Home Security Blog

The parent company of 2GIG is rebranding itself. The company will now simply be known as Nortek Control, rather than its previous name of Nortek Security & Control. Nortek is making this change to place an even greater emphasis on the diverse selection of products that it offers.

Nortek is arguably best-known for 2GIG, which focuses mostly on the security industry. This is, of course, the manufacturer of the popular 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Alarm Systems. However, it's clear that Nortek wants people to be aware that they offer more than just security and access control products.

President and CEO of Nortek Control Chris Larocca said of the rebranding, "We address a wide range of markets, and we just believed that shoehorning ourselves by calling out one specific segment that we address in the company name really was not conducive to the other markets that we play in."

Nortek Control has product offerings and subsidiary companies in a wide selection of industries, including security, access control, electrical power, audio/video, health & wellness, and analytics. The company recently announced that it would expand its audio business by continuing to grow its SpeakerCraft and Proficient brands.

Alarm Grid carries many Nortek Control products on its website, most notably those from 2GIG. We also offer products from Linear, which is the smart home automation company of Nortek. Alarm Grid has praised many 2GIG and Linear products in the past for their strong build quality. The rebranding should not affect any existing offerings from 2GIG and Linear.

Nortek Control currently operates design and manufacturing centers in North America, Asia, and Europe. The company has millions of customers and clients worldwide, and they plan to continue providing innovative products across various industries. The rebrand also includes a new logo, which is the letter N designed to appear as an oscilloscope or infinity loop.

If you want to learn more about Nortek Control products, specifically those from 2GIG and Linear, then we recommend reaching out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We are happy to help you find the perfect additions for your security and smart home automation needs. Our hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

As you may know, the fall season began earlier this week. This means that cooler temperatures are on the way. If you want to prepare your home or business, then you will certainly want to consider getting some low-temperature freeze sensors. Nearly every system has good options available!

Freeze sensors alert your system when the temperature in the building drops to a dangerously low level, usually due to the HVAC system being broken. Having one of these sensors in your home or business is crucial for monitoring the building while you are away. The consequences of having below-freezing temperatures in your home or business can be dire. The pipes can freeze, and major damage can occur. Installing a freeze sensor is small price to pay to prevent this from happening.

Most freeze sensors are designed to alert a system before freezing temperatures occur. Usually, a freeze sensor will activate at or around 40°F to alert the system. This a little bit higher than 32°F, which is when water begins to freeze. This function is intentional, as the user will hopefully be alerted to the situation with enough time to take action. Many users will set up notifications on an interactive service platform used with their alarm systems so that they are notified via text and/or email when a freeze sensor activates while they are off-site. This is possible in both Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com.

The main thing to consider when choosing a freeze sensor is whether or not it will work with your security system. If you know which sensor lineups are compatible with your system, then you likely already have a good idea which sensors will work. But we'll list out some of the more popular options to get you started. A very versatile 345 MHz freeze sensor that will work with the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, and any 2GIG Panel is the Honeywell 5821. This sensor can also be used for flood detection if a probe is added.

If you have a PowerG-compatible system, such as any version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you might consider the DSC PG9905 Temperature Sensor. Many users prefer PowerG Sensors like the the PG9905 due to their superior wireless range and 128-bit AES encryption. If you have an original, non-Plus IQ Panel 2, then the 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Temp-S is a good choice. The Qolsys IQ Temp-S will utilize rolling code encryption when paired with the IQ Panel 2. Users of the 2GIG GC3e and 2GIG GC2e also have a good encrypted freeze sensor option in the 2GIG FT6e-345. There's also the non-encrypted 2GIG FT6-345 for users of the older 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC2 Systems.

Alarm Grid wants to help you keep your home or business comfortable this winter, as well as for many more winters to come. If you need help choosing a freeze sensor, then please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are also happy to discuss monitoring services that you might use to receive alerts regarding a freeze sensor that activates while you are away from your home or office, The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has won a 2020 New Product of the Year Award from Security Today for their Wellness Camera, also known as the Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL. The Alarm.com Wellcam won the award in the Fire & Life-Safety category. We congratulate Alarm.com and their Wellcam for their continued success.

