DIY Security Systems Posts

Hi DIYers! Did you know that Alarm Grid offers certified refurbished versions of some of the most popular Honeywell Security Systems and accessories? Our refurbished offerings work just as well as any new equipment. Going this route can be a great option for cutting overall system costs.

All of our certified refurbished equipment is sent to us directly from the manufacturer, Honeywell. It starts when the previous owner of an eligible piece of Honeywell equipment sends the product back to Honeywell for one reason or another. Honeywell will clean up the equipment, restore any defects and basically ensure that it works good as new. With Honeywell's strict oversight, the refurbished equipment is guaranteed to function exactly the same as any new equipment. We then purchase this equipment from Honeywell. Any customer who buys this equipment will have it professionally sent to them from the Alarm Grid headquarters.

In the highly unlikely event that the refurbished equipment does not function as it should, Alarm Grid offers a warranty protection in conjunction with the original warranty Honeywell put on the product. The original warranty will depend upon the manufacture date of the equipment. We will honor any remaining warranty from Honeywell that is left on the equipment, or we will offer our own warranty of up to 90 days, whichever is longer. While we are very confident in all of the refurbished equipment we offer, we fully understand that some customers will want some protective measures put in place before buying this type of equipment.

At this time, our refurbished lineup is restricted to four Honeywell products. However, we may decide to expand this lineup sometime in the future. Our team will make sure to let you know if any new refurbished products become available. The following products are currently available as certified refurbished versions:

• Certified Refurbished Honeywell Lyric Security System
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Wireless Keypad
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell VISTA-21iP Control Panel
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter

If you have any questions about our refurbished products, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at any time at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell PAL-T Hardwired Door and Window Contact. Although we often get very excited about the idea of using wireless contacts, we recognize that some people still want hardwired contacts. The PAL-T is one of the most versatile options we offer.

In terms of operation the Honeywell PAL-T is extremely simple. The device consists of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is wired-in directly with the panel, and it is installed on the stationary frame of a door or window. The magnet is then installed on the moving portion of the door or window within 1.125" of the sensor. As a surface mount sensor, the PAL-T and its magnet will be visible from the outside of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to trigger. Once this happens, the sensor will send an alert to the alarm system to let it know that the door or window has been opened. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for that zone.

As a hardwired sensor, the PAL-T is most commonly used with hardwired systems. However, it can also be used with wireless systems that have available zone terminals for hardwired sensors. Additionally, a user can convert the hardwired connection into a wireless transmission through the use of a wired to wireless converter, like the Honeywell 5800C2W. This works by connecting the PAL-T with the wired to wireless converter. The converter will then send a wireless signal to the alarm panel on the behalf of any connected sensors. This will allow the wired sensors to be used with the system as though they were wireless sensors. Doing this is a great way to bring over multiple existing wired contacts and set them up with a newer wireless alarm panel.

What's great about the Honeywell PAL-T is its small size that allows it to be used in a number of different security applications. It will fit on almost any door or window and provide effective monitoring of that opening. The vast array of programming options make it extremely versatile. Depending on the system, you might just have PAL-T instruct the system to chime whenever it is activated. A common option is to have it set as an entry/exit door. If an entry/exit sensor is activated while the system is armed, the user will need to disarm the system within a set entry delay period, or else an alarm will occur. Another possibility is to make a door or window truly off-limits and set it as a 24-hour zone. This will cause an immediate alarm if the sensor is activated, regardless of the system's current state. Setting a zone for this purpose can be great for fire doors or emergency door or windows.

And of course, one of the best aspects of the Honeywell PAL-T is that it is one of the cheapest sensors we offer. If you are fine using hardwired sensors, then this is a very affordable way to monitoring virtually any door or window. You can purchase the Honeywell PAL-T on the Alarm Grid website right now. Stock up on a few, and provide complete protection for your home or business!

Hi DIYers! We recently made a post that compared wireless systems with hardwired ones. We ultimately concluded that most end users are better-suited with a wireless system. If you have decided that you need a wireless home security system, this buyer's guide can help you review the options.

