Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a close look at the Honeywell SiXPIR Lyric Smart Motion Sensor and all of the great features it offers. The wireless encrypted sensor was designed exclusively with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System in mind, and it works exclusively with that security panel.

The Honeywell SiXPIR is perfect for any Lyric user looking for an effective residential motion sensor. It offers a coverage area of 40 feet by 56 feet, which is great for monitoring a living room, basement, hallway, office or other restricted area. This max coverage area can be easily achieved by mounting the sensor from a recommended height of 7.5 feet high. The sensor also offers a convenient walk test mode that features a red LED light whenever motion is detected. This is great for ensuring that you have mounted the sensor in a good location. The Lyric System includes an option within programming to initiate the walk test at any time.

Pet-owner will love the fact that the SiXPIR includes pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 pounds. Again, mounting the sensor from a proper height and angle is important for this feature to function properly. With pet immunity, small animals will walk underneath the detection pattern of the sensor. However, a human walking upright will still cause a change in infrared (IR) energy that sets off the sensor. Users should make sure though that their pets cannot get in the field of view (FOV) of the sensor by climbing up the stairs or on top of the furniture. The sensor should also not be placed in view of active vents or ceiling fans that could cause false alarms.

Remember, the SiXPIR is designed exclusively with the Lyric System in mind. Users of older Honeywell Panels can achieve great results with the Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, which provided much inspiration for the SiXPIR Sensor. But only the SiXPIR Sensor offers 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless security. The SiXPIR is also a "smart" sensor that knows when it has been programmed to a Lyric System. It will then not be able to be enrolled with a new system unless it is deleted from the old one. The device is powered using a single lithium CR123A battery. In its default setting, the sensor will be enrolled as an interior zone and only remain active when the system is Armed Away. When Armed Stay, the sensor will remain active so that the user can move freely throughout the building.

You can get the Honeywell SiXPIR and the Honeywell 5800PIR-RES Motion Sensors from the Alarm Grid website. They make a great addition for nearly any Honeywell looking to expand upon their current setup. Buy one now to help keep your home safe!

Hi DIYers! Even though 4G and LTE communication have both been around for quite some time, there is still much confusion associated with these terms. We thought that it would be nice to take the time to cover these terms in a little more detail and explain what they mean for alarm monitoring.

Recently, we came across an article that covers the 4G standard in great detail. The term "4G" is nothing more than a certain standard of wireless communication. The standard was established to avoid confusion as cellular communication speeds reached unprecedented levels. When 4G first came out, there was no established standard. For marketing purposes, cellular carriers and manufacturers were applying the 4G label to devices with widely varying speeds. The standard was established to avoid confusion and to give a more formal definition of what is "true 4G". In order to comply with the 4G standard, a given wireless protocol must meet a certain speed or bandwidth.

Meanwhile, "LTE" is a specific wireless protocol that comes very close to meeting the 4G standard. In fact, before "true 4G" was established, most experts considered LTE to represent 4G speeds. That is why you will commonly hear the term "4G LTE" tossed around. It's really just marketing. Many protocols are allowed to use the 4G label without actually reaching 4G standards. This is because they arrive so painstakingly close that the issue is really overlooked. In reality, very few wireless protocols have actually reached the true 4G standard. Some examples of protocols that have achieved the true 4G standard include LTE-Advanced and WiMAX 2.0.

Long story short, 4G is a communication standard, while LTE is an actual type of wireless communication.

At this time, we do not offer any cellular communicators that operate at speeds that officially meet the true "4G" standards. Despite the name, 4G LTE is not actually up to the true 4G standard, unless it is LTE-Advanced. However, not reaching true 4G speeds is of very little concern for the typical security system. An alarm system only needs to send very small amounts of data at a time. This is no where near the amount needed for more data-heavy activities, such as streaming a movie or real time gaming. Even live streaming for security cameras is still being done across IP networks, which offer faster speeds than cellular networks.

