Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! It was a productive week for our video team, as several new videos were released. We figured we would get you caught up with a quick video recap for the week. Most of the week's videos feature Joe, but Jarrett made an appearance as well. Let's check out our newest videos:

Enrolling the 2GIG SP2 in Access Point Mode

Joe shows how users can pair a 2GIG SP2 Touchscreen Keypad with a 2GIG GC3 Alarm System. The SP2 Keypad is normally paired with the GC3 System through a WIFI connection. But if the WIFI is weak or the building does not have WIFI, then it may be better to use Access Point Mode. The Access Point must be enabled, and the SP2 will connect to the associated SSID. Just remember that using the GC3 Access Point will disable WIFI communication for the system.

FireFighter Product Overview

Joe teaches users about the Encore FireFighter Takeover Modules. These devices allow existing hardwired or conventional life-safety sensors to work with wireless security systems. They work by listening for the unique temporal sound of an activated smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor. Once it detects this sound, the sensor will send a wireless alert to the panel to let it know about the emergency. There is a 319.5 MHz version, a 345 MHz version, and 433 MHz version of the FireFighter Module. The user must choose the one that is compatible with their system.

Which Sensors Are Compatible with the Simon Series?

Joe explains which wireless sensors will work with an Interlogix Simon Series System. Each Simon Panel has a built-in 319.5 MHz wireless receiver for supporting compatible sensors. Some of the sensors that operate at the 319.5 MHz frequency include those from Interlogix/GE and Qolsys. These 319.5 MHz wireless sensors can be learned-in by putting the system into its wireless enrollment mode and then activating the tamper cover on the wireless sensor to have it auto-enrolled.

Is There an AUI Keypad For The Lyric Security System?

Jarrett outlines the keypad options for a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The only official keypad for the Lyric is the Honeywell LKP500. However, the LKP is not an AUI keypad, as it does not feature an Advanced User Interface in the form of a touchscreen. But a user can use an Android Tablet or iPad and the Honeywell My Home Controller App to serve as an AUI touchscreen keypad. Additionally, the Lyric Panel itself is technically an AUI controller since it includes a touchscreen.

Setting Up The 5800C2W with a Lyric Controller

Joe demonstrates how to set up a Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter with a Honeywell Lyric Controller. The 5800C2W is a converter module that allows hardwired sensors to be used with a compatible wireless alarm system. The wired sensors will connect directly with the 5800C2W, and the module will send a wireless 345 MHz signal to the Lyric Security System. All of the wired sensors can then be learned in using the wireless system zones.

How To Safely Remove an iControl from an Existing System

Joe shows users the correct process for removing an iControl module from a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. Many users try to remove iControl modules from their Honeywell VISTA Panels, only to find that their keypads would not work properly afterwards. Following the correct steps when removing the iControl device can prevent this from happening. The VISTA System must be powered down when doing this. The keypad cable must be reconnected to the ECP bus after removing the module.

Explaining A Trouble Condition On A 5800C2W Zone

Joe explains how trouble conditions work on a Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter. Users should remember the 5800C2W trouble conditions appear on the lowest calibrated zone for the device. In other words, just because the trouble appears on the lowest calibrated zone doesn't mean that the zone itself is the cause. For example, if the 5800C2W module itself experiences a tamper, then the trouble will still appear on the lowest calibrated zone. The 5800C2W also features LED lights that can be used to diagnose trouble conditions.

Hi DIYers! You may have heard the term "Dual Tec Motion Sensor" being tossed around at some point or another. The term refers to motion detecting sensors that use two forms of detection for picking up movement. Usually, these two methods are passive infrared sensing and microwave detection.

A common complaint with motion sensors is that they are known to cause false alarms when mounted improperly. This is usually caused by having the motion sensor placed near a window, a ceiling fan or an air vent. The motions that cause these false alarms are usually PIR-exclusive sensors that use only one method for detecting motion. Now, these sensors will generally work very well and won't cause any false alarms when mounted properly.

The reality is that most false alarms caused by motion sensors are the result of poor mounting. But having a second detection method for verification can go a long way towards preventing any system false alarms. Although proper mounting is still very important, you might be able to save yourself some major inconvenience by springing for a more-advanced motion detection sensor. This is where Dual Tec Motions can come into play.

Honeywell Dual Tec Motion Sensors use passive infrared (PIR) detection and microwave detection when looking for movement. In order for one of these devices to activate and alert the alarm control panel, both the PIR sensor and the microwave sensor must activate. Nothing will happen if only one part of the sensors is triggered. This can be very useful if a single technology sensor is prone to randomly activating due to local environmental sources. The name "Dual Tec" comes from the fact that the sensors use two technologies in detecting motion.

The PIR sensor in a Dual Tec Motion will work by looking for changes in infrared (IR) energy that occur with movement. Every person, animal and object gives off some amount of IR energy. If a large mass of IR energy from a person or large object moves within the field of view of the PIR sensor, then it will signal that motion is present. Meanwhile, the microwave sensor will send out continuous signals that are designed to bounce off of objects and return to the sensor at a consistent rate. If the signal pattern changes, then the sensor will assume that motion is present.

Although a PIR sensor can technically work by itself, a microwave motion sensor would cause too many false alarms on its own. This is because microwave signals can pass through objects and walls, and they could very easily detect movement that occurs outside the building. But the PIR sensor will not work through walls, so it will only detect motion that occurs from the inside.