Remember, no matter which system you buy, you will need an alarm monitoring plan to go along with with it. Please review our alarm monitoring page for more information. Below are some of the best wireless security systems on the market today and what makes them so great:

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is arguably the most robust alarm system on the market today. Each version provides support for PowerG 915 MHz Sensors and a choice of one legacy sensor type (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz). The PowerG Sensors are particularly renowned for their ability to be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ2+ System in open air. This is also one of the few wireless all-in-one panels with the ability to display the live feed for Alarm.com Security Cameras right from its screen. The panel also includes a built-in LTE cellular communicator (AT&T or Verizon) and a fully functional Z-Wave Plus Controller. In fact, this is one of the very few systems where virtually no add-ons are needed. However, the IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the more expensive wireless panels available on the market. But users will certainly appreciate its sleek, modern design and superb functionality. The system uses Alarm.com as its interactive service platform, and it can readily connect with the service. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus can be seen here.

Choose the IQ Panel 2 Plus if:

• You want the remarkable signal range that comes with PowerG Sensors.
• You want the ability to easily bring over existing wireless sensors (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz) with your new security system.
• You want the ability to view your security cameras right from your panel.
• You don't mind paying top-dollar for an alarm system.

Honeywell Lyric Controller

The Honeywell Lyric Controller is still the flagship HomeKit security system from Honeywell, and the time-tested company has once-again produced an excellent panel. The Lyric is perhaps the best system on the market today for use with Apple HomeKit. It can pair natively with HomeKit in order to provide all of the functionality that a user would expect with the feature. The Lyric System also has its own lineup of encrypted sensors, called the Honeywell SiX Series. Additionally, it is backwards compatible with the Honeywell 5800 Series. Another factor that separates the Lyric from other systems is its ability to be used with Total Connect 2.0. This service is designed exclusively for Honeywell Alarm Systems, and it offers similar functionality to that of Alarm.com. The system's built-in WIFI card allows it to readily connect with the service. One downside to the Lyric is that it only includes a Z-Wave classic controller as opposed to a Z-Wave Plus controller. While it can support Z-Wave Plus devices, they will only have the capabilities of Z-Wave classic devices when used with this system. Please note, a separate Lyric Cellular Module is needed for cellular connectivity.

Choose the Lyric Controller if:

• You plan to use your alarm system with Apple HomeKit.
• You prefer using Total Connect 2.0 over Alarm.com.
• You want to use encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Sensors.
• You don't require a Z-Wave Plus controller.

2GIG GC3

The 2GIG GC3 just gave itself a major upgrade in the form of partitioning support. This makes the GC3 the first ever AIO wireless system to support partitioning. 2GIG refers to this feature as "smart areas", and the system on the latest firmware, and up to four of these areas can be supported. Beyond that, the GC3 is also highly regarded for its strong build quality. That's not to say the other panels are lacking in that department, but the GC3 is perhaps the sturdiest system we have ever worked with. Its touchscreen controls are extremely responsive, and its full-color 7-inch display is a joy to look at. The system can use 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. One weakness of the system is that it does not support any type of encrypted sensors at this time. But it does include a built-in Z-Wave Plus Controller for smart home devices. Like the IQ Panel 2 Plus, the system uses the Alarm.com service. But the user will need to buy a separate GC3 cellular communicator to use ADC.

Choose the GC3 if:

• You need partitioning support.
• You want a system with superb build-quality.
• You want to use the Alarm.com platform.
• You don't need encrypted wireless sensors.

2GIG GC2

The 2GIG GC2 is our pick as a "budget" security system. We know that many people getting into home security will not need all of the advanced features that the state-of-the-art systems have to offer. That is where is the 2GIG GC2 comes into play. With the right support, it can still serve as an extremely viable option for many users. The panel features a 3.75" by 2.25" touchscreen with very responsive controls. This is considerably smaller than the 7-inch touchscreen displays of the other panels on this list, but it will work just fine for many users. The panel can support up to 60 wireless zones. Again, this is considerably less robust than the other systems, but it will be perfectly acceptable for most smaller and medium-sized homes. The system includes a Z-Wave classic controller for supporting smart home automation devices. In order to get the GC2 connected with Alarm.com, a separate GC2 cellular communicator is needed. Overall, if you're looking for a new security system at a reasonable price, you can't go wrong with the 2GIG GC2.

Choose the GC2 if:

• You're shopping for a system on a budget.
• You want a simple, yet capable alarm system.
• You don't need support for as many wireless zones.
• You don't need a larger touchscreen display.

