DIY Security Systems Posts

Hi DIYers! We would like to announce that we are now offering high-quality alarm system wiring and cabling from Genesis. This wiring and cabling is perfect for nearly all types of alarm system applications. If you have a hardwired system or sensors, this is great wiring to have around!

Alarm wiring is needed whenever you add a new hardwired sensor, keypad, siren or other accessory to your alarm system. Cabling is also used for providing power to the panel through the plug-in transformer and backup battery. When you go and make hardware changes to your wired system, you will almost certainly need some wiring around. It is good to have on-hand whether you plan on setting up a brand-new system or whether you plan to make changes to your current one.

Both DIY users and professional installers can benefit from high-quality wiring. And that is exactly what Alarm Grid is offering with the Genesis Wiring. Genesis is owned and operated by Resideo (formerly Honeywell), a company already known for its top-of-the-line security systems. You can count on Genesis to provide excellent wiring that will allow your hardwired alarm system equipment to work effectively and reliably. It is great for wiring alarm systems from nearly any maker or manufacturer.

Alarm Grid is offering 18-gauge and 22-gauge wiring options. 18 AWG is slightly thicker than 22 AWG, and it is better-suited for longer wire runs and higher current draws. We recommend the use of 18-gauge wire, as it offers an ideal balance of maximum wire run length and general flexibility. But if the user doesn't have to worry about long wire runs, then they might want to use the thinner 22-gauge wire for greater flexibility.

All of the cabling featured on our site consists of stranded copper. This type of wire is perfect for DIY users, as it can be cut, spliced and bent without easily being damaged. DIY users who try to work with solid core wiring are likely to damage the cabling and experience major issues when they go to wire their systems. We strongly recommend the use of stranded wiring for all alarm system equipment. This is true whether you're setting up your own DIY system or you are a professional installer.

The wiring we are offering is available in 2-conductor and 4-conductor options. A cable that is 2-conductor will have two inner wires, while 4-conductor cable will have four inner wires. The type to use will depend on the connections you need to make. Remember that you can double-up and use two separate 2-conductor wires to complete 4-wire connections, but you lose the convenience of having four different color wires when you choose this option. And you can always leave two of the inner wires for a 4-conductor cable disconnected when completing a 2-wire connection. But for neatness, you should consider your needs appropriately and choose the conductor option that works best for your needs. All our wire sizes are available in 500-foot and 1,000-foot rolls.

We offer the following wiring products at this time:

• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet

If you have any questions about our wiring products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support technicians and security system planners are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. We can also help you determine the perfect type of wiring if you aren't sure exactly what you need. We look forward to hearing from you so that we can help you plan your system!

Hi DIYers! Today, we'd like to cover some of our newest products from 2GIG. These are all fairly unique 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors that can be used with 2GIG GC2, 2GIG GC3 and Honeywell Lyric Alarm Systems. We are sure that many users will take full advantage of these versatile new products!

We actually very briefly touched on these new sensors during our 2GIG ISC West 2019 Post, but we never had the opportunity to discuss them in-depth. These sensors will also work with the upcoming 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Systems that should be arriving later this summer. Remember, these upcoming panels will support a lineup of encrypted sensors from 2GIG, as well as the current 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors.

As we said before, these are all fairly unique sensors. Some of these options have never truly been offered before. It's a good reason to get on-board with 2GIG and one of their wireless systems. And remember that you can always add a 2GIG RPTR1-345 Wireless Repeater if you need to increase the signal range for any of these wireless devices. Let's take a few moments to discuss each of these new sensors in full detail:

• 2GIG DW30-345 Outdoor Wireless Door Sensor: This a wireless outdoor contact sensor, much like the existing Honeywell 5816OD. The weather-resistant sensor can have an extended gap of two (2) inches between its magnet. However, it should ideally be less than an inch if possible for best results. It receives power using two (2) AA batteries, which can easily be swapped out when low. The 2GIG DW30-345 is great for outside doors, fences and gates that may be exposed to rain, wind, snow and excessive dust. It can be mounted on a flat or curved surface to meet the needs of the user.
  
  
  
  
• 2GIG STVGRL1-345 Stove & Grill Guard: This is a unique sensor that alerts an alarm system when a stove or grill has a burner that is left on. The sensor will remain in a fault condition whenever the burner control is left 20 degrees or more from the usual position. A user can set the associated wireless zone to display a trouble condition whenever the sensor left faulted. This way, they will know to turn the stove or grill off if they accidentally leave it on. It is also great for parents who are worried that their children may be playing with the burner. The device is small and discreet, and it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
  
  
  
  
• 2GIG F1-345 Safety Pendant With Fall Detection: This is a medical alert sensor that can detect the abrupt and sudden movement that occurs when a person falls down. Just like a conventional medical alert sensor, the user can press and hold a button if they experience a medical emergency or crisis. But the built-in fall detection is great for situations in which the user might be rendered unconscious and unable to press the button themselves. The device comes with a lanyard so that it can be easily worn, and it it is water-resistant with an IPx7 rating. The end user will have no problem using the F1-345 in the bath or shower if necessary.
  
