Home Security Blog

Welcome to the last post of 2019 by Alarm Grid! We would wish you a Happy New Year and good fortune heading into this new decade. It is our hope that you and all your loved ones have a great new year. And if you haven't checked out our recent 2019 Year In Review Post, please do so now!

In order to celebrate the New Year, our office will be closing early tonight, December 31st, at 6pm ET. Additionally, our headquarters will be closed all day tomorrow, January 1st. During this time, we will not be answering phones, responding to emails, or shipping out orders. Also, there will be no new blog for tomorrow. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need to reach us tonight or tomorrow, then you should email support@alarmgrid.com. We will do our best to send you a proper reply when we return on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020. Until then, we hope that you enjoy New Year's, and we look forward to serving you in 2020.

With 2019 now on its last days, we thought it would be a nice time to go back and look at what the security industry experienced this past year. As usual, we were there for it all, and we have so much to look back on. We hope that you enjoy this comprehensive year in review from Alarm Grid.

January 16 - Qolsys Releases the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F

Qolsys made some big waves in January with their IQ Hardwire 16-F. This product is the first wired to wireless converter to support 2-wire smoke detectors. The module can also function as a wireless siren relay for a hardwired siren. The IQ Hardwire 16-F works with most 319.5 MHz wireless systems, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Qolsys & Interlogix Daughtercard.

January 24 - Gabe from Security Baron Reviews the Honeywell Lyric Controller

We were delighted in January when Gabe from Security Baron gave a comprehensive review of our Lyric AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit. This is a compete system kit that includes a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller, three (3) VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Contacts, a Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor, a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power.

February 7 - Privacy When Disarmed for Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 introduced a helpful new feature called "Privacy When Disarmed", which stops Total Connect IP Cameras from recording and capturing clips while a user's system is Disarmed. This feature is perfect for users who don't want to receive frequent notifications that occur from camera activity while they are on-site. Only Honeywell HD Cameras support this feature.

February 18 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Facial Recognition

Firmware Update 2.3.0 brought a major boost to the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, as users could now use the panel's built-in camera for disarm photos and facial recognition. The user can set up Alarm.com text and/or email notifications whenever an unrecognized face disarms the system. This feature is great for receiving alerts about possible suspicious system activity.

February 20 - MAC Prefix Update for Honeywell SiX Sensors

Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller received an updated MAC prefix. This meant that they were only compatible with the system's latest firmware version. This is another reason why it's important to always keep your system running on the latest firmware. For more information on the latest Lyric Firmware, please check here. Please also review how to update the firmware.

March 20 - Lyric Firmware Update MR8

Resideo released Firmware Update MR8 for the Lyric System. The update brought a few changes to the system. The WIFI indicator in the panel's upper-left corner will now show a red X if IP connectivity goes down. SiX Series Sensors now have a shorter RF transmission supervision interval. And the SiX Programming Menu now shows every enrolled SiX Sensor for easy access.

March 21 - Verified Response Repealed in San Jose, CA

The city of San Jose, CA repealed its verified response policy. This makes it easier for a central station operator to send out authorities during an emergency event. This was a big win for Alarm Grid monitored customers who receive central station monitoring service from Criticom. We hope that more cities will follow the lead set by San Jose in repealing verified response laws moving forward.

March 27 - Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool

Resideo released the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool, which is used for updating the firmware version of a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel. At first, the updater tool was only compatible with the Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000. However, it was later reworked to support the Honeywell L5200 as well. Honeywell L5200 panels updated using the tool will be seen by AlarmNet360 as L5210 panels moving forward. Updating to the latest firmware can be important for using an LTE radio.

March 28 - No Activity Alerts from TC2

Total Connect 2.0 made it easier to monitor your loved one with their new "No Activity Alerts". This feature allows users to receive text and/or email notifications whenever no system activity occurs within a set period of time. The feature can be very useful for monitoring a loved one who may have trouble getting around. If you receive a "No Activity Alert", then you know to check on them.

April 1 - Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor

Our April Fool's Day joke was a big hit, as we announced our very own SiXTH Sensor for the Honeywell Lyric Security Panel. This sensor uses a Device Type of "Paranormal Detector" and a special Response Type of "Bruce Willis". It will alert the security system as soon as it detects any otherworldly paranormal activity. Begone other-dimensional spirits!

