Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We have received news from Alarm.com that there will be a couple of new features coming to the ADC Mobile App next month. Customers will soon be able to setup video analytics and access the Alarm.com Knowledge Base for easy answers to their questions right from the app .

According to Alarm.com, these features will be made available for the Alarm.com Mobile App sometime mid-next month (July 2019). These features are already available from the website version of Alarm.com, but you will now be able to use them on the Alarm.com Mobile App for Android and iOS devices. We are sure that many Alarm.com users will take advantage of these mobile app features. Remember that you will need an appropriate alarm monitoring plan to access Alarm.com.

Video Analytics is a useful tool that allows you to get the very most out of your Alarm.com Cameras. This feature gives you ultimate control over when your cameras will start recording and when you will receive Alarm.com notifications. You can use Video Analytics to differentiate between people, cars and animals. You can also set activity zones so that triggers only occur in very specific areas. For example, you might have an alert set to trigger when a vehicle pulls into your driveway, but not when one drives past your house. Alerts can even be triggered based on direction or duration. This can be useful if you want to know when someone comes into a room or area, but not when they are coming out. And duration rules are good if you want to know if someone is loitering outside your home, but not if they are just walking by.

The Alarm.com Knowledge Base is a great tool if you want to get fast answers regarding your Alarm.com service. This is the same resource the technicians at Alarm Grid often use to get answers for Alarm.com products and services. Now if you have a question, you can quickly and conveniently get an answer from the Knowledge Base on the Alarm.com Mobile App. Everything from using the Alarm.com service to configuring your security cameras is available from this platform.

We think these new mobile app features will be very useful for Alarm.com users. Of course, Alarm Grid monitored customers can still contact us if they have questions regarding their Alarm.com service. We offer free support for monitored customers. If you ever need to contact us, the best way to do so is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Hi DIYers! It sure is hot out! We're right in the stretch of summer, and we know that you are looking for ways to stay cool. You can beat the heat with a new smart thermostat from Alarm Grid. These devices are easy to install, and they let you control your home's temperature remotely.

With a smart thermostat, you can ensure that your home stays cool when you need it, while also keeping energy costs to a minimum. The key is having your smart thermostat keep your HVAC system running while you are home, while having it not expend as much energy while you are away working or on vacation.

You can check your smart thermostat from anywhere using an app on your phone and make sure your home is at the temperature you need. When you are on your way back to the house, you can set your thermostat to cool so that your house is nice and comfortable by the time you get back. Or if you aren't going to be home for awhile, you can turn the temperature up so that you aren't wasting energy. It's all in your control - anywhere, anytime.

Here are four of the best smart thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro

The Honeywell T6 Pro has been one of our favorite smart thermostats for awhile. It comes in two models - a Z-Wave Plus model and a WIFI model for use with Apple HomeKit. The Z-Wave Plus model is notable, as no C-Wire is needed to setup the device. The Z-Wave version can run consistently on three (3) AA batteries. This is perfect for DIY users who don't want to mess with high-voltage wiring, as you only need to connect the device to the HVAC system in place of the old thermostat. Please note that the WIFI model does require C-Wire power. The Z-Wave Plus model was designed for use with Resideo Systems and Total Connect 2.0, but you can really use it reliably with any Z-Wave hub. It is ENERGY STAR® certified.

Alarm.com ADC-T3000

The Alarm.com ADC-T3000 is still brand-new to our site, but it has already become one of our favorite smart thermostats. This device supports Z-Wave Plus technology for extended wireless range and battery life. It was built to connect with alarm control panels that use the Alarm.com interactive platform, but you can really use it with any Z-Wave controller. This thermostat is known for its sleek, straightforward design and excellent simplicity that makes it perfect for new users. It is also ENERGY STAR® certified to ensure that you can keep your home cool, while also preventing the energy bills from racking up. The device relies on the C-Wire from the HVAC system for primary power, while two (2) AAA batteries provide backup power. It works with nearly any conventional 24V HVAC system.

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

The iDevices IDEV0005AND4 Smart WIFI Thermostat is the lowest-priced smart thermostat on our list. It is perfect for users who want to get smart functionality for their home's HVAC system at a low price. The device is designed for use with Apple HomeKit, which is great for iOS users who want ultimate control from their iPhones. In addition to Siri voice control through HomeKit, the iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat also supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Remote access is also possible through the iDevices Connected App on both iOS and Android devices. The thermostat has a sleek, slim profile when installed on the wall. It uses 24VAC from the HVAC system, and the C-Wire is required. It does not have a backup battery.

