2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 Posts

Alarm Grid recently ran into an issue upgrading a customer's 2GIG GC2 with a new 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 communicator. The panel simply would not recognize the new radio. To compound the problem, we were unable to find anything online that would indicate that a firmware update was the solution.

After speaking with 2GIG technical support we found that recently, within the past couple of months, all newly manufactured 2GIG LTE communicators that are compatible with the 2GIG GC2 and the 2GIG GC2e require the newest available panel firmware in order to support the radio. For the 2GIG GC2 that means firmware version 1.19.4+ and for the 2GIG GC2e that means 1.24+.

The packaging on these new communicators, both the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 and the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 will have information on the firmware update requirement if the communicator is new enough. It should be on the outside packaging, as well as the inside. However, if you don't pay attention to the packaging and discard it, there is no way to look at the communicator itself and tell which firmware it requires. So, if you have a 2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC2e and you're updating to an LTE communicator, pay attention to the packaging, or at least hold onto it.

If you're in a position to be upgrading your GC2 or GC2e to LTE, you may have an existing communicator that is no longer working. If that's the case, and you need a firmware upgrade before the new LTE communicator will work, don't worry, Alarm Grid has you covered. We host the firmware files for both the 2GIG GC2 and the 2GIG GC2e on our site. There are two ways you can update. You can use the 2GIG UPCBL2 updater cable and a Windows computer, or you can use the 2GIG UPDV EZ Updater Tool.

• How to update the panel using the EZ Updater Tool
• Video instructions for using the 2GIG UPCBL2 updater cable

If you don't want to purchase the EZ Updater Tool, and you don't have a Windows computer to use with the updater cable, Alarm Grid offers a loaner program for the EZ Updater Tool. Contact us at support@alarmgrid.com to inquire about the specifics of the loaner program. If you purchase the EZ Updater Tool, there is a good chance you will need to update it before you can use it. Doing so will require the use of a Windows computer.

This situation is a good reminder to always pay attention to all information you receive with new alarm equipment, including what's written on the packaging itself. You never know when you may have to return a piece of equipment, so keeping the packaging, at least until everything is set up and working, is a good idea.

This is just a friendly reminder that the 3G and CDMA Sunsets are still on-track. The AT&T 3G Sunset occurs January 31, 2022, while the Verizon CDMA Sunset occurs December 31, 2022. Alarm Grid can help you take action and make a transition to newer LTE hardware, or make alternative plans.

The 3G and CDMA Sunsets go beyond the alarm industry. Older cellular technology is being shut down and will no longer work. This is being done to transition resources to newer and more advanced cellular technology that will provide more effective service for users. After the shutdown, only 5G and 4G LTE will remain active as major network bands. Once your alarm system is set up with LTE, you will have a trustworthy and reliable communication path for many years to come.

You may have to start thinking about the 3G or CDMA Sunset if you have an older alarm system that is still using a 3G or CDMA Communicator. By the time the Sunset occurs and the associated cellular network is shut down, you will either have upgraded to newer technology, or your hand will be forced and your system will no longer be monitored.

The following outcomes are possible for any user with a 3G or CDMA Communicator:

• Upgrade to a new alarm panel entirely, namely one that will support LTE, or a Honeywell Panel or Resideo Panel that is IP Only.
• Keep the existing alarm panel, and upgrade its 3G or CDMA Communicator to a new LTE Communicator that will allow it to stay monitored.
• Downgrade to IP-only monitoring service. This is not possible for any system that uses Alarm.com.
• Terminate all monitoring service for the panel. It can still be used as a local sounder, but it will not report signals.

Users with 3G and CDMA Communicators who do not take any action will be subject to that last option. Once the 3G or CDMA Network is shut down, the panel will lose network connectivity, unless it is a Honeywell Panel configured for internet connectivity. A system that loses all connectivity due to a permanent network shutdown can still be armed and disarmed, but it cannot send any signals to the central station, meaning that no help can be automatically dispatched. The system also won't send notifications to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0, and the user won't be able to control their system remotely from one of those platforms. Also, the user will not be able to maintain an active Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a discount on their homeowner's insurance. Only actively monitored systems are eligible for a CoA.