With social distancing guidelines still in effect due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Alarm.com Wellcam has proven to be highly effective in helping many doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff communicate with patients, while still maintaining a safe distance. The product was actually first unveiled at ISC 2018 a couple of years ago, but it's good to see it really shine during an era of social distancing.

Alarm.com Vice President of Products Steve Chazin said of the award, "The need to stay connected with family and loved ones is greater now than ever before. Wellcam extends the power of modern security systems to help protect and connect people wherever they live. We're thrilled that Security Today deems Wellcam a New Product of the Year. This recognition underscores just how critical innovations like Wellcam are in helping all of us look after one another, regardless of whether we're feet or miles apart."

The Alarm.com Wellcam is loaded with excellent features that help it to thrive both as a wellness camera and as a security camera in general. The device offers 1080p recording capabilities, a 180° viewing angle, 6 MP zoom, and IR night vision of up to 15 feet. This helps ensure that the camera captures detailed video of any activity that occurs in the room. The camera also has a call-button on top that a patient or monitored individual can use to call for help, if needed. A built-in microphone and Bluetooth speaker allows the individual to engage in a two-way voice call with the monitoring party through Alarm.com. The speaker can also be used for entertainment purpose, including streaming music and podcasts.

Alarm.com originally designed the Wellcam for use with the Alarm.com Wellness Platform. But the capabilities of the device have really been put to the test with the ongoing pandemic. Needless to say, the Alarm.com Wellcam has passed with flying colors. Like all Alarm.com Cameras, the Wellcam is designed exclusively for use with the Alarm.com platform. You can get started using the camera by getting an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan or an Alarm Grid Video Monitoring Plan. More information about our monitoring plans can be found in this post.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Wellcam, or any other products or services relating to Alarm.com, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

HomeKit users may notice two (2) new device categories in the platform. Apple iOS 14 has added device categories for both TV Set Top Boxes and Streaming Sticks. These categories will appear when you go to add an accessory and have a compatible TV Set Top Box or Streaming Stick within range.

The two new device categories have appropriate icons to go with them. It's possible that the new categories could have other implications for Apple HomeKit. Some have speculated that Apple may be in the process of providing HomeKit support to various streaming devices, other than their own AppleTV.

It is likely that HomeKit-compatible TV Set Tox Boxes and Streaming Sticks will behave in a similar manner as HomeKit-compatible televisions when used with the platform. The devices appear in the Apple Home App so that you can navigate and control the connected device through the app or by using the Siri Voice Assistant.

You will only find the new device categories when using HomeKit on Apple iOS 14, which was just made available last week. Alarm Grid previously covered how iOS 14 was set to introduce a new look for HomeKit on the iPad and facial recognition for HomeKit-compatible security cameras. Alarm Grid recommends the Honeywell Lyric as a HomeKit-compatible security system.

We are impressed with how Apple continues to update their HomeKit platform. We think it is a great resource for Apple users. If you have any questions about HomeKit, including the compatibility between the Lyric and HomeKit, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is here with another video recap! This time, we have nine (9) new videos to check out. Jarrett again stepped up this week and did a couple of videos. Our team is thrilled to have him back in the Alarm Grid studio. Let's take a look at the latest tutorial videos from Alarm Grid.

Assigning User Codes to Partitions On the IQ Panel 2 Plus

I show you how to assign user codes to different partitions on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. When you have partitions enabled on the IQ2+, you will need to assign partitions to every programmed user code. A user code will only be able to control a partition that it has been assigned. The system's Master Code, also known as the Admin Code, has access to every partition on the system. There are up to four (4) partitions available on the IQ2+.

Getting Into Z-Wave Programming on a Honeywell Home Tuxedo

I show you how to access Z-Wave programming on a Honeywell Home Tuxedo Keypad. In addition to serving as a touchscreen keypad for a Honeywell VISTA System, the Tuxedo is also used as a Z-Wave Plus controller. In order to add, remove, and edit any of the Z-Wave devices used with the Tuxedo, you must access the Z-Wave Programming Menu. This menu is easy to access so that you can begin quickly setting up your home automation network.

