News Posts

Hi DIYers! Have you activated your 3G or 4G cellular communicator yet? If not, you are running out of time. All 3G and 4G communicators must be activated by June 26, 2019 for AlarmNet and June 30, 2019 for Alarm.com. After that, it will no longer be possible to activate these modules.

This is your very last chance to purchase a 3G or 4G communicator. If you wait much longer, we won't be able to guarantee that it will arrive to your address in time for you to install and activate it. And if you are still sitting on a 3G or 4G communicator, the time to activate it is now. You should reach out to Alarm Grid as soon as possible to get started with monitoring service. The following plans will work for cellular communication - Gold, Self-Gold, Platinum, Self-Platinum, Cellular-Only. Please read this blog post for more information about our monitoring plans.

Alarm Grid is still holding a sale on the iGSMV4G Communicator and the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit. These products are currently available for $50 and $60, respectively. Buying a iGSMV4G from Alarm Grid right now is a strong choice if you want to get a VISTA Series System connected for cellular monitoring service for a very affordable price. More information about this sale can be found in this recent blog post.

Keep in mind that deactivating a communicator and then reactivating it counts as activating. If you discontinue monitoring service at any time after June 26th for AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0 or June 30th for Alarm.com, you will not be able to reactivate your old 3G or 4G communicator. This is something to consider if you expect that you may move or relocate your system sometime in the near future. At this time, it is no longer possible to activate a CDMA communicator.

Remember, a 3G, 4G, or CDMA communicator is only a temporary solution at this point. AT&T will be shutting down their 3G/4G cellular network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their CDMA network around this time as well. Any already-activated alarm monitoring communicator that connects with one of these cellular networks provide reliable monitoring service until that time. After that, it will be obsolete.

Getting a 3G or 4G communicator in the next few days for a quick activation is a viable option. However, the best option is to get an LTE cellular communicator for your system. Both AT&T and Verizon have stated that they will support their LTE networks for many years to come. An LTE cellular radio is the best way to ensure that your security system will receive fast and reliable monitoring service well into the very distant future. We have many LTE communicators available for purchase on our website.

If you need help choosing a communicator, or if you are trying to activate a communicator before the cut-off date, please contact us as soon as you can. The best way to get a hold of us is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. If you would prefer to call us, we are available at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. You must schedule an activation during these hours. We look forward to hearing from you and activating your system for monitoring service.

Hi DIYers! We would like to recognize our friends at Qolsys for their success at ESX 2019 in Indianapolis, IN. The IQ Panel 2 Plus System won "Best in Show" in the TechVision Challenge. The system also won an Innovation Award in the Intrusion Systems category. Congratulations Qolsys!

The ESX Innovation Awards are designed to recognize innovation and excellence in the security industry. The awards are held annually at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Indianapolis, IN. Judges select 25 winners of "Innovation Awards" in various categories. Of these 25 winners, a select few are invited in the prestigious "TechVision Challenge". A representative presents the product to a panel of judges and explains how it pushes the industry forward. The judges select a single "Best in Show" winner based on the presentations.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus System started the event by winning an Innovation Award in the category of Intrusion Systems. From there, the system was invited to participate in the TechVision Challenge. Thanks to their excellent presentation and the phenomenal features of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys managed to take home the top prize of "Best in Show". This is the 2nd time Qolsys won these awards. The original IQ Panel 2 System also won "Best in Show" in the TechVision Challenge in 2016. This continued success demonstrates the abilities of Qolsys and the fantastic security systems they put out.

It's easy to see what separates the IQ Panel 2 Plus from the rest of the pack. The system supports 128 wireless zones and includes a built-in LTE cellular communicator (AT&T or Verizon) for connecting with Alarm.com. An integrated WIFI card allows for dual-path connectivity right out of the box. There is also a Z-Wave Plus (500 Series) controller for establishing a convenient and effective smart home network.

