Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We made a post last week that briefly discussed Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. We want to take a closer look at some of the great new features offered from this latest firmware update. Now is certainly a great time to get an IQ Panel 2 Plus!

Panel Scene Control

New with Firmware Version 2.4.0 is the ability to activate Alarm.com Smart Scenes directly from the IQ Panel 2. Previously, this could only be done from the Alarm.com website or mobile app. This is much more convenient than having to control each Z-Wave device and the system individually. You can also control scenes from the IQ Remote Keypad if you have one.

To get started, you will first need to have at least one smart scene created on your Alarm.com account. Remember, you can create smart scenes from the Alarm.com website or mobile app. When making the scene, make sure to include all of the relevant devices. This can include Z-Wave devices programmed with the system, as well as the system itself.

You must also enable the feature for the panel. This can be done at the panel itself. Start from the main screen of the panel, and click the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Installer Settings > Check the box next to Scenes Support (you'll need to scroll down). Then return to the main screen by clicking the home button at the bottom.

You will now be able to run Alarm.com Smart Scenes from the panel itself. From the main screen, click the Scene Control button in the bottom-left corner:

Then choose the scene you want to run. We made a scene called "Test Scene", which locks a Z-Wave Lock, sets our Z-Wave Thermostat to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and sets the system to Arm Stay. We can confirm that the new panel scene feature works perfectly!

IQ Remote Camera Streaming

One new feature we are sure that many users are sure to be excited about is the ability to live-stream Alarm.com Cameras from the IQ Remote Touchscreen Keypad. We have previously discussed the ability to live-stream compatible ADC Cameras from the panel itself. But now you can do it from the IQ Remote. This is great for anyone with a surveillance camera setup who uses the IQ Remote as a secondary keypad for the system.

The same restrictions for streaming from an IQ Panel 2 apply when streaming from an IQ Remote. This means that only Alarm.com Cameras that support the panel streaming feature can be streamed from the IQ Remote. Additionally, it is only possible to stream video from the IQ Remote. You cannot stream audio like you can on the IQ Panel 2. For more information on setting up the camera streaming feature, please review this helpful FAQ. You must have the main panel streaming feature enabled to be able to stream from the IQ Remote.

You also have to enable panel streaming for the IQ Remote. You can do this from the main panel. Start from the main screen of the system. Click the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Installer Settings > Check the box next to Stream Live Video Cameras to IQ Remote. Then return to the home screen by pressing the picture of the house at the bottom.

You will then be able to access the same menu option from the IQ Remote that you use on the main panel to stream video. Just swipe left or right on the IQ Remote home screen until you reach the option to choose a camera. You will have to excuse our desk clutter, but the image looks just as good on the IQ Remote as it does on the IQ Panel 2. Quite awesome!

Wellness & Check In/Out Screens

This feature is pretty unique. You can have the main screen of the IQ Panel 2 serve as an Auxiliary Panic button for triggering a medical alarm. This also allows you to set up a Check In/Out function for the system. This is great for anyone with a business who may want to monitor when employees come and go. The panel will take a picture whenever a user checks in or out. You can also get text and/or email alerts regarding this activity from Alarm.com. It really goes to show that Qolsys is working hard to make the IQ Panel 2 Plus the premier security system for small businesses!

There are a few things to keep in mind when using this feature. First is that Check-In & Check-Out can only be enabled if the Wellness Page is enabled. Second, enabling Check-In & Check-Out feature will also enable Settings Photos from the panel camera. This is so that a picture can be taken when a user checks in or out. Finally, you cannot enable the Wellness Page if Partitions are enabled for the system.

Again, the feature must be enabled from the Installer Settings Menu. From the main screen of the system, press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Installer Settings > Check the box by Wellness Page > Check the box by Check-In / Check-Out. You can then return to the home screen by clicking the picture of the house at the bottom.

When you return to the main screen, you will notice that you are at the Wellness Menu. This is where you can trigger an Auxiliary Medical Panic on the system. To get to the usual Arming/Disarming screen, just swipe left once.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the IQ Panel 2 Plus, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! Remember that we offer free online and phone support for our monitored customers. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email as soon as possible and reply back at our earliest convenience. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you and telling you all about the IQ Panel 2 Plus System!

Hi DIYers! Welcome to another Alarm Grid Video Recap, this time covering videos published on September 5th & 6th. We have a big recap this time, with eight (8) new videos being published. Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe all make appearances. Let's get right into it and check out the new videos!