  
  
  
• 2GIG GNGRD1-345 Gun Trigger Lock: This a helpful safety device that prevents a user from shooting a gun or firearm unless a 3-digit code is entered first. The sensor will also send an alert to the security system in the event that the weapon is moved or tampered with. This sensor is perfect for families of gun-owners who want to make sure that their children don't get into their weapons or firearms. It is strongly recommended for any gun-owner who wants to ensure that only they can access their weapon. The device is small, discreet and easily to apply. It is powered using a single CR2032 coin cell battery.
  
  
  

All of these sensors are available on the Alarm Grid website now! If you would like to learn more about any of these sensors, we recommend sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. One of our security system experts will see your email and respond back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you design the perfect alarm system for your needs!

If you're looking to obtain alarm monitoring service for your home, then you can't go wrong with one of our home security system kits. Each kit has everything you need to get started. One of our highly-trained technicians will call you to active your system, and your home will be protected!

With an Alarm Grid Security System Kit, you can expect several essential components. You will receive a wireless alarm control panel that serves as the central hub for your system. This is where you can arm and disarm your system and make programming changes. You will also be able to access your system from an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. This is great if you need to control your system while you are away or if you just want to make sure you remembered to arm your system before you left!

Each kit also includes door and window sensors and a motion detecting sensor. The door and window sensors will alert your security system if a door is opened, while the motion sensor will respond to a person moving throughout the area. We offer kits with varying numbers of sensors so that you can choose a kit that is the perfect size for your home or apartment! We also sell individual sensors if needed. You can start with a small security system now and then expand upon it later. Do whatever works for your home!

Users can also expect a Honeywell LT-Cable with each kit. This cable makes it super easy to provide power to your system with the included transformer. You won't need to strip or prepare any wires. The cable comes completely ready. You will just need a screwdriver to attach it. We also recommend choosing a kit that comes with a cellular communicator. This will serve as a reliable backup in case there is ever an internet outage in your home. If the internet goes down, your system will automatically switch to its cellular backup. Not all our kits include a cellular communicator, but we strongly recommend getting one!

Also, don't feel intimidated if you have never installed a security system before! Some other companies may not want you to believe it, but installing your own system is super easy! In fact, most wireless alarm systems can be set up using nothing more than a screwdriver. Wireless sensors can be mounted with double-sided foam tape, and wireless panel menus are easy to navigate. And our technicians will be there to help you every step of the way with online and phone support. Remember, you get free support as an Alarm Grid monitored customer. Before you know it, your brand-new system will be up and running!

Alarm Grid is your home for all your security system kits! If you need help choosing a system, please reach out to us! You may email support@alarmgrid.com or call (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Just tell us about your home and what kind of monitoring service you want. Our planners will help you determine the best security system for your house or apartment. We are always happy to help, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We had our video team working crazy hard covering ISC West 2019. But now it's back to the grind with our usual video updates! We managed to get up four new videos for April 18th and 19th. Kudos to our technicians for working so hard. Let's take a look at our latest videos!

Connecting the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch To WIFI

Jorge demonstrates the process for connecting a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad to a WIFI network. The Tuxedo Touch must be connected to the network so that it can communicate properly with Total Connect 2.0. Proper network connectivity is necessary for the keypad and the Total Connect 2.0 platform to remain constantly in sync. Whether a user operates a Z-Wave device or a smart scene from TC2 or their Tuxedo Touch Keypad, the other platform will receive notice regarding the device activity.

Factory Resetting a Tuxedo Touch Keypad

Jorge shows users how to perform a factory reset on a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad. By performing a factory reset, all device settings and configurations will be restored to their default values. This is a good option if you are taking over the Tuxedo Touch Keypad from someone else and you want to start fresh with original settings. A factory reset might also be performed as a final troubleshooting step if the device is not working properly. But keep in mind that the entire keypad will need to be reconfigured!

Testing the 2GIG SMKT3-345 Smoke and Heat Detector

Jorge teaches users how they can test a 2GIG SMKT3-345 Smoke and Heat Detector. The device has a test button that allows a user to test the device's LED light, sounder and signal transmission. But you must perform a manual test if you want to check the functionality for the sensor. This means using canned smoke to test the photoelectric smoke detector and a hair dryer on the highest setting to test the heat detector. Remember to place your system on test mode before testing!