April 9 - Honeywell LTE-IV Available

This was a big day for Honeywell VISTA System users, as the Honeywell LTE-IV became the first-ever dual-path LTE & IP communicator available for these panels. The Honeywell LTE-IV provides connectivity with AlarmNet360 through both the Verizon LTE Network and through a wired ethernet connection. A Honeywell LTE-IA with service from the AT&T LTE Network & IP was later released.

April 10 - First Look at Resideo ProSeries 7" All-In-One Plus

Alarm Grid had a great time at ISC West 2019. The biggest news during the event was the unveiling of the upcoming Resideo ProSeries Panel. This yet-to-be-released system represents the next generation in security technology. Alarm Grid expects some big things out of this panel once it is made available. We hope that it will be released sometime in 2020.

April 12 - Interview w/ Jeremy McLerran of Qolsys

Another big moment during our ISC West 2019 experience was interviewing Qolsys Director of Marketing Jeremy McLerran to pick his brain about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is still our top security system as of the end of 2019. Being able to check out the Qolsys booth and the rest of ISC West was a great experience, and you can expect more in 2020.

April 25 - Alarm Grid Mini Window Stickers

Our mini window stickers quickly became a fan favorite! We have had larger window stickers available for quite some time. But we got many requests for smaller window stickers that are easier to place. And now we have mini window stickers. You can get adhesive-backed mini stickers in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs. Adhesive-front stickers also come in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs.

May 15 - Tennessee Ends False Alarm Fines for Monitoring Companies

Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee signed a law that stops local governments from fining alarm companies for any false alarms that occur. Additional, local Tennessee governments can no longer charge monitoring companies for alarm permits. Only end users can be charged for excessive false alarms and for alarm permits. This makes it easier for monitoring companies to provide service.

May 21 - Total Connect 2.0 Update 2.12.4

Resideo updated Total Connect 2.0 to version 2.12.4. This update made it possible to see the current status for smart home devices across multiple locations. Users who use Total Connect 2.0 across multiple residences and/or businesses really appreciated this update, which made it easier to quickly check the status for their programmed home automation accessories.

June 18 - Lyric Firmware Update MR9

Lyric Firmware Update MR9 is still the system's latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. This firmware version made it possible for the Lyric System to support the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator, which was released later in 2019. End users can check out the release notes for MR9 if they want to learn more about the latest firmware for the Lyric Alarm Panel.

June 26 - End of 3G Activations

The security industry made great strides in 2019 in helping end users make the transition to LTE communicators. AlarmNet began stopping 3G communicator activations on Wednesday June 26, 2019. Alarm.com followed suit and stopped allowing 3G activations after Sunday June 30, 2019. Users looking to get started with cellular monitoring should make sure to get an LTE communicator.

July 19 - Alarm Grid's 7th Birthday

Alarm Grid celebrated its 7th anniversary as a company on Saturday July 20, 2019. Our team enjoyed the occasion a day prior by partaking in some "team-building" exercises. We thank all of our customers for their continued support throughout the years, and are looking forward to continuing to offer exceptional alarm monitoring service in years to come.

July 30 - 2GIG GC3e Released

2GIG had a great year in 2019 by releasing their much-anticipated 2GIG GC3e System. This panel brought back all of the same great features of the original 2GIG GC3, along with the added support for encrypted sensors. In addition to the GC3e, 2GIG also released the new 2GIG GC2e a couple of weeks prior. The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors were released shortly after the 2GIG GC3e.

August 28 - Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 was a great addition to the Alarm Grid smart home lineup. This central hub allows users to integrate their Lutron Lighting Devices with the Alarm.com platform for greater flexibility in designing a truly interconnected home. In addition to Alarm.com, the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 can also be used with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Nest, and more.

September 3 - Hurricane Dorian Scare

Alarm Grid was forced to close its main headquarters for a day due to Hurricane Dorian being in close proximity. Thankfully, the storm missed our headquarters, and our remote offices picked up the slack while our main office employees weathered the storm. Our thoughts go out to everyone in the Bahamas who was adversely affected by this powerful and deadly storm.

September 5 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.0

Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus was very exciting, as it brought some great new features to the system. These new features included improvements to the panel's general user interface (UI), global arming for system partitions, Alarm.com Smart Scene control, enhancements for IQ Remote Keypads, home automation updates, and so much more.

