Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We promised last week that new videos would be coming. Well we have four (4) new videos for you to enjoy. Jorge was the big winner this week with three (3) videos. And I actually contributed a rare video of my own. Let's take a look at the newest videos from our video team.

Pairing the Honeywell T6 Pro Thermostat with a Residio Lyric Controller

I show you how to pair a Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Plus Thermostat with a Resideo Lyric Controller. By pairing the T6 Pro with your Lyric System, you will be able to adjust the temperature right from the Lyric Panel. You will also be able to control the T6 Pro from Total Connect 2.0 if you have a Silver Level monitoring plan or higher. TC2 will also allow you to create smart scenes to have the T6 Pro activate automatically with certain system events or on a predetermined schedule.

Turning Off the Siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge explains how to disable a siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System so that it does not sound when an intrusion alarm occurs. This is great for testing the system so that you do not activate a loud siren when you need to test various sensors. You might also do this if you want all burglary alarms to be silent. In order to disable the siren, you will need to enter system programming. Please note that alarms for life-safety events will still activate a siren.

Enrolling a VERSA-GE Sensor into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to enroll a VERSA-GE Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The VERSA-GE is a wireless door and window contact sensor that operates at 319.5 MHz. As a result, the sensor will only work with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ2+. This is the version that comes in a white and gold box. If you have a 345 MHz IQ2+ (silver and white box), you can use the VERSA-2GIG Sensor. If you have a 433 MHz IQ2+ (red and white box), you can use the VERSA-DSC Sensor.

Siren Timeout on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge discusses the siren timeout feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This feature will have any siren programmed with the IQ Panel 2 Plus automatically stop sounding after a set period of time, even if the alarm is not properly cleared. This will prevent the siren from sounding indefinitely and annoying everyone in the area. This feature may also be referred to as a "bell timeout" period. The standard set siren timeout period is usually around four (4) minutes.

Hi DIYers and future DIYers! If you've spent any time on our site, you have likely come across Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Maybe you know all about it. Maybe you know nothing about it. But did you know that you can "Test Drive" TC2 to check out the platform? Today, we're gonna show you how.

For the uninitiated, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform designed exclusively for use with Resideo Alarm Systems. You can access this platform using a web browser or by using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on an Android or iOS device. From there, you must login to your TC2 account using your username and password. Make sure to keep this information a secret. After logging in, you can control your system in a number of different ways.

TC2 allows users to do all sorts of different actions. You can access TC2 to arm and disarm your system, bypass sensors, view the live feed for Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras, control Z-Wave smart home devices, and more. What's great about this service is that you can quickly and conveniently access the platform from almost anywhere. As long as you have your smartphone, you can get on TC2 and control your system from across the street or across the world.

But maybe you want to see how great TC2 is for yourself? With the Total Connect 2.0 Test Drive feature, you certainly can. You don't need to sign-up for anything, and the feature is completely free to use. All you have to do, is go to the Total Connect 2.0 website or mobile app, and click the Test Drive button. Please note that the button will appear slightly different depending on whether you are using the website or mobile app.

After clicking the Test Drive button, you will be taken to an identical representation of the TC2 platform. You can then check out all of its features and see exactly how the platform looks and responds. This will show you first-hand exactly what the platform can do you for you. This way, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not TC2 is right for you.

If you decide that TC2 is for you, then getting started with the service is easy. You will need to obtain a Resideo Alarm System with an AlarmNet Communicator. You will then need to get an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. You will choose a time slot to activate your system. Make sure to follow these tips to make your activation as easy as possible. One of our trained activators will call you at the scheduled time to activate your system. After that, you will receive an email to set up a Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you want to learn more about Total Connect 2.0 or our monitoring service, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email as soon as possible and reply back at our earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we have some new long-range motion sensor options available on our website. These long-range motions are good for long, narrow areas such as hallways. You now have more options in choosing the perfect motion sensor for your home or business.

The first new product we would like to discuss may seem relatively minor, but it actually opens up a whole new world of possibilities for motion detection. We are now pleased to offer the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens. This convenient device replaces the stock lens for an Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Sensor. Once the lens is added, the motion sensor will enjoy a long-range coverage area of 60 feet by 6 feet. It's very easy to swap out the old lens, and the process can be completed by any DIY user.

Alarm Grid offers four (4) different Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Detectors. We have an option available for nearly every wireless alarm panel that we carry. If you don't have one of these sensors yet, make sure you choose the correct model when purchasing. You need to make sure that the frequency the sensor uses for wireless communication is compatible with your security system.

