DIY Security Systems Posts

It's time for another video recap from Alarm Grid! Our video team only managed to put up a few new videos last week, but we think they will be really helpful. We always appreciate our viewers who take the time to subscribe to our channel and support our videos. Let's check out the new ones!

The Number of Wireless Zones On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how many wireless zones are available on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 support up to 128 wireless zones. The original IQ Panel 2 can only support 319.5 MHz wireless sensors. The newer IQ Panel 2 Plus System can support PowerG Sensors, plus one of three (3) legacy sensor frequencies. These legacy sensor frequencies include 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz. Make sure you purchase the correct version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus based on the legacy sensors you want to support.

The Number of IQ Key Fob Devices Supported by a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge mentions that you can technically use up to 128 Qolsys Key Fob devices on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Each Qolsys IQ Fob-S uses one (1) single system zone. And since the IQ Panel 2 supports up to 128 zones, you can theoretically use a maximum of 128 IQ Fob-S devices on a system. Remember that since the Qolsys IQ Fob-S operates at 319.5 MHz, it will only work with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus and the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System.

Viewing a Live Video Feed On the Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge shows you how to view the live video feed for a compatible Alarm.com Security Camera directly from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. You must make sure that the Alarm.com Camera you are using is compatible with this feature. Most of the newer Alarm.com Cameras with Video Analytics support the feature. Additionally, the IQ Panel 2 System will need to be running a high enough firmware version. If the system needs a firmware update, you can always check out Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update Page for more information.

One excellent way to expand upon a new or existing Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System is with an image sensor module like the DSC PG9944. This is an outdoor PowerG Image Sensor that can pair very nicely with the Alarm.com platform and all versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System.

If you aren't familiar with image sensors, they are basically motion detection sensors with built-in still motion cameras. When your system goes into alarm, it will take multiple photographs. These photographs are then forwarded to the panel, and then ultimately to an interactive monitoring platform like Alarm.com.

For the DSC PG9944, it starts with it its reliable motion detection. The device features eight (8) internal passive infrared (PIR) sensors, with each using an advanced quad-detection configuration. This helps to ensure that the PG9944 reliably responds to movement, while ignoring potential false alarms. Operating in this manner is crucial for an image sensor device that will typically be used in an outdoor environment.

Being able to use your image sensor in an outdoor setting opens up a world of possibilities for keeping your home safe. Many users will install the PG9944 in a backyard, inside a garage, or even in a barn or shed on the property. These are all locations where you might otherwise have difficulties using standard indoor models. You can expect the PG9944 to work reliably when exposed to rain, dust, heavy sunlight, and extreme temperatures. And the device's IR night vision helps to ensure clear and concise images even during the darkest of nights.

Many Alarm Grid customers will choose to use the DSC PG9944 with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. We believe that this is a great alternative to using standard Alarm.com Security Cameras. A great aspect about image sensors is that you do not need a video-monitoring plan to use them. In fact, you can start using image sensors on an Alarm Grid Gold Level Plan (Self or Full), which is the standard level plan to start using Alarm.com. More info can be found on our monitoring page.

When the associated system goes into alarm, the PG9944 responds by taking ten (10) consecutive photos. These ten photos are sent to the IQ Panel 2 Plus for local viewing. These images can be easily viewed from the main screen of the IQ2+ by scrolling left or right until you see the other panel photos. Please note that they may be strung-together to appear as a stop-motion video. But rest assured, they are individual photos, and not a video. You can also take manual photos anytime, even if your system is not experiencing an alarm event.

It is also important to note that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus will send the first of the ten captured images to the Alarm.com platform for remote viewing. Only the first image is sent, and it will be available within the "Panel Camera Images" section of Alarm.com. Please note that this will only occur if the panel is connected with Alarm.com for monitoring and the "Panel Camera Images" feature is enabled for the Alarm.com account. That setting must be enabled by your monitoring company.

Also note that you will need to have the Panel Camera Alarm Image Uploads feature enabled on your Alarm.com account. You must enable this setting from the customer end of the Alarm.com website. Simply log-in to your Alarm.com account using a web browser, choose the Automation section, and make sure the rule is enabled. You can see an example in the image below.

We recommend using the DSC PG9944 if you require an image sensor for outdoor use. However, if you only need a unit for indoor use, then you might also consider the DSC PG9934P. This is another PowerG Image Sensor module that will offer similar performance to the DSC PG9944. But unlike the PG9944, the PG9934P can only be used indoors. This is a great device to use if you want to be able to see what's going on at home, but you don't necessarily want to pay the extra monitoring costs to use Alarm.com Video Cameras.

