Industry News and Discussions Posts

Hi DIYers! Did you know that there's a great way to get immediate answers to most of your security questions? The Alarm Grid FAQ section has the resources you need to receive fast answers and solve your own problems like a true DIYer! We have solutions and answers for all types of systems!

In our FAQ section, we take commonly asked security-related questions and provide complete answers designed with end users in mind. These questions cover an extremely wide variety of topics like programming new sensors, installing a communicator, troubleshooting a panel and so much more. This is an excellent way to receive fast answers to your biggest security questions, without having to call in or wait for an email response. Our FAQ section is open to anyone, even those who do not have active alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid.

Our content team is always busy producing new content so that end users can learn how to get the very most out of their alarm systems. In addition to our ever-expanding YouTube Channel, we also take great pride in our written content. We listen carefully to our customers and produce new content based on the problems we encounter when helping end users troubleshoot their systems. We also make it very easy to search our website and find helpful FAQs to address your most pressing questions.

If you want to try using our website to find answers, simply use the search bar in the upper-right corner of the Alarm Grid home page. Enter in your question and/or keywords to see if we have an answer that can help you.

Just yesterday, we produced eight new FAQs, and we are creating new ones almost every day. The FAQs created yesterday include:

• How Do I Self-Monitor a VISTA P-Series System?
• Can I Update the Firmware on a 2GIG GC3 Alarm System?
• Which Alarm System Works w/ a Honeywell IS335 Motion Sensor?
• Is the L5210 Better than the L7000?
• Which Alarm System will Alert Me when Temperatures Drop?
• Can 2GIG Sensors Work w/ a Lyric Alarm System?
• What is the Difference Between a Wireless Receiver and a Wireless Sensor?
• What Does the Yellow Light Mean on a GSMX4G?

We can't promise that our FAQ section will have every answer. But it's a great place to start if you're ever in a pinch. We also invite you to send us ideas for new questions and other content. If you're an Alarm Grid monitored customer, you can also receive one-on-one support online or over the phone. Simply email support@alarmgrid.com, or call (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Keep in mind that we only offer personalized support for monitored customers. If you're interested in learning about Alarm Grid monitoring service, we encourage you to check out our alarm monitoring page for more information. We look forward to working with you and helping you keep your home or business safe!

Hi DIYers! Lately, we have heard reports of users having trouble enrolling their SiX Series Sensors with their Honeywell Lyric Systems. The problem has to do with Lyric Systems running older firmware versions that don't support the newer SiX Series Sensors with a newer MAC prefix.

As you may know, Honeywell SiX Sensors are encrypted sensors designed exclusively for use with Honeywell Lyric Systems. These are highly secure sensors that use bi-directional 128-bit AES encryption for added security. They learn-in with a Lyric System using a MAC address rather than a Serial Number. This MAC address is very important for determining whether or not the sensor will work with the Lyric System.

Older SiX Series Sensors had a MAC address that began with 00:D0:2D. If a SiX Series Sensor has this MAC prefix, then it will work with any Lyric System. However, SiX Sensors with this prefix are no longer manufactured. If you purchase a SiX Series Sensor today, it will most likely have a MAC prefix of either B8:2C:A0 or 8A:CB:A4. SiX Sensors with either MAC prefix will only work with a Lyric System that is running firmware version MR5 or higher. Honeywell actually never officially released updates for MR5 or MR6. Instead, they lumped those updates into the MR7 release, which is offered from Alarm Grid.

You can identify a new SiX Sensor by having the following yellow sticker on the box:

You can also check the MAC prefix on following white sticker on the sensor itself:

Newly manufactured Lyric Systems should already be running the latest firmware, and they will be able to support the newest SiX Sensors. But if you have an older Lyric System that hasn't been provided a firmware update, then you might be wondering why your new SiX Sensors will not work with the system. Alarm Grid recently attempted to address this by pushing down firmware update MR7 to all monitored customers with Lyric Systems that weren't already running that firmware version or higher. If you noticed that your Lyric System suddenly rebooted at one point, that is most likely why. For more information about firmware update MR7, click here.

