Home Security Blog

Many people are very excited about 5G communication and what it will mean for the security industry. But users should keep in mind it may take awhile before this vision becomes a reality. We suspect that no 5G communicators for alarm systems will become available until at least 2020.

Even once 5G service is rolled out across the country and offered from cellular service providers, it does not mean that alarm systems will gain 5G functionality overnight. As you may know, a security system needs a cellular communicator to connect to a cellular network. This communicator determines which cellular network the system will access. In order for an alarm panel to connect with any given 5G network it will need a communicator that allows it to access the network. Until one of these communicators is released, security panels will have no way of connecting with 5G networks.

Historically, the release of new cellular communicators by alarm manufactures has not been an immediate process. It's fair to expect that it will take some time after the rollout of 5G for any 5G communicators to become available. In fact, there are still LTE communicators that have yet to be released for alarm systems. And LTE has been out for quite some time now. At this time, we have not received word from any alarm manufacturer on plans to release a 5G communicator for any system. And we don't expect to receive this type of news for quite some time.

Right now, we're in late 2018. Cellular service providers are only now just starting to test 5G networks in select areas. There certainly won't be any sort of nationwide 5G service until late next year at the earliest. And many cellular service providers may even wait until 2020 to rollout their networks. Of course, various 5G-compatible smartphones will be made available for these releases. But 5G communicators for alarm systems will be a lower priority. Most likely, one manufacturer will get on the ball and announce a 5G communicator. However, it probably wouldn't hit the market until at least 2020. That being said, this is only our prediction, and many things can change between now and then.

And even once a 5G module is released, it won't mean that every alarm system can suddenly use 5G communication. There will most likely only be 5G communicators made available for a very select number of alarm systems at first. We assume that the newer and most advanced systems will get priority, and it will probably be awhile before 5G communicators become available for older models. And it's fair to assume that some systems may never receive a 5G communicator, and they will only have LTE service available as their fastest cellular communication. This is fine though, as cellular service providers have repeatedly stated that their LTE networks will be supported well into the distant future.

So while 5G technology might be eagerly anticipated by the security industry, end users should not get their hopes up for any regularly used 5G communicators until 2020 or 2021. Of course, Alarm Grid will keep you up to date as we learn more about 5G networks and what customers can expect. For now, we'll keep looking forward to this exciting new technology.

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that Alarm.com has recently updated their iOS Mobile App to version 4.8. The big change that comes with this release is the ability to perform various Alarm.com functions through Siri voice commands. This is done through voice shortcuts on iOS 12.

Before this update, the only system we offered that could be used with Siri was the Honeywell Lyric Controller, which can be controlled using Apple HomeKit. But this update gives nearly every Alarm.com System a convenient new option for quick access and control. Although the feature is somewhat limited at this time, we expect additional capabilities to be announced in the coming months, including automation functionality for smart home devices.

The voice feature is only compatible with Apple iOS Version 12. This is the latest iOS version as of October 2018. A user can set up the voice feature under the App Settings Menu of the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Each voice command will need to be set up with its own unique Siri shortcut. Users can also opt to share their in-app activity so that Siri can recommend commands that are commonly used to appear on the lock screen or through spotlight search. Once the command has been set up, the user can conveniently ask Siri whenever they want to perform a basic system function.

Alarm.com iOS Version 4.8 also includes minor enhancements and fixes that should allow the app to operate more smoothly. Alarm Grid will be sure to pass on any further updates regarding Alarm.com as we learn more. Keep an eye on our blog to stay updated for the latest information.

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap, this time for September 20th through 28th. We have seven new videos from our technicians Joe, Jorge and Dylan to teach our customers how to use their security systems. Let's take a closer look and see what the Alarm Grid team has been up to.

Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell SiXMINICT

Jorge explains the differences between the Honeywell 5800MINI and the Honeywell SiXMINICT sensors. These are both door and window contacts that are manufactured by Honeywell. But the Honeywell 5800MINI is a 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor that will work with most Honeywell Systems and 2GIG Systems. The SiXMINICT will only work with the Lyric Controller. Also the SiXMINICT is encrypted, while the 5800MINI is not. The devices measure similar in size, but the 5800MINI is slightly smaller.

Interlogix Simon XT Overview

Jorge provides a comprehensive overview of the Interlogix Simon XT Alarm System. The device supports 319.5 MHz sensors from Interlogix/GE and Qolsys. The system supports up to 40 zones, which is plenty for most average-sized homes and smaller businesses. But a cellular communicator is needed to receive cellular monitoring. By adding a cellular communicator, the system will be able to connect with Alarm.com and support Z-Wave smart home devices. Being able to access Alarm.com can greatly add to the end user experience.

