Industry News and Discussions Posts

Hi DIYers! It's hard to believe, but it's already May. Time sure flies doesn't it? Summer is quickly approaching and now is a great time to buy temperature sensors for your home. This way, you can be quickly notified if your home's AC system is ever not cooling the building properly.

Temperature sensors aren't just for letting you know about low-temperatures. They can also let you know about unusually high temperatures that would only occur if the AC went out. This is great for ensuring that the house you come home to is nice and comfortably. There's nothing worse than ending your day only to find that your AC went out and your home is uncomfortably hot! Our temperature sensors are also great for pairing with smart thermostats, which can often send you remote alerts when temperatures go outside certain thresholds.

Today, we're taking a look at three temperature sensors that you might consider adding to your system. We'll be focusing on the high-temperature sensing capabilities here, but we may brush over other features as well. Let's take a look!

Honeywell 5821

The Honeywell 5821 has two possible temperature settings. If programmed as Loop 2 with both DIP switches OFF, the sensor will alert the system when the temperature rises above 95°F for more than 10 minutes. You can also set it to SW1 DIP Switch ON and SW2 DIP Switch OFF on Loop 2 to have the sensor activate when the temperature rises above 75°F for more than 10 minutes.

The option to choose between a 95°F and a 75°F threshold is very useful, as some homes in different areas will certainly have different normal temperatures! The sensor also offers freeze detection and flood monitoring when paired with a water detection probe. An optional wired temperature probe is also available. The device operates at 345 MHz.

Qolsys IQ Temp

The Qolsys IQ Temp offers high-temperature detection at 100°F. The zone will then restore when the temperature falls below 95°F. Although this might be too high for many homes, there are some very hot areas that frequently exceed 110°F or even 120°F. This is a relatively simple device that can easily pair with nearly any 319.5 MHz alarm system. It also offers freeze detection at 40°F and restores once the temperature rises above 45°F. Like most temperature sensors, the high and low temperature zones will need to be configured separately.

2GIG FT6-345

The 2GIG FT6-345 Wireless Flood and Temperature Detector is a 345 MHz sensor designed with 2GIG Security Systems in mind. The sensor uses Loop 2 for high-temperature detection. It activates when a temperature of 95°F or higher is detected for three straight minutes. The sensor will restore when the temperature falls below 95°F for three straight minutes. The sensor can also be programmed with Loop 1 for freeze detection (41°F or lower for three straight minutes) or Loop 3 for water detection.

If you need help choosing a high-temperature detector for your home, please reach out to us! We can help you determine the best solution for your needs. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as quickly as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're a little late in reporting this news - in fact it happened a few weeks ago. But we forgot to mention that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus received the Most Valuable Product Award for Intrusion Detection at ISC West 2019. Congratulations to Qolsys and the IQ Panel 2 Plus System!

The 2019 Edition of ISC West brought us the 5th Annual Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards, which are part of the larger SAMMY Awards. The MVP Awards are designed to highlight products that make particularly large impressions on the industry. The candidates were judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages, monitoring provider benefits, installer benefits and end user benefits.

We are very proud to say that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus was the winner of the MVP Award in the category of Intrusion Detection. The Alarm Grid Team actually had a great time at the Qolsys Booth during ISC West 2019. We had the opportunity to discuss the company's overview and general outlook, as well as their new commercial platform. You can check out these posts below:

• Qolsys Overview
• Qolsys Commercial Platform

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of our favorite wireless all-in-one alarm systems. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones and top-of-the-line DSC PowerG Sensors. Each IQ Panel 2 Plus also comes equipped with a WIFI card, a built-in 5 megapixel camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, an integrated glass break sensor and an LTE cellular communicator (AT&T or Verizon). The system also boasts advanced features like automatic Bluetooth disarming, facial recognition and partition support. Each system comes with a choice of legacy sensor frequency (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz).

If you want to learn more about the IQ Panel 2 Plus for residential or commercial use, please reach out to us. We want to help you find the perfect system for your needs, and the IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the best available. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. One of our security planners will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you design a great home or business security system!

Hi DIYers! It's time for a new video recap. Our video team has settled down and gotten back in the swing of things since ISC West 2019. This time, we have six new videos for you to check out. The videos feature Jorge and Joe to help you learn how to use your alarm system. Let's take a look!

