Home Security Blog

At Alarm Grid, we consider ourselves to be the industry leader in DIY home security. We strive to show all our customers that setting up a home security system is both easy and rewarding. Our company conducts certain practices that help make the DIY experience highly pleasant and totally hassle-free for everyone. With Alarm Grid, you are in complete control of your home's protection, and you and your loved ones are kept safe and sound. Let's take a look at just some of the ways that Alarm Grid does DIY home security right.

Our Monitoring Partner

To provide the best protection possible for our customers, we can't do it alone. Alarm Grid is partnered with Criticom Monitoring Services, a company that has been dedicated to protecting people since 1978. All of our customers who sign up for an alarm plan that includes central station monitoring are connected with Criticom Monitoring Services. Criticom maintains three monitoring centers across the country - in Florida, California and New Jersey. If one monitoring station is ever down, calls will be rerouted to another station. This level of redundancy ensures that our customers are always monitored and always protected. You will not find a better team in the security industry than Alarm Grid and Criticom Monitoring.

Easy Installation

The security panels and sensors sold by Alarm Grid were all hand-picked for their ease of use. We offer wireless systems and sensors that are known for being easy for end users to install and use on their own. Many of our wireless panels come with desk mounts so that they can be rested on a table with no drilling required. Also most wireless sensors can be mounted with special double-sided adhesives, again preventing the need for drilling. By choosing a wireless system, you will also eliminate the need for running or fishing any wires. All of this makes installing a security system super easy. However, we also offer and support hardwired systems for those who choose to use them. Once you know what you're doing, you'll find that setting up these system is surprisingly simple. And if you ever need any help, our support team can assist you every step of the way.

Our Amazing Support

Alarm Grid saves customers money through our DIY approach. We do not roll any trucks, and we never charge any added fees. When a customer needs support they can reach us online or over the phone for free. Our company maintains a trusted team of security experts who are ready to help with any problems or issues that a customer may experience. We are extremely proud of our support team, and the plethora of positive reviews across the internet reflect that. Whether you need help setting up your security system or a security sensor is giving you trouble, our team will work with you every step of the way to help you solve the problem. Additionally, we also offer hundreds of FAQs and online videos to further assist you when needed.

Non-Proprietary Equipment

Many other security companies use proprietary equipment that will only work with that security company. Even if the customer owns the equipment, it will be no good if they decide to leave that alarm company. At Alarm Grid, we do things a little differently. The equipment that we offer is all non-proprietary. It can be taken to any other monitoring company that will support it. Should you ever decide to leave Alarm Grid, you will already have excellent equipment to use with a different monitoring company. Plus if you come to Alarm Grid with unlocked equipment from another alarm company, then we are happy to monitor it. We always work to save our customers as much money as possible. Reusing a customer's perfectly good old equipment is just one way that we do this.

No Hidden Fees

When you sign up for Alarm Grid, what you see is what you get. We never charge our customers any hidden fees. This includes no installer fees, no activation fees, no service fees and no cancellation fees. When you sign up for monitoring, we will activate you at no charge. Since all installation is do-it-yourself, there are no installation fees with our company. If you need some extra support online or over the phone, we will provide it at no cost to you. If you decide to leave us for any reason, you will not be charged for cancellation. The only things you will ever have to pay for with Alarm Grid are your monthly monitoring expense and the cost of the non-proprietary equipment that you own outright. This level of transparency is just another factor that makes Alarm Grid great.

Cancel Anytime

Alarm Grid understands that sometimes a customer needs to discontinue their service. Maybe they are moving to a new location. Maybe they have decided they no longer need home monitoring. Maybe they simply aren't happy with their monitoring. Whatever the reason, Alarm Grid allows its customers to leave at any time. They will not have to pay any cancellation fees, and any equipment they used is theirs to keep. This policy means that Alarm Grid must always work hard to maintain your trust by providing you with the best experience possible. We know that their our other choices in home security. We want to stay with Alarm Grid because you want to - not because you're locked into a ridiculous contract. The remarkable freedom from Alarm Grid is simply unrivaled in the home security industry.

Affordable Protection

Protecting your home does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. While Alarm Grid doesn't always offer the lowest monthly costs, our rates are very competitive, and the level of support you receive is unmatched. Our most popular plan is our Gold Plan. This plan includes cellular monitoring, access to Criticom Monitoring Services, remote Z-Wave home automation control, access to either Total Connect or Alarm.com and both email and text alerts. The Gold Plan costs just $35 per month, making it affordable for almost any household. And with Alarm Grid's incredible support, this is a deal that is too good to pass up. Of course, not every customer will need this level of protection. Some will need more and some will need less. We encourage everyone to take a look at our Monitoring Page so that they can decide which deal is the best for them.

