Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! Today, we are happy to unveil the Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE. This is the newest hardwired system from the VISTA Series by Resideo, and it is essentially replacing the existing VISTA-21iP System. The big addition is its ability to support special plug-in LTE communicators.

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is actually the same as a VISTA-21iP System, except that the 21iPLTE board has been upgraded to support new plug-in LTE communicators. This includes the Honeywell Home LTE-21V with Verizon LTE (available now).

This new plug-in module is just like the older Honeywell VISTA-GSM4G Communicator, which is conveniently plugged into the VISTA-21iP board. The only difference is that the LTE-21V supports LTE connectivity. This is important for anyone looking to use cellular communication with a security system.

The reason you want to use an LTE communicator with your alarm system is that it offers superior speed and reliability when compared with older 3G and CDMA networks. Also, these older networks are in the process of being shut down. By going with LTE, you are providing a long-term solution for your panel.

Just like the existing VISTA-21iP, the new VISTA-21iPLTE has a built-in IP communicator, which is basically the equivalent of a Honeywell 7847i Communicator. Even if you don't add a cell module to the VISTA-21iPLTE, you will still be able to connect it with AlarmNet for IP monitoring and access to Total Connect 2.0.

But, adding a cellular communicator is very important for dealing with internet outages. If the internet goes out and you don't have a cellular backup, then your 21iPLTE will lose connectivity with the AlarmNet360 Servers. Maintaining this connection is necessary for properly utilizing any monitoring service. This makes cellular backup crucial!

By connecting your VISTA-21iPLTE Panel with AlarmNet360, you will also be able to control your system through Total Connect 2.0. This is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that you can access from nearly anywhere using your phone. Make sure you choose a monitoring plan with TC2 service!

If you plan to use cellular communication with your VISTA-21iPLTE and Alarm Grid, then you will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). This is needed to activate the cellular radio and connect it with AlarmNet360. You can find more information about all our monitoring plans on our monitoring page.

Once you have access to Total Connect 2.0, you will be able to control your 21iPLTE System from any location with network access. You can use Total Connect 2.0 to arm and disarm, check current system status, control Z-Wave devices (controller required), view IP cameras (video monitoring required), and so much more!

As far as functionality is concerned, the VISTA-21iPLTE is just like like a VISTA-21iP. Other than the added support for the LTE-21V, they are the same panel. As a result, almost any specification that applies to the VISTA-21iP also applies to the VISTA-21iPLTE.

The VISTA-21iPLTE is capable of supporting up to 64 total zones. However, you can only use eight (8) hardwired zones out of the box. To use additional wired zones, you will need to add Honeywell 4219 Expansion Modules. To use wireless sensors, you will need a wireless receiver, such as the 6160RF Keypad.

By adding up to five (5) 4219 Expansion Modules, you can use up to 48 hardwired zones on the VISTA-21iPLTE. Keep in mind that Zones 2 through 8 support zone doubling. Zone 1 is a special zone for use with 2-wire smokes. That is why it does not support zone doubling, although it can be used as a burglary or environmental zone if 2-wire smokes are not needed. You can have up to 16 2-wire smokes on the zone.

Adding a compatible wireless receiver will let you use wireless 345 MHz sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series. A standard wireless receiver will only support uni-directional (one-way) devices. But a wireless transceiver like the 6160RF will also let you use bi-directional devices. Up to 56 wireless zones can be used. The number of available wireless zones depends on the number of wired expansion zones being used.

It is important to keep in mind that the total number of zones (wired and wireless) can never exceed 64. Additionally, zones 49 through 64 on a VISTA-21iPLTE are designated as key fob zones. But you can use these zones with any wireless sensor, as long as you have a wireless receiver added.

There are also some other accessories you can add to a VISTA-21iPLTE System. First and foremost, you will want a keypad for controlling the system. As stated earlier, the Honeywell 6160RF is a great option. If you don't plan to use wireless sensors, then the standard Honeywell 6160 will work just as well.

