Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! A couple of weeks ago, we took an initial look at Alarm.com Siri Shortcuts. This function allows ADC users to control their security system and smart home automation devices through Siri voice commands. Today, we're taking a closer look at this new feature and what it provides.

Alarm.com Siri Shortcuts are available for any iOS device that is running Apple iOS Version 12. This includes iPhones, iPads, HomePods, the Apple Watch and even Apple CarPlay. They allow you to use voice commands through Siri to control basic system functions and to run any smart scene that has been set up with Alarm.com. If you haven't already created smart scenes, we recommend doing that before attempting to set up any Siri Shortcuts. This is because any created smart scenes will conveniently appear in the "Suggested Shortcuts" list for easy creation.

To get started, you will need to have the Alarm.com Mobile App downloaded for the device you want to use with Alarm.com Siri Shortcuts. If you do not have the app, it can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. From there, you will need to enable Siri Shortcuts. To do this, click on the settings icon (the gears), then "Siri Shortcuts", then "Edit" in the upper-right corner, and finally the button below the Edit button to share activity with Siri.

From there, you will be able to create your own Siri Shortcuts for use with Alarm.com. While this can be done from the settings menu on your iOS device, we have found that it is easiest to do this right from the Alarm.com App. If you scroll down, you will see all of the current Alarm.com Siri Shortcuts that have been set up. Please note that any Alarm.com Siri Shortcut will need to be custom-recorded before they can be used. This includes any basic system functions that are automatically suggested by Alarm.com. Some of the suggested actions for Alarm.com Siri Shortcuts include:

• Disarm
• Arm Away
• Arm Stay
• Home
• Away
• Sleep
• Wake Up
• Any Custom Scenes

Below the existing shortcuts are suggested actions can be set to trigger with a voice-activated Siri Shortcut. This includes basic system functions, such as arming and disarming, and any custom smart scenes that you have previously created. Remember, you may need to press the "Edit" button in the upper-right corner before you can begin creating Siri Shortcuts. Simply choose the action you want to use. For this example, we created a "CUSTOM SCENE" that disarms the system and unlocks a Z-Wave door lock. You will then be taken to a screen where you can record the Siri Shortcut. Press the Red Circle to record the command. You can say anything you want to trigger the shortcut. Finally, press "Done" in the upper-right corner to save the recording. Then press "Done" in the upper-right corner of the Alarm.com screen to save your new shortcut.

Once you have created your Siri Shortcut, simply activate Siri, and state the command you recorded earlier. Alarm.com will then perform the programmed action as through it had been activated through the ADC Mobile App. You can even perform these actions remotely so that you can use Siri and your own voice to control your alarm system and run smart scenes from virtually anywhere in the world. Overall, this is a super easy and user-friendly way to perform everyday actions right from your iOS device!

We're huge fans of this new feature, and we can't wait for you to get started so that you can get the most out of your Alarm.com system. If you have any questions about Siri Shortcuts, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us from 9am to 8pm EST M-F at 888-818-7728. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we are reviewing the Encore FireFighter FF345 and the Interlogix SLX-AD-T3 takeover listening modules. These are both listening devices that are used with life-safety sensors. They allow end users to easily integrate existing life-safety sensors with their alarm systems.

Obviously, a sensor can only work with a system if the system is able to detect signals that are sent out from the sensor. For many existing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, they may not be able to communicate successfully with a panel. This is often because they are hardwired building smoke detectors that aren't designed to integrate with a newly installed system. Or they could be standalone, battery-powered devices that do not send out wireless communication signals for communicating with a wireless receiver. In any case, these devices are unable to integrate with an alarm system through a conventional method.

However, a takeover module like the FF345 or the SLX-AD-T3 will allow these devices to be used as a part of a complete alarm system. The user will not need to change their existing smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in any way. Instead, they can simply install an FF345 or an SLX-AD-T3 next to an existing life-safety sensor. They can then program the FF345 or the SLX-AD-T3 as though it were a regular life-safety sensor that is compatible with their system.