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

Last on our list is the Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat. This is a high-end thermostat that comes at a higher price tag than the other smart thermostats on our list. But it offers some great results. The Carrier Côr is HomeKit-compatible, meaning that it can be used with Siri voice commands on iOS devices. It can also be used with Amazon Alexa once you enable the Carrier Côr Thermostat Alexa Skill. The thermostat provides detailed energy reports, and it is ENERGY STAR® certified to help users better-manage their energy expenses. It also offers useful features like Humidity System Management, Hybrid Heat Management, Ideal Away Settings, and Intelligent Comfort. Users will also appreciate the 7-day programming schedule for added convenience. The thermostat uses HVAC system power. It does not have a backup power source.

If you have any questions about these smart thermostats, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We will help you find the perfect smart thermostat to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Our entire team looks forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! If you have an Alarm.com 3G Cellular Communicator, the time to activate it is NOW. This is your very last chance. If you do not get your Alarm.com 3G Communicator activated by the end of Friday, June 28th, you will be unable to do so. The deadline to activate is almost here.

The actual cutoff date for Alarm.com 3G activations is Sunday, June 30th. However, Alarm Grid does not perform activations on the weekends. If you want to activate your Alarm.com 3G Communicator for use with Alarm Grid monitoring services, you must do so by the end of this Friday. Our team will get your communicator up and running for alarm monitoring service so that you can use Alarm.com.

By activating an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator and signing up for cellular alarm monitoring service, you can start using your system with the Alarm.com platform. Alarm.com allows you to arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com IP Cameras, and more. You can access this great service using the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device.

An activated 3G communicator will provide consistent and reliable monitoring service until the 3G networks are shut down. AT&T is planning to shutdown their 3G network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their 3G CDMA network around this time as well. Remember, if you deactivate a 3G communicator after the cutoff date for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate it. Trying to reactivate a communicator is considered the same as an initial activation.

If you miss the deadline for activating an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, you will still be able to activate an LTE communicator for use with Alarm.com. Cellular service providers have stated that they plan to keep their LTE networks activated well into the very distant future. Getting an LTE communicator is the best way to provide long-term monitoring service for your panel.

At this point, a 3G communicator is only a temporary solution. Additionally, an LTE communicator will provide faster connection speeds than a 3G communicator. The difference isn't huge for monitoring itself, but LTE can make a big difference when it comes to home automation. Anyone looking to keep their system running for many years to come should make the jump to LTE as soon as possible.

If you need to activate an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, please reach out to us immediately. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that there is a radio firmware update for the PowerG Daughtercard used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The new radio firmware is v80.25, and it provides various fixes for sensor compatibilities. The update can be applied by entering a patch tag.

The new radio firmware for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Daughtercard provides some general fixes for using the system with PowerG Sensors. According to Qolsys, radio firmware version 80.25 fixes a transmission delay that occurs when PowerG Sensors are enrolled on IQ Panel 2 Plus Zones 1, 2, and 3. It also corrects the PowerG compatibility issues that many users experienced when trying to use the PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PowerG PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor on radio firmware version 80.17.

There are two ways for Alarm Grid monitored customers to apply this firmware update. The first is to contact us to have the firmware update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com. This will require a small added fee, which will be applied to the customer's next bill. If you want to update the radio firmware for free, you can perform it manually by completing the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press Upgrade Software.
6. Press Patch Tag.
7. Enter v3cardfix1 and press OK.
8. Press Upgrade Using Network.

Please note that the panel must be connected to WIFI for the update to go through. It may take several minutes for the panel to reboot and the update to be applied. After the process is complete. the panel will begin the re-sync process with all of the PowerG Sensors. You may notice reports of PowerG Sensors opening and closing during this time. This is normal. It may take up to 20 minutes for the re-sync process to complete. Your PowerG Zones should be operating like normal after this process.

Please note that only IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems with a PowerG radio firmware of 80.XX are affected by this upgrade. If you have a PowerG radio firmware of 4.XX, you will notice that the radio firmware does not change to 80.25. The update will still go through, but no noticeable changes will be made. Again, this is normal. If you want to check your firmware, complete the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press About.
6. Press PowerG.
7. Locate the Radio Firmware Version.

Below is an example of a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with radio firmware version 4.06:

If you have any questions about this radio firmware update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have a small video recap this week, as only four (4) new videos were produced. But they're really good ones from Jorge and Jarrett, who both had two (2) each. They're here to help you learn how to use your security system. Let's check out the new videos for June 18th thru 21st.

