Honeywell Lyric Security System Posts

I began with the intention of making a single post about possible replacement options for the Lyric. But the post grew out of control and took on a life of its own! So instead, I'm making a series of posts, one for each suggestion. In Part 2, we'll concentrate on the Resideo PRO Series panels.

The Lyric was discontinued in 2021 and production of all SiX Series sensors has now ended. With that in mind, I've been looking at the various ways forward for current Lyric users. In Part 1 we explored the option of simply continuing to use the Lyric Alarm. In Part 2, we'll discuss replacing the Lyric with a like-panel. In this case, the Resideo PROA7C or PROA7PLUSC.

Feature Comparison FAQs:

• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7PLUS
• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7
• PROA7 Vs. PROA7PLUS

Replace the Lyric With Another All-In-One System:

If you choose to replace the Lyric panel, using another all-in-one system is a great idea. The Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC panels are a natural choice. The PROA7, PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC can support nearly all the same sensors as the Lyric, though there are some exceptions as we discuss in this FAQ.

NOTE: The Honeywell Home PROA7 and the Resideo PROA7C are virtually the same panel with a different manufacturer's badge on the front. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7PLUSC are also virtually the same. In early 2025, Resideo announced they would discontinue the PROA7PLUS and begin only manufacturing the PROA7PLUSC.

Between the two panels, the PROA7PLUSC is the most like the Lyric in terms of features. For example, the Lyric has a front-facing camera as does the PROA7PLUSC. The PROA7C has no camera. The PROA7PLUSC comes with both WIFI and Z-Wave support included, the PROA7C doesn't, though you can add those features. You can see a full feature comparison between the PROA7C and the PROA7PLUSC here.

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC both support PROSIX and SiX Series sensors right out of the box. When a SiX Series sensor is added to either of the PRO Series panels the sensor is updated, effectively becoming a PROSIX sensor. Once this upgrade occurs, the SiX Series device cannot be downgraded again. That means it can never work with a Lyric panel after the upgrade takes place.

Another important thing to remember is that every SiX and PROSIX sensor can only be paired to one panel at a time. When replacing a Lyric system with a PRO Series panel, a specific set of steps should be completed, and in the proper order. You can read the steps for replacing a Lyric with a PRO Series panel here.

You'll need to work closely with your alarm dealer to complete a replacement steps linked above as only your alarm dealer can perform certain steps in the list. There is no direct replacement option through AlarmNet360 currently, as there is when going from one Lyric panel to another Lyric panel. You will be reprogramming all your zones when performing this replacement.

As previously mentioned, SiX Series devices are paired with the Lyric panel during programming. To disassociate a sensor for use with another panel, either the individual zone must be deleted while the sensor is powered on and can receive the delete command, or the entire panel must be defaulted with all SiX sensors powered and receptive to the default signal.

In the event of a Lyric panel failure with multiple paired SiX Series devices, sending the delete or default command may become impossible. Consequently, not only would the Lyric panel require replacement, but all paired SiX Sensors would also need to be replaced, as they would be unresponsive to pairing with a new panel. For this reason, it is better to replace the Lyric panel before a failure occurs.

Honeywell 5800 Series Support:

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC don't offer native 5800 Series support. To support 5800 Series devices a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module must be added. With a PROTAKEOVER the system can support any one (1) legacy RF frequency from the following:

• Honeywell 5800 Series - 345 MHz
• 2GIG Unencrypted Sensors - 345 MHz
• Qolsys/Interlogix Unencrypted - 319.5 MHz
• DSC Legacy (not PowerG) - 433 MHz
• Bosch - 433 MHz

In spite of the fact that several of the above mentioned manufacturers use the same basic frequency for legacy wireless, none of these are interchangeable. That means you can only support 2GIG or Honeywell 5800 Series, not both. We have tested this and this is a definite limitation. Incidentally, the FF345 behaves as a Honeywell 5800 Series device rather than a 2GIG one. The same rule holds true for DSC and Bosch 433 MHz sensors.

