Home Security Blog

As the sunset for 3G cellular networks is quickly approaching, Alarm Grid has some important news regarding support for Verizon's 3G CDMA network. This news affects both the Alarm.com service and Honeywell's AlarmNet server.

As of today, June 1st, 2018, Verizon will no longer activate Alarm.com CDMA cellular communicator SIM cards as they prepare for their CDMA network sunset. If the Verizon SIM card is already activated, which is done during manufacturing, Alarm.com will still allow the account activation to go through.

However, if a communicator is manufactured and never activated with Alarm.com, or if it's activated with Alarm.com but then cancelled, the Verizon SIM will eventually become deactivated. Therefore, it's possible that a CDMA module you already have won't be able to be used if it's not currently active with Alarm.com.

If you have an existing Alarm.com CDMA communicator with a different monitoring company, it can still be "recycled" and brought over to a new alarm company, as long as the communicator is re-activated with the new monitoring company soon after it's cancelled by the existing monitoring company.

Any existing Alarm.com CDMA communicator that is already active with Alarm.com will continue to work for the time being, but will be sunsetting soon.

If you need to purchase a new cellular communicator for an Alarm.com panel, we recommend one of the following Verizon LTE options:

For 2GIG GC3:

• 2GIG LTEV-A-GC3 (requires GC3 Firmware 3.0.2 or higher) (discontinued)
• 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (requires GC3 Firmware 3.1.3 or higher)

For more information on GC3 Firmware Updates, please click here. Also see this guide to upgrade the GC3 communicator.

For 2GIG GC2:

• 2GIG LTEV-A-GC2 (requires GC2 Firmware 1.17 or higher) (discontinued)
• 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 (requires GC2 Firmware 1.19 or higher)

For more information on GC2 Firmware Updates, please click here. Also see this guide to upgrade the GC2 communicator. You can also review the FAQs 2GIG GC2 Firmware Update Instructions Using UPCBL2 and How to Upgrade GC2 Firmware Using a Cable for more information.

Starting June 30th, 2018, Honeywell AlarmNet CDMA cellular communicators that were manufactured before March 1st, 2018 can no longer be activated. If you have an AlarmNet CDMA communicator that was manufactured before this date, you must activate it by June 30th.

At that time, it will also be impossible to bring a Honeywell CDMA radio from one monitoring company to another. AlarmNet CDMA communicators that were manufactured after March 1st, 2018 can be activated until December 22nd, 2018. Any AlarmNet CDMA communicator that has already been activated will continue to work until the CDMA network is shutdown.

If you need to purchase a new cellular communicator for a Honeywell Alarm System, we suggest buying an LTE module. Alarm Grid recommends the following options based on system type:

Honeywell Lyric Controller: LYRICLTE-V supports Verizon LTE

Honeywell L5210 and L7000 (Firmware 9+): LTE-L57V supports Verizon LTE

Honeywell VISTA Systems: LTE-XV supports Verizon LTE or LTE-IV supports Verizon LTE & IP

Additionally, if you have a CDMA communicator that has not been activated, you will no longer be able to return it to Alarm Grid for a refund. We will not be taking any CDMA returns as of today. Our company stopped selling CDMA communicators roughly three months ago, and we have been preparing for the 3G sunset for quite some time.

Cellular service providers have already discontinued support for their 2G networks, and they are currently preparing to do the same for their 3G networks. This includes the Verizon 3G CDMA network. Instead, cellular service providers are shifting their focus to their newer and more advanced 4G and LTE networks. If you need to upgrade an alarm system to cellular, you should purchase an LTE module if possible.

Remember, existing CDMA communicators that have already been activated can still be used for the time being. These modules will continue to work until the CDMA network is discontinued. At that point, any CDMA cellular module will need to be replaced and upgraded to a newer communicator.

If you have any questions about this news, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Edit (6/8/18): This blog post previously stated that as of June 1st, no Alarm.com CDMA module that wasn't currently active with Alarm.com service could be activated on a new Alarm.com account, which has changed since it was written. It has been edited to reflect the correct information.

The Alarm Grid office will be closed on Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day. Our support technicians will be unavailable during this time. We will resume our normal business hours on Tuesday, May 29th.

If you require any assistance over the Memorial Day weekend, please email support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will make sure to send you a response as soon as we receive your email on Tuesday. Once we reopen, you may continue to contact us through our support email. You may also call us at 888-818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am-8pm EST M-F.

Alarm Grid would like to thank those who have served and defended our country. We hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and we look forward to providing you with support in the future.