The Alarm Grid office is closing at 4PM EST on Tuesday March 6, 2018. This means that technical support will be unavailable for the remainder of the day. During this time, the entire Alarm Grid team is taking the opportunity to participate in a special team building exercise. Normal business hours will be resumed tomorrow.

In case you are curious about what the Alarm Grid team is doing, we will be going go-kart racing, bowling, playing arcade games and socializing. This outing includes the Alarm Grid Owners, our entire technical support team, our entire sales team, our shipping team, our receptionist, our brand new video guy (more videos coming soon!) and the technical writer who is creating this nifty blog post. We look forward to a fun afternoon full of merriment and enjoyment.

If you have any questions or concerns about your security system, or if you wish to sign up for monitoring, you may contact us online or over the phone during normal business hours starting tomorrow, Wednesday March 7, 2018. As a reminder, our normal business hours are M-F 9AM to 9PM EST, with phone support stopping at 8PM EST.

Thank you for choosing Alarm Grid, and we'll see you tomorrow!

Alarm Grid is excited to announce the brand-new LTE-XV Verizon LTE Communicator for Honeywell VISTA Panels. This is the first LTE cellular communicator available for VISTA Systems. LTE communications are touted for being faster and more reliable than their 4G and 3G predecessors. With Verizon's 3G CDMA communications being phased out over the next few years, now is a better time than ever to upgrade the communicator in your system. This lightning-fast and ultra-reliable LTE communicator will ensure that your VISTA Panel will maintain cellular service for many years to come.

The LTE-XV Communicator is a direct upgrade to the older Honeywell CDMA-X Communicator. This communicator connected to Verizon's 3G CDMA network. The new LTE-XV Communicator will provide faster speeds and greater reliability overall. This communicator will provide faster response times whenever the panel has to send outbound signals to AlarmNet or to a central station. If you have Z-Wave devices in your home, they will respond more quickly when they are activated through Total Connect. But perhaps most importantly, the CDMA-X Communicator will be obsolete once Verizon shuts down its CDMA network. By upgrading to the new LTE-XV, you can keep your VISTA connected well into the future.

As of now, only the Verizon version of the LTE communicator, the LTE-XV, is available. However, the AT&T version, the LTE-XA is expected to be released in the near future. Honeywell also plans on releasing a version for Canadian customers, the LTE-XC, as well. Please be aware that these communicators may have longer registration times than older communicators. Reports have stated that it can take up to 20 minutes for a monitoring company to register an LTE communicator on a VISTA system. Fortunately, this will only affect the initial registration, and the panel will experience much faster communications thereafter.

While the LTE-XV is an exciting new communicator, Alarm Grid still recommends using the IGSMV4G Communicator for anyone who wants a dual-path communication setup. This is the only way to provide a VISTA Panel with both IP and cellular communication. But for anyone who wants a strictly cellular setup, the LTE-XV is now the new gold standard for VISTA models. The LTE-XV Verizon Communicator is compatible with all VISTA 15P, 20P, 21iP, 128BPT and 250BPT models, though the appropriate PROM Chip upgrade may be needed.

Takeover Monitoring

• UL Listed Central Station
• Cellular Monitoring
• Arm / Disarm via Phone & Web
• E-mail & Phone Alerts
• Remote Z-Wave Control

$35

per month

Move My Monitoring!

Remember the old days of alarms? 3 and 5 year contracts in exchange for large amounts off the monthly bill. Sometimes, companies would offer free equipment on signing.

In the last 5 years everything has changed. Alarm Grid pioneered the no-contract model. At the same time, other companies began pushing no-contracts. They also required homeowners purchase a proprietary system - made by them.

This should raise a consumer's hackles. Save for a couple companies, the alarm industry has always used open systems. Traditional alarm companies buy systems from Honeywell, DSC, GE, or another manufacturer.

The company will usually install these systems in the home of a consumer. The system is connected to a central station. If an intruder comes into the home, a signal is sent. The central station dispatches the police.

Alarm Grid's puzzle place in that old model is to remove the need for an installer. We do not go to a consumer's home to install the system. Instead, we make amazing content that helps you operate your security system. We help you install the security by using our resources, videos, and available tech support. Once you do, you sign up for monitoring, and we get you on your way. We never send anyone out. We don't have to gouge you on prices for "rolling a truck" because we don't have trucks.

In the end, you get a great, professional security system at an affordable price.

Additionally, Alarm Grid basically invented the month-to-month model in alarms. Before Alarm Grid, companies would require long-term contracts. Now, a lot of companies are moving to the month-to-month, no-contract model.

This is great for consumers! But only if they own an open system.