Communicators:

A key advantage of Resideo and First Alert panels is their versatile communication options, offering IP, LTE cellular (AT&T or Verizon), or dual-path connectivity. However, it's important to point out that IP-only communication leaves the system vulnerable to network outages. LTE cellular communication is much more reliable, though it is slightly more expensive when choosing a monthly monitoring plan.

Despite the reliability of LTE cellular communication, Alarm Grid still recommends a connection to WIFI. This is due in part to the fact that PRO Series panels can only receive over-the-air firmware updates via WIFI. Updates will not be sent using cellular data. If you have a panel in a location with no WIFI available, you can use your cell phone as a wireless hotspot. The panel will see this as a WIFI connection and should be able to download any available update.

Apple HomeKit Support:

If your Lyric is using Apple HomeKit you will be able to continue using it with the Resideo PROA7PLUSC. Unfortunately, the Resideo PROA7C does not support HomeKit. Also, once you have the PROA7PLUSC configured, you'll need to go through the process of setting up HomeKit with the new PROA7PLUSC from scratch. There is a bit of difference in using the PROA7PLUSC with HomeKit, you can read about that here.

HomeKit is a great way to automate you lifestyle-enhancement devices and integrate them with your alarm system, or vise versa. However, there are limitations to the security and life-safety devices you can monitor with it. For example, Apple HomeKit doesn't provide detailed notifications for fire or carbon monoxide alarms. You can read a comparison between HomeKit and Total Connect 2.0 here. Because of these differences, we still recommend that HomeKit users also use TC2.

Total Connect 2.0:

Switching from the Lyric to a PRO Series panel enables continued or new access to Total Connect 2.0. This remote platform mirrors panel functionality, allowing you to monitor status, arm/disarm, control automation, and program scene-based automation schedules and system event triggers.

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 in this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 3 we discuss replacing the Lyric with a new VISTAH3 Hybrid panel.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 1

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 3

With the introduction of the PRO Series and VISTAH3 panels, and with SiX Sensors discontinued, the official end-of-life of the Lyric panel will likely soon follow, leaving its users to seek viable upgrade paths. Here, we explore your upgrade options once the inevitable announcement is made.

If you have a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System don't worry. Even though production was discontinued in 2021, you can still use your working system. It will also continue to work with Total Connect 2.0. Discontinuation just means that you can no longer purchase a new Lyric panel. Also, it is likely there will be few, if any firmware updates going forward.

Upon discontinuing an alarm system, Resideo provides five (5) years of over-the-phone support to alarm dealers. Then the system enters the 'Limited Support' phase. During limited support, Resideo only offers documentation to dealers; direct, one-on-one support is no longer available. For the Lyric panel, limited support begins on December 31, 2026. After this date, a Lyric that displays anomalous behavior should be replaced.

Continue To Use The Lyric:

While SiX Sensors are still available for purchase from Alarm Grid, that's only because we still have inventory. As these sensors are no longer in production, they will be discontinued upon stock exhaustion. So, if you rely on a Lyric panel to protect your belongings or your loved ones, getting any necessary replacement sensors is recommended while supplies last.

Fortunately, the Lyric Controller also supports most Honeywell 5800 Series wireless sensors and 2GIG uni-directional, unencrypted 345 MHz sensors. So, these devices can be used to replace existing SiX Series devices that malfunction. Unfortunately, none of these devices support encrypted signaling between the sensor and the panel.

The Lyric cannot support the 2GIG eSeries encrypted sensors, nor can it support Honeywell bi-directional devices like the 5800WAVE, 5828, or the 5800RL. Any Honeywell 5800 Series device that requires a House ID to communicate with the system is not supported by the Lyric.

There is also the option of using a wired to wireless converter module. For users accustomed to the ease associated with using wireless sensors, the thought of using wired sensors may seem daunting. But depending on the layout, installing a Honeywell 5800C2W or a 2GIG TAKE-345 wired to wireless converter may be a good solution. Particularly if you need to install several closely grouped sensors.

A wired to wireless converter module functions by converting signals from traditional wired sensors into wireless transmissions. This enables the alarm panel to receive status updates from wired sensors, such as door openings or motion detection. The Honeywell 5800C2W supports up to nine (9) wired inputs, while the 2GIG TAKE-345 accommodates up to eight (8).