Opening the Honeywell SiXCOMBO

I show you how to open up the Honeywell SiXCOMBO Combination Smoke, Heat, and CO Detector. You will normally need to open up the SiXCOMBO to change the batteries and to access the inside sticker with important device information. The SiXCOMBO uses four (4) lithium CR123A batteries, also known as camera batteries, and it has an average battery life of five (5) years. The inner sticker includes information like the device's Serial Number, manufacture date, and more.

The Resideo Tuxedo is Not an Alarm Communicator

I explain how the Resideo Tuxedo is not an AlarmNet Communicator for a security system. Although the Tuxedo connects to a local WIFI network, it does not do so for the purpose of providing IP connectivity for the panel. The Tuxedo merely connects to the internet to relay automation commands from Total Connect 2.0 and for receiving firmware updates. The user must still add a compatible communicator to their VISTA System to set up alarm monitoring.

Using More Than One SkyBell With Total Connect 2.0

Jarrett explains how Total Connect 2.0 allows you to pair up to five (5) SkyBell Video Doorbell devices per account. The account does not need to include true video monitoring service for the SkyBell devices to work. If you want to use more than 5 SkyBell Video Doorbells with Total Connect 2.0, then it is necessary to sign-up for a second account. You can link the multiple accounts so that you can access them using the same login information.

Setting up Total Connect 2.0 Notifications

I explain how to setup text and email notifications in Total Connect 2.0. Text and email notifications help ensure that you are notified regarding any activity on your Honeywell Security System. This is very important for self-monitored users who do not have central station service, as they must receive these notifications and take proper action during emergencies. To set up notifications, you must create user profiles, assign phone numbers and/or email addresses to those profiles, then build notification groups and include the user profiles, and finally assign which notifications go to each group.

Changing the Battery in a Honeywell 5834-4

Jarrett shows you how to change the battery inside of a Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob. The Honeywell 5834-4 uses a single lithium CR2032 coin battery for power. Expected battery life is roughly three (3) to five (5) years with typical usage. A Phillips screwdriver is needed to remove the back cover for the Honeywell 5834-4 and access the battery compartment. Make sure to observe proper polarity when inserting the new battery. The positive side for the CR2032 battery should be visible, once the battery has been inserted.

Using the Resideo Tuxedo Without an Alarm Panel

I explain how you can technically use the Resideo Tuxedo without an alarm panel. This is not commonly done, as the Tuxedo is primarily a keypad for a Honeywell VISTA System. But you do have the option of providing power to the Tuxedo and using it as a standalone automation controller for Z-Wave smart home devices. Some examples of Z-Wave devices that you can pair with the Tuxedo include smart lights, door locks, programmable thermostats, and more.

Install Honeywell LTE-XA or LTE- XV On a VISTA TURBO

I show you how to install a Honeywell LTE-XA AT&T LTE Communicator or a Honeywell LTE-XV Verizon LTE Communicator on a Honeywell VISTA TURBO Series Panel, such as a Honeywell VISTA-128BPT or a Honeywell VISTA-250BPT. The added communicator will allow the panel to communicate with the AlarmNet servers across a cellular network. This will allow the system to be monitored. The user will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular communication, such as an Alarm Grid Gold or Platinum Plan.

2GIG and Nortek have announced that many of their products have been discontinued, effective immediately. This list is headlined by the 2GIG GC3, which has been replaced by the 2GIG GC3e. These products are no longer being manufactured, and new models will no longer be available.

Most of the products on this list are older products with proper replacements, as well as some unpopular products and products designed for markets outside of the United States. Although the list is quite extensive, there's really nothing too surprising here. Many of these products weren't even available through Alarm Grid, so not much will change in terms of our product offerings. The move simply allows 2GIG to dedicate more resources to manufacturing newer and more robust products.

