DIY Security Systems Posts

Hi DIYers! We are pleased to announce that the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i is now available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website. This is a capable wireless panel, all available at an affordable price. It is perfect for homes and small businesses looking for an effective security solution.

Although the Simon XTi-5i is considered a "budget" alarm system, it still offers the same great performance you would expect out of any modern alarm system. The system is essentially an upgrade over the current Simon XTi-5, but it has been revamped to enhance the end user experience. The 5" full-color touchscreen has been improved from the older models, and it feels more satisfying to control. We tested the touchscreen at ISC West 2019, and we gotta say, it's a major improvement.

New to the Simon XTi-5i is the ability to adjust the user interface (UI). You can have the color schemes for the system menus match those from Alarm.com. You will get the same great orange and white color scheme for the Simon XTi-5i as what you have on Alarm.com. This should help you feel more comfortable, whether you are controlling your system from the panel or from the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android and iOS devices. By using the mobile app, you can access your system from almost anywhere!

In order to access Alarm.com, you will need an Alarm.com Communicator. Both LTE cellular and dual-path options are available. Getting your Simon XTi-5i connected with Alarm.com will provide you with the most reliable alarm monitoring service possible. You will also be able to access Alarm.com through the mobile app to control your system in a variety of ways. This includes arming and disarming, checking system status, controlling Z-Wave devices, viewing Alarm.com Cameras, and more. Please note that you will need a Self Gold Plan or higher from Alarm Grid to access Alarm.com, and a Self Platinum level plan or higher is required for remote viewing of Alarm.com cameras. More information can be found on our alarm monitoring page.

The Simon XTi-5i will actually support the same communicators as all of the previous Simon Panels. We recommend using one of the following communicators:

• Alarm.com XT-511-US-AT (AT&T LTE)
• Alarm.com XT-511-US-VZ (Verizon LTE)
• Alarm.com XT-511-CA-TL (Telus LTE - Canada Only)
• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-AT (AT&T LTE & IP)
• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP)
• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-AT (AT&T LTE) (Must be FW 191C or higher)
• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-VZ (Verizon LTE) (Must be FW 191C or higher)
• Interlogix 600-1048-XT-LTE-TL (Telus LTE - Canada Only) (Must be FW 191C or higher)

Each of these communicators also doubles as a perfectly functional Z-Wave controller. This will allow you to start building a complete smart home network of Z-Wave devices. You can create scenes to have your Z-Wave devices activate automatically with certain system events or on a set schedule. This can definitely help you save money on energy costs and make your life more convenient. There are all sorts of Z-Wave devices you can add, including lights, locks, thermostats, water valves, and more!

In addition to a better touchscreen and revamped menus, the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i also packs some more power under the cover. The zone count has doubled up to 80 wireless zones. This is perfect for virtually any home or any small to medium sized business. You can even use two (2) hardwired Normally Closed (NC) contacts with the system and connect them to the main board. Just be aware that these hardwired contact sensors will still cut into the maximum 80 zone limit.

As far as sensor support goes, the Simon XTi-5i facilitates the same great 319.5 MHz sensors that its predecessors supported. This includes the wireless sensors from Interlogix and Qolsys. You can also use the Qolsys S-Line Sensors with the system, though they will not utilize encryption with the Simon XTi-5i. If you want encrypted sensors for the system, you will have to wait for the exclusive lineup of Interlogix Encrypted Sensors, which should be made available soon. It is unknown which form of encryption these sensors will utilize, but it is expected that they will work exclusively with the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System.

You can now purchase the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i from Alarm Grid! If you have any questions about this exciting new system, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. If you prefer to call us, you can reach 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 telling you all about this great new panel!

Hi DIYers! We have learned about a super convenient feature for Total Connect 2.0. You can now set smart scenes on Total Connect 2.0 to have your Lyric Arm or Disarm automatically based on a set schedule. This was previously only possible for Alarm.com users. TC2 users rejoice!