Consider a scenario involving a room addition or patio to sun room conversion. In such cases, wiring sensors in the new area to a wired to wireless converter module offers a simple method for integrating these zones into your existing Lyric system. This option simplifies the expansion of your security system without the need for a complete overhaul.

Another major consideration when thinking about replacing a Lyric System is the use of Apple HomeKit. The Lyric was the first, and for a long time the only, professionally installed system to support HomeKit. If you're using HomeKit, or if you plan to begin using it, then sticking with the Lyric may be your best bet.

There are now other panels that support Apple HomeKit, including the PROA7PLUSC from Resideo. The functionality between the Lyric and the PRO Series panels is a little different as outlined in this blog post. You can see how to configure HomeKit on a PROA7PLUS or PROA7PLUSC in this FAQ.

Be sure to check out the rest of our series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 2 of the series, we discuss the considerations when replacing a Lyric with another Resideo all-in-one panel the Resideo PROA7C, Honeywell Home PROA7, or Resideo PROA7PLUSC. In Part 3 we cover replacing the Lyric with a new First Alert VISTAH3 hybrid panel, and in Part 4, we consider moving from Resideo to an Alarm.com capable panel.

Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 2

The ever-evolving WIFI industry can sometimes present challenges to alarm equipment. The steps manufacturers take to protect privacy, and streamline connections, can sometimes interfere with an alarm system's ability to get connected. Here, we'll discuss ways to keep your WIFI system online.

Resideo and Honeywell Home have not embraced the 5 GHz WIFI band as some of the other alarm manufacturers have. Both 2GIG and Qolsys have panels that can connect to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI. While 5 GHz WIFI offers slightly greater speed, it also offers a shorter range. Its main advantage is that it offers more channels and less congestion than its 2.4 GHz counterpart. The 2.4 GHz band is slightly slower, mostly because it's more crowded, but with a greater range and better solid object penetration.

Many customers may be afraid to purchase Resideo or Honeywell Home equipment because they believe that soon WIFI routers may stop supporting the 2.4 GHz frequency. However, most IoT (Internet of Things) devices that use WIFI currently only support the 2.4 GHz band, so you can expect network equipment manufacturers to continue producing equipment that supports 2.4 GHz for some time. Also, many older devices, such as older smartphones or tablets, don't support 5 GHz WIFI.

Users with dual-band routers that support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WIFI, and who also have Resideo or Honeywell Home WIFI products, may have experienced issues with their security device losing its WIFI connection. If that is the case, disabling a feature in the router called Band Steering may help the system to stay connected. Routers that support dual-band WIFI often use Band Steering in an effort to make switching from one band to the other seamless.

In theory, with Band Steering enabled, and the SSID, Password, and encryption settings for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands set to the exact same parameters, any device capable of using both bands can switch between them on the fly as the device moves through the location. Consider using a tablet or a smartphone as you walk through your home. When you're close to the router, 5GHz is likely the best band for the device to use. But as you walk away from the router, the 2.4 GHz band may become a better option. Band Steering will take care of switching from one to the other with no further input from the user and without the user even knowing that the switch has occurred.

If Band Steering worked as well in practice as it does in theory this would be an excellent solution. However, for some routers that support this feature, in certain cases, if a client WIFI device can only support 2.4 GHz, and the router supports both bands with both having matching SSIDs and Passwords and Band Steering is enabled, often the client device can't connect to the network because it is blocked by the router.

The router does this because it believes the client device is capable of connecting using the 5 GHz band, and in most cases, the router is trying to steer as many devices as it can to 5GHz. By disabling Band Steering, the Resideo or Honeywell Home WIFI capable panel will be able to see and connect to the 2.4 GHz network. In fact, it's the only network that it will be able to see. All other devices that support both bands will still be able to connect to whichever SSID the user chooses.

You can disable Band Steering on your dual-band router without having to change either SSID or password. The drawback to doing this is that you won't immediately be able to tell which WIFI band a device that supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands is connected to. If you need to be able to determine this, then you will want to disable Band Steering and then change the SSID and Password for one or the other WIFI Band so that you can easily determine which WIFI band a device is using. This will assist you, particularly on mobile devices, where you may need to manually switch between bands to achieve the best WIFI outcome.