Other features include automatic Bluetooth disarming, the ability to livestream compatible Alarm.com Cameras, partitioning and facial recognition. End users also appreciate its sleek, modern design and its beautiful 7-inch display screen that makes it a joy to use everyday. Each IQ Panel 2 Plus supports PowerG Sensors and one legacy frequency. The 319.5 MHz version comes standard, but users can alternatively choose 345 MHz or 433 MHz.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is available for purchase right now from the Alarm Grid website. It is great for pairing with Alarm Grid's monitoring service. You will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate the cellular communicator and get the system connected with Alarm.com. If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus or about our monitoring service, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are offering a sale on the iGSMV4G and the iGSMV4G-TC2 effective immediately. The iGSMV4G can be purchased for $50. The iGSMV4G-TC2 is available for $60. These are AT&T 4G Cellular Communicators that allow VISTA Panels to connect with AlarmNet360.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the sunset of their 3G and 4G networks. By February 2022, it will no longer be possible to use an AT&T 3G/4G with your alarm system. You must upgrade to an LTE communicator by then. Additionally, AlarmNet will no longer allow activations for AT&T 3G Communicators and AT&T 4G Communicators starting Wednesday June 26th, 2019.

We still have some iGSMV4G and iGSMV4G-TC2 products in stock. We want to get rid of them before they become unusable. This is a perfect opportunity to get your Resideo VISTA System online for a very low price. With these communicators, you can access Total Connect 2.0 and use all of the available features. Please note that you will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate a cellular communicator with Alarm Grid. Also, we cannot offer overnight orders for these products.

If you do get one of these communicators, you must activate the module before June 26th. After that date, it will be impossible to activate the cellular portion of the communicator. Additionally, if you deactivate the communicator or discontinue service for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate this unit for cellular service after June 26th. You will still be able to use the communicator for Internet Communication only after this date.

Resideo has stated that more recently manufactured modules will be able to be activated for up to 180 days after June 26th. However, we cannot guarantee that a new iGSMV4G will be able to be activated after that date. For your own planning, you should not expect an AT&T 3G or 4G communicator to be activated after June 26th.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G is a dual-path AlarmNet Communicator for Resideo VISTA Series Systems. It uses AT&T 4G and hardwired ethernet to connect with the AlarmNet Servers and provide access to Total Connect 2.0. This module will provide fast and reliable connectivity until February 2022. The cellular portion of the module will no longer work after February 2022. At that time, you will want to upgrade to a newer LTE communicator. We are offering the iGSMV4G for $50.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G-TC2 is a bundled kit that includes the iGSMV4G module, as well as the necessary PROM Chip upgrades for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P Alarm Systems. You should purchase this kit if your 15P or 20P System is running a firmware version of at least 2.0, but less than 9.12. Any 15P or 20P system running less than version 9.12 will not be able to be used with Total Connect 2.0. We are offering this kit for $60.

If you aren't sure what firmware version your system is running, you can check the current PROM Chip. This is a small black chip located in the middle of the system. This FAQ can teach you how to replace an old PROM Chip if needed.

Here is an example of a PROM Chip for a VISTA-20PSIA System. This is basically a VISTA-20P System with some added features put in place to prevent false alarms. Note that this system is running v10.23, which is high enough to use TC2.

If you want to future-proof your VISTA System with an LTE communicator, then we can certainly help you with that as well. We currently offer the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (dual-path Verizon LTE and IP ethernet). All of these communicators will extend the life of your VISTA System well into the very distant future.

Keep in mind that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System will need to be running at least firmware version 9.12 to support Total Connect 2.0. A VISTA-21iP must be running at least version 3.13 to support TC2. We offer PROM Chip upgrades for VISTA-21iP Systems here. We do not offer bundled kits for VISTA-21iP PROM Chips. The PROM Chips included in the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit are for 15P and 20P Systems only.

Remember, we cannot offer overnight orders for either the iGSMV4G or the iGSMV4G-TC2. You must activate these communicators before June 26th. They can remain active until February 2022. After that, you must upgrade to an LTE communicator or use IP only communication. If you have any questions about this sale or these communicators, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alarm Grid will be closed Monday May 27, 2019 in observation of Memorial Day. We will not be answering our phones or responding to any emails during this time. Our entire office will resume normal operations Tuesday May 28, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

If you need to reach us during this time, you should email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email on Tuesday and respond as quickly as possible. You may also reach us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST.