This feature is extremely convenient if you want to have your Resideo Lyric Panel Arm or Disarm at a set time on a regular basis. You can select both the day(s) of the week and the time of the day when the Arm or Disarm will occur. If your system is already Armed or Disarmed accordingly, then no change will occur. Otherwise, the scene will go through automatically, with no code being required.

Please note that this feature is only available for the Lyric Controller. It will not work with other Honeywell Panels that can use Total Connect 2.0 like the VISTA Panels or the LYNX Touch Panels. If you want to use this feature with TC2, then you will need to upgrade to the Lyric System. This is a great system anyway with its increased zone support and HomeKit compatibility. You might also consider going with an Alarm.com System, as the Alarm.com platform supports this feature for all their compatible panels. A great option is the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, which can support the same great 5800 Series Sensors that are commonly used with LYNX and VISTA Panels.

Users who follow a set routine every day should find that this feature is extremely useful. For example, if you go to work at the same time Monday thru Friday, you can set the system to Arm automatically shortly after the time you leave every day. You won't have to remember to Arm your system before you leave. Likewise, you can also have your system automatically Disarm a little before you normally return home. No more racing to beat your system's Entry Delay! Another example is if your kids leave the house after you do, and they sometimes forget to arm the system, you can set an arming schedule to run just after they are set to leave to be sure the system arms.

And if you ever want to make sure that your system Armed or Disarmed like it was supposed to, you can always check the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on your Android or iOS device. The app is also a great way to Arm and Disarm your system, and you can use it from pretty much anywhere. Another option available to make sure the system is Armed or Disarmed is to create Open (Disarm) and Close (Arm) notifications that will be sent via text, email, or push notification any time the system is armed or disarmed. We are sure that many of you will love automatic Arming and Disarming for your Lyric from Total Connect 2.0.

For our example, we will show you how to set up automatic Arming and Disarming from a web browser. But you should also have no problem doing this from the mobile app. To get started, login to your TC2 account on the website. Once you have logged-in, click "Scenes" on the left side of the page.

Then click the "Add Scene" button at the top of the screen.

Then give a name for your scene. We recommend choosing something easy to remember, like "Automatic Arm Away" or "Automatic Disarm". In our example, we just went with "Test Arm Stay". Then press the blue Continue button in the lower-right corner. When asked what you want the scene to do, choose Security. Then choose the status you want to put your system in when the scene activates. In our example, we choose "Arm Stay". Then press the blue Continue button in the lower-right corner.

Assuming that you only want the scene to Arm or Disarm your system, press the blue Continue button again. You will then be able to set the schedule for the scene. Start by pressing the "On a recurring schedule" button near the top.

And now you will set the schedule. You can choose multiple days of the week and the time. You can also choose to have the scene occur at Sunrise and/or Sunset on the selected days. For our test example, we set the scene to occur Monday thru Friday at 11:00am. Press the blue Continue button after making your selection.

Finally, press the blue Save button in the lower-right corner to save your new scene!

If you ever want to run the scene manually, you can press the Play button next to the scene. Otherwise, in our example, the scene will run automatically at 11:00am M-F if the system is Disarmed at the time. Once the scene runs, the system will automatically go into Arm Stay mode. If the system is already Armed at 11:00am M-F, then nothing will happen. The picture below shows the play button if you wanted to run the scene manually.

Remember that you will need to create separate scenes if you want to have your Lyric System both Arm and Disarm automatically at separate times. Also keep in mind that you can only do this on TC2 if you have a Resideo Lyric Controller. If you don't have a Lyric yet, now is a great time to upgrade to this powerful wireless security system.

If you have any questions about this feature, please reach out to us! We are happy to provide technical support for Alarm Grid monitored customers. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. If you would prefer to call us, you can reach us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! It's time for our weekly video recap. We have a great batch of videos for you all today. Our technicians Joe, Jarrett, and Jorge will all help you learn how to use your alarm systems and get the most out of your equipment. Let's check out the latest videos from the team.