We told you in 2020 how the Total Connect 2.0 app for Android could support Google Assistant voice commands. This feature allowed you to use your voice to control your system, but only through your phone. Now, the ProSeries panels, including the PROA7PLUS, can fully support Google Assistant.

What this meant back then was that there was nothing to download. Once the feature was enabled on your phone, a blue microphone icon would appear at the bottom of the Total Connect 2.0 app screen. When you pressed it, you could use your voice to check system status, and to arm or disarm the system. Now, with the latest Total Connect 2.0 release, you can actually set up TC2 within Google Home, and control your system from any Google Home capable device you have connected to your account.

Another improvement is the fact that this functionality is now available to both Android and iOS users. On either platform, make sure you have the Google Home app and then follow the steps to configure the Total Connect 2.0 skill within it.

Below is the Google Home App as seen in the Apple App Store:

The ProSeries panels include the Honeywell Home PROA7 and Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7C and Resideo PROA7PLUSC. Currently, these are the only Total Connect 2.0 compatible panels that support the improved Google integration. If you have one of the ProSeries panels, coupled with a Total Connect 2.0 account and you would like to take advantage of voice commands through Google Assistant, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Home App, then click the [Plus (+)] Icon at the top left of the main screen.
2. Select, [Set up Device].
3. Select [Works with Google].
4. Search for [Total Connect] then select it.
5. Use your Total Connect 2.0 login credentials to log into TC2 from the skill.
6. Read the User Agreement and if you agree, press [Allow].
7. Be sure the Security System icon is selected, then press [Connect].
8. Click the [Pencil Icon] to assign the system to a room, then choose which room you'd like to add it to.
9. Hit the [Back button] repeatedly until you reach the Home screen.
10. You should now be able to query Google for system status, as well as arm the system to Away, Stay, or Night and Disarm the system using Google Assistant.

Important Update: We now have a full FAQ with a walk-through on how to set up the Google Home feature. This FAQ is applicable whether you're setting Google Home up using an Android or an iOS device running the Google Home App.

Voice control of automation devices is not yet available unless the automation is achieved through a scene tied to system arming or disarming. For example, if you have a scene that turns on the porch light when the system is armed to Away, and you use the Google Assistant to arm in this mode, then the porch light will come on once the system is armed.

Total Connect 2.0 also supports integration with Amazon Alexa, and has for a while now. The configuration is very similar between the two services. One difference between them is that Amazon Alexa is compatible with more different panel types. Most of the Honeywell Wireless All-in-One panels support it. This means that in addition to the ProSeries panels, the Lyric, Lynx, and even the VISTA panels all support being used with Amazon Alexa. As long as the panel is tied to a Total Connect 2.0 account.

To integrate Total Connect 2.0 with Amazon Alexa for voice control of any of the above panels, follow these steps:

1. Open the Alexa App and search for the Total Connect 2.0 skill.
2. Click [Enable]
3. You will be prompted to enter your Total Connect 2.0 login credentials. Enter them, then hit [Login]
4. You will see a User Agreement, read through it, and if you agree click [Allow].
5. Make sure the Security System icon is selected, then click [Connect].
6. A screen should appear showing "Total Connect 2.0 has been successfully linked".

Once the above steps have been completed, log into the Total Connect 2.0 app and go to the Profile Page. Under the Access section, be sure that your user code has been saved and synched with the panel. If this isn't done, Amazon Alexa won't function properly. In the past, we've made FAQs for integrating some different panels with Amazon Alexa. You can find links to those FAQs below:

How Do I Connect My Lyric Alarm System to Alexa?

How Do I Connect My VISTA-21iP to Alexa?

Resideo Official Instruction Sheet on Integration

Users of the Lyric Alarm System with an LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator installed take note. Resideo has identified an issue where, after the AT&T 3G sunset on 02/22/22, any panel not properly updated will lose its connection with the cellular network. This issue does not affect Verizon units.