Finding the CRC on a Honeywell-Resideo Wireless Alarm System

Jarrett explains how to find the CRC code for a wireless Honeywell or Resideo System. The CRC code is a 4-digit code that is unique to the panel's IP communicator. Along with the 12-digit MAC address, the CRC code is very important when activating a system for alarm monitoring service. You should make sure to write the code down and save it in a safe place once you have obtained it. You may need this code again at a later time.

Explaining the 6F Message on an Alarm Keypad

Jorge talks about the "6F" message that can appear on a wired keypad for a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. This code is actually "bF", which stands for "backup failure". The message indicates that there is a problem with the system's communicator. The "bF" message will only appear on a Fixed English Keypad, like a Honeywell 6150. An Alphanumeric Keypad like a Honeywell 6160 will instead display "Check 103, Long Rng Trbl", which means the same thing.

Arming-Disarming the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 From Your Phone

Jorge shows you how to arm and disarm a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System using your phone. This is done using the Alarm.com service. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus includes integrated LTE and WIFI communicators for connecting with Alarm.com. You just need to have the system activated with an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to the Alarm.com platform. You can then use the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android and iOS devices to arm and disarm remotely.

Replacing a Honeywell 1321 Transformer with a 1361 Transformer

Joe is back, and he answers the question of whether or not you can replace a Honeywell 1321 Transformer with a Honeywell 1361 Transformer. The answer is that you can always replace a 1321 with a 1361. However, you cannot always replace a 1361 with a 1321. This is because the 1361 supplies more power than the 1321. A setup that was using a Honeywell 1361 Transformer for power might not receive enough power from a 1321 Transformer used in its place.

Displaying the MAC ID On a Honeywell Wireless Alarm System

Jarrett teaches you how to find the MAC ID on a Honeywell Wireless Alarm System. This applies to any Honeywell Panel with an IP communicator. To find the MAC address, you will need to enter programming. This requires providing the Installer Code for the system. Remember that the default Installer Code on most Honeywell System is 4112. The MAC address and MAC CRC are found within the Comm Diagnostics Menu. Clicking on Communication ID Numbers will display the codes at the top of the screen.

Devices Used With a 2GIG XCVR2-345 Transceiver on a Go!Control GC2

Jorge talks about the 2GIG XCVR2-345 and the devices that are used with it. The 2GIG XCVR2-345 is an add-on accessory for the 2GIG GC2 System. This communicator is what allows the system to work with bi-directional devices. These are devices that must both send and receive signals with the GC2 System. Some of the devices that require the use of a 2GIG XCVR2-345 include the 2GIG Go!Bridge IP Communicator and the 2GIG TS1 Touchscreen Keypad.

Monitoring and Controlling the Temperature On a Honeywell L5210

Jorge explains how you can monitor and control the temperature using a Honeywell L5210 Security System. For this to work, you will need a Honeywell L5100-ZWAVE Card installed inside the system. This is a Z-Wave controller that allows the system to support Z-Wave smart home devices. From there, you can enroll a Z-Wave thermostat with the system. This will allow you to monitor and control the temperature for the building directly from a Honeywell L5210 Alarm Panel.

Programming the Alarm Monitoring Account Information on a Honeywell L5210

Jorge covers the process for programming the alarm monitoring account information on a Honeywell LYNX Touch System. This is an important step for setting up a system for alarm monitoring service. Completing this process will allow the system to communicate with the central station. Normally, an end user will only complete this process themselves if they are bringing the system over to a new monitoring company. This process only needs to be completed if the communicator has not been released by the old monitoring company.

Hi DIYers! Today, we wanted to let you know about some of the new security system kits that are available from the Alarm Grid website. We have new kits that feature the Resideo Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz), the 2GIG GC3e and the 2GIG GC2e Systems.

Our system kits are perfect for anyone just getting started with alarm monitoring service. Each one includes a brand-new alarm panel, some door and window sensors, a motion sensor, an LTE cellular communicator, and a power cable. You can easily expand around any of these systems later on if needed. Just remember that you will need a monitoring plan to use one of these systems with Alarm Grid. A Gold Plan or higher is needed for cellular communication.