Connecting an Interlogix XTi or XTi-5 to WIFI

Dylan explains how the Interlogix Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 cannot connect to a WIFI network. These systems do not have a compatible WIFI card for connecting to a WIFI network. Instead, these systems can only receive monitoring service through a phone line or a cellular connection. A cellular connection is greatly preferred because it offers much faster speeds and vastly superior reliability. A compatible Alarm.com cellular communicator is needed to use a cellular connection with these systems.

Wiring a 5883H to a VISTA Security System

Joe shows users how to wire a Honeywell 5883H Wireless Transceiver to a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. The Honeywell 5883H will allow the user to use both one-way and two-way 345 MHz wireless devices with their Honeywell VISTA Panel. This includes standard alarm sensors, like door and window contacts and motion sensors, which typically use one-way communication. But it also includes add-ons that require two-way communication between the device and the system. Examples of two-way devices include keypads and wireless sirens. The 5883H will support as many sensors as the VISTA Panel supports.

Programming a Keyfob to an Interlogix Simon XT

Joe demonstrates how to set up a key fob with the Interlogix Simon XT. This is done by putting the system into its learn mode and then activating the key fob to learn it in. The system should recognize the key fob, and the user will then be able to configure its settings. This includes setting the Group Number for the sensor. Most key fobs use Group Number 1, but there are occasions to use Group Numbers 3, 6 or 7 instead.

Changing the Battery of an Interlogix Simon XTi & XTi-5

Dylan shows users how to change the battery for an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5. These systems normally rely on a plug-in AC connection for power. The backup battery will be slowly storing electricity for when the power does go out. When an electrical outage occurs, the system will automatically switch over to its backup battery power to stay running. The backup battery will need to be replaced every few years for proper operation. But it should otherwise serve as a reliable source for backup power.

How Many Keypads Can I Add to a Honeywell VISTA-20P?

Dylan explains how many keypads a user can add to their Honeywell VISTA-20P Security System. The panel will support up to eight addressable keypads and up to four advanced user interface (AUI) devices. The first keypad a user will want to add is an alphanumeric keypad, like the Honeywell 6160RF. This will allow the user to perform deep-level programming for their system. From there, they may want to add additional keypads for easier access. One thing to remember with touchscreen AUI devices is that the Total Connect service itself counts as one of the four AUI devices.

Cellular communication is expected to make its next major leap forward later this year with the rise of 5G networks. This is exciting news for the security industry, as it will make alarm systems more versatile than ever. Let's take a quick look at how 5G will revolutionize alarm monitoring.

When a person says "5G", they are referring to the fifth generation of cellular communication. Most alarm systems today use 3G or 4G/LTE cellular modules for communicating. Inevitably, 5G communicators for alarm systems will eventually be released. Once the 5G networks grow and these new alarm communicators become available, end users and their home security systems will then be able to truly take advantage of what 5G offers.

The main benefit to 5G communication is how it will improve the end user experiencing with working with "Internet of Things" (IoT). This goes beyond simply streaming a video or downloading a file. IoT refers to a network of devices that goes beyond just phones and computers. In the world of alarm systems, this can include things like smart lights, thermostats, door locks and more. In other words, 5G technology will help alarm system continue their transition into becoming full-fledged smart home controllers.

There is a very large amount of activity that occurs when an alarm system controls a smart home device, such as a light. The command has to go from the system, to the interactive service, to the alarm system, and finally to the device itself. Although each action is relatively minor, the fact that there are multiple steps to this process can slow things down. By using 5G communication, almost every step of the process will be made quicker, and it will provide a better experience for the end user. Simply put, any action or command will become almost instant. The same principle applies when the command is initiated from another source, like a smartphone or smart assistant device.

When a user with a 5G connection pulls up the Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App and runs a smart scene, they can expect that the command will reach the servers for the interactive platform in a matter of milliseconds. And then the service will send the command to the alarm system (or other smart home controller) also in a matter of milliseconds. From there, the only transmission left is the local communication between the smart home controller and the device itself. With the support of a 5G network a user can expect these processes to occur basically in the blink of an eye, as any noticeable transmission latency will largely become a relic of the past.