Many users aren't even aware that their systems have 3G or CDMA Communicators that need to be upgraded. There are ways to tell if your communicator needs to be upgraded, but it may be difficult for someone who isn't trained to tell. If you have an older security system that you think may be in need of a communicator upgrade, then we can help you. Reach out to our team at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to make sure that you are ready for the 3G or CDMA Sunset. Depending on your situation and the equipment, we will advise you to do one of the following.

• Upgrade to a panel that can support LTE Cellular.
• Upgrade the communicator for an existing panel to LTE Cellular.
• Certain Honeywell Panels can be downgraded to support IP-only so that you can stay monitored using the equipment you already have.

Do you have any questions about the 3G or CDMA Sunset? Maybe you have already upgraded, and you want to let us know about your experience? Or maybe you have been putting off upgrading and are waiting until the last minute? We would love for you to leave a comment down below to let us know how you are preparing for the 3G or CDMA Sunset in your home or business. This is a major event for the security industry, and it's happening very soon. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more security news and updates on the 3G and CDMA Sunset, as we all transition to LTE.

Alarm Grid is here with a video recap! We have four (4) new videos this time, all featuring myself. We have cellular communicator installation videos for the 2GIG GC2 and GC2e and some videos explaining the use of thermostats on Alarm.com. Let's check out the latest Alarm Grid videos!

Upgrading the 2GIG GC2 to LTE

I show you how to upgrade the 2GIG GC2 to LTE. There are two (2) LTE communicators currently available for the 2GIG GC2. These are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 AT&T LTE Communicator and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator. Upgrading to LTE involves removing the system's old 3G or CDMA communicator and installing a new LTE module in its place. It is very important that you do this before the 3G Sunset to prevent any disruption to your monitoring service.

Installing a Cellular Communicator Into a 2GIG GC2e

I show you how to install a cellular communicator inside of a 2GIG GC2e. The 2GIG GC2e Security System does not come with any available communication path by default. You must add a cellular communicator to get the GC2e monitored. The communicator will connect the system with the Alarm.com servers. Alarm.com then forwards important information, such as alarm events and system trouble conditions to a central monitoring station and/or the end user directly via text message and/or email.

ADC-T2000 and ADC-T3000 Thermostats Work with Alarm.com

I explain how you can use the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Thermostat and Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat with the Alarm.com interactive platform. Both the ADC-T2000 and ADC-T3000 are Z-Wave Plus thermostats that pair with virtually any Z-Wave controller or hub. If that Z-Wave hub also happens to be an Alarm.com Security System that is actively being monitored, then the thermostat will be automatically pushed over to the Alarm.com platform after it has been enrolled with the system and the system syncs with Alarm.com.

Adding the ADC-T2000 to an Alarm.com Account

I show you how to pair the Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Thermostat with your Alarm.com account. The ADC-T2000 is a Z-Wave device. Like most Z-Wave devices, when you pair it with your Alarm.com Security System, the device will be automatically pushed over to your Alarm.com account the next time that your alarm system performs an automation sync with the server. You will then be able to control the thermostat remotely through the Alarm.com website and mobile app and include it with Alarm.com Smart Scenes.

Alarm Grid is updating all of our monitored 2GIG GC2 panels. If the panel has a firmware version older than 1.19.3.1 and it needs a new communicator, then an over-the-air (OTA) update will be pushed to update it to 1.19.3.1 which will support any LTE comm. The update will cause a reboot.

Alarm Grid is committed to making sure none of our customers are left behind when the AT&T 3G and Verizon CDMA sunsets occur. Toward this goal, we have decided to proactively push a firmware update to each of our customer's 2GIG GC2 panels that are monitored through Alarm.com. The 2GIG GC2 can be a little tricky to update, and pushing the update OTA is by far the easiest way to accomplish this task.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer who has a 2GIG GC2 panel on Firmware 1.19.3.1 or older with a pre-LTE communicator, you won't need to do anything special. The update will be pushed from the Alarm.com server and should occur automatically the next time your system is disarmed with no trouble conditions. As a part of the update, the panel will perform a reboot, and when it boots back up, it is likely to speak the current status. This is a normal part of the update process.