If you still need help deciding on a wireless system, don't hesitate to reach out to us for support! You may email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. Or you can call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you're in the market for a new home security system, you are likely faced with the decision to go hardwired or wireless. Both options have their merits, but it really comes down to the needs of the user. But we will say that in most cases, a homeowner will want to go the wireless route.

That's not to say that hardwired home security systems aren't right in certain situations. It's just that they offer greater challenges than wireless systems. Most users will want the convenience and ease-of-use that hardwired systems simply cannot offer. Perhaps the most obvious factor is that wireless systems are much easier to install and get started with than hardwired systems. This can be very important for DIY users who don't want to hire a professional installer.

Many wireless alarm systems can be installed without even drilling any holes. Although they can certainly be mounted, most wireless systems support desk stands that allow them to be conveniently rested on any desk or table. Wireless systems can also be readily used with wireless sensors. These sensors can often be mounted using double-sided foam tape, thereby eliminating the need to drill holes.

On the other hand, a hardwired system will almost certainly need to be mounted. These systems provide ready support for hardwired sensors. Any hardwired sensor will need to have a wire that is connected directly with the system. This can mean running wires across the entire premises for a complete hardwired setup. Although most wired systems can be configured to use wireless sensors, they will usually require a separately purchased wireless receiver to make this possible.

The next consideration that a user should make is the ease of use for the system. Most users find that wireless panels are much easier to use and program. These systems often feature built-in touchscreen controls and menus that are easy to navigate. With some minor instructions, an end user will be able to set up their wireless system in its entirety. Additionally, the touchscreen navigation will make it easier for the user to perform basic system functions like arming and disarming. This can be very important for users who aren't always the most tech-savvy.

Hardwired systems function differently. These panels typically use external hardwired keypads that are wired-in directly to the panel. Although there are some wired touchscreen keypads, most wired keypads are of the push-button variety. This means that a user will have to enter-in various codes to perform basic system functions. The menus will not be as easy to navigate, and deep-level programming will often require the use of an intricate and sophisticated programming guide. In fact, many users of hardwired systems do not even attempt programming, and they leave the task to a professional installer.

Another advantage that wireless systems offer is that they usually come more "ready" than hardwired systems. That is, wireless systems typically require fewer add-ons than hardwired systems. Many wireless systems come ready-to-go right out of the box. As mentioned earlier, these systems come with integrated touchscreen controls so that no external keypad is needed. Wireless panels also come with built-in wireless receivers so that they can support wireless sensors. If a user wants to use wireless sensors with a hardwired system, they will almost certainly need to add a wireless receiver. Modern wireless panels will also usually come with some type of communicator so that they can readily connect with a central monitoring station. But please note that many wireless systems will still need to have a cellular communicator added for cellular monitoring services.

Hardwired systems don't come nearly as ready. Virtually every system function for a hardwired panel will require some type of add-on. Even basic functionality will require an external keypad. And hardwired systems almost never come with a built-in communicator. Instead, a separate communicator will need to be added and installed if a user wants reliable connectivity with a central station or an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

One area where wired systems do reign supreme is adding value to the property. A hardwired system with wired sensors will essentially integrate in with the building itself. This is something you can actually list when selling the building, and it can certainly increase the property's resell value. But a wireless system is not necessarily considered a fixture in the home, and it will not add to the home's value.

However, the upside is that wireless systems can be taken to a new property much more easily than wired systems. The user will just need to unplug the panel, dismount their sensors, put them in a box, and bring them to their new house. But for hardwired systems that have wires running throughout the building, the process is much more challenging. Many wires and sensors may be inaccessible, and a professional might need to remove them. For that reason, it's not much of a surprise that a user will often leave their hardwired system behind when moving to a new property. As mentioned earlier, this can provide the added benefit of increasing the home's resell value.

One final consideration is that wired systems usually require less maintenance than wireless systems. Wired sensors use power provided from the panel, and they will almost never require any type of maintenance. In other words, once a hardwired system has been installed and programmed, a user will almost never need to make any adjustments. The only thing they will need to worry about is replacing the panel's backup battery every few years.

But the wireless sensors that are used with wireless systems cannot receive power directly from the panel. Instead, these sensors rely on internal batteries that must be replaced every few years. If a user has many wireless sensors, they can expect that they will need to replace many sensor batteries at some point in the years to come. Fortunately, the wireless panel will let the user know when the sensor batteries are low and in need of replacing. It's also important to remember that most wireless sensors offer fairly impressive battery lifespans, and batteries will not need to be replaced very often. But this is still more maintenance than what is required with wired systems.