The list of discontinued items can be seen below:

• 2GIG 2GIG-ANT1X External In-Wall GSM Antenna
• 2GIG 2GIG-CAM-101-NET Indoor WiFi Camera, Powered By Securenet
• 2GIG 2GIG-CAM-HD100 Camera HD100 Indoor W/Night Vision
• 2GIG 2GIG-CP22-345B GC2 345MHz security, 921 Z-Wave, Brazil
• 2GIG 2GIG-CP61-345C Control Panel 345 Mhz GoControl Pr
• 2GIG 2GIG-DW10-120PK Thin Door/Window Contact, 120 bulk pack
• 2GIG 2GIG-GC3-345 GC3 Panel (North America) 345 MHz
• 2GIG 2GIG-GC3GA-T GSM 3G AT&T Telular GoControl
• 2GIG 2GIG-GCKIT30IMG GC2 Image Sensor Kit; 1 GC2 Panel, 3 DW10 Sensors, 1 Image Sensor
• 2GIG 2GIG-GCKIT311 GC2 Kit 3-1-1
• 2GIG 2GIG-GCKIT410 GC2 Kit 4-1-0
• 2GIG 2GIG-GC-POTS GC2 Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Module
• 2GIG 2GIG-KIT311-GC3 GC3 3-1-1 Kit
• 2GIG 2GIG-KV-T-GC3 GC3 Telus VKit: GC3-345 Panel and GSM/3G Telus cellular radio (2GIG 2GIG-3GTL-A-GC3)
• 2GIG 2GIG-LAN-GC3 GC3 Ethernet Module
• 2GIG 2GIG-LTEV-A-GC3 Alarm.com Verizon Cat-3 4G LTE Cell Radio For 2GIG GC3 With 2 LTE Antennas
• 2GIG 2GIG-MNT-250B 2GIG Camera Mount For Outdoor Mini-Dome, Series 250, Black
• 2GIG 2GIG-MNT-250B 2GIG Camera Mount For Outdoor Mini-Dome, Series 250, Black
• 2GIG 2GIG-RELY-KIT3 Rely 3-1-1 Kit for SecureNet Backend with Camera. Note: A KIT3 includes KIT2 (3-1-1 Rely for SecureNet) and the Camera
• 2GIG 2GIG-SDS1-345 Wireless Smoke Detector Sensor 345MHz (Smoke Ring)
• 2GIG 2GIG-TS1-SLO 2GIG 2GIG-Ts1-Slo (This is not the 2GIG TS1, which is still available)
• 2GIG 2GIG-Z-CT100 Ct100 Thermostat
• GoControl GD00Z-4A Garage Door Controller : GoControl Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Control. Plain white box. Frontpoint.
• GoControl WD1000Z-1 GoControl Z-Wave White In-Wall Dimmer Switch. 1000 Watt Max
• GoControl WD1000Z-R4 Retail Replenishment pack of 4 WD1000Z-1. Z-Wave white wall dimmer switch. 1000 Watt max. 300 Series. North American product
• GoControl WD500Z-1 Z-Wave white wall dimmer switch. 500 Watt max. 300 Series. North American product.
• GoControl WD500Z-R6 Retail Replenishment pack of 6 WD500Z-1. Z-Wave white wall dimmer switch. 500 Watt max. 300 Series. North American product
• GoControl WDKIT-AL WD 4 PC Trim Kit Almond, 1ea
• GoControl WDKIT-AL-R4 Retail Replenishment pacK of 4 WD ALMOND trim kits
• GoControl WI15VZ-1 Z-Wave 15 Valve Irrigation Controller. US

If you have any questions about these discontinued products, or if you are needing suitable replacements for any discontinued product, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Stolen packages are a concern for many individuals. But you can take a stand and prevent thieves from taking your stuff. All you need is a doorbell camera, a Z-Wave door lock, and a monitored security system with Alarm Grid. We'll help you protect your packages from pesky porch pirates!

