Home Security Blog

Are you moving into a new home? Alarm Grid will do its part to help make your relocation as easy as possible! You can usually bring your existing security system and activate it for monitoring service at your new house. We can help you every step of the way, from planning to testing!

Before you cancel your existing service, you should remember that Alarm Grid charges you month to month. When you pay your monthly bill, you are essentially paying in advanced for your next month of monitoring service. If you plan to move then you should try and cancel your service before your next billing cycle. That way, you won't get charged an extra month. We are happy to cancel your plan at the last minute if it means preventing an extra bill. But we can't refund you once you have already been charged, so make sure to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that there are no fees to cancel service, or to start new service. You will not pay anything extra to bring your service from your old location to your new one. To us, this is the same as us cancelling an old account and opening a new one.

When making move, you are often left to decide whether you should bring your existing system or start fresh with a new one. And really, it depends. If you have a wired system that would be difficult to bring, or if you have an older wireless system, then it might worth getting a new system. This could also be a good time to get a new LTE cellular communicator if you have been using an older 3G or CDMA module. On the other hand if you have one of the newer wireless systems that we often talk about, like the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, or the 2GIG GC3e, then you should totally bring it! You can also bring your wireless sensors and set them up around your new home.

Whether you brought your existing system or found a new one, you will follow the same general process for setting it up. If you don't want to mount the panel to the wall, then a desk mount might be a great option. And if you are using double-sided foam tape to mount your wireless sensors, then you will probably want to pick some up. Double-sided foam tape isn't too expensive, and you can find it in pretty much any major retail outlet or a hardware store. You can always drill some holes and hard-mount your panel and sensors if you prefer. It's completely up to you.

Once you have your system set up, you can go through the same easy activation process as one of our new customers. Remember that you or a designated individual will need to be on-site and able to work with the system at the time of activation. Check these tips for making your activation as easy as possible. You should visit our monitoring page or email us at support@alarmgrid.com to choose an activation slot. The activation is a great time to get an updated Certificate of Alarm for an insurance discount at your new home. Just make sure to have all of the applicable sensors powered on and enrolled with your system before the activation. And please feel free to email us beforehand if you have any questions. We have activation slots available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you during your move

If you recall last year, we made a post about a loyal Alarm Grid customer naming his cat after our company. Well, we're a bit early this time around, but it's a slow news day and all, so we figured we'd take the time to wish Alarm Grid (the cat) a happy 1st birthday! We hope it's purr-fect!

Alarm Grid the Cat lives with loyal Alarm Grid customer Brett in Philadelphia, MS. Brett has been an Alarm Grid customer since 2015, and we are thrilled that he continues to choose us for monitoring service. We take great pride in keeping all of our customers protected and safe, including Brett and his family. Thank you Brett for choosing Alarm Grid the company!

Brett says that he isn't exactly sure of Alarm Grid the Cat's official birthday, only stating that it is around "mid-June". Our post last year was from June 21st, so we're probably a bit early here. But we didn't want to forget this special time. We also recommend checking out last year's post that is linked above so you can see just how much Alarm Grid the Cat has grown. She's getting to be a big girl! We're sure that Brett and his family are taking great care of her.

If you want to receive monitoring service like Brett and Alarm Grid the Cat, make sure to check out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. And if you decide to name your pet or child after us, feel free to shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We might consider posting a blog about the honor! Our team checks new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that a firmware update for the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad is available. Honeywell 6290W Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002 corrects an issue where the keypad Disarm screen does not automatically appear when the Honeywell VISTA System goes into its Entry Delay.

Resideo never made a public announcement about Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002, so it's possible that it may have already been out for a little while. However, we only just heard about it the other day. Although the change it makes is relatively minor, having the Disarm screen automatically appear when the system is in its Entry Delay should make things more convenient for end users. That way, you won't have to manually pull up the Disarm screen when entering the premises and disarming your system. We recommend upgrading to the latest firmware as soon as possible if you haven't already.

Firmware updates for the Honeywell 6290W are provided automatically over-the-air (OTA) from the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers. They are not pushed down manually, so there is no need to contact us to request the update. However, you must enable WIFI and enable Remote Upgrading for the keypad in order for the update to be automatically sent down. Once the 6290W has checked-in with the AlarmNet Server, the update will be put into a queue and pushed down as soon as possible. This usually occurs within 24 to 48 hours of the keypad checking-in. Alarm Grid recently uploaded a document that shows the process for enabling WIFI and Remote Upgrading, which you can view here.

