Home Security Blog

Just in time for the holidays, Alarm.com has pulled through with their brand-new Alarm.com ADC-V523 Indoor Security Camera. This 1080p security camera uses High Dynamic Range to produce top-quality recordings with enhanced depth and luminosity. This is one hot camera for Alarm.com!

The ADC-V523 is the new premier indoor security camera from Alarm.com. It offers everything you could possibly want out of an Alarm.com Security Camera. This goes above and beyond a state-of-the-art recording quality. Its IR night vision of 15 feet makes it superb at capturing images in a dark environment. We also love its wide 117° viewing angle, which improves its coverage area.

Alarm.com also made the ADC-V523 Camera easy to use and install. You can conveniently connect it with a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI network, or you can use a wired ethernet connection. However, the camera CANNOT support power over ethernet (PoE) if you decide to use an ethernet connection. You must use the included power adapter for providing power. You will also appreciate the fact that the camera is compatible with Alarm.com Video Analytics, which offers you tremendous flexibility in setting up notifications regarding any activity. The camera can be permanently hard-mounted, or you can conveniently rest it on a sturdy table or desk.

We believe that the ADC-V523 can make a great holiday gift for anyone looking for a new Alarm.com Indoor Camera. If you are looking for an outdoor camera, then the ADC-V723 is a great option that offers the same top-quality recording capabilities as this new indoor model. You might also want to pair an Alarm.com ADC-SVR122 with these cameras so that you can set up a continuous 24 hour recording schedule!

Remember that you must have an Alarm.com Video Monitoring Plan to use this camera. This can include an Alarm.com Platinum Level Plan (Full or Self), or an Alarm Grid Video-Only Plan. If you aren't signed up for monitoring yet, you can email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 to get started. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! This is Part 2 of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Install Guide. Today, we will be focusing on a variety of topics, mostly arming the system, bypassing sensors, adjusting arming settings, Bluetooth disarming, adjusting user codes, the system messaging center, and panic buttons.

If you want to start from the beginning, you can find Part 1 of this series right here.

This install guide of ours is designed to follow the manual for the system. If you want to follow along with the manual for the system, then it is available here. Just keep in mind that the order in which we present information may be different from the manual. The processes shown here fully apply whether you are using an original Qolsys IQ Panel 2, or a newer Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Today, we will have two (2) videos to accompany this content. With that out of the way, let's begin!

Our Part 4 video focuses primarily on Arming/Disarming the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. When you arm your system, you are putting it into a secure state. Many Sensor Groups for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 are only active when the system is in an armed state. We recommend reviewing the Sensor Groups so that you know how different sensors will respond when the system is activated.

To keep things simple, you will generally use Arm Away when all occupants plan to be away from the premises. When the system is in this state, there should be nobody inside the building, and nobody should be around to activate Interior Sensors. If someone will still be inside the building, but you want to put the perimeter protection points into a secure state, then you can put the system into Arm Stay mode. This way, the system will not go into alarm if Interior Sensors are activated. However, the system will still respond to Perimeter Zones and Entry/Exit Zones.

You will also likely want to adjust the various arming settings for your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. There is an entire menu in system settings for this purpose. You may also want to adjust your Entry Delays and Exit Delays. In the simplest terms, Entry Delay is how long you have to disarm the system after activating an Entry/Exit Zone before an alarm will occur. Exit Delay is how long you have to vacate the premises when Arming Away before the arming setting will go into effect. Once the Arm Away setting has gone into effect, then activating an Entry/Exit Zone will trigger the Entry Delay countdown, and you will need to disarm within that time period. It is also important to understand that there are both Normal Entry/Exit Delays and Long Entry/Exit Delays. The Long Entry/Exit Delays are important to adjust if you are using any zones with Sensor Group 12 - Entry/Exit - Long Delay. Use this zone type for a door that you may sometimes use to enter or exit but that is further from the system, and so requires a longer delay period. If you do not have any zones like this, then the Long Entry/Exit Delays are irrelevant.