Companies that sell cheap, closed equipment are no different than companies that get you to sign a long-term contract. Your stuck on their system. No one else can "take it over" and monitor it.

Alarm Grid is perfect for people who want to leave their current company!

Getting a new system can be a big burden. We try our hardest to use what you have. If we can't, we try to get you the best system for your situation. WE DO NOT MUCH MAKE MONEY WHEN YOU BUY A SYSTEM.

Also, Alarm Grid doesn't sell proprietary systems. If you hate us, you can leave us. We do not lock you into a contract, and we do not lock you into a system that can't be taken over. Alarm Grid's incentive is to make your experience amazing every day all the time.

If we ever do anything to frustrate you, there are literally thousands of other companies that you can select to monitor your system instead. If Alarm Grid fails at serving you adequately, you can leave, no matter what, no questions asked.

Join the family...

If you're coming from a company that sold you proprietary equipment, we'd love to have you. Sign up for monitoring using the link at the top of this page. Then, give us a call (888-818-7728) or email (support@alarmgrid.com). Let us know which company you're coming from. Let us know about the equipment you have installed. We'll do what we can to help you use what you have or to replace all your equipment as frugally as possible.

For anyone switching companies, we'll give you your first month free. If you need new equipment (this month only), we'll give you 10% off whatever you buy here. Simply send us an email after you purchase, ro let us know which company you came from. We'll apply the 10% coupon after checkout.

Takeover Monitoring

• UL Listed Central Station
• Cellular Monitoring
• Arm / Disarm via Phone & Web
• E-mail & Phone Alerts
• Remote Z-Wave Control

$35

per month

Move My Monitoring!

Update: There is now a new, easier process for creating a MyAlarms.com account. More information can be found here.

Alarm Grid's monitoring partner, Criticom Monitoring Sevices (CMS), has made it easier than ever for customers to interact with their security systems. Now you can put your system on test mode, view your account info and view your signal history without having to call us or the central station.

All of this is possible thanks to the new MyAlarms.com service from Criticom. Once you have set up an account with MyAlarms.com, you can access your Alarm Grid account information and place your system on test mode on your own.

Getting started with MyAlarms.com is very easy. Simply provide us with the following information:

1. Username for MyAlarms.com (cannot be an email)
2. The email address associated with your Alarm Grid account
3. Your monitoring address

You can provide us with this information using our online chat or over the phone (888-818-7728) during our business hours. Alternatively, you can simply send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. From there, we will contact CMS and let them know that you would like to create a MyAlarms.com account.

Once CMS has set everything up on their end, you will receive an email from noreply@myalarms.com to finish setting up your account. This includes creating a password for your MyAlarms.com account. We recommend adding this email address to your address book to prevent it from going into your junk folder. Make sure to check your spam folder if you have not added this email before requesting access!

If you have any questions about this new service, please reach out to us and let us know. We look forward to helping you get started with this outstanding new service!

The IQ Panel 2 is the flagship panel from Qolsys, a relatively new security company that has already made great strides in the industry. Qolsys sought out to create a modern and easy to navigate security panel that would appeal to every type of homeowner and business owner. In the end, they accomplished exactly that, as the IQ Panel 2 meets all of the requirements that a new buyer would look for in a security system. Overall, it is pleasing to the eye, offers a quick learning curve and presents a plethora of outstanding features and capabilities.

The first aspect that one would most likely notice about the IQ Panel 2 is its sleek, yet humble appearance. It is a simple design, being completely white and with most of the panel consisting of its impressive screen. Yet, this design is perfect for the IQ Panel 2. When not being operated, the system blends pleasantly into the background, in a manner that could almost be described as discreet. But if it is ever necessary for the user to quickly locate their panel, the crisp, white finish of the system will make it easy to pick it out of the scenery. Perhaps most amazing is the sheer thinness of the system. Its compact profile prevents it from taking up too much space on a desk or protruding an excessive amount from a wall. The slim system can also be easily and comfortably held in a user's hand and operated like a tablet if necessary.

Whenever the system is activated, the user will be treated to the panel's big, beautiful 7-inch LCD display screen. It's difficult to imagine a security system with a more appropriate touchscreen display. The home screen includes everything that is needed to operate the system and quickly receive relevant information. The large system disarmed button is easy to identify, and it makes arming the system in a hurry a breeze. The outer portion of the screen presents useful information that can be beneficial for anyone. The top quickly and neatly displays the day's weather, current time and any important system notifications and events. A small panic button in the bottom-right corner is always there if needed, but it is unlikely to ever be disturbed inadvertently.