Alarm Grid would like to pay special respect to those who have made immense sacrifices in defending and protecting our country. We thank everyone who has worked hard to keep us safe. No matter how you spend this Memorial Day, we hope that you stay safe and enjoy the company of some good family and friends. Our team looks forward to returning to work tomorrow.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Resideo has updated Total Connect 2.0. The update is Version 2.12.4. The biggest offering from this update is the ability to control smart home devices more easily. It is also now easier to see the status for smart home devices across multiple locations.

Any Total Connect 2.0 user with multiple locations can see the status for their programmed smart locks and smart thermostats from the Locations Menu. This feature allows users to more quickly review the current status for these smart devices all at once. If you have multiple homes or businesses, this is a great way to easily check your various smart locks and thermostats all at once.

Additionally, the System Administrator and Master Users can now access TC2 to modify the ability for Panel Only Users to control Z-Wave Locks. Before this most recent update, this ability could only be modified directly from the panel. Now you can access TC2 to give a Panel Only User the ability to control Z-Wave locks using their code or take the ability away.

Update 2.12.4 also provides various fixes. This includes correcting a problem that prevented Internet Explorer users from using the New Users Spreadsheet to create multiple new users at once. The update also fixes a problem on the Camera Settings page where the WIFI signal strength indicator for C-Series HD Cameras was displayed incorrectly. Finally an old problem with the End User License Agreement (EULA) on Internet Explorer has been corrected.

You may also notice a new design from the login screen:

If you have any questions about this new update, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that a new law has been signed in Tennessee that disallows local governments from charging security companies fines for false alarms. The law also prohibits fees for alarm permits. The bill was signed by Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee on May 8th, 2019.

Under the new law, alarm monitoring companies cannot be charged fines for any false alarms that occur. Additionally, local governments cannot charge alarm companies fees for alarm permits or alarm permit renewals. End users may still be charged by local governments for causing excessive false alarms and for obtaining permits and renewals. The law goes into effect June 19, 2019.

Alarm Grid strongly supports this new law, as it makes it easier for us to provide customers with quality service. Preventing false alarms is the responsibility of both the alarm monitoring company and the end user. Alarm Grid does its part to ensure that customers cause as few false alarms as possible. We accomplish this by educating our customers about the best practices for reducing false alarms. The vast majority of end users do not actively seek out ways of causing false alarms. Most will do whatever they can to prevent them.

Some of the practices used to reduce false alarms include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delay times, enabling Alarm Report Delay (if needed), and encouraging the use of Arm-Confirm features. Alarm Grid also offers certain panels that are compliant with the standards mandated by CP-01 of the Security Industry Association (SIA) for reducing false alarms.

At Alarm Grid, one of our top goals is to empower the end user. We strive to help our customers understand how their systems work so that false alarms occur less frequently. End users should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and panel programming.

We are also pleased that monitoring companies will no longer need to worry about alarm permit fees. These fees only make it more difficult for alarm companies to provide service to their customers. Many companies avoid providing alarm monitoring service in certain areas because they do not want to pay permitting fees. Thanks to the removal of these fees, it will be easier to provide service to our customers in Tennessee moving forward.

Alarm Grid wants to help you avoid false alarm dispatches. But we also want you to know that your home or business will receive help in a real emergency. That is one of our top goals as an alarm monitoring company. If you want to learn more about how we work to prevent false alarms, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is through email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with support for legacy 319.5 MHz sensors and PowerG sensors is now available for just $399.99. This is significantly reduced from the previous price-tag of more than $500. Now is a great time to buy an IQ Panel 2 Plus!

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the most advanced wireless all-in-one security systems on the market today. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, and it serves as a fully functional Z-Wave Plus controller. It also offers advanced features like Bluetooth disarming, live streaming with Alarm.com Cameras, facial recognition, partitioning and more. This version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports both PowerG sensors and legacy 319.5 MHz sensors from Qolsys and Interlogix/GE. It is available in both Verizon LTE and AT&T LTE options. Both 319.5 MHz versions have been reduced in price to $399.99 effective as of now.