With the extremely small data packets that are used for alarm monitoring, increasing speeds and overall bandwidth will not do much for improving overall user experience. Instead, it's more important to reduce latency, or the delay between signal transmissions. Remember, there is a lot that goes into any system transmission. It must go from the security system, to an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, and finally to either a central station or the end user. If any of these transmissions experiences high latency, then the overall process takes longer. Fortunately, the industry has taken great strides to reduce latency in recent years. We can now confidently say that alarm systems now communicate faster and more reliably than ever before.

In the near future, it's fair to expect the term "5G" to be thrown around as well. Just like with the hype that came from "4G LTE", it's probable that the initial "5G Networks" won't actually hit the true "5G Standard". Keep in mind that this doesn't really have a large effect on alarm systems. Any network that even comes close to 5G will be ridiculously fast for an alarm system. Again, the key is to reduce latency, not necessarily increase speed - though increased speed is never a bad thing.

The introduction of 5G Networks should still bring good things for the security and smart home industries overall. Most notably, it will allow smart home devices to respond even more quickly upon inputting a command. It will also allow for more reliable streaming of security cameras through mobile apps. But it's still safe to assume that 5G communicators will still not be made available for quite some time. However, we are looking forward to the new and incoming technology just like everyone else. We hope that you will continue to join us for the ride as we provide you with the protection and security you deserve.

Hi DIYers! We're here with a fast video recap this time, presenting six new videos. Jorge pitched four new videos, while Jarrett and Joe each brought one. This recap is notable though, as it marks the end of 2018. It also shows the first Alarm Grid videos of 2019. Let's check them out!

What Happens On My Lyric Controller When AC Power Goes Out?

Jarrett shows users what happens when the AC power is lost on a Honeywell Lyric Controller. This occurs when the electricity goes out or when the plug-in transformer is disconnected. To stay powered on, the Lyric System will automatically switch over to its battery backup if it is available. Certain system features are affected when this happens. For example, all Z-Wave functionality is lost, and all incoming commands and signals from Total Connect 2.0 will not be received.

2GIG Key2-345 Key Fob - Program to 2GIG GC3

Jorge teaches users how they can program a 2GIG Key2-345 Key Fob with a 2GIG GC3 Security System. This security key fob provides an easy and convenient method for controlling the GC3 System while the user is on-site. There are dedicated buttons for Arming Away, Arming Stay, Disarming and Triggering a System Function. A user can also press and hold the top two buttons to activate an immediate panic alarm. The GC3 System has 32 dedicated key fob slots, but key fob inputs can also be programmed to standard wireless zones if needed.

How Do I Connect a Z-Wave Door Lock to My Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Jorge demonstrates how to pair a Z-Wave Door Lock with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Alarm System. In order to do this, a user should first clear the lock from the network before attempting to pair it. They can then enroll the lock with the system by putting the panel into its Z-Wave inclusion mode and activating the inclusion function on the Z-Wave lock. Since the IQ Panel 2 includes a Z-Wave Plus Controller, a user can enroll a Z-Wave Plus Lock and expect to get the maximum possible range out of the device.

Programming the 5800COMBO to the L7000 Panel

Jorge explains how to program a 5800COMBO with a Honeywell L7000 LYNX Touch Security System. The 5800COMBO offers support for smoke and heat detection, carbon monoxide detection and low-temperature detection. It can also use two additional system zones for supervision and end of product life monitoring. In total, it requires five individual system zones on the L7000. It can be easily programmed by putting the L7000 into its wireless enrollment mode and using the device's testing buttons to learn it in.

Programming the 5800COMBO to the Lyric Controller

Jorge covers the process of programming the 5800COMBO with the Honeywell Lyric Controller. As a member of the Honeywell 5800 Series, the 5800COMBO can be used with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System in addition to the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels. However, Honeywell very recently released the Honeywell SiXCOMBO, which was specifically designed with the Lyric Controller in mind. This device features nearly all of the same features as the 5800COMBO, with added wireless security provided from 128-bit AES encryption.

