DIY Security Systems Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi DIYers! We promised last week that new videos would be coming. Well we have four (4) new videos for you to enjoy. Jorge was the big winner this week with three (3) videos. And I actually contributed a rare video of my own. Let's take a look at the newest videos from our video team.

Pairing the Honeywell T6 Pro Thermostat with a Residio Lyric Controller

I show you how to pair a Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Plus Thermostat with a Resideo Lyric Controller. By pairing the T6 Pro with your Lyric System, you will be able to adjust the temperature right from the Lyric Panel. You will also be able to control the T6 Pro from Total Connect 2.0 if you have a Silver Level monitoring plan or higher. TC2 will also allow you to create smart scenes to have the T6 Pro activate automatically with certain system events or on a predetermined schedule.

Turning Off the Siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge explains how to disable a siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System so that it does not sound when an intrusion alarm occurs. This is great for testing the system so that you do not activate a loud siren when you need to test various sensors. You might also do this if you want all burglary alarms to be silent. In order to disable the siren, you will need to enter system programming. Please note that alarms for life-safety events will still activate a siren.

Enrolling a VERSA-GE Sensor into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to enroll a VERSA-GE Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The VERSA-GE is a wireless door and window contact sensor that operates at 319.5 MHz. As a result, the sensor will only work with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ2+. This is the version that comes in a white and gold box. If you have a 345 MHz IQ2+ (silver and white box), you can use the VERSA-2GIG Sensor. If you have a 433 MHz IQ2+ (red and white box), you can use the VERSA-DSC Sensor.

Siren Timeout on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge discusses the siren timeout feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This feature will have any siren programmed with the IQ Panel 2 Plus automatically stop sounding after a set period of time, even if the alarm is not properly cleared. This will prevent the siren from sounding indefinitely and annoying everyone in the area. This feature may also be referred to as a "bell timeout" period. The standard set siren timeout period is usually around four (4) minutes.

Hi DIYers and future DIYers! If you've spent any time on our site, you have likely come across Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Maybe you know all about it. Maybe you know nothing about it. But did you know that you can "Test Drive" TC2 to check out the platform? Today, we're gonna show you how.

For the uninitiated, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform designed exclusively for use with Resideo Alarm Systems. You can access this platform using a web browser or by using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on an Android or iOS device. From there, you must login to your TC2 account using your username and password. Make sure to keep this information a secret. After logging in, you can control your system in a number of different ways.

TC2 allows users to do all sorts of different actions. You can access TC2 to arm and disarm your system, bypass sensors, view the live feed for Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras, control Z-Wave smart home devices, and more. What's great about this service is that you can quickly and conveniently access the platform from almost anywhere. As long as you have your smartphone, you can get on TC2 and control your system from across the street or across the world.

But maybe you want to see how great TC2 is for yourself? With the Total Connect 2.0 Test Drive feature, you certainly can. You don't need to sign-up for anything, and the feature is completely free to use. All you have to do, is go to the Total Connect 2.0 website or mobile app, and click the Test Drive button. Please note that the button will appear slightly different depending on whether you are using the website or mobile app.

After clicking the Test Drive button, you will be taken to an identical representation of the TC2 platform. You can then check out all of its features and see exactly how the platform looks and responds. This will show you first-hand exactly what the platform can do you for you. This way, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not TC2 is right for you.

If you decide that TC2 is for you, then getting started with the service is easy. You will need to obtain a Resideo Alarm System with an AlarmNet Communicator. You will then need to get an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. You will choose a time slot to activate your system. Make sure to follow these tips to make your activation as easy as possible. One of our trained activators will call you at the scheduled time to activate your system. After that, you will receive an email to set up a Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you want to learn more about Total Connect 2.0 or our monitoring service, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email as soon as possible and reply back at our earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we have some new long-range motion sensor options available on our website. These long-range motions are good for long, narrow areas such as hallways. You now have more options in choosing the perfect motion sensor for your home or business.

The first new product we would like to discuss may seem relatively minor, but it actually opens up a whole new world of possibilities for motion detection. We are now pleased to offer the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens. This convenient device replaces the stock lens for an Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Sensor. Once the lens is added, the motion sensor will enjoy a long-range coverage area of 60 feet by 6 feet. It's very easy to swap out the old lens, and the process can be completed by any DIY user.