Thanks to this recent mass update push, all Alarm Grid customers with Honeywell Lyric Alarm Systems should now be able to use the latest SiX Sensors with the newest MAC prefix. Keep in mind that we can only push down a firmware update to our monitored customers. If you are not monitored with Alarm Grid, then it's possible that your Lyric is still running an older firmware version that is incompatible with the SiX Sensors with the new MAC address. In that case, you must upgrade the firmware to use these sensors.

The only way to upgrade the firmware on a Honeywell Lyric Controller is to connect the system with the AlarmNet360 Servers. This requires alarm monitoring service. The firmware can be requested manually from the panel, or it can be pushed down automatically by the alarm monitoring company. But either way, you will need monitoring service to gain access to AlarmNet360.

Since Alarm Grid is month-to-month with no-contract and no cancellation fees, an easy option is to just sign-up for a month of monitoring service with Alarm Grid. We can then push down and automatic firmware update to the system so that it supports the newest SiX Sensors. You also have the option of requesting a manual firmware update from the panel. If you no longer want to receive monitoring at the end of the month, you can simply cancel your service. By choosing our Self-Bronze Plan, this whole process will only cost $10.

Signing-up for a month of Self-Bronze monitoring will offer additional benefits beyond just upgrading your system's firmware. You can also use this opportunity to active Apple HomeKit for the system. HomeKit is great for iOS users, and it will greatly improve your system's automation capabilities. You will also be able to try out the Total Connect 2.0 Service and gain remote access to your Lyric System. If you like the service, you can certainly remain as an Alarm Grid monitored customer for just $10 per month. Many users appreciate the fact that TC2 offers features and capabilities that are not available through Apple HomeKit.

We invite you to reach out to us if you want to learn more about your options. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 to speak with one of our security system planners. We look forward to working with you!

There are plenty of horror stories of people being locked into long-term security contracts. Many companies are more than willing to take advantage of customers and get them on the hook for thousands of dollars across a multi-year period. But there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Long-term contracts are an extremely common practice in this industry. This is because companies want the easy guarantee of a customer being locked into service rather than working hard to continuously earn and maintain their trust. By locking yourself into a contract, you are giving up your rights as a consumer. The company doesn't need to keep you happy because they have already locked you in! If you want to move or cancel your service early, you might need to pay thousands to get out.

Worse yet, we've heard of some dishonest companies promising to pay-off an existing contract in exchange for signing on with their company. The only problem is that they don't actually pay-off the contract. Suddenly the customer is locked into two contracts and paying outrageous fees for services they don't even need! If you do find yourself stuck in a contract, don't make the problem worse by locking yourself into two.

Here are a few tips you can follow so that you don't get locked into a contract.

Ask Questions

A legitimate alarm monitoring company should have no problem answering any questions you might have. While you will certainly want to ask about alarm control panels and sensors, you should also inquire about any terms of service. The two things you should ask about are agreement lengths and cancellation fees. A no-contract monitoring company will let you leave any time and have no cancellation fees.

If you're in talks with a security company, then make sure to ask questions. Particularly, you should ask if there is any minimum commitment period or if there are cancellation fees. These are both signs of a security contract. As a reference, Alarm Grid charges its customers monthly, and customers are always free to leave before their next monthly payment. There is absolutely no fee to cancel your service with Alarm Grid.

Do Your Research

You should always do your research before signing-on with any alarm company. A good monitoring company is transparent and has nothing to hide. Go online and read about the experiences of other customers. Make sure that others are getting the service and the experience that they expect. If possible, check out the company's rating with the BBB and check to see if they are a reputable company.

One thing to be wary of is door to door salespeople. We're not saying that all door to door security companies are out to trick you, but it's a lot easier to do research on your own time than if a stranger is right in front of you trying to win a sale. Never rush into an agreement with your security company. Take some time, wait a few days and do your own research. If possible, sign-up online rather than agreeing in person. And always read the fine print!