Locations Suitable for Installing Heat Detectors

Jorge discusses the rooms in a home that are better-suited for standalone heat detectors than traditional smoke detectors. Normally, a user will use smoke detectors because they will detect a fire more quickly. But there are some rooms where it is better to use a heat detector, as a smoke detector may lead to false alarms. Popular locations for heat detectors include kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and attics. There are also combination smoke and heat detectors that use both detection methods.

Resideo Lyric Alarm System Vs. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge compares the Resideo Lyric Alarm System and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. Both systems are some of the best on the market, and they offer some excellent features. Both offer support for up to 128 zones and feature a 7-inch touchscreen display. The advantages to the IQ Panel 2 Plus include its built-in Z-Wave Plus card, its integrated Alarm.com LTE Cellular Communicator, four (4) partitions, facial recognition, automatic Bluetooth disarming, and the ability to livestream cameras. But the Lyric offers HomeKit support.

Compatible Back-Up Battery for the 2GIG GC3

Jarrett is happy to talk about the backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 Security System. Normally, the system is powered using a plug in transformer. But if the electricity goes out, then a backup battery will keep the system running. The backup battery will slowly store a charge while the system is running on transformer power. That way, it will be ready for a power outage. The backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 is called the 2GIG BATTERY-GC3. The battery will provide up to 24 hours of backup power.

Using an LT-Cable With The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett is back for a second round, as he shows users how to use the Honeywell LT-Cable with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The LT-Cable is a convenient option for providing power to an alarm panel. The wires come pre-prepared and ready to connect with the panel and transformer. All you need is a screwdriver. If you need to cut power to the system, you can unplug the male-female barrel connector. This means that you won't have to unplug the transformer from the wall.

Hi DIYers! We have some very special news for you today. One of our best customers, Brett of Philadelphia, MS, has decided to name his new kitten "Alarm Grid". Our entire company is honored to hear of the exciting news. We now introduce you to our new company mascot, Alarm Grid the Cat.

This is the first time we have heard of a customer naming their pet after our company. Brett has been a loyal Alarm Grid customer for many years, and we are proud to provide his home with reliable and trustworthy monitoring service. We will continue to work hard to ensure that Brett and his entire family (including his new kitten) are kept safe and secure. We love hearing news like this, and it has made everyone in Alarm Grid very happy to know that we have a great customer like Brett. Thank you Brett for your continued support, and we hope to keep working with you for many years to come.

If you want to join Brett and the thousands of existing Alarm Grid customers, why not start right now? You don't have to name your pet after our company (that's optional). But we would love to keep your home or business safe and protected. The best way to get started is to click the orange Alarm Monitoring button at the top of this page. You can also email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember, our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that there has been a price reduction on the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM Video Doorbells. You can now get a brand-new video doorbell for your home for just $100. These are excellent video doorbells that are compatible with the Total Connect 2.0 platform.

The SkyBell DBCAM captures video at up to 1080p quality. The device connects with your home's local WIFI network, and it has a built-in LED light to display current status. Whenever someone rings the doorbell or someone in front of your door sets off the integrated motion detector, you will receive a push alert right to your smartphone. This is great for knowing if your friend has arrived, if the pizza is here, or even if a package thief is trying to make off with your stuff!

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with access to Total Connect 2.0, you can set up the DBCAM to send you alerts right through the TC2 platform. If you don't have service with Alarm Grid, you can still receive mobile alerts for the DBCAM through the SkyBell App. By connecting the device with your local WIFI network, you can get these alerts from anywhere. Whether you're in the backyard or across the planet, you will know exactly what is going on in front of your house!

Please note that this limited time offer is only for the "round" SkyBell DBCAM. Only the "silver" color is being included in this promotion. No other color variant is being offered at a discounted price. Additionally, the SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM and the Alarm.com SkyBell DBCAM are both NOT included in this promotion. Both of those products are still available at their usual prices. This promotion, while supplies last, is strictly for the silver-colored Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM for use with Total Connect 2.0.

Hurry now, and get a brand-new SkyBell DBCAM for your home before they're sold out! This promotion is only being offered while supplies last. If you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are pleased to announce that the ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostat is now available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website. This thermostat improves upon the older ADC-T2000 Thermostat with increased capabilities, a new slimmer design, and advanced features for end users.

End users looking for a state-of-the-art smart thermostat can receive great results from the Alarm.com ADC-T3000. This Z-Wave Plus Thermostat is designed for use with the Alarm.com platform. However, you can really use it with any Z-Wave smart home network. This includes Resideo Systems that use the Total Connect 2.0 platform. No matter how you control your smart home devices, you will love the performance of your new ADC-T3000.

