2GIG Posts

Give Back/Get Back is a program sponsored by electric utility companies in the US. During the summer, when electricity usage is at its peak, these companies offer an incentive for customers with smart thermostats to allow the adjustment of their thermostats during peak usage, lowering demand.

Our first blog about Give Back/Get Back (Demand Response) was in May of 2020. Now, over twenty electric utility providers participate in the program, with thousands of customers taking advantage of these incentives.

Here's how the Give Back/Get Back program typically works: On extremely hot or cold days, when energy demand surges, your utility company partners with Alarm.com to make small, temporary temperature adjustments in participating homes. These adjustments, usually no more than four (4) degrees Fahrenheit, may last up to four (4) hours.

The adjustment lowers the demand on the power grid and also saves you money by causing your electric air conditioning or heating usage to be reduced. Those who heat their homes using gas, wood burning stoves, or other non-electric means can still participate if they cool their homes using electricity and have a qualified, internet-connected thermostat.

The two newest areas participating in Give Back/Get Back are PJM Utility and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). PJM Utility calls its program "Power Savers MidAtlantic" and the TVA calls its program "EnergyRight Smart Thermostat Rewards".

PJM Utility:

To participate under the PJM Utility program you must:

• Be a resident of Ohio or Illinois and a customer of ComEd, Duke Energy Ohio, or AEP Ohio.
• Have a qualifying, internet-connected smart thermostat.
• Agree to allow the utility to adjust your thermostat setting during peak energy usage times.
• Connect your utility account through the PJM Utility partners Voltus or Arcadia.

In exchange for their participation in the program, PJM Utility customers who sign up will receive an entry in a sweepstakes for $10,000. Each event that you participate in will give you another entry into the sweepstakes. You always have the option to choose not to participate in a temperature offset event in either program. For full details on the PJM Utility Power Savers Mid-Atlantic program, click here.

Tennessee Valley Authority:

• If you live in the seven-state Tennessee Valley region you can check whether your utility is participating here. If it is, enroll your qualifying thermostat here.
• Have an internet-connected, qualifying smart thermostat.
• If your primary heat source uses electricity and you have electric cooling, you're eligible for the year-round program.
• If you use natural gas, wood-burning, or any other non-electric powered heat, and electricity for cooling you can still participate in the summer-only program.

In exchange for your participation, you will receive a $65 enrollment rebate for both the year-round and the summer-only program. Year-round participants will then receive a yearly $65 rebate as long as they continue to participate or until the program ends. Summer-only participants will receive a $20 rebate per participation year for the life of the program. You can read the full details of the TVA program here.

Alarm.com calls this Give Back/Get Back, but each utility company has their own program name. If you haven't seen us write about your utility provider, you can check to see if they participate in partnership with Alarm.com by going to thermostatrewards.com and looking for your electric utility's name. If it is listed, click the link and find out about your potential rewards for participation and what's required to sign up.

If you don't have a smart thermostat yet, your utility's program page likely lists compatible models, and often provides discounted purchase links. Once you install and connect your thermostat through Alarm.com, you can easily enroll in the program. Remember, incentives vary by utility, so review your company's specific program details. Investing in a smart thermostat is a wise choice, often paying for itself quickly through energy savings and program incentives.

Supported Alarm.com Thermostats:

The list of supported thermostats can vary by utility company, but in this case, both PJM and TVA support the same list of Alarm.com compatible thermostats.

• Trane ComfortLink Control
• RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat
• GoControl Z-wave Thermostat
• Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
• 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat
• Trane Z-Wave Thermostat
• Linear Thermostat
• Alarm.com Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD)
• ADC T3000
• ADC T2000
• ecobee Thermostat
• Honeywell T6 (Z-Wave version)

Unlike Resideo, Alarm.com doesn't manufacture alarm panels. Instead, they work with various panel manufacturers to provide alarm signal transport and remote control capabilities for their panels. Many users prefer the Alarm.com platform for its clean look and intuitive user interface (UI).