Know Your Rights

Always know your rights when dealing with a security company. Remember that you don't have to agree to anything that you aren't comfortable with. And keep in mind that the Consumer Protection Act puts various restrictions into place for your benefit. Security companies are forbidden from making false or misleading statements to attempt you to make a purchase. Also, if you ask a door to door sales person to leave, then they are required by law to leave.

If a salesperson seems over-eager or aggressive, then it's probably not worth your time. Ask for more time or politely decline. If an in-person salesperson refuses to leave, or if you are being harassed, contact the police. You might also want to be extra wary if you are an elderly citizen or incapacitated in any way. Many security companies will try to take advantage of these people to take their hard-earned money. Remember, there's no shame in asking a loved one for a second opinion before making an agreement.

If you are looking for an honest, no-contract security company, we hope that you will do your research and look into Alarm Grid. We encourage you to read through our monitoring page to learn more about what we offer. You are certainly welcome to talk with us before signing-up. Our security planners are happy to answer all your questions and let you know exactly what you are getting. We want to eliminate any confusion you might have so you know for sure that we are right for you.

Getting in touch with an Alarm Grid planner is easy. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email regularly, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you prefer to talk on the phone, you may call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Our team looks forward to working with you so that you can determine the best option for your security needs.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Alarm.com has rolled out the facial recognition feature for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. This feature notifies a user if an unrecognized face disarms the system using a valid code. The user can receive these unexpected activity alerts via text and/or email.

This is the first time we have seen a home security system using facial recognition technology. Although the feature is still in its early stages, we believe it will be very useful in helping end users remain safe and secure. Facial recognition will work with both the standard IQ Panel 2 and the IQ Panel 2 Plus, as long as the system is connected with a local WIFI network and running at least Firmware Version 2.3.0 or higher. More about this Firmware Update is available here.

In order to use this feature, you must enable the Capture Panel Camera Disarm Images from within the IQ Panel 2 settings. To do this start from the main screen of the system, and press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Camera Settings. Then make sure the Disarm Photos option is enabled. Press the picture of the house at the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen when finished.

The setting will also need to be enabled and configured through Alarm.com. If you don't already have a monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com, you can check out our alarm monitoring page for more information. If necessary, check with your alarm monitoring company to make sure that the Unexpected Activity Alerts feature and the Images - Plus feature are both enabled. At this time, only customers in the United States can use this feature.

Each user should have their own access code for the system. This is necessary for the facial recognition feature to work properly. If you need to create a new user, you can login to Alarm.com through the website. Click the Users tab on the left, and then choose Add New User. Then follow the steps to add a new user to the system. This will involve choosing a system code and providing any notification information.

From there, you will proceed to turn on the facial recognition feature. Login to the Alarm.com website, and choose the Settings tab on the left. Then choose Facial Recognition. You must then approve the necessary agreements before continuing. This will tell the panel to start collecting data for facial recognition. However, you won't be able to use the feature right away. You need to collect some images first!

Most users should just go about their business collecting images as they use the panel. Or you can be like us and repeatedly arm and disarm the panel to quickly collect images. Make sure you are using the code associated with the user you want to enable the facial recognition feature for. Just be aware that it may take a few moments for the images to show up on alarm.com.

Once you have collected some images, choose the Settings option on the Alarm.com website, and choose the Facial Recognition option. Press the blue Get Started button underneath Configuration. Then choose the user you want to configure facial recognition for. Choose the calibration option. Alarm.com will show you if there are any images to review. Go through and choose the checkmark for any image that is yours. If you see any image without your face, press the X button. You will need a minimum of 10 images to enable the feature.