Navigating the IQ Panel 2 is an absolute joy. The colors are bright, and menu icons and options can be recognized in a quick and efficient manner. Most of the time, a user will likely be sticking to the home screen, where a quick touch of the green system disarmed button will present options for arming away and arming stay. When disarming, the system can be set to snap a photo of the person operating the system. Although the picture usually ends up being not very flattering with the user's concentrated face hovering directly over the system, it is a great feature for security purposes. In the event that an intruder ever manages to disarm the system, a clear picture of them will be waiting right from the camera menu.

Accessing system settings and programming new sensors with the IQ Panel 2 can be accomplished in straightforward manner. The Android 5.1 operating system is fully responsive and lightning fast, making it great for controlling the panel. Once the user has a basic understanding of how to proceed through the menus, they will most likely find that the device is one of the user-friendly security panels they have ever operated. To get started setting up devices, simply press the small grey bar at the top, choose settings, then advanced settings, and enter in the four-digit installer code. From there, most major settings for the system can be easily accessed and changed if needed. Pressing installation, followed by devices, will allow the user to make changes to programming, whether it be RF security sensors, WIFI devices or Z-Wave home automation settings.

Speaking of Z-Wave, the IQ Panel 2 boasts a remarkable number of features, with no add-ons being needed. Any Z-Wave device can be added with ease, and users will surely enjoy a noticeably fast response time when operating these devices. The panel will also easily connect with 319.5 MHz Qolsys RF sensors, allowing the system to function with everything from glass breaks to motions. Qolsys also offers its "S-Line" of security sensors, which utilize top-of-the-line encryption to prevent hacking or spoofing. These sensors are some of the most secure and reliable devices in the security industry, and they can easily connect with the IQ Panel 2. Up to 128 security zones can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2, meaning that users will be very hard-pressed to ever experience a shortage of available zones on their system.

Every IQ Panel 2 system also comes included with a built-in cellular communicator to ensure reliable connectivity with both the end user and the central monitoring station. Users can choose between a Verizon and an AT&T communicator based upon which service works best in their area. Both the Verizon and the AT&T communicators offer LTE speeds for the rapid connectivity that one would expect out of a state-of-the-art security system. Of course, a WIFI card is also included, instantly allowing the system to take full advantage of a dual-path communication setup. By using WIFI and LTE cellular communications together, the IQ Panel 2 will almost certainly never lose connectivity to the network, and it will constantly and continuously maintain the exceptionally fast speeds that will ensure optimal functionality.

To extend access outside the panel, the IQ Panel 2 is designed to connect with the Alarm.com interactive service. This fantastic service is absolutely essential for getting the most out of the IQ Panel 2 system. By using Alarm.com, users can arm and disarm their panel, check the status of their sensors, control Z-Wave devices and view live feeds of any security cameras that they have set up. With the Alarm.com mobile app, it is possible to perform these actions from virtually anywhere in the world, providing users with incredible accessibility for their security systems. This makes Alarm.com the ultimate compliment for the IQ Panel 2, offering complete control both at the panel and away.

Overall, the IQ Panel 2 is a tremendous security system for anyone who wants a complete and convenient setup. The device will work great in any home or small business as a way of ensuring full protection and functionality. New users will have a quick and easy experience in navigating the system and setting up all of their security devices. If aesthetics are a concern, the IQ Panel 2 is second-to-none with its slim, sleek design, neutral coloring and appealing display screen. Qolsys also offers an excellent lineup security sensors, and their S-Line encryption can provide users with complete peace of mind. Finally, the IQ Panel 2 comes loaded with everything needed to get started with a top-quality security setup, including a cellular communicator and instant WIFI connectivity. All of this makes the Qolsys IQ Panel one of the finest security systems on the market today. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants a modern, easy to use security panel with all of the bells and whistles that they would expect out of a system today.

The all-new 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad has finally been released. This excellent device provides users with another access point to a 2GIG GC3 System. The new keypad offers all of the features and functionality of the 2GIG SP2 Keypad, along with some exciting new additions. Alarm Grid recommends this keypad for anyone who wants a new way to control their GC3 system while on-site. Please note that firmware version 3.1 or higher will be needed on the GC3 Panel to use the SP1 Keypad.

The SP1 looks remarkably similar to the GC3 System. Just like the GC3, the SP1 features buttons for instant access to the home screen and emergency services. It features a beautiful, full-color 7-inch touchscreen display, making it a complete joy to use and control. It connects via WIFI, which provides it with a very impressive range from the actual GC3 System. Just like the SP2, the new SP1 can arm and disarm the system. It can also bypass zones as needed.

However, the SP1 is also capable of some functions that could not be accomplished using the SP2. For one, the SP1 has full voice annunciation, which makes it easier for users to immediately recognize a faulted zone. The SP1 also provides a full weather display right from the main screen. This can be great for getting a quick update on what kind of weather to expect for the day. Another useful feature of the SP1 is its ability to connect to the network using an ethernet connection. This is not even possible on the GC3 System itself.