Now that you know a little bit about our kits, let's take a look at each new one individually:

Resideo Lyric w/ Verizon LTE Communicator Kits

• Lyric System
• LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator
• 3 Versa-2GIG Contacts
• SiXPIR Motion
• LT-Cable

• Lyric System
• LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator
• 10 Versa-2GIG Contacts
• SiXPIR Motion
• LT-Cable

Lyric Verizon-LTE 3-1 Encrypted Kit

• Lyric System
• LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator
• 3 SiXMINICT Contacts
• SiXPIR Motion
• LT-Cable

Lyric Verizon-LTE 10-1 Encrypted Kit

• Lyric System
• LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator
• 10 SiXMINICT Contacts
  
• SiXPIR Motion
• LT-Cable

Qolsys IQ 319.5 MHz PowerG Kits

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 10 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 319.5 MHz Verizon LTE 3-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

Qolsys IQ 345 MHz PowerG Kits

IQ Panel 2 345 MHz AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 345 MHz AT&T LTE 10-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 10 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 345 MHz Verizon LTE 3-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 345 MHz Verizon LTE 10-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 10 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

Qolsys IQ 433 MHz PowerG Kits

IQ Panel 2 433 MHz AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 433 MHz AT&T LTE 10-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433MHz w/ AT&T LTE
• 10 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 433 MHz Verizon LTE 3-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 3 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

IQ Panel 2 433 MHz Verizon LTE 10-1 Kit

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz w/ Verizon LTE
• 10 PG9303 PowerG Contacts
• PG 9914 PowerG Motion

2GIG GC3e Kits

2GIG GC3e Verizon-LTE 3-1 Kit

• 2GIG GC3e System
• 2GIG LTEV-1-A-GC3 Verizon LTE Communicator
• 3 2GIG DW10e Door and Window Sensors
• 2GIG PIR1e Motion
• LT Cable

2GIG GC3e Verizon-LTE 10-1 Kit

• 2GIG GC3e System
• 2GIG LTEV-1-A-GC3 Verizon LTE Communicator
• 10 2GIG DW10e Door and Window Sensors
• 2GIG PIR1e Motion
• LT Cable

2GIG GC2e Kits

2GIG GC3e Verizon-LTE 3-1 Kit

• 2GIG GC2e System
• 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator
• 3 2GIG DW10e Door and Window Sensors
• 2GIG PIR1e Motion
• LT Cable

2GIG GC2e Verizon-LTE 10-1 Kit

• 2GIG GC2e System
• 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 Verizon LTE
• Communicator
• 10 2GIG DW10e Door and Window Sensors
• 2GIG PIR1e Motion
• LT Cable

All of these great kits are available from Alarm Grid right now. If you have any questions or need help choosing a system, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to learn that Firmware Version 2.4.0 is now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The update can easily be applied at the panel or pushed from Alarm.com. Many new features and automation capabilities come included with the firmware update.

The following updates to the system are applied with Firmware Version 2.4.0:

Improved User Interface (UI)
- Ability to Hide Security, Lock, and Thermostat Pages
- Dynamic Screen Lock Page - Enable Independently from Partitions
- All-New Automation & Wellness Pages

Improved Partitions 2.0
- Global Arming
- Bluetooth Disarming by Partition

LiftMaster MyQ Garage Control
- New Panel UI for LiftMaster Garage Door Devices Paired w/ Alarm.com

ADC Scene Control
- Control Alarm.com Scenes Directly from Panel

IQ Remote Enhancements
- Alarm.com Videos thru Built-In Camera
- Live-Stream ADC Cameras and Video Doorbell thru IQ Remote (No Audio)
- Connectivity Improvements

Home Automation
- Support for Z-Wave Version 6.81.03 - Including S2 Security & SmartStart
- Note: Only for Panels Manufactured w/ 2.4.0 & Above; Not for Panels Receiving Update OTA
- Support for LQI 2 (link quality indicators)
- Emergency Heat Mode for Z-Wave Thermostats now supported

PowerG
- PowerG Modem Firmware Update 80.25
- Fixes Compatibility with the DSC PG9312 Outdoor Contact

Panel Motion
- Sensitivity Settings - High, Medium, Low
- Mask-Off Up to Four (4) Distinct Areas

Other
- QR Code Scanning for S-Line Sensor Enrollment (319.5 MHz Panel Only)
- Language Improvements

While we will certainly be showing off these features in greater detail sometime in the near future, for now we just want to show you how to download the new firmware. You can have the update pushed down automatically from the Alarm.com servers free of charge. Alarm Grid customers can do this by emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com. You will need to have the panel monitored with Alarm Grid and connected to WIFI for us to do this.