There are a couple of panel manufacturers who offer all-in-one systems that can easily replace a Lyric. The exception is for those users who have embraced Apple HomeKit. There is currently no Alarm.com capable panel that also supports HomeKit. There may never be. So, if you're firmly in the HomeKit camp, this option is probably not for you.

This post focuses on two Alarm.com-compatible panels: the 2GIG Edge and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. Alarm.com requires cellular communication, and these panels cannot be registered without it. Therefore, each panel includes a built-in LTE cellular communicator, available in either AT&T or Verizon versions. Be sure to choose the cellular carrier who will have the best signal inside the protected premises.

While many Alarm.com systems support older Honeywell/Resideo wireless sensors, SiX Series sensors from a Lyric panel are incompatible and require replacement. Both Qolsys and 2GIG offer their own encrypted sensor options.

As mentioned above, users often find the Alarm.com user interface (UI) more intuitive than Total Connect 2.0. Additionally, Alarm.com consistently innovates, updates, and adds features that enhance the usability of their platform. Resideo also does this with Total Connect 2.0, but not as regularly. Alarm.com is also highly responsive to customer feedback, demonstrating a commitment to improving the Alarm.com user experience.

Another advantage is that the Alarm.com camera lineup is miles ahead of Resideo's. They offer a dizzying array of both residential and commercial grade cameras. If you're particular about your video options or you're just now looking to add video to your home or business for the first time, then Alarm.com is sure to have the right combination of cameras for you.

Replacing the Lyric with a 2GIG Edge:

2GIG was founded by two former Honeywell employees, so it stands to reason that all 2GIG panels can support legacy Honeywell sensors. Since its founding, 2GIG has expanded on its sensor compatibility and now offers encrypted sensors in their eSeries 345 MHz frequency, as well as long-range encrypted 900 Mhz sensors via the E+ Series.

Panel Hardware Options:

Both the 2GIG Edge With AT&T LTE communicator and the 2GIG Edge With Verizon LTE Communicator feature an LTE cellular communicator, 2.4 GHz WIFI capability, Z-Wave Plus V2 (700 Series), and a vertically adjustable front-facing camera. It is a very solidly built panel with a 7" LCD touchscreen interface. For a complete list of specifications, see the full data sheet.

The 2GIG Edge offers exceptional sensor versatility, supporting legacy Honeywell 5800 Series sensors, legacy 2GIG sensors, and the new encrypted 2GIG eSeries and E+ Series sensors. This comprehensive compatibility allows users to protect virtually any part of their property.

The E+ Series sensors boast a remarkable range of up to 2km, depending on environmental conditions. This impressive range extends protection to previously unreachable areas like barns or outbuildings.

One of the 2GIG Edge's most compelling features is its facial recognition disarming, a capability currently unavailable on the other panels we've discussed. Unlike cloud-based biometrics, the Edge stores all facial recognition data locally, ensuring your personal information remains exclusively on your system.

2GIG Edge Vs. Resideo PROA7PLUS - Feature Comparison

Replacing the Lyric with a Qolsys IQ Panel 4

Similar to the 2GIG Edge, Qolsys offers the IQ Panel 4 which is compatible with legacy Honeywell 5800 Series 345 MHz and 2GIG 345 MHz* sensors. In addition, it supports PowerG 915 MHz sensors. These sensors offer encryption, two-way communication and an impressive transmitting range to rival the 2GIG E+ Series.

*The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 cannot support the 2GIG eSeries 345 MHz sensors.

Panel Hardware Options:

Being an Alarm.com panel, the IQ Panel 4 includes a built-in AT&T or Verizon LTE cellular communicator. Additionally, IQ4 versions support various legacy sensors: Honeywell/2GIG (345 MHz), DSC (433 MHz), or Interlogix/Qolsys (319.5 MHz). Therefore, when selecting an IQ Panel 4, be sure you choose the correct communicator and legacy receiver to replace your Lyric. You can choose either the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, 345 MHz with AT&T & PowerG or the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, 345 MHz with Verizon & PowerG.