But where the SP1 really shines is in home automation. While the SP2 cannot perform any home automation actions, the SP1 can conduct the same home automation functions as the GC3 system. With the SP1, you can create and execute scenes, establish rooms and bookmark screens. This means that the SP1 boasts all of the security and automation capabilities of the GC3 Panel itself. In fact, you will really only need the GC3 System for making programming changes.

The 2GIG SP1 Keypad is available for purchase right now on the Alarm Grid website.

Door contacts are some of the most important sensors used with security systems. Anyone with a complete security setup will want to know when their door is opened. Many intruders walk right through the front door of a person's home or business. Protecting this opening is critical. That is why door sensors should always be checked for proper working order. Security systems use two types of door sensors. These are wireless sensors and hardwired sensors. There are also countless companies that produce door sensors. For this article, we will be focusing on Honeywell wireless door sensors. These sensors use batteries to stay powered and communicate with the panel. A sensor will not be able to communicate with the panel if its battery runs out of power. Replacing these batteries before this happens is vital to maintaining a working setup. The security panel should notify the user when the battery for a sensor is low. When this message is displayed, replace the battery as soon as possible. This will prevent the sensor from losing function due to a dead battery.

Honeywell makes determining the correct door sensor battery easy for end users. Honeywell wireless door sensors almost always use one of three types of batteries. These are CR123A lithium batteries, CR2032 coin batteries and AAA lithium batteries. Larger surface-mount wireless door contacts often use CR123A lithium batteries. Meanwhile, smaller surface-mount sensors will either use AAA batteries or CR2032 coin batteries. This is also true for recessed sensors. B ut these guidelines are only a general rule of thumb. The best way to determine which type of battery to use is to check. Remove the back cover for the wireless door sensor, and check to see what type of battery it uses. This can be seen by looking at the battery terminal and checking to see what type of battery would fit. If it requires a flat, circular battery, then it needs a CR2032 coin battery. If it requires a larger, cylindrical battery, then it needs either a CR123A battery or a AAA battery.

A CR2032 is a small 3-volt coin battery that is most often used for smaller devices. These batteries have this name because of their coin shape. The compact size of these batteries makes them appropriate for powering thin sensors. Honeywell makes their own version of these batteries called the Honeywell CR2032. Other electronics companies also often produce their own CR2032 batteries. Any of these batteries will work fine. They are all lithium-powered, and they will maintain power for three to five years. The important thing is to make sure that they are the CR2032 size of batteries. Sometimes, these batteries will be labeled as "2032" batteries instead of "CR2032" batteries. This is fine, as CR2032 and 2032 refer to the same type of battery. The type of battery to avoid is a CR2025. This type of coin battery is thinner than a CR2032 battery. A CR2025 battery may not fit with a Honeywell wireless door sensor. These batteries are often confused with CR2032 batteries. It is very important to make sure that the coin battery is a CR2032.

The CR2032 batteries are generally used with smaller sensors. These are usually recessed sensors or very thin surface-mount sensors. A recessed sensor is a door sensor that is inserted into the door frame. This takes it out of view to improve aesthetics. A surface-mount sensor is placed on the outside of the frame for an easy installation. CR2032 batteries are best for sensors that are too thin to contain other types of batteries. One of these contacts is the Honeywell 5800MINI Door Sensor. Another one is the 5800RPS Recessed Sensor. Other small sensors that are not as thin may use AAA batteries instead. When in doubt, check the battery terminal to see which type of battery will fit. In most cases, a very thin sensor will use a CR2032 coin battery. If it can contain a AAA battery, then it will most likely use that type instead. This can be somewhat confusing, but checking the terminal should ease any doubts. The manual for the wireless door sensor should also state which type of battery is needed.

There are a few things to note about AAA batteries. The first is that they can either be lithium or alkaline. We recommend using lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries will also work, but they will not last as long. Lithium batteries will reduce the need for replacements, keeping the sensor functioning longer. Check the packaging of the battery to see whether it is lithium or alkaline. The battery itself may also present this information. Many people may also confuse AAA batteries for other types. The cylindrical shape of AAA batteries is very common. In fact, CR123 batteries also have this shape. Look on the battery itself, and check for the size. Remember, AAA batteries are long and thin. CR123A batteries are short and fat. Again, check the packaging or the battery itself. And if it doesn't fit, then it isn't the correct size. AAA batteries are most often used in long, skinny sensors. These sensors can accommodate their shape. The Honeywell 5818MNL Recessed Door Sensor is a contact that uses AAA batteries . Another is the Honeywell 5820L Surface-Mount Slimline Sensor. Most AAA lithium batteries can be purchased at a retail store.