You might also consider getting a touchscreen keypad for the system. These can be easier to use than push-button keypads. But just remember that only push-button keypads can backdoor into programming. The new Honeywell 6290W is a great option. Or you could go with the Tuxedo Touch which will also add Z-Wave functionality.

There are limits to the number of keypads you can use with the system. Up to eight (8) push-button keypads can be added. Touchscreen keypads count as AUI devices, and the VISTA-21iPLTE will only support a max of four (4) of these. Keep in mind that the Total Connect 2.0 service also counts as an AUI device!

Speaking of Z-Wave, a Z-Wave controller is needed if you want to use Z-Wave devices with the system. Adding a Tuxedo Touch is a great way to add Z-Wave capabilities. If you already have a keypad, then the standalone Honeywell VAM was an option, but it has recently been discontinued. Remember, you can control all Z-Wave devices through TC2.

Lastly, the system comes with its own transformer for supplying power. You will still need to supply a backup battery like the UltraTech IM-1250F1. Power cabling is not included with the VISTA-21iPLTE system, so you must add your own. We recommend using 18-gauge wiring, or even better, a Honeywell LT-Cable.

We would also like to mention that the VISTA-21iPLTE supports two (2) partitions, along with a third common partition. It also supports other miscellaneous features like Quick Arming, Scheduling, up to 48 unique user codes, 100-event event log, two (2) low-current trigger outputs, chime functionality, and more.

The VISTA-21iPLTE System and the LTE-21V LTE Communicator are both available for purchase now from the Alarm Grid website. This system is great for anyone looking for a simple, yet effective hardwired panel. It will certainly serve as a long-lasting addition to your home or business and help keep you safe.

If you have any questions about the system, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are 9 am to 8 pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're here with another video recap. We put out four (4) videos last week, all on September 27th. There is one video apiece from Jorge, Joe and Jarrett. I even rolled up my sleeves and did a video! Let's check out the newest instructional videos from the Alarm Grid Video Team!

Programming the VISTA-21iP To Use IP Only

Jorge explains how to make the Honeywell VISTA-21iP System use IP communication only. The VISTA-21iP has a built-in IP communicator for this purpose. In order to program the system for IP-only communication, you will need to enter programming using the system's Installer Code. Remember that the default Installer Code is 4112. Keep in mind that an internet outage will take your system offline if you do not have cellular backup. For that reason, you might want to consider getting a dual-path communicator for the system.

Enrolling the DSC PowerG PG9312 to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

I show you how to program a DSC PowerG PG9312 Outdoor Contact to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This sensor will work with any version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, as long as the system is running Firmware Version 2.4.0 or higher. As an outdoor contact, this sensor is perfect for use on fences, gates, barn doors, and outdoor patio doors. One of its best features is its extra wide magnet spacing gap of up to 1.75 inches.

The Keypad Tamper Lockout Feature on the Lyric Security System

Joe discusses the keypad tamper lockout feature on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. This feature goes into effect if thirty (30) numeric keys are entered within a 15 minute period, without ever entering a valid code. Pressing any numeric key while the system is in its lockout mode will result in a long error tone. Honeywell designed this feature to prevent brute force entry into the Lyric System. The only way to disarm the system in this mode is to use a key fob or Total Connect 2.0.

Using a Honeywell Z-Wave Thermostat with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Everyone's favorite Alarm Grid Technician Jarrett shows off using a Honeywell Z-Wave Thermostat with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Since, the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports Z-Wave devices, you can really use any Z-Wave thermostat with the system. By enrolling a Z-Wave thermostat with the system, you will be able to control it from the panel and from Alarm.com. You can access the Alarm.com service using a web browser or remotely through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Remember that you will need a monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com!

Hi DIYers! Last week, we sent a small team to Silicon Valley, California to check out the 2019 Qolsys Summit. Needless to say, we were absolutely blown away with what Qolsys will soon be offering. Today, we would like to focus on some of their new industry-changing products in the pipeline.