ADC SVR122 Feature Overview

Joe talks about the ADC-SVR122 Stream Video Recorder. The Stream Video Recorded is designed exclusively for use with Alarm.com Security Cameras. It allows a user to achieve a 24-hour continuous recording schedule. The user can login to their Alarm.com account through the website or mobile app to view recorded clips that are stored on the ADC-SVR122. They can also connect an HDMI monitor for local viewing. The ADC-SVR122 can support up to eight cameras, and it comes in 500GB and 1TB storage options.

Hi DIYers! We have an very exciting and in-depth interview from ISC West 2019. Our team sat down with Mary Miller of the Z-Wave Alliance to discuss the latest in Z-Wave smart home technology. Users can expect diversified products, improved battery life, enhanced functionality and more.

Nearly every new alarm system hitting the market will utilize Z-Wave Plus technology, which is also known as the Z-Wave 500-Series chipset. This advanced protocol has provided great results for users looking to achieve complete and robust smart homes. Users can expect the upcoming 700-Series to further improve upon this excellent technology and make compatible devices even easier to use.

It's fair to expect that 700-Series compatible alarm systems and controllers are currently in the pipeline from various manufacturers. We will make sure to update you with the latest news as it becomes available. For now, we invite you to check out our in-depth interview for more information about the latest Z-Wave technology:

Keep checking the Alarm Grid blog for the latest security news and discussions. We will have more updates coming soon!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a quick look at the upcoming Wireless VERSA Multi-Protocol Motion Sensor. We got the first look at this device at ISC West 2019, and we think it will make for a great addition to nearly any home or business alarm system that needs reliable motion detection.

As you may know, VERSA already offers a door and window contact that uses the same hardware as the Honeywell 5800MINI. The VERSA Contact is currently available in a 2GIG 345 MHz Variant and a Qolsys/Interlogix/GE 319.5 MHz Variant. Well their multi-protocol motion sensor is a complete game-changer, as its wireless frequency can be adjusted to work with the end user's security system.

The Wireless VERSA Multi-Protocol Motion Sensor will feature an adjustable knob that can be used to set the sensor to work with Honeywell, 2GIG, Qolsys, Interlogix/GE, Bosch and DSC Systems. This technology is revolutionary, and it should make things very easy for DIY users in knowing that the sensor will work properly.

Like most motion sensors, the new VERSA motion will use PIR technology to detect movement. It will also offer high and low sensitivity options. The low sensitivity setting will be used in most applications, and it will support pet-immunity. The high sensitivity option will be suitable for applications that require a higher level of security.

VERSA expects that the new motion will be available sometime in the next couple of months. Additionally, we also received word from VERSA that a multi-protocol wireless door and window contact is also in the works. You will soon be able to outfit nearly any wireless system with VERSA contacts and motions!

We encourage you to view the following video for more information about the upcoming motion:

Keep checking Alarm Grid for more news from ISC West 2019. We will make sure to keep you updated!

Hi DIYers! We're keeping the ISC West 2019 content rolling by giving a brief overview of Danalock's presence in the Z-Wave Alliance booth. As you know, Alarm Grid loves all things related to smart home automation, and we believe that Danalock can make a great addition to nearly any home.

The third generation Danalock V3 can be split into two main versions. These are the Danalock V3 Z-Wave and the Danalock V3 HomeKit. Both options provide superb protection and are easily powered using four CR123A lithium batteries. They also offer 256-bit AES encryption for top-of-the-line wireless security. And of course, users will appreciate the sleek and modern design.

The HomeKit version is perfect for iOS users looking for a quick and convenient way to lock and unlock their home using the iPhone or iPad. Unlike the Z-Wave model, the HomeKit version of the Danalock is mostly a standalone device that does not pair with other Danalock accessories. Still, iOS users who want a simple, yet effective smart lock will certainly be impressed.

However, the Z-Wave version of the Danalock is where the device really shines. The lock is certified Z-Wave Plus, giving it an extended range and enhanced battery life when compared with classic Z-Wave devices. The Danalock Z-Wave will pair with nearly any Z-Wave controller and allow users to operate it remotely through an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

The Danalock V3 Z-Wave is also known for supporting key accessories and add-ons that serve to enhance its capabilities. The Danabridge V3 Hub lets the user connect their Z-Wave Danalock with a local WIFI network. This way, they can control the device using the Danalock App on their Android or iOS device. This app will also keep track of when the lock is used and which codes are used to control the lock.

Another accessory supported by the Danalock V3 Z-Wave is the Danapad V3, which is essentially an external, push-button keypad for Danalock devices. Codes are pushed to the Danapad either through the Danalock App (Danabridge V3 required) or through the user's Z-Wave hub. The device can store up to 20 user codes, and it measure 3.2 inches in diameter and 1.4 inches thick. It is powered using four AAA batteries. Please note that the HomeKit version of Danalock will NOT support the Danapad.