In addition to supporting 345 MHz legacy sensors and PowerG long-range wireless sensors, each IQ Panel 4 offers dual-band, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI capability, Z-Wave Plus V2 (700 Series), Bluetooth disarm and audio streaming, front-facing camera for optional disarm photos, and a 7" touchscreen interface. Check out the specification sheet for a full list of features.

Using Alarm.com:

Curious about the Alarm.com experience? Alarm Grid provides a demo account for you to explore its user interface. Use the following login credentials to get started at:
www.alarm.com/login:

• USERNAME: ADCDemo@alarmgrid.com
• PASSWORD: DemoP@ssw0rd

This demo account is fully loaded, providing a glimpse into features like motorized shades, locks, and water valves with water usage monitoring. The specific features available to you with an activated Alarm.com account will depend on the hardware installed in your unique system.

Be sure to check out the rest of 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 2 we discuss replacing the Lyric with another all-in-one panel, in particular with one of the PRO Series systems. In Part 3 we discuss replacing the Lyric with one of the new Resideo First Alert hybrid panels, the VISTAH3.

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

Beginning on October 8, 2024, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is mandatory for all new Alarm.com accounts. Existing accounts are being moved to the new standard, with 100% of accounts using 2FA by December 19, 2024. If you're an existing Alarm.com customer, you may have already been updated.

Two-Factor Authentication, also known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) works like this. You log into an app or a website with your customary username and password. You're then prompted for further authentication via a text message, email, or third-party authenticator app. During the initial 2FA setup, you can choose one or more of these authentication methods.

Via the path of your choice, you'll receive a code. You'll input the code at the prompt, and then you're logged into the app or website. For Alarm.com users, you will be prompted to make the browser or device a "Trusted Device". If you say yes to this prompt, then you may not be prompted for 2FA the next time you log in using that browser or device.

To quote The Dude, there are, "a lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous" here. For instance, if you trust your browser but clear your cache later, you'll need to go through 2FA again next time. If you choose "Skip" at the prompt about trusting the browser, then you will have to go through additional authentication every time you log in until you choose to trust the browser.

This may seem like a real hassle, but let me share a story about someone who skipped enabling 2FA because they thought it was too much trouble. A friend of mine did not secure their account with a large retailer. When offered the option to set up 2FA, they always skipped it.

Their account was hacked and the hacker set up 2FA. They entered a phone number to receive verification codes. My friend was eventually able to change the password for the account with the retailer's help. But because 2FA had been set up with a phone number inaccessible to them, my friend was unable to regain full access. The fraud department for the retailer was unable or unwilling to do anything, so my friend lost years of purchase history. Had they set up 2FA to begin with, this could not have happened.

Fortunately, the scenario I described above can't happen to Alarm.com customers. If you're an Alarm Grid customer and you need help with 2FA for one of your logins, contact us. We'll verify that it's you with either your password or the last four (4) digits of the card we have on fie for billing, then we'll help you reset your 2FA credentials.

After we Reset 2FA for the login through the Alarm.com Partner Portal, the user will be prompted to set up 2FA again the next time they log in. This might be necessary because the user's phone number changed, or the phone carrier changed, or because the user no longer has access to the email used to set up 2FA to begin with. If you're not an Alarm Grid customer, contact your alarm dealer for assistance with Two-Factor Authentication.

Alarm Grid technical support is available Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm EST at 888-818-7728 Option 2. If it's outside business hours you can send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. For 2FA assistance, let us know and provide either your false alarm password, or the last four (4) digits of the credit or debit card we have on file for billing. Then, let us know which login you need help with, if your account has more than one. This will expedite our response.

Apple will end support for the legacy Alarm.com Today widget in its iOS 18 update, coming in September. As a result, Alarm.com will be removing this widget in app update 5.6.0, due in October. But widget lovers take heart! Alarm.com has plans for new widgets that will be available soon!