When their smoke detector or their carbon monoxide sensor is activated, it will still produce a sound to alert anyone in the building. The way that the FF345 and SLX-AD-T3 work is that they actively listen for this specific type of sound. Once the FF345 or SLX-AD-T3 hears the sound and realizes that the life-safety sensor has been activated, it will send an immediate alert to the panel. The system will then respond in the same way as if a programmed life-safety sensor were activated. If the user is monitored with a central station, this will usually mean automatic emergency dispatch.

Please note that only smoke detectors that produce a Temporal 3 sound and carbon monoxide sensors that product a Temporal 4 sound can be used with life-safety detector listening modules. Additionally, the Interlogix SLX-AD-T3 (FF319) can only listen for smoke detector modules that produce the Temporal 3 sound. You cannot use the SLX-AD-T3 with carbon monoxide sensors. However, the latest version of the FF345 will listen for both the Temporal 3 and the Temporal 4 sound. As such, the FF345 can be used with both smoke detectors and CO detectors.

Whether a user gets the FF345 or the SLX-AD-T3 will depend on what type of system they have. If their system supports 345 MHz sensors (e.g. Honeywell, 2GIG), they will get the FF345. If their system supports 319.5 MHz sensors (e.g. Interlogix/GE, Qolsys), they will get the SLX-AD-T3. But both sensors will provide the same great type of functionality and reliability.

Both the FF345 and the SLX-AD-T3 can be purchased from the Alarm Grid website. Get one to provide top-quality fire and carbon monoxide protection for your home or business.

Hi DIYers! Did you know that many of our monitored customers come to us with their own existing equipment? There are many cases where a user will inherit an old alarm system or bring sensors from a different monitoring company to use with Alarm Grid. This is often called a "system takeover".

At Alarm Grid, we are firm believers in the principle of "if you have it, then use it". When a customer is interested in our monitoring services, and they already have a system from a different monitoring company, we will do everything possible to use that existing equipment. This can include the panel, their sensors and various system add-ons. We can often take over the system entirely once its communicator been released from their previous monitoring company. Other times, simply replacing the old communicator with a new one, while still keeping the rest of the system, can do the trick. This can save the user hundreds or even thousands of dollars in equipment costs!

When you are monitored with Alarm Grid, you own all of your equipment. Whether you obtained it from us or somewhere else does not matter to us. We are happy to provide you and those around you with top-quality protection regardless of where you bought your equipment. And if you ever do decide to terminate your service with us, we will release your communicator so that you can easily take it somewhere else.

Of course, taking over an old alarm system isn't always possible. Many other alarm monitoring companies use proprietary equipment and communicators that will only work with their monitoring services. Monitoring companies may also lock out users of programming by using a secret Installer Code that prevents us from taking over the system. Yet another possibility is that the security panel is very old, and we may recommend making an upgrade to get additional functions and features. These are some of the problems that our technicians encounter almost everyday. Sometimes we can overcome these issues, but other times we cannot. Our experts can make that determination.

So while we will certainly do everything possible to make your existing panel and sensors work to save you money, please understand that it may still be necessary to replace some or all of your old equipment. However, it never hurts to at least ask us about using your old equipment before going out and buying new stuff, whether that is from us or from somewhere else. It never costs anything to speak to our planning team to start designing a security system. And if you do decide you need new equipment, remember that our website is an outstanding resource for competitively priced and non-proprietary equipment. In the event that you do ever find the same equipment at a less expensive price, by all means, buy it there, and bring it here.

Remember, our security technicians are experts. We are familiar with older alarm systems, and we can generally provide you with a fairly concise answer of whether or not your old equipment is usable. If you have an old system that you want to get monitored, please reach out to us! Often, a simple picture or a description is all we need to determine whether or not we can take it over. You can get started by giving us a call between 9am and 8pm EST M-F or by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our team is always happy to help, and, quite frankly, we love the challenge of making old equipment viable. So if you have an old security system or sensors that you think could still serve you and your family well, check with us to see if we can get it monitored!