As a quick reference, WIFI is enabled by pressing the Settings icon (the gear) on the main screen, followed by "System WIFI". From there, toggle the WIFI option, and select the desired WIFI network. Enter the network's password, and click on Connect. Once the process is complete, return to the home screen by clicking on the picture of the house. Next, enable Remote Updating by clicking the Settings icon again and choosing System Info. Click on the Enable Remote Upgrade option to turn on the feature. You can then return home.

Remember, the Settings icon for the keypad looks like .

If you are monitored by Alarm Grid and you need additional assistance enabling OTA updates, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check for new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: After the update is pushed down to the keypad, it will only be applied once the system is in a disarmed state with no faulted zones and no trouble conditions, including low battery or AC power loss. The update will also be delayed if the system is in programming mode or if there is a zone in alarm memory. The keypad will reboot as part of the update process.

With Father's Day right around the corner (Sunday, June 21st), we thought it'd be a good time to suggest some security and automation gifts to surprise the dad in your life. You don't need to get your dad another neck-tie this year. We've got some neat gifts that dad is sure to love!

The Gift of Security!

If dad doesn't have a security system yet, then he's really missing out. You can have peace of mind in knowing that his home is safe while he's out doing dad stuff like golfing, fishing, or going to a bbq. Maybe your dad thinks he doesn't need security? Well, you could remind him of a big fat insurance discount that he could get by getting his home monitored. That will excite him even more than a weekend trip to the hardware store.

We have lots of great panels available, though the most popular right now are the Honeywell Lyric and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. These are both wireless panels that are very easy to set up, even for the dad who doesn't know his way around a tool-kit. You won't hear any swear words coming out of the work shed when dad goes to set up his new system. And he'll probably want to show it off to all the neighbors.

Shopping on a Budget?

Okay, totally understand if you're strapped for cash and can't drop a few hundred dollars on a brand-new security system. But just because you're looking to spend $30 rather than $300 doesn't mean you can't make dad smile. If your dad already has a system, then why not get him a new sensor or two? Door and window contacts are always affordable. Just get a model that works with dad's security system. The VERSA-2GIG and the VERSA-GE are both extremely popular, and they won't break the bank!

Maybe you've already surprised dad with a contact sensor before? You could always check out some motion sensors. These are great for knowing if someone is snooping around the basement or the garage. Again, you want to make sure you get a model compatible with dad's system. Popular options include the Honeywell SiXPIR, the 2GIG PIR1-345, and the DSC PG9914. And if you aren't sure which models will work with your dad's system, just reach out to us, and we'll be happy to help!

Automation Excitement!

If dad already has a wireless system, then chances are that it doubles as an automation controller. You can surprise dad with some new Z-Wave automation devices for him to pair with his system. Lighting devices are always a great choice. Your dad will be able to turn the lights ON and OFF without getting up, and he can create smart scenes for automatic control. And a great thing about smart lights - they don't break the bank!

Your dad might like an in-wall switch as a nice weekend installation project. Some of our favorite in-wall switches include the GE 14318 and the Resideo Z5SWITCH. Or if your dad is not into wiring, you can get him a plug-in lamp module like the GE 28170 or the Resideo Z5DIMPID. And the great thing about these Z-Wave devices is that they are universally compatible and will work with any system that operates as a Z-Wave controller!

Maybe the smart lighting game has already been introduced to dad's house? In that case, you could make his day with a different automation device like a Z-Wave thermostat. Our favorites right now are the Honeywell T6 PRO and the Alarm.com ADC-T3000. Or if you really want to get your dad something a little more unique, then you could try a smart water valve like the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100. This can be very useful in preventing dad from experiencing the headache of a flooded basement or laundry room.

Help Dad Keep an Eye on the Neighbors

We all know that dads like to know what's going on outside. That is why we'd be foolish not to recommend some outdoor security cameras. These devices are actually easy to install, and they can give your dad a good look at the front lawn while he's tucked away in his man cave. You'll want to consider whether his system supports Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0. For ADC, we like the Alarm.com ADC-V723. If dad has TC2, then go with the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1.

Maybe dad isn't ready to upgrade to video monitoring quite yet? Don't worry! He can still make sure the neighbor kids stay off the lawn with a different type of camera. One popular option is to use a SkyBell Video Doorbell. These can be used without needing to upgrade to a full-on video monitoring plan. There are models for Total Connect 2.0, and others for Alarm.com. Another possibility is to look into the Arlo Cameras that do not use monitoring service through ADC or TC2.

The Best Gift of All!