One convenient feature for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is automatic Bluetooth disarming. If enabled, this will have the system automatically disarm when you bring your phone within Bluetooth range of the system. The way that this works is that the system expects you to bring your phone with you when you arm the system and leave for the day. When you return later on, you will bring your phone back with you. The system will automatically receive the Bluetooth signal from your phone, and it will disarm without you needing to enter a code. Remember, this feature only works if you enable it. This will require you to program your phone with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System as a Bluetooth device. You will also want to make sure you adjust the Bluetooth settings for the panel accordingly.

Our Part 5 video covers some miscellaneous tips for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Specifically, we cover system codes, the messaging center, and system panic buttons. Setting up user codes is something you will likely do if someone new is now using the panel, and they need their own code. Likewise, you may want to delete a code if someone is no longer permitted to use your system. At the very least, you should change the system Master Code (also called Admin) away from its default of 1234. Keeping this code at 1234 is a major security risk!

The messaging center for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is a great way to see if any events occurred on your system while you were away. These events can include things like someone making an incorrect code entry, a system trouble that occurred, an alarm on the system, and so much more. You can conveniently access this section right from the main screen of your IQ Panel 2. If you see that your messaging center has a notification, then you should check it as soon as you can so that you can see what occurred on your system. Once you "acknowledge" the notifications, the messages will clear.

Lastly, there is a section of the main screen of the IQ Panel 2 where you can trigger emergency panics. These include Police Panics, Fire Alarms, and Auxiliary Medical Panics. Additionally, you can activate Police and Medical Panics as "silent" so that no audible siren occurs when the alarm is triggered. Keep in mind that these panics are really only useful if you have your IQ Panel 2 monitored with central station monitoring service. The central station will receive the incoming alert and know to take action immediately. If you only have self-monitoring service, then a notification for the alarm will still be sent to you via text and/or email notification. But if you already knowingly triggered one of the system panic buttons, then that isn't very useful. However, for users with central station service, these panic buttons can be a quick and easy way to get help during an emergency.

We hope that these videos help you get started with your new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System! Remember, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any further questions or if you need further assistance. Our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

With the holiday season quickly approaching us, we thought it was a good time to present some holiday buying guides for various security systems. Today, we are focusing on the Honeywell Lyric. This guide will help whether you are considering a new Lyric or adding upon an existing one.

The Honeywell Lyric is currently the flagship all-in-one wireless security system from Resideo. It has been one of the most highly regarded alarm systems for the past few years for several reasons. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, making it suitable for applications big and small. It has a built-in Z-Wave controller, and you can pair up to 72 Z-Wave devices for home automation purposes. The Lyric is also one of the very few alarm panels that can support Apple HomeKit, making it perfect for iOS users looking to expand upon their HomeKit Network. In fact, we believe that the Lyric is the top HomeKit Security System on the market at this time.

The other major appeal of the Lyric is the fact that it can technically be monitored using an IP only communication path. This is because it connects with AlarmNet360 and the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Unlike most other monitoring platforms like Alarm.com which require cellular connectivity, Resideo allows IP only monitoring for panels connected with TC2. The Lyric has a built-in WIFI card, so you can connect with a local network right out of the box. Although we always recommend cellular communication for optimal reliability, we do understand that many users will want to use IP only service as a cost-cutting measure. Additionally, you can always add a cellular communicator to the Lyric System if you decide that you want to go cellular later on. Both the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V (Verizon LTE) are great options.

Building a Lyric System from Scratch

For new users starting from scratch, the best option is typically to buy a complete Honeywell Lyric Security System Kit. This will include everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. Whether you plan to use IP only monitoring service, or you intend on setting up cellular service, there is a perfect kit for you. For those planning to go IP only, no cellular communicator is needed, and you should choose a kit labeled "WIFI Only". If you intend to use the system for cellular monitoring, then both AT&T and Verizon system kits are available. Whether you go with a 3-1 kit (3 contacts and 1 motion) or a 10-1 kit (10 contacts and 1 motion) should depend on the size of the building you are monitoring. You will need more contacts to cover more doors and windows.