CR123A batteries are also used with Honeywell wireless door sensors. These are shorter and fatter batteries with a cylindrical shape. They are most often used in larger surface-mount sensors. These are thicker sensors that can accommodate their size. One such contact is the Honeywell 5816 Door and Window Sensor. Another contact is the Honeywell 5917CB Commercial Sensor. A great type of CR123A battery to use is the Panasonic CR123A 3-Volt Lithium Battery. This battery is known for its long life and reliability. It is an excellent choice as a CR123A battery. Most CR123A batteries maintain a lifespan of about three to five years. After that, the battery will need to be replaced with a new one. Remember to make sure that the battery is a CR123A size before purchasing. The battery may also be labeled as CR123. This is fine, as CR123A and CR123 refer to the same type of battery. Again, the manual for the sensor should let you know if a CR123A battery is needed. Make sure to check the manual if there is any doubt about what type of battery to use.

For a complete list of which type of battery to use with a Honeywell wireless door sensor, please consult this guide.

The Honeywell Lyric Thermostat is an excellent smart thermostat that is designed to connect with a user's Total Connect account and their Lyric Controller security system. The device features WIFI connectivity, allowing it to become a fully integrated part of a user's home automation setup. Once the Lyric Thermostat has been installed and programmed, the user can control the device remotely by using the Total Connect mobile app. Many users appreciate the geofencing capability of the Lyric Thermostat. By setting up geofencing, a user can have their Lyric Thermostat automatically start heating or cooling their home when they enter within a specific range of their residence. By the time they return home, their house will already be set to the perfect temperature so that they are comfortable as soon as they walk through the door. Not only is this super convenient, the money saving potential is absolutely tremendous, with some users saving hundreds of dollars per month on their electric bills. The Lyric Thermostat can also be set up to function with various smart devices, such as Apple HomeKit, Samsung Smartthings and Amazon Alexa. All of this makes the Lyric Thermostat an excellent addition to any home that uses the Honeywell Lyric Controller.

Before you can enjoy all of the exciting features that the Lyric Thermostat has to offer, the device must be installed and programmed with your Total Connect account. This guide will focus on the removal of your old thermostat and the installation of the the Lyric Round Thermostat. For more information on integrating your Lyric Thermostat with Total Connect, please consult the Lyric Thermostat enrollment guide. You can also use the Lyric App to help walk you through the installation process. If you do not have the Lyric App, you can download it for free from the App Store or Google Play. You can make a Lyric account to use with your Lyric thermostat. We strongly recommend following the instructions outlined in the app as you complete the installation.

You can install the Lyric Thermostat by completing the following steps:

1. Turn off the heating and cooling system. When installing the Lyric Thermostat, you should start by shutting off the power to the building's heating and cooling system from the circuit breaker. This will help to avoid any electrical issues during the installation process. To confirm that the power for heating and cooling is shut off. Try increasing of decreasing the set temperature by several degrees. If you hear the building's heater or cooler activate, then the power to the system has not been shut off properly. It is also recommended that you feel the area around the building's air vents to make sure that no hot or cool air is coming out.

2. Remove the old thermostat from its backplate and check its wiring. With the heating and cooling system off, you can then begin removing the old thermostat. Most thermostats are attached to a backplate that is mounted to the wall. Some thermostats will be able to be gently unattached from the backplate, while others will require some screws to be removed. Once you have removed the old thermostat from its backplate, you will be able to see the connected wires and determine the type of power supply that is used for the building's heating and cooling system. If you see thick black wires with wire nuts, then the building uses a line voltage system, and the Lyric Thermostat will not be compatible. You should also check the voltage for the old thermostat. If the old thermostat that was used with the building is 110 volts or higher, then again, the Lyric Thermostat will not function with the building's heating and cooling system. These are very important aspects to check, as setting the Lyric Thermostat with an incompatible heating and cooling system could result in serious damage.

3. Note the wiring and detach the wires. Before removing the wires, take a note of the wiring coloring and what terminals they are connected to. Many users find that it is helpful to take a picture of the wires so that they can reference them later. It is also recommended that you label the wires in some way so that you can differentiate them when you go to connect them to the Lyric Thermostat. This is especially true if the wires are of the same color and no labels were previously applied. The Lyric App will also allow you to note the colors of the wires and their corresponding connections so that the app will outline the proper connections when you go to wire the Lyric Thermostat in a later step. After you have finished examining the wiring setup, you can then remove the wires from the thermostat one at a time. Make sure that the wires do not fall into the wall, as you will need them for installing the Lyric Thermostat. Wrapping the wires around a pen or a pencil can prevent this from happening. Finally, you can unscrew and remove the old mounting plate from the wall.