Adding Wired Motion Detectors to the VISTA 20P

Joe teaches users how to add wired motion detection sensors to a Resideo VISTA 20P System. Hardwired motion sensors will use a 4-wire connection, with two (2) wires being used for the zone input, and two (2) wires being used for power. Most hardwired motion sensors use a Normally Closed (NC) wiring configuration, meaning that they are wired in Series. However, there are some Form C motion sensors that can use a Normally Open (NO) wiring configuration for wiring in parallel.

Troubleshooting a Low Battery Condition on a VISTA Panel

Joe explains how to troubleshoot a low battery condition on a Resideo VISTA Alarm Panel. You will need a voltmeter to do this. The first step is to check the AC voltage. You should expect to see about 18 to 19 volts on a 16.5VAC transformer. Next, check the Auxiliary Power. You should see a reading of 13 volts or higher. Finally, you should check the charging voltage. This should be the same as the auxiliary power voltage.

Adding a 2-Wire Smoke to the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Joe teaches users how to add 2-wire smoke detectors to a Qolsys Hardwire 16-F. Any 2-wire smoke detectors used with the Hardwire 16-F must be connected at Zone 16. You must wire the smoke detector(s), plus any other sensors used with the module, before enrolling the Hardwire 16-F with the panel. This lets the module know the proper configuration for each zone. The 2-wire smoke detectors will use Normally Open (NO) wiring. Most burglary devices use Normally Closed (NC) wiring. CO detectors cannot be used with the Hardwire 16-F. You will also need 4.7k resistors at each zone.

Turning Off "Arm Confirm" in a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge explains how you cannot turn off the Arm Confirm feature on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Arm Confirm feature has the panel produce a loud tone when the system is Armed Away using a key fob or wireless keypad. The purpose of this tone is to make sure that the user knows that they have set their system to Arm Away and that they should exit the premises. Unfortunately, you cannot turn off the Arm Confirm feature on the IQ Panel 2 Plus System because it does not exist.

Arm Away Vs. Arm Maximum

Jarrett discusses the difference between the Arm Away and Arm Maximum modes. When you Arm Maximum, you are telling your system to ignore all of the Entry Delay Periods on your system. This means that if you open an Entry/Exit Zone while the system is set to Arm Maximum, then an immediate alarm will occur. If you are outside the building, you will need to disarm using a key fob or an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

Resideo has announced that there is an issue affecting certain Honeywell 6150 Keypads. This issue only affects 6150 Keypads manufactured within a certain time period. Any 6150 Keypad affected by this issue that was purchased through Alarm Grid should be returned to us for a free replacement.

According to Resideo, this issue may affect Honeywell 6150 Keypads that have a date code starting with "C107". It is unknown if this issue affects all 6150 Keypad with this date code prefix or just certain models within the batch. This date code is relevant to any Honeywell 6150 Keypad manufactured between April 17, 2019 and July 19, 2019. For that reason, Resideo is instituting a shipping and manufacturing hold on the Honeywell 6150 Keypad, effective immediately.

Resideo states that the issue in question affects the panic functions of the keypad. When an affected keypad is programmed to enable its dual-button press panic functions, the device will not function as intended. Because of this defect, any affected 6150 Keypad will have its dual-button triggers for panics not work correctly. However, the associated single-button panic inputs should still work as intended, if they are enabled.

On the VISTA P-Series Systems, Zone 95 is, by default, not programmed. However, for Alarm Grid customers who choose to use this panic it is suggested that it be set as an audible Fire Panic. This audible fire panic is triggered by pressing both the [1] and [*] keys together, or by pressing and holding the [A] function key on the left side of the keypad. The [A] function key is the top of the four (4) function keys at the left side of the keypad.

On the VISTA-TURBO Panels, such as the Vista-128BPT or Vista-250BPT, this is programmed as Zone 995, and it is enabled by default. These panels differ slightly in the way that keypad panic keys are programmed. But in the end, the functionality is very similar. Once the panic key is programmed, pressing both the [1] and [*] keys together or pressing the [A] function key can initiate the panic.