Alarm Grid has received important information from Honeywell, stating that any Lyric Controller using a WIFI-only communication setup is currently unable to work with an existing Apple HomeKit integration. Additionally, Honeywell has temporarily disabled the ability to activate new HomeKit service for all Lyric Controller Systems.

According to Honeywell, the Lyric Controller Security Systems are experiencing problems with WIFI connectivity when they are used with the HomeKit service. Honeywell is currently taking action to address this problem. The company says these issues should be fully resolved sometime in the third week of June.

Starting on Wednesday, May 23rd, Honeywell will disable all HomeKit features for any Lyric Controller that uses WIFI as its only communication path. This update will come in the form of a panel reboot while the system is in a disarmed state. The update may require up to three minutes to fully complete.

After the reboot, the panel should function as normal, though the HomeKit service will be disabled. Please note that this update is only being applied to Lyric Controller Systems that use a strictly WIFI connection. Lyric Controller Systems that use a dual-path setup with both WIFI and cellular, as well as those that use strictly cellular, are unaffected. Furthermore, Honeywell Lyric Gateway Systems are also unaffected.

Additionally, Honeywell has temporarily disabled the Apple HomeKit feature in AlarmNet 360. This makes it currently impossible to activate HomeKit service for any Lyric Controller System. New HomeKit activations will be possible once Honeywell restores the HomeKit feature sometime in the third week of June. Honeywell says that they plan to release more information regarding the restoration in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions regarding these issues, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 between 9am and 8pm EST M-F. We apologize for any issues that this may cause.

Note: This issue has since been fixed.

Qolsys is releasing an automatic firmware update for any IQ Panel 2 that is running firmware version 2.0.6 or lower. This is firmware update 2.1.1, and it is designed to improve the overall stability of the system. The update will be applied on Monday, June 4th, and it will take about 12 minutes to complete.

The panel will then reboot once the update has finished. The update will only be applied when the system is in a disarmed state. Users should not notice any difference to their IQ Panel 2 System after the update has gone through.

If you have any questions about this automatic update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 between 9am and 8pm EST M-F.

Hi DIYers! Today we are very excited to announce that Alarm Grid will now begin selling Interlogix Panels and sensors. Interlogix has offered excellent security products for decades, with their equipment previously being sold under the GE brand. By offering these tremendous panels and sensors, we are providing customers with yet another option in terms of security equipment that they can choose for their home or business.

Alarm Grid has always taken great pride in providing monitoring support for as many alarm systems as possible. However, we have been strategically selective in terms of the equipment that we offer for sale. This has allowed us to provide comprehensive and detailed support for all of the equipment that we offer. Shortly after Alarm Grid was founded in 2012, we began offering Honeywell equipment because we believed that it was the most accessible for DIY consumers. We later expanded our offerings to include 2GIG equipment and Qolsys equipment as well. Now today, Interlogix represents the fourth major equipment manufacturer to receive full support from Alarm Grid. We can now officially say that we are an Interlogix Dealer.

Customers can browse our site and check out Interlogix panels, sensors and even entire system kits. We view Interlogix Systems as a viable budget and economical option for consumers. The equipment is relatively less expensive, and the panels arrive with fewer bells and whistles than their Honeywell, 2GIG and Qolsys counterparts. However, these systems can be fully upgraded to perform virtually any action or function that is possible with other modern alarm systems. Additionally, Interlogix sensors and peripherals tend to be more affordable than those from other manufacturers. All of this makes Interlogix a fantastic choice for any customer who is looking for a complete and total security setup at a reduced cost.

Our Interlogix offerings will be based around three major alarm systems. These are the Simon XT, Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5. These are all self-contained wireless all-in-one alarm panels that provide support for up to 40 wireless zones. The Simon XT features an integrated push-button keypad and a dual-line ext-based LCD screen. The panel also features quick-access panic buttons in case of an emergency. The touchpad system is surprisingly easy to program, and it offers the full capabilities as the other Interlogix Simon Alarm Systems.

The Interlogix Simon XTi represents an upgraded version of the Simon XT. The Simon XTi provides the complete functionality of the Simon XT, but it includes an integrated 3.5 inch touchscreen controller. This makes navigating the system menus more user-friendly, and it offers a more engaging experience overall. The integrated touch screen also allows users to control any programmed Z-Wave home automation devices directly from the panel itself. Interlogix also products the Simon XTi-5. This system is exactly the same as the Simon XTi, but the Simon XTi-5 features a larger 5 inch touch screen, as opposed to the 3.5 inch touch screen found on the Simon XTi.