The use of the Alarm.com Today widget required that a user be on iOS version 11.0+, and Alarm.com app 3.7+. Successful use also required that the user be logged into the Alarm.com app with "Seamless Login" enabled and the "Remember Me" option checked upon logging in.

Without these login features set, each time the user logged out, the "Today View" widget for Alarm.com would be cleared. Once the feature was configured, up to twelve different items could be configured and organized within the view. This allowed a user to quickly determine the status of various elements of the system, and control them.

System Control Widget

According to Alarm.com: "The System Control widget empowers iOS customers with quick-access, one-touch command of their smart security systems at their fingertips. Customers can create custom widgets and place them conveniently on their Home screen or Today View for effortless control of their lights, locks, garage doors, gates, and security panels from anywhere. Plus, they can activate Scenes for whole-home automation."

Saved Clips Widget

According to Alarm.com: "iOS customers can create widgets for video clips to effortlessly keep tabs on their properties and monitor important activity—without having to open the app. Right from the Home screen of their iPhone or iPad, they can choose from a variety of size options to see thumbnails of their most recently saved clips at a glance. Customers can also long-press the widget to change the view to include only clips from a single camera, a camera group, or all cameras on the account. Once set up, they can simply tap the thumbnail of interest to quickly take a closer look and watch the recorded footage."

Safety Button Widget

According to Alarm.com: "With the Safety Button widget, customers have the comfort of round-the-clock personal protection with professional response when help is needed most. With the press of a button on their phones’ Home screen, customers can swiftly and silently summon police, fire, or emergency medical assistance from wherever they are in the U.S., day or night. Once activated, they’ll be connected directly to a trained operator who will promptly dispatch responders to their precise location. This feature requires the In-App Safety Button service package add-on."

Alarm Grid is evaluating the In-App Safety Button feature. If we determine it's a good fit for our customers we'll make it available. Once Alarm.com introduces the new widget, our customers will be able to enable this feature. Stay tuned for more information on this potential new feature.

Alarm.com now offers a feature called Alarm Mode. When an alarm occurs on an Alarm.com system the user can access a special Alarm Mode card from the app dashboard. With all relevant alarm-related information grouped together, a user can quickly assess the situation and respond accordingly.

Alarm.com is very proactive in its efforts to innovate and diversify its product offerings. In addition to adding exciting new features that utilize existing hardware and software capabilities, Alarm.com constantly seeks ways to increase user engagement without raising the incidents of unwanted alarm dispatch.

Toward that end, they recently rolled out Alarm Mode. Beginning with version 5.4.1 of the Alarm.com customer app, nearly any system alarm occurring on an Alarm.com panel will trigger Alarm Mode. This feature is a segment or card located in the customer dashboard. When you log into the app and tap on Alarm Mode, you can view all activity related to the alarm.

This can include video clips, a link to live video, video doorbell camera information, and door lock status. What you see will depend on which hardware and features you have, and what's happening at, and just before, the time of the alarm. With all the relevant information in one easy to access location, you can make an informed assessment and either cancel the alarm, or verify that dispatch is necessary.

A full guide to using this feature is available here. There are exceptions to which alarms initiate Alarm Mode so be sure to check out the guide. If you happen to have the In-App Cancel/Verify feature enabled on your account, Alarm Mode makes that feature even easier to use. Once you open the Alarm Mode card within the customer app you'll see the buttons to Cancel or Verify the alarm. You still have two (2) minutes from the time the alarm is reported to choose either option.

When you tap Cancel (holding for three (3) seconds is not required), a disarm is sent to the system and an alarm cancel message is sent to the monitoring station. Because the time to process every alarm varies, it is still possible that you will receive a call from the monitoring station, so be ready to provide your verbal passcode to the operator.

When you tap Verify Alarm the system will continue to display and sound the alarm locally and the monitoring station will receive a signal letting them know that a dispatch is requested. They can then contact the authorities to dispatch and they will likely still call you to gather additional information to provide to the responding authorities.