Hi DIYers! We have received news from Honeywell that Total Connect 2.0 has been updated to Version 2.5.2. This version brings a few new features that should make things more convenient for end users. The update includes improvements to user syncing and the ability to add new users in bulk.

Total Connect 2.0 users can now sync users in all locations at once with the press of a single Button. There is now a button on any Users List page that can sync all of the users in a single location or for all locations. Simply press the button next to the choice of location to complete the sync.

Total Connect 2.0 also now offers a pre-configured template for download that allows users to add multiple users to a single account all at once. This ability to bulk-create new users should make things easier when a user is setting up a new Total Connect account for multiple users. Please note that bulk-adding multiple users can only be accomplished from the Total Connect 2.0 website, and it cannot be done from the Mobile App.

To start, click Users on the left hand, followed by Add New User. Then choose the option "Add Multiple Users".

Then download the template file, and open it in Microsoft Excel or another compatible spreadsheet program.

Next, you will enter in the appropriate info for the new users. Each Column (A thru H) will list a different setting that will correspond to each new user. Columns A, B and C will use free-form text, while Columns D, E, F and G will use drop-down options. Column H requires a valid Email Address.

The settings include First Name, Last Name, User Name, User Type, Notification Language, Time Format, Prompt For User Code and Email. Please note that the "Prompt For User Code" option should be set to "True" if you want Total Connect 2.0 to require the entry of the user's four-digit user code before a command will go through. Setting it to "False" will allow the user to control the system through Total Connect 2.0 (both App and Website) without having to provide their four-digit code.

Once finished, save the file. Then either drag the file to the "Drag Template File Here" area or press the "Select File" button.

From there, the user-creation process will proceed for each user listed in the spreadsheet. You will need to set each user's Access and provide a unique four-digit code. Once you have finished, press the "Create User" button in the lower-right corner. The user will receive a welcome email at the email address provided.

Please note that the Version 2.5.2 Update has presented some confusion for TC2 users. Upon logging into Total Connect 2.0, users have been presented with an update screen that outlines the new features explained above. We have heard reports of some users being unable to get past this screen. To avoid this issue, there is a blue "Continue" button at the very bottom that will allow the user to continue to the main TC2 page. The user needs to scroll to the bottom of the window, NOT the bottom of the update section. They can then click the button to move forward.

If you have any questions about these new features or the Version 2.5.2 update, please do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Our YouTube Channel uploaded a sound clip that mimics the sound of breaking glass. This sound clip can be used to test various glass break detectors for proper function. This includes both external glass break sensors and the internal glass break sensor for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2.

Although this might just sound like a generic glass break effect, it was actually specifically designed for testing glass break sensors. It includes both the low-pitched "thud" of an object striking against the glass, as well as the high-pitched "shattering" sound that is most commonly associated with breaking glass.

In order to test one of your glass break sensors, start by putting your system on test mode with the central station. Next, pull up the YouTube clip on your phone, and set your phone's volume to its highest setting. Then play the clip in its entirety while you are within the detection range of your glass break sensor. If successful, the sensor will send an alert to the control panel to let it know that it has been activated. You might want to test the sensor from multiple locations to make sure that it will properly respond to glass breaking from different directions.

Keep in mind that if the glass break sensor does not activate during testing, it does not necessarily mean that your glass break sensor isn't working properly. It may just need to have its settings adjusted, or you may need to change its location. Also, it's very important to mention that we recommend using a conventional glass break simulator, such as a Honeywell FG701 or an Interlogix 5709C-W if possible. This sound clip is only alternative option if a user has no other way of testing their sensor. Although the clip should work well, it will not work as effectively as a legitimate testing device.

We hope this clip will be helpful for users who need to test their glass break sensors. If you need any help, please contact us at 888-818-7728 M-F from 9am to 8pm EST or email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell Lyric C1. This is an affordable and effective security camera that makes for a solid addition to any home. It is very easy to set up, and it offers 720P HD streaming in real time. Overall, the C1 is a great camera for basic indoor use.