We recommend going through the Lyric System Kit Page linked above and finding the perfect Lyric Kit for your needs. In addition to the system, sensors, and optional communicator, you will also get a Honeywell LT-Cable with every kit. This makes it super easy to get the system up and running without having to prepare any standard alarm wiring.

Sensors for New and Existing Lyric Systems

One of the best aspects of the Lyric is that it has one of the most diverse and complete lineup of supported sensors in the entire security industry. Resideo created a sensor lineup designed exclusively for their Lyric System in the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors. These powerful sensors offer an impressive communication range of up to 300 feet indoors and 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless protection. The lineup includes the following products:

• SiXCT Door/Window Contact
• SiXMINICT Mini Door/Window Contact
• SiXPIR Motion Sensor
• SiXGB Glass Break Detector
• SiXSMOKE Smoke Detector
• SiXCOMBO Combination Smoke/CO Detector
• SiXSIREN Wireless Siren
• SiXFOB Wireless Key Fob

With this great lineup, you can achieve a total and complete Lyric Security System by only using SiX Series devices. And for most Lyric users, that is the best option. But these are not the only sensors you can use with the Lyric System. The Lyric is also compatible with nearly any uni-directional 345 MHz sensor, which includes most devices from the Honeywell 5800 Series and the 2GIG 345 MHz lineup. Additionally, these lineups are both a little more fleshed out than the SiX lineup. There are certain sensor types (e.g. outdoor sensors) where you will need to turn to one of these product lineups.

Many users will also supplement their SiX Series devices with Honeywell 5800 Sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors as a cost-saving measure. These 345 MHz sensors will work just as well as the SiX Series devices on the Lyric. The only difference is that the 345 MHz sensors will not utilize any encryption, making them more susceptible to wireless attacks. The Lyric does have protection against 345 MHz RF jamming, but it can offer some users better peace of mind to know that their wireless sensors are encrypted. But if you are comfortable using non-encrypted wireless devices, then 345 MHz sensors can save you a lot of money when designing your Lyric System.

Some of our favorite Honeywell and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors for use with the Lyric include:

• VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Contact
• 2GIG DW20R Recessed Door/Window Contact
• Honeywell 5816OD Outdoor Door/Window Contact
• Honeywell 5800PIR-OD Outdoor Motion Sensor
• Optex FTN-RRHW Outdoor Motion Sensor
• Honeywell 5822T Garage Tilt Sensor

Other Accessories for Your Lyric

We have already covered the sensors you will use with your Lyric System. However, there are still other devices you may want to add to your setup. The biggest attraction are Z-Wave devices like lights, door locks, and smart thermostats. One admitted weakness of the Lyric is that its automation controller is only a standard Z-Wave controller. The Lyric does not offer a Z-Wave Plus controller, and Lyric users cannot take advantage of the extended range and increased battery life of Z-Wave Plus. You can still use Z-Wave Plus devices with the Lyric System, but they will only offer the functionality of classic Z-Wave peripherals.

With that limitation in mind, you can still use the Lyric as a perfectly capable smart home automation hub. You can even pair the system as a secondary controller to other automation hubs (e.g. Samsung SmartThings) for added flexibility in your smart home. Nearly any Z-Wave automation device can be used with the system, so feel free to explore your options. We have plenty of devices on our website. Just remember that the Lyric System cannot support Z-Wave security devices. The Lyric Z-Wave controller is for automation purposes only. Alarm Grid does not sell Z-Wave security sensors on its website.

If you want to use your Lyric to control your garage door, then you will want to invest in a Honeywell 5877GDPK. This kit includes everything you need to get started with garage door operation for your Lyric System. Inside the kit there is a Honeywell 5877 Z-Wave Garage Door Relay, a Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor, and a FortrezZ Z-Wave Siren/Strobe. You can purchase these items separately, but this convenient kit makes things easier.