Both the DSC PG9944 and the DSC PG9934P are available right now from the Alarm Grid website. We recommend them for anyone looking for new image sensor modules for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. If you have any questions about these sensors or any of these other products on our website, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

Back on December 27th, we uploaded a few new videos that we never got around to covering in a recap. We figured now was as good of a time as any to cover these videos. We have two (2) videos featuring Jorge, and one (1) video featuring Jarrett. We hope that you find them helpful!

Also, if you were expecting more videos, don't worry! Our video team is hard at work putting together some new content for you to check out. We expect that it will be ready in the next few days. And we should have an even bigger video recap next week. Anyway, on with the videos!

Using Alarm.com with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how you can use the Alarm.com platform with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. In order to do this, you will need to activate the system with a monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com. By accessing your Alarm.com account, you can arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Cameras, and more. You can access your ADC account using a web browser or the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Connecting an Android Phone to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge covers the process for using an Android Phone to operate a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This is done using the Alarm.com Mobile App. The app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Once you have the app, you can provide your Alarm.com account information to begin controlling your system remotely. This way, you can access your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System whether you are across the street or across the globe!

Activating Panic Mode on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett teaches you how to activate a panic on a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric has a red button on the front of the panel that can be pressed and held to open a panic menu. You will then be able to trigger an alarm on the system. This can be really useful if you have central station monitoring service, and you are currently experiencing an emergency situation. The Lyric allows you to trigger police, medical, fire, and local panics. Alarms can be silent or audible.

With 2019 now on its last days, we thought it would be a nice time to go back and look at what the security industry experienced this past year. As usual, we were there for it all, and we have so much to look back on. We hope that you enjoy this comprehensive year in review from Alarm Grid.

January 16 - Qolsys Releases the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F

Qolsys made some big waves in January with their IQ Hardwire 16-F. This product is the first wired to wireless converter to support 2-wire smoke detectors. The module can also function as a wireless siren relay for a hardwired siren. The IQ Hardwire 16-F works with most 319.5 MHz wireless systems, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Qolsys & Interlogix Daughtercard.

January 24 - Gabe from Security Baron Reviews the Honeywell Lyric Controller

We were delighted in January when Gabe from Security Baron gave a comprehensive review of our Lyric AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit. This is a compete system kit that includes a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller, three (3) VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Contacts, a Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor, a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power.

February 7 - Privacy When Disarmed for Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 introduced a helpful new feature called "Privacy When Disarmed", which stops Total Connect IP Cameras from recording and capturing clips while a user's system is Disarmed. This feature is perfect for users who don't want to receive frequent notifications that occur from camera activity while they are on-site. Only Honeywell HD Cameras support this feature.

February 18 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Facial Recognition

Firmware Update 2.3.0 brought a major boost to the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, as users could now use the panel's built-in camera for disarm photos and facial recognition. The user can set up Alarm.com text and/or email notifications whenever an unrecognized face disarms the system. This feature is great for receiving alerts about possible suspicious system activity.

February 20 - MAC Prefix Update for Honeywell SiX Sensors

Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller received an updated MAC prefix. This meant that they were only compatible with the system's latest firmware version. This is another reason why it's important to always keep your system running on the latest firmware. For more information on the latest Lyric Firmware, please check here. Please also review how to update the firmware.

March 20 - Lyric Firmware Update MR8

Resideo released Firmware Update MR8 for the Lyric System. The update brought a few changes to the system. The WIFI indicator in the panel's upper-left corner will now show a red X if IP connectivity goes down. SiX Series Sensors now have a shorter RF transmission supervision interval. And the SiX Programming Menu now shows every enrolled SiX Sensor for easy access.

March 21 - Verified Response Repealed in San Jose, CA

The city of San Jose, CA repealed its verified response policy. This makes it easier for a central station operator to send out authorities during an emergency event. This was a big win for Alarm Grid monitored customers who receive central station monitoring service from Criticom. We hope that more cities will follow the lead set by San Jose in repealing verified response laws moving forward.