Please note that this price reduction only affects the 319.5 MHz versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The 345 MHz versions (legacy Honeywell and legacy 2GIG) and the 433 MHz versions (legacy DSC) have retained their original pricing. These versions are also available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. You can find those panels with the following links:

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz Verizon LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz Verizon LTE

We would also like to announce that the original IQ Panel 2 has been discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase, effective immediately. As a result, all of the Alarm Grid System Kits that included the original IQ Panel 2 have been updated to offer the IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System instead. At this time, we are only offering kits with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want the 345 MHz or 433 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need to purchase the system individually.

Each IQ Panel 2 Plus System Kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System, Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts (3 or 10 depending on the kit), a single Qolsys IQ Motion-S Sensor, a power cable, a plug-in transformer, and a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon). You can find these kits in the links below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 10-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 10-1 Kit

If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will respond back 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!

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. 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.

More ISC West excitement DIYers! Our team just checked out the Nortek and 2GIG booth at ISC West 2019. We can certainly say there were many intriguing new 2GIG products to look at. Nortek went all out this year, as the company has some great new systems and sensors coming in the pipeline!

The key word for 2GIG this year is "Encryption". The company is planning to release their new GC2e System this May and their new GC3e System this July. These systems are modeled after the existing GC2 and GC3 Systems respectively. The exact release dates are still up in the air, but 2GIG is confident that they will both hit the market by the aforementioned months.

The "e" in these names stands for encryption. 2GIG will finally offer systems that support encrypted sensors. The GC2e and GC3e will both support the company's brand-new lineup of encrypted "eSeries" devices that will stop hackers dead in their tracks. Although 2GIG is somewhat late to the party in adding encrypted sensors, this is still a huge addition to their lineup.

The new eSeries Sensors are designed exclusively for use with the GC2e and GC3e Systems, and they will not be backwards compatible with the current GC2 and GC3 models. However, you will be able to use current non-encrypted 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the legacy Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors with the GC2e and GC3e Systems.

The GC2e System is the standard, more-affordable option of the two new panels. Modeled after the current Go!Control GC2, the new GC2e Panel offers a larger 5-inch touchscreen display and a slightly re-tooled designed. We tested this panel, and we were particularly impressed with the overall design and satisfying touch controls. It also offers Z-Wave Plus technology.

Meanwhile, the GC3e System offers everything available for the GC2e, plus a little bit extra. The panel adds WIFI connectivity, which is unavailable for the GC2e. The Smart Areas feature from the original GC3 is also being carried over to the GC3e, as the system will be capable of supporting up to four "Smart Area" partitions. Finally, GC3e users will appreciate the panel's 7-inch touchscreen display and its touched up design. Just like the GC2e, the GC3e also supports Z-Wave Plus devices.

It should be noted that there were no new keypads announced for either system. However, the systems will be able to support the existing models for their older counterparts. In other words, the GC2e will support the 2GIG TS1 Keypad, while the GC3e will support the 2GIG SP1 Keypad. Both will support the 2GIG PAD1-345 Touch Button Keypad.

We would also like to briefly touch upon new sensors, some of which are already available on our site. Just last week, the 2GIG STVGRL1-345 Stove and Grill Guard, the 2GIG GNGRD1-345 Gun Trigger Lock, the 2GIG DW30 Outdoor Sensor and the 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant were all made available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site.

And it wouldn't be ISC West without some new sensors! We were particularly excited by the new 2GIG Water Leak Detector and the 2GIG Bypass Door and Window Sensor. The water leak detector has a useful design that should help it detect leaks more accurately than standard flood sensors. Meanwhile, the 2GIG Bypass Door and Window Sensor can be conveniently bypassed by pressing a button right on its front!

We plan on taking a closer look at the new 2GIG offerings later during ISC West 2019. Until then, stay tuned for more information from ISC West 2019 and Alarm Grid!