The Lyric has only one compatible wireless keypad option, which is the Honeywell LKP500. This is a fairly standard push-button keypad with an LCD screen. You might also consider getting a cheap tablet and mounting it to the wall and using that as a keypad. You can download the Honeywell My Home Controller App to the tablet and essentially make the device a permanently mounted touchscreen keypad for your Lyric.

Lastly, you might want to get a desk mount for your Lyric System. This will eliminate the need for mounting the panel to the wall. Desk mounts are great for people living in apartments or rental homes, as well as users who simply do not want to drill holes. Using a desk mount sure beats laying the system flat on a counter! The Lyric Desk Mount is called the Honeywell LCP500-DK. There is also a desk mount for the Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Keypad called the Honeywell LKP500-DK.

Ask Us Questions!

Don't be afraid to reach out to us at Alarm Grid if you have any questions about the Lyric, or if you need any help choosing a system and accessories. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also reach us over the phone at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

It's time for the much-anticipated Alarm Grid video recap! Our video team made four (4) new videos last week. Most of them feature Jorge, but our ever helpful pal Jarrett snuck in and did one as well! We hope you find these videos helpful. Here's the recap for December 4th thru 6th.

Connecting to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with an iPad

Jorge shows you how to control a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus using an iPad through Alarm.com. In order to do this, you will need to gain access to Alarm.com by signing up for a compatible monitoring plan. Once you have accessed Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check its current status, control Z-Wave devices, activate smart scenes, and so much more. You can also do this from your phone by using the Alarm.com Mobile App!

Installing the Resideo LTE-IV on a VISTA P-Series System

Jarrett spends 27 minutes installing the Resideo LTE-IV onto a VISTA Series Panel. The Resideo LTE-IV is great, as it provides fast and reliable monitoring service for a VISTA System through the Verizon LTE Network. You will also be able to control your system through Total Connect 2.0. This is a super convenient platform that allows you to arm and disarm and check system status from pretty much anywhere using an app on your phone. How cool is that?

Adding an IQ Motion to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge teaches you how to enroll an IQ Motion Sensor to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. This is a 319.5 MHz wireless motion sensor that offers a coverage area of 30 feet by 40 feet. It can communicate with the panel from up to 600 feet away. This gives you great flexibility in choosing a mounting location. The motion sensor also offers pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 40 pounds. Remember to test the motion sensor after installing!

Connecting My Qolsys IQ Panel 2 to WIFI

Jorge explains how to connect the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System to a WIFI network. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 uses WIFI as one of its communication paths for connecting with the Alarm.com Servers. The great thing about WIFI is that it is generally very fast and pretty reliable as well. You can conveniently pair it with a 2.4 GHz or a 5 GHz WIFI network. Just remember that you will also need to activate the cellular communicator, per Alarm.com requirements.

According to FBI data, United States property crime has declined for the 16th consecutive year. Estimates show that property crime declined 6.3% in 2018 when compared with 2017. One likely contributor to this trend is the increased usage of security systems in homes and businesses.

Every year, the FBI releases an annual crime report titled Crime In The United States. This report outlines statistics, including some that are of great interest to us as an alarm monitoring company. These mostly include property crimes such as burglary, larceny-theft, and arson. It should be noted that while the FBI classifies arson as a property crime, it does not provide estimates for arson data. This is largely due to the varying levels of participation in reporting arson by different agencies.

The FBI defines burglary as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit felony or theft. Larceny-theft is identified as the unlawful taking of another person's property, with the intention to deprive the rightful owner of said property. Arson is defined as any willful or malicious burning or attempting to burn, with or without the intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Based on the data presented from the 2018 edition of Crime In The United States, an estimated 7,196,045 property crimes occurred in the United States in 2018. This represents a 6.3% decline when compared with the estimate from 2017. Looking further back, property crime in the United States is down 22.9% when comparing the 2018 estimate with the 2009 estimate.