All of the Interlogix Simon Alarm Systems come with an integrated wireless receiver so that they can readily communicate with wireless sensors. The wireless sensors used with the Interlogix Systems communicate at a frequency of 319.5 MHz. This is the same wireless frequency used by Qolsys sensors. This means that any unencrypted Qolsys sensor (non S-Line) can interface with an Interlogix System. It is also possible to use Interlogix sensors with the Qolsys IQ Panel and IQ Panel 2 Systems. Qolsys owners can certainly turn to Interlogix sensors as a cost-effective option for upgrading their systems

Most customers who purchase an Interlogix System will want to obtain a cellular module upgrade as well. Cellular service for alarm systems is known for its lightning fast communication speeds and its exceptional performance and consistency overall. This type of communication almost never experiences any type of service disruption, and it is not affected by power outages. This outstanding performance and reliability makes cellular communication the gold standard for alarm systems. Installing a cellular module in an Interlogix System is a very quick and easy process that can be fully completed by most end users.

Interlogix offers LTE cellular communicators for all of their alarm systems. LTE is currently the fastest and most consistent form of cellular communication available, and cellular service providers have committed to supporting LTE communication for many years to come. For those reasons, we strongly encourage users to choose LTE cellular communicators for their Interlogix Systems. These LTE communicators will provide the best possible performance, and they will ensure that the user's equipment can be fully supported for monitoring well into the very distant future. Customers can choose between LTE service from Verizon, AT&T and Telus (Canada only).

As part of our Interlogix product launch, Alarm Grid will offer full support and guidance for Interlogix Systems and equipment. Users can read dozens of FAQs to help them get started with a new Interlogix System. Our team is also planning on releasing helpful how-to videos for Interlogix Systems in the near future. Additionally, any monitored customer is invited to speak with one of our helpful support technicians online or over the phone for help with using or setting up their Interlogix System. Our team has recently spent time training and learning the intricacies of these systems so that we are fully prepared to help you with any issues that you might experience.

Alarm Grid is very pleased to welcome the Interlogix brand to our growing family. We are sure that Interlogix Systems monitored by Alarm Grid will quickly find their way into homes and businesses everywhere. As always, thank you for choosing Alarm Grid, and we look forward to providing you with industry-leading support in the future.

Hey DIYers, have you been checking out the Alarm Grid YouTube Channel? If not, here's a quick recap of what you missed in the past week.

April 29th: How Do I Get Into Programming On My Vista 20P?

Bryce shows the basics of how to access programming on a Honeywell Vista 20P System. In most cases, this is done by entering in the command [4112] + [800], with "4112" being the system's default Installer Code. Bryce also explains the differences between fixed English and alphanumeric keypads, as well as the backdoor method for accessing programming. According to Bryce, an alphanumeric keypad is necessary for conducting deeper level panel programming. With a Fixed English keypad, the programming options are more limited.

April 30th: What is a CKT Error on My 6160 Keypad?

Dylan explains the meaning of a CKT error on a 6160 keypad used with a Honeywell VISTA System. The error means that the keypad is not communicating properly with the VISTa Panel. The reason for this could be poor wiring, improper addressing or defaulting of the keypad or panel. Dylan then shows the proper wiring for the device and the steps for addressing the keypad so that it works properly. The error should clear once the wiring and addressing is correct.

May 1st: Why is my 5800PIR-RES showing a Red flashing light?

Bryce demonstrates the walk test mode on Honeywell PIR Motion Detection Sensors. When the motion sensor is first powered on, it will automatically enter into its walk test mode. While in this mode, the device will show a red LED light whenever it detects motion. The sensor will then exit this mode on its own after 10 minutes. To re-enter walk test mode, simply remove the battery for the device and then re-insert the battery to power it back on.

May 2nd: What is the Best Security System for an Apartment?

Jorge talks about what type of security system is best for an apartment. He recommends using a wireless self-contained security system since they are easier to use and install. He also points out that a desk mount can be used so that they panel does not have to be mounted to the wall. Wireless sensors can be installed using double-sided foam tape to avoid drilling holes. Jorge specifically mentions the Honeywell Lyric Controller and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 as being great options.

May 3rd: When Will the Lyric CDMA Be Phased Out?

Jorge discusses the plans for Verizon to eventually discontinue support for their CDMA network. This important information for anyone who uses cellular communication with their Honeywell Lyric Controller. The CDMA network is still being used with many alarm systems. Starting on June 1, 2018, new CDMA activations will no longer be allowed. Existing CDMA communicators will be grandfathered in to remain active until the CDMA network is shutdown. In order to remain active with the Verizon network, a user will need to upgrade to an LTE communicator.