We've saved the best gift idea for last. It isn't something you can hold in your hand, but it's something that every dad will love, even if they have all the security gadgets under the sun. That is the gift of alarm monitoring service! Why not offer to cover dad's monitoring bill for the next year? That is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Talk it over with dad, and when you're ready, the two of you can contact us to make the arrangements. We'll charge your card every month, with no added fees or sudden surprises. Meanwhile, your dad will be able to spend his money on other important things like new golf clubs or something. Oh dads....

If you haven't already, make sure to check out our monitoring page. This will teach you about the different plans offered from Alarm Grid so that you can choose the perfect one for your dad's needs. Once you're ready, shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 to set things up. Remember that our business hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our team will be thrilled to help you give your dad the gift of home security! We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that Firmware Update 189G is now available for DSC PowerSeries NEO Dual-Path Communicators. Both the DSC TL880LEAT N AT&T & IP Dual-Path Communicator and the DSC TL880LTVZ N Verizon & IP Dual-Path Communicator can receive the new update from the Alarm.com servers.

Firmware Update 189G provides multiple stability fixes, and it resolves some issues that have been known to affect DSC PowerSeries NEO Communicators. It is recommended that anyone using a DSC PowerSeries NEO with a dual-path communicator for use with Alarm.com has the update pushed down to their system as soon as possible. Any DSC PowerSeries NEO System with a DSC TL880LEAT N or a DSC TL880LTVZ N can receive the update. This includes the DSC HS2016NK, the DSC HS2032NK, the DSC HS2064NK, and the DSC HS2128NK, which are all sold by Alarm Grid.

As is the case with any Alarm.com Firmware Update, there may be a small fee to push this update down to your panel. This fee is applicable if the update is forced to be sent across a cellular network. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, then we will simply add the fee to your next monitoring bill. If your NEO System is properly configured for both IP and cellular, then the update should be sent across the internet, and no fee should be applied.

Remember that this update is for the Alarm.com Dual-Path NEO Communicators only. The update is not for the cell-only communicators. If you have either the DSC TL880LEAT or the DSC TL880LTVZ (the non-N models), then you do not need to request this update. If you have a DSC PowerSeries NEO System that is monitored by Alarm Grid and you aren't sure which communicator you have, then you can email us, and we will be happy to check.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a DSC PowerSeries NEO System and one of the Alarm.com Dual-Path Communicators, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com to request the firmware update. Please make sure that your NEO System is powered on and connected with Alarm.com servers so that the update can be pushed down successfully. Our support team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

There have been ongoing reports that a recent batch of Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Audio Takeover Modules are unable to interface with Honeywell Panels. We believe that this issue is temporary and that future batches will not have this problem. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you aren't familiar with the FF345, it is a smoke detector and CO detector listening module that actively listens for the distinct sound of an activated smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor. Any high-voltage or conventional smoke detector that produces the corresponding Temporal 3 sound, as well as any CO detector that produces the Temporal 4 sound, can be used with the FF345. By enrolling the FF345 with your system and installing it within six (6) inches of your existing smoke detector or CO sensor, you can indirectly "takeover" the existing unit and have it operate as a true life-safety sensor on your system.

Normally, the FF345 operates on the same 345 MHz wireless frequency as the Honeywell 5800 Sensors. This makes it compatible with the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, any Honeywell VISTA Panel with an added wireless receiver, the 2GIG Panels, and the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Recent reports have indicated that a new batch of FF345 sensors is not compatible with the aforementioned Honeywell Panels. We also believe that compatibility with the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus may be affected, though this has not been tested or confirmed. Our understanding is that these sensors will still work just fine with the 2GIG Panels, including the 2GIG GC2, 2GIG GC2e, 2GIG GC3, and 2GIG GC3e.

Alarm Grid is currently having conversations with the manufacturer and our suppliers to determine a solution to this problem. We understand that many of our customers rely on FF345 devices to takeover existing hardwired smoke detectors and CO detectors. This problem is of great concern to us, as we strive to provide our customers with a simple and effective solution for integrating life-safety sensors with their systems. We will provide further updates as we learn more.

One feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus that we have never discussed before is the Smart Start feature. This feature is used for conveniently enrolling compatible smart home automation devices by scanning a QR code. It is a nice alternative to the traditional inclusion process.