In conclusion, most users find that wireless alarm systems are the superior option for home security. They are easier to set up and use, require fewer add-ons and are easier to bring to a new location. But a user might prefer a wired system in situations where they want to add to the property's value or if they want a system that requires as little maintenance as possible.

If you still can't decide between a wired or wireless system, feel free to reach out to us for help! You may email us at any time at support@alarmgrid.com. Or if you prefer to call us, you can reach us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! There's an unfortunate misconception in the security industry that wireless systems aren't as reliable as hardwired systems. A person may look down on wireless systems due to the the potential for hacking, wireless signal ranges and the limited battery life of wireless sensors.

The reality though is that wireless systems are just as reliable, if not more reliable, than their hardwired counterparts. Wireless systems also offer greater convenience and more flexibility both when setting up a system and when moving it to a new location. As a result, it's not much of a surprise that most new alarm systems are of the wireless variety. With a wireless system, a user will not need to run wires across the building, and installing equipment will be made much easier. Wireless systems also have the added benefit of requiring fewer add-ons than wired systems. But even with these positives, some people may still not be convinced that wireless systems are often the superior options. Today, we're going to break-down some of the biggest misconceptions against wireless systems and prove that they are truly a viable option for home and business security.

A major concern we often hear about with wireless systems is that they could be wirelessly hacked. The fear is that a potential intruder could use specialized equipment to takeover the sensors or the control panel that is used with the system. From there, the intruder could control or disable the system and enter the property uninterrupted. While this is extremely uncommon, it is a legitimate concern for those who require the highest level of security for their home or business. However, wireless hacking is really only possible with older, unencrypted sensors. Many newer alarm systems will support encrypted wireless sensors that are virtually impossible for outsiders to takeover or hack into, even with the most advanced equipment available. The way that encryption works is by having both the panel and the sensors know a unique encryption key. Any information that is sent out is encrypted for maximum security. Once the information is received, it is decrypted using the encryption key. This process is often referred to as a "digital handshake", and it allows for wireless sensors to be some of the most secure in the industry. Some wireless sensors that utilize encryption include the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller, the Qolsys S-Line 319.5 MHz Sensors for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, and the DSC PowerG Sensors.

The next misconception we hear with wireless systems is that the wireless signals are too weak to work reliably. Some users are afraid that even once the sensor has been paired with the system, its signal could weaken over time, and it might not work reliably. This could not be further from the truth. Once a sensor is paired with a system and permanently mounted within in range, it will always work with the system. The key is to not move the system or the sensors around, as it could disrupt the signals. But there's really no reason to do this.

Users should also remember that each sensor has a certain wireless signal range that should be kept in mind when planning the system. For example, Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors have a signal range of about 200 feet away from the system. On the other hand, a DSC 915 MHz PowerG Sensor will have a wireless range of roughly 2,000 feet in open air when used with an IQ Panel 2 Plus! Remember that walls and obstacles can reduce these ranges, as the wireless signal will have a more difficult time reaching the panel. Just make sure that the sensors work reliably from their final locations before you mount them permanently. If wireless range is an issue, then you may be able to overcome the problem by using a compatible wireless repeater. Some examples of wireless repeaters include the Honeywell 5800RP and the DSC PG9920.

A third concern we come across with wireless systems is that wireless sensors offer a limited battery life. Some users ask us what happens if the battery for a wireless sensor suddenly dies. They believe that their security system could randomly stop working all because a battery died. While it's true that not having to rely on batteries is an advantage of hardwired sensors, this does not make wireless systems any less reliable. A wireless sensor that uses batteries would not just suddenly stop working in most cases. Instead, there are multiple preventive measures put in place to keep the user safe.

Whenever a sensor battery is low, it will transmit a warning to the security system. The user will receive this alert on the panel and know to change the battery as soon as possible. In most cases, the user will have a week or longer before the sensor will die. This will give them plenty of time to replace the battery. And if a sensor does ever go offline entirely, the panel will alert the user to the loss of RF supervision. This way, they will know if a sensor is ever not being detected by the panel before it becomes any type of security concern.