If two (2) minutes pass and you don't choose either Cancel or Verify, the option will go away and will be replaced with a "Disarm to Clear" button. For users who don't have the In-App Cancel/Verify feature enabled, this button will show up immediately in Alarm Mode and will remain until the alarm is cleared. Tapping this button will send a disarm command to the system to silence the alarm. Once the alarm is cleared, the Alarm Mode card will disappear and the app will revert to the standard dashboard.

What do you think of Alarm Mode? Do you agree that Alarm.com works hard to add value to their product and service offerings? Leave a comment below to start a discussion! We'd love to hear your thoughts.

What 2GIG brought to the table at ISC West this year is a lineup of new sensors for the Edge panel. These sensors use the 900 MHz frequency band for extended wireless range. They also offer encryption for secure transmission. 2GIG boasts they will have a 2km or 1.2 mile transmitting range!

The new 2GIG E+ extended range sensors are not yet available, and we don't have an ETA yet on when they will be released. In addition, 2GIG Edge panels require a firmware update to version 1.3 (3.1.3.xxx) in order to support the new lineup. When the firmware is released, we'll update our 2GIG Edge Firmware Update Page with the new information. Hopefully, the firmware will be available just before, or simultaneously with the sensors.

We don't have all the details on this new sensor lineup, but what we do know we'll share with you here:

2GIG DW10E-900 Door Window Sensor:

With a two-way transmitting range comparable to that of the DSC PowerG sensors, these E+ extended range transmitters are sure to be a hit. The DW10E-900 is the redesigned door/window sensor in the lineup. The exterior lines are rounded while the interior lines, where the magnet and sensor come together are squared. With a built-in spacer, the DW10E-900 is meant to fit in more diverse locations. Dimensions: 2.42" x 1.07" x 0.58" (6.14cm x 2.71cm x 1.47cm). Expected battery life: eight (8) years. Data Sheet.

2GIG PIR1E-900 Motion Sensor:

The 2GIG PIR1E-900 has a coverage area of 30' x 50' (9.14m x 15.24m). It has an attractive and low profile appearance and is pet-friendly for pets up to 85 lbs (38.55kg). The PIR1E-900 boasts a quad sensing element and has a 100° maximum horizontal sensing angle. Dimensions: 3.53″ x 2.35″ x 1.63″ (8.96cm x 5.96cm x 4.14cm). Expected battery life: three (3) years. Data Sheet.

2GIG GB1E-900 Glass Break Detector:

The 2GIG GB1E-900 glass break detector can pick up the sound of breaking glass within a 15' (4.57m) diameter. It offers intelligent detection of different glass types, including plate, tempered, laminated or coated. Like some other glass break sensors, it requires both the low frequency sound of someone striking glass, followed by the high frequency sound of glass shattering in order to activate, reducing false alarms. Dimensions: 4.57" x 1.57" (11.60cm x 3.98cm). Expected battery life: five (5) years. Data Sheet.

2GIG DW30E-900 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor:

The 2GIG DW30E-900 is an outdoor rated door/window transmitter. It would also make an excellent gate sensor. And with its extended range, it can protect openings that may have once been considered too far away for protection by the alarm system. It can handle extreme temperatures of -40°F - +140°F (-40°C - +60°C) and is IP56 rated, meaning it is protected against dust accumulation that would interfere with its operation, and powerful water jets. It supports an external Normally Open or Normally Closed contact and is made to easily mount to gates, garages, or poles. Dimensions: 4.6" x 2.1" x 1.5" (11.68cm x 5.33cm x 3.81cm). Expected battery life: five (5) years. Data Sheet.