The Honeywell Lyric C1 is part of the Honeywell Lyric HD Camera Series. These are are the latest cameras designed for use with Honeywell's Total Connect 2.0 interactive service platform. They are great for anyone with a Honeywell Panel and access to Total Connect who wants to get started with security cameras. Although the name "Lyric" implies that these cameras are designed for use with the Honeywell Lyric Controller, they also make great additions for the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels and Honeywell VISTA Series Panels. The user just needs access to Total Connect 2.0 and an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance.

Although there is no way to view the live feed for the camera right from the panel, a user can access the live feed from Total Connect 2.0. This includes both the website version and the mobile app version for Android and iOS devices. The mobile app functionality is particularly impressive, as the user can pull up their Android or Apple smartphone and view the live feed for their Lyric C1 from virtually anywhere in the world! This is ideal for a person to get a quick view of their home while they are away.

Out of the Honeywell Lyric HD Cameras, which also includes the 1080P Lyric C2 and the outdoor Lyric OC1, the Lyric C1 represents the most affordable option. It is a 720P HD camera designed for indoor use. While it can be mounted to a wall, it can also be conveniently rested on a table or a desk. As a result, no tools are needed to install this camera. The user just needs to pair it with their Total Connect account. This simple process is outlined in this helpful FAQ.

Some features for the Lyric C1 include its 135° viewing angle and its night vision range of 16.5 feet. It is best-suited for small to medium sized rooms where it will be able to pick up any activity that occurs in dark settings. Many self-monitored users will set up the device near a smoke detector so that they can see if there truly is a fire in their home before contacting the fire department. It can also be useful for determining it an intruder is really present after a motion sensor has been triggered. Indeed, there are many fantastic possibilities from this simple, yet effective camera.

The Lyric C1 is available for purchase from Alarm Grid right now. Get started with video surveillance or expand upon your current camera lineup with this affordable, yet surprisingly robust, home security camera!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the VERSA-2GIG and VERSA-GE Door and Window Contacts. These are actually both Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors that have been reconfigured to communicate at different frequencies. They offer an affordable solution for monitoring doors and windows.

The VERSA-2GIG, VERSA-GE and 5800MINI all provide the same operation that a user would expect out of any standard door and window contact. The device functions using a sensor and an included magnet. The sensor should be mounted on the stationary portion of the door or window frame. The magnet should be mounted on the moving part of the door or window, within a half-inch of the sensor. Both can be mounted using screws or with double-sided foam tape. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will result in an internal reed switch inside the sensor being activated. The sensor will then know that the door or window has been opened, and it will send an alert to the security system.

The main difference between the VERSA-2GIG, VERSA-GE and the 5800MINI is the frequency at which each sensor communicates. The 5800MINI communicates at the 345 MHz frequency that is used with all Honeywell 5800 Series Devices. This makes it compatible with all Honeywell Systems (with compatible wireless receivers) and 2GIG Systems. The VERSA-2GIG operates at a similar frequency, but it is more like the 2GIG Sensors. The device will work with 2GIG Systems and the Honeywell Lyric Controller after receiving firmware update MR3. Both the 5800MINI and the VERSA-2GIG will work with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughterboard. As for the VERSA-GE, it operates at 319.5 MHz. This makes it compatible with the Interlogix/GE Systems and any Qolsys System with a 319.5 MHz Daughterboard. This includes the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus with 319.5 MHz Daughterboard.

The only other difference between the two VERSA Sensors and the Honeywell 5800MINI is that the VERSA Sensors program in as Loop 2, while the Honeywell 5800MINI programs with Loop 1 when used as a contact. Also, the VERSA Sensors cost significantly less than the 5800MINI. This makes the VERSA Sensors the preferred option if both sensors are compatible with their system. Other than that they are the same sensor. Both devices measure in at 2.2"L X 1.0"W X 0.25"H. This makes them extremely discreet and unobtrusive once installed. And of course, the VERSA Sensors are extremely easy to program in with any compatible panel.