March 27 - Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool

Resideo released the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool, which is used for updating the firmware version of a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel. At first, the updater tool was only compatible with the Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000. However, it was later reworked to support the Honeywell L5200 as well. Honeywell L5200 panels updated using the tool will be seen by AlarmNet360 as L5210 panels moving forward. Updating to the latest firmware can be important for using an LTE radio.

March 28 - No Activity Alerts from TC2

Total Connect 2.0 made it easier to monitor your loved one with their new "No Activity Alerts". This feature allows users to receive text and/or email notifications whenever no system activity occurs within a set period of time. The feature can be very useful for monitoring a loved one who may have trouble getting around. If you receive a "No Activity Alert", then you know to check on them.

April 1 - Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor

Our April Fool's Day joke was a big hit, as we announced our very own SiXTH Sensor for the Honeywell Lyric Security Panel. This sensor uses a Device Type of "Paranormal Detector" and a special Response Type of "Bruce Willis". It will alert the security system as soon as it detects any otherworldly paranormal activity. Begone other-dimensional spirits!

April 9 - Honeywell LTE-IV Available

This was a big day for Honeywell VISTA System users, as the Honeywell LTE-IV became the first-ever dual-path LTE & IP communicator available for these panels. The Honeywell LTE-IV provides connectivity with AlarmNet360 through both the Verizon LTE Network and through a wired ethernet connection. A Honeywell LTE-IA with service from the AT&T LTE Network & IP was later released.

April 10 - First Look at Resideo ProSeries 7" All-In-One Plus

Alarm Grid had a great time at ISC West 2019. The biggest news during the event was the unveiling of the upcoming Resideo ProSeries Panel. This yet-to-be-released system represents the next generation in security technology. Alarm Grid expects some big things out of this panel once it is made available. We hope that it will be released sometime in 2020.

April 12 - Interview w/ Jeremy McLerran of Qolsys

Another big moment during our ISC West 2019 experience was interviewing Qolsys Director of Marketing Jeremy McLerran to pick his brain about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is still our top security system as of the end of 2019. Being able to check out the Qolsys booth and the rest of ISC West was a great experience, and you can expect more in 2020.

April 25 - Alarm Grid Mini Window Stickers

Our mini window stickers quickly became a fan favorite! We have had larger window stickers available for quite some time. But we got many requests for smaller window stickers that are easier to place. And now we have mini window stickers. You can get adhesive-backed mini stickers in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs. Adhesive-front stickers also come in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs.

May 15 - Tennessee Ends False Alarm Fines for Monitoring Companies

Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee signed a law that stops local governments from fining alarm companies for any false alarms that occur. Additional, local Tennessee governments can no longer charge monitoring companies for alarm permits. Only end users can be charged for excessive false alarms and for alarm permits. This makes it easier for monitoring companies to provide service.

May 21 - Total Connect 2.0 Update 2.12.4

Resideo updated Total Connect 2.0 to version 2.12.4. This update made it possible to see the current status for smart home devices across multiple locations. Users who use Total Connect 2.0 across multiple residences and/or businesses really appreciated this update, which made it easier to quickly check the status for their programmed home automation accessories.

June 18 - Lyric Firmware Update MR9

Lyric Firmware Update MR9 is still the system's latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. This firmware version made it possible for the Lyric System to support the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator, which was released later in 2019. End users can check out the release notes for MR9 if they want to learn more about the latest firmware for the Lyric Alarm Panel.

June 26 - End of 3G Activations

The security industry made great strides in 2019 in helping end users make the transition to LTE communicators. AlarmNet began stopping 3G communicator activations on Wednesday June 26, 2019. Alarm.com followed suit and stopped allowing 3G activations after Sunday June 30, 2019. Users looking to get started with cellular monitoring should make sure to get an LTE communicator.

July 19 - Alarm Grid's 7th Birthday

Alarm Grid celebrated its 7th anniversary as a company on Saturday July 20, 2019. Our team enjoyed the occasion a day prior by partaking in some "team-building" exercises. We thank all of our customers for their continued support throughout the years, and are looking forward to continuing to offer exceptional alarm monitoring service in years to come.

July 30 - 2GIG GC3e Released

2GIG had a great year in 2019 by releasing their much-anticipated 2GIG GC3e System. This panel brought back all of the same great features of the original 2GIG GC3, along with the added support for encrypted sensors. In addition to the GC3e, 2GIG also released the new 2GIG GC2e a couple of weeks prior. The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors were released shortly after the 2GIG GC3e.