Once you have 10 images, you can enable Unexpected Activity for facial recognition. From Alarm.com, choose the Notifications tab. Then find the Unexpected Activity option, and make sure it is turned on. Then press the pencil on the right to edit the settings. You will see the option for Facial Recognition. Make sure it is enabled for the user with at least 10 approved images. Then you can choose where the notifications will be sent at the bottom of the screen. Both emails and phones for text messages can be configured. Press Save when finished.

You will then receive alerts for any unexpected activity!

If you have any questions about this feature, please reach out to us! You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you get the very most out of your IQ Panel 2 System.

Note: Due to privacy concerns, this feature is currently available for users in the 50 US States. We are hopeful that this feature will be made available to users in Puerto Rico and Canada in the future.

Hi DIYers! After you sign-up for monitoring service and get your system, you still need to have it activated! This is a one-time process that is used to get your system up and running and communicating properly. We have some tips to make sure that your alarm system activation is successful.

Alarm Grid is a DIY monitoring company. All the support we provide is either online or over the phone. When you sign up for one of our self-monitoring plans, we can usually activate your account remotely, with no one onsite. However, if you sign up for one of our central station monitored accounts, the process is slightly more involved and requires an appointment. Anyone on-site can complete this process, so you can certainly ask a spouse, relative or a roommate to do this on your behalf.

During your activation appointment, you will be on a live phone call with one of our support technicians. The technician will create your account, verify the information you have provided for the monitoring company, and walk you through a test to verify a working system. Our activation appointments are allotted one hour. We know that your time is valuable, so we want to ensure that the process goes smoothly and quickly and results in a successful activation!

The basic premise behind an activation is that you will have a pre-arranged time slot during which an Alarm Grid activator will call you and provide you with one-on-one and focused attention to help program your system to communicate successfully. You will receive information beforehand via email with some basic guidelines to follow. This is designed to help get you ready for your activation. Remember, nobody is going to come out to your home or business. Your Alarm Grid activation will be completed over the phone, and you will be the one working at the panel.

While our team members will certainly do their jobs, you have to do your part as well for the activation to be successful! By following these five tips, you can help us perform our duties more effectively and make the overall process easier for both of us:

1. Be on-site. Although our support is provided over the phone, an account activation occurs at the panel or keypad. Security systems cannot be initially set up or programmed remotely. You, or a designee, need to be on-site with the system to complete the activation. If you aren't on-site, we will need to reschedule the activation. There are no exceptions to this rule, and a rescheduled activation is very inconvenient for both of us. Don't think that you can activate your system while you are driving, on a plane, or on vacation. You must be at your home or business directly in front of the panel. All the work will be completed right there.

2. Know your codes. Many panel activations are stalled or terminated because a customer does not know their codes. We have no way of seeing any system codes until the system is activated. You really need to know these codes to complete the process. For activation, you will need to know the system's Installer Code. This is the system code used for menu-level programming. If the system is brand-new, then the Installer Code is almost certainly at its default. If the system has been monitored before, then a different monitoring company may have changed the code to lock the customer out of programming.

Knowing your Installer Code is crucial as a DIY user. After all, you will want to be able to make your own system programming changes when needed. At Alarm Grid, we work to empower our customers and prevent them from ever being locked out of programming mode. That is why we advise our customers to keep their Installer Codes at default. If you don't know your Installer Code, trying the default first is always a good option. If that code doesn't work, then you may need to get the information from your prior monitoring company. If they are refusing to provide your Installer Code, then they are holding your system hostage, and you can often threaten legal action!

Keep in mind that some systems offer the option for a backdoor method that can be used to get into programming if the Installer Code is lost. Once you are inside programming, you can change the Installer Code to something you know. However, this process is not possible for every panel. Any backdoor steps should be completed prior to your activation, as it takes up valuable time to complete the process. Alarm Grid offers the following FAQs that cover the backdoor process:

• Backdoor Method on a LYNX Touch
• Backdoor Method on a VISTA

The default Installer Code can usually be determined by the manufacturer of the panel. Keep in mind that there are occasionally some panels that break this norm. The typical default Installer Code and Master Code for various alarm system manufacturers is shown in the table below:

3. Program beforehand. Having to go through and program a panel will slow down any system activation. You really should have most or all of this process completed prior to your scheduled activation slot. Of course, if you have any questions or troubles with programming, then our team is happy to help. But just remember that it gets in the way of our main task of configuring the system. Getting an early start with programming is a great way to start learning your system and setting things up the way you want. This includes things like learning-in sensors and adjusting Entry and Exit Delay timers to your liking.