On the VISTA P-Series Systems, Zone 99 is, by default, set as a silent police panic. This silent police panic is triggered by pressing both the [*] and [#] keys together, or by pressing and holding the [B] function key on the left side of the keypad. The [B] function key is the second of the four (4) function keys from the top. But on the VISTA-TURBO Panels, this is programmed as Zone 999. It is also set, by default, as a silent police panic. Once enabled, the functionality on the TURBO Panels is the same as on the VISTA P-Series Systems.

Lastly, Zone 96 is, by default, not enabled on the VISAT P-Series Systems. But it is enabled by default, as Zone 996, on the VISTA-TURBO Panels. On the VISTA P-Series Systems, this button is often programmed as an auxiliary medical panic. On the VISTA-TURBO Panels, it is configured as an auxiliary medical panic by default. When this panic is programmed, it is triggered by pressing both the [3] and [#] keys together, or by pressing and holding the [C] function key on the left side of the keypad. The [C] function key is the third of the four (4) function keys when moving from top to bottom.

Only the Zone 95/Zone 995 or [1] and [*], and Zone 96/Zone 996 or [3] and [#] panic options are affected!

It is possible that your system has none, some, or all of these inputs programmed. This depends on your programming settings. But because of this defect, even if you have these inputs programmed, they may not work as intended. It is strongly recommended that you have the single-button panics enabled - those being the [A], [B], and [C] function keys - as there do not appear to be any issues with these single-button inputs. We are happy to help any Alarm Grid monitored customer program these buttons if necessary.

In addition to the Honeywell 6150, the following other keypads are also affected by this same issue:

• 6150PL2
• 6150ADT
• V15PACK
• V20PACK
• V20PTISPKNA

If you need to confirm the manufacture date on your 6150 Keypad, then there is a way to do this. However, it requires opening up the keypad. There are two (2) tabs at the bottom of the keypad that you will need to press in. We recommend using a small screwdriver to do this. Once the tabs have been pressed in, you will be able to separate the keypad from the back cover. Then on the circuit board, there will be a sticker with the date code printed in black. This date code consist of one (1) letter, followed by three (3) digits.

Resideo uses a unique process to decipher the date code. The letter C indicates that the 6150 was manufactured in 2019. If the code starts with any letter other than C, then your 6150 Keypad is unaffected. Then the three digit code corresponds to the day of the year. April 17th is the 107th day of the year. July 19th is the 200th day of the year. With that in mind if the date code reads any value between C107 and C200, then the 6150 may be affected.

The picture below shows the date code on a Honeywell 5828V Keypad. This keypad follows the same date code format as the 6150. Note that this date code reads B249, so it would NOT be affected by this problem.

If the product is still in the box, then you can alternatively check the date code on the sticker on the outside of the box. This can be see in the following images below. Note that the date code in these images reads C192, so this keypad may be affected.

Remember, if the date code on your Honeywell 6150 falls between C107 and C200, then it MAY be affected. Just because it falls within this range does not mean for sure that it is affected. The only way to determine for certain is to test the keypad. If you have any of the [1 + *], [* + #], or [3 + #] functions programmed, then you should test them to make sure they work properly. Remember to place your system on test mode before doing this to prevent false alarms! If you get the proper panic response, then you are fine. If not, then you must return the keypad to us if you purchased it from Alarm Grid.

Every customer who returns an affected 6150 Keypad will receive a complimentary Honeywell 6150RF Keypad as a replacement. The 6150RF is the exact same keypad as the 6150, except that it includes a built-in 345 MHz wireless transceiver for supporting Honeywell 5800 Series Wireless Sensors. The 6150RF is basically an "upgraded" 6150, so you're really getting an even better keypad. Please note that this offer is only valid thru the end of the month. That is August 31, 2019.