With the recent release of the LTE-L57V for the L5210 and L7000 Systems, there is now a viable LTE cellular communication module available for all of the most popular Honeywell Alarm Control Panels. Whether you own a Lyric, LYNX Touch or VISTA panel, there is an LTE communicator for you!

The current LTE options are as follows:

• Honeywell Lyric Controller: LyricLTE-A supports AT&T LTE
• Honeywell L5210 and L7000 (Firmware 9+): LTE-L57V supports Verizon LTE
• Honeywell VISTA Systems: LTE-XV supports Verizon LTE

Please note that for the Honeywell VISTA 21iP, there is currently no "snap-on" LTE module like that of the AT&T 3G/4G based VISTA-GSM4G. In order to use the Honeywell LTE-XV communicator with the VISTA 21iP, the "internal communications" jumper on the board must be set to the bottom two pins. Make sure to power the system completely down before making this adjustment. The communicator must then be installed as an external radio-like wiring on a VISTA-20P. By adjusting the jumper in this way, the integrated ethernet port for the VISTA 21iP will be disabled. However, this is not a huge concern. LTE cellular connectivity is extremely reliable, and it provides communication speeds that are comparable to that of IP. So even though IP connectivity will no longer be accessible, it is a worthwhile sacrifice to obtain LTE service over older cellular technologies like 3G and CDMA. Remember, LTE service is widely recognized as being the single best communication path available for modern alarm systems.

By releasing these new communicators, Honeywell has made it very clear that LTE cellular communication is the way of the future. This news is also important for users of the Verizon CDMA Network. AlarmNet (Honeywell's cloud server) has stated that new CDMA activations will no longer be permitted after June 1, 2018. This includes cancelling an existing CDMA account and then trying to reactivate it later. Anyone hoping to use CDMA with their Honeywell System must get the communicator active before it's too late. Verizon has promised that CDMA support for existing equipment will remain active until their CDMA network is shutdown. After that, the communicator will need to be upgraded.

All of the current LTE communicators for Honeywell Systems are available for purchase on the Alarm Grid website. We'll be sure to keep you updated with any news regarding additional Honeywell LTE communicators that are released in the future. We do not have any exact timelines for the release of a Verizon LTE module for the Lyric, nor AT&T LTE for the Lynx Touch and VISTA panels. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to our support team at support@alarmgrid.com.

Note: There has been a major update involving this issue. Please refer to this post for more information.

Alarm.com has announced that they will be discontinuing support for certain Z-Wave thermostats. The affected devices include the 2GIG CT-100, the 2GIG CT-30 and the GE TSTAT-300. For Alarm.com accounts created after May 20, 2018, it will not be possible to control these Z-Wave thermostats.

The reason that support for these thermostats is being discontinued is because they do not comply with the higher communication standards necessary for supporting the most advanced Z-Wave thermostat features. These advanced features, which include certain HVAC safeguards, provide convenience and comfort for both end users and product dealers. Therefore, ending support for these older models is necessary for providing the best possible support for newer equipment.

For new Alarm.com users looking to get started with Z-Wave home automation, we recommend using the ADC-T2000 Smart Thermostat. This advanced and highly capable device supports remote operation through the Alarm.com Mobile App, and it can be easily integrated into most Z-Wave networks. Other modern Z-Wave thermostats will also work. Feel free to verify thermostat compatibility with our support team in advance to avoid any issues.

Please note that these service discontinuations only affect new accounts. For older Alarm.com accounts that already support the aforementioned devices, no changes will be necessary. These accounts will be grandfathered in, and the devices will still be supported.

LTE cellular communication for the Honeywell LYNX Touch L5210 and L7000 systems is now available! The Honeywell LTE-L57V will provide these systems with ultra fast and reliable cellular service from the Verizon LTE network. The new module is easy to install, and it will ensure that these compatible systems receive cellular connectivity well into the distant future. Overall, we strongly recommend this module for any Honeywell L5210 or L7000.

Alarm Grid has long-touted the benefits of cellular communication. It sends out signals very quickly, and it is the single most reliable way to ensure that a Honeywell security system always remains connected to the AlarmNet server. LTE service represents the forefront in cellular technology, and the Verizon LTE network is one of the finest.

The Honeywell LTE-L57V provides the L5210 and L7000 systems with a way of connecting to the Verizon LTE network so that they can receive active cellular monitoring. This makes the LTE-L57V the prime option for anyone looking to "future-proof" their L5210 or L7000. Unlike the 3G and CDMA cellular networks, the LTE network should be in service well into the distant future, thereby providing a longer lifespan of the cellular alarm system.