We offer many FAQs and videos that can help you complete various programming tasks. We also encourage you to use the search bar in the upper-right corner of our website to browse through any content we have created. Also, keep in mind that there may be answers elsewhere. You can always search Google or YouTube to see what solutions and guides you come across. We fully understand that the typical DIY user will have a few minor programming questions; that is to be expected. But whatever you can figure out and complete yourself will save trouble and time during your appointment!

4. Listen to your technician. One thing you can most definitely expect during your activation is to receive instructions from your Alarm Grid technician. It is very important that you listen carefully and follow these instructions exactly as described. Your technician is working to get you through the process as quickly and accurately as possible. The steps we provide and the tasks we ask you to complete are given for a reason. We're trying to help you to keep your family, and your property safe. So put on your best listening ears and follow our instructions. Before you know it, you'll be ready to go with a complete security system!

5. Minimize conversation. Our support technicians are all very friendly, and we will gladly listen to you. But just remember that we're here to get a job done within a relatively small time window. We understand that you may be very excited about getting a new alarm system. And if you just moved into a new home, then you most definitely have some interesting stories to tell about the experience. We realize that you probably want to tell everyone about your new house that you've worked hard for. And while that's great, too much idle chatting slows down our activation.

Look, we know that some small talk is to be expected. We enjoy talking with our customers and providing friendly service. That's one of our top goals. But we also want to move through the process efficiently. If you start getting off-task, then it will not be in the best interest of our activation. While we won't shoot down any customer who wants to socialize, we will be trying to subtly move the process along. You're certainly free to talk with us during your activation, but you may want to save any deep conversations or lengthy stories for a neighbor, your family, or your co-workers at the water cooler. It's nothing personal, we just have a job to do!

Have you signed up for Alarm Grid monitoring yet? If not, now is a great time to get started. Just click the orange Monitoring button at the top of the page to check out our plans. You can also start browsing our site for a security system to install in your home or business. If you need help planning an Alarm Grid security system, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We also accept phone calls at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9 am to 8 pm EST M-F. We look forward to working with you during your activation!

Hi DIYers! If you haven't heard yet, a new firmware version for the 2GIG GC3 System is now available. This update provides support for the system's screensaver feature, and it allows video demos to be uploaded to the panel. It also fixes a few minor bugs that were known to cause issues.

The firmware update is version 3.2.1.6653. Although the changes it offers are relatively minor, it's still worth downloading for users who want to get the very most out of their GC3 Systems. The biggest change is the addition of the screensaver feature, which will also likely be referred to as the slideshow feature. Users can add personal photos to a USB drive and transfer them to their GC3 System or associated 2GIG SP1 Keypad. They can then arrange these pictures to appear in a slideshow, which will automatically go into effect if the system is left unused for a certain period of time. These options are available in a new My Photos Menu found within System Settings.

Also included in the update is the video demos feature. Although this feature was intended with alarm dealers in mind, there's no reason why it can't be used by end users as well. Users will transfer personal video clips to the panel through a USB drive. They can then use the new Demo Menu option within the Installer Toolbox to add demo videos to the panel. Just like with the slideshow feature, the demo videos can be viewed from both the GC3 System and the 2GIG SP1 Keypad. Both photos and videos are uploaded independently so that a user can have different slideshows and demo videos between their system and their SP1 Keypads.

