Home Security Blog

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!

Alarm Grid welcomes you to June! The year has certainly flown by. While there have been some challenges, we're here to help you take a step back from it all, and instead focus on the ever-exciting world of security and home automation! Here is what you can expect soon from Alarm Grid.

Next Generation Systems

If you follow this blog regularly, then you will already know that the Resideo PROA7PLUS from Honeywell Home and the Qolsys IQ Hub will soon be entering the market as brand-new, state-of-the-art security systems. Both are expected to be fantastic options for anyone looking to outfit their home or business with a new system. We also believe that they will be great for existing security system users who want to spice things up with a brand new panel upgrade. While we unfortunately cannot provide an official release date for either of these systems just yet, we can say that they are coming soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Home Automation for Summer

Summer is a great time to get started with home automation. As we have outlined previously, nearly all Alarm Grid customers have a system that can readily support Z-Wave Smart Home devices. A popular option for the summer months is to outfit the home with a new Z-Wave thermostat that can be controlled from anywhere. That way, you can enjoy maximum energy savings, while still returning to a home that is cool and comfortable. We also sell other smart home devices, such as smart lights and smart door locks. And if you are a regular iOS user, you might also consider building around the Apple HomeKit platform.

ISC West 2020 in October

We just wanted to give a friendly reminder that ISC West 2020 has been pushed back to October this year. We know all the security enthusiasts out there are accustomed to having the event in the spring time. But we believe that an autumn ISC West will be a nice change of pace. And it also gives manufacturers more time to truly bring their A-game. Just like last year, Alarm Grid will have a full team on the demonstration floor covering the exciting action. We're sure that there will be a few surprises along the way, and you certainly won't want to miss this year's edition!

Get Monitored!

Remember that the only way to truly unlock the full potential of your security system is with Alarm Grid monitoring service. We have monitoring plans for all budgets and security and automation needs. If you haven't already, make sure to check out our monitoring page. You can also review this prior post to learn about our monitoring plans in full detail. If you have any questions, you are free to email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support and planner teams check email Monday thru Friday from 9am to 8pm ET. We look forward to hearing from you!

Owners of the ADC-VC725 and the ADC-VC825 will want to be on the lookout for a new firmware version. Alarm.com recently announced that these two discontinued cameras will be getting a new firmware update very soon. Users can easily push down the update from the Alarm.com website.

While a firmware update certainly sounds exciting, we must admit that there isn't anything too revolutionary from this new update. The new firmware version is called V5.3.0OP.200214, and it is exclusively for the Alarm.com ADC-VC725 and ADC-VC825 Commercial Security Cameras. The update provides minor stability fixes that should make the cameras more reliable.

The easiest way to perform the update is to do so using the Alarm.com customer website. Access Alarm.com, and login using your credentials. Then choose Video > Settings > Select Camera > Video Device Info > Firmware Version. You should be able to update the firmware from that screen. Alarm Grid monitored customers may also contact us to have us perform the update for you.

Please note that this firmware update is still brand-new, so it may not be available when you go to perform the update. If that is the case, try checking again later, or contact us for assistance. The firmware update was very recently announced, so don't be alarmed if it doesn't show up on ADC quite yet. And remember that this new update only applies to the ADC-VC725 and ADC-VC825.

Both the Alarm.com ADC-VC725 and the ADC-VC825 have been discontinued, and they can no longer be purchased from our website. But we have plenty of other Alarm.com Security Cameras if you are looking to build an effective video surveillance network. Some great options for commercial users include the ADC-VC726, the ADC-VC826, and the ADC-VC836.

If you need help performing the firmware update, or if you want to learn more about Alarm.com Security Cameras, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

New Resideo CEO Jay Geldmacher officially began his duties as of today. Geldmacher is stepping into this role during a difficult, yet exciting time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impending release of the upcoming Resideo PROA7PLUS Panel will make for an interesting transition.

Geldmacher was appointed as new Resideo CEO on May 19th. Today marks his first official day in this position. Prior to joining Resideo, Geldmacher previously served as president and CEO of Electro Rent Corp. Resideo has also recently added two new independent directors to their board as part of this change.