If you are in the market for a new keypad for a Resideo VISTA System, then now is a great time to get a Honeywell 6160 Keypad. The 6160 is an even BETTER keypad than the 6150. This is because the Honeywell 6160 is an Alphanumeric Keypad, while the 6150 is a Fixed English Keypad. You need an Alphanumeric Keypad if you want to make menu-level programming changes. With a Fixed English Keypad like the 6150, you are operating blindly when you enter programming. For that reason, trying to program a system with a 6150 is strongly discouraged. With that in mind, the 6160 is the better keypad in every aspect. We actually offer the 6160 for a lower price than the 6150 ($52.99 vs $54.99) because we want our customers to have a keypad that they can use to confidently program their systems.

If you are indeed affected by this issue, then we urge you to contact us as soon as you can. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. If you would prefer to call us, we can be reached at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

We sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been affected by this issue. But we promise to make things right and make sure that you have a keypad that works with all its functions as intended. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. As always, thank you for being a valued Alarm Grid customer.

Hi DIYers! We have a simple tip today that will be helpful for anyone looking to buy a new home security system. That tip is that the cellular communicator used with your panel is different than the one used with your phone. This is very important to keep in mind when buying a system.

As you probably know, cellular communication is not the only communication path available for security systems. There are also internet (IP) communicators and even traditional telephone dialers. But cellular communication is by far the most reliable. Unlike other communication paths, cellular service almost never goes down or becomes unavailable. Modern cellular communication has also improved tremendously through the years, and it is now nearly as fast as IP communication. For that reason, we recommend that everyone uses cellular communication with their alarm systems.

You may be surprised to learn that many people think they have to get a cellular communicator for their alarm system that uses the same service provider as their cell phone. That is false. You can certainly use a different service provider with your security system than what you use with your phone. There is nothing wrong with using the same service provider, but this is by no means required.

Your phone and your alarm system are completely separate devices. They are not related in any way. They have separate billing cycles, and the service for one will not affect the other. Of course, you may receive text alerts regarding system activity. And if you have a system like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, you may use Bluetooth disarming with your phone. But the fact remains that your system and your smartphone are totally separate.

The reason we bring this up is because we have customers all the time who think that they must have the same service provider for their phone as they do their alarm system. They don't. This is a complete fallacy. Your service provider for your phone should have very little impact on which service provider you choose for your system. For example, if you have an AT&T Phone, then there's nothing wrong with choosing a Verizon Communicator for your system, or vice-versa.

Now, there's nothing wrong with considering how the service for your smartphone fares in your home when you are choosing service for your alarm system. For instance, if you think, "Gee, I have an AT&T Phone, and my service works excellent while I am at home!", then by all means, go with an AT&T Communicator for your system. It's just important to understand that this isn't mandatory.

You should also understand that a cell phone and an alarm panel using cellular communication operate in a very similar manner. Both will send out signals across a cellular network. Both have a SIM Card. The only difference is that one communicator is inside a phone, while the other is inside an alarm panel. If you have a phone with a service provider that provides strong service in your home, then it's fair to expect that the same cellular network can also provide strong service for your alarm system.

But if you find that your phone does not receive strong cellular signal strength while you are at home, then please, choose a different service provider for your alarm system! With your phone, you might sacrifice signal strength at home because the network provides better signal strength while you are at work or while you are in town. But your alarm system isn't going anywhere. You should choose your alarm system's cellular service provider based solely on how it performs at the location where it is used.

You should also realize that the costs for cellular alarm monitoring will remain the same, regardless of which service provider you choose. This is different for your phone, where you may shop around for different rates. For an alarm system it's a little bit different. You do not pay the cellular service provider directly. Instead, you pay your alarm monitoring company all the fees for your monitoring service. Your monitoring company will then handle any of the fees for cellular service. No matter which cellular provider you go with, your monthly cost will remain the same. It is the same cost for AT&T, Verizon, or any other cellular service provider you might use.

Cost and the service provider for your phone should not be factors when choosing a cellular service provider for your alarm system. The only factor you should consider is how well that service provider fares in the location of the system. You should check coverage maps and select the service provider that works best in that area. Whether that service provider is the same as the one you use for your phone should not make any difference.