The following motion sensors from our website are compatible with the Optex FL-60N:

• Optex WNX-402G (433 MHz for 2GIG Systems)
• Optex WNX-40DS (345 MHz for DSC Systems)
• Optex WNX-40HW (345 MHz for Honeywell Systems)
• Optex WNX-40IX (319.5 MHz for Interlogix Systems)

In addition to the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens, we now offer the complete Honeywell DT900-Series lineup of hardwired, long-range DUAL TEC motion sensors. Before, we only offered the Honeywell DT906. Now we offer the DT900, DT901, and DT907 long-range motion sensors as well. These are all hardwired motion sensors that connect directly with a hardwired alarm panel or a compatible wired to wireless converter. The motion sensor use these wired connections for both power and data transmissions.

If you're wondering how these four DT900-Series motion sensors differ, it is actually quite simple. Both the DT906 and the DT907 have the same selectable detection ranges. You can choose between a coverage area of 200 feet by 15 feet, or 120 feet by 10 feet. However, only the DT906 has an anti-masking feature. The DT907 does not. Meanwhile, with the DT900 and the DT901, you can choose between a coverage area of either 90 feet by 70 feet, or 50 feet by 40 feet. But in this case, the DT900 has anti-masking, while the DT901 lacks this feature. Other than that, these are mostly the same sensors.

If you have any questions about these new long-range motion sensor options, or if you want to find out if a long-range motion sensor is right for you, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email as soon as possible and reply back as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect motion sensor for your needs.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at one of our newest and most exciting products, the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro. This is smart video doorbell camera that is easy to use in nearly any home. It supports integrations with some of the most versatile and robust smart home platforms.

We hear all the time of end users looking for an effective video doorbell camera that they can add to their homes. They want a device that is easy to use and setup and offers all of the excellent features that they expect out of a modern smart home device. The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro checks all of these boxes, making it the perfect addition for anyone looking to unlock the great potential of a video doorbell camera.

To unlock the full potential of the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro, you will definitely want to get started with the August Home App. This is a free app for Android and iOS devices that lets you view the live feed of your doorbell cam from anywhere. The app can also send push notifications right to your phone whenever the device detects motion or when someone rings the doorbell. This is perfect for knowing about any activity that occurs in front of your home.

There are many awesome features that make the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro an excellent doorbell camera for all types of users. The device offers 1080p HD video, and an integrated flood light lets the camera capture video in the darkest of settings. Real-time motion alerts ensure that you are alerted to any activity in front of your home, This includes package thieves and suspicious loiterers. The device also integrates with your August Smart Lock Pro, as well as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro is very easy to install, making it perfect for DIY users. To get started, you just need to cut power to your existing hardwired doorbell at the breaker, and disconnect your existing doorbell. Then wire the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro in its place. Apply power to the device at the breaker, and complete the setup process using the August Home App. This will involve connecting the device to your local WIFI network and associating it with your August account.

If you don't have a hardwired doorbell set up with your home, you might consider using the August View Wire-Free HD Video Doorbell instead. This device offers similar functionality as the August HD Video Doorbell Cam Pro, but it doesn't integrate with a hardwired setup. Both devices can be purchased right from the Alarm Grid website. If you have any questions about either doorbell camera, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today we're looking at three (3) smart home devices that can make a great addition to nearly any home. Half the fun of owning an alarm system is getting into the exciting world of home automation. These devices are all easy to use, and they are all available from Alarm Grid.

August Smart Lock Pro

The August Smart Lock Pro is very unique in being one of the few Z-Wave Plus Smart Locks that is also compatible with Apple HomeKit. It also works with great voice-based platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and it can be used for automatic Bluetooth unlocking. All of this makes the August Smart Lock Pro extremely versatile. It is a great choice no matter what interactive platform you are building around. The lock comes Z-Wave Plus ready right out of the box. You can also pair it with an August Connect WIFI Bridge for enhanced remote access. You can still use the lock with HomeKit without the Connect Bridge, but it will need to be within Bluetooth range of the HomeKit Hub (Apple iPad, Apple TV Gen 4 or higher, or Apple HomePod). Overall, this is a fantastic smart lock for your home and great for many scenarios.

Check out all of our fantastic smart locks here.

Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat

The Honeywell T6 Pro is arguably our favorite Z-Wave thermostat right now. Its biggest selling point is its ability to connect to an HVAC system and remain powered on without common power from a C-wire. This is excellent for DIY installers, as it prevents them from having to work with high voltage wiring. The Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave version is certified Z-Wave Plus for extended wireless range and improved battery life. There is also a HomeKit-compatible T6 Pro that uses WIFI instead of Z-Wave Plus. However, most Alarm Grid customers get the Z-Wave Plus model so that they can control the thermostat through the same interactive service platform used with their security systems. Although the T6 Pro was designed with Total Connect 2.0 in mind, it will work just fine with Alarm.com and associated systems.

Check out all our smart thermostats here.

Lutron Caseta P-BDG-PKG1W Starter Kit

Lutron Caseta is a great option if you are looking to establish a smart lighting network for your home or business. In order to get started, you will need a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge to serve as the central hub for the setup. The kit linked above include the smart bridge, along with an in-wall dimmer switch and a Pico Remote for controlling the device from up to 60 feet away in open air. Other great starter kits from Lutron include the P-BDG-PKG2P with a lamp dimmer module, and the P-BDG-PKG2W with dual in-wall dimmer switches. A great aspect of Lutron Caseta devices is that you can build a network of lights without having to run traveler wires to connect load-bearing light switches to a master switch. Instead, all communication occurs wirelessly through the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. Lutron integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home with ease. This makes this smart lighting network perfect for many different smart home setups.

Check out all of our smart lighting options here.

Build Your Smart Home!

Alarm Grid is here to help you build your ideal smart home. Whether you're looking for locks, thermostats, or lights, we have what you need to help you get started. Remember, we offer free support for all Alarm Grid monitored customers. You can build your smart home network around one of our security systems and make your life more convenient than ever. Alarm Grid customers should email us at support@alarmgrid.com with any questions. And if you haven't joined Alarm Grid quite yet, you can get started by clicking the orange Alarm Monitoring button at the top of this page. We look forward to helping you design the perfect smart home.

Hi DIYers! We know that we haven't done a video recap lately. Our video department has been on a well-deserved break, as the team has been focusing on other priorities. Well the same team will be back at work this week to make new videos. Expect new videos from Jarrett, Jorge and Joe soon!

Remember, the best way to find out about new videos as soon as possible is to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We upload new videos almost every day, and we would love your support on YouTube. You can also expect a regular video recap by checking this blog. We usually like to post video recaps on Mondays, but it can vary based on recent activity.

Our video team looks forward to getting back to work and making some great new videos to help you learn how to get the most our of your security system. We apologize that we haven't been putting out new videos in recent weeks, but we will have some new ones very soon. We hope that you are looking forward to some helpful new videos just as much as we are, and we are eager to show you what our team can do.

Alarm Grid will be closed Thursday July 4th, 2019 in observance of Independence Day. We will not be checking emails or answering calls during this time. If you have any issues during this time, you can email support@alarmgrid.com. We will read your email as soon as possible after we reopen.

The Alarm Grid support and planning departments will both resume normal operation on Friday July 5th, 2019. This means that our office will be checking emails and answering phone calls. However, there will be limited shipping available on July 5th. Some products will be unable to be sent out until the following Monday. Keep this in mind if you order anything on July 4th or 5th.

Additionally, our content department will have the 5th off. This means that there will be no new blog post for July 5th. You can expect a new blog post from Alarm Grid on Monday July 8th. Keep in mind that our regular office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F, and our phone number is (888) 818-7728.

From all of us at Alarm Grid, we wish you happy and safe Independence Day, no matter how you plan to enjoy the holiday. Our support and planning departments look forward to working with you on Friday.

Hi DIYers! We have a quick tip today to help you save time. If you ever email us to make changes to your central station document, then you will need to provide your false alarm passcode or the last four (4) digits of your credit card on file. This is necessary for verifying your identity.

This information is applicable for any Alarm Grid customer with monitoring service that includes central station service from Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS). Any customer with central station service will have a document on file with Alarm Grid that includes important instructions and information. For example, this document will include the phone numbers to call during an alarm, the order that these numbers should be called, your false alarm passcode and more.

The easiest way to make simple changes to your CMS document is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com with the changes. For example, you might want to add a new phone number to your account. Or maybe you want to have the central station call your spouse before they call your neighbor. Perhaps you want to change your false alarm passcode to something you can more easily remember. Emailing support@alarmgrid.com in these situations is a great way to get the change made as quickly as possible.