Resideo board chairman Roger Fradin said of Geldmacher, "Jay joins Resideo at an important inflection point, as we transform the business to better serve our attractive markets. With the support of the board, we are confident Jay will leverage his expertise to further transform the business, position the company to deliver enhanced operational and financial performance, and create substantial shareholder value. We look forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter together."

Fradin also expressed gratitude to previous CEO Mike Nefkens, who played a big role in leading the company through the global pandemic. Nefkens had served in his position since the company's spin-off from Honeywell in 2018. He unexpectedly announced his departure last December.

Jay Geldmacher has worked in the industry for more than 30 years. Resideo states that the company will look to his experience to lead them during these unprecedented times. With the release of the new Resideo PROA7PLUS Security System expected to occur in the coming months, and the world still reeling from the pandemic, the company will be counting on Geldmacher to keep them ahead of the ever-changing industry.

Alarm Grid offers monitoring services for many Resideo Systems, including the popular Honeywell Lyric Controller. If you are interested in learning more about our products and services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have recently noticed a major shift in the security industry due to the COVID-19 health pandemic and the resulting "new normal". Many companies that were traditionally opposed to the DIY model are now following our lead and implementing their own DIY practices to meet consumer needs.

There are many names for this rising practice. Some companies will call it "Do-It-Together" or "Do-It-With-Me" as an alternative to "Do-It-Yourself". But it's all the same principle. And it isn't anything new, even if other companies want you to believe that they are being innovative. Alarm Grid has been proudly offering DIY monitoring solutions since 2012. And only a very small handful of other companies have been providing similar solutions for the past several years. It wasn't until this "new normal" that DIY security even became the standard model.

Whether a security company calls their model DIY, DIT, or DIWM, it's all the same thing. They all refer to a company guiding an end user through the setup or installation process remotely through a phone call, text chat, or video call. The main principle behind this concept is that a modern security system is not difficult to install, and end users shouldn't have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for an installation that they can easily complete on their own. The end user is empowered in being in full control of their security system, and the alarm company saves money by not having to send out a professional installer. Everybody wins.

For a long time, traditional security companies and equipment manufacturers stubbornly stood their ground and refused to adopt this new model. They continued hiding Installer Codes and making their systems difficult and frustrating for end users to work with. This allowed them to keep rolling trucks and charging their customers service fees. We have seen some improvements in this regard. For example, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is arguably the most DIY-friendly alarm panel we have ever seen. But for the most part, this industry has been slow to take action. It's somewhat shocking that it took something like a serious global health pandemic to implement these changes.

But Alarm Grid has been doing this before it became the norm. We have never sent out an in-house technician to anyone's home or business. Why? Because we never needed to. These systems can be self-installed, and our trained and knowledgeable technicians provide all the support you need, both online and over the phone. Being ahead of the curve has allowed Alarm Grid to establish a successful and thriving business in the highly competitive security industry. And we intend on keeping it that way, even during these trying times.

While most other security companies were left scrambling for solution that has been right under their noses for quite some time, Alarm Grid was already adapted for the global pandemic. The only change we made was mandating that the vast majority of employees work from home. And even that is only temporary, as we plan on returning to the Alarm Grid headquarters once we feel that it is safe. But other than that, it has been business as usual for Alarm Grid. We have continued to keep our customers informed, and we have continued providing simple and effective security solutions.

Other companies that are just now implementing DIY practices during this historic event are not being innovative. They are fighting for survival. We have been doing this for nearly eight years. And each year, more and more people jump ship to Alarm Grid. Customers love us for our top-notch support, our contract-free structure and our no nonsense attitude, where our only goal is to provide you with excellent monitoring service at a price that you can afford. We have been right about this industry this entire time, and other companies are only just now realizing it as a means of survival.

Remember that customers stick with Alarm Grid because they love our support and our efficient business model. Any customer that is not satisfied for whatever reason is free to take their system with them to a new company. All of the security systems we support are non-proprietary, and they can be readily used with virtually any alarm company. But we rarely have customers leave us, as we are always there to help them overcome any problems that they may encounter.

If you are interested in learning more about Alarm Grid, the original DIY security company, we invite you to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We would love to help you explore your options so that you can make an informed buying decision for your home or business. Also, make sure to check out our monitoring page so that you can learn all about our monitoring plans. If you'd prefer to call us, we can be reached at (888) 818-7728. Our team is available and ready to talk from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you soon!