Remember, to use any cellular communicator, you will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular service. We recommend choosing one of our Gold or Platinum Level Plans so that you can take full advantage of the great features that Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 have to offer. More information about these plans is available on our alarm monitoring page. If you don't need the convenience of interactive monitoring and smart home automation, we also offer a Cellular-Only Plan that is less expensive and doesn't include access to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2. This plan is perfect for users who want reliable central station monitoring service, and nothing more.

If you have any questions about cellular communicators or alarm monitoring in general, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our planning department is here to help any potential customer make the best decisions for their needs. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. You may also call 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 helping you with all your home security needs.

Hi DIYers! We are thrilled to announce that the 2GIG GC3e is now available for purchase from Alarm Grid. Just a couple weeks ago we blogged about the new 2GIG GC2e System. Well now the other new wireless encrypted system from 2GIG is available as well. This is truly an exciting day!

The 2GIG GC3e Wireless Encrypted Security System is an upgrade over the existing 2GIG GC3 System in virtually every conceivable aspect. If you are already used to the original GC3, then you will have no problem transitioning to the GC3e. The system features a similar design, and it provides a familiar layout and user interface (UI) to help new users feel comfortable. But with its refreshed look, the GC3e fits in even better with most decor. End users are sure to love the sleeker design of this advanced new panel. Plus the 7" capacitive touchscreen looks absolutely beautiful. You can even set up a slideshow feature so that you and your guests can enjoy some pleasant pictures!

Of course, the GC3e is more than just a pretty face. It also provides support for the upcoming 2GIG Encrypted Sensors. Along with the GC2e, this panel will be the first-ever release from 2GIG with support for these devices. Wireless encryption is huge, as it makes these sensors virtually impossible for others to hack or takeover. This is crucial for anyone who wants to achieve the highest level of security possible for their home or business. Although the 2GIG Encrypted Sensor Lineup is still in development, you can currently use the existing 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors with the GC3e. That's right, the system is backwards compatible! Up to 100 wireless zones can be added to the 2GIG GC3e.

The 2GIG Smart Areas feature has also returned for the GC3e. This allows users to set up four (4) distinct partitions. If you aren't familiar with partitioning, it refers to the ability to section-off an alarm system into multiple sections. You can control each section individually, without having to bypass a large number of zones. For example, you might arm one partition, while leaving the rest of the system disabled so that people can continue to move throughout those areas. 2GIG refers to these partitions as "Smart Areas", and each one can have its own access codes and zones. This feature is perfect for use in offices, multi-family homes, guest homes, and rental properties. And don't worry, you can still bypass individual zones within each partition when needed.

Z-Wave Plus functionality comes built right into the 2GIG GC3e. Its 500-Series Chipset lets you take full advantage of all of the great features that come with Z-Wave Plus. This includes extended wireless range and enhanced battery life with Z-Wave Plus devices. You can still use classic Z-Wave devices with the system as well. Just keep in mind that you will need to use Z-Wave Plus peripherals if you want maximum battery life and range. And by getting the system connected with Alarm.com, you will be able to control your smart home devices remotely from your Android or iOS device. You can also create smart scenes to have your Z-Wave devices activate automatically based on a schedule or with certain system events.

In order to access Alarm.com and receive alarm monitoring service, you will need two things. The first is an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. You can choose from an AT&T LTE Communicator (coming soon!) and a Verizon LTE Communicator (available now). These modules are super easy to install, and they will provide your GC3e with the most reliable monitoring service available. Making things even better is that the system already comes with a built-in WIFI card. Once you add a cellular communicator, the GC3e will become dual-path ready. All you will need then is a monitoring plan. You will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan from Alarm Grid to unlock the system's full potential. More information can be found on our alarm monitoring page.