The estimate for 2018 shows that property crime occurred at a rate of just under 22 property crimes for every 1,000 inhabitants. This represents a 6.9% decrease when compared with the estimate from 2017. The estimated 2018 property crime rate is down 14.6% from the 2014 estimate, and down 27.7% from the 2009 estimate.

When considering 2018 property crimes, larceny-theft represented 72.5% of these crimes. Burglaries represented 17.1%. Motor vehicle theft represented 10.4%. The FBI estimates that 2018 property crimes resulted in estimated losses of $16.4 billion. Remember that arson data is not considered in these statistics.

While it is impossible to fully pinpoint the estimated decline in property crimes to any one particular cause or reason, we like to think that the increased usage of alarm systems has at least played some factor. The FBI estimates that burglars are 2.7 times more likely to attempt to enter a home or business if they believe that no alarm system is in place. With more and more homes and businesses using security systems, many burglars are being scared-off from attempting crimes.

It has never been easier to get started with home security and alarm monitoring service. And by installing your own system, you can save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars in startup expenses. You can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you need any help or direction in getting started. Remember that we are here from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you and your family stay protected!

Actress Anna Faris, known for her comedic roles, suffered from a not-so-funny incident over the recent Thanksgiving Holiday. The actress and 12 members of her family were the victims of a carbon monoxide (CO) gas incident. The incident occurred in a North Lake Tahoe cabin they were renting.

A representative from the North Tahoe Fire Protection District stated that the vacation cabin had carbon monoxide levels as high as 55 parts per million (ppm). Long-term indoor exposure should be no higher than 15 ppm. The structure did not have any carbon monoxide sensors installed to indicate such danger. Nevada state law requires CO alarms in all family dwellings.

Thankfully, Anna Faris and her family are okay following the incident. However, two of her family members visited the local emergency room. Doctors diagnosed them with CO poisoning, and they were perfectly fine after receiving some care. Firefighters from the North Tahoe FD immediately rushed to the cabin and saved Ms. Faris and her accompanying family shortly thereafter.

According to North Lake Tahoe Fire Official Erin Holland, the CO levels indicated inside the building would have caused a "fatality in a short period of time" had the rescue team not intervened. Faris made sure to send her sincere gratitude to the North Tahoe FD following the incident.

We have spoken about the dangers of carbon monoxide gas many times on the Alarm Grid blog. The odorless and tasteless gas kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. If it weren't for the quick work of local firefighters, a talented actress and her family may have fallen victim as well. They are lucky to be alive, and the rescue team deserves praise for the fact that any exposure was kept as minimal as possible.

As you know by now, it is crucial to have carbon monoxide sensors installed in your home. Ideally, you should have CO detectors enrolled with your security system. By pairing these devices with a system that has active monitoring service, you and/or a central station can receive alerts regarding any of your CO sensors that activate while you are away.

If your home has hardwired high-voltage CO sensors (as is required in most jurisdictions), you can indirectly integrate these devices with your alarm system using a wireless takeover listening module. We offer variants for 345 MHz, and 433 MHz wireless alarm systems. And if you don't have hardwired CO detectors in your home, then we sell plenty of standalone units that pair directly with alarm panels like any other sensor.

When traveling, make sure that all on-site CO sensors and smoke detectors are working properly. If you have any doubts, ask the building operators to perform a test. This is a reasonable request that any property manager should be able to accommodate. Please note that we ARE NOT suggesting that you bring canned CO gas or canned smoke on an airplane for testing purposes. That could get you into a lot of trouble. Make arrangements for on-site testing, without bringing your own supplies.

It may also be a good idea to buy a cheap conventional battery-operated carbon monoxide sensor when you get to your vacation site. It may turn out that the place you visit does not have CO detectors. This was the case with Anna Faris and her family. We do not sell standalone battery-operated CO detectors on our website. But you can get most models between $10 and $20 from most department and hardware stores. Some models will even show you the detected parts per million for CO gas! If you are staying in a larger property, you may want to obtain multiple sensors.