Both versions of the VERSA Sensors - the VERSA-2GIG and VERSA-GE - are available for purchase right now. And for users of a Honeywell LYNX Touch or Honeywell VISTA, the 5800MINI is still available as well. You can get all of these excellent sensors from Alarm Grid. Protect the doors and windows your home with these versatile and reliable sensors!

It does not come as much of a surprise that the smart home industry is thriving right now. Recent reports suggest that the worldwide smart home devices market is set to grow 31% over the course of 2018. Just under 650 million smart home device shipments will be made by the end of the year.

As part of this projection, smart speakers, video entertainment devices, smart lights, smart thermostats and home surveillance products are included. By 2022, it is expected that 1.3 billion smart home devices will be shipped annually. This is a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%. Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, are set to experience the largest compound annual growth rate during this period at an astounding 39.1%.

These figures help to confirm the belief that alarm monitoring and home security is no longer just about security, life-safety and intrusion support. Smart home functionality is quickly becoming an integral feature of owning and operating a complete security system. The same system that keeps you and your family safe also works to control your lights, heat and cool your home and help you save money on your energy bills. And we fully expect for a user's smart home devices to become even more integrated with their alarm systems in the next few years.

Indeed, the future is now for security systems and smart home devices. Countless people operate their home automation devices and their alarm systems with the press of a button or a simple voice command. And while your security system will always be there to protect you and your loved ones, it will soon be doing so much more. Alarm monitoring and home automation are no-longer mutually exclusive. We've recognized this for a few years now, and it is just becoming more and more apparent over time. This trend is only going to increase as smart home technology continues to develop.

If you haven't already gotten started with smart home automation, the time is now. Alarm Grid isn't just your home for industry-leading security and protection. Our services are also here to make your life easier. We're constantly working to expand our smart home lineup and help our customers get the most our of their home automation functionality, whether it's through Apple's Siri, Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Just last month, we added Lutron Smart Lighting to our offerings. Even before that, we already offered a great lineup of Z-Wave devices that are compatible with the vast majority of our alarm panels. And we're only looking to grow from here. In the next few years, smart home automation will truly become just as important to us as providing the best alarm monitoring services possible.

Alarm Grid will always strive to provide users with reliable and dependable home and business monitoring for when they need it most. But smart home automation is something we feel extremely passionate about, and we recognize that the future of connectivity between security systems and smart functionality truly is now. Alarm Grid is proud to be your home for both alarm monitoring and smart home services. And we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family in the future.

With the looming threat of Hurricane Michael and the recent events of Hurricane Florence, we sometimes hear concerned reports from customers wondering if their home or business will remain monitored during an emergency. We want all our customers to rest assured that they absolutely will.

The reason that we can guarantee active monitoring service for our customers is thanks to our partner Criticom Monitoring Services and the three central stations that they operate across the country. Criticom runs monitoring stations in Florida, New Jersey and California. If one station ever goes down due to an emergency or a natural disaster, the calls will be automatically rerouted to one of the other stations. Regardless of which CMS Station receives an alert, the local authorities in the customer's area will always be notified in the event of an alarm. The only requirement is that the panel can successfully send out communication signals. As long as the panel is communicating reliably, CMS will receive the alert every time.

There's a good reason we chose CMS as our monitoring partner. They provide the most dependable and most reliable monitoring services in the country. We don't cut corners by working with a company that only operates from one location. With their three locations, Criticom will continue to operate. Should one location go down, the other two will be there to pick up the slack. There was even a precedent for this in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Northeastern part of the country. Although the CMS location in New Jersey was put out of commission for a few days, the offices in Florida and California were there to make sure that all of the people they protect day-in and day-out continued to receive the highest-level of monitoring services that they have come to expect.