In order to use the LTE-L57V, firmware revision 9.00.201 or higher is required. Any newly purchased L5210 or L7000 should already have the latest firmware update out of the box. Thankfully, existing L5210 and L7000 panels can be updated using the LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool.

The LTE-L57V is available for purchase now on the Alarm Grid website! Additionally, we will soon be updating our L5210 and L7000 bundled kits to include this module as well. At the present time, we have not heard anything about a possible AT&T LTE module for the LYNX Touch Systems. However, we will be sure to keep you posted and let you know if any information is available.

Update: The AT&T LTE Version is also available! It is called the Honeywell LTE-L57A. The LYNX Touch Panel must be running firmware revision 9.00.209 or higher to support the module.

Another Update: The L5200 can also be updated using the LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool. This will allow an L5200 System to use either the LTE-L57A or the LTE-L57V. More information is available here.

Not every area you monitor is going to feature perfect lighting. In many situations, a camera must record an important event in a dark or low-light setting. If you have the right camera for the job, then this will be no problem. But if your camera doesn't have night vision, then the resulting pitch-black and vague recording will offer you very little value. With that in mind, if you ever plan on monitoring a dark area, you better make sure that your security camera offers night vision.

Fortunately, Honeywell designed all of their new Lyric Security Cameras with night vision capabilities. This lineup includes three state-of-the-art security cameras that each perform exceptionally well in low-light settings. These cameras feature advanced light-detection sensors that automatically adapt to the brightness to achieve the best recordings possible. Their special infrared (IR) LED lights enhance low-light performance, making even the darkest area appear clear and illuminated in the recording.

All of these cameras can capture video in full HD quality, and their built-in SD cards ensure that recordings are saved whenever WIFI is down. They can all connect seamlessly with Honeywell's Total Connect Service, making them very easy to get connected to the network. Each of the three cameras is best utilized in certain types of applications. You should consider where and how the camera will be used and strengths of each camera before making a purchasing decision. Overall, the Lyric Cameras are fantastic for any Honeywell user who wants to get started with video surveillance. And if there's ever any trouble in the night, your camera will be ready.

First up is the Lyric C1, also called the IPCAM-WIC1. This is an indoor camera that can be placed on any table or desk for a quick setup. Its IR LED lights prove the device with an IR range of 16.5 feet, and the camera will automatically adjust based on the current lighting. The Lyric C1 can record footage up to 720P HD in quality, which is fine for most uses. The camera also includes a built-in microphone for capturing audio. While this isn't the most robust camera in the Lyric lineup, it is a great camera for monitoring a smaller area of a home, such as a bedroom or a foyer. The Lyric C1 will work exceptionally well in any indoor situation where basic recording is needed.

Next is the Lyric C2, or the IPCAM-WIC2. This camera offers twice the night vision range of the Lyric C1, boasting an IR range of 33 feet. Just like the other cameras in the lineup, its included sensors will help it adjust to the current brightness level. The Lyric C2 comes attached to its own stand so that i can be placed conveniently on a desk or table for a quick and easy setup. The camera also comes complete with full 1080P HD recording quality and a built-in microphone for capturing audio. Overall, the Lyric C2 is notably more robust and powerful than the other indoor camera in the lineup. If you ever require higher-quality recording capabilities or if you need to capture footage in a larger indoor area, then the Lyric C2 is certainly up to the task. It is recommended for larger rooms, like a living room or a garage.

Last but not least in the Lyric Camera lineup is the Lyric OC1, also called the IPCAM-OC1. This is the only outdoor camera in the lineup. Its tough, weatherproof and water-resistant design will keep it safe in almost anything that nature can throw at it. The camera comes with its own mounting plate that allows a user to install the device on a wall or ceiling with relative ease. Out of all the cameras in the Lyric Camera lineup, the OC1 features the strongest night vision capabilities. Its IR LED lights will illuminate recordings up to an incredible 65 feet away. And of course, its built-in light-detection sensors allow the camera to automatically adjust its recording based on the brightness level in the area. And with its 1080P HD recording quality, you're sure to achieve crystal-clear recordings every time. The one downside to the OC1 is that it does not have a built-in microphone. Also, at this time, an external microphone will not function with the device. However, a later firmware update may change this. But if you're looking for strictly video recording in an outdoor environment, then the Lyric OC1 is second to none.

All three of these cameras are available on the alarm Grid website right now. If you're a Honeywell user who needs to monitor a low-light setting, look no further!