Enrolling the 2GIG SP1 in Access Point Mode

Joe explains how to pair a 2GIG SP1 Wireless Touchscreen Keypad with a 2GIG GC3 Alarm System using the Access Point Mode feature of the GC3. Using the Access Point Mode for pairing is recommended if a building has no WIFI signal or if the WIFI signal is very weak. Keep in mind though that using AP Mode will disable the standard WIFI connectivity for the GC3 System. The SP1 Keypad offers many great features, including the ability to perform local smart home automation.

At some point or another, you may have come across some type of "no-fee" monitoring service that promises home or business protection at absolutely no cost. Like most things that are too good to be true, this one is as well. Any type of "no-fee" monitoring service is a bait and switch.

So how do these scams work? Well, it is usually as simple as a classic bait and switch tactic. A company may offer a product, such as a home alarm system or a security camera, that promises certain functions and features at no additional cost beyond the initial purchase price. Although there may be advanced and additional features available beyond this base level, there's still a level of trust put into place here. The customer bought the product expecting to be able to use it for certain functions and features, without having to pay any type of additional cost or fee.

However, the switch occurs when the company decides to convert these free features into a "premium service". Suddenly, what was once free now costs a monthly or yearly subscription plan. In other words, cold hard cash. It goes without saying that many of the early customers would not have purchased the product had they been aware of the company's plan from the beginning. Unfortunately, they now have sunk cost involved in the product. The customer might feel obligated to pony up money for the reoccurring subscription service, even though this was never their original intention. While "no-fee" was the original promise, the customer received the exact opposite.

The truth is that "no-fee monitoring" is impossible. It is a myth. It can't exist because monitoring services cost money. Also, data and information storage costs money. A company is not going to offer these services to a customer without receiving something in return. A recent lawsuit proves this exact point. One company thought they could lure in customers with "no-fee" promises that they ultimately couldn't maintain. Now their customers are upset because they were wrongly promised something that was too good to be true.

Countless people would love the possibility of receiving monitoring services at no cost. But this will never happen. Remember, it costs money to maintain central monitoring stations and to keep data servers operating. At the end of the day, these costs will always trickle down back to the customer. The best thing you can do is get on board with an honest, transparent alarm monitoring company that will treat you right and provide you with the services you need. That is where Alarm Grid comes into play.

If you are interested in Alarm Grid monitoring services, please press the orange "Alarm Monitoring" button at the top of this page. You may also email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. If you would prefer to speak directly with a security professional, please call (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm M-F. We look forward to working with you and keeping your homes and businesses safe.

There was recent news that the newest firmware update for the Logitech Harmony Smart Home Hub restricts local access to the device. Because of this, there are now many users who cannot control their connected smart devices. The problem has mainly affected those using third-party API's.

The firmware update was released a couple of weeks, and there have been several complaints. Many users have reported being unable to control their connected devices, including things like smart TVs, sound systems and more. Both the Harmony Hub and its associated remote have been affected by the issue. With the update, it is now virtually impossible to use most third-party devices with the Harmony Hub.

Users who have been impacted are now essentially left with two options. They must either replace their smart home equipment with devices that are officially supported by the Harmony Hub, or they must buy a new smart hub entirely. While Logitech states that this was done for security purposes, it has left many people without a properly functioning smart home system.

This goes to show the advantage of using smart home automation equipment that is tested, approved and run through encrypted and secure servers. Of course, we can provide this with our alarm monitoring service. Alarm Grid offers connectivity with the Total Connect 2.0 and the Alarm.com platforms, both of which are great for use with a smart home. Using automation through one of these networks will ensure that your setup is secure, and it won't suddenly stop working if insecure methods are shut down.

Alarm Grid provides support to get your system and home automation devices set up with excellent platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings. We even offer the state-of-the-art Honeywell Lyric Controller, which is one of the few wireless HomeKit-compatible alarm systems available today! With Alarm Grid, you can count on the fact that your smart home setup will not become bricked or lose features.