August 28 - Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 was a great addition to the Alarm Grid smart home lineup. This central hub allows users to integrate their Lutron Lighting Devices with the Alarm.com platform for greater flexibility in designing a truly interconnected home. In addition to Alarm.com, the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 can also be used with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Nest, and more.

September 3 - Hurricane Dorian Scare

Alarm Grid was forced to close its main headquarters for a day due to Hurricane Dorian being in close proximity. Thankfully, the storm missed our headquarters, and our remote offices picked up the slack while our main office employees weathered the storm. Our thoughts go out to everyone in the Bahamas who was adversely affected by this powerful and deadly storm.

September 5 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.0

Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus was very exciting, as it brought some great new features to the system. These new features included improvements to the panel's general user interface (UI), global arming for system partitions, Alarm.com Smart Scene control, enhancements for IQ Remote Keypads, home automation updates, and so much more.

September 18 - Alarm.com Wellness Sensors

Alarm.com began offering its own lineup of wellness sensors designed for use by elderly and mobility challenged users. This lineup included a bed sensor, a chair sensor, an emergency call button, and even a wellness camera. Alarm.com soon followed this up with their very own wellness platform that is available for users of the Alarm.com security and automation platform.

September 20 - Interlogix to Shut Down Alarm Business Following 2019

Interlogix shocked the security industry by announcing that they would cease their operations in North America at the end of 2019. The company had just released its new Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System and its own lineup of Interlogix Encrypted Sensors. Alarm Grid and Alarm.com plan to continue supporting any existing Interlogix Systems for monitoring service.

September 20 - Qolsys to Begin Manufacturing IQ Panel 2 Plus in America

We were really excited to learn that Qolsys would begin manufacturing their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States. This was made possible thanks to the new partnership between Qolsys and Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII). The IQ Panel 2 Plus will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

September 25 - Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad

Honeywell VISTA users received a fresh new keypad option with the release of the Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad. The device features a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display that makes it easier for new users to operate a VISTA System. The full-color menus, clean design, and responsive touchscreen controls, make the keypad an absolute joy to use. WIFI capability allows it to take advantage of OTA Firmware updates.

September 27 - Qolsys IQ Hub & IQ Router Announced

Some of our biggest news for the year came at the 2019 Qolsys Summit when Qolsys announced both the IQ Hub and the IQ Router. The upcoming IQ Hub Alarm System should make top-quality home security accessible to more users than ever before. We also love the attached high-end speaker that turns the panel into a full-blown music player with the Alarm.com Sonos Integration.

October 1 - Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE Released

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is the successor to the Honeywell VISTA 21iP. This new wired panel supports special plug-in LTE communicators, such as the Honeywell LTE-21V, that can be used without disabling the panel's built-in IP communicator. This way, you can unlock dual-path connectivity for your Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE System with just a simple plug-in module.

October 4 - DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector

DSC released the new DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector, which is the replacement to the older DSC PG9916. The DSC PG9936 will work with any system that supports PowerG Sensors, including any version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and any DSC PowerSeries NEO w/ added wireless transceiver. The sensor supports one-go-all-go connectivity for PowerG Smokes.

October 15 - In-Wall Z-Wave Dimming Switches from GE

Alarm Grid began offering two (2) new in-wall Z-Wave dimming switches from GE. The unique aspect of these new in-wall dimmers is that neither one requires a neutral wire. The new GE Z-Wave Dimmers include the GE 14299 Z-Wave Plus Dimmer and the GE 45717 Z-Wave Classic Dimmer Switch. These switches make it easier for older homes to get started with smart lighting.

October 25 - Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

Alarm.com unveiled their new flagship outdoor camera with the ADC-V723. The ADC-V723 supports 1080p recording capabilities with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for clearer and more detailed video captures. Its 117° field of view allows the device to cover a larger area than other similar cameras. Alarm.com also later released their new flagship indoor camera, the ADC-V523.

October 29 - Alarm.com Smart Z-Wave Plus Water Valve

Another big release from Alarm.com was the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve. This Z-Wave Plus Water Valve is compatible with nearly any alarm panel that supports Z-Wave devices. The smart water valve is specifically designed for use with the Alarm.com Water Management Add-On Package that makes it super easy for Alarm.com users to monitor their water usage.

October 31 - New Alarm Grid Headquarter Sign

Alarm Grid celebrated the Halloween holiday by getting a new sign for its main headquarters. The workers putting up the sign did a great job, and we're thrilled with the end result. We're certainly proud of our office, and we are happy that we can help it stand out a little bit better. And of course, we want to thank our customers who helped make this possible.

