News Posts

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that the Honeywell 5800MINI Wireless Door and Window Sensor is now available in brown. This serves as a more aesthetically pleasing option for users with homes that feature brown decor. Please note the classic white option is still available as well.

The Honeywell 5800MINI is one of the most popular alarm sensors on the market today. It is known for its small size and overall ease of use. These features make the 5800MINI one of the most versatile and useful door and window sensors available. The sensor can effectively monitor nearly any door or window and let the system know when the structure has been opened.

The two components of the 5800MINI are the sensor itself and its included magnet. Both components come in a matching white or brown color. The sensor is mounted on the door or window frame, while the magnet is mounted on the moving portion of the actual door or window. For best results, the magnet should be mounted no further than one-half inch of the sensor, though a maximum spacing gap of a full inch is supported. The magnet will ideally be in direct contact with the sensor when the door or window is closed. This is why door and window sensors are often referred to as "contacts". When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will release a reed switch inside the 5800MINI. The sensor will then send an alert to the panel to let it know that the door or window has been opened.

What's great about the 5800MINI is its small size. The sensor measures 2.2"H x 1.0"W x 0.25"D. This makes it one of the smallest and thinnest door and window contacts available, allowing it to be used in nearly any type of application. The sensor also features an LED light that shows its current status. This light is useful for helping users with any necessary troubleshooting. The sensor is powered using a single 3V lithium CR2032 coin battery, and it has an average battery life of three to five years. The maximum wireless signal range of the 200 nominal feet. But this range can be extended to a maximum of 400 nominal feet with the use of a Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater. The 5800MINI operates at 345 MHz, making it readily compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System, any Honeywell LYNX Touch and any 2GIG System. It can also be used with a Honeywell VISTA System if a wireless receiver is added, as well as the 345 MHz Version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

Both the white and brown versions of the Honeywell 5800MINI are available from Alarm Grid. Get some now, and improve the capabilities of your security system. Also remember to take a look at the alarm monitoring plans we have available.

Former "Malcom in the Middle" child star Frankie Muniz had a devastating experience last week. While visiting France to attend his uncle's funeral, Muniz's cat managed to turn on his sink. It flooded the house, destroying every wall, various pieces of artwork, personal photos and furniture.

The incident cost Muniz thousands upon thousands of dollars in damages to his five-story Phoenix house. He also lost priceless items that can never be replaced. It truly is a horrific event. We're sure that Muniz will overcome this challenge. He's a resilient man who currently serves as the host for "Dancing with the Stars: Juniors". He even recently got engaged. In the grand picture, this is just a small step back.

But we're also sure that this is a mistake he will never make again. Luckily, it's one that can be avoided fairly easily. Almost every security system can support flood sensors that can be used to let an end user know before serious water damage occurs. Once a small water leak is detected, the flood sensor will alert the alarm control panel. The user can then receive text and/or email alerts through an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com to let them know that their flood sensor has been triggered. Most flood sensors will activate with as little as a quarter-inch of water. This is well-before any serious water damage occurs.

Some users may wonder what to do if their flood sensor activates while they are away from home.The answer is fairly obvious. The user should determine the cause and stop the leak immediately if there is one. If you have a smart door lock, you can let a trusted friend or a neighbor into your home temporarily so that they can turn off the faucet or alert a plumber. You may also want to have security cameras in your home so that you can visually check for any flooding that may occur.

The thing to remember is that flood sensors are not very expensive. And many flood sensors will last as long as an alarm system itself. This one-time investment is much, much cheaper than the costs associated with a flooded home. Plus, many items are simply irreplaceable. If you value your home and your belongings, a few flood sensors is a small price to pay to protect what matters.

Some of our most popular flood sensors include the Honeywell 5800FLOOD, the 2GIG FT1-345, the Qolsys IQ Flood, the DSC WS4985 and the DSC PG9985. All of these sensors work very well, and they can save you thousands of dollars in the event of a serious water leak or accident. Just make sure the one you choose is compatible with your alarm system. You can purchase any of these sensors from the Alarm Grid website right now. Remember, stay smart and keep your home protected!

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that the Alarm Grid office will be closed today for the Thanksgiving Holiday. During this time, we will not be answering our phones, and we will not be checking our support emails. We will resume normal hours and operation on Friday November 23rd.

If you require any support during this time, we strongly suggest sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will respond as soon as possible after we return on Friday the 23rd. On Friday, you may call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST.