Remember that our goal at Alarm Grid is to keep you and your loved ones safe. If you ever need help choosing a carbon monoxide sensor for your system, or if you would like to learn more about how we can monitor your home, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You are also invited to call us at (888) 818-7728 during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Preventing false alarms is now even more important in Memphis, TN. The city council has recently approved new rules that mandate increased fines for violations. The new policy goes into effect January 1, 2020, and it is very important for anyone using a security system in Memphis.

Alarm permits are required in Memphis, TN. The cost to obtain an alarm permit for residential users is $30. For commercial use, the cost is $60. Each alarm permit must be renewed annually. The cost for renewal is $10 for residential users, and $25 for business users. The new policy states that end users must renew alarm permits themselves. Alarm monitoring companies are no longer permitted to renew permits on the behalf of end users.

According to the new policy, anyone with a proper alarm permit who causes a false alarm will receive a warning for the first offense. Every second and subsequent false alarm will result in a $140 fine. Anyone who causes a false alarm without a permit will be required to pay the $140 fine, in addition to alarm permit fees and a $20 processing fee. This means that homeowners without a permit can pay up to $190 for an offense, while business owners without a permit can face fines of up to $220.

It is important to note that most security system users are fully compliant in preventing false alarms. The reality is that false alarms are only caused by a small fraction of end users. According to the Memphis Metro Alarm Office, only about 15% of the city's alarm permit holders have been cited for a false alarm. Roughly 83,000 active alarm permits are on file, and fewer than 13,000 of these permit holders have ever been cited.

Alarm Grid covered Tennessee false alarm policies last May when it was announced that monitoring companies are no longer held responsible for permits, renewals, and false alarms. Instead, it is now the responsibility of end users to pay for alarm permits and to cover the costs of any false alarms. These policies went into effect June 19, 2019. Thanks to these changes, it has become easier for us to provide top-quality monitoring service to customers in Tennessee. But it is important for customers to realize that false alarm prevention is still a major concern in this industry.

One of our goals at Alarm Grid is to empower end users and make sure that they understand how their systems work. We want to prevent false alarms and cause as little inconvenience to end users and their local police departments as possible. As an end user, you need to do your part as well. Some good practices to prevent false alarms include setting proper Entry and Exit Delays, enabling Alarm Report Delay (if necessary), and using Arm-Confirm features. We also offer a selection of alarm panels that are compliant with standards presented by the Security Industry Association (SIA) for preventing false alarms.

If you have central station monitoring service from Alarm Grid, then we want to work with you to prevent false alarms. You are always welcome to email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions or concerns about false alarm prevention. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We also invite you to call or email us if you are interested in starting new monitoring service with Alarm Grid. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are now in the month of December, and 2019 is quickly approaching its end. Now is the time to start preparing for the winter ahead. We have products that are perfect for the winter, including freeze sensors, flood sensors, and doorbell cameras. Make sure you and your family are ready!

Whether you love it or hate it, you likely know what winter brings for most of the country. There will likely be some cold weather and snow. The holiday season will also be happening soon, and presents will be sent out. Although Alarm Grid doesn't have anything to help you shovel your driveway or defrost your car windshield, we do have some important accessories that will help ensure that your winter season is a good one.

Today, we have three product categories that we would like to discuss. Making sure that you have these devices set up and running is very important for the winter season. Let's check them out!

Freeze Sensors

When it gets cold out, you will definitely want to have some temperature sensors or freeze sensors ready to go. These devices alert your system when the temperature drops to an unusually low level because of a broken HVAC system. Most temperature sensors can detect both unusually high and low temperatures, so they are also good for the summer months.

These devices will usually activate around 40°F. This is high enough above freezing so that you will have time to take action, but still way lower than you would ever keep your home. Total Connect 2.0 can even send you alerts regarding an activated freeze sensor. Alarm.com users can get similar alerts using a Z-Wave thermostat.