November 1 - Alarm Grid Halloween Celebration

We also had quite the Halloween bash inside our office as well. We had some tasty treats, and we put up some fun decorations to get into the Halloween spirit. Some of our team members decided to dress up. Jarrett won our annual costume contest with his T-Rex costume. Congratulations Jarrett. We are hoping for an equally fun Halloween celebration next year in 2020.

November 13 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.2

Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2 Plus represents the latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. The update fixed various issues that affected the IQ Remote and certain PowerG Sensors when used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. We recommend upgrading to the newest available firmware as soon as possible for optimal system performance.

November 28 - Alarm Grid Thanksgiving

Alarm Grid team members had a nice Thanksgiving break in late November, as we all got to spend the holiday with loved ones and friends. Like always, we're grateful to our customers who help make all of this possible. We even made a special Happy Thanksgiving holiday video for everyone to watch. Please check it out when you have a chance!

December 20 - Reduced Pricing On IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits

Alarm Grid was able to reduce the prices on all of its Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits just in time for the holidays. This was thanks to a reduction in cost for the DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contacts, which are included in every kit. Our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits provide everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. We have 12 kits to choose from!

December 23 - Top 100 Most & Least Burgled US Cities

We capped off the year by presenting lists of the Top 100 Most and Least Burgled Cities in the United States. Homes without alarm systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with security systems. Additionally, 4 out of 5 convicted burglars admit to checking if a home has an alarm system before committing a burglary. You can view our full burglary infographic here.

We hope that you enjoyed keeping up with the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog in 2019, and we look forward to continuing in 2020. If you ever need to reach us for help or assistance, you can email support@alarmgrid.com or call (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Check our blog for holiday hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

With all the hustle and bustle of the recent holidays, it was impossible for us to do a video recap last week. In fact, we haven't done one in more than two weeks! But we're back now with some recent videos to check out. Here's the Alarm Grid video recap for December 17th thru 26th.

Batteries Used in the Resideo SiXCT Sensors

Jarrett explains how a Resideo SiXCT Sensor for a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System uses a single lithium 3V CR123A battery. This is also known as a camera battery. The SiXCT Sensors have an expected battery life of about five (5) years with standard usage. Eventually, the battery must be replaced with a new one. This process can be easily completed by the end user. The Lyric will show a low battery trouble condition for the associated wireless zone when a new battery is needed.

Range on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System

Jorge covers the wireless range for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The wireless range for the system depends on what type of device is communicating with the panel. The DSC PowerG Sensors can communicate with the IQ Panel 2 Plus from up to 2,000 feet away. Most legacy RF sensors will work from a maximum distance of 100 feet to 300 feet away depending on the sensor. A Z-Wave Plus device can communicate from up to 50 to 60 feet between signal hops.

Contents of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits

Jorge details all of the items that are included in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits from Alarm Grid. These kits include everything that is needed for monitoring service. Every kit includes a new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System, some door and window contact sensors, and a motion detecting sensor. The IQ Panel 2 Plus comes with a built-in cellular communicator, a desk stand, a transformer, a backup battery, and a power cable. As a result, those items are also included in a system kit.

Only One Battery Pack Can Be Used in a Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett teaches users how only one battery pack can be used in a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric only has one battery port available for a backup battery pack. And even if you could connect a second battery, then doing so would likely draw too much AC power from the panel and prevent it from working properly. The Lyric has two backup battery options available. These are the Honeywell LCP500-4B with up to 4 hours of backup, and the Honeywell LCP500-24B with up to 24 hours of backup.

At Alarm Grid, we provide top-quality monitoring services for users throughout the United States. Obtaining a monitored security system is important no matter where you live, as crime can occur anywhere at any time. But there are some areas where protecting your home is even more crucial.

*Icons made by Nikita Golubev & Freepik from www.flaticon.com

With the unpredictable nature of burglaries, we urge everyone to protect their homes and keep their families and possessions safe. The best way to do this is by installing monitored security systems. This is even more important if you live in an area where burglaries occur more frequently.

To find out the areas where burglaries are most common, we constructed a list of burglaries per capita. Our methodology was simple. We used FBI crime data from 2018 and took the number of burglaries in a city and divided it by the city's population. We then multiplied that by 10,000 to get burglaries per 10,000 residents. Only cities with a population of 10,000 or higher were included in our list.