However, it isn't enough to just send us an email from your email address you have on file. We need verification to prove that it's you. At Alarm Grid, we take protecting your account information very seriously. If we get an email telling us to make changes to your account, we want to be certain it's you. For all we know, someone may have hacked your email and is trying to gain unlawful access to your account. That is why we strongly encourage all customers to keep their email passwords safe and protected.

Now you may be wondering, how can we prove that you are really who you say you are when you send us an email. The easiest way is to include your false alarm passcode or the last four (4) digits of the credit card that you have on file with Alarm Grid. This is classified information that only you and people you absolutely trust should know. On that note, we must also remind customers to never share this secure information with anyone who should not have access to their accounts. This is important.

Just to be clear, your false alarm passcode is not the same as your verbal duress code. Your false alarm passcode is what you say if the central station calls you and wants to know that everything is okay. The dispatcher will ask you for your secret false alarm passcode so that they know it's you on the line and not an intruder who made an unlawful entry.

Your verbal duress code is something completely different. This is also a secret code that you say to a central station dispatcher, but this code is used in an emergency hostage situation. As soon as the dispatcher hears this code, they will hang up and immediately call the police. This code is useful if an intruder is holding you hostage and you want to request emergency dispatch without actually calling for help.

Always make sure that you know the difference between your false alarm passcode and your verbal duress code. Never mix them up, as doing so can certainly lead to a false alarm. Remember, you can always contact us or CMS to change your false alarm passcode or your duress code. Our team is happy to help you with these issues whenever needed.

Keep this tip in mind the next time you email us to make account changes. Remember to include the last four (4) digits of your credit card or your false alarm passcode so that we can verify your identity and quickly make the changes. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are here to announce today that we have some new products available on our site. Our new offerings include the DSC Iotega Alarm System, several new Z-Wave Plus in-wall light switches, and even some hand tools that you can use to install your security system and sensors!

First we will talk about the DSC Iotega System. The Iotega is one of the newest alarm systems from DSC. This is one of the few systems on the market with Apple HomeKit support. It is the only system that can support both HomeKit and PowerG Sensors. These wireless sensors are great, as they offer an astounding range of up to 2km in open air (4km with wireless repeater) and 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless protection.

Alarm Grid already sells the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG support, which is one of our most favorite systems. We also sell the HomeKit-ready Resideo Lyric Alarm System, an exceptional system in its own right. But if you want to use both PowerG Sensors and Apple HomeKit, then you are stuck with the DSC Iotega.

The Iotega has a major drawback in that it does not support local programming. This makes the panel a poor choice for DIY users, as they cannot complete their own programming. But if you need a HomeKit-compatible system with PowerG support, the Iotega fulfills that niche. The system is also compatible with the Alarm.com interactive platform for remote access, Z-Wave Plus control and more. Please note that cellular monitoring service is require to use Alarm.com.

In addition to the DSC Iotega With Built-In Verizon LTE Communicator, we also now sell an Iotega 3-1 System Kit (System w/ Three (3) Door and Window Contacts & One (1) Motion Sensor), an Iotega Touchscreen Keypad and a desk mount for the touchscreen keypad.

Next for our new product releases are a plethora of new in-wall Z-Wave Plus smart lighting switches from Go!Control and GE. These products are great for any homeowner who wants to take smart control over their lights for remote operation and smart scene functionality. Go!Control and GE both offer some fantastic smart lighting devices, and we are excited to add these products to our growing lineup.

Perhaps the smart lighting device we are most excited about is the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 Z-Wave 3-Way Smart Switch. This in-wall switch controls lighting loads already connected with a load-bearing switch or dimmer. The module can connect with up to five (5) load-bearing switches for 7-way operation. Fewer load-bearing devices can be used if that is all that is needed for the setup.

But what makes the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 unique is that it eliminates the need for a traveler wire. Instead, the module uses Z-Wave Plus technology to send all communication signals. All you need to do for setup is connect the 120VAC line and a neutral wire. This is great for DIY installers who may not feel comfortable running a traveler wire.

Other Z-Wave Plus devices now available from Alarm Grid include:

• Go!Control WD500Z5-1 Z-Wave Wall Dimmer Switch
• GoControl WS15Z5-1 Z-Wave Smart Light Switch
• Go!Control PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-in Appliance Module
• Go!Control PD300EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-In, 300W Dimmer Module
• GE 28170 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Dimmer
• GE 28172 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Switch
• GE 14318 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch
• GE 14294 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Dimmer
• GE 14287 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Fan Control
• GE 12723 Z-Wave In-Wall Add-On 3-Way Switch

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures of the new Z-Wave Plus devices quite yet. But we hope to have them on the site in the near future.