Flood Sensors

You might not think of flooding during the winter months. But many house floods occur when snow melts, and the water needs some place to go. You can use flood sensors to detect water leaks before they result in serious damage. Many temperature sensors also double as flood sensors, so you certainly have many environmental sensors to choose from!

The typical flood sensor uses a probe and will activate upon detecting a very small amount of water. This is important for ensuring that you are alerted before a water leak develops into a serious problem. And interactive platforms like Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com can send you alerts for activated flood sensors.

Doorbell Cameras

Amazon is going to be busier than ever this holiday season delivering packages across the country. With packages being delivered faster than ever, package thieves are becoming a serious concern. Stolen presents won't lead to a merry holiday season, especially if you don't have any evidence of the crime. This is why you should definitely install a doorbell camera.

By using footage from a doorbell camera, you can catch any package thief red-handed. These devices are also great for checking who is at your door from your phone, without having to get up. After all, it might be a delivery, or it might just be some annoying solicitor. Most doorbell cameras will support a mobile app that you can use to check the live feed from anywhere. The SkyBell Cameras sold on our website are perfect for this!

We're Here to Help!

Need help choosing the perfect items for your home? Alarm Grid is here to help. We are happy to discuss our services and find the perfect products for your needs. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you this winter season and beyond!

Hey Alarm Grid fans! We're here with another video recap! Our video team worked with Jorge last week to put together three (3) new videos before the Thanksgiving break. This time Qolsys equipment is featured. Let's check out the newest instructional videos from Jorge and Alarm Grid.

What is the Qolsys Hardwire 16-S?

Jorge provides an overview of the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. This is a wired to wireless converter that works with wireless security systems that operate at 319.5 MHz. You connect hardwired sensors to the IQ Hardwire 16-S module so that the module can send wireless signals to the panel on their behalf. This is great for using hardwired sensors with a system that otherwise wouldn't support them. A great system to use with the IQ Hardwire 16-S is the original IQ Panel 2. You can also use it with an IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ 319.5 MHz daughtercard.

Overview: The Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Jorge teaches users about the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. This wired to wireless converter is just like the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S, except that the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F adds the ability to support 2-wire smoke detectors at Zone 16. This is a great feature, as most wired to wireless converters will not support life-safety sensors. When the IQ Hardwire 16-F is used with a compatible IQ Panel 2 System, the panel will know to send a reset signal to the converter when a fire alarm is cleared. This will reset the smoke detector and stop it from sounding.

Programming a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Alarm System

Jorge covers the process for programming a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is known for being one of the easiest systems to program. It is ideal for DIYers and people who are new to alarm monitoring. Wireless sensors can be auto-enrolled to the 128 available wireless zones on the panel. The menus are very simple to navigate using the panel's 7-inch touchscreen controller. And if you are using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you can use PowerG Sensors. These sensors offer some of the best range and security in the industry!

Alarm Grid would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you spend the holiday in a happy environment with loved ones. Make sure to stay safe if you plan to travel. Remember to arm your security system, lock your doors, and have your security yard sign nice and visible!

Of course, our team gets to celebrate the holiday too! That is why the Alarm Grid Headquarters will be closed Thursday November 28th, 2019. We will not be answering phones, processing orders, or checking emails during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Our technicians and shipping team will be back to work tomorrow, Friday November 29th, 2019. You can reach out to us then if you need anything. However, our content department (including myself) decided to take tomorrow off. With that in mind, don't expect a new blog post until next Monday December 2nd, 2019. We know, it's very difficult to go without an Alarm Grid blog post for the day. We're sorry!

To make up for it, please check out this Thanksgiving video, from us to you:

If you need to reach Alarm Grid for any reason while we're away on holiday, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will do our very best to reply to your email as soon as possible on Friday once we return. And make sure to check this page on Monday for our next post!

Again, have a Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the comfort of your family and friends, and we'll be back soon!