With that out of the way, here are the Top 100 US Cities for Burglaries Per Capita:

If you want to learn more about keeping your home and your family safe, we invite you to reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This post was done in conjunction with our Top 100 Least Burgled Cities in America list. You can download and use a unmodified version of our "100 most and least burgled cities in America" infographic as well.

For anyone still look for a super last-minute holiday gift idea, we would like to recommend one of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits. To make the deal more enticing, we have just permanently lowered the pricing on ALL of these kits. A fantastic system is now even more affordable!

If you don't know about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then we strongly recommend checking out our recent 2019 Holiday Buying Guide for the system. That guide will tell you everything you need to know about the system and how you can get the absolute most out of it. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is currently our favorite alarm panel at Alarm Grid, and the easiest way to get started with the system is with one of our complete system kits. Once you have a system kit, you can then easily and conveniently get started with our alarm monitoring service.

Before we start listing off pricing, it is important to understand what comes included in all of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Security System Kits. Each kit features a brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System, either ten (10) or three (3) DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contact Sensors, and one (1) DSC PG9914 Motion Detection Sensor. This is absolutely everything you need for a basic monitoring setup. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus even includes a transformer, backup battery, power cable, and table stand, so you will be all good to go right out of the box!

The reason why it is important that the sensors included in these kits are PowerG Sensors is because they offer some of the best wireless range and overall security in the entire industry. PowerG Sensors can communicate with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System from up to 2,000 feet away in an open air environment. These sensors utilize military-grade 128-bit AES encryption in all of their wireless communication. This makes them virtually impossible for others to hack or takeover wirelessly. And with the frequency signal hopping of PowerG, these sensors are all but immune to RF jamming attacks that could stop other sensors from working correctly.

When it comes to our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG System Kits, there are 12 total options to choose from. This comes from the fact that there are three (3) different versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, with each version having a different legacy daughtercard (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). You must also decide whether you want a 3-1 kit (3 PowerG Contacts & 1 PowerG Motion) or a 10-1 kit (10 PowerG Contacts & 1 PowerG Motion). And you have your choice as to whether you want the system's internal LTE cellular communicator to connect with the AT&T LTE Network or the Verizon LTE Network. Doing some simple math (3 x 2 x 2 = 12) shows how we arrive at 12 possible system kits.

The reason why the PowerG Kits were able to be reduced in price is because the DSC PG9303 PowerG Door/Window Contact was also reduced in price. This sensor is a staple in all of our Qolsys PowerG Kits, and it is now more affordable than ever. If you are just looking for a single DSC PG9303 to add to an existing system, you can now get one for the low price of $19.99. This can make an awesome stocking stuffer for anyone with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System looking to monitor an additional door, window, or even a cabinet.

Now that we have all the explaining out of the way, let's take a look at the brand-new reduced pricing for all 12 of our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits!

If you have any questions about these kits, or any of the other products on our site, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Our support hours for responding to emails run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember our holiday hours. We will be closed Tuesday, December 24th, Wednesday, December 25th, and Wednesday January 1st. Also keep in mind that our office will be closing early at 6pm ET on Tuesday December 31st. Have a great weekend and upcoming holiday season, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

The 2GIG GC3e is one of the more interesting security system options for the 2019 holiday season. The system was just released earlier this year, and it comes from a strong manufacturer in 2GIG and Nortek. This buying guide will help whether you are considering the system or expanding upon one.

At first glance, the 2GIG GC3e is kind of an odd system to choose when considering the other options out there. It doesn't have the option for IP only monitoring like the Lyric, as Alarm.com requires you to activate a cellular communicator. It also doesn't offer as many features as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and it isn't as easy to program. Also unlike the IQ2+, the GC3e needs you to add a separate cellular communicator module. That's something else you will need to consider when buying this system. But beyond all of these downsides, the 2GIG GC3e really is one of the best panels on the market today. It has some great features, and its build-quality is second to none.

If you aren't already aware, the 2GIG GC3e is a wireless all-in-one system from 2GIG, which is owned by Nortek. The system offers support for up to 100 wireless zones, four (4) "Smart Area" partitions, integrated WIFI, built-in Z-Wave Plus, encrypted wireless sensor support, one-touch arming, capacitive touch buttons, and more. It is the successor to the successful 2GIG GC3 System, which has been used by countless homes and businesses alike. If you are familiar with 2GIG programming, or you don't need all of the flashy features of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then the 2GIG GC3e might be the system for you.