2GIG SMKT-900 Smoke/Heat/Freeze Detector:

the 2GIG SMKT900 is a triple threat. It offers detection for smoke, both high heat and rate-of-rise protection, and as an added bonus, it can also be programmed to monitor for low temperature conditions. The fixed heat temperature threshold is 134°F +/-4°F (56°C +/-2.22°C). The rate-of-rise detector activates if the temperature is 104°F (40°C) and increases by 15° in one (1) minute. The low temperature threshold is 40°F (4.44°C) for a minute or more. It restores when the temperature is 45°F (7.22°C) for a minute or more. Dimensions: 4.7" x 2.3" (11.93cm x 5.84cm). Expected battery life: three (3) years. Data Sheet.

All of these new sensors work with the 2GIG Edge. 2GIG has admittedly had some issues with firmware and compatibility, but one thing I can say about the Edge is that it is rock solid from a hardware perspective. It is very solid and feels substantial in a way that some of the other all-in-one panels do not. We're excited to see how this sensor lineup affects folks choosing the 2GIG Edge. You can see a feature comparison between the 2GIG Edge and the Resideo PROA7PLUS here.

ISC West is the premiere trade show in our industry. It happens in Las Vegas each spring and all the manufacturers of security products show up. Of course, we're interested in Qolsys, Alarm.com, Resideo, AlarmNet, and 2GIG, but there are many more! They'll display all their best new gadgets.

This year Alarm.com showed up to ISC West loaded for bear! They rolled out several new offerings in the form of both products and services. Many, but not all of these devices were targeting commercial applications. We'll list the big new items below:

Alarm.com

Outdoor Floodlight Camera and VizBlinder:

The Outdoor Floodlight Camera is a new product. As the name implies, it mounts outside in darker areas where an intruder may attempt to enter or gain entry to an area where they shouldn't be.

The new Outdoor Floodlight Camera features 4MP video and Two-Way voice options. It has 3,000 Lumen floodlights, allowing you to customize your lighting options. It's suitable for homes and small- to medium-sized businesses. Additionally, because it uses video analytics, the floodlight can automatically respond to threats when unwanted visitors or vehicles are detected. It can activate red and blue warning lights and also play warning sounds from a powerful siren.

VizBlinder will incorporate new hardware as part of the new feature. It allows the central station operator to fill a room with a vision obscuring white haze. This is done after the operator has accessed the available Alarm.com cameras and determined that an intruder is present. If cameras that support Two-Way audio are in use the operator will be able to engage with the intruder prior to activating VizBlinder. If I were an intruder, and the room suddenly began filling with an unknown white fog, I would skedaddle!

Remote Video Monitoring Console:

The Remote Video Monitoring Console (RVM) is a system that allows central station operators to offer "round-the-clock concierge video monitoring and proactive defense services to customers with Alarm.com Video Analytics cameras." Operators will receive immediate alerts when a vehicle or person enters an area that is restricted. Through the RVM, the operator can review the situation and, if necessary, intervene through the RVM using hardware located on the protected site. This includes using the two-way voice feature of some cameras to talk to the unexpected visitor.

Because both the cameras and the RVM Console are provided by Alarm.com, this is truly a seamless end-to-end integration. The fact that Alarm.com makes the cameras, video analytics, and the central station hardware, there is no special interface equipment required. The Remote Video Monitoring Console is what allows the central station operator to deploy VizBlinder, which we outlined in the previous section.

Sunflower Labs Autonomous Security Drone:

Alarm.com has partnered with Sunflower Labs to offer an autonomous outdoor security drone. Sensor activity on the alarm system and Video Analytics trigger the drone to deploy and investigate suspicious events. It can cover 10 acres in 90 seconds, making it perfect for larger commercial and residential properties. The drone provides "eyes in the sky" for property owners and central station operators alike, and puts intruders on notice that they're being watched. Presumably, central station operators can also deploy the drone based on information they glean through the RVM Console.

Shooter Detection Systems

Adding to their commercial offerings, Alarm.com introduces the Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) Indoor Gunshot Sensor. In the event of an active shooter situation, this system allows for a faster and more accurate response while also providing valuable information to both police and medical first responders.