But the easiest way to update is to apply the update yourself at the panel. Again, make sure your system is monitored and connected to WIFI before you begin. It will also need to be plugged-in and not have a low-battery condition. Start from the main screen of the system. Click on the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > type in iqpanel2.4.0 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. If done correctly, the new firmware update should be downloaded. Once it has been completely downloaded, press "OK" to begin the update process. The panel will reboot as part of the update. The entire process will take around five (5) minutes and is complete after the reboot.

If you have any questions about this update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This looks to be a very exciting update for the IQ Panel 2 plus, and we can't wait for you to check it out. We will be showing off some of these features in greater detail in the coming days. Keep checking our blog for more information!

Alarm Grid is now fully re-opened after closing yesterday due to Hurricane Dorian. The team at the main Alarm Grid Florida headquarters is now back to work answering phones and emails and activating systems. Our shipping department has also resumed processing and shipping out orders.

We know that Hurricane Dorian was a stressful experience for many people out there, us included. Many of our team members spent the past few days boarding up their homes and making preparations for family members. We are very happy that this hurricane has finally passed and that any impact in Florida has been minimal. Our thoughts go out to the people in the Bahamas whose lives have been drastically affected due to the storm.

Our Florida team would like to thank our remote team members who worked very hard to answer calls and emails in our place while we were dealing with the storm. Indeed, a lot of people contacted Alarm Grid during our absence. We apologize for any longer-than-usual wait times you may have experienced as a customer during this time. We can now assure you that it will be back to business as usual.

We would also like to thank Criticom Monitoring Services for their work during the hurricane. Our monitoring partner did a fantastic job, and all incoming signals and alarms were dealt with according to usual procedure. Remember, CMS operates three (3) separate monitoring centers across the country. Even when one monitoring center goes down, the others remain active to pick up the slack. This is very important during emergency situations like Hurricanes.

Remember, the best way to reach us at Alarm Grid for assistance is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check the email at their earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this most recent event. The Alarm Grid team is happy to be back to work!

The Alarm Grid main headquarters in South Florida is closed due to Hurricane Dorian. At this time, only our remote offices are operational. The technicians at these remote offices will still be working to check your calls and emails. Please understand that we are short-staffed at this time.

Remember that the best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Wait times may be slightly longer than usual due to our limited number of staff. Additionally, there may be shipping delays on certain products.

Keep in mind that our main headquarters closing does not affect your monitoring service. Our monitoring partner, Criticom Monitoring Services, operates three (3) monitoring stations. Even if one goes offline, the other two will still be there to pick up the slack. This redundancy is a major reason why we selected Criticom as our monitoring partner.

To everyone affected by Hurricane Dorian, we hope that you are safe and alright during these difficult times. We look forward to reopening our main headquarters as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

Update: Our plan is to re-open fully Wednesday, September 4th. We will provide an update as soon as news is available.

Hi DIYers! It's time for another video recap. Our video team managed to put up five (5) new videos this time. We're sure they will help many people get the most out of their alarm systems. Hopefully you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. Let's check out the newest videos!

Using a DSC PowerG Keypad With the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe explains how you can use a DSC PowerG Wireless Keypad with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The IQ2+ works with a PowerG Keypad because it accepts the necessary 915 MHz frequency. The compatible PowerG Keypad is a push-button device that makes for a good secondary keypad for an IQ Panel 2 Plus. The keypad can be used in a second location in the building, such as by a back door. If you want a touchscreen keypad for the IQ2+, then the IQ Remote is a great option.

Using the 5800COMBO With the Lyric Alarm System

Jorge teaches users how they can use a Honeywell 5800COMBO with a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The 5800COMBO offers smoke, heat, freeze and carbon monoxide detection all in one convenient device. The sensor can use up to five (5) zones on the Lyric System. Each zone will have a different Loop Number according to function. These functions include smoke & heat detection, freeze detection, CO detection, RF supervision, and end of product life. If there is a function you do not want to use with the sensor, then you can skip programming for that zone.

Getting Remote Access to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge tells users how they can get remote access to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm System. This is done by getting the system monitored with service that includes access to Alarm.com. This is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that allows you to control your system remotely. By accessing Alarm.com through the mobile app on an Android or iOS device, you can arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control programmed Z-Wave devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Cameras, and more.