Everyone at Alarm Grid would like to wish you and your family and friends a fun and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. If you are visiting loved ones, remember to arm your system before leaving. You can always check Total Connect or Alarm.com to make sure your system is armed!

Whether you're stuffing your face with a delicious dinner, falling asleep in front of the TV, chasing those Black Friday deals, or just spending time with those who matter most, Alarm Grid will be there to keep your home or business protected. We're very thankful to have you as an Alarm Grid customer.

If you have been following the functionality problems between SkyBell and Total Connect 2.0, we now have an update. Honeywell (now Resideo) has stated they have fixed the issues on their end. SkyBell Smart Doorbells will now work with Total Connect 2.0 without issue. No action is needed.

All connected SkyBell devices will now successfully send any newly saved recordings to an associated Total Connect 2.0 account. Users will not need to take any action on their end to see proper functionality. All saved recordings can be viewed from the TC2 website or the mobile app.

If you are still experiencing any problems, please contact us for further assistance. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Please note that we will be closed tomorrow, Thursday November 22nd, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Alarm Grid is happy to announce that many of the wireless modules from iDevices are now available on our site! These convenient modules are all compatible with the Apple HomeKit platform, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. No external hub is needed to get these modules connected.

All of the iDevices modules are set up using the iDevices Connected App that allows the user to connect them to a local WIFI network. The modules can then be set up for voice control using Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The HomeKit compatibility is particularly exciting, as the user can operate the module from virtually anywhere using their iPad or iPhone. They can also integrate the module into HomeKit Smart Scenes for automatic operation and control. These modules also offer energy consumption data so that users can better manage their energy costs.

The following smart modules from iDevices are now available:

• iDevices Plug-In Smart Switch
• iDevices Smart Socket
• iDevices Outdoor Plug-In Switch
• iDevices In-Wall Switch
• iDevices In-Wall Dimmer Switch
• iDevices In-Wall Outlet

These modules are also compatible with the iDevices Wireless Instant Switch that serves as a connected wireless remote controller for on-site operation. The switch can be wall-mounted for a neat and tidy installation. Alarm Grid is also now offering various kits that include an iDevices Wireless Instant Switch and an iDevices Smart Module.

The following iDevices Kits are available:

• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & Outdoor Plug-In Switch
• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & Smart Socket
• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & In-Wall Switch
• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & In-Wall Dimmer Switch
• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & In-Wall Outlet
• iDevices Wireless Instant Switch & Plug-In Smart Switch

Also available from iDevices is the iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat. This smart thermostat is also HomeKit-compatible, and it replaces the existing thermostat in a home or business. It offers an effective any convenient way to control almost any HVAC system. Voice functionality for the iDevices Smart Thermostat is available through Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Programming options for the module allows a user to control their HVAC system in a way that suits their lifestyle, while also saving them money.

Alarm Grid is also now offering the WIFI version of the Honeywell T6 Pro Thermostat. Previously, we only offered the Z-Wave Version of the T6 Pro. The T6 Pro Z-Wave is still recommended for users who want to control the thermostat from their HomeKit security system, as well as those who want to use their thermostat with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. But the advantage to the WIFI version is that it is compatible with Apple HomeKit. Any iOS user who has a HomeKit setup or is looking to get started with the HomeKit service should strongly consider this outstanding device!

Finally, we have also added the additional smart products:

• Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostatr Smart WIFI Thermostat
• Leviton 15 Amp Decora Smart Switch
• Leviton 600 Watt Decora Smart Dimmer
• Leviton 1000 Watt Decora Smart Dimmer

If you have any questions about these new products, do not hesitate to reach out to use. You may contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that several Apple HomeKit compatible locks have been added to our site! These locks are great for iOS users who have already got started with HomeKit and those who are interested in the service. Other new products have been released as well.

With the increased popularity of smart home automation, Alarm Grid knows that there is now a stronger link than ever between security systems and smart home devices. HomeKit is one of the most popular smart protocols used today, and we know that many of our current and future customers appreciate using these functions on their iOS devices. This latest rollout of products from Alarm Grid is centered around smart locks that are compatible with the HomeKit service, which means they can be used with the Lyric, a HomeKit security system.