Alarm Grid offers four (4) different Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Detectors. We have an option available for nearly every wireless alarm panel that we carry. If you don't have one of these sensors yet, make sure you choose the correct model when purchasing. You need to make sure that the frequency the sensor uses for wireless communication is compatible with your security system.

The following motion sensors from our website are compatible with the Optex FL-60N:

• Optex WNX-402G (433 MHz for 2GIG Systems)
• Optex WNX-40DS (345 MHz for DSC Systems)
• Optex WNX-40HW (345 MHz for Honeywell Systems)
• Optex WNX-40IX (319.5 MHz for Interlogix Systems)

In addition to the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens, we now offer the complete Honeywell DT900-Series lineup of hardwired, long-range DUAL TEC motion sensors. Before, we only offered the Honeywell DT906. Now we offer the DT900, DT901, and DT907 long-range motion sensors as well. These are all hardwired motion sensors that connect directly with a hardwired alarm panel or a compatible wired to wireless converter. The motion sensor use these wired connections for both power and data transmissions.

If you're wondering how these four DT900-Series motion sensors differ, it is actually quite simple. Both the DT906 and the DT907 have the same selectable detection ranges. You can choose between a coverage area of 200 feet by 15 feet, or 120 feet by 10 feet. However, only the DT906 has an anti-masking feature. The DT907 does not. Meanwhile, with the DT900 and the DT901, you can choose between a coverage area of either 90 feet by 70 feet, or 50 feet by 40 feet. But in this case, the DT900 has anti-masking, while the DT901 lacks this feature. Other than that, these are mostly the same sensors.

If you have any questions about these new long-range motion sensor options, or if you want to find out if a long-range motion sensor is right for you, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email as soon as possible and reply back as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect motion sensor for your needs.

Taking a summer trip DIYers? You need peace of mind to maximize your fun. Knowing that your home is safe and operational is a great feeling. You have a lot of planning before you go on vacation, and we're here to help you get ready. Here are some ways you can prepare for your next vacation.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is the perfect accessory if you plan on taking a trip during the summer months. It's hot out! You don't want to come home and suddenly discover that your HVAC system has stopped working. The last thing you need when you come home is an uncomfortable house. You can pair your smart thermostat with your security system and start using it with an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. While you're on the beach or lounging by the pool, you can check your home's temperature and make sure it's reasonable. You don't want to set the temperature too low; there's no reason to waste the extra energy. But you can check and make sure that it's at a reasonable level to know that your HVAC system is working properly. You can even set up automatic notifications if the temperature gets too high.

We actually just made a post showing-off some of the best smart thermostats on our site. Check it out!

Get a Smart Door Lock

Let's say that your smart thermostat shows a very high temperature, and you suspect your HVAC system might be broken. How are you gonna let the repair person inside? You're on vacation, and you triple-checked to make sure your doors are locked! Well with your smart door lock, you can let the repair person inside and then lock the door behind them when they leave. What about your plants or your puppy? Your friendly neighbor is going to need to get inside to take care of them. You don't have to give them a key. Just make them a guest code on your smart lock, along with a guest code on the panel. Or if you are extra cautious, you can always lock and unlock the door and arm and disarm your system from TC2 or ADC. This is the perfect way to make sure that your home stays in order while you're off relaxing somewhere far away.

We did a post a few months ago on some great smart door looks. Take a look!

Get Alarm Monitoring

You won't able to use your smart door lock and your smart thermostat without a hub. And what better hub than a brand-new security system? At Alarm Grid, we have all you need to make sure that your home is safe and secure while you are gone. If someone dares to break-in to your house while you're off on the vacation you worked hard for, we'll make sure that they pay the price. We offer monitoring plans that will connect your alarm system with a 24/7 central station for automatic police dispatch in these serious situations. The smart home control features are a nice touch, but keeping your home and your possessions safe is always a top priority. We have many alarm panels and security sensors to protect homes big and small.

We recently did a comprehensive post covering all our available monitoring plans. Here it is!

Get Environmental Sensors

Protecting your home from a robbery is important, but what about environmental conditions? There could be a water leak that causes a flood in your basement, or maybe a wildfire affects your property. It would also be a real bummer to come home to a natural gas leak. We have sensors for all these situations. You can get flood sensors, smoke and heat detectors, and natural gas detectors all from Alarm Grid. Your Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com service will send you a text and/or email alert so that you know about the activated sensor as soon as it happens. And if it's something serious like a fire, emergency help will be sent out if you have central station service. Alarm Grid has all the environmental sensors you need to know that your home is ready for your vacation.