In addition to its 100 wireless zones, the 2GIG GC3e supports two (2) on-board wired zones, up to 32 keyfob devices, up to eight (8) keypads (choose from 2GIG SP1, 2GIG SP2, and 2GIG PAD1-345), and up to 100 unique user codes. The GC3e receives power from a 1.7A 14VDC transformer that comes included. However, you will still need to provide your own wiring. We recommend using a Honeywell LT-Cable. Firmware updates for the GC3e can be pushed down over-the-air (OTA) from Alarm.com or applied locally using a USB drive.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG GC3e, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect alarm system for your home or business!

Hi DIYers! It's time for another Alarm Grid video recap! We have videos from all the usual team members. Those team members are Jarrett, Joe, and Jorge, and they're all here to help you learn how to use your security system. Let's check out the latest videos from the Alarm Grid video team!

Troubleshooting 2-Wire Smokes on the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Joe explains the best practices for troubleshooting 2-wire smoke detectors when they are used with a Qolsys Hardwire 16-F Wired to Wireless Converter. The Qolsys Hardwire 16-F supports 2-wire smoke detectors when they are wired at Zone 16. This wired to wireless converter can work with any 319.5 MHz wireless alarm system, including the 319.5 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Remember that you will need to wire the 2-wire smoke detectors to Zone 16 before enrolling the Hardwire 16-F with the system. You must also use a 4.7k end of line resistor.

Testing the Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke Detector on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett rocks some protective ear gear while he explains how to test the Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke and Heat Detector on the 345 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke and Heat Detector has a recessed test button that you can test using a thin object like a screwdriver. If you want to test the actual functionality of the sensor, you can use a hair dryer for the heat detection function and canned smoke for the smoke detection function. Always remember to put your system on test mode before testing this sensor!

Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) on Alarm.com Cameras

Joe discusses how you can use Power over Ethernet (PoE) with certain Alarm.com Cameras. Power over Ethernet means that the camera will receive both power and data from the same ethernet cable. This means that you will not need to connect a power adapter to the camera. You can just use the ethernet cable. This can help reduce installation time and allow you to utilize a more flexible wiring configuration. In order to complete a PoE setup, you may need a PoE injector like the Alarm.com ADC-POE-INJ. This will depend on the network switch or router being used.

Using the Qolsys IQ Siren with a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel

Jorge explains how to use the Qolsys IQ Siren with a LYNX Touch System. The Qolsys IQ Siren is a Z-Wave Siren that communicates with a system wirelessly. To pair this siren with a LYNX Touch System, the panel must have an L5100-ZWAVE Module installed. Since these panels will see the IQ Siren as a light switch, you must create special scenes for it to work properly. You need a scene to activate the siren during intrusion alarms, a scene to activate the siren during fire alarms, and a scene to stop the siren when an alarm is cleared.

Zone Status Indications on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett discusses the various zone status symbols that will appear next to zones on the main screen of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The different statuses that can be displayed include Open, Closed, Active, Idle, Unreachable, and Tampered. The Open and Closed statuses are for door and window contact sensors. The Active and Idle statuses are for motion sensors, glass break sensors, environmental sensors, and life-safety sensors. The Unreachable status refers to a sensor experiencing loss of RF supervision. The Tampered status means that someone has activated the tamper cover for the sensor.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that we now have dual-path communicators available for the Interlogix Simon Series Systems. Compatible panels include the Simon XT (1.3+), Simon XTi, Simon XTi-5 and the upcoming Simon XTi-5i System. There are AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE options available.

If you are an Interlogix Simon user, then you know how important it is to add an alarm monitoring communicator to your system. These systems don't come with an integrated communicator, and you need to add one if you want reliable alarm monitoring service and connectivity with the Alarm.com platform. By accessing Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave devices, and view your ADC Cameras from virtually anywhere in the world.

What's great about these new communicators is that they utilize dual-path connectivity across an LTE network and a local IP network. In other words, you get the ultra-fast speeds of IP monitoring, plus the full reliability of cellular connectivity. If one path goes down or becomes unavailable, the other path will be there to back it up. This is ideal for situations where the internet goes down or when an electrical outage takes your router offline. Your system will still have cellular service to fall back on.