We know that the Hurricane Season can be a nerve-wracking time for many people. Even if a storm doesn't strike your home or business, you never know if it could strike your monitoring company. But with Alarm Grid and Criticom Monitoring Services, there's no need to worry. However, you can do your part as well. Make sure you sign-up for a cellular monitoring plan so that your system utilizes the most reliable communication possible. Remember, unlike WIFI, cellular service doesn't go down as soon as the power goes out. It's also a good idea to keep multiple backup batteries on hand. If your home is hit by a storm and you experience an extended power outage, you will need the backup batteries to keep your system running. Many people in hurricane-prone areas keep a generator on hand to run important equipment, such as alarm systems, refrigerators, phone chargers and more.

Don't let hurricane season take away your peace of mind. Alarm Grid and Criticom are here to keep you safe at all times, even through a dangerous storm or disaster.

Hi DIYers! Our team is back with another video recap, this time for October 2nd through October 5th. It's a rather short video recap this time, but we have some fantastic videos from our support technicians Joe and Jorge. Let's check out what the video team has been up to this week.

Using a Phone Line with an Interlogix Simon XTi & XTi-5 Alarm System

Joe shows users how to use a phone line with an Interlogix Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 Alarm Systems. The physical phone line input for the POTS (plain old telephone service) connection is found on the inside of these panels. An RJ31X is needed to complete the wiring process. This module comes included with both of these systems. Please note that Alarm Grid strongly recommends using cellular monitoring service over a POTS connection. This will require a compatible cellular communicator.

Enabling the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Built-in Glass Break Sensor

Jorge explains how to enable the built-in glass break detector for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This system includes an integrated sensor that actively listens for the sound of breaking glass. We recommend setting this sensor to the lowest possible setting for avoiding any false alarms. The sensor can be enabled from the Installer Settings menu. The user will need to provide the Installer Code (1111) to access these settings. There will be a box to check for the user to enable the sensor. The user will then configure the settings for the sensor.

Can I Use Wired Contacts on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Joe talks about how a user can use normally closed hardwired contacts with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. The panel has inputs on its circuit board for supporting two hardwired contacts. If the user wants to set up additional contacts with their system, they will need to use a compatible wired to wireless converter. The hardwired contacts will connect directly with the converter, and the converter will send a wireless signal to the system on the behalf of these hardwired sensors. A great converter to use for this application is the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S.

Checking the Firmware Version of a Simon XT

Jorge demonstrates how to check the firmware version for an Interlogix Simon XT System. It can be very important to check the firmware for this system, as it will need to be running version 1.3 or higher in order to support an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. If the system is running a lower firmware version, then it will not be able to support the module, and it will not be able to connect with Alarm.com. The firmware can be checked right from the main menu of the system, and no codes are needed to see the revision number.

Discussion of Batteries in Sensors

Jorge talks about the batteries that are used in various wireless security sensors. A wireless sensor relies on battery power for being able to communicate properly with an alarm system. This is what allows them to stay running without having any wires connected with a wall outlet. The type of battery that a sensor will use generally depends on the size of the sensor and the type of power it needs. Two of the most popular batteries for security sensors are CR123A Camera Batteries and CR2032 Coin Cell Batteries. We recommend using lithium batteries for a maximum lifespan.

Honeywell 5800 Sensors and the Interlogix Simon XT?

Joe discusses how Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors can be used with the Interlogix Simon XT if a wireless translator is used. A wireless translator will take the 345 MHz signal from the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor and translate it to 319.5 MHz. This will allow the sensor to be used with the Simon XT. Another option is to just use 319.5 MHz sensors with the system. This includes all Interlogix/GE Sensors all Qolsys Sensors, including the encrypted S-Line Sensors.

Managing Home Automation Devices in Total Connect 2.0 from a Tablet

Jorge explains how to manage smart home automation Z-Wave devices in the Total Connect 2.0 service by using a tablet. The user will first need to login to their Total Connect account. The user should then access the Automation Menu to obtain a complete view of all their programmed smart home devices. The user will then be able to control these devices as needed and set them up with any smart scenes. Please note that the user will need to have automation services included in their alarm monitoring plan in order to do this.