Fire Sensor Notifications from a Lyric via Apple HomeKit

Jorge explains why users don't get specific notifications regarding fire-safety sensors on their Honeywell Lyric Alarm Systems from Apple HomeKit. The important thing to remember is that HomeKit only provides specific notifications for security Response Types. If a life-safety sensor like a smoke detector or a CO detector activates, then HomeKit will only provide a General Lyric System Alert. That is why it is important to continue to use the Total Connect 2.0 platform alongside the Apple HomeKit service. Total Connect 2.0 will provide specific notifications for any Response Type.

Excluding A Yale Z-Wave Lock

Joe shows users how they can exclude a Yale Z-Wave Lock from their Z-Wave network. You should always make sure to exclude a Z-Wave device before attempting to pair it with a Z-Wave network. The Z-Wave device may have been paired with a different network for factory testing purposes. Clearing the lock from the network first ensures that it will be able to pair successfully. Please note that the exclusion command for Yale Z-Wave Locks is [Master PIN] + [#] + [7] + [#] + [3] + [#].

Defaulting A Yale Z-Wave Lock

Joe demonstrates the process for performing a factory reset on a Yale Z-Wave Lock. Doing this will reset the Master PIN Code back to 12345678, delete any added codes and reset any configured Z-Wave settings. The device will need to be re-enrolled with a Z-Wave controller after doing this. You will still need to exclude the device from the Z-Wave network before you will be able to re-enroll it. The factory reset process is performed by pressing and holding the reset button as you apply power to the lock.

Including A Yale Z-Wave Lock

Joe helps users with including a Yale Z-Wave Lock into a Z-Wave network. The process involves putting the Z-Wave controller or hub into its inclusion mode and then activating the inclusion function on the Yale Z-Wave Lock. You should clear the lock from the network before you attempt to perform the enrollment process. The command for activating the inclusion function on the lock is [Master PIN] + [#] + [7] + [#] + [1] + [#]. You may need to configure the lock settings after enrollment.

Keyfobs That Are Compatible With the IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge shows users which key fob devices are compatible with the IQ Panel 2 Plus. This depends on which type of IQ Panel 2 Plus System is being used. These systems can support 915 MHz PowerG Key Fobs and one type of legacy frequency (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz). The 319.5 MHz varieties support Qolsys Key Fobs and Interlogix/GE Key Fobs. The 345 MHz varieties support Honeywell 5800 Series Key Fobs and 2GIG Key Fobs. The 433 MHz varieties support Legacy DSC Key Fobs.

Putting the 2GIG GC3 into RF Learn Mode

Jorge shows users how to put a 2GIG GC3 Alarm System into its enrollment mode for learning-in new sensors. This is a necessary step when you go to add new equipment to your GC3 System. After you have accessed the wireless zone you want to configure, you can choose the "Serial Number" field. This will give you an option to put the panel into its wireless enrollment mode. You can then activate the sensor to learn it in. You must configure the zone settings after enrollment.

Hi DIYers! We have some fun news for you today. Alarm Grid will soon begin offering tiny and cute Alarm Grid Stickers. These are great for putting on your refrigerator, on your laptop or computer or just placing around the house. You will love the upcoming Alarm Grid Little Stickers!

As you may know, Alarm Grid already offers window stickers for indoor use and weatherproof outdoor stickers. Our swag lineup also includes the Famous Alarm Grid Yard Signs. These are great for showing the world that your home or business is monitored with Alarm Grid. But we received word from many customers that they wanted something smaller and easier to put everywhere. That is why we decided to offer little stickers as well.

Each mini sticker has a strong adhesive backside or frontside that should last indefinitely when properly applied. These stickers are high-quality enough to survive the elements when used outside. This makes them perfect for placing on mailboxes, windows, vehicles and more. We will offer our stickers in packs of one (1), five (5) and ten (10). Each sticker is in the shape of an octagon - that's eight (8) sides - and features the Famous Alarm Grid Blue. You also get our logo, phone number and website for quick reference.

The message "Protected By Alarm Grid" is synonymous with top-quality alarm monitoring service. Any intruder who sees this sticker will know not to mess with your home or business!

And just how small are the Alarm Grid Little Stickers? Well we figured it was best to just show you. We found a penny around the office and used it for size-comparison. Check it out:

Now you're probably wondering when you can get your hands on these adorable stickers. We're sure that you want to share them with your friends, family and colleagues. We understand. Unfortunately, you have to wait. But we promise the stickers will be available soon, and we will very quickly let you know when you can buy them.