The biggest highlight of the Qolsys Summit was the opportunity to check out the newest upcoming panel from the company, the Qolsys IQ Hub. The IQ Hub represents the vision of Qolsys to bring home security closer and more accessible to the average consumer than ever before. This is truly the optimal system for any budget-conscious consumer who wants to bring state-of-the-art security and technology into their home. It is slated for a Q1 2020 release.

We do not have all the details on the Qolsys IQ Hub quite yet. But there is still a lot that we can talk about. The most obvious addition to the Qolsys IQ Hub is its prominent speaker on the front. Qolsys is expected to introduce some mind-blowing integrations for the system that will turn your alarm control panel into a compact entertainment center.

Remember that Alarm.com already offers an excellent Sonos integration. We are sure that the IQ Hub will take full advantage of this feature and truly put it to great use. Our team did get a chance to test the IQ Hub sound quality, and we can confirm it sounds just as good as any high-end portable speaker. This is highly impressive, and we expect many users to be thrilled that their alarm system can now essentially double as a party-starter.

The next aspect you will likely notice about the IQ Hub is its standout display screen. This is a 7" touchscreen display that appears to have even higher resolution than any existing security system on the market. We do not have the exact specifications on the screen just yet, but it certainly passes the eyeball test. And as you can see from the photo above, the slideshow feature returns. Get ready to show-off some of your best photos on the Qolsys IQ Hub!

As we mentioned earlier, Qolsys seems to be envisioning the IQ Hub as a way to make the home security market more accessible to the average consumer. The new system is not expected to replace the existing Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, but it is anticipated to have a lower price point. We also expect many existing features to return to the IQ Hub, including built-in WIFI, Bluetooth connectivity, cellular LTE, and Z-Wave Plus functionality.

One thing that will not be returning to the IQ Hub is support for legacy sensors (e.g. 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz devices). The new system will be entirely PowerG, and you will need to use those sensors with the system. This is fine, as PowerG Sensors offer an impressive wireless range of up 2,000 feet when used with the IQ Hub in open air. They also utilize military grade 128-bit AES encryption in all their communication to ensure maximum wireless security.

Another interesting note about the panel is that it is not designed to be opened up. This is a significant change from most existing security systems, where you will occasionally need to open up the panel to make hardware changes. The battery on the IQ Hub is sled-replaceable, and it can easily be swapped out by the end user with little effort. All of the hardware is built right in, so you will never have to make any changes in that regard. Talk about DIY friendly!

Qolsys made other various enhancements to the IQ Hub System. They touted an improved integrated camera, and it can even double as a motion sensor by detecting changes in pixelation. We also expect this feature to be used in conjunction with Alarm.com so that you can take a peak-in at your home while you're on the go. You will also notice the LED light on the front of the panel. This light changes colors to let you know the current system status. How cool!

The system also features a built-in microphone that you can use to get alerts regarding loud sounds. You can even adjust the minimum sound level required to trigger alerts. This is perfect for parents who want to know if their baby is fussing or for owners of rental properties who may want to be alerted if their guests are throwing a loud party. It's just another way that Qolsys is working hard to keep you connected with your home.

We do expect that there will be some hardware limitations of the IQ Hub when compared with the IQ Panel 2 Plus, especially when you consider the anticipated lower price point. Qolsys most likely reduced costs by dropping legacy sensor support. It's also possible that the IQ Hub will support fewer zones than the IQ Panel 2 Plus (128 zones). But we cannot confirm the exact number of zone on the IQ Hub at this time. The IQ Hub is also slightly larger than the existing IQ2+ due to the added speaker.

As stated earlier, the Qolsys IQ Hub is scheduled for a Q1 2020 release. This groundbreaking new system is sure to make some big waves in the security industry, and we are confident that it will help many new users get their start with home security. We can't wait for its release, and we hope you're excited too!

Qolsys also unveiled another interesting product at the event, the Qolsys IQ Router. At first glance, you might be wondering what's the big deal. What's so exciting about an IP router? Well Qolsys packed in some game-changing features that are sure to make the IQ Router the perfect addition to your IQ Hub or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. It is sure to make your life more convenient in many ways. And we can also confirm, it is dual-band with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz!