Other updates included fixed to low-battery indications and problems with the Access Point mode. If you want to download this firmware update, please check our GC3 Firmware Update Page. Download the necessary file, and transfer it to the root directory of a USB drive. You can then insert the USB drive into the top of the GC3 System. Then confirm the update, and provide either the Master Code or the Installer Code (default 1561) to begin. The system will reboot, and the update will be applied. Alarm Grid customers can also ask us to push the update down manually. However, this will include added costs.

If you have any questions about this update please email support@alarmgrid.com. 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!

Hi DIYers! We've learned that a new update to Total Connect 2.0 lets users enable a "Privacy When Disarmed" feature on their HD Cameras. This prevents the cameras from recording and capturing video clips while the system is Disarmed. It will then operate as normal when the system is Armed.

The Privacy When Disarmed feature is great for users who don't want to be bombarded with notifications that appear when their camera activates while they are around. This feature will automatically put the camera into Privacy Mode whenever the system is Disarmed. Once the system is Armed, the camera will exit Privacy Mode and begin operating normally. Many users don't need their camera to record and capture clips while their system is Disarmed, but having to go in and manually toggle the Privacy Mode option every single time can be inconvenient. Now there's an effective solution available!

Each Honeywell HD Camera can be set with the Privacy When Disarmed feature individually. There is currently no way to enable the feature for all the cameras at once. So if you want to use it with all your cameras, you must enable the option for each of them. Additionally, the feature right now turns off Privacy Mode for both Arm Stay and Arm Away settings. We're hoping that a future update will allow the option to be set for only Arm Away Mode. After all, we expect that some users won't want their camera to be taken off Privacy Mode after Arming Stay and remaining inside the building.

Before we get started demonstrating the feature, we do want to note that iOS users may need to log out of the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App and log back in for the change to be implemented. But it should function normally from there on out. In our example, we will be using the app on an Android Phone.

Start by opening the Total Connect 2.0 App and logging in. Then select the Cameras tab:

We will be demonstrating the feature with our camera "B parking lot". Press the three dots next to the camera to access its advanced settings. Then toggle on the "Turn on camera privacy when security is disarmed". You will be backed out to the previous screen. However, you will notice that the camera's privacy option is still disabled, even if the system is currently in a Disarmed state:

But then try Arming (Away or Stay) and then Disarming from the App. When you navigate back to the Cameras tab, you will notice that Privacy Mode has been enabled automatically. Also the image preview will not be available:

Then if you Arm Away or Arm Stay, you will notice that Privacy Mode has been automatically turned off:

We will be sure to provide you with any additional updates regarding Total Connect 2.0 as we learn more information. If you're an Alarm Grid monitored customer and you have any questions, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 to during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. If you would like to learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring and how you can start using Total Connect 2.0, please check out our monitoring page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! There was a recent report that revealed the 10 United States cities where property crime levels are the highest. Anyone residing in these cities might want to consider purchasing a security system. This information is also great for those with vacation or investment properties.

The report measured the number of property crimes that occur in each city for every 1,000 people. It used statistics from 2017, which is the most recently released data from the FBI. Any burglary or larceny was considered a property crime for the study. Motor vehicle theft was not included in the report, as the intention was to provide catered results for homeowners, renters and investors. Only cities with at least 100,000 residents were included.

The 10 cities with the highest property crime levels were:

1. Springfield, MO
2. Salt Lake City, UT
3. Spokane, WA
4. Little Rock, AR
5. Albuquerque, NM
6. Memphis, TN
7. San Francisco, CA
8. Chattanooga, TN
9. St. Louis, MO
10. Baton Rouge, LA

Of course, this report isn't meant to scare anyone, and it's a well-known fact that robberies and home invasions can occur anywhere. But it never hurts to know the statistics for your city. Taking steps to prevent property theft is the best thing you can do as a homeowner, renter or investor. One of the most effective methods for keeping your home and your loved ones safe is to install a security system.