If you want to learn more about the monitoring plans we offer and how we can help you achieve a robust smart home, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Our normal business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you so that we can help you design the perfect smart home!

Happy New Year DIYers! It's 2019, and the Alarm Grid office has re-opened after a New Year's celebration. It's back to work for all of us, as we will continue to ensure that your homes and businesses are protected. Please keep checking this blog for important news and information.

Remember, the best way to get a hold of us is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. If you need to call us, you may do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also offer an online chat during business hours, and our support agents are ready to help.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2019. Thank you for being a part of the Alarm Grid family!

The Alarm Grid office will be closing early at 6pm on December 31st, 2018. We will remain closed through January 1st, 2019. Our office will reopen at 9am on January 2nd, 2019. Our support team will not be answering phones or checking any emails or online chats while we are closed.

If you need to reach us during this time, your best option is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will review all our emails thoroughly when we return on January 2nd and respond as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Alarm Grid would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Please stay safe, and remember to arm your security system if you decide to go out. If you are experiencing a real emergency, you can always reach your local authorities by calling 911. Please check back to this blog in 2019 for more updates from Alarm Grid.

Hi DIYers! Well, we're finally at the sunset for 2018. The year certainly was eventful for Alarm Grid, as we had many exciting announcements throughout the year. We started carrying many new products, and we reached some huge milestones along the way. Here are some highlights of 2018:

Honeywell SiXMINICT Made Available - We started offering the Honeywell SiXMINICT in January 2018, and it quickly became one of our most popular sensors. It offers the same 128-bit AES encryption found in the larger SiXCT, but in a more compact package. The wireless door and window contact is also now included in many of our encrypted Lyric System Kits.

Our VISTA Cheatsheet was Released - Also in January, we released our Honeywell VISTA System Cheatsheet. This guide has proven to be an extremely valuable resource in helping DIY users quickly find useful information about a VISTA P-Series System. The cheatsheet provides quick and handy references for the VISTA 15P, VISTA 20P and VISTA 21iP Systems.

Release of 2GIG SP1 Keypad - February brought us the release of the 2GIG SP1 Wireless Keypad. This became the premier option for a secondary access point on a 2GIG GC3 System. Unlike its little brother, the 2GIG SP2 Keypad, the SP1 Keypad provides complete voice annunciation, smart home automation features and a convenient 5-day weather forecast.

VISTA LTE Communicators - In March, VISTA owners rejoiced, as a Verizon LTE Communicator became available! With the release of the Honeywell LTE-XV, Honeywell VISTA users could start enjoying the fast and reliable connectivity that only an LTE Network can offer. For users who wanted to connect with the AT&T LTE Network, the Honeywell LTE-XA was also released later in the year.

Changes to our System Kits - We made a big change to its system kits in March, as we started including the Honeywell LT-Cable in most our our pre-packaged kits. This convenient cable makes it super easy for DIY users to set up their systems and get started with Alarm Grid monitoring. All you need is a screwdriver - no wire-stripping necessary!

Total Connect 2.0 Alexa Skill - The Total Connect 2.0 Amazon Alexa Skill became available in late March. This gave users the ability to control their Honeywell Alarm Systems using spoken voice commands sent through an Alexa device. Alexa support for scene control became available later in the year as well. This was a huge win for Total Connect 2.0 users!

April Fool's Joke - For April Fool's, we announced the Alarm Grid AGCLAP1, a "Clap Sensor" that responds to the sound of a person clapping their hands. This was made possible using our advanced "Clapping Language Application Protocol", or CLAP. It promised an ear-shattering siren of 140 dB and a wireless signal range of 401 feet. The device was to be used with our very own Clap App.

ISC West 2018 - In April, Alarm Grid sent a team over to ISC West 2018 in Las Vegas to get a firsthand look at some of the newest security products. We made a post for the Honeywell booth and a post for the Qolsys and 2GIG booths. This truly was an exciting experience to get a sneak peak at some of the cutting-edge technology that the security industry is known for putting out!