September 18 - Alarm.com Wellness Sensors

Alarm.com began offering its own lineup of wellness sensors designed for use by elderly and mobility challenged users. This lineup included a bed sensor, a chair sensor, an emergency call button, and even a wellness camera. Alarm.com soon followed this up with their very own wellness platform that is available for users of the Alarm.com security and automation platform.

September 20 - Interlogix to Shut Down Alarm Business Following 2019

Interlogix shocked the security industry by announcing that they would cease their operations in North America at the end of 2019. The company had just released its new Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System and its own lineup of Interlogix Encrypted Sensors. Alarm Grid and Alarm.com plan to continue supporting any existing Interlogix Systems for monitoring service.

September 20 - Qolsys to Begin Manufacturing IQ Panel 2 Plus in America

We were really excited to learn that Qolsys would begin manufacturing their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States. This was made possible thanks to the new partnership between Qolsys and Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII). The IQ Panel 2 Plus will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

September 25 - Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad

Honeywell VISTA users received a fresh new keypad option with the release of the Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad. The device features a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display that makes it easier for new users to operate a VISTA System. The full-color menus, clean design, and responsive touchscreen controls, make the keypad an absolute joy to use. WIFI capability allows it to take advantage of OTA Firmware updates.

September 27 - Qolsys IQ Hub & IQ Router Announced

Some of our biggest news for the year came at the 2019 Qolsys Summit when Qolsys announced both the IQ Hub and the IQ Router. The upcoming IQ Hub Alarm System should make top-quality home security accessible to more users than ever before. We also love the attached high-end speaker that turns the panel into a full-blown music player with the Alarm.com Sonos Integration.

October 1 - Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE Released

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is the successor to the Honeywell VISTA 21iP. This new wired panel supports special plug-in LTE communicators, such as the Honeywell LTE-21V, that can be used without disabling the panel's built-in IP communicator. This way, you can unlock dual-path connectivity for your Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE System with just a simple plug-in module.

October 4 - DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector

DSC released the new DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector, which is the replacement to the older DSC PG9916. The DSC PG9936 will work with any system that supports PowerG Sensors, including any version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and any DSC PowerSeries NEO w/ added wireless transceiver. The sensor supports one-go-all-go connectivity for PowerG Smokes.

October 15 - In-Wall Z-Wave Dimming Switches from GE

Alarm Grid began offering two (2) new in-wall Z-Wave dimming switches from GE. The unique aspect of these new in-wall dimmers is that neither one requires a neutral wire. The new GE Z-Wave Dimmers include the GE 14299 Z-Wave Plus Dimmer and the GE 45717 Z-Wave Classic Dimmer Switch. These switches make it easier for older homes to get started with smart lighting.

October 25 - Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

Alarm.com unveiled their new flagship outdoor camera with the ADC-V723. The ADC-V723 supports 1080p recording capabilities with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for clearer and more detailed video captures. Its 117° field of view allows the device to cover a larger area than other similar cameras. Alarm.com also later released their new flagship indoor camera, the ADC-V523.

October 29 - Alarm.com Smart Z-Wave Plus Water Valve

Another big release from Alarm.com was the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve. This Z-Wave Plus Water Valve is compatible with nearly any alarm panel that supports Z-Wave devices. The smart water valve is specifically designed for use with the Alarm.com Water Management Add-On Package that makes it super easy for Alarm.com users to monitor their water usage.

October 31 - New Alarm Grid Headquarter Sign

Alarm Grid celebrated the Halloween holiday by getting a new sign for its main headquarters. The workers putting up the sign did a great job, and we're thrilled with the end result. We're certainly proud of our office, and we are happy that we can help it stand out a little bit better. And of course, we want to thank our customers who helped make this possible.

November 1 - Alarm Grid Halloween Celebration

We also had quite the Halloween bash inside our office as well. We had some tasty treats, and we put up some fun decorations to get into the Halloween spirit. Some of our team members decided to dress up. Jarrett won our annual costume contest with his T-Rex costume. Congratulations Jarrett. We are hoping for an equally fun Halloween celebration next year in 2020.

November 13 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.2

Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2 Plus represents the latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. The update fixed various issues that affected the IQ Remote and certain PowerG Sensors when used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. We recommend upgrading to the newest available firmware as soon as possible for optimal system performance.

November 28 - Alarm Grid Thanksgiving

Alarm Grid team members had a nice Thanksgiving break in late November, as we all got to spend the holiday with loved ones and friends. Like always, we're grateful to our customers who help make all of this possible. We even made a special Happy Thanksgiving holiday video for everyone to watch. Please check it out when you have a chance!