If you'd like to check the firmware version of your system then follow these steps. The purpose of this particular upgrade is to be sure any customer with a panel that doesn't currently support an LTE communicator will be able to do so. If your system already has an LTE communicator, even if the panel is not on the most recent Firmware, then no update will be sent. This is because you already have a Firmware version that supports the LTE communicator you're using.

Here's a breakdown of the 2GIG GC2 Firmware requirements:

As always, if you have any questions the best way to reach us is by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are M - F from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. We offer no-contract monitoring at reasonable prices and world-class technical support to our monitored customers. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid noticed a new addition to the AlarmNet360 platform for alarm dealers. There is now a banner counting down to the end of the respective AT&T 3G and Verizon CDMA network shut downs. It's another indication that the 3G Sunset is indeed a very pressing matter in the alarm industry.

If you are not familiar with the 3G/CDMA Sunset, it refers to quickly approaching dates at which the AT&T 3G Cellular Network and the Verizon CDMA Network will be permanently shut down and deactivated. Other cellular service providers also have their own dates for when they will decommission their older networks in favor of faster and more reliable LTE and 5G cellular networks. But for the alarm industry in the United States, the AT&T and Verizon shutdowns are particularly important, as many alarm systems rely on communication through these networks.

According to the banner shown on AlarmNet360, the AT&T 3G Sunset is set to occur after January 31, 2022. Likewise, the Verizon CDMA Sunset, according to the banner, will occur after December 31, 2022. We want to make it very clear that Alarm Grid is NOT stating that these are "official" dates for the respective network shutdowns. This is just what AlarmNet is displaying on their dealer portal. But it is our understanding that these dates are accurate and very important for end users to consider.

When a cellular network is shut down, any device communicating across that network will stop working. This includes many cellular alarm monitoring communicators that security systems depend upon for providing trustworthy and effective monitoring service. Inevitably, there will be many homes and businesses that fail to make the proper transition and get left behind during this period of adjustment. Our goal is to ensure that this happens to as few Alarm Grid customers as possible.

In preparation for the 3G/CDMA Sunset, AlarmNet has stopped allowing activations for these older cellular modules. Similar measures have also been taken by Alarm.com. But just because new activations are no longer permitted does not change the fact that there are many existing communicators out there.

Alarm Grid has promised to continue providing support for these modules as long as possible. We know that there are many people who aren't necessarily in a position to purchase a new communicator and/or an entirely new alarm panel right away. We're doing our best to accommodate everyone. But once an associated cellular network is shut down, there is nothing we can do. This is completely in the hands of the cellular service providers, and it is entirely out of our control. We fully understand the need to decommission older networks in favor of better technology, and we know that cellular service providers are making these decisions in the best interest of everyone involved. But we need to urge our customers. Do not get left behind.

The 3G/CDMA Sunset is not something to take lightly. There will be some homes and business that do not get the memo and/or decide to not take any action. They will be left vulnerable and unprotected. That is an unfortunate reality of the situation. But you do not need to let that happen to you or those around you. Most systems will allow you to replace an existing 3G or CDMA Communicator with a newer LTE communicator.

The term LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution". Cellular service providers like AT&T and Verizon are planning to keep their LTE networks active and in-service for many, many years into the future, possibly even decades. The LTE networks will serve as a reliable backup for the new 5G networks, for which the infrastructure is still being rolled-out. Even as cellular technology continues to evolve and change, the LTE networks will remain as a stronghold, keeping millions of security systems monitored and protected. Cellular service providers will not let their LTE infrastructure go to waste. These networks will be there for your home or business when you need them the most.

If you haven't upgraded to LTE yet, please contact us. We will help you explore your options so that you can make an informed decision. Depending on your current equipment, you might only need to buy a new communicator. Others will need to replace entire alarm panels. Our technicians can provide more detail once we know exactly what you are working with. We understand that it might be difficult or impossible for you to purchase new alarm system equipment right now. That's fine. You still have time. But time is running out. You need to start preparing and thinking about these things now. That's why AlarmNet has slapped a giant banner marking the countdown dates. Take action now, if possible, so that you aren't racing to make an upgrade at the last minute.