The Smart Start feature was quietly included back in Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System Firmware Version 2.4.0. As it is a relatively minor feature, it was largely overlooked, and we never covered it in great detail. If your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus had System Firmware Version 2.4.0 or higher installed when it was brand-new, then it already has the Smart Start feature. If the system was running a lower firmware version when brand-new, then you need to upgrade the Z-Wave firmware for the system to unlock the feature. Upgrading the system firmware will not automatically update the Z-Wave firmware and provide access to the Smart Start feature. We wrote a comprehensive FAQ on upgrading the Z-Wave firmware on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, which you can view here.

The required Z-Wave firmware version for using the Smart Start feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is Z-Wave Firmware Version 6.81.03. In addition to providing access to the Smart Start feature, upgrading to this Z-Wave firmware version will also upgrade the Z-Wave security protocol for the system to S2. This protocol is more advanced and offers better security than the Z-Wave security protocol previously used with the system. You won't notice any real changes with the S2 protocol, but it is still a nice addition.

UPDATE: Qolsys has identified issues affecting IQ Panel 2 Z-Wave Firmware Version 6.81.03. They are currently working on a new Z-Wave firmware version to fix these issues. But as of July 2020, the new Z-Wave firmware version is not yet available.

Before we continue any further, we do want to stress that updating the Z-Wave firmware for an IQ Panel 2 System is completely, 100%, optional. This isn't nearly as important as updating the system firmware to the latest version. We mention this fact because updating the system's Z-Wave firmware often requires clearing all of the Z-Wave devices from the network and then re-adding them once the update is complete. This can be extremely inconvenient if you have a large Z-Wave network. And since all you're really doing here is gaining access to the Smart Start feature and making a slight improvement to the security for your automation network, we totally understand if you just decide to skip this process. Also note that you can attempt the updating process without clearing your Z-Wave network first. It's just that this may result in errors that can only be solved by ultimately clearing the network and then re-adding the devices. You should only clear the network and re-add the devices if devices that were working fine previously are later giving you issues after the update.

Note: We have noticed issues when using the August Smart Lock Pro with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System running a Z-Wave Firmware Version of 6.81.03. If you intend on using the August Smart Lock Pro with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2, then do NOT upgrade the panel Z-Wave firmware! This is expected to be fixed in a future Z-Wave firmware release.

If we haven't scared you away yet, let's take a look at the feature! Once your IQ Panel 2 is running a high enough Z-Wave firmware version, you will find the SMART START icon within the Z-Wave Devices Menu of Installer Programming. This menu is accessed by clicking the small grey bar at the top of the main screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Devices > Z-Wave Devices > SMART START.

Choosing SMART START will cause the panel to pull up the front camera for the IQ Panel 2. There will be a red square inside which you will position the QR code for the device. The QR code can be found either on the device itself or on its packaging. Simply position the QR code inside the red box, and the system will begin scanning.

Once the scan is successful, powering up the Z-Wave device will complete the setup process automatically. And just like that, you have saved yourself the trouble of performing the traditional exclusion/inclusion process for adding a new Z-Wave device. Petty cool!

At this time, the list of devices that can be added in this way is still very small. Here is the current list of devices that we know work with the feature:

• Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostat (ADC-T3000)
• Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve (ADC-SWV100)
• Danalock DLOV3BTZU V3 Z-Wave Smart Lock (DLOV3BTZU)
• Qolsys IQ Dimmer (QZ2140-840)
• Qolsys IQ Outlet (QZ2130-840)
• Eaton Wireless Switch (RF9601D)
• Eaton Wireless Accessory Switch (RF9617D)
• Eaton Universal Smart Dimmer (RF9640-ND)
• Eaton Smart Accessory Dimmer (RF9642-ZD)
• Eaton Duplex Receptacle (RFTR9605-T)

For even more information regarding the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Smart Start feature, we strongly recommend checking out this comprehensive FAQ we wrote on the feature. It will tell you pretty much everything you would want to know about using Smart Start on the IQ Panel 2.

If you have any additional questions about the Smart Start feature or the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, including the system's Z-Wave firmware version, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This email is also great if you want to contact us about starting monitoring service. Our team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

About a month ago, Alarm.com started a special demand response program for Baltimore Gas & Electric customers who use Alarm.com for smart thermostat control. We are now proud to say that a similar cost-savings program is now open to customers of LA Dept. of Water & Power (LADWP).

Demand response programs, such as the one between ADC and LADWP, are designed to help mitigate demand for electricity during peak hours. Alarm.com customers who enroll in this new program can earn valuable rewards, including credits that go towards their energy bills. These savings will be in addition to the cost-saving benefits of owning a smart thermostat in the first place. This program is virtually identical to the previous partnership between Alarm.com and Baltimore Gas & Electric, which you can read about here.