The firmware version that resolves this issue is 01.09.07772.494, and it is available now on the Resideo AlarmNet360 servers. The issue at play here is that the AT&T cellular communicator currently falls back on the 3G network when it can't connect to LTE. Once an LYRICLTE-A communicator is registered, it looks for both an LTE signal and a 3G one. Without this critical firmware update, these communicators would continue to look for a 3G signal after the 3G sunset. Being unable to find a 3G signal, they will lose connection and go offline.

Users who find themselves in this situation have a few options. If you are a Lyric Alarm System user with the AT&T LTE communicator installed, you can choose to go ahead and manually update your system now. The system needs to be disarmed and have no trouble conditions present in order for the firmware update to go through, so a manual update allows you to choose a time when it is disarmed and ready. It also allows you to confirm that the update was successful after you see your panel reboot.

Since this is a critical update, AlarmNet will begin automatically updating panels that are affected by this issue starting on December 8, 2021. Since a firmware update can only go through when the panel is disarmed with no troubles, any users with a zone trouble, or a low battery message that they have been putting off correcting, should go ahead and take care of the issue. Once all trouble conditions are clear and the system is disarmed, we recommend that you go ahead and manually perform the firmware update. Instructions for updating are linked above.

If your system is automatically updated, it will reboot as part of the update process, so don't be alarmed if you see this happen. Step 3 in the FAQ on updating the panel linked above shows you how to confirm the panel's firmware version. So, if you see your panel reboot you can verify that an update was successfully completed.

Any Lyric Controller with a LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator that is being installed on or after 02/22/22 will need to be updated to firmware version 01.09.07772.494 via the built-in WIFI communicator before the LYRICLTE-A will work properly. The firmware update should be completed prior to the installation of the LYRICLTE-A. The LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator is not affected by this issue. You can read the full notice from Resideo here.

When it comes to alarm panels behaving as Z-Wave Controllers, it should be easy to determine if a device is compatible or not. However, we've found that in some cases, not all Z-Wave devices are equal. Z-Wave locks by Schlage have been known to have compatibility issues with certain panels.

Alarm Grid has often stated in our documentation that we prefer that our customers use the Yale or Kwikset Z-Wave locks. We've seen issues with Schlage locks over the years and we haven't really gotten satisfactory answers as to why. We've had customers tell us that they've worked with Schlage, and we have worked with Resideo and Honeywell Home. Sometimes they will work, but other times the customer winds up changing to a different lock manufacturer, or just not using the locks with their panel.

When you look at the most current Lyric Z-Wave Compatibility Chart, which is dated 05/19, and is an official document produced by Honeywell Home, it shows that Schlage Z-Wave locks are compatible. This information is based on engineering and quality assurance testing. But testing and daily use are two different things. Engineers can never think up every scenario to test, no matter how hard they may try. So, once a customer attempts to use the products together in their own home or business, some unforeseen factors may arise and cause issues.

We recently had a customer attempting to use a Schlage Z-Wave lock with a Lyric Security System. When the lock is paired with the panel, the batteries drain very quickly, within one to two weeks. When the lock is used as a stand-alone device, the batteries appear to have a normal life. So, we asked Resideo Technical Support for their input. They suggested that the Schlage locks not be used with the Lyric, ProSeries, or Tuxedo products at this time. There is some conflicting information, certain locks may work with the ProSeries panels while others do not, but it may be best to avoid Schlage locks with these panels for now unless you can wait to use the panel and lock together until the issues are resolved.

The Lynx Series panels appear to support the Schlage locks when the L5100-ZWAVE is employed, but certain conditions must be met. The lock and the panel must be within 12 inches of one another during the pairing process, and must remain at this distance for a full two (2) minutes before either is moved. This allows the full pairing process to be completed. Also, the handing process must be completed immediately following pairing. Resideo engineers are working with Schlage to resolve any issues with those panels that have them, and they hope to have a resolution some time soon, possibly in early 2022.

If you have any thoughts about Schlage Z-Wave locks and their use with any of the Resideo or Honeywell Home alarm systems, drop a comment in the area below and lets get a conversation started. We offer feedback directly to all our vendors on behalf of our customers. We're honored to be your voice.