For now, the best thing you can do is email support@alarmgrid.com. Let our alarm system support technicians and security planners know that you want your Alarm Grid Little Stickers. We are rushing to get them up as soon as possible, but it doesn't hurt to remind us of the sheer urgency in making these stickers available to you, the Alarm Grid Nation. We promise that these stickers will be worth the wait!

Update: And just like that our mini stickers are now available! We have mini indoor window stickers with an adhesive front:

• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini indoor Stickers, 10-Pack

And we also have mini outdoor stickers with an adhesive back:

• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 10-Pack

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!

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 sure have been busy the past couple of weeks following the ISC West 2019 Convention! The vast majority of our content has been posted, and we are now ready to resume our normal posting schedule. We would like to thank all of you for following us throughout this exciting event!

At present, our video team may still have a few interviews and ISC West 2019 overview videos that we may decide to post. But most of our content from the convention has been posted and discussed. While there may still be a few surprises up our sleeves, you can now expect us to continue with our regular posting schedule. This means daily blog posts Monday thru Friday, as well as any immediate breaking news that affects the security industry and/or our monitored customers.

If you missed any of our content from ISC West 2019, we strongly encourage you to scroll down and check it out! We have first-hand looks at new and upcoming products, in-depth interviews with industry leaders, and general discussions outlining the biggest security event of the year. It truly is an exciting time for the security industry, and we are sure that you will want to stay current with the latest news!

Some of the ISC West content we covered this year includes:

• Upcoming Resideo Pro SiX Series Lineup
• Brand-New Nortek & 2GIG Encrypted Products
• First Look at New Interlogix Security Systems
• Redesigned Tuxedo Touch & 6290 Touchscreen Keypads
• Resideo AlarmNet LTE Communicators
• Latest Offerings from August & Yale Smart Locks
• Exclusive Qolsys Commercial Platform Interviews
• In-Depth Look at Danalock Smart Locks
• Alarm.com SONOS Integration & T3000 Thermostat
• Upcoming Multi-Protocol VERSA Motion Sensor
• Exclusive Interview with Z-Wave Alliance and Silicon Labs

Just because ISC West 2019 is over does not mean you should stop checking our blog! We are always posting new and interesting content to keep you in the know. You can expect a fresh post on Monday covering the latest news from Alarm Grid and the security industry. We would like to thank all of you for following us during ISC West 2019. And as always, thanks for keeping up with Alarm Grid. We are extremely proud to help keep your homes, businesses and loved ones safe and protected at all times.

And don't forget, Alarm Grid monitored customers can always receive free support online and over the phone! If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer, or if you are interested in joining Alarm Grid, the best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We also offer phone support at (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Whether you have been a longtime Alarm Grid customer or you are just getting started with home or business security, we thank you tremendously for your support, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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 made sure to check out the Alarm.com booth at ISC West 2019. The announcements we were most excited about were the SONOS integration with the Alarm.com app and the upcoming ADC T3000 Thermostat. Both will fit in very nicely with the smart home platform offered from Alarm.com.

Alarm.com users will soon be able to integrate their SONOS Speakers with their programmed Alarm.com smart scenes. Users will have the ability to select which audio playlist will play when the scene is triggered. This feature will be great for users who want to put a specific playlist into action when they disarm their system to trigger a scene. The Alarm.com Mobile App will also allow users to play and pause the playlist and adjust the volume as needed. Users with multiple SONOS Speakers can even choose which device(s) will play audio. And with the SIRI shortcuts feature for scene control, it will also be possible to activate a SONOS Speaker using spoken voice commands.

The ADC T3000 Thermostat will essentially replace the ADC T2000 Thermostat. This upcoming Z-Wave thermostat will utilize Z-Wave Plus technology for enhanced signal range. The back of the device offers more space for wiring, and the improved terminals allow installers to make connections more easily. A built-in level helps ensure that the end result is neat and tidy. The UI is very simple, but it also appears modern and sleek. It should fit in very nicely with almost any existing decor. Alarm.com also helped make the device easier to understand, as the words "Heat" and "Cool" are actively displayed based on the current action. Many programming options and settings are available, and the device integrates beautifully with the Alarm.com App.

Thank you for making Alarm Grid your source for ISC West 2019 news! Keep checking our blog for the latest updates.