December 20 - Reduced Pricing On IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits

Alarm Grid was able to reduce the prices on all of its Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits just in time for the holidays. This was thanks to a reduction in cost for the DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contacts, which are included in every kit. Our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits provide everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. We have 12 kits to choose from!

December 23 - Top 100 Most & Least Burgled US Cities

We capped off the year by presenting lists of the Top 100 Most and Least Burgled Cities in the United States. Homes without alarm systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with security systems. Additionally, 4 out of 5 convicted burglars admit to checking if a home has an alarm system before committing a burglary. You can view our full burglary infographic here.

We hope that you enjoyed keeping up with the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog in 2019, and we look forward to continuing in 2020. If you ever need to reach us for help or assistance, you can email support@alarmgrid.com or call (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Check our blog for holiday hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

With all the hustle and bustle of the recent holidays, it was impossible for us to do a video recap last week. In fact, we haven't done one in more than two weeks! But we're back now with some recent videos to check out. Here's the Alarm Grid video recap for December 17th thru 26th.

Batteries Used in the Resideo SiXCT Sensors

Jarrett explains how a Resideo SiXCT Sensor for a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System uses a single lithium 3V CR123A battery. This is also known as a camera battery. The SiXCT Sensors have an expected battery life of about five (5) years with standard usage. Eventually, the battery must be replaced with a new one. This process can be easily completed by the end user. The Lyric will show a low battery trouble condition for the associated wireless zone when a new battery is needed.

Range on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System

Jorge covers the wireless range for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The wireless range for the system depends on what type of device is communicating with the panel. The DSC PowerG Sensors can communicate with the IQ Panel 2 Plus from up to 2,000 feet away. Most legacy RF sensors will work from a maximum distance of 100 feet to 300 feet away depending on the sensor. A Z-Wave Plus device can communicate from up to 50 to 60 feet between signal hops.

Contents of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits

Jorge details all of the items that are included in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits from Alarm Grid. These kits include everything that is needed for monitoring service. Every kit includes a new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System, some door and window contact sensors, and a motion detecting sensor. The IQ Panel 2 Plus comes with a built-in cellular communicator, a desk stand, a transformer, a backup battery, and a power cable. As a result, those items are also included in a system kit.

Only One Battery Pack Can Be Used in a Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett teaches users how only one battery pack can be used in a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric only has one battery port available for a backup battery pack. And even if you could connect a second battery, then doing so would likely draw too much AC power from the panel and prevent it from working properly. The Lyric has two backup battery options available. These are the Honeywell LCP500-4B with up to 4 hours of backup, and the Honeywell LCP500-24B with up to 24 hours of backup.

It's back to work for the Alarm Grid team! We hope that all of you had a nice holiday and spent your time enjoying yourself with your loved ones. But now our office is back open, and we're ready to start taking calls, replying to emails, and shipping out your orders. It's back to the grind!

We have a couple more upcoming holiday hours/closures to be aware of. On Tuesday December 31st, we will be closing early at 6pm ET for New Year's Eve. Then on Wednesday January 1st, we will be closed all day for New Year's Day. We will re-open on Thursday January 2nd.

Remember that you can reach us via email at support@alarmgrid.com or by calling (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And don't forget about our holiday hours. We look forward to helping you for the rest of 2019 and into 2020 and beyond!

The holidays are now here, and we would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy Holiday season. This is truly one of the best times of the year, and we hope that everyone is in good company and enjoying themselves. Remember to make the most of this great season!

As our team is celebrating the holidays, our office will be closed all day Tuesday December 24th and Wednesday December 25th. During this time, we will not be answering phone calls or checking support emails. Also, there will be no new blog tomorrow, Wednesday December 25th. Our headquarters will resume normal operations Thursday December 26th.

We would also like to give advance notice of our New Year's hours. Our headquarters will be closing early at 6pm ET on Tuesday December 31st in observance of New Year's Eve. Our headquarters will be closed all day Wednesday January 1st in observance of New Year's Day.

If you need to reach us during any of these closures, please email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will respond as soon as we can once we return. Until then, please stay safe, and remember to arm your system if you go out. Have a Happy Holidays, and we'll be back on Thursday!