The SDS sensor uses dual-authentication technology identifying both the acoustic and the infrared signature of a gunshot. It has an accuracy rating of less than 1 false alert per 5 million hours of use. Gunshot detection signals are automatically forwarded to Alarm.com and the appropriate central station is alerted within seconds. With the information provided by the system, the operator can inform the authorities exactly where the incident was reported.

Resideo

First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera

Adding to their recently released First Alert® VX1 video doorbell and First Alert® VX3 outdoor camera Resideo introduces the new First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera at ISC West. Like most of these products, the VX5 is not yet available, so information about it is scarce, but we know it will offer these features:

Advanced Event Detection
• Privacy Mode
• Integration with ProSeries Security Panel
• Compact, Versatile Design
• 2MP resolution and day and night vision with WDR
• Two-way audio
• Easy to Use App – TC 2.0 - for full control of the connected home or office

2GIG

E+ Extended Range Sensors

2GIG brings their new E+ Extended Range 900 MHz sensors to ISC West. This is an exciting addition to their portfolio. This product line will capitalize on the extended range capabilities of the 900 MHz wireless frequency. The E+ lineup will offer up to 1.2 Mile (2km) transmitting range. These sensors are bi-directional and fully encrypted with extended battery life as compared to regular 2GIG 345 MHz sensors. As with most products rolled out at ISC West, these are not yet available, but a data sheet for each is linked below. We will link to the products once they become available for sale.

Available sensors, so far:

• 2GIG GB1E-900 - Glassbreak Detector
• 2GIG DW10E-900 - Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG PIR1E-900 - PIR Motion Detector
• 2GIG DW30E-900 - Outdoor Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG SMKT-900 - Smoke Detector

Qolsys

We saved Qolsys for last because they didn't really roll anything out especially for ISC West. Qolsys finished 2023 strong with the release of their PowerG Everywhere 900 MHz automation devices and the Qolsys IQ4 NS no screen security panel.

PowerG Everywhere combines the excellent transmitting range we've come to expect from PowerG with the battery-savings and simplicity of use we get from Z-Wave. The resulting product is a battery sipping tour de force. So far, they offer the following PowerG Automation products which are compatible with the IQ Panel 4, IQ4 Hub, and IQ4 NS running firmware 4.4.0+ and the IQ Pro with firmware 4.3.0n+:

• IQ Lock-PG
• IQ Dimmer-PG
• IQ Switch-PG
• IQ Socket-PG
• IQ Smart Plug-PG
• IQ Outdoor Plug-PG

The IQ4 NS is a budget-friendly panel based on the IQ Panel 4. It's nearly identical to the IQ4 Hub, in fact, with one exception. It does not include a touchscreen interface. Instead, programming is performed using the IQ Installer App, available as a free download from the iOS and Google app stores. You can read all about the IQ4 NS and PowerG Everywhere in our blog posts here and here respectively.

Alarm Grid and Alarm.com customers in Ameren, IL can sign up for the Peak Time Savings Program. Once enrolled, you will receive a $50 e-gift card. For each subsequent year you remain enrolled, you will receive a $25 e-gift card. This is another way your smart thermostat can pay for itself.

We've written about the Give Back, Get Back program numerous times in the past. Many different utility companies offer a similar incentive program, and each company has its name for the program. Some offer rebates, others may offer bill credits. The incentive amounts also vary. The information included here is specific to the Ameren, IL program.

To qualify for this incentive, you just need the following:

• Be a residential electric customer in Ameren, IL, with service in your name.
• Use an internet-connected, qualifying smart thermostat.
• Sign up for the program, which allows the Ameren, IL electric company to make small adjustments to your thermostat remotely, during peak usage times.
• You must not already be participating in a demand response program.

The times when your thermostat is likely to be adjusted are during the hottest days of summer when power demands are at their greatest. This can cause strain on the electrical grid. By signing up for the Peak Time Savings Program, you agree that the electric company can make small adjustments of four (4) degrees or less during these times. These adjustments will last for no more than four (4) hours.