If you're looking into a new security system, you might want to consider Alarm Grid monitoring services. We are a DIY security company that puts the customer in control. Nearly anyone can install their own alarm system with just a little bit of help online or over the phone from one of our trained security experts. Customers purchase all the equipment outright, and it is theirs to keep if they ever decide to leave Alarm Grid at a later time. Every system we support is non-proprietary, and it can be taken to a new company if that is what the customer wants.

Alarm Grid also offers no added fees. This means no installation fees, no activation fees, and no cancellation fees. Customers are always free to cancel before their next monthly bill if they are relocating or if they no longer wish to use our services. There are no contracts, and the only thing keeping our customers with us is the excellent quality of our service. As an Alarm Grid customer, you only receive the very best, and you are always in control.

We invite you to check out our monitoring page by checking the orange "Alarm Monitoring" button at the top of this page. If you have any questions about us, you are always welcome to reach out to us. The best way to make sure we see your message is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We also accept phone calls at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you meet all your security needs!

Hi DIYers! If you're looking to get started with home security, we urge you to make sure your system has a cellular communication path. This is the best way to ensure that your system remains monitored and protected at all times. All you need is the right communicator and monitoring plan.

When it comes to alarm monitoring, cellular communication is the undisputed champion. This is due in large part to its exceptional reliability. Do you ever notice how the WIFI in your home or at work goes out from time to time. This almost never happens with cellular. Even lost calls really only occur in spotty coverage areas or due to changes in location. As long as you get good coverage and your system stays put, you can be sure that service will almost never go down.

With the widespread availability of cellular networks, almost everyone in the country receives strong cellular service in their area. If you are ever unsure, you can always check various coverage maps offered from cellular service providers. And even if you do live in a rural area with poor service, you may still be able to get the results you want using a cellular amplifier. Not only will this boost signal strength for your security system, it will also help you receive better cell service in general while you are at home.

One of the most important benefits of having cellular monitoring is that it will keep your home protected when the power is out. This is especially useful for those who live in areas with inclement weather that may frequently cause electrical outages. Cellular service does not require electricity, and it does not use a router. This is why your cell phone continues to work when the power is out. The same cannot be said for internet, which often goes down when the power is out. Most people don't have battery backup for their at-home WIFI routers.

Nearly all alarm systems use some type of backup battery setup. This keeps them running even when the power is out. But it's only useful if the system can still communicate outward. Cellular communication makes this possible. Just imagine if the power was out and an intruder were to break into your home. With cellular service, you will know you're protected.

Cellular communication also provides all of the same benefits that are offered by IP. It is relatively fast, and it supports interactive service platforms like Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0. A user can access these services on their smartphone to arm and disarm their system, check current system status, and to control smart home devices. And fast communication speeds mean that any remote commands will go through nice and quickly. You can even add a cellular communicator to a panel that already supports WIFI to achieve an extra reliable dual-path communication setup!

You may be wondering what you need to get cellular communication for an alarm system. Well really it's as simple as having an alarm system with a cellular communicator and an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. Some panels, like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 come with one already installed. Others, like the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System, need to have one added separately. If you decide to go with Alarm Grid Monitoring, you will want to make sure you choose a Gold-level plan or higher.

But you don't have to design a cellular security system on your own. The fantastic support at Alarm Grid is here to assist. We'll help you choose the perfect system and equipment for your needs so that you have proper peace of mind. Just send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You can 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 an effective and reliable security system with cellular communication!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at why one-go-all-go smoke detectors can help ensure that everyone in the building is alerted during a fire. Simply put, a one-go-all-go smoke detector will cause all of the other compatible smoke detectors on the system to activate at the same time.

Having all the smokes in your home activate at the same time can be crucial for ensuring that everyone is alerted in the event of a fire. This is especially true for larger homes that need several smoke detectors for complete coverage. Most alarm systems can have some type of interconnected one-go-all-go smoke detector network. However, implementing this feature properly can be difficult, and it requires additional equipment and wiring. Another important thing to remember is that the one-go-all-go feature is best achieved by using the same detector model across the network.