Finally, we also took a brief moment to check out some of the Z-Wave light switches and other devices featured in the Z-Wave Alliance booth. It's amazing to see how Z-Wave Plus technology has really taken off and continues to evolve. We hope to be making more Z-Wave smart home devices available on our website in the near future!

Keep checking the Alarm Grid Security Blog for more ISC West 2019 content coming soon! We still have some key interviews and videos we are hoping to put out in the coming days!

Hi DIYers! We're still revisiting ISC West 2019. This video continues from the previous one. Frank from Alarm Grid and Jeremy from Qolsys continue to discuss how the IQ Panel 2 Plus has shifted from a strictly residential panel to a dual-purpose residential and commercial powerhouse.

The IQ Panel 2 was originally designed residential users in mind. The system continued that trend with its robust automation platform and user-friendly features like facial recognition and two-way video streaming. But Qolsys has been working to make their IQ Panel 2 Plus System a strong option for commercial users as well. This has been made possible by adding support for extended range PowerG Sensors and obtaining various commercial permits.

But while Qolsys has improved its commercial offerings, the company has also managed to retain its already strong residential platform. The result is a robust and capable system that provides users with the best of both worlds. Not only do business owners get a reliable system that meets all of their requirements, they also get to enjoy the advanced add-ons that would normally only be available for a top-of-the-line residential panel.

Today, anyone looking for an alarm system with the best of commercial and residential features all-in-one has the ideal solution in the IQ Panel 2 Plus. Watch the following video to learn more:

Stay tuned for more ISC West 2019 recaps coming soon!

Hi DIYers! Our content and video teams have planes to catch, but first we managed to produce the first video from ISC West 2019. Our very own Frank Longo speaks with Jeremy McLerran, the Director of Marketing for Qolsys to discuss the company's recent transition into commercial markets.

When Qolsys released their IQ Panel 2 System, it was designed primarily for residential use. Then in 2018, the company began offering the IQ Panel 2 Plus. This is essentially an upgraded version of the original IQ Panel 2 with the ability to support PowerG Sensors. With the exceptional wireless range of PowerG Sensors, Qolsys saw the opportunity to begin marketing their IQ Panel 2 Plus for commercial markets. They obtained the necessary certifications and now present the IQ Panel 2 Plus as the ideal solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Jeremy provided us with a phenomenal interview, and we found everyone at Qolsys to be extremely helpful and inviting. We highly encourage you to watch the following video to learn more about Qolsys and their commercial platform:

Keep checking our blog next week for more content from ISC West 2019. We look forward to sharing more in-depth interviews and videos!

Are you enjoying ISC West 2019 DIYers? We actually missed part of the Resideo booth yesterday, and we're playing catch-up to keep you up to date! We have learned that the Tuxedo Touch Keypad for Honeywell VISTA Systems has received a redesign. The new menus look super sleek and fresh!

Most owners of the current Tuxedo Touch Keypad love the device's performance, but they aren't thrilled with the look of the menus. Resideo is seeking to fix that with the Tuxedo Touch redesign. This makeover represents the third generation of Tuxedo Touch Keypads, and we believe that end users will absolutely love the new appearance.

The redesigned Tuxedo Touch serves the same purpose as the current model. It is a touchscreen keypad that is used to control a Honeywell VISTA System. The keypad wires-in directly with the main control panel to draw power and communicate as needed. By accessing the keypad, user can arm and disarm their system, control individual Z-Wave devices and perform smart automation scenes. We confirmed with Resideo that the updated Tuxedo Touch will support Z-Wave Plus 500 Series technology.

Resideo also updated their Honeywell 6280 Touchscreen Keypad. The new model is the Honeywell 6290, and it also offers a fresh new look. The 6290 will be basically the same as the updated Tuxedo Touch, except it won't have Z-Wave functionality. Nevertheless, it should provide a quick and easy access point for VISTA System users.

We have also confirmed that a user will be able to enter the IP address for the new Tuxedo Touch and 6290 Keypads into a web browser to control their system as if they were at the keypad itself. Just like the current models, the web browser will need to be on a device that is connected with the same local WIFI network to gain access. A great option if you want to conveniently add an additional keypad is to use the web browser on a tablet and then just mount the tablet to the wall.

Both the third generation Tuxedo Touch and 6290 Keypads will use WIFI to connect to a network. Unlike the older models, a hardwired ethernet option will not be available. This shouldn't cause too many issues though, as most users prefer the convenience of a WIFI connection anyway.

Thanks for staying with Alarm Grid for the latest ISC West 2019 updates. We will have more posts coming soon!