One of our main principles at Alarm Grid is to always empower our customers. Anyone who has monitoring service with us should be able to make changes to their security system settings at any time they would like. This is an incredibly important value to us as a monitoring company.

When we come across features and settings that can make it more difficult for our customers to get into programming, we make sure to discuss these features and explain why we do not recommend using them. One such feature that we never recommend using is the Lyric Lock feature on the Honeywell Lyric System. This feature provides zero benefits from an end's user's perspective, and it can lead to wasted time and frustration if it is mishandled. We strongly advise always keeping Lyric Lock disabled so that accessing programming is kept as easy and as simple as possible.

The Lyric Lock feature requires the end user to get a generated code from their alarm monitoring company whenever they want to enter the programming menu their panel. This feature can only be enabled for a Honeywell Lyric Panel that is actively monitored and connected with the AlarmNet360 servers. If you try to enter programming on a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled, then you will be prompted to enter a validated code to gain entry. The Lyric System will connect with the AlarmNet servers to verify the correct code before granting access to local programming. If you are unable to provide the correct validated code, then you will never be able to enter programming.

Since there is no way to "backdoor" a Lyric System, having the Lyric Lock feature enabled will make it impossible for you to make system changes if your monitoring company refuses to provide you with the generated code. Some monitoring companies may refuse to provide the generated code as a means of restricting when the user can enter programming and what changes they are able to make. By doing this, the alarm company can limit what the end user can do at the panel, and they may make it impossible for the user to switch monitoring companies without buying a new system.

Only a monitoring company with access to AlarmNet360 can enable/disable the Lyric Lock feature. This isn't something that can be turned ON or OFF freely by end users. If you find that your Lyric System has the Lyric Lock feature enabled, then the company that is actively monitoring the system will need to disable the feature. This because only that monitoring company can access the associated AlarmNet360 account and turn the feature OFF. You can identify the feature as being enabled by seeing "Yes" under the Lyric Lock option after you enter your system's Installer Code when trying to enter programming.

If you are an alarm grid monitored customer, then we will never enable the Lyric Lock feature on your account. However, we sometimes come across prospective customers who have Lyric Panels that were previously monitored by other alarm companies. These other monitoring companies may have enabled the feature for one reason or another. Unfortunately, since we are not the ones with access to the AlarmNet360 account, we are unable to disable the feature in these situations. Only the monitoring company with access to the account can turn off the Lyric Lock feature.

We have one main piece of advice for anyone in possession of a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled. That advice is to contact Alarm Grid directly. We will point you in the proper direction for getting the feature disabled so that you may ultimately begin service with Alarm Grid. If your old alarm company refuses to disable the feature or ignores your request entirely, we may be able to work with Resideo directly to disable Lyric Lock on your panel so that you can enter programming. Remember, entering programming is an important step for taking over a Lyric System so that you can use it with a new monitoring company.

The best way to contact Alarm Grid if you need help dealing with the Lyric Lock feature is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will be happy to help you get into programming so that you can continue using your current Lyric System with Alarm Grid monitoring services. Make sure to provide us as much information as possible when emailing us so that we are able to provide you with top-quality support. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to working with you and helping you get the very most out of your security system.

Note: The Lyric Lock feature can also result in difficulties with defaulting Honeywell SiX Series Sensors so that they can be successfully brought over to a new Lyric System if needed. More information on the subject can be found in this detailed FAQ.

Are you looking to start alarm monitoring service, but you don't want to pay the full price tag of a brand-new security system? One option is to get a certified refurbished system from Alarm Grid. And now is a great time to do so, as our refurbished Honeywell Lyric is back in stock!

Alarm Grid offers certified refurbished versions of a select range of Resideo (formerly Honeywell) products, including the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. All of our certified refurbished products come directly to us from Resideo. When the original owner of an eligible Honeywell or Resideo product sends their product back to the manufacturer for one reason or another, then it may become a certified refurbished product. You can learn more about our certified refurbished products in our original blog post about the subject.

When a piece of equipment is deemed worthy of being a certified refurbished item, Resideo will clean the hardware, restore any defects, and ensure that it works just as good as a brand-new product. Resideo is very strict in this regard so that any certified refurbished product is virtually indistinguishable from an unopened product. Alarm Grid then buys these products directly from Resideo, and refurbished products are sent to customers directly from the Alarm Grid headquarters.