Alarm systems are quickly becoming more than just security tools. Many people have already embraced security panels as central hubs for useful devices in their homes. We expect this trend to continue with the rise of 5G. The future of the security system is for it to do more than just keep you and your family safe. We expect the equipment we feature to become even more useful tools that will greatly benefit your everyday life and make your household more connected. Alarm monitoring is about to become so much more than security and protection. We're ready for every step of the journey.

Hi DIYers! Today we're taking a look at a classic Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor. The Honeywell 5820L Wireless Slim Line Door and Window Sensor is known for being one of the easiest to use and effective contacts around. Its slim profile makes it ideal for use with sliding doors and windows.

The 5820L provides the same function as virtually any wireless door and window sensor. But its long, thin profile makes it perfect for certain applications. The way that the sensor works is fairly standard. The sensor has an integrated reed switch, and it is installed alongside a separate magnet that comes included. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor and cause the internal reed switch to activate. The sensor will then send an alert to the alarm system. As a 345 MHz sensor, the 5820L will work with most wireless Honeywell and 2GIG Panels. It will also work with the new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz daughtercard.

What separates the 5820L from other 345 MHz contacts is its slim profile. This makes it exceptional for use with sliding doors and windows where a smaller sensor is needed. Even better is that the sensor is extremely easy to install by mounting it with double-sided foam tape. This means that no drilling or nails are needed to securely mount the sensor. And since the device uses a single AAA battery with an average battery life of 10 years, keeping the 5820L powered is a breeze. The one downside to the sensor is that it features are relatively short wireless range of about 150 feet. But a user can effectively double this range to 300 feet with the use of a Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater.

The Honeywell 5820L is available for purchase from Alarm Grid now. Protect your sliding doors and windows with this versatile sensor!

Hi DIYers! Since its inception in 2012, Alarm Grid has prided itself in being the premier no-contract option for home security. We believe that the no-contract model provides a better experience and greater flexibility for customers. Let's take a look at why no-contract monitoring is ideal.

No-contract alarm monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. It means that the customer is not locked into any contract, and they are free to terminate their monitoring service at any time. Alarm Grid also does not charge any fees for cancelling service. The only thing keeping a customer with us is the simple fact that we provide the best monitoring service and customer support at a fair price. If a customer no longer wants to receive monitoring service, or if they find another company who they believe can do it better, they can leave whenever they would like. It's this level of freedom and versatility that has helped make Alarm Grid what it is today.

At first glance, an alarm monitoring contract might not seem like a big deal. A customer might think that they can just wait out the duration of their contract and then take their system to a different alarm monitoring company later. Unfortunately, it isn't always this easy and simple. Some monitoring contracts can run for several years, and the only way to escape the alarm contract is usually to pay a potentially costly cancellation fee. Plus, many alarm companies use proprietary equipment that can only be used with that particular company. Or they may refuse to release the communicator or provide the Installer Code for the system if the customer leaves. Even if you received the panel for free, it might not do any good if the system only works with that company. Recently, we have even heard of monitoring contracts specifically stating that the company would not be legally required to release the communicator even after the alarm contract expires!

However, Alarm Grid does not play these games. The equipment that we offer is all non-proprietary. It can be used with any alarm monitoring company that is willing to register it. We also encourage our customers to use the default Installer Codes for their systems so that they are empowered. They won't get locked out of programming, and they will be able to take their system to a new monitoring company if they choose to do so. And if a customer ever does decide to leave Alarm Grid, we will absolutely release the communicator for their system so that it can be easily reused. This is your system, not ours. You are free to do whatever you would like with it.

The one thing Alarm Grid will never do is trap its customers. We know that our service is the best, and we don't need to force our customers to stick with us. If an Alarm Grid customer wakes up one day and realizes that our service isn't for them, they are free to leave. We won't hold it against them. But they won't have that level of freedom with alarm monitoring companies that use contracts.

Make the smart choice. Choose Alarm Grid no-contract monitoring so that you are in control of your monitoring service. We're sure that you'll love what we have to offer. And if you don't, then you can leave at no cost. Please check out our monitoring page for more information about our no-contract monitoring plans.

Imagine you and your family are away from home. An intruder decides to take this opportunity to forcefully enter your house. But luckily, they trigger a contact, a motion sensor or a glass break sensor, and an immediate alarm is sent to a central station. They flee the scene immediately.

At first glance, this might seem like a favorable situation. The intruder left your property immediately, the police arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and any property damage was minimized. But now there is a criminal on the loose, and the police don't necessarily have any leads for identifying the individual. That is where home security cameras can greatly assist with a police investigation. Even just one camera can mean the difference between a successful arrest and an unsolved crime.