5800C2W Support With the Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett explains how you can use a Honeywell 5800C2W with a Lyric System. This is a wired to wireless converter that lets you use hardwired sensors with the system. This is great if you are upgrading to the Lyric from a hardwired system. You can save a lot of money by not having to buy completely new sensors when your existing ones work just fine. You will typically want to have the 5800C2W in the same location as the old hardwired panel. This will make wiring as easy as possible. Mark the wires before switching them over!

Door Contacts - Overview

Jorge covers the basics for door contacts. These sensors let the system know when a door is opened. Most work in the exact same manner. There is a sensor, along with a smaller accompanying magnet. The sensor is placed of the door frame, while the magnet is placed on the moving part of the door. The sensor and magnet should be as close as possible when the door is closed. Alignment is also important. Opening the door will cause the magnet to separate from the sensor. This will let the sensor know to alert the system.

In observance of Labor Day, Alarm Grid is closed Monday, September 2, 2019. We will not be answering phone calls or checking support emails during this time. Any customer who needs to reach us during this time should email support@alarmgrid.com. We will reply back as soon as possible.

We would also like to use this opportunity to provide an update on Hurricane Dorian. As you may know, the main headquarters for Alarm Grid is located in South Florida. It is very likely that we will experience at least some of the effects of the hurricane. As a result, it is possible that our main headquarters may be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019. It is impossible for us to make that determination at this time. We just want to make you aware of that possibility.

Alarm Grid has a couple of smaller offices further north in the United States that will not be affected by the hurricane. These offices will maintain business as usual Tuesday, September 3rd, regardless of what happens to our main headquarters. These technicians will still be around to answer your calls and reply to your emails. But please understand that we may be working with a limited staff. Additionally, it's possible that there may be shipping delays on orders. Again, we cannot confirm anything at this time. We are only making you aware of what might happen. We appreciate your understanding.

We also want to make it very clear that Hurricane Dorian will NOT affect your monitoring service. As you know, Alarm Grid is partnered with Criticom Monitoring Services for alarm monitoring. Criticom operates three (3) stations - one in Florida, one in California, and one in New Jersey. It is possible that the Florida station may go offline during the storm. If that happens, any incoming signals will be rerouted to one of the other monitoring centers. A central station will still be alerted to any alarm that may occur on your system, and action will be taken. This redundancy is a big reason why we chose Criticom as our monitoring partner.

Again, we are not saying that the Criticom Florida monitoring station will go offline. We are just making you aware of that possibility. And even if it does, it will have no impact on any of our monitored customers. To anyone being affected by Hurricane Dorian, we understand what you are going through. We wish you nothing but safety for yourself and your loved ones. Please stay safe and take proper precaution during this storm. We all hope to be back tomorrow to provide you with outstanding service and support. And if circumstances prevent that, we will be back as soon as possible.

If you need to reach us by phone, you can contact us at (888) 818-7728 tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3. Remember that our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST. Thank you for your support, and have a happy and safe Labor Day.

When thinking about home security, many people mistakenly believe that it is always an expensive endeavor. The truth is that the cost can range from extremely affordable to exceedingly pricey. Today, we're here to tell you that home security does not have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Setting up a home security system is a worthwhile investment for any homeowner or renter. Protecting your assets is extremely important, and you can even save money on your homeowner's insurance. And if you decide to move, you can either bring the system with you, or leave it at the property to increase your home's resell value.

How much you spend on home security truly depends upon your needs. While you can certainly spend a large sum of money monitoring your home, the reality is that you don't have to break the bank. At Alarm Grid, we offer monitoring plans for all budgets. Our self-monitoring plans start at just $10 per month, while our central station monitoring plans start at just $15 per month.

Keep in mind that you will needs a central station monitoring plan to receive a certificate of alarm (CoA) and save money on your homeowner's insurance premium. These savings can vary significantly, so make sure to check with your insurance company to find out how much you can save. Many homeowners find that monitoring an alarm system actually pays for itself due to the insurance savings!

The system you purchase also makes a big difference in your monthly monitoring costs. Many panels require you to upgrade to a cellular plan for monitoring service. Cellular monitoring has a higher monthly cost than IP-only monitoring, so make sure to keep this in mind. Although we always recommend using cellular for its superb reliability, we also understand that some users are comfortable with IP monitoring service.