There are many great features that make the ADC-T3000 a worthwhile upgrade. For one, this has more space for wiring than the previous model. Installers will also appreciate the improved access terminals that make it easier to wire the connections. It is also easier to understand what action the HVAC system is performing, as the ADC-T3000 will actively display the word "Heat" or "Cool" based on the current activity. The device measures 4.1"L x 5.0"W x 0.7"D, which is even slimmer and sleeker than the previous model. The device uses two (2) AAA batteries for backup power, and all the necessary mounting hardware comes included.

Additionally, Alarm.com has also expanded upon the list of their certified Z-Wave smart lighting devices. All of the lights listed below have been certified by Alarm.com, but not for "real-time" status. This means that they have been tested and will work well with Alarm.com, but they will still count against the 10 device limit for displaying status. For more information on the Alarm.com displayed lighting status limit, please review this FAQ.

• Jasco Enbrighten Smart LED Bulb A19 (39723)
• Jasco In-Wall Dimmer Toggle (14322, 14296)
• Jasco Dimmer Switch Toggle (14319, 14293)
• Leviton In-wall Switch (DZ15S)
• Leviton In-wall Dimmer (DZ6HD - 600W)
• Leviton Plug-in Outlet (DZPA1)
• Leviton Plug-in Dimmer (DZPD3)

Finally, Alarm.com has announced that the ADC-V622 Security Camera is now compatible with their Video Analytics feature. Video Analytics is an advanced feature that allows users to receive real time alerts (text and/or email) regarding unusual activity or movement, while ignoring routine movement. This is done using advanced AI software that is only available from Alarm.com. This technology can actively distinguish between people, vehicles and animals. It can also determine direction of movement and the duration of any captured activity.

If you have questions about any of these Alarm.com updates, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Keep this in mind if you decide to email us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Resideo has announced that the Lyric Gateway System has been discontinued, effective immediately. You can no longer purchase the Gateway from the Alarm Grid website. Fortunately, the vastly superior Lyric Controller is still available for purchase if you decide to go with a Resideo System.

The Lyric Gateway was a unique system. It offered no option for end user programming. Instead, all programming had to be done remotely by an alarm monitoring company. This did not fit the DIY model of Alarm Grid. As a DIY monitoring company, we try to empower our customers by encouraging them to complete their own programming and learn how their systems work. Because of this, the Lyric Gateway was never a good product for us. We carried it to offer as many options for our customers as possible.

There are a few Alarm Grid customers with active Lyric Gateway Security Systems. We want them to rest assured that we will continue to support their panels for as long as we can. The Gateway System even has an AT&T LTE Communicator available, the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A. Installing and activating this communicator will ensure that a Gateway System can remain monitored for many years to come. Please note that the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator for the Lyric will not work with the Gateway.

If you are looking for a new Resideo Security System, the Lyric Controller is still the recommended option. This panel is actively being supported with new add-on releases and new firmware updates. This is evidenced by the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator and the MR9 Firmware Update to support this new module. Even with the new Resideo ProSeries System eventually coming to the market, we expect Resideo to maintain active support for the Lyric and their existing LYNX Touch Systems for a long time. For more information on the MR9 Firmware update, please click here.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the Lyric Gateway, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We are very happy to announce that software revision 1.09 is now available for the Resideo Lyric Security System. This software revision is more commonly known as firmware update MR9, and it can be downloaded for free by any end user with active alarm monitoring service.

The biggest addition that comes from firmware update MR9 is support for the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator. We expect this communicator to be released sometime later this summer. Support for the existing AT&T LTE Communicator is also carried over to MR9. The update can be pushed down from the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and is completely free of charge. In order for the update to take effect, the system must be disarmed, with no trouble conditions present.

If you want to apply the update yourself when the system is disarmed, you can do so by entering the following commands from the main Lyric screen: Security > Tools > Installer Code (default 4112) > Update Firmware. The button will grey out to confirm that it was selected. Then return to the home screen using the return arrow in the upper-right corner. The update process should begin automatically.

Depending on the speed of the communication path, the update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour. The system will then reboot to apply the update. If you want to confirm the update, go to Security > Tools > Master Code (default 1234) > Advanced > System Information. The listed Revision on the top line should start with 1.09.

If you want more information about the MR9 update, please check the associated release notes. If you have any further questions about the MR9 update, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!