4. Mount the backplate to the wall. At this point, you will begin installing the Lyric Round Thermostat. Start by snapping the backplate onto the wall cover of the Lyric Thermostat. The wall cover is optional, but it can be useful for covering any marks or blemishes that are on the wall. Next, run the wires through the backplate of the Lyric Thermostat. We recommend twisting the wires together so that they can all be easily passed through the backplate at the same time. You can then screw the backplate onto the wall using the included screws that came with the Lyric Thermostat. You will want to make sure that the backplate is nice and level with the wall when doing this. The backplate comes with a built-in level for the installer's convenience. The screws that come with the Lyric Thermostat are self-anchoring, and they can often be installed in the location of the screws for the previous thermostat. If you do need to drill new holes, the drill bit size is 7/32".

5. Connect the wires to the Lyric Thermostat. You will now be able to connect the wires to the Lyric Thermostat backplate. The wires can be connected to the corresponding terminals based on the setup for the previous thermostat. When wiring the Lyric Thermostat, consult the notes or the picture that you took of the previous wiring setup. You can attach a wire by firmly pushing it into the appropriate terminal. If you accidentally misplace a wire and need to move it to a different terminal, you can use a ballpoint pen to press down on the tab for that terminal and then pull the wire out of place. Once all of the wires have been connected, make sure that they are snug and secure by gently tugging on the wires and ensuring that they remain in place. If you are using the Lyric App to assist you with the installation, it will display the connections that you need to make. Please note that the Lyric Thermostat is a 24 volt thermostat that uses power from the heating and cooling system to stay activated. This means that no common "C" wire will need to be connected to the Lyric Thermostat.

6. Activate the Lyric Thermostat. After completing the wiring process, you can then snap the Lyric Thermostat onto its backplate. A gentle press is all that is required to click the device into place. Next, go to the circuit breaker and restore power to the building's heating and cooling system. If the Lyric Thermostat was wired correctly, the device will automatically power up, and you will be prompted to connect the device a WIFI network. This process is outlined in the Lyric Thermostat enrollment guide.

The Honeywell VISTA 15P, 20P and 21iP are hardwired security systems that can each serve as the central hub for a user's security setup. Since these systems do not come with their own display screen, a user may feel somewhat intimidated when working with one of these panels. Fortunately, setting up and programming a Honeywell VISTA system is not so difficult once you know the proper commands and inputs. This guide will help you conduct basic tasks with your VISTA panel so that you can get the most out of your security system.

Throughout this cheatsheet, you may be asked to consult the VISTA Programming Guide to find more detailed instructions for any given process.

VISTA 15P

VISTA 20P

VISTA 21iP

Keypads

In order to use a VISTA system, you will need an alphanumeric keypad for programming and controlling the panel. A great keypad for this purpose is the Honeywell 6160RF Keypad. This keypad will allow you to control your VISTA panel with relative ease, and it includes a built-in high capacity wireless receiver so that you can use wireless sensors with your system.

Without a 6160RF, or a separate standalone wireless receiver, the VISTA-15P, 20P and 21iP would only support wired zones and you wouldn't be able to program Honeywell wireless 5800 Series devices until you added a receiver. Although only one keypad is necessary, some users may choose to add multiple keypads to their VISTA panel so that they they can have multiple points of access to, or egress from, their system.

Any keypad that is added to the system must have it's own unique address, which can be set by following this FAQ. The first keypad of partition 1 must be assigned address 16. Programming locations190 through 196 will define the attributes for any keypads that are assigned to addresses 17 through 23.

Common Keypad Messages

Using Your Keypad

In order to perform most of the basic programming functions on a VISTA panel, you must first enter into programming mode. The following are some basic commands that you will enter when programming your VISTA system:

Note: Unlike other programming entries, *56 is a special sub-menu mode for programming zones for the system which acts differently than a regular programming field. If you don't have an alphanumeric keypad, the display on your keypad will blank out when entering this mode. Therefore, we never recommend accessing this mode unless you're using an alphanumeric keypad.

For a complete list of data fields within programming mode, please see the programming guide. Programming fields start at number 20 and range all the way to number 199. However, not every value between 20 and 199 represents a valid data field.

Once you have entered into a data field, enter in the digits needed to make the desired changes. After the digits have been entered, the keypad will beep three times to confirm that the changes were made, and the system will automatically move to the next data field in sequence. Valid entries for each specific data field can be found in the VISTA programming guide. In fields where all possible digits may not be used, such as in the Primary Central Station Phone Number [*41], press [*] after the entry of the last digit to let the panel know that you have completed your entries for that field. The system will beep three times for confirmation.