At the basic level, the IQ Router is exactly what it sounds like, an internet router. It replaces the existing router for your home's IP network. But what you get with the router is pretty ingenious. Any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System or Qolsys IQ Hub connected with the IQ Router can be accessed remotely by your alarm monitoring company for programming purposes. This is similar to what the DSC Iotega offers. But with the Qolsys Systems, it is optional rather than mandatory.

Of course, if you don't want your monitoring company accessing your panel, then you can disable the feature. But it's pretty nice if you want assistance with programming new devices. One thing you will certainly love is its ability to auto-discover your IQ Hub System and automatically enroll it with your WIFI network. You can even configure your IP settings right from the IQ Hub. This truly makes the IQ Hub the central controller for your entire network!

Another innovation from the IQ Router is the ability to auto-enroll guest WIFI devices. In other words you can get any visitors on your WIFI network, without making them enter a long, tedious password. The way this works is that your guest will request to join the network from their IP device. You will then approve the request from either your IQ Hub or an app on your phone. And just like that, your guest will be connected with your WIFI network. Super convenient!

As you will notice, the Qolsys IQ Router only has one (1) LAN port for connecting a hardwired ethernet device. This isn't a big deal, as most users might not even need one. If you need additional ports, then you can easily connect a network switch to the router and use it however you would like.

But one very exciting feature of the IQ Router is its ability to support up to eight (8) WIFI extenders or access points. This makes it truly suitable for even large commercial locations! The router facilitates a total mesh network to help ensure that all of your IP devices stay connected across even an incredibly expansive area. Whether your needs are big or small, you are sure to get great use out of the new IQ Router! Qolsys states that it should be out by the end of this year.

We would like to end this post with some smaller product announcements we heard at the Qolsys Summit. A PowerG 360-Degree Ceiling-Mount PIR Motion Sensor called the PG9862 was unveiled. This sensor is perfect for use in closets or in commercial locations where corner-mounting is not feasible. The PG9862 is available from Alarm Grid now, and you can get it right here.

Lastly, we heard rumors about a much-anticipated PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter. This is huge news, as it will allow you to takeover an existing hardwired system and use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus or Qolsys IQ Hub in its place. And of course, all your hardwired sensors will enjoy the amazing range and security of the PowerG wireless protocol. We do not have any other details on the PowerG Converter at this time, but we will definitely keep our eyes peeled.

We hope that you are eagerly awaiting all of these new products just like we are! This was truly an awesome event that Qolsys put on, and we are thankful that we got to be a part of it. We are hopeful that Qolsys hosts a similar gathering next year in 2020! For now, check out these new and upcoming products, and email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions or thoughts. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. As usual, we look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we are promoting a new add-on package available for Alarm.com users. Alarm Grid is now proud to offer the Alarm.com Wellness Platform for customers receiving service from Alarm.com. This robust add-on is perfect for anyone with an elderly or mobility challenged loved one.

If you have an elderly, disabled, or mobility challenged loved one, then you are likely aware of the challenges involved. On one hand, you want to respect their privacy and allow them to live as independently as possible. But you also want to make sure that they are kept safe and that they can get help if needed. We have seen many offerings through the years that help users accomplish this goal. But the Alarm.com Wellness Platform might the most complete yet.

Just last week, we talked about some of the new Alarm.com wellness sensors. It seems Alarm.com is really pushing this market with their all-new wellness platform. This is more than just an emergency alert button or an occupancy sensor. This is an entire platform and user interface (UI) designed to monitor your loved one's activity and let you know about any unusual occurrences. This is yet another great way to take advantage of your Alarm.com Security System.