Interlogix Products Available - Interlogix joined the Alarm Grid family in May, as we began selling many of their systems and sensors. This product release included the Simon XT, Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 Systems. These are great panels and sensors for any cost-conscious user who wants an effective solution for reliable alarm monitoring service.

Partition Support for Total Connect 2.0 - The release of partition support for Total Connect 2.0 was huge. Now users could control individual partitions from the Total Connect 2.0 Website or Mobile App. Many functions were included with this feature, including the ability to bypass sensors. This great feature first became available in June of 2018.

DSC Product Launch - We began selling DSC products in June, including the wireless Impassa System. This system supports 433 MHz wireless sensors, which are some of the most popular in the entire industry. This release also included the DSC PowerG Sensors, which offer an extremely impressive wireless signal range and 128-bit AES encryption protection.

Wireless Contacts Guide - We released a total guide to Honeywell Wireless Door and Window Contacts in July. This helpful resource has been fantastic for DIY users looking to set up their own Honeywell Security System. Door and window contacts are perhaps the most popular sensors used with security system. All of Honeywell's most popular wireless contacts were featured.

Alarm Grid's 6th Birthday - Alarm Grid celebrated its 6th birthday on July 20th, 2018. We closed our office early that night so that our team could enjoy a fun time at a video game bar. Everyone at Alarm Grid is extremely proud to have provided countless homes and businesses with top-quality monitoring services for the past six years. We hope to continue to serve our customers well into the future!

10,000 Subscribers on YouTube - Our YouTube Page hit 10,000 subscribers in August of 2018. We put together a big post and video recap to celebrate this accomplishment. The entire Alarm Grid family looks forward to providing users with helpful videos in the future. Kudos to our video team and our support technicians for all their hard work!

IQ Panel 2 Plus Release - The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System became available in late August. This system offered several new features, including the ability to support PowerG Sensors. Each version includes an AT&T or Verizon LTE communicator, a Z-Wave Plus controller, a PowerG daughtercard and a legacy daughtercard. The legacy daughtercard options are 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz and 433 MHz.

Lutron Release - Alarm Grid launched Lutron Products in September of 2018. These smart lighting devices are easy to use, and they provide a great solution for any user looking to get started with home automation. Our Lutron offerings are based around the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge, which is capable of supporting up to 50 different Lutron Lighting Devices.

2GIG GC3 Partition Support - 2GIG released partition support for the 2GIG GC3 Security System in October of 2018 with its "Smart Areas" feature. This was historic, as the GC3 became one of the first-ever wireless systems to support partitioning. With this game-changing firmware update, the 2GIG GC3 gained the ability to support up to four unique system partitions.

A Spooky Alarm Grid Halloween - We celebrated Halloween in style in 2018 by going all-out with decorating our office. There were ghosts, ghouls, spiders and bats lurking in our office, as our entire team got involved in the festivities. We hope that all our customers had an exciting and safe Halloween, as we kept your home safe during this fun-filled holiday!

Refurbished Security Equipment - We began selling certified refurbished equipment in November of 2018. These offerings provide the same great performance as brand-new equipment, but at a lower cost. Our refurbished products include the Honeywell Lyric Controller, the Honeywell LKP500 Keypad, the Honeywell VISTA 21iP and the Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter.

Partitioning for IQ Panel 2 - Qolsys followed through with their promise to end 2018 with a bang by releasing partitioning support for the IQ Panel 2. The firmware update allows users to control up to four individual partitions on their IQ Panel 2 System. It also included a lock screen feature to restrict access to the system. This truly was a great year for Qolsys!

Alarm Grid Christmas - Alarm Grid closed its office on December 24th and 25th in celebration of Christmas. These special dates fell nicely on a Monday and Tuesday respectively, so it gave our team a four-day weekend. We are always proud to protect homes and businesses during the busy holiday season. We hope that all our customers had a good time and received lots of presents!

Looking back, 2018 truly was a fantastic year for Alarm Grid. We hope that you all enjoyed the year as well. Keep following our blog as we head into 2019. And as always, thank you so much for being a part of the Alarm Grid family!