Building a 2GIG GC3e from Scratch

As we mentioned earlier, you will need an added cellular communicator if you intend on using a 2GIG GC3e System for alarm monitoring service. You have two main choices, which are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE). It is recommended that you just go with whichever service works better in your area, regardless of what you use for a personal smartphone. Choosing one over the other will not save you any money in monitoring expenses, as the cellular service charges are covered by your alarm company as part of your monitoring plan. If you decide to get monitoring service with Alarm Grid, then you will want a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Cellular-Only Plan. By choosing a Gold or Platinum Plan, you will be able to control your GC3e System remotely using the ultra-convenient Alarm.com platform app on your phone!

The easiest way to get started with a new 2GIG GC3e System, cellular communicator and all, is by purchasing a 2GIG System Kit from Alarm Grid. A new 2GIG GC3e System Kit will include a GC3e System, a cellular communicator, some sensors, and a Honeywell LT-Cable for powering the panel. We have kits with either the AT&T LTE Communicator or the Verizon LTE Communicator. You will also need to decide whether you want a 3-1 kit with three (3) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor, or a 10-1 kit with ten (10) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor.

In total, we have four (4) 2GIG GC3e Kits available. They are listed here:

• 2GIG GC3e AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e AT&T LTE 10-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e Verizon LTE 3-1 Kit
• 2GIG GC3e Verizon LTE 10-1 Kit

Sensors for New and Existing GC3e Systems

There are two (2) main categories of wireless sensors that you can use with a 2GIG GC3e System. These are non-encrypted 345 MHz sensors, and encrypted 2GIG Sensors. Both types work great with the system, and you can certainly mix the two! The encrypted sensors are good for preventing any wireless hacking or takeover attempts by savvy intruders. But the non-encrypted 345 MHz sensors have more options available, as the encrypted lineup was only released earlier this year.

The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Wireless Sensors are good for preventing wireless attacks that could cause non-encrypted sensors to not work properly. These brand-new sensors are designed exclusively for use with the 2GIG GC3e and its little brother, the 2GIG GC2e. The lineup is very small at this time, as we only have five (5) sensors available on our website. But the good news is that we hope to have several new sensors from this lineup available soon!

Here are the 2GIG eSeries Sensors that are available from Alarm Grid at the time of this writing:

• 2GIG DW10e Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG DW20e Recessed Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG PIR1e PIR Motion Sensor
• 2GIG GB1e Glass Break Sensor
• 2GIG KEY2e Key Fob

Of course, you will need to supplement these devices with 345 MHz sensors if you really want to broaden the capabilities of your 2GIG GC3e System. You can use both 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors, as well as various third-party 345 MHz sensors. For our discussion, we will focus on the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, but don't be afraid to look to the Honeywell 5800 Series for some extra devices!

The 2GIG 345 MHz lineup is quite robust, and it really has everything you need. What's great is that the lineup includes some rather unique sensors that you probably won't find elsewhere. We won't list every 2GIG 345 MHz Sensor here, but we will cover some of the more notable and the more interesting ones. Check them out:

• VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG DW30-345 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor
• 2GIG FT6-345 Flood and Temperature Sensor
• 2GIG GNGRD Gun Trigger Lock Sensor
• 2GIG STVGRL1-345 Stove & Grill Guard

Accessories for Your GC3e

As we mentioned earlier, the 2GIG GC3e has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller for you to start adding Z-Wave devices. We recommend using certified Z-Wave Plus devices for optimal range and battery life, but you can use classic Z-Wave devices as well. By activating your GC3e System with Alarm.com you can control these devices from pretty much anywhere using your phone. You can also create smart scenes through Alarm.com to have your Z-Wave devices activate automatically based on a schedule or with predetermined system events.

There really are many Z-Wave devices to choose from, but here are just some of our favorites:

• GoControl WS15Z5-1 In-Wall Switch
• GoControl WD500Z5-1 In-Wall Dimmer
• GoControl WT00Z5-1 In-Wall 3-Way Switch
• GoControl PD300EMZ5-1 Plug-In Dimmer
• Danalock V3 Smart Lock
• Kwikset 888 SmartCode Deadbolt
• Yale YRD216 Push-Button Deadbolt
• Yale YRD256 Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt
• Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat
• Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve
• Linear GD00Z Smart Garage Door Controller

If you decide to sign up for a monitoring plan that includes video surveillance, such as an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan (Self or Full), then you will want to get some Alarm.com Security Cameras as well. Alarm.com has some great cameras to choose from, which gives your some nice options. Remember that you can view your cameras remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device. This is awesome if you want to take a look at what is going on in or around your home while you are away.