For those with wired alarm control panels, there is often a way to achieve a one-go-all-go setup using hardwired smokes. This is possible with both 2-wire smokes and 4-wire smokes, but both require the proper equipment. Many wired panels offer a way to conveniently reset the zone used for 2-wire smokes after a fire alarm has been cleared. This is needed for getting the smoke detectors to stop sounding and to reset the detector so that it can trip again, if necessary.

For the Honeywell VISTA Panels, all 2-wire smokes must go on zone 1. This zone will automatically reset, and power will be briefly dropped to the smokes after the alarm is cleared. Multiple 2-wire smokes are wired together in parallel, with an end of line resistor (EOLR) for wiring supervision. A good 2-wire smoke detector to use is the System Sensor 2WTA-B, which also includes a built-in sounder.

Unlike 2-wire smokes, 4-wire smokes have less restriction regarding where they can be wired. In fact, a 4-wire smoke on a Honeywell VISTA System will generally go on any hardwired zone, except for zone 1. Again, the smokes can be configured for a one-go-all-go setup, but this will require additional equipment and wiring. This also allows the smokes to take up fewer systems zones, as they can all use the same zone and programming settings.

One downside to using 4-wire smokes is that they often require additional resources to work properly. In order to get a 4-wire smoke to stop sounding, power to the device must be dropped. But unless the system has a built-in relay, this cannot be done without additional hardware. This can require an external relay, and possibly an additional power supply as well. Proper operation will also require an end-of-line power supervision relay to check whether or not power to the smokes has been interrupted. If you do decide to go the 4-wire route, the System Sensor 4WTA-B is a good option.

More recently, certain wireless smoke detectors also offer one-go-all-go functionality. Honeywell really took the initiative here by making their Lyric SiXSMOKE Sensor a one-go-all-go device. This sensor is exclusively compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System, and provides a very easy way to achieve a robust one-go-all-go setup. One-go-all-go is also compatible with the new Honeywell SiXCOMBO, which also offers heat and CO detection.

If you have a different wireless system than the Lyric, then there might still be way to attain a one-go-all-go setup. In most cases, this will require using 4-wire smokes with a compatible wireless transmitter. The transmitter will need to be able to support Normally Open (NO) life-safety devices with an end of line resistor. However, this is not possible for every wired-to-wireless converter.

Additionally the standard equipment for any 4-wire smoke is also required. This includes a relay, power supply and resistor. One transmitter that will work for this application is the Honeywell 5817CBXT. This module is part of the Honeywell 5800 Series, and it will work with nearly any alarm system that accepts the 345 MHz wireless frequency. Remember, the transmitter or converter must communicate at a frequency accepted by the alarm control panel.

Additionally, Qolsys recently released the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F for 319.5 MHz systems. This is a 16-zone wired to wireless converter that is great for bringing over hardwired sensors to a newer wireless system. Zone 16 on the module is a Normally Open loop specifically designed for 2-wire smokes. The loop will support up to ten 2-wire smoke devices, which are wired in parallel with an end-of-line resistor. This revolutionary module represents the first way to bring 2-wire smokes over to a wireless all-in-one system. The necessary resistors come included with the module.

Additionally, if you have an existing network of high-voltage smokes, you can integrate them into a wireless system using a takeover module. These are devices that listen for the unique temporal sound of an activated smoke detector. If the existing smoke detector network is one-go-all-go, a single takeover module can accommodate the entire network. Alarm Grid offers takeover modules that operate at the 319.5 MHz (Interlogix/GE and Qolsys), 345 MHz (Honeywell and 2GIG) and 433 MHz (DSC) wireless frequencies. That way, you can conveniently take an exiting high-voltage smoke network and start using it with your new wireless security system!

If you need help choosing smoke detectors for a one-go-all-go setup, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! We can help you determine the perfect fire-protection devices for your security system. You can send an email to support@alarmgrid.com, or you can 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!