For Alarm Grid customers it is important to note that, in most cases a communicator replacement will require that you work with one of our trained technicians. In some cases, this can be done without an appointment, but in many cases an appointment will be required. So please, also keep this in mind when you're planning to upgrade your equipment. If everyone who needs an upgrade waits until the last minute, the wait for an available appointment time may get longer than usual.

The best way to contact us regarding any questions or concerns you might have about the 3G/CDMA Sunset is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Please let us know about the security system equipment you currently have so that we can provide the most comprehensive and complete support possible. We may even ask for pictures of your panel and/or communicator so that we can help you to the best of our ability. Remember that our support hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and ensuring that your security system is kept monitored for many years to come!

Alarm Grid has learned that 2GIG AT&T LTE Communicators will automatically roam to local cellular networks in Canada. This will allow Canadian users with 2GIG Systems to receive alarm monitoring service through Alarm.com. This is a fantastic solution for Alarm Grid customers in Canada.

The 2GIG AT&T LTE Communicators include both the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 for the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC2e Systems and the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e Systems. Both the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 and the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 will roam to local Canadian cellular networks. Keep in mind that this only applies to the 2GIG AT&T LTE Communicators. The 2GIG Verizon LTE Communicators will not roam, and they cannot be used in Canada.

The 2GIG AT&T LTE Communicators will roam to the Bell, Telus, and Rogers Networks in Canada. As long as you have adequate coverage from one of those networks, you will be able to use a 2GIG AT&T LTE Communicator without any issue. If you live in a remote area and do not have adequate coverage from Bell, Telus, or Rogers, then using a compatible cellular antenna or a cellular amplifier is also an option.

With this revelation, Alarm Grid can now support both 2GIG and Qolsys Systems in Canada. If you decide to use a Qolsys System, you will want to get the AT&T version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The system's built-in AT&T LTE Communicator will similarly roam to the Bell, Telus, or Rogers Network in Canada. Again, the Verizon version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus cannot be used in Canada. Alarm Grid made an extensive post on alarm monitoring in Canada, which you can view here.

If you are looking to obtain alarm monitoring service for your Canadian home or business, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Our security system planning team will be happy to help you explore your options so that you can make an informed buying decision. Remember, our business hours run from 9am to 8pm Eastern Time Monday thru Friday, so keep that in mind when contacting us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We know by now you are probably aware of the Alarm.com integration for Amazon Alexa. Today, we just wanted to remind you of the superb features and functions this integration offers and how it can make your life more convenient. Prepare to learn about the Alarm.com Alexa Skill!

It goes without saying that Amazon Alexa is one of the most popular smart home automation platforms available today. This is due in large part to its accessibility. An Alexa Hub is extremely easy to set up and use. And since so many people use Amazon Prime for ordering products online, they realize that adding a simple Alexa Hub in their homes makes sense.

There are many functions you can perform through Amazon Alexa voice commands if you have an Alarm.com Security System. You can have Alexa arm your system, check the current system status, perform entire smart scenes, and control individual Z-Wave smart home devices. Truly, the automation features offered from Alexa voice commands for Alarm.com are particularly exciting.

Alexa even allows you to set up special "Secure Commands" for Alarm.com, which include disarming your system, opening your garage door, and unlocking your Z-Wave door locks. These Secure Commands require you to provide a valid PIN code when speaking with Alexa. This way, you can be sure that it is you or someone you trust controlling your system through the hub!

To get started using Amazon Alexa with Alarm.com, you must first have access to the Alarm.com Platform. This will require having a system with a compatible Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. You will also need to get an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com. Two of the best plans to choose from are the Alarm Grid Gold Plan and the Alarm Grid Platinum Plan. You can learn more about these plans, plus all our other monitoring plans, on our alarm monitoring page.

Once your system is activated for monitoring service, and you have successfully created your Alarm.com account, you can then enable the Alarm.com Alexa Skill. Simply search for Alarm.com in the Skills & Games section of the Alexa App, and locate the Alarm.com Skill. You will need to provide your Alarm.com account information when you go to enable the skill. This will allow Alexa to communicate with your Alarm.com account.

You can then try controlling your system and paired smart home devices through Alexa voice commands! Remember that commands for use with your system will lead in with "Alexa, tell Alarm.com to..." As long as you remember that, you will have no shortage of exciting and convenient voice commands that you can use with Amazon Alexa and Alarm.com!