We won't list every Alarm.com Camera here, but we have three really good ones that you should make sure to check out:

• Alarm.com ADC-V523 Indoor 1080p HDR Camera
• Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor 1080p HDR Camera
• Alarm.com SkyBell ADC-VDB105 Slim Doorbell Camera

And there are certainly some extra accessories you can get for your 2GIG GC3e. If you are looking for a keypad, then we recommend the 2GIG SP1-GC3. This is a full-color touchscreen keypad that offers some great features like the ability to bypass zones, voice annunciation, home automation control, a 5-day weather forecast, and more. If you only need a basic secondary keypad, then you might also consider the 2GIG PAD1-345 Push-Button Keypad. Although this keypad is extremely simple, it is perfect if you just want to setup another spot in your business for arming and disarming.

Finally, there is a great desk mount for the 2GIG GC3e called the 2GIG CP-DESK. This is actually the same desk mount used with the other 2GIG Security Systems. It will keep the GC3e Panel nice and sturdy if you decide to not mount it to a wall. A desk mount like this is perfect if you want to avoid drilling holes in the wall and hard-mounting the panel. This is also ideal if you know that you may be moving sometime in the future, and you want to bring the system with you on your move!

We hope this buying guide helps you whether you are considering a new 2GIG GC3e, or expanding upon an existing panel. As always, you can email us with any questions at support@alarmgrid.com. We also invite you to call us at (888) 818-7728 to learn more about any of our products or our alarm monitoring services. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you!

It's time for another video recap from Alarm Grid! We're covering the five (5) new videos from last week, December 9th thru 13th. We have new videos featuring Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe. We hope that you find them helpful as usual. Let's check out the newest videos from the Alarm Grid team!

Motion Sensors That Work With the LYNX Touch L7000

Jarrett explains which wireless motion sensors work with the Honeywell LYNX Touch L7000 System. The L7000 will support wireless 345 MHz motion sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series. Some of the most popular motion sensors to use with this system include the Honeywell 5800PIR-RES and the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM. These motion sensors can be auto-enrolled with the panel. Remember that each wireless motion sensor will take up at least one wireless zone on the system. Some motion sensors may use additional zones for extra features, such as low temperature detection.

Connection Used by the Honeywell Home 6290W

Joe outlines how the Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad connects with a Honeywell VISTA Security Panel. The keypad uses a four (4) wire connection, and it is wired in at the designated terminals on the main panel board. Two (2) of the wires are for power, and the others are for data transmission. You should power down the panel completely before connecting the keypad. Once you power the VISTA Panel back on, the Honeywell Home 6290W Keypad should power on as well.

The Best Keypad For The VISTA 20P

Jarrett covers which keypad is best for a Honeywell VISTA 20P Alarm Panel. If you are looking for a first keypad for the system, then we recommend the Honeywell 6160RF. This will serve as an Alphanumeric keypad for programming the system. It also has a built-in wireless transceiver that will allow you to start using wireless 345 MHz sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series. Subsequent keypads can be either Alphanumeric 6160 Keypads, Fixed English 6150 Keypads, or even touchscreen keypads like the Honeywell 6290W or Honeywell Tuxedo Touch.

Overview - Qolsys S-Line Encryption

Jorge provides an overview of the Qolsys S-Line Encryption that is used with Qolsys S-Line Sensors when paired with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. These sensors communicate using encrypted wireless 319.5 MHz transmissions that operate on a rolling code basis. Every time an encrypted S-Line Sensor communicates with an IQ Panel 2, the system must send an encrypted response back to the sensor for the command to go through. This encrypted code is only known by the sensor and the panel. The sensor will then "roll" to the next encrypted code for the following transmission.

Controlling Lights w/ a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge teaches users how they can control smart lights using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This system has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller for supporting Z-Wave lights. Any Z-Wave light that is paired with the IQ Panel 2 can be controlled directly from the system or from a paired IQ Remote Touchscreen Keypad. If you have the system monitored, then you can also control the lights remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on your phone. You will need to have an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com for automation.