In addition to being more convenient and easier to install, there is one other major advantage that wireless systems offer over wired systems. That is, wireless systems cannot be as easily tampered with. A hardwired sensor can have its line to the panel cut by a potential intruder so that it no longer functions properly. Of course, when this happens, the hardwired system will recognize this and trigger an immediate trouble situation. This makes this a relatively minor security concern. But it would still be very inconvenient to have to rewire the sensor and make sure that its working order has been restored.

A user might even bypass the zone for the time being and leave the system vulnerable until they can properly address the issue. With wireless systems, there are no direct physical connections, and this is much less of an issue. In that sense, because there are no physical connections to cut, an encrypted wireless system might be considered more reliable than a wired system in many cases.

Modern wireless alarm systems offer excellent reliability for homes and businesses. Virtually all of the concerns or doubts regarding wireless setups are unwarranted and not of real concern. Therefore, wireless systems offer excellent reliability and protection for virtually any home or business. They make for a great option for anyone looking get into alarm monitoring. And once you have a wireless system, make sure to sign-up for an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. We offer varying plans based on the needs of the customer. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime through email at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us from 9am to 8pm EST M-F at 888-818-7728.

We have recently been made aware that the maximum range for the DSC 915 MHz PowerG Sensors is only 2,000 feet in open air when used with the IQ Panel 2 Plus. This is quite shorter than the 2 kilometer maximum range when these same sensors are used with DSC PowerSeries Neo Alarm Systems.

Through testing, we have determined that the range of PowerG Sensors is noticeably shorter when they are used with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus instead of with a DSC PowerSeries Neo. This is likely due to the smaller antenna that is featured on the IQ Panel 2 Plus System. On a DSC PowerSeries Neo System, the sensors can achieve their advertised wireless range of up to 2km in open air. But the IQ2+ offers a considerably smaller wireless range, even with clear line of sight. The maximum range for a PowerG Sensor used with an IQ Panel 2 Plus is no more than 2,000 feet. This is much less than 2km. We also do not recommended trying to use the Power Sensors with an IQ2+ beyond 500 feet away in practice. This is especially true if many obstacles and walls are present.

Previously, we produced content that led some customers to believe that the maximum range of these sensors was 2km when used with the IQ2+. We have since learned that this is not the case, and we have adjusted our old content accordingly. These changes apply to all versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, regardless of which legacy daughtercard or cellular communicator is used. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused for our customers.

The only way these sensors can support a 2km signal range is when they are used with a DSC PowerSeries Neo System. These systems feature more powerful antennas that can allow these sensors to achieve their maximum possible distance. Alarm Grid does not sell any PowerSeries Neo Systems at this time, but we do offer compatible Alarm.com cellular communicators that allow us to takeover these systems.

That being said, 2,000 feet of open air range is still extremely impressive for any alarm system. Even customers with the largest of homes and should be able to utilize these sensors as they see fit. And if the range still isn't enough, a PowerG wireless repeater can be used to effectively double the range. This will boost it to more than 1,000 feet when used in most homes and up to 4,000 feet when used with an IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air!

Additionally, we've found that these sensors cannot auto-enroll with an IQ Panel 2 Plus like most other compatible sensors. Instead, the Serial Number for the sensor must be manually entered. For the PowerG Sensors, this is called the "DL ID", and it can be found on the sensor's box. The user must also set the Source Signal to reflect that of PowerG. Please keep this in mind when enrolling a PowerG Sensor with an IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm System.

UPDATE: We have since learned that you can auto-enroll PowerG Sensors with the IQ Panel 2 Plus. This post explains the process.

If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus or DSC PowerG Sensors, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. You may email us at any time at support@alarmgrid.com, or you can call us from 9am to 8pm EST M-F at 888-818-7728. We look forward to helping you with your security needs!

Hi DIYers! We have great news for 2GIG GC3 owners. Nortek, the owners of 2GIG, has officially announced that the 2GIG GC3 now has partitioning support available. The update comes via the Firmware Version 3.2 release. This release makes the GC3 our first wireless panel with partitioning.

If you aren't familiar with partitioning, it refers to the practice of sectioning off an alarm system into different groups that are called partitions. This allows zones within the designated partition to be armed or disarmed while the system zones outside that partition remain unaffected. For example, if a specific system partition is disarmed, then all of the zones within that partition will become disarmed. But the rest of the system will remain armed. Partitioning features are somewhat similar to bypassing zones, but it does not require each zone to be individually bypassed.