It doesn't take a genius to figure out how a package gets stolen. The delivery person rings the doorbell and finds that nobody is home. They leave the package out in the open. Then a no-good package thief comes along, swoops up the goods, and you're then left wondering whether or not the delivery got lost in the mail. Countless packages fall victim to this very setup every single day. And if you don't have any evidence, then it can be next to impossible to catch the guilty party.

But there's an easy method to prevent this from happening to you. First, swap out your regular doorbell with a smart video doorbell camera. We recommend using one of the SkyBell Video Doorbell devices for this job. You can choose between a Total Connect 2.0 model and an Alarm.com model depending on which service you use with your system. Remember, you do not need special video monitoring service to get started with a SkyBell Video Doorbell. Total Connect 2.0 will allow a user to pair up to five (5) SkyBell devices per Alarm.com account, while Alarm.com provides support for one (1) SkyBell without true video monitoring service.

Next, configure your SkyBell device to work with your interactive service platform of either Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. You can get push notifications on your phone whenever someone rings your SkyBell device. With the push of a button, you can pull up a live feed of the person at your door and communicate with them using two-way audio. When you see that it's the delivery person, greet them with a pleasant "Hello", and explain that you aren't home at the moment. Then invite them to step inside to drop off the package.

But how will the delivery person get inside? And how will they avoid setting off your security system? Easy. With a Z-Wave door lock, you can unlock the door, and you can disarm your alarm system using either the TC2 or ADC app on your phone. You might even consider making a smart scene to have your door automatically unlock as soon as your system is disarmed. Alarm Grid offers a wide selection of door locks to choose from. We recommend Z-Wave door locks, as they are super easy to program, and they can interface with nearly every modern wireless security system.

Once everything is in order, instruct the delivery person to go inside and leave the package near the door. If you're feeling extra groovy, you might invite them to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. It's hot out there, and your delivery driver would really appreciate the kind gesture. We'll leave that up to you though. If you don't want them walking through your house, then leaving a small snack or a tip by the front door will also show that you care.

Once the driver is gone, re-lock your door and re-arm your system. And just like that, you know that your package is nice and safe, and the porch pirate's plan has been foiled. It may also be a good idea to track any packages you order and know when you can expect them. Also make sure to take a good look at the delivery person when you let them inside. While fraudulent delivery drivers are very uncommon, they're not unheard of. If you're in doubt, instruct the driver to leave the package behind your house or behind some bushes so that you can retrieve it later. This is better than leaving the package wide open in front of your front door.

Of course, this setup will require monitoring service for accessing Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. If your system isn't monitored, or if you don't have a security system, then Alarm Grid has you covered! We offer a wide selection of DIY security systems, including the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, the 2GIG GC3e, and much more. We also offer monitoring plans for all budgets. This type of setup won't require anything fancy, and it's nothing that will break the bank. In the long run, it's worth it for your peace of mind!

If you want to learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring service, or if you have questions about protecting your deliveries, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We'll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Remember that our hours for checking email are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

As security professionals, we often encounter myths regarding security systems. There is a lot of untrue information out there, so we figured it would be a good idea to debunk a few security system myths to help end users understand the facts. Here are three false security system myths.

Myth #1 - Only Professionals Can Install a Security System

There was once a time when security systems were hardwired, and it was virtually impossible for a DIY user to install one. But with the rise of wireless alarm panels, many security systems can be installed using nothing more than a screwdriver. An end user can install their own system, program their own sensors, and get their system activated for monitoring service. Most wireless alarm panels even support desk mounts that allow a user to install a system without drilling holes in the walls. This can help a user save a lot of money by not having to hire a professional installer.

Myth #2 - Wireless Security Systems Are Not Secure

When wireless security systems first hit the market, many were easily defeated by third party devices. An intruder could block the signals from wireless sensors and prevent them from reaching the panel. They could also send false signals to the panel to make it appear as though a break-in was occurring, when really nothing was happening. But most modern wireless panels support encryption to prevent this from happening. This makes foul play all but impossible. There are many encrypted sensor options to choose from, including the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric, the PowerG Sensors for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the eSeries Sensors for the 2GIG GC3e.