Please note that some of the products listed below are available in multiple colors. We would like to introduce the following HomeKit locks:

• August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
• Schlage Camelot Sense Smart Deadlock
• Yale YRD256 Assure Lock Home
• Yale YRD246 Touchscreen Lock
• Danalock V3 HomeKit Smart Lock

We are also now offering new cellular amplifiers. These devices are used to boost the signal strength of cellular communicators that are used with alarm systems. They can also be used to strengthen the cellular signal for smartphones that are used in the home. The following cellular amplifiers are now available:

• ZBoost 3G Amplifier for AT&T and Verizon
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO for AT&T LTE
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO for Verizon LTE
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO Xtreme for AT&T LTE
• WeBoost Home 3G
• WeBoost Home 4G LTE

Finally, we are now offering certified refurbished versions of select Honeywell products. These certified refurbished products offer the same great performance and functionality as new models, but at a more affordable price. The following certified refurbished products are now available:

• Honeywell 5800C2W
• Honeywell VISTA-21iP
• Honeywell Lyric Security Panel
• Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Keypad

If you have any questions about these new products, please not hesitate to reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Hi DIYers! We have received news from Honeywell that Total Connect 2.0 has been updated to Version 2.5.2. This version brings a few new features that should make things more convenient for end users. The update includes improvements to user syncing and the ability to add new users in bulk.

Total Connect 2.0 users can now sync users in all locations at once with the press of a single Button. There is now a button on any Users List page that can sync all of the users in a single location or for all locations. Simply press the button next to the choice of location to complete the sync.

Total Connect 2.0 also now offers a pre-configured template for download that allows users to add multiple users to a single account all at once. This ability to bulk-create new users should make things easier when a user is setting up a new Total Connect account for multiple users. Please note that bulk-adding multiple users can only be accomplished from the Total Connect 2.0 website, and it cannot be done from the Mobile App.

To start, click Users on the left hand, followed by Add New User. Then choose the option "Add Multiple Users".

Then download the template file, and open it in Microsoft Excel or another compatible spreadsheet program.

Next, you will enter in the appropriate info for the new users. Each Column (A thru H) will list a different setting that will correspond to each new user. Columns A, B and C will use free-form text, while Columns D, E, F and G will use drop-down options. Column H requires a valid Email Address.

The settings include First Name, Last Name, User Name, User Type, Notification Language, Time Format, Prompt For User Code and Email. Please note that the "Prompt For User Code" option should be set to "True" if you want Total Connect 2.0 to require the entry of the user's four-digit user code before a command will go through. Setting it to "False" will allow the user to control the system through Total Connect 2.0 (both App and Website) without having to provide their four-digit code.

Once finished, save the file. Then either drag the file to the "Drag Template File Here" area or press the "Select File" button.

From there, the user-creation process will proceed for each user listed in the spreadsheet. You will need to set each user's Access and provide a unique four-digit code. Once you have finished, press the "Create User" button in the lower-right corner. The user will receive a welcome email at the email address provided.

Please note that the Version 2.5.2 Update has presented some confusion for TC2 users. Upon logging into Total Connect 2.0, users have been presented with an update screen that outlines the new features explained above. We have heard reports of some users being unable to get past this screen. To avoid this issue, there is a blue "Continue" button at the very bottom that will allow the user to continue to the main TC2 page. The user needs to scroll to the bottom of the window, NOT the bottom of the update section. They can then click the button to move forward.

If you have any questions about these new features or the Version 2.5.2 update, please do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that Alarm.com has recently updated their iOS Mobile App to version 4.8. The big change that comes with this release is the ability to perform various Alarm.com functions through Siri voice commands. This is done through voice shortcuts on iOS 12.

Before this update, the only system we offered that could be used with Siri was the Honeywell Lyric Controller, which can be controlled using Apple HomeKit. But this update gives nearly every Alarm.com System a convenient new option for quick access and control. Although the feature is somewhat limited at this time, we expect additional capabilities to be announced in the coming months, including automation functionality for smart home devices.

The voice feature is only compatible with Apple iOS Version 12. This is the latest iOS version as of October 2018. A user can set up the voice feature under the App Settings Menu of the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Each voice command will need to be set up with its own unique Siri shortcut. Users can also opt to share their in-app activity so that Siri can recommend commands that are commonly used to appear on the lock screen or through spotlight search. Once the command has been set up, the user can conveniently ask Siri whenever they want to perform a basic system function.

Alarm.com iOS Version 4.8 also includes minor enhancements and fixes that should allow the app to operate more smoothly. Alarm Grid will be sure to pass on any further updates regarding Alarm.com as we learn more. Keep an eye on our blog to stay updated for the latest information.