In the case of the 2GIG GC3, the partitions are referred to as "Smart Areas". Every Smart Area can be individually and set up for its own alerts and notifications. Any zone within a Smart Area be individually bypassed if needed. The system will support a maximum number of four different Smart Areas. Each Smart Area can be assigned its own set of access codes. This is excellent for restricting access to certain Smart Areas. The Smart Areas option for controlling this feature is easily accessible from the main screen of the 2GIG GC3 System.

Other features for 2GIG GC3 Firmware Version 3.2.0 include the support for up to eight wireless keypads (SP1, SP2 and PAD1-345), better support for Z-Wave smart home devices, fixes with the French and Spanish language options, updates to broadband network programming (Q33, Q34 and Q35) and general networking improvements.

To apply the update, download the current firmware file on this page. Extract the downloaded file, and save the firmware file to the root directory of a USB drive. Then plug the USB drive into the top of the 2GIG GC3. The system will ask you to confirm the update and provide either the Master Code or the Installer Code (default 1561). The system will then reboot and perform the update.

Additionally, Firmware Version 3.2.0 has received approval from Alarm.com, and the update can pushed down over-the-air (OTA) by an Alarm.com dealer. Please note that performing an OTA update will include added fees that may be passed on to the user. However, updating through a USB drive will not feature any added costs.

Update: This feature is also built-in standard on the newer 2GIG GC3e System.

Hi DIYers! Did you know that many of our monitored customers come to us with their own existing equipment? There are many cases where a user will inherit an old alarm system or bring sensors from a different monitoring company to use with Alarm Grid. This is often called a "system takeover".

At Alarm Grid, we are firm believers in the principle of "if you have it, then use it". When a customer is interested in our monitoring services, and they already have a system from a different monitoring company, we will do everything possible to use that existing equipment. This can include the panel, their sensors and various system add-ons. We can often take over the system entirely once its communicator been released from their previous monitoring company. Other times, simply replacing the old communicator with a new one, while still keeping the rest of the system, can do the trick. This can save the user hundreds or even thousands of dollars in equipment costs!

When you are monitored with Alarm Grid, you own all of your equipment. Whether you obtained it from us or somewhere else does not matter to us. We are happy to provide you and those around you with top-quality protection regardless of where you bought your equipment. And if you ever do decide to terminate your service with us, we will release your communicator so that you can easily take it somewhere else.

Of course, taking over an old alarm system isn't always possible. Many other alarm monitoring companies use proprietary equipment and communicators that will only work with their monitoring services. Monitoring companies may also lock out users of programming by using a secret Installer Code that prevents us from taking over the system. Yet another possibility is that the security panel is very old, and we may recommend making an upgrade to get additional functions and features. These are some of the problems that our technicians encounter almost everyday. Sometimes we can overcome these issues, but other times we cannot. Our experts can make that determination.

So while we will certainly do everything possible to make your existing panel and sensors work to save you money, please understand that it may still be necessary to replace some or all of your old equipment. However, it never hurts to at least ask us about using your old equipment before going out and buying new stuff, whether that is from us or from somewhere else. It never costs anything to speak to our planning team to start designing a security system. And if you do decide you need new equipment, remember that our website is an outstanding resource for competitively priced and non-proprietary equipment. In the event that you do ever find the same equipment at a less expensive price, by all means, buy it there, and bring it here.

Remember, our security technicians are experts. We are familiar with older alarm systems, and we can generally provide you with a fairly concise answer of whether or not your old equipment is usable. If you have an old system that you want to get monitored, please reach out to us! Often, a simple picture or a description is all we need to determine whether or not we can take it over. You can get started by giving us a call between 9am and 8pm EST M-F or by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our team is always happy to help, and, quite frankly, we love the challenge of making old equipment viable. So if you have an old security system or sensors that you think could still serve you and your family well, check with us to see if we can get it monitored!

Hi DIYers! Today we are extremely pleased to announce that the brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security Systems are here! Three different versions of the system are currently available on the Alarm Grid website. This is truly very exciting news, as we are sure you will love these systems.