A home security camera is exactly what it sounds like. It is a camera that captures footage inside the home for security purposes. Sure, you might capture some cute and heartwarming moments of your family on your security camera from time to time. But their real purpose is to keep you and your loved ones safe. In the previous scenario, a single camera could have provided police with a detailed physical description of the intruder. This can eventually lead to the arrest and conviction of the guilty party. Thanks to your camera, the police managed to take a dangerous criminal off the street, and your area is now safer as a result.

The modern security cameras of today don't feature the grainy, black & white footage of older models. New cameras from Alarm.com and Honeywell capture video in full-color, HD quality. With these cameras, you'll be able to see any unwanted intruder in exceptional detail. This will make it easier for the police to identify the intruder later. Most modern security cameras also used infrared (IR) night vision to detect criminals in the darkest of environments. There are event specially designed low-light cameras created for this purpose. And outdoor security cameras can capture footage that specifically occurs outside your home.

But there's another important reason to get security cameras for your home. Not every bad guy breaks into the home. As scary as it sounds, many burglars, vandals and even sex criminals works right under the nose of the homeowner. They can operate under the guise of a repair person or a cleaner or any trusted individual. Once inside, they can rob you of your belongings or perform disgusting acts that can leave you speechless. Just a few days ago, a "repairman" in Los Angeles was caught on a home security camera sniffing a young girl's underwear while he was "working". Just imagine how many of these crimes go undetected in homes due to a lack of security cameras!

We're not telling you to be afraid of every person you let into your home. There are plenty of trustworthy and honest people left in this world. But in today's day and age, you can never be too sure. As extreme as it sounds, it is absolutely critical that you know exactly what goes on in your home. Home security cameras are the best way to do this. And with advances in technology, these cameras are easier to use and install than ever before. In fact, many can even be rested on a table, no installation needed!

When used with an alarm system and an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can even view the live footage for your security cameras from virtually anywhere in the world at any time. And even if you don't ever catch an intruder breaking-in or a creep repairman going through the belongings of your family, nothing beats the peace of mind of being able to see exactly what is going on inside your home while you are away.

Alarm Grid offers a wide selection of security cameras designed for use with the Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com services. All that's needed to get started is a Platinum Level Alarm Monitoring Plan. Protect your home and your loved ones with a security camera setup from Alarm Grid.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the DSC PG9914 PowerG Wireless Motion Detector. This is a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor that uses highly advanced technology to reduce false alarms. But it still offers the reliable performance that you need for your security system.

The main operation for the DSC PG9914 takes place through its fresnel and cylindrical lenses. These lenses require no adjustment during the easy installation process. And they are designed with special Target Specific Imaging and Advanced True Motion Recognition to distinguish between human intruders and other sources of motion. A user can rest assured that the device will reliably respond if an intruder is ever present. But it also won't cause false alarms when mounted correctly. Its detection range is rated for sensing motion from up to 39 feet away.

The DSC PG9914 also offers pet-immunity for animals weighing up to 85 pounds. This makes it perfect for users who have pets running around their house. But remember that pet-immunity only works properly when the motion sensor has been mounted correctly. We usually recommend a mounting height of about 7 feet for this purpose. It should also not be facing any objects that a pet could climb upon to get within the detection view of the sensor.

As a PowerG Sensor, the PG9914 has a wireless range of 2 kilometers when used in open air. It also uses highly secure 128-bit AES encryption to prevent any wireless takeover attempts. The sensor is truly one of the most secure wireless motion sensors available today. It operates at a frequency of 915 MHz, making it compatible with the DSC PowerSeries Neo Systems and the all-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems.

The DSC PG9914 is available from Alarm Grid now. Get one to protect your home!

Hi DIYers! We have another product highlight for you today. We're taking a look at the Obsidian Touchscreen Z-Wave Lock from Kwikset. There are many things to like about this convenient and easy to use door lock, and we can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to secure their home.

The first thing a user will notice about the Obsidian Lock is smooth and glossy black touchscreen. With its sleek and modern appearance, the lock will fit in with virtually any decor. Its simplistic design makes it very easy to use, and users will have no trouble operating the device on a daily basis. The lock uses no physical keys, and all tasks are completed using the touchscreen. Once the device has been enrolled, with the system, it can then be unlocked using any programmed panel codes.