At Alarm Grid, we provide top-quality monitoring services for users throughout the United States. Obtaining a monitored security system is important no matter where you live, as crime can occur anywhere at any time. But there are some areas where protecting your home is even more crucial.

*Icons made by Nikita Golubev & Freepik from www.flaticon.com

With the unpredictable nature of burglaries, we urge everyone to protect their homes and keep their families and possessions safe. The best way to do this is by installing monitored security systems. This is even more important if you live in an area where burglaries occur more frequently.

To find out the areas where burglaries are most common, we constructed a list of burglaries per capita. Our methodology was simple. We used FBI crime data from 2018 and took the number of burglaries in a city and divided it by the city's population. We then multiplied that by 10,000 to get burglaries per 10,000 residents. Only cities with a population of 10,000 or higher were included in our list.

With that out of the way, here are the Top 100 US Cities for Burglaries Per Capita:

If you want to learn more about keeping your home and your family safe, we invite you to reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This post was done in conjunction with our Top 100 Least Burgled Cities in America list. You can download and use a unmodified version of our "100 most and least burgled cities in America" infographic as well.

For anyone still look for a super last-minute holiday gift idea, we would like to recommend one of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits. To make the deal more enticing, we have just permanently lowered the pricing on ALL of these kits. A fantastic system is now even more affordable!

If you don't know about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then we strongly recommend checking out our recent 2019 Holiday Buying Guide for the system. That guide will tell you everything you need to know about the system and how you can get the absolute most out of it. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is currently our favorite alarm panel at Alarm Grid, and the easiest way to get started with the system is with one of our complete system kits. Once you have a system kit, you can then easily and conveniently get started with our alarm monitoring service.

Before we start listing off pricing, it is important to understand what comes included in all of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Security System Kits. Each kit features a brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System, either ten (10) or three (3) DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contact Sensors, and one (1) DSC PG9914 Motion Detection Sensor. This is absolutely everything you need for a basic monitoring setup. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus even includes a transformer, backup battery, power cable, and table stand, so you will be all good to go right out of the box!

The reason why it is important that the sensors included in these kits are PowerG Sensors is because they offer some of the best wireless range and overall security in the entire industry. PowerG Sensors can communicate with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System from up to 2,000 feet away in an open air environment. These sensors utilize military-grade 128-bit AES encryption in all of their wireless communication. This makes them virtually impossible for others to hack or takeover wirelessly. And with the frequency signal hopping of PowerG, these sensors are all but immune to RF jamming attacks that could stop other sensors from working correctly.

When it comes to our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG System Kits, there are 12 total options to choose from. This comes from the fact that there are three (3) different versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, with each version having a different legacy daughtercard (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). You must also decide whether you want a 3-1 kit (3 PowerG Contacts & 1 PowerG Motion) or a 10-1 kit (10 PowerG Contacts & 1 PowerG Motion). And you have your choice as to whether you want the system's internal LTE cellular communicator to connect with the AT&T LTE Network or the Verizon LTE Network. Doing some simple math (3 x 2 x 2 = 12) shows how we arrive at 12 possible system kits.

The reason why the PowerG Kits were able to be reduced in price is because the DSC PG9303 PowerG Door/Window Contact was also reduced in price. This sensor is a staple in all of our Qolsys PowerG Kits, and it is now more affordable than ever. If you are just looking for a single DSC PG9303 to add to an existing system, you can now get one for the low price of $19.99. This can make an awesome stocking stuffer for anyone with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System looking to monitor an additional door, window, or even a cabinet.

Now that we have all the explaining out of the way, let's take a look at the brand-new reduced pricing for all 12 of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits!

If you have any questions about these kits, or any of the other products on our site, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Our support hours for responding to emails run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember our holiday hours. We will be closed Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, and Wednesday January 1st. Also keep in mind that our office will be closing early at 6pm ET on Tuesday December 31st. Have a great weekend and upcoming holiday season, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

There has been a lot of talk in the tech industry lately about security and privacy. With the rise of home security cameras and doorbell cameras, many users are worried about protecting their devices. Today, we're going to discuss how Alarm.com does its part to keep your devices secure.

Every Alarm.com account is protected by a unique username and password. And all sensitive communication with the Alarm.com servers is protected through strict authentication protocols and secure encrypted connections. Whenever your security system or cameras are communicating with Alarm.com, the information is sent across extremely secure encrypted servers. This makes it virtually impossible for others to obtain your sensitive information through malicious methods.