Myth #3 - Security Systems Only Perform Security Functions

When shopping for a security system, many buyers only consider the security aspects. The reality is that a modern security system does so much more than just keep you and those around you safe. Nearly every security system on the market today also offers smart home automation capabilities. You can pair a variety of smart home devices with your system, including smart lights, door locks, programmable thermostats, and more. You can then control these devices from the panel and have them activate automatically with programmed smart scenes. And if your system is monitored, then you can control the devices from anywhere using a web browser or a mobile app on your phone.

Security systems today are more powerful and easier to use than ever before. Now is a great time to get started with a new security system for your home or business. Check out this post to learn more about the monitoring plans offered by Alarm Grid. If you're interested in getting started, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information. Our team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

While we love talking about our various security products, we also want to remind everyone about the security stickers and yard signs we offer. These goodies provide a great way to display our logo and let others know that you are monitored. You can buy them a-la-carte on our website.

The purpose of our yard signs and window stickers is quite simple. You put them around your property to let others know that you are monitored by Alarm Grid. This will discourage intruders from trying to get into your home. Even if your security system works perfectly during a home invasion, an intruder might still cause damage during the break-in process. Therefore, the best case scenario is to prevent the bad guys from even trying to begin with. Intruders are less likely to target homes with alarm systems, so putting up stickers and yard signs serve as an excellent deterrence tool.

Alarm Grid sells two (2) types of window stickers. Our indoor window stickers have an adhesive front, and you place them on the inside of a window, facing the outside. Anyone who looks at the window will see it peeking. We also sell outdoor window stickers with an adhesive backing. The outdoor stickers are super versatile, and many users get creative by placing them on refrigerators, mailboxes, laptops, and even cars! Stickers are available in regular and mini sizes. Mini window stickers are sold in packs of 1, 5, and 10.

While our stickers are ideal for posting around the home or office, a security yard sign is a bit more tangible. These yard signs come with a metal stake that you can push into the ground to keep them upright. A hammer can be useful for pushing the stake into the ground. You then secure the sign to the metal stake using the included hardware. And just like that, you will have a prominent sign outside your home or office deter any burglars from entering!

We give away signs and stickers to newly monitored customers as a free gift. Make sure to ask when you sign up for monitoring. And if you want some extra ones, they are available for purchase on our website. You can get single stickers for just 99 cents plus shipping, so they are super convenient to add to an existing order. If you have any questions about our stickers or yard signs, feel free to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember to check out this page to learn more about our monitoring plans. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have another video recap lined up for you! This time there are three (3) new videos to check out. And this happens to be a very special video recap, because our fan-favorite technician makes his much-anticipated return! Let's take a look at the new Alarm Grid videos for September 11th.

Making All Partitions Sound on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2

The man. The legend. Jarrett is back, and he's going to talk about how you make all partitions sound on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. When you enable partitions on the IQ Panel 2, only sensors on partition 1 will trigger sounds, by default. If you want the system to produce sounds for other sensors, then you must enable the Global Intrusion Sounds and Sirens feature for the system. This will require accessing programming with the Installer Code (default 1111).

Arm Stay and Arm Instant

Jarrett is excited to explain the difference between Arm Stay Mode and Arm Instant Mode. When you Arm Instant, the system ignores Entry Delay periods. This means that if you fault an Entry/Exit Zone while the system is Armed Instant, then the system will go into immediate alarm, instead of giving you a chance to disarm during the Entry Delay countdown. In Armed Stay, you get the Entry Delay when you fault an Entry/Exit Zone. Both Arm Stay and Arm Instant will automatically bypass interior zone types.

Program SiXSMOKE to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXSMOKE to the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The Honeywell SiXSMOKE is an encrypted smoke and heat detector built exclusively for use with the Lyric. The smoke detector portion is photoelectric, which means that there is a small light inside the sensor. Smoke entering the chamber will cause the light to refract, which tells the sensor to report to the system. The heat detector uses both fixed temperature detection and rate-of-rise detection. The sensor has an 85 dB sounder.