Hi DIYers! Last week we reviewed the new features that were added to Total Connect 2.0 in the past year. But now the new year is quickly approaching! We have learned from Honeywell that there are some great new features coming to the Total Connect 2.0 service in 2019. Here's a sneak peak!

Privacy Upon Disarm for Total Connect HD Cameras

With this feature, users can set up their cameras so that they automatically go into privacy mode when the system is disarmed. This can be useful, as the camera will stop capturing and saving video clips when the user is less likely to need them. However, the user will still be able to view the live feed for the camera through TC2. One benefit to doing this, in addition to the privacy provided, is that the user will not have to sort through as many video notifications. Once the user arms their system, the camera will exit privacy mode and capture clips like normal if it is activated.

Siri Shortcuts - Security and Scene Control

Earlier in 2018, Siri Shortcuts became available for Alarm.com. Now it appears this same great feature will soon be made available for Total Connect 2.0. Users will be able to perform security functions and operate various smart home automation scenes using voice commands that are sent through Siri on an iOS device. This is fantastic news for Apple users who want a quick and convenient method for controlling their Honeywell Alarm System, as well as any programmed smart home devices. We don't know much about the feature yet, but it's fair to assume that each command will need to be set up individually with its own trigger phrase. As long as your Z-Wave device is set up with a Total Connect 2.0 scene, you can program it to activate with a convenient voice command!

We're sure that Honeywell will surprise us with many more new features in the coming months. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But it's plenty of reason to get excited about 2019. We hope that you're looking forward to it just as much as we are. Stay tuned to Alarm Grid for all the latest security and home automation news!

Hi DIYers! We have very exciting news for Qolsys IQ Panel 2 users today. Software update 2.3.0 is now available! This biggest highlight of this update is the ability to control up to four distinct partitions with the system. Other great features are also provided to enhance the system.

With the all-new partition support, the IQ Panel 2 is now the second wireless alarm panel we carry to support the feature, after the 2GIG GC3. This feature allows a user to essentially section off their alarm system so that they can restrict access to certain areas. Each partition can be assigned a certain set of user codes in order to determine who can access each part of the security system.

After receiving the update, a screen lock feature will also be added to limit access to the panel. Please note that you must enable partitions from within Installer Settings before the feature can be used. This will also apply the screen lock. After you have done this, the main screen will reflect that partitioning has been enabled, and there will be a Partitions option within the Advanced Settings menu.

Also note that this update is available for both the original IQ Panel 2 System, as well as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Other features that also come with the update include:

• Support for new PowerG devices for IQ Panel 2 Plus System, including the PG9936 Smoke Detector, PG9933 CO Detector, PG9307 Recessed Contact, PG9309 Vanishing Door and Window Contact, PG9309 Door and Window Contact with Auxiliary Input, PG9312 Outdoor Door and Window Contact, and PG9862 360-degree Ceiling Mount PIR Motion Sensor.
• Ability to create 6-digit user codes.
• Improvements to panel camera, including "peek-in now" and "peek-in next motion" from Alarm.com, as well as disarm photos after remote disarm through Bluetooth, key fob or ADC.
• Local automation features for panels not yet set up with ADC, including automatic locking of all locks at night, setting all thermostats to automatic mode, and controlling lights to activate Light 1 at night and turning off all lights in the morning.
• Maximum number of thermostats increased from 6 to 10.
• Maximum number of door locks increased from 6 to 20.
• User code names now sync automatically between the panel and ADC.
• New Sensor Type of "Temperature - Group 51" for the PG9905 PowerG Temperature Sensor.
• Fixed various bugs.

To perform the update, press the small grey bar at the top of the main screen. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag. Then enter in "iqpanel2.3.0". Press OK. Then choose "Upgrade Using Network". If the panel is connected via WIFI, you will be able to begin the installation process.

If you have any questions about this update, please reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Please note that our office will be closing at 6pm on December 31st, and we will be closed all day on January 1st.