We know what happens when people don't use environmental sensors. Don't let this happen to you!

Contact Us!

You need to do one last thing before you Arm Away, lock your smart lock and set your smart thermostat schedule. That is contact Alarm Grid to let us know about your vacation plans! If you want any changes for the dispatching process, make sure to inform us. This could include something like having the central station call your neighbor or your friend instead of you while you're away. Letting us know about your vacation schedule is also extremely important if you plan on having someone else looking after your house while you are away. You should let us know that a neighbor or a friend will be using your system during this time. You might even tell us which user code they will be using so that we know to look out for anything unusual. This is really only necessary if you need temporary changes to your account while you are gone.

If you need to let us know about your vacation plans, you should send a quick email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team will check your email as soon as possible and put the necessary information on your account. Enjoy your vacation, and stay safe and relaxed with Alarm Grid on your side!

Hi DIYers! If you have an Alarm.com 3G Cellular Communicator, the time to activate it is NOW. This is your very last chance. If you do not get your Alarm.com 3G Communicator activated by the end of Friday, June 28th, you will be unable to do so. The deadline to activate is almost here.

The actual cutoff date for Alarm.com 3G activations is Sunday, June 30th. However, Alarm Grid does not perform activations on the weekends. If you want to activate your Alarm.com 3G Communicator for use with Alarm Grid monitoring services, you must do so by the end of this Friday. Our team will get your communicator up and running for alarm monitoring service so that you can use Alarm.com.

By activating an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator and signing up for cellular alarm monitoring service, you can start using your system with the Alarm.com platform. Alarm.com allows you to arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com IP Cameras, and more. You can access this great service using the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device.

An activated 3G communicator will provide consistent and reliable monitoring service until the 3G networks are shut down. AT&T is planning to shutdown their 3G network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their 3G CDMA network around this time as well. Remember, if you deactivate a 3G communicator after the cutoff date for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate it. Trying to reactivate a communicator is considered the same as an initial activation.

If you miss the deadline for activating an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, you will still be able to activate an LTE communicator for use with Alarm.com. Cellular service providers have stated that they plan to keep their LTE networks activated well into the very distant future. Getting an LTE communicator is the best way to provide long-term monitoring service for your panel.

At this point, a 3G communicator is only a temporary solution. Additionally, an LTE communicator will provide faster connection speeds than a 3G communicator. The difference isn't huge for monitoring itself, but LTE can make a big difference when it comes to home automation. Anyone looking to keep their system running for many years to come should make the jump to LTE as soon as possible.

If you need to activate an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, please reach out to us immediately. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that there is a radio firmware update for the PowerG Daughtercard used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The new radio firmware is v80.25, and it provides various fixes for sensor compatibilities. The update can be applied by entering a patch tag.

The new radio firmware for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Daughtercard provides some general fixes for using the system with PowerG Sensors. According to Qolsys, radio firmware version 80.25 fixes a transmission delay that occurs when PowerG Sensors are enrolled on IQ Panel 2 Plus Zones 1, 2, and 3. It also corrects the PowerG compatibility issues that many users experienced when trying to use the PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PowerG PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor on radio firmware version 80.17.

There are two ways for Alarm Grid monitored customers to apply this firmware update. The first is to contact us to have the firmware update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com. This will require a small added fee, which will be applied to the customer's next bill. If you want to update the radio firmware for free, you can perform it manually by completing the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press Upgrade Software.
6. Press Patch Tag.
7. Enter v3cardfix1 and press OK.
8. Press Upgrade Using Network.

Please note that the panel must be connected to WIFI for the update to go through. It may take several minutes for the panel to reboot and the update to be applied. After the process is complete. the panel will begin the re-sync process with all of the PowerG Sensors. You may notice reports of PowerG Sensors opening and closing during this time. This is normal. It may take up to 20 minutes for the re-sync process to complete. Your PowerG Zones should be operating like normal after this process.

Please note that only IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems with a PowerG radio firmware of 80.XX are affected by this upgrade. If you have a PowerG radio firmware of 4.XX, you will notice that the radio firmware does not change to 80.25. The update will still go through, but no noticeable changes will be made. Again, this is normal. If you want to check your firmware, complete the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press About.
6. Press PowerG.
7. Locate the Radio Firmware Version.