However, pairing a PIR sensor with a microwave sensor in a Dual Tec Motion Sensor results in the perfect team. Even if the PIR sensor responds to flowing air or sunlight or some other local change in IR energy, the microwave sensor will keep it in check. Likewise, the PIR sensor will not respond to the outside movement that may trigger the microwave sensor. But both sensors will still respond very reliably to any real motion that is actually present in the building. And once that happens, it's game over for any intruders!

Honeywell offers Dual Tec Motion Sensors of all types. Their Dual Tec lineup includes wireless motion sensors like the Honeywell 5898, as well as wired motion sensors like the Honeywell DT8035. There's even a long range Dual Tec Motion, the Honeywell DT906, that is perfect for large commercial settings that require the highest level of protection possible. Honeywell has truly covered all their bases here!

You can get all of these great Honeywell Dual Tec Motion Detecting Sensors from the Alarm Grid website. If you need help deciding on a perfect motion detector, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com, or by calling us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

When it comes to protecting your home and your loved ones, the best thing you can do is stay proactive. It is much better to take action before a life-changing event occurs than after the fact. At Alarm Grid, we want everyone to stay protected, even those living in the safest locations.

*Icons made by Nikita Golubev & Freepik from www.flaticon.com

Maintaining a monitored security system is important even if you live in an area with few burglaries. Homes with security systems are less likely to be burgled, regardless of location. Additionally, you can use alarm systems to monitor for events other than burglaries, including fires, carbon monoxide outbreaks, broken HVAC systems, and flooding. A security system is truly the best way to protect your home, your possessions, and most of all, your family.

To find out the area where burglaries are least common, we constructed a list of burglaries per capita. Our methodology was simple. We used FBI crime data from 2018 and took the number of burglaries in a city and divided it by the city's population. We then multiplied that by 10,000 to get burglaries per 10,000 residents. Only cities with a population of 10,000 or higher were included in our list.

Before we present the list, we want to mention some interesting facts. The nine (9) least burglarized cities actually had 0 burglaries across 2018. As a result, they were all tied for first place.

Without further ado, let's check out the list for the Top 100 US Cities for Least Burglaries Per Capita:

Keeping your home safe is always a top priority. That is why Alarm Grid is here to help. We invite you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions about protecting your home. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This post is done in conjunction with our Top 100 Most Burgled Cities in America list. You can download and use a unmodified version of our "100 most and least burgled cities in America" infographic as well.

Throughout the years, there have been many security companies that have offered alarm systems that will only work with their monitoring services. These are known as "proprietary systems", and they greatly reduce the freedom and flexibility that a consumer has in choosing a security plan.

There are many tactics that companies use when providing proprietary systems for their customers. One common strategy is to entice users with a "free security system" in exchange for signing-up for monitoring services. Although a free security system certainly sounds exciting, it doesn't give the user very many options if it will only work with that particular monitoring company. If the user wants to use that system, then they essentially become married to that monitoring company. This presents them with very little flexibility in the long-run.

Another common tactic for these monitoring companies is to lock their customers into contracts so that they are obligated to pay for service for an extended period of time. If a user tries to cancel their plan, they might be on the hook for heavy cancellation fees. Then when the contract expires, the user will still not be able to choose a different monitoring company, as their proprietary system will only work with that company. Again, the user is still married to that company if they want to keep using that system. Make sure to always read the terms carefully before signing-up for monitoring service to ensure that you don't lock yourself into a contract. It can be very tricky to get out once you are locked in!

Not all monitoring companies that offer proprietary systems use these tactics. The important thing to remember is that the system will only work with their particular monitoring service. If a user tries to bring that system to a different company, then it will not work. Some companies will even up the game by using proprietary sensors that only work with their system. These sensors cannot be recycled and brought over to a new system, which means a user looking for a new monitoring provider has to start from scratch. Another strategy is to use a proprietary alarm system communicator. In some cases, it is possible to simply replace the communicator so that the system itself can be taken over. But it isn't always this easy.

We strongly encourage everyone in the market for a new security system to obtain non-proprietary equipment. It's very important to conduct proper research beforehand to make sure that you know exactly what you are buying. You should also obtain monitoring service that does not require you to lock yourself into an extended contract. That way, if you are ever dissatisfied with your monitoring company, you can easily take your system to a new company. You will not have to replace your existing equipment, and you will be able to make a seamless transition to a new company.

Alarm Grid only supports non-proprietary systems, and we never lock our customers into contracts. Our customers are free to terminate their service at any time if they believe they can obtain better monitoring services somewhere else. All of the systems we support can easily be taken over by a different monitoring provider if a user decides that switching is in their best interest. While we don't offer any free security systems, we will do our best to perform a takeover of existing equipment if possible. But keep in mind that we cannot do this with proprietary alarm systems, as they will not work with our services. While we would love to takeover existing proprietary alarm systems and equipment, it is simply impossible for us to do so.

If you ever need help choosing or designing a security system, we invite you to send us an email to support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We have a team of security experts who are happy to help you find the perfect non-proprietary alarm system for your needs. We also invite you to check our monitoring page for more information. The entire Alarm Grid team looks forward to providing you with top-quality monitoring service, while also ensuring that you always have the freedom of choice that you deserve as a consumer.

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!