You may have heard talk of other security systems and video doorbells being "hacked" or maliciously accessed. These horror stories are something that will likely always be a factor in the highly advanced technology-based society we live in. As a user, it is important to stay on your toes and always be careful. But one thing you can rest assured about is that Alarm Grid and Alarm.com are on your side. We do everything we can to make sure that your information is protected and that your privacy is always maintained.

But you need to do your part as an end user as well. You must protect your Alarm.com account and stop others from gaining access. This is done by establishing a strong password for your account that includes a combination of numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters. A long password is always advised, and you should not share passwords across multiple websites or services. Additionally, you may want to change your password regularly for added security.

Alarm.com also offers two-factor authentication as another way to keep your account secure. If enabled on your account, you will get a text message with a secret code whenever you go to login to your account. You will need to provide this secret code in order to access your account. Although this takes extra time, it does go a long way towards securing your account. You can enable two-factor authentication for your Alarm.com account by logging into your Alarm.com account and accessing the Settings Menu. Then choose Login Information > Two Factor Authentication > choose Enabled. You will then need to provide your cellular info to receive a confirmation code.

You should also make sure to have your Alarm.com account monitored for any unexpected activity. By enabling this feature, Alarm.com will analyze the data of your system to learn your typical activity patterns. If any activity occurs outside of these normal patterns, then Alarm.com will send a text and/or email alert so that you are notified. This can be very useful if there is system activity that you do not recognize. Again, this feature will need to be enabled on your Alarm.com account for it to work. Please note that it takes 30 days of activity with Alarm.com to establish activity patterns. Alarm Grid provides this service at no additional charge for all customers with Alarm.com monitoring service. Please be aware that other monitoring companies may charge extra for this feature.

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you want us to enable certain features on your Alarm.com account, then please reach out to us! The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also email us if you are hoping to learn more about how Alarm.com keeps your account protected. Remember that our support hours for responding to emails run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Please note that our hours will differ for the upcoming holidays. We look forward to hearing from you!

It is now less than one week until Christmas, and the clock is ticking! If you are looking for some last minute gifts that will work in any home, then you're in luck! We have some awesome smart home stocking stuffers that are sure to be a big hit! Let's check out these gift ideas!

SkyBell Video Doorbell Camera

There are so many things to love about the SkyBell Video DoorBell Camera. It is crucial that you monitor the front of your home, especially with the recent trend of porch pirates stealing packages right off of doorsteps. The SkyBell is a high-quality 1080p video doorbell that you can use in a number of different ways. You can get alerts right to your phone when someone moves in front of your door or if someone rings the SkyBell. You can also have a live conversation with whoever is in front of your door for added convenience.

You do not need a security system or a monitoring plan to take advantage of SkyBell. It's possible to do everything from the free SkyBell App. SkyBell even offers free seven (7) day cloud storage so that you can save and review captured clips. However, you can still integrate your SkyBell device with an interactive automation platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com if you would like. This is great if you use one of these platforms for alarm monitoring service and you want to have your monitoring platform provide you alerts and notifications for your video doorbell as well. Just be aware that you will need a special version of the SkyBell if you intend to use it with Alarm.com.

Yale YRD256 Z-Wave Keyless Touchscreen Lock

If you haven't already gotten involved in the Z-Wave door lock craze, then the Yale YRD256 could be your ticket. This is a beautiful touchscreen lock that doesn't use a key. You will feel like you've entered the future every time you go to unlock your door. And with three (3) beautiful finish options to choose from, this lock can't be beat! It can store up to 25 different user codes, and it is easily powered using four (4) AA Alkaline batteries. There is also a port for a 9VDC battery charge if you ever need to get in when the lock has dead batteries.

Yale Locks like the YRD256 are known for their ability to easily pair with a Z-Wave network. As long as you have a functional Z-Wave controller, you will be able to pair a Yale YRD256 Z-Wave Lock. This controller can be any sort of hub, such as Samsung SmartThings, Vera, Wink 2, or even your alarm panel. Using your security system as a hub is great, as you will be able to take full advantage of an interactive platform like TC2 or ADC. You just need a monitoring plan that offers automation. Or if you prefer Apple HomeKit over Z-Wave, then you can get the HomeKit Version of the YRD256 instead. Just note that the HomeKit model is not compatible with Z-Wave communication.

Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting

Many users have praised Lutron Lighting Devices for their great versatility and simplicity. You don't need any existing hardware to get started with Lutron Lighting. You just need to get a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge and enroll your compatible Lutron Caseta devices. There are all sorts of devices in the Lutron Caseta lineup, including an in-wall neutral switch, an in-wall dimmer, a plug-in lamp module, and more. There are also various starter kits that include a bridge and some Lutron lighting devices. For example, our most complete starter kit is the Lutron Caseta Dual In-Wall Dimmer Kit.

Lutron is compatible with a diverse selection of smart platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google home, and IFTTT. And again, you don't need any special monitoring service plan to get started with Lutron. But you can still integrate Lutron devices in with your monitoring platform if you want to. Total Connect 2.0 users can do so using the IFTTT integration. And if you have Alarm.com, then you will want to make sure to get the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2, instead of the standard model linked above. You need a Lutron Caseta PRO Bridge if you want to integrate with Alarm.com!

Ask Us Questions!

Need help finding the perfect stocking stuffer for the tech lover in your family? You can always reach out to us for help! We can provide even further assistance if you let us know which security system is being used. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You are also welcome to call us at (888) 818- 7728.

Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Please also note our holiday hours. We will be closed Christmas Eve (December 24th), Christmas Day (December 25th), and New Year's Day (January 1st). Also, we will be closing at 6pm ET on New Year's Eve (December 31st). We look forward to hearing from you!

The 2GIG GC3e is one of the more interesting security system options for the 2019 holiday season. The system was just released earlier this year, and it comes from a strong manufacturer in 2GIG and Nortek. This buying guide will help whether you are considering the system or expanding upon one.

At first glance, the 2GIG GC3e is kind of an odd system to choose when considering the other options out there. It doesn't have the option for IP only monitoring like the Lyric, as Alarm.com requires you to activate a cellular communicator. It also doesn't offer as many features as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and it isn't as easy to program. Also unlike the IQ2+, the GC3e needs you to add a separate cellular communicator module. That's something else you will need to consider when buying this system. But beyond all of these downsides, the 2GIG GC3e really is one of the best panels on the market today. It has some great features, and its build-quality is second to none.

If you aren't already aware, the 2GIG GC3e is a wireless all-in-one system from 2GIG, which is owned by Nortek. The system offers support for up to 100 wireless zones, four (4) "Smart Area" partitions, integrated WIFI, built-in Z-Wave Plus, encrypted wireless sensor support, one-touch arming, capacitive touch buttons, and more. It is the successor to the successful 2GIG GC3 System, which has been used by countless homes and businesses alike. If you are familiar with 2GIG programming, or you don't need all of the flashy features of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then the 2GIG GC3e might be the system for you.

Building a 2GIG GC3e from Scratch

As we mentioned earlier, you will need an added cellular communicator if you intend on using a 2GIG GC3e System for alarm monitoring service. You have two main choices, which are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE). It is recommended that you just go with whichever service works better in your area, regardless of what you use for a personal smartphone. Choosing one over the other will not save you any money in monitoring expenses, as the cellular service charges are covered by your alarm company as part of your monitoring plan. If you decide to get monitoring service with Alarm Grid, then you will want a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Cellular-Only Plan. By choosing a Gold or Platinum Plan, you will be able to control your GC3e System remotely using the ultra-convenient Alarm.com platform app on your phone!

The easiest way to get started with a new 2GIG GC3e System, cellular communicator and all, is by purchasing a 2GIG System Kit from Alarm Grid. A new 2GIG GC3e System Kit will include a GC3e System, a cellular communicator, some sensors, and a Honeywell LT-Cable for powering the panel. We have kits with either the AT&T LTE Communicator or the Verizon LTE Communicator. You will also need to decide whether you want a 3-1 kit with three (3) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor, or a 10-1 kit with ten (10) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor.

In total, we have four (4) 2GIG GC3e Kits available. They are listed here:

• 2GIG GC3e AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e AT&T LTE 10-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e Verizon LTE 3-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e Verizon LTE 10-1 Kit

Sensors for New and Existing GC3e Systems

There are two (2) main categories of wireless sensors that you can use with a 2GIG GC3e System. These are non-encrypted 345 MHz sensors, and encrypted 2GIG Sensors. Both types work great with the system, and you can certainly mix the two! The encrypted sensors are good for preventing any wireless hacking or takeover attempts by savvy intruders. But the non-encrypted 345 MHz sensors have more options available, as the encrypted lineup was only released earlier this year.