By enrolling in this program, you will be allowing LADWP to make small temperature adjustments to any smart thermostat that has been enrolled with your Alarm.com account. These temperature adjustments are expected to be very small and only occur during peak demand hours, such as during a hot summer afternoon, when nearly everyone is expected to be running an AC system. This program is completely optional, and no additional equipment is required. You just need to be both an LADWP customer and an Alarm.com customer with a smart thermostat enrolled on your system.

All Alarm.com customers who use one or more smart thermostat devices with their accounts should soon be receiving a notification about this new programming through both the Alarm.com website and mobile app sometime in the near future. This will include information on getting started. If you sill have any additional questions about this program, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. You might also want to contact your energy provider directly to see if there are any similar demand response programs available in your area. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that the 2GIG Go!Bridge IP Communicator has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available to be purchased. Existing units can still be used, including any units that have not yet been activated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you are not familiar with the 2GIG Go!Bridge, it is an IP communicator for the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC2e Security Systems. Using this module will allow your GC2 or GC2e to communicate with Alarm.com across the internet. As such, the Go!Bridge can be used instead of, or in addition to, an LTE cellular communicator. However, you will still need to pay the full-price for an Alarm.com cellular monitoring plan if you are using the module by itself.

With the Go!Bridge being discontinued, there is now no available IP communicator for a GC2 or GC2e System. The best way to get one of these systems online is by using an LTE communicator. Alarm Grid offers both the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 AT&T LTE Communicator and the 2GIG LTEV-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator for this purpose. You may also need a 2GIG UPCBL2 Updater Cable or a 2GIG UPDV Updater Tool to upgrade your system to the latest firmware. We also recommend checking our 2GIG GC2 Firmware Update Page for more information. For reference, the latest firmware is Version 1.19.3.

Remember that any Alarm Grid customer activating a 2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC2e will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Cellular-Only Plan. Although the Go!Bridge is an IP communicator, a customer will still need to pay the equivalent for cellular monitoring to use it. Since cellular monitoring is more reliable anyway, we have avoided recommending the 2GIG Go!Bridge for monitoring service in the past. Instead, we have steered customers towards the AT&T and Verizon LTE Communicators mentioned above. Keep in mind that if you have an existing Go!Bridge Communicator, it can still be used for monitoring as needed.

For those hoping to save money with an IP-only monitoring plan, we recommend looking at a different panel for that purpose. A great panel for IP-only monitoring is the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. That panel has a built-in WIFI card specifically for this purpose. You may also check out this page to learn more about all of the different monitoring plans offered by Alarm Grid.

If you would like to learn more about our monitoring services, or if you have any questions about getting your system monitored, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our experts check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you get monitored as quickly and as easily as possible!

A minor update was recently made on Alarm.com to allow end users to view the recent activity history for their smart lights. Any Z-Wave light programmed with your Alarm.com Security System will now appear on the Activity page when it is turned ON/OFF or has its brightness level adjusted.

If you are not familiar with the Activity page on Alarm.com, it is a useful tool that lets you see recent events involving both your security system and your Alarm.com account. You can check this page to see when your system was armed, disarmed, or went into alarm mode. And thanks to a new update from Alarm.com, users will now be able to see the activity history for their smart lights.

According to Alarm.com, their Activity page will now display events for lights being turned ON and OFF. Alarm.com will also display when a dimmable light has had its brightness level adjusted. Each documented lighting event will include the exact hour and minute of the day when it took place. If you ever need to prove that the lights were Turned ON or OFF at a specific time, Alarm.com can now serve as hard evidence.

While this new feature might not seem like big news, it can be quite useful for monitoring your home or business. A light being turned ON or OFF at an unexpected time could be something worth investigating. And having the exact timestamp for the lighting activity can serve as strong evidence in many situations.

Accessing the Activity page on your Alarm.com account is super easy. Simply login to your Alarm.com account through a web browser. Then click the Activity button on the left-hand side. This will take you to the Activity page so that you can review all recent system activity. Remember that other events like Arming, Disarming, Alarm Events, and logging into your Alarm.com account will also be displayed on this screen.

The picture below shows the activity page for our demo account. As you can see, it now shows light activity for a light named Office and another called Hallway.

You can also use the Activity page to search for specific events and download your Activity log in PDF or CSV format. This is a great place to quickly review all the activity on your alarm system. It can be really useful for determining a true timeline of the events that occurred in your home or business.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Activity page, or if you are interested in signing up for monitoring service, 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!