The Alarm.com Wellness Platform provides you with many great features that are perfect for monitoring your loved one. You can receive text and/or email alerts from the platform so that you are kept informed about any important activity. Below are just some of the ways you can use the platform:

• Establish patterns of your loved one's usual activity, and receive alerts if activity occurs at an unusual time.
• Make sure your loved one is active and moving around like normal.
• Receive alerts regarding any strange or suspicious wandering or activity at odd hours.
• Set automated security and smart home functions to make your loved one's life easier.
• Integrate with personal emergency response pendants to know if your loved one needs help.
• Monitor your loved one's activity, including how long they stay in bed, remain seated, or spend time outside.
• Create an organized method for keeping track of caregivers and knowing when they come and go.

Once you have your Alarm.com account enabled for the wellness platform, you can start creating specific wellness alerts regarding the activity you want to monitor. This will allow you to know that your loved one is alright, while still maintaining their independence and privacy. Alarm.com has also released a variety of products designed to be used with the platform. At this time, we are offering the following Alarm.com Wellness Products:

• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 345 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 433 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Chair Sensor
• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Emergency Button
• Alarm.com 345 MHz Emergency Button
• Alarm.com 433 MHz Emergency Button

The Alarm.com Wellness Platform is also great for pairing with fall pendants. These pendants go above and beyond the typical medical alert button. These devices feature built-in accelerometers that will trigger an emergency medical response upon sensing a fall. This way, your loved one will still receive help even if they fall and are unable to press the button themselves. We currently have two (2) fall pendants available:

• 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant (345 MHz)
• Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant (319.5 MHz)

We also want to give a special shout-out to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus for its innovations in the wellness arena. As part of Firmware Version 2.4.0, the panel offers a Wellness Menu that allows for nurses and/or caregivers to check-in/out as needed. You can easily integrate this feature with the Alarm.com Wellness Platform as well. This Wellness Menu also offers a big auxiliary panic button in case of an emergency. You can enable the menu from within Installer Settings.

In order to use the Alarm.com Wellness Platform, you must first have a monitoring plan that includes Alarm.com service. If you are monitored with Alarm Grid, you will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). More information is available on our monitoring page. From there, you will also need your monitoring company to enable the Wellness Platform add-on package on your account. Please note that enabling this service may result in an increase to your monthly monitoring fee.

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you are looking to add this service to your account, we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information. You may also email us if you have any questions about this platform. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Keep that in mind if you email us outside of our usual business hours. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions about the ADC Wellness Platform!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're going to talk about a new product from Resideo, the Honeywell Home 6290W 7" Touchscreen Keypad. This is the newest keypad for Honeywell VISTA Systems. It offers some exciting new features and a beautiful, sleek design that is sure to impress. Let's check it out!

Countless users have had Honeywell VISTA Security systems in their homes and businesses for many years. And it's no surprise considering what great alarm systems they are. But we hear all the time of users wanting to find a way to upgrade from a regular push-button keypad. Resideo has recognized this, and they have continued to offer various touchscreen keypads for their VISTA Systems. The newest of these is the Honeywell Home 6290W.

The Honeywell Home 6290W features an eye-catching, modern design that is sure to fit in nicely with any decor. We expect this clean, straightforward look to be used with future security systems as well. The keypad's 7" Wide Super VGA touchscreen, 1024 x 600 resolution, and backlit display all help to make this keypad easy to use and navigate. You will surely appreciate the keypad's tablet-like design and its thin profile that leaves it less than 1" off the wall when mounted.

There is a lot to love about the performance of the keypad as well. The keypad features a console mode that allows you to operate the device like you would for an Alphanumeric Keypad. This is great for deep-level programming. However, you will still want to keep your push-button keypad around in case you ever need to backdoor the system. Other features include quick arming, WIFI connectivity for firmware updates, a digital picture frame function, and full voice and chime.

The Honeywell Home 6290W Keypad is available from Alarm Grid now! If you have any questions about this keypad, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Keep in mind that our support hours are Monday thru Friday, 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at one of our favorite PowerG Sensors, the DSC PG9312. This is an outdoor contact that is perfect for use on any gates, fences, barn doors, patio doors, and more. It is truly a versatile and effective PowerG Sensor. We are sure you will be impressed!