The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Wireless Sensors are good for preventing wireless attacks that could cause non-encrypted sensors to not work properly. These brand-new sensors are designed exclusively for use with the 2GIG GC3e and its little brother, the 2GIG GC2e. The lineup is very small at this time, as we only have five (5) sensors available on our website. But the good news is that we hope to have several new sensors from this lineup available soon!

Here are the 2GIG eSeries Sensors that are available from Alarm Grid at the time of this writing:

• 2GIG DW10e Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG DW20e Recessed Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG PIR1e PIR Motion Sensor
• 2GIG GB1e Glass Break Sensor
• 2GIG KEY2e Key Fob

Of course, you will need to supplement these devices with 345 MHz sensors if you really want to broaden the capabilities of your 2GIG GC3e System. You can use both 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors, as well as various third-party 345 MHz sensors. For our discussion, we will focus on the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, but don't be afraid to look to the Honeywell 5800 Series for some extra devices!

The 2GIG 345 MHz lineup is quite robust, and it really has everything you need. What's great is that the lineup includes some rather unique sensors that you probably won't find elsewhere. We won't list every 2GIG 345 MHz Sensor here, but we will cover some of the more notable and the more interesting ones. Check them out:

• VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG DW30-345 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG FT6-345 Flood and Temperature Sensor
• 2GIG GNGRD Gun Trigger Lock Sensor
• 2GIG STVGRL1-345 Stove & Grill Guard

Accessories for Your GC3e

As we mentioned earlier, the 2GIG GC3e has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller for you to start adding Z-Wave devices. We recommend using certified Z-Wave Plus devices for optimal range and battery life, but you can use classic Z-Wave devices as well. By activating your GC3e System with Alarm.com you can control these devices from pretty much anywhere using your phone. You can also create smart scenes through Alarm.com to have your Z-Wave devices activate automatically based on a schedule or with predetermined system events.

There really are many Z-Wave devices to choose from, but here are just some of our favorites:

• GoControl WS15Z5-1 In-Wall Switch
• GoControl WD500Z5-1 In-Wall Dimmer
• GoControl WT00Z5-1 In-Wall 3-Way Switch
• GoControl PD300EMZ5-1 Plug-In Dimmer
• Danalock V3 Smart Lock
• Kwikset 888 SmartCode Deadbolt
• Yale YRD216 Push-Button Deadbolt
• Yale YRD256 Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt
• Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat
• Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve
• Linear GD00Z Smart Garage Door Controller

If you decide to sign up for a monitoring plan that includes video surveillance, such as an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan (Self or Full), then you will want to get some Alarm.com Security Cameras as well. Alarm.com has some great cameras to choose from, which gives your some nice options. Remember that you can view your cameras remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device. This is awesome if you want to take a look at what is going on in or around your home while you are away.

We won't list every Alarm.com Camera here, but we have three really good ones that you should make sure to check out:

• Alarm.com ADC-V523 Indoor 1080p HDR Camera
• Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor 1080p HDR Camera
• Alarm.com SkyBell ADC-VDB105 Slim Doorbell Camera

And there are certainly some extra accessories you can get for your 2GIG GC3e. If you are looking for a keypad, then we recommend the 2GIG SP1-GC3. This is a full-color touchscreen keypad that offers some great features like the ability to bypass zones, voice annunciation, home automation control, a 5-day weather forecast, and more. If you only need a basic secondary keypad, then you might also consider the 2GIG PAD1-345 Push-Button Keypad. Although this keypad is extremely simple, it is perfect if you just want to setup another spot in your business for arming and disarming.

Finally, there is a great desk mount for the 2GIG GC3e called the 2GIG CP-DESK. This is actually the same desk mount used with the other 2GIG Security Systems. It will keep the GC3e Panel nice and sturdy if you decide to not mount it to a wall. A desk mount like this is perfect if you want to avoid drilling holes in the wall and hard-mounting the panel. This is also ideal if you know that you may be moving sometime in the future, and you want to bring the system with you on your move!

We hope this buying guide helps you whether you are considering a new 2GIG GC3e, or expanding upon an existing panel. As always, you can email us with any questions at support@alarmgrid.com. We also invite you to call us at (888) 818-7728 to learn more about any of our products or our alarm monitoring services. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you!