We understand that some customers might be skeptical about purchasing a certified refurbished Lyric System as opposed to a brand-new one. You can put those concerns to bed because Alarm Grid offers a complementary warranty protection plan in conjunction with Resideo's original manufacturer's warranty. Alarm Grid will honor any remaining warranty from Resideo, or we will offer our own warranty of up to 90 days, whichever is longer. We are extremely confident in all of the refurbished equipment we are offering, but we understand that having these protective measures in-place will help some customers feel more confident.

A refurbished Lyric System will work exactly the same as a new one. The Lyric can support up to 128 wireless zones, and it is compatible with Resideo's exclusive lineup of SiX Series Sensors that utilize 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless security and protection. The system is also compatible with the Apple HomeKit platform for iOS users, and it features built-in Z-Wave for smart home functionality. And if you get the system monitored, then you can use it with Total Connect 2.0. For those wanting to buy a brand-new Lyric instead of a refurbished model, it can be found here.

If you have any questions about our refurbished Lyric Systems, or any of the other products on our site, then please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

After much anticipation, Resideo has finally released the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator for their flagship Lyric Security System. This now gives Lyric users a choice between two fantastic cellular coverage options in the AT&T LTE Network and the Verizon LTE Network.

For anyone who doesn't know, an alarm monitoring communicator is a very important accessory for an alarm system. This is the device that allows the panel to send and receive the signals that are necessary for alarm monitoring and remote smart home control. The Resideo Lyric Controller comes with a built-in WIFI card for this purpose. But you can also add a cellular communicator to serve as a backup communication path in case the internet ever goes down or becomes unavailable.

Previously, Lyric System users were restricted to the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator for cellular backup. This presented a problem for Lyric System users in areas not covered by the AT&T LTE Network. These users were forced to forgo the ever-important cellular backup for their systems. The Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator finally provides a much-needed answer for these users.

It is also important to pay special mention to the Verizon LTE Network itself. LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution". Cellular service providers like Verizon have been working hard to establish robust and powerful infrastructure for their LTE Networks over the past several years. These networks are not going away any time soon. The LTE networks represent both the present and the future for cellular communication.

By choosing an LTE communicator like the LYRICLTE-V, you are ensuring that your Lyric System can remain monitored for many years to come. Even as Resideo prepares to release the upcoming Resideo PROA7PLUS Wireless Security System, your Lyric Alarm System will still be supported. It will continue to work great for alarm monitoring and for smart home automation. The importance of the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V is that it is providing a long-term solution for your panel. This is more than just a communicator. This is a long-term investment to keep your Lyric Controller monitored well into the very distant future.

The LYRICLTE-V module is super easy to install. The process can be completed by any end user. First put the system into its cellular installation mode. You can do this by starting from the main screen and choosing Security > Tools > enter Master Code (default 1234, but usually changed) > Advanced > Install Cellular Module > Yes. Then just follow the onscreen instructions by pushing up on the right-side cover for the panel to reveal the cellular communicator slot. Insert the LYRICLTE-V, and reapply the side cover. Indicate on the Lyric Screen that you have installed the communicator, and the system will complete the process. You will then be able to activate the communicator for monitoring service. Be sure you have a monitoring plan that includes cellular communication before adding the module.

With its new cell card, your Lyric System will now be capable of utilizing dual-path communication. This means that it will be able to send and receive signals across IP and cellular. IP communication normally serves as the primary communication path, as it is usually faster than cellular. But having that cellular backup is crucial for ensuring that your system always stays monitored and connected. As long as one path is available, your Lyric System will be able to perform all of the functions necessary for alarm monitoring. This includes staying connected with the AlarmNet Servers and Total Connect 2.0.

In order to support the LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator, your Lyric System must be running Firmware Update MR9 or higher. As of summer 2019, this is the latest firmware release for the Lyric System. To upgrade the firmware, your Lyric System will need to be connected with the AlarmNet Servers. Since you won't be able to use the cellular communicator until you have MR9, you will need to use a WIFI connection to complete the upgrade.