Many users want some way of monitoring outdoor openings and structures. After all, you don't want a stranger opening your fence and lurking around your backyard! That is why alarm manufacturers started making outdoor contacts. These sensors are just like regular door and window sensors, except they have weather-resistant exteriors that prevent dust and moisture from getting inside. They also have larger magnet spacing gap allowances to accommodate for the various fences and gates that they are commonly used with.

With the DSC PG9312, users with PowerG Systems finally have the outdoor door and window contact sensor they have been looking for. This sensor boasts all of the fantastic capabilities that PowerG Sensors are known for. It has a wireless communication range of up to 2km depending on the system when used in an open air environment. All of its communications utilize military-grade encryption that prevents any wireless hacking or takeover attempts. This also makes the sensor immune to any RF jamming techniques.

There are also some excellent features exclusive to the PG9312. Its magnet spacing gap is up to 1.75 inches when installed on non-metal surfaces. This increases the versatility of the sensor and allows you to use it on virtually any outdoor structure. Its magnet spacing gap when mounted on metal surfaces is still 1.25 inches, which is impressive in its own right. You can mount it to a round pole if needed using straps (not included). The sensor can also operate as a wireless transmitter for NC and NO contacts. You will want to use a 5.6k Ohm 1/2 watt resistor (Green, Blue, Red, Gold) if doing this.

There are some important notes about compatibility with this sensor. If you are planning to use the sensor with an IQ Panel 2 Plus, the system will need to be running Firmware Version 2.4.0 or higher. Older IQ2+ Firmware had an issue that made this particular sensor incompatible. Fortunately, it was fixed in version 2.4.0. Additionally, you can only choose one function for the sensor on an IQ2+ (contact reed switch, NC transmitter, NO transmitter). This selection is determined in zone programming. Other compatible systems like the DSC PowerSeries NEO and Iotega will let you use multiple functions with one sensor.

We made an FAQ to answer any additional questions you might have about using the PG9312 with an IQ Panel 2 Plus. You can check that out right here. We also have a guide to help you enroll it with an IQ2+. Otherwise, if you have any further questions about the PG9312, then please reach out us! The best way to contact us is through email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We have a quick video recap today, with four (4) new videos this week. Three videos featuring Jorge were uploaded on Thursday, September 19th. Another featuring Joe was uploaded a day later. We hope these videos help you out. Let's take a look at the newest videos from Alarm Grid!

Finding the Installer Code on a VISTA-21iP

Jorge explains what to do if you do not know the Installer Code on a Honeywell VISTA System. You use the command [Installer Code] + [800] to enter programming. If you do not know the code, then you should first try the default code of 4112. If that doesn't work, then you might try to get in using the backdoor method. If the backdoor method fails, then you should try asking the previous monitoring company or system owner for the Installer Code.

Setting Up TC 2.0 on a Phone

Jorge shows you how to set up Total Connect 2.0 on a phone. The Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App is available for Android and iOS devices. You can get it for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once you have the app, you can login using your Total Connect 2.0 account, just like you would from the website. If you don't have access to Total Connect 2.0, then you might want to check out one of our monitoring plans to get access. Remember, TC2 is for Honeywell Panels only.

Linking a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System to HomeKit

Jorge explains the process for linking a Honeywell Lyric with Apple HomeKit. This will let you use the system with the rest of your HomeKit network. You can also get notifications regarding system activity, and you can control your system using Siri voice commands from your iPhone. For best results, you will want to have a proper HomeKit Hub established. You will also want to continue to use Total Connect 2.0 alongside HomeKit, as TC2 will provide more detailed alerts for the Lyric System than HomeKit.

Programming the 5800COMBO to a VISTA Panel

Joe teaches you how to enroll a Honeywell 5800COMBO with a Honeywell VISTA Panel. In order to use this wireless 345 MHz sensor from the Honeywell 5800 Series, you must add a wireless receiver to the system. This combination sensor will provide the smoke & heat detection, carbon monoxide detection, and freeze detection. Each function will require its own wireless zone on the system. You can also program a additional zones for maintenance detection and end of product life detection.