With the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys has raised the bar for wireless all-in-one Alarm Systems. These are definitely some of the most robust and powerful panels we have ever offered from Alarm Grid. Currently, there are three versions of the system available:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and Verizon LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and AT&T LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & Legacy Honeywell + 2GIG and AT&T LTE

All of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems provide support for the top-of-the-line PowerG Wireless Sensors. These sensors operate at 915 MHz, and they can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air. This will allow users to setup their sensors from virtually anywhere on the property, regardless of where their alarm system is located. The sensors are also protected by 128-bit AES encryption, making them nearly impossible to be hacked or taken over by others. These are definitely some of the most versatile and secure alarm sensors that we have ever encountered.

In addition to PowerG, each IQ Panel 2 Plus System will provide support for a sensor lineup at a lower wireless frequency. There are three different "flavors" that a user can choose from. These are support for 319 MHz Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors, 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG Sensors, and 433 MHz legacy DSC Sensors. The 319 MHz and 345 MHz options are already available, and the 433 MHz option should be available soon. Also note that a Verizon LTE version of the 345 MHz sensor option should also be arriving in the near future.

Every IQ Panel 2 Plus System comes with a built-in WIFI card and an LTE cellular communicator. This will provide an immediate dual-path communication setup for the system. The only thing that an end user will need is an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. If either path ever goes down, the IQ Panel 2 Plus will still be able to use the other communication path and remain monitored. Both AT&T and Verizon LTE options for cellular monitoring are available.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus has also made great strides in video surveillance. Users can view the live feed for their Alarm.com Security Cameras right from the panel itself. And Qolsys worked to better-integrate the system with the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras. Now, a users can answer their SkyBell doorbell from their panel. They can even have a live conversation with the person at their door from their IQ Panel 2 Plus! This is also possible for any ADC Camera that supports two-way voice.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus also supports a plethora of other features. These include Bluetooth disarming, an integrated glass break detector, a built-in 5MP camera, an integrated Z-Wave Plus Controller and an easy-to-use setup wizard for getting started with the system. All of this makes the IQ Panel 2 Plus one of the best systems we have ever had the pleasure of using.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is available from Alarm Grid now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday through Friday. We hope that you will enjoy this system as much as we do, and we look forward to hearing from you!

If you don't already have a security system, you may be wondering "well why do I need one?" If your goal is to provide the best possible protection for your home, then having a security system is very important. The benefits of a home security system make the investment worthwhile.

An alarm system is the best way to know what happens in your home while you are away. A modern security system can send alerts right to your phone whenever something occurs in your house. This could include a door being open, someone walking into a particular room, or something being broken. This is possible using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All a user needs is a system, the right sensors, and an alarm monitoring plan. A user can also install security cameras that will integrate with their system and provide them with a live look at their property at any time.

Most people who sign-up for alarm monitoring have their systems connected with a central station. If an alarm even ever occurs, the alert will be sent to a 24/7 monitoring station. The station can then request emergency dispatch to be sent out to the home. This can provide great peace of mind for end users in knowing that even if they aren't able to respond to an alarm event, a trusted and qualified operator at a central station will on their behalf. Again, this can be very important for people who are often away from their homes. Keep in mind that if a robbery occurs while you're away and you don't have a security system, there is very little that can be done.

But alarm systems are for more than just security purposes. A user can also integrate smoke and heat detectors into their setup as well. If a fire ever occurs, they can receive automatic fire dispatch, assuming that their system is set up with a central station. And this can even save a user's life if a fire occurs in their building while they are sleeping. There are also other life-safety and environmental sensors that monitor a home for other conditions as well. Some examples of hazards that an alarm system can monitor for include flooding, unusually low or high temperatures, and an outbreak of lethal carbon monoxide gas.

An alarm system can also be useful if a user wants to get started with home automation. Many panels double as Z-Wave controllers for operating smart home devices. These can include lights, locks, thermostats and more. A user can control these devices from their security panel or remotely using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. They can even have their devices respond automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events. Not only is this very cool to show-off to others, it can also be extremely helpful for saving money on energy bills. So any user who wants to get the most out of the devices in their home can benefit significantly from an alarm system.

There are many reasons to get a security system and to sign-up for monitoring. There truly is no other way to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones. And an alarm system will provide a few other nice perks as well. All of this means that having a security system is very important for almost anyone. Alarm Grid can provide you top-quality monitoring services at a competitive price and no longterm contract. We feature the best customer support in the industry, and our central station partner Criticom is second-to-none. Protect your home with a brand-new security system and a monitoring plan from Alarm Grid today!