Keep in mind that if you don't have WIFI access in your primary location, you can bring your Lyric Panel to a different location with WIFI access just for the sake of the upgrade. Then install and activate the LYRICLTE-V, and use a cellular-only path in your primary location. We know that many users don't have WIFI access in their homes. This work-around is perfect for these users, as they can get their systems on the necessary firmware and then use the communication path that works best for their situation. For more information on the MR9 Firmware Update, we strongly recommend reviewing this very recent blog post from Alarm Grid.

Finally, you will need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular communication if you want to take advantage of all the benefits that this communicator has to offer. Alarm Grid customers will want to choose a Gold Level monitoring plan or higher to unlock the full potential of the module. This will allow you to activate the communicator with Alarm Grid and provide you with access to the Total Connect 2.0 platform for remote security and smart home functionality. More information is available on our alarm monitoring page.

If you are not interested in Total Connect 2.0, we also offer a Cellular-Only Plan that will provide standard central station monitoring service and connectivity through cellular or cellular and IP. While we strongly recommend taking advantage of all the great features and remote access capabilities of Total Connect 2.0, we understand that some users may just want to keep things simple with non-interactive monitoring service. This Cellular-Only Plan is certainly an option if you want to activate a LYRICLTE-V module for no-frills alarm monitoring.

We are proud to say that the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator is now available for purchase on our site. This is the communicator recommended for any Lyric user who finds that Verizon service works best in their area. If you have better coverage from AT&T, the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator is still available. Remember, this has nothing to do with your standard cellular service provider. Your alarm system is completely separate from your smartphone. You can have an AT&T Phone and a Verizon Communicator for your alarm system. You should just pick whichever service works best in your area.

If you have any questions about the Lyric Alarm System, the new LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Cellular Communicator, or about alarm monitoring in general, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email super regularly, and we make sure to reply to any inquiry as soon as possible. You also have the option of calling us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering all your important questions.

Hi DIYers! We have received news from Honeywell that Lyric Firmware Update MR8 is now available! This is the latest firmware update for the Honeywell Lyric Controller, and it is currently available for free download. End users can expect a few minor system improvements with the update.

From an end user's perspective, the following changes can be expected with Firmware Update MR8:

• The WIFI indicator in the upper-left corner will now display a red X if WIFI connectivity goes down.
• The Honeywell SiX Series Sensors now have a shorter RF transmission supervision interval. It is now six hours for all burglary devices, four hours for the Honeywell LKP500 Keypad, and two hours for all life-safety devices. Previously, the RF transmission supervision interval was 12 hours on all devices.
• In the SiX Programming Menu, the Zone Number will now be shown in Red if the zone is faulted. Additionally, a tamper message will be displayed in Red if the zone is tampered.
• The SiX Programming Menu now shows every enrolled SiX Series device for quick access. Newly enrolled sensors will be labeled "Newly Enrolled", which will be displayed in place of the Zone Number.
• The Honeywell LKP500 Keypad will no longer beep after performing an update.
• The Honeywell LKP500 Keypad will no longer announce Night Stay when Voice is disabled.
• Eaton Cooper Z-Wave Light Switches are now supported.

Additionally, the update includes various changes that will make it easier for your alarm company to monitor your system. That is why performing the update is crucial for all Lyric System owners.

Performing the update is very easy. First, you must make sure that your Lyric System is ready and has no trouble conditions, including any tamper cover and low-battery messages. It must be actively monitored with a working communication path. Start from the main screen of the system, and choose Security, followed by Tools. Then enter your system's Installer Code, which is 4112 by default. Then click on the Update Firmware button. The button should grey out to indicate that it has been selected.

You can then return to the home screen, and the update should be applied automatically. It will typically go through in a few minutes with a WIFI connection, but it may take up to an hour with cellular only. Once the update is ready, the system will reboot to complete the process.

You can check the system revision to confirm the update. Go to Security > Tools > Master Code (default 1234) > Advanced > System Information. Then check the revision to make sure it reads 01.08.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with any questions about the the MR8 Firmware Update, you can email support@alarmgrid.com for more information. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!