Alarm Grid has learned that Interlogix will start shutting down its business in North America by the end of 2019. The company states that it will concentrate on growth in other fire and security businesses. Interlogix says that it will follow-through on any existing warranty obligations.

This is a surprising turn of events, considering Interlogix has very recently released new equipment, including the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i Security Panel. But on the other hand, it isn't too shocking when you consider that Interlogix likely couldn't compete with some of the other big names in the security industry. This includes Qolsys, who just announced that they would begin manufacturing their IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States.

If you have an existing Interlogix System, do not worry. Alarm Grid will continue to provide effective and reliable monitoring for you panel. There is no reason for monitoring platforms like Alarm.com to drop support for existing communicators. You should also have no problem activating a new communicator for an Interlogix Panel. If you move into a new home and find an Interlogix Panel on the wall, there is a great chance you will be able to use it with Alarm Grid!

Anyway, we will be sad to see Interlogix go. We wish them the best in whatever endeavors they decide to take on moving forward. But there are still some outstanding security companies like Qolsys, Resideo, and Nortek that are continuing to innovate and release impressive equipment. We expect great things on the horizon for the security industry moving forward.

One of our favorite alarm system manufacturers Qolsys has announced that they will begin manufacturing the IQ Panel 2 Plus in the United States. Thanks to a newly formed partnership with Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), the security system will now be assembled in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin.

According to Qolsys, the panel will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI. Qolsys has stated that the move will help the company maintain high-quality and consistent manufacturing. It will also improve their delivery speeds and help them expand their overall global presence. The company will still continue to operate its existing facility in Juarez, Mexico. This is just another location for Qolsys to produce industry-leading products.

We believe that this is an excellent move for Qolsys, as the company will benefit greatly from the manufacturing, production, and supply chain expertise of FII. It is also great news to hear of a security system manufacturer bringing more jobs to the USA. As you may know, Qolsys is based out of San Jose, CA, and they have regularly provided some great innovations for the security industry. Their IQ Panel 2 Plus System has received widespread praise for features like PowerG support, automatic Bluetooth disarming, live-streaming for ADC Cameras, partitioning and more.

Alarm Grid congratulates Qolsys on the recent move, and we look forward to their continued success. If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus or any Qolsys product, you can reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our technical support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect security system for your needs.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the new Interlogix Encrypted Sensors. There are three (3) sensors in this TX+ lineup. There is the Interlogix TX+DWS Door/Window Contact, the Interlogix TX+PIR Pet Immune Motion Sensor, and the Interlogix TX+2WAYFOB Key Fob. All are available now!

First, we would like to give some background on these Interlogix TX+ Sensors. The wireless communication range for these sensors is listed at 500 feet when used in open air. They operate at an encrypted 319.5 MHz frequency, similar to the Qolsys S-Line Sensors. You can technically use these Interlogix TX+ Sensors with any 319.5 MHz system. This includes the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ 319.5 MHz Daughtercard and all of the Wireless Interlogix Panels.

However, these sensors will only utilize encrypted communication when paired with the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System. If you don't know about this system, we actually started carrying it last month. Among its new features is the ability to support encrypted sensors. At the time, there weren't any encrypted sensors out for the system yet. Well now there are! When paired with any other compatible system, they will operate as non-encrypted wireless sensors.

The sensors themselves are straightforward and simple. The Interlogix TX+DWS Contact has a thin profile, and it will work great on nearly any door, window or cabinet. The Interlogix TX+PIR Motion Sensor offers a coverage area of 40 feet by 40 feet, as well as pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 pounds. Lastly, the Interlogix TX+2WAYFOB is a four (4) button key fob with buttons for arming, disarming, automation, and triggering an auxiliary panic.

We believe these sensors are a must-have for anyone with an Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System. Now you can take full advantage of the encrypted communication that the system offers! If you have any questions or if you want to learn more about these sensors, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you!