Alarm Grid has received news from Honeywell that the iOS version of the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App has recently been updated. This update brings a few new changes to the end user experience. Please note that these changes only apply to the iOS version of TC2, and not the Android version.

With the update, it is now possible to enable the Total Connect 2.0 Alexa Skill for Amazon Alexa devices directly from the Total Connect 2.0 iOS Mobile App. Previously, this had to be done through the Alexa App. This will make it more convenient for users who are setting up an Alexa device to work with TC2.

Face identification and touch identification are now both available options for logging into the TC2 iOS Mobile App. The respective option must be enabled from within the settings menu of the app. Many users will prefer this login option over having to enter in their TC2 password.

The Locations Menu now displays the current security status for all of the locations associated with the user's Total Connect account. This will make it easier for a user to get quick information regarding the status of any particular system.

Honeywell also says that this update will offer various stability improvements and bug fixes. Overall, this update should provide a more pleasing experience for end users. If you have any questions about this update, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

An exciting new feature is now available for users of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. It is now possible to view the live video feed for Alarm.com Cameras directly from the panel itself. This is made possible through firmware update 2.2.1, which can be easily downloaded to the IQ Panel 2 System.

The feature is compatible with both the IQ Panel 2 Plus and the standard IQ Panel 2 System. There are a few things to keep in mind about the live video feature. First, the panel must be connected to an active WIFI network in order for the feature to work. If the WIFI goes down, the panel will be unable to stream live video.

Second, the feature only works with compatible Alarm.com Cameras. Some cameras will allow the IQ Panel 2 to stream both video and audio, while others are for video only. The compatible cameras are listed below:

• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V622
• ADC-VDB101 - Model 102 will also work.
• ADC-VDB105 - Model 106 will also work.

Note: The ADC-V521IR needs Firmware IP8137-ALAM-0100d1 or higher for two-way audio. The ADC-V522IR Must be Hardware Version 0101 with Firmware IP8168-ALAM-0100b9 or higher for two-way audio.

Additionally, the cameras below are for video only:

• ADC-V722W
• ADC-VC725
• ADC-VC726
• ADC-VC825
• ADC-VC826

Third, a user will need to have an alarm monitoring plan that supports video. For Alarm Grid customers, these are the Platinum Level Plans. For two-way audio, the feature "Audio for Non-Doorbell Cameras" must be enabled on the user's Alarm.com account.

Remember, Firmware Version 2.2.1 is needed on the IQ Panel 2 System to support this feature. The IQ Panel 2 Plus should arrive with this firmware update already applied. But the standard IQ Panel 2 may need to have the firmware update applied. The panel should be connected with a WIFI network, have its transformer plugged-in and have a charged battery before performing the update to the system. If you need to upgrade the firmware, complete the following steps first:

1. Access the upgrade menu. Start from the home screen of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software. This will take you to the upgrade menu.

2. Provide the Patch Tag. Press "Patch Tag". Then enter in "iqpanel2.2.1". Press OK. This will provide the Patch Tag associated with the update.

3. Perform the update. Click "Upgrade Using Network". The update should begin to install. Press OK when prompted. The panel should reboot, and the update will be applied. This will take about five minutes. The home screen should be displayed once the update has been successfully applied.

Next, the feature must be enabled for the IQ Panel 2. This is done from Alarm.com. Login to Alarm.com website. Then choose the "Video" option on the left, followed by "Settings" at the top. Then choose "Stream Video to Security Panel Screen". Every compatible camera will have an "Authorize" toggle switch that must be selected to be used with this feature. Once all the cameras have been enabled, you can log-out of Alarm.com.

Finally, you can try streaming the live video feed from your Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Swipe left on the screen until you reach the "Live Video Cameras" page. Find the camera you want to view, and press the Play button. The panel will begin streaming the live video of the camera.

Firmware Version 2.2.1 also provided some other fixes and changes for the IQ Panel 2. These include:

• Improved reliability and performance for Live Answer and Live View features
• Filtering out unneeded "Motion Activated" messages sent from Alarm.com
• Corrects a Chime and Voice problem that resets settings to "Nighttime Mode" after performing a Software Update
• Corrects an issue where extra zones numbered 130 - 136 could be present on Alarm.com
• Corrects a problem where the panel was reporting cellular strength signals when disconnected fro the network

If you have any questions about this new feature, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. Or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am thru 8pm Monday thru Friday. We hope you enjoy using the video feature with your IQ Panel 2!