T LTE Network is the best feature of this communicator. AT&T has stated that they will support their LTE network well into the very distant future. The network will remain in-service even as newer networks like 5G are made available many years from now. AT&T invested huge amounts of money into their LTE infrastructure. Their LTE network is not going anywhere anytime soon. The result is that this communicator will keep your VISTA Panel monitored in the long-run.

The importance of reliable cellular backup cannot be stressed enough. Internet outages, and it is highly likely that your system will need to rely on its cellular connection at some point or another. As long as the cellular path is still available, your VISTA System will remain connected with the AlarmNet360 Servers. This means that you will still be able to take advantage of all the great features from Total Connect 2.0.

Speaking of Total Connect 2.0, a proper AlarmNet Communicator like the Honeywell LTE-IA is required if you want to use this service. If you didn't know, TC2 is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that you can access from anywhere. This is possible using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on Android and iOS devices.

By accessing TC2, you can arm and disarm your system, check its status, control Z-Wave devices (Tuxedo Touch or VAM required), view TC2 Cameras (video plan needed), and more. All you need is a compatible Honeywell System with an AlarmNet Communicator, and an appropriate alarm monitoring plan.

For the VISTA P-Series Panels, the VISTA 15P, VISTA 20P, and VISTA 21iP can all support TC2. There are just some firmware requirements you need to keep in mind. A 15P or 20P must be running firmware 9.12 or higher. A 21iP must be running firmware 3.13 or higher. If you aren't sure of the firmware, just check the PROM Chip. This is a small black chip on the panel's main board. It will have a code that begins with the letters "WA". This code will tell you the firmware version.

If you find that the PROM Chip is not high enough, don't worry! We sell new 15P PROM Chips, 20P PROM Chips, and 21iP PROM Chips. Just be aware that a 15P or 20P System will need to be at least firmware 2.0 or higher to receive a PROM Chip upgrade. Any VISTA 21iP can receive a PROM Chip upgrade.

To replace the PROM Chip, start by powering down the panel by disconnecting the backup battery and unplugging the transformer. Carefully pry off the old PROM Chip with the metal end of a binder clip. Then apply the new one by putting it in the same place and pressing it down until it clicks. Just be careful not to bend the metal prongs on the new PROM Chip! You can then power up your system by plugging the transformer back in and reconnecting the backup battery.

If you actually have better service from the Verizon LTE Network than the AT&T LTE Network, you should also know that a similar Verizon LTE Dual-Path Communicator called the Honeywell LTE-IV has been available for quite some time. Remember, the service provider for your alarm system has nothing to do with the service provider for your phone. Just go with whichever service works best in your area, regardless of which service you use for your smartphone.

If you have any questions about the Honeywell LTE-IA, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Another option is to call us during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F at (888) 818-7728. We look forward to hearing from you!