Below is an example of a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with radio firmware version 4.06:

If you have any questions about this radio firmware update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have a small video recap this week, as only four (4) new videos were produced. But they're really good ones from Jorge and Jarrett, who both had two (2) each. They're here to help you learn how to use your security system. Let's check out the new videos for June 18th thru 21st.

Locations Suitable for Installing Heat Detectors

Jorge discusses the rooms in a home that are better-suited for standalone heat detectors than traditional smoke detectors. Normally, a user will use smoke detectors because they will detect a fire more quickly. But there are some rooms where it is better to use a heat detector, as a smoke detector may lead to false alarms. Popular locations for heat detectors include kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and attics. There are also combination smoke and heat detectors that use both detection methods.

Resideo Lyric Alarm System Vs. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge compares the Resideo Lyric Alarm System and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. Both systems are some of the best on the market, and they offer some excellent features. Both offer support for up to 128 zones and feature a 7-inch touchscreen display. The advantages to the IQ Panel 2 Plus include its built-in Z-Wave Plus card, its integrated Alarm.com LTE Cellular Communicator, four (4) partitions, facial recognition, automatic Bluetooth disarming, and the ability to livestream cameras. But the Lyric offers HomeKit support.

Compatible Back-Up Battery for the 2GIG GC3

Jarrett is happy to talk about the backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 Security System. Normally, the system is powered using a plug in transformer. But if the electricity goes out, then a backup battery will keep the system running. The backup battery will slowly store a charge while the system is running on transformer power. That way, it will be ready for a power outage. The backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 is called the 2GIG BATTERY-GC3. The battery will provide up to 24 hours of backup power.

Using an LT-Cable With The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett is back for a second round, as he shows users how to use the Honeywell LT-Cable with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The LT-Cable is a convenient option for providing power to an alarm panel. The wires come pre-prepared and ready to connect with the panel and transformer. All you need is a screwdriver. If you need to cut power to the system, you can unplug the male-female barrel connector. This means that you won't have to unplug the transformer from the wall.

Resideo has announced that the Lyric Gateway System has been discontinued, effective immediately. You can no longer purchase the Gateway from the Alarm Grid website. Fortunately, the vastly superior Lyric Controller is still available for purchase if you decide to go with a Resideo System.

The Lyric Gateway was a unique system. It offered no option for end user programming. Instead, all programming had to be done remotely by an alarm monitoring company. This did not fit the DIY model of Alarm Grid. As a DIY monitoring company, we try to empower our customers by encouraging them to complete their own programming and learn how their systems work. Because of this, the Lyric Gateway was never a good product for us. We carried it to offer as many options for our customers as possible.

There are a few Alarm Grid customers with active Lyric Gateway Security Systems. We want them to rest assured that we will continue to support their panels for as long as we can. The Gateway System even has an AT&T LTE Communicator available, the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A. Installing and activating this communicator will ensure that a Gateway System can remain monitored for many years to come. Please note that the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator for the Lyric will not work with the Gateway.

If you are looking for a new Resideo Security System, the Lyric Controller is still the recommended option. This panel is actively being supported with new add-on releases and new firmware updates. This is evidenced by the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator and the MR9 Firmware Update to support this new module. Even with the new Resideo ProSeries System eventually coming to the market, we expect Resideo to maintain active support for the Lyric and their existing LYNX Touch Systems for a long time. For more information on the MR9 Firmware update, please click here.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the Lyric Gateway, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We are very happy to announce that software revision 1.09 is now available for the Resideo Lyric Security System. This software revision is more commonly known as firmware update MR9, and it can be downloaded for free by any end user with active alarm monitoring service.

The biggest addition that comes from firmware update MR9 is support for the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator. We expect this communicator to be released sometime later this summer. Support for the existing AT&T LTE Communicator is also carried over to MR9. The update can be pushed down from the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and is completely free of charge. In order for the update to take effect, the system must be disarmed, with no trouble conditions present.

If you want to apply the update yourself when the system is disarmed, you can do so by entering the following commands from the main Lyric screen: Security > Tools > Installer Code (default 4112) > Update Firmware. The button will grey out to confirm that it was selected. Then return to the home screen using the return arrow in the upper-right corner. The update process should begin automatically.

Depending on the speed of the communication path, the update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour. The system will then reboot to apply the update. If you want to confirm the update, go to Security > Tools > Master Code (default 1234) > Advanced > System Information. The listed Revision on the top line should start with 1.09.

If you want more information about the MR9 update, please check the associated release notes. If you have any further questions about the MR9 update, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!