If you do decide to go with IP-only monitoring, just make sure that the internet in your home is reliable. A downed internet connection will leave your home unmonitored and vulnerable. You will also want to get a panel that can be used with IP-only service. Nearly all of the Honeywell Panels we sell are suitable for this type of monitoring.

We recommend the Resideo Lyric Controller for IP-only monitoring. This system has a built-in WIFI card, so you won't need to get any add-ons to get the panel up and running.You can also easily add a cellular communicator if you decide to upgrade your service later on. We also sell some Lyric System Kits that include everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring service. There is a 3-1 kit for smaller homes, and a 10-1 kit for larger homes.

Also remember that you do not need to buy a system from Alarm Grid to receive our monitoring service. If you can find a system elsewhere for a lower price, then go for it. We do recommend contacting us before making the purchase to make sure it's a system we can monitor. Our security system planners will be glad to help you design your system from start to finish.

What else can you do to keep costs low? Well we definitely recommend going with a DIY, no-contract monitoring company like Alarm Grid. DIY means do-it-yourself. You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by installing your security system yourself. While installing your own system might seem like a challenge, it really doesn't have to be. In fact, the Lyric Kits we mentioned before can technically be installed using nothing more than a screwdriver!

The other important thing is to make sure the security company you choose is no-contract. You can be left on the hook for huge amounts of money if you get stuck in a contract. And if there's ever an emergency and you need to suddenly cancel your service, you will be very glad that you chose a no-contract company. At Alarm Grid, you can easily discontinue your monitoring service at the end of your monthly payment cycle and then resume service when you are ready.

Also remember that Alarm Grid has no added fees. This means that you never pay extra to start or stop your service. What you see is exactly what you get. We do this to make our monitoring service as accessible to many people as possible. If you are intereste in learning more about what we offer, we encourage you to check out our monitoring page for more information.

You are also more than welcome to talk with us before you make your decision. We would love to speak with you if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to get a hold of us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope to make you a valued member of the Alarm Grid family!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're going to present a helpful tip for Lyric users. Some of our customers have inadvertently discovered the Keypad Tamper Lockout feature on their Resideo Lyric Systems. We want to tell you about this feature and help prevent you from being locked out of your system.

We actually just released an FAQ the other day that explains this feature in full detail. You can read it at this link if you want to. But for now, we will cover some of the basics of the feature and how it applies to you. The Lyric Keypad Tamper Lockout feature stops the system from accepting any numeric key inputs (0-9) for 15 minutes whenever thirty (30) numeric keys are entered in a 15 minute period, without ever executing a valid command. Any further numeric key inputs during this 15 minute period will result in a long error tone.

Basically, if you are at your Lyric System, and you repeatedly try (unsuccessfully) to enter a valid code, then the Lyric will no longer allow you to keep trying. The purpose of this feature is to prevent someone from using brute force to try and access the system. While the feature can lead to frustration if you ever accidentally lock yourself out, it is an important safety measure to prevent an intruder from ever getting into your system.

Obviously, locking out an intruder is a good thing. But unfortunately, some users may find themselves in the same boat. This often happens because a user swears that they remember their code, when they really do not. They will keep trying to enter the same incorrect code. And once they reach 30 incorrect inputs without entering a valid command, they will become locked out. The user will not be able to try again until 15 minutes have passed. Or until the system has been reset via a complete power cycle.

Another common reason for this to happen is because of a misunderstanding of the Guest Code. The Guest Code is only able to disarm the system when it was the code used to arm the system in the first place. A user may give the Guest Code to someone, arm the system with their usual Master Code, and then expect that individual to disarm the system with the Guest Code later. The visitor will try (repeatedly) to disarm using the Guest Code, without success. And they will inevitably find themselves locked out with the tell-tale long error tone.

Unfortunately, there is no way to disable the feature. It's just something you have to accept with the Lyric System. How can you prevent yourself from being locked out? It's simple. Just make sure you remember your code! If you enter the correct code within 30 inputs, then you won't become locked out. And if you think that you might have trouble remembering a code, you can always use a key fob or Total Connect 2.0 to disarm your system instead. It's also worth mentioning that key fobs and TC2 will STILL WORK if you have activated the Keypad Lockout feature.

If you want to learn more about this feature, you can always check out the FAQ we mentioned earlier. We also invite you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com with any further questions you might have. Remember, we offer free support for all monitored customers. We look forward to hearing from you!