User Codes

One of the first things you will want to do when setting up your VISTA system is to program user codes. These codes are needed for arming and disarming the system and for making changes to the system settings. Each code will be assigned a different 2-digit user number in order to differentiate it from other codes. Some code types are required to be used with a specific user number. Up to 32 codes can be used with a VISTA 15P system, while a VISTA 20P or 21iP can support up to 48 codes.

Default Master Code - 1234

Default Installer Code - 4112

The table below shows the different types of codes that can be used with the system:

Please note that the default Installer Code for a VISTA panel is 4112. This code will always be assigned to user number 01. There is only one Installer Code per system. We recommend leaving this code at its default setting so that you do not become locked out of programming. You will not be able to use your Installer Code to disarm your system, unless it was the code used to arm it in the first place.

Additionally, there can also be only one Master Code per VISTA system. The default Master Code is 1234. However, it is strongly advised that you change this code in order to prevent others from accessing your system. The Master Code will always be assigned to user number 02.

The table below shows the necessary inputs for setting up codes:

The table below shows the possible Attributes and their respective Attribute Values:

When setting up a typical User Code on a single partition system, we generally recommend assigning the following Attributes:

Alpha Descriptors

Alpha descriptors are used to name zones so they can be easily identified by the user by using an alphanumeric keypad or through Total Connect. If you have alpha descriptors programmed, but you are using a Fixed English keypad, the alpha descriptors will not be displayed. Once an alpha descriptor has been set up for a zone, it will be identified by an English language description (e.g. Front Door, Kitchen Smoke Detector, Back Window, etc.) instead of just a 2-digit zone number.

When setting up an alpha descriptor, each word will be represented by a unique 3-digit code. For a complete list of possible words and their respective 3-digit codes, please consult Page 11 of the VISTA-21iP Programming Guide (different from the standard VISTA Programming Guide).

Some of the common alpha descriptor codes are outlined below:

Smoke Alarm = [176] + [002]
Inside Front Door = [101] + [085] + [057]
Outside Front Door = [140] + [085] + [057]
Basement Door = [016] + [057]
Inside Back Door = [101] + [013] + [057]
Outside Back Door = [140] + [013] + [057]

For detailed instructions on how to program alpha descriptors, please follow this FAQ.

Wireless KeyFobs

A wireless keyfob is a device that allows you to control your VISTA system without having to work from the keypad. This can be very convenient for quick arming and disarming, as well as for arming/disarming from outside the protected premises.

When setting up a four-button wireless keyfob, remember that each programmed button (or dual-button presses) will require a wireless zone to be programmed with the system. This means that each keyfob can potentially use up 8 wireless key fob zones if dual-button presses are used.

Each keyfob button that's programmed for a system arm or disarm command needs to be assigned to a user code slot for the command to function. The user code slot must have a valid 4-digit code assigned to it in order for it to work properly. Only system arm and disarm commands require these types of assignments. Once a zone has been assigned to a user, all of the other zones with the same serial number (on the same keyfob) will also be automatically assigned to that same user. In other words, it is only necessary to complete this user-assigning step once per keyfob device.

For more information on setting up a wireless keyfob, please consult pages 22 and 23 of the VISTA Programming Guide.

Telephone Dialer

If you do not have a phone line connected with your system, you will want to clear the telephone programming fields to prevent a "Comm Failure" message (Alphanumeric Keypad) or an "FC" message (Fixed English Keypad) from being displayed. This will prevent the system from attempting to call out and causing a communication failure.

By default, the telephone programming fields are zeroed out, and the system will not attempt to dial out. However, if you accidentally input a digit into one of these fields, the system will attempt to dial, and you will get one of the previously mentioned error messages.

To prevent these messages from occurring, input the following command on your keypad:

[Installer Code] + [800] + [*41*] + [*42*] + [*92] + [00] + [*94*] + [*99]

Doing this will clear locations 41, 42 and 94 from the system and disable location 92. After the input has been entered, the system will no longer attempt to dial out or supervise a phone line.

Clearing Alarms

If an alarm goes off on your VISTA system, you will need to clear it to restore the system to normal status. If an alarm occurs on your system and you do not clear it shortly after it occurs, the system will display which zone was affected.

To clear this information, you will need to enter a valid User Code or the Master Code followed by the number 1. Then you will need to enter in the same inputs a second time. The first entry will disarm the system, while the second entry will reset the zone, if necessary, and clear the alarm message from the display.

This process is outlined below:

[User Code] + [1] + [User Code] + [1]

OR

[Master Code] +[1] + [Master Code] + [1]

Zone Chart