A unique aspect of the Obsidian is its special SecureScreen technology to prevent unwanted entry. When the lock is activated after a long period of inactivity, two numbers will be displayed on the screen. The user must press both of these numbers in order to display the complete touchscreen. Only after the two numbers have been pressed will the complete keypad be displayed. The screen will display different numbers every time, meaning that every keypad button will be pressed after a few uses. By doing this, every button will have fingerprints on it. This means that a potential intruder won't be able to look at the glossy keypad with fingerprints on specific keys to easily determine the code.

Another feature of the Obsidian is its 128-bit AES encryption that will prevent any wireless hacking attempts that intruders may use to try and thwart the lock. The deadbolt lock itself is also extremely secure, as it meets the BHMA Grade 2 Deadbolt Operational and Security Standards. The user can also create new codes for the lock directly from its touchscreen keypad. This is done by setting up a lock master code for code management.

And the discussion of the Obsidian wouldn't be complete without mentioning that it's a Z-Wave Plus device! This means that it can use all of the technology of Z-Wave Plus when used with a certified Z-Wave Plus controller. Also referred to as the 5th generation of Z-Wave of the "500 Series", Z-Wave Plus has superior range and reliability over standard Z-Wave devices. And when another Z-Wave Plus device "hops" through the the Obsidian, the signal that is sent out will also use Z-Wave Plus connectivity. This makes the Obsidian great for expanding upon a Z-Wave Plus mesh network. Two alarm panels that serve as Z-Wave Plus controllers include the 2GIG GC3 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.

The Kwikset Obsidian Lock is available from Alarm Grid now. Protect your home with this versatile and useful Z-Wave lock!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the LTE cellular communicators for the Interlogix Simon XT, Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 Alarm Systems. These cellular communicators are used for getting a new or existing Simon Security System connected with the Alarm.com interactive service.

When it comes to LTE cellular communicators for the Simon XT, XTi and XTi-5, users have three options to choose from. These are the following options:

• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-AT AT&T LTE Communicator
• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ Verizon LTE Communicator
• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-TL Telus LTE Communicator (Canada Only)

The decision between AT&T, Verizon or Telus should depend on which cellular service tends to work best at the location of the system. This has nothing to do with a user's personal cellular service provider. For example, even if a user has a Verizon Phone, they can still get an AT&T communicator for their alarm system.

But regardless of which cellular network is used, there's no denying the benefits of connecting to an LTE network. LTE stands for "long-term evolution", and it represents some of the fastest and most reliable cellular networks that are being used today. Cellular service providers have promised that they will continue to support their LTE networks for many years into the distant future. So by choosing an LTE communicator, a user is essentially future-proofing their alarm system.

Adding a cellular communicator is perhaps the most important upgrade that a user can make for their Simon XT, XTi or XTi-5 System. Without a cellular communicator, these systems can only use telephone service for alarm monitoring. But this practice is almost always discouraged due to the slow communication speeds and unreliable service associated with phone line monitoring. For the Simon XT, XTi and XTi-5, cellular is almost always the way to go.

With cellular monitoring on a Simon XT, XTi or XTi-5, the user will enjoy fast and reliable communication. They will also be able to rest easy in knowing that their system will still remain monitored even when the power goes out. This can be very important for providing a user with proper peace of mind. And a cellular communicator will allow the system to connect with the Alarm.com interactive service.

A user can access the Alarm.com service at any time to arm and disarm their system, control Z-Wave smart home devices, check the current status of security sensors and more. The service can be accessed through a web browser or remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on iOS and Android devices. And since these cellular modules double as Z-Wave controllers, adding an LTE communicator will instantly make the Simon Systems Z-Wave ready for use with Alarm.com.

The LTE cellular communicators are compatible with all versions of the Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 Systems. But the Simon XT System will need to be running firmware version 1.3 or higher. A user can check the current firmware version on their Simon XT by scrolling down on the main menu screen until the firmware version is displayed. It is important to keep this in mind when adding a cellular communicator to a Simon XT.

But not everyone who needs a cellular communicator necessarily has a brand-new Simon XT, XTi or XTi-5 System. A user will often purchase a cellular communicator to takeover their existing Simon Panel from a different alarm company. Many alarm companies use proprietary communicators, and they will not work with other companies. By removing the old communicator and replacing it with a new one that is unregistered, the system can be successfully taken over and used with a new monitoring company. We have already had many users do exactly this to receive alarm monitoring services from Alarm Grid, without having to replace their old Simon Panel.

The Interlogix Simon LTE Cellular Communicators are available from the Alarm Grid website right now. Get one so that you can receive top-quality cellular monitoring service for your Simon XT, XTi or XTi-5 System!