You get more than just trustworthy dual-path connectivity with one of these new communicators. They are also effective Z-Wave Plus controllers that you can use to start building a complete smart home network. You can add classic Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices to the panel for use with Alarm.com. This includes the ability to start creating smart scenes for automatic operation based on a set schedule or with certain system events. We recommend using Z-Wave Plus devices for optimal battery life and wireless signal range.

It's important to note that these are LTE and IP dual-path communicators. If you aren't aware, LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution", and cellular service providers have promised to support their LTE networks well into the very distant future. By upgrading to one of these modules, you are ensuring that your Interlogix Alarm Panel can receive fast and reliable monitoring service for many years to come.

These dual-path communicators come in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE options. Remember, this has nothing to do with the cellular service provider for your smartphone. You can certainly have an AT&T Smartphone and use a Verizon Communicator for your alarm system, or vice-versa. You should simply choose whichever service provider works more effectively in your area. The new communicators are as follows:

• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-AT - AT&T LTE & IP Communicator
• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-VZ - Verizon LTE & IP Communicator

Remember, you will need a Self Gold Level Plan or higher from Alarm Grid to use these communicators. This is the only way to gain access to the Alarm.com platform for security and smart home control. More information about our alarm monitoring plans is available on our alarm monitoring page.

If you have any questions about these new Interlogix Dual-Path Communicators, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check this email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST 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 a simple, yet effective tip for you today. The tip is to keep a second key fob device by your bed for easy access. This can be a great way to trigger a panic and scare off an intruder if you hear a break-in. You can also use this key fob as a backup for your main one.

Being woken up in the middle of the night due to a break-in can be a very scary feeling. Most users will arm their systems to stay mode at night so that an alarm will occur if someone tries to break-in. But maybe you forgot to arm your system, or maybe you want to activate a siren to try and scare off the intruder. In that case, having a key fob next to your bed can be very helpful.

Most key fobs have a designated panic button that you can use to activate an immediate intrusion alarm. By pressing and holding this button, you are telling your system that you are in danger and that help is needed immediately. It's a great resource to have in these rare, but extremely scary, situations. Just be aware that some panels may require you to specially enroll the panic zone. Additionally, some key fobs may require dual-button presses to activate panics.

Once you activate the panic button, your system will immediately go into alarm. This can involve triggering a siren to scare off any intruders. Alternatively, you could set up a silent alarm so that the police show up without the intruder knowing. However, a loud, audible alarm will be much more effective in scaring away an intruder. You might even set up on input for an audible alarm and another for a silent alarm. It's up to you.

But keeping a key fob next to your bed is more for than just having an option for triggering a panic in the middle of the night. It's also good to have a second key fob as a backup option in case you lose or misplace your first one. You can always grab the other key fob by your bed if you need to quickly grab a fob. You can also use it to set your system to arm stay from your bed if you forgot to do so while you were by your panel or keypad earlier.

Remember, a key fob isn't the only way to access your system remotely. You can always access your system from your Android or iOS device through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. Both of these platforms offer mobile apps allow you to arm and disarm your system from anywhere. Just keep in mind that you will need a monitoring plan to use TC2 or ADC. And of course, you can always dial 911 if you believe you are in a dangerous situation. But a key fob panic can still be useful in certain situations.

And if you just want a simple device for triggering panic alarms without having arming and disarming functions, we offer standalone panic buttons as well. These are convenient devices that you can activate if you hear something suspicious to trigger an immediate system alarm. You might also consider getting outdoor sirens that you can activate to try and scare away anyone lurking outside your home. And remember that if you have monitoring service, you can set up how your system responds during alarm events. This includes what action(s) the central station will take and when you receive text, email, and/or push notifications regarding any triggered panics.

If you do decide to get additional key fob devices or a panic button for your system, you will need to make sure they are compatible. Our team can help you with that. Remember that we offer free support for all our monitored customers. We can help you determine the perfect key fob option for your needs so that you can your family can feel safe at home. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!