The most likely hours during which an adjustment may occur are between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. CT, but adjustments could occur anywhere from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT. You retain control of your thermostat and can opt out of an adjustment event at any time. In some cases, the thermostat may briefly be adjusted down (cooler) before being adjusted up (conservation) to maintain comfort during the adjustment period.

The thermostats that are compatible through Alarm.com are:

• Trane ComfortLink Control
• RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat
• GoControl Z-wave Thermostat
• Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
• 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat
• Trane Z-Wave Thermostat
• Linear Thermostat
• Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD)
• ADC T3000
• ADC T2000

You can sign up for the program by going to this page, and then clicking the link "Enroll Your Smart Thermostat." Once you are accepted, you should receive an email within 60 days of being accepted. The $50 e-gift card will be delivered to your email, so be sure when you sign up, you enter the correct email information.

If you remain enrolled in the program, on the anniversary of your enrollment, you will receive a $25 e-gift card via email for your continued participation. This will occur each subsequent year you remain enrolled. Currently, there is no end date, so this incentive will continue until you are notified otherwise.

It's the middle of winter, but summer will be here before you know it. If you've been on the fence about purchasing a smart thermostat, this may be the perfect time to commit. Signing up for a program like this may seem like a small step, but as they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step and every step brings you closer to your goal. In this case, the goal is energy conservation, and every little step helps.

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.

The maker of the 2GIG GC3 and GC3e recommends that all users with a panel approaching 3 years of age replace the backup battery. Initially, the expected battery life was between three and five years. With the recent notice Nice, 2GIG's parent company is now suggesting a battery replacement ahead of schedule.

Apparently, swelling has been observed in some of these panels' lithium-polymer batteries. The manufacturer notes that some minor swelling is normal, but based on the notice it sounds like some batteries may be swelling beyond what is normal.

Once you open up the GC3/GC3 panel to access the battery, Nice is also warning not to puncture the battery upon removal. Do not use any type of sharp object to remove the battery. Puncturing the battery could allow dangerous chemicals to spill from the casing. Once the battery is removed, please follow local guidelines with regard to the proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

It is also recommended in this notice to do a firmware upgrade of your 2GIG GC3 or GC3e alarm panel at the time you replace the battery. The latest revision for these panels is 3.2.6.6770.

Reading through the firmware release notes, it does mention that the latest firmware update includes the addition of battery testing, and conditioning, as well as a status indicator for battery replacement. So, we will double down on the advice to update your panel's firmware. This revision also includes compliance with UL 985 edition 6. This standard requires that the panel recognize batteries that can no longer provide battery backup for at least 5 minutes worth of alarm signaling. When the panel recognizes that the battery lacks this capacity, it will alert the user of a low battery and the battery should be replaced at that time.

The 2GIG GC3 and GC3e use the same firmware beginning with revision 3.2.3. If you already have revision 3.2.1 or higher, then you can find all updates on the GC3e firmware update page. Older revisions may require a stepped approach to upgrading and cannot be updated all-at-once. You can find the older firmware versions on the GC3 firmware update page.

You must update to the base build of each revision, and then you can skip to the latest build of that revision. The base of each version is 3.0.x then 3.1.x, then 3.2.x. If you have an earlier revision and attempt to update directly to 3.2.1, your panel will very likely be damaged and will have to be replaced. Updating over the air using Alarm.com can help with this process, as their server should only allow you to update in the proper order.

GC3/GC3e firmware updates can be sent by your alarm dealer. When the update can be sent using WIFI at the panel, there is usually no charge, though different dealers may have different policies on this. An upgrade that has to be sent using cellular data will incur a fee, which will likely be passed onto the user by the dealer. Alarm Grid always passes these fees along with no markup. We recommend that you update using the USB port at the top of the panel. We have written detailed instructions on updating the firmware using the USB port to make this process easier to accomplish.

If your panel is approaching or past the 3-year mark, it is best to be proactive and purchase your new GC3/GC3e battery today. Then make sure to install the latest firmware, as recommended.