Finally, we have a few hand tools that can help new users install their systems and sensors. These new offerings include the a wire stripper tool, a digital multimeter, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, and 13-piece screwdriver set. Not only are these tools great for setting up your system, they are also perfect for using around the house or around the shop in general. They are all high quality tools that make an excellent addition to any tool set.

• Jonard Wire Stripper Tool
• Pro'sKit Digital Multimeter
• Platinum Tools 6-in-1 Screwdriver
• Platinum Tools 13-Piece Mini Screwdriver Set

We hope that our new and existing customers can put these latest Alarm Grid products to good use. If you have any questions about these new products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing these new products!

Taking a summer trip DIYers? You need peace of mind to maximize your fun. Knowing that your home is safe and operational is a great feeling. You have a lot of planning before you go on vacation, and we're here to help you get ready. Here are some ways you can prepare for your next vacation.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is the perfect accessory if you plan on taking a trip during the summer months. It's hot out! You don't want to come home and suddenly discover that your HVAC system has stopped working. The last thing you need when you come home is an uncomfortable house. You can pair your smart thermostat with your security system and start using it with an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. While you're on the beach or lounging by the pool, you can check your home's temperature and make sure it's reasonable. You don't want to set the temperature too low; there's no reason to waste the extra energy. But you can check and make sure that it's at a reasonable level to know that your HVAC system is working properly. You can even set up automatic notifications if the temperature gets too high.

We actually just made a post showing-off some of the best smart thermostats on our site. Check it out!

Get a Smart Door Lock

Let's say that your smart thermostat shows a very high temperature, and you suspect your HVAC system might be broken. How are you gonna let the repair person inside? You're on vacation, and you triple-checked to make sure your doors are locked! Well with your smart door lock, you can let the repair person inside and then lock the door behind them when they leave. What about your plants or your puppy? Your friendly neighbor is going to need to get inside to take care of them. You don't have to give them a key. Just make them a guest code on your smart lock, along with a guest code on the panel. Or if you are extra cautious, you can always lock and unlock the door and arm and disarm your system from TC2 or ADC. This is the perfect way to make sure that your home stays in order while you're off relaxing somewhere far away.

We did a post a few months ago on some great smart door looks. Take a look!

Get Alarm Monitoring

You won't able to use your smart door lock and your smart thermostat without a hub. And what better hub than a brand-new security system? At Alarm Grid, we have all you need to make sure that your home is safe and secure while you are gone. If someone dares to break-in to your house while you're off on the vacation you worked hard for, we'll make sure that they pay the price. We offer monitoring plans that will connect your alarm system with a 24/7 central station for automatic police dispatch in these serious situations. The smart home control features are a nice touch, but keeping your home and your possessions safe is always a top priority. We have many alarm panels and security sensors to protect homes big and small.

We recently did a comprehensive post covering all our available monitoring plans. Here it is!

Get Environmental Sensors

Protecting your home from a robbery is important, but what about environmental conditions? There could be a water leak that causes a flood in your basement, or maybe a wildfire affects your property. It would also be a real bummer to come home to a natural gas leak. We have sensors for all these situations. You can get flood sensors, smoke and heat detectors, and natural gas detectors all from Alarm Grid. Your Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com service will send you a text and/or email alert so that you know about the activated sensor as soon as it happens. And if it's something serious like a fire, emergency help will be sent out if you have central station service. Alarm Grid has all the environmental sensors you need to know that your home is ready for your vacation.

We know what happens when people don't use environmental sensors. Don't let this happen to you!

Contact Us!

You need to do one last thing before you Arm Away, lock your smart lock and set your smart thermostat schedule. That is contact Alarm Grid to let us know about your vacation plans! If you want any changes for the dispatching process, make sure to inform us. This could include something like having the central station call your neighbor or your friend instead of you while you're away. Letting us know about your vacation schedule is also extremely important if you plan on having someone else looking after your house while you are away. You should let us know that a neighbor or a friend will be using your system during this time. You might even tell us which user code they will be using so that we know to look out for anything unusual. This is really only necessary if you need temporary changes to your account while you are gone.

If you need to let us know about your vacation plans, you should send a quick email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team will check your email as soon as possible and put the necessary information on your account. Enjoy your vacation, and stay safe and relaxed with Alarm Grid on your side!