If you have any questions, then remember that the Alarm Grid Support Team is happy to help! We will answer any questions you have about the Alarm.com Alexa Integration or about the Alarm.com platform or our monitoring services in general. The best way to contact us if you have questions is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! A few months ago, we blogged about the upcoming encrypted systems from 2GIG. Well the first one is here, as you can now buy the 2GIG GC2e Wireless Encrypted Security System from the Alarm Grid website! We are certainly very excited about this new panel, and we're sure you are too.

The 2GIG GC2e is essentially an upgraded version of the older 2GIG Go!Control GC2. The original GC2 has served as an effective and reliable alarm system for many years, and users who are just now getting into the market now have a great new option available to them. The GC2e offers a user interface (UI) and overall design that original GC2 users will be familiar and comfortable with. This makes it super easy to transition over to the new GC2e System for your home or business.

The main highlight of the GC2e is the ability to support the upcoming lineup for encrypted sensors from 2GIG. These will be the first-ever encrypted wireless sensors from 2GIG, and users will appreciate the added protection that these devices provide. Encrypted sensors are virtually impossible to defeat or takeover wirelessly. This is very important in a world where savvy intruders are able to use advanced technology to hack and take control of non-encrypted sensors.

With a GC2e System and encrypted sensors, you can put these concerns to rest. Please note that the 2GIG Encrypted Sensors are not yet available for purchase. However, we expect them to be available very soon. In the meantime, you can still use the GC2e System with the existing 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the Honeywell 5800 Sensors. The GC2e is backwards compatible to support these devices. Just be aware that the system will only utilize encryption when it is paired with the upcoming encrypted 2GIG Sensors.

But the GC2e offers more upgrades than just support for encrypted sensors. It features an updated design that looks cleaner and more modern than the original GC2 System. Users will also appreciate the larger touchscreen, which now measures 5" across. By retaining the existing UI, existing GC2 users will know exactly what they start using the GC2e. If you ever owned the GC2 System in the past and are now looking to get back into the market, then the GC2e is a great choice.

The system also has some internal upgrades as well. The system now supports Z-Wave Plus technology with its 500-Series Chipset. This means that all Z-Wave Plus devices paired with the system will be able to utilize their maximum wireless range and battery life. You can also use classic Z-Wave devices with the system without issue. Just remember that you will only get the extended range and increased battery life with Z-Wave Plus devices.

Anyone who purchases the GC2e will want to make sure they get an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator for the system as well. This will provide the system with fast and reliable connectivity across a cellular network. The GC2e System actually supports the same existing cellular communicators used with the older GC2 System. We strongly recommend choosing an LTE cellular communicator for the system. Cellular service providers have stated that they plan to support their LTE networks well into the very distant future. With an LTE communicator, you can keep your GC2e monitored for many years to come.

We recommend using one of the following cellular communicators with the GC2e:

• 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 (AT&T LTE)
• 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC2 (Verizon LTE)

A cellular communicator is also necessary for getting the system connected with Alarm.com. This is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that you can access from a web browser or remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App. The service will allow you to arm and disarm your system, check current system status, and control your Z-Wave smart home devices from virtually anywhere in the world. Please be aware that you will also need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan from Alarm Grid to access ADC. More information can be found here.

As far as some basic specifications go, the system offers support for up to 60 wireless zones, a single hardwired zone, eight (8) remote control keyfobs, a total of four (4) keypads (2GIG TS1 and/or 2GIG PAD1-345), a wired siren output, and up to 64 user codes. The system is powered using a 1.7A 14VDC transformer that comes included. No wiring is included to connect the transformer to the panel. But you can get a Honeywell LT-Cable for this task. The system receives firmware updates over-the-air (OTA) from Alarm.com, or you can apply updates locally using a compatible updater tool.

We also know that many customers are eagerly awaiting the release of the 2GIG GC3e as well. This will be the successor to the current 2GIG GC3, and it will also provide support for the upcoming encrypted sensor lineup. Unfortunately, the 2GIG GC3e is not yet available for purchase. But we believe that it will be arriving before the end of summer. So please keep checking out blog for further updates.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG GC2e, you can send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and answering all your questions about this exciting new system!