News Posts

Update 02/06/24:

Per Resideo, they first began seeing this issue back in April 2023. They were able to determine that the Total Connect 2.0 server was creating and sending the notifications properly. They checked with the receiving carrier, in this case, Telus, and found that Telus had blacklisted TotalConnect2.0@alarmnet.com as SPAM. Therefore Telus was not delivering these notifications. This will affect SMS and Email notifications only.

For those Canadian customers who have complained of this issue, contacting Telus and asking them to whitelist totalconnect2.0@alarmnet.com has resolved the issue. This will also affect Canadian users of the Rogers service. Both Telus and Rogers appear to use the same intermediate SMS provider.

Original Post:

Alarm Grid has had reports from our Canadian customers that they are not receiving notifications from Total Connect 2.0. After checking with Resideo, we have confirmed there is an issue, and they are currently working with Telus to resolve it. We don't have an ETR. Check back for updates.

This is a recent development, though we haven't received any details from Resideo yet as to when the issue began. It seems to affect text, email, and push notifications to recipients in Canada. When we have more details, we will provide updates here. Rest assured this does not affect your system's ability to send alarm signals. Any signals generated by your system will be processed normally.

Alarm Grid and Alarm.com customers in Ameren, IL can sign up for the Peak Time Savings Program. Once enrolled, you will receive a $50 e-gift card. For each subsequent year you remain enrolled, you will receive a $25 e-gift card. This is another way your smart thermostat can pay for itself.

We've written about the Give Back, Get Back program numerous times in the past. Many different utility companies offer a similar incentive program, and each company has its name for the program. Some offer rebates, others may offer bill credits. The incentive amounts also vary. The information included here is specific to the Ameren, IL program.

To qualify for this incentive, you just need the following:

• Be a residential electric customer in Ameren, IL, with service in your name.
• Use an internet-connected, qualifying smart thermostat.
• Sign up for the program, which allows the Ameren, IL electric company to make small adjustments to your thermostat remotely, during peak usage times.
• You must not already be participating in a demand response program.

The times when your thermostat is likely to be adjusted are during the hottest days of summer when power demands are at their greatest. This can cause strain on the electrical grid. By signing up for the Peak Time Savings Program, you agree that the electric company can make small adjustments of four (4) degrees or less during these times. These adjustments will last for no more than four (4) hours.

The most likely hours during which an adjustment may occur are between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. CT, but adjustments could occur anywhere from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT. You retain control of your thermostat and can opt out of an adjustment event at any time. In some cases, the thermostat may briefly be adjusted down (cooler) before being adjusted up (conservation) to maintain comfort during the adjustment period.

The thermostats that are compatible through Alarm.com are:

• Trane ComfortLink Control
• RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat
• GoControl Z-wave Thermostat
• Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
• 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat
• Trane Z-Wave Thermostat
• Linear Thermostat
• Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD)
• ADC T3000
• ADC T2000

You can sign up for the program by going to this page, and then clicking the link "Enroll Your Smart Thermostat." Once you are accepted, you should receive an email within 60 days of being accepted. The $50 e-gift card will be delivered to your email, so be sure when you sign up, you enter the correct email information.

If you remain enrolled in the program, on the anniversary of your enrollment, you will receive a $25 e-gift card via email for your continued participation. This will occur each subsequent year you remain enrolled. Currently, there is no end date, so this incentive will continue until you are notified otherwise.

It's the middle of winter, but summer will be here before you know it. If you've been on the fence about purchasing a smart thermostat, this may be the perfect time to commit. Signing up for a program like this may seem like a small step, but as they say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step and every step brings you closer to your goal. In this case, the goal is energy conservation, and every little step helps.

Alarm.com recently announced that due to some network changes undertaken by T-Mobile, those customers who currently receive MMS (Multi-Media Messaging Service) notifications with video clips and thumbnails, will soon begin receiving SMS (Short Message Service) messages with links instead.

This only affects Alarm.com customers who use T-Mobile for their mobile phone service. Currently, the change is set to go into effect on January 31, 2024. Those customers who use both Alarm.com and T-Mobile who are on iOS devices with the latest software may not notice a change, as those devices will automatically open the links to offer a preview. However, for customers on Android devices, or iOS devices that are not updated this change will likely be readily apparent.

Alarm.com supports Push Notifications through the Alarm.com app, and they encourage the enabling of Push Notifications for all Alarm.com customers who use smart devices to receive notifications. They are taking steps to minimize the use of MMS messaging regardless of carrier. Those steps are as follows:

• T-Mobile Customers: As already mentioned, with the changes at T-Mobile, those customers will begin receiving SMS, instead of MMS, messages at the end of January. In these messages, they will receive links to thumbnails and clips, rather than the clip or thumbnail being embedded in the message. Users on updated iOS devices may not notice this change as these devices will open the links automatically. For users with other devices, such as Android phones, the change will be more noticeable.
• UI Updates. Over the next several months, Alarm.com plans to roll out expanded messaging options within their user interfaces to make Push Notifications the more attractive option for customers. They plan to release new tools that will make the use of Push Notifications even easier to set up and use.

As we mentioned before, Alarm.com strongly recommends that customers use Push Notifications instead of SMS or MMS messaging. There are several advantages to this, including:

1. In Push Notifications, users are redirected to live or saved clips, depending on whether the clip has been uploaded yet. This allows them to access their content quickly.
2. Users can pause notifications directly from Push Notifications.
3. Push Notifications offer unique doorbell sound effects.
4. As iOS and Android devices continue to evolve, Alarm.com will continue to enhance the features of Push Notifications.

Alarm.com customers who use T-Mobile phone service need not do anything. These changes will take effect automatically at the end of January, 2024. You can read about the different types of customer notifications here. For help setting up Push Notifications, you can read this article.

If you're both an Alarm.com and a T-Mobile customer, we'd love to hear your thoughts on these changes. Give us your opinion on the new format. Do you use Push Notifications, with SMS or MMS as a backup? Does this change your feelings about either Alarm.com or T-Mobile? Start a conversation in the comments below.

It's that time of year again. We take a break, relax with our loved ones reflect on the year behind us, and look ahead to the year ahead. Sure, that's more of a New Year's thing, but we start the process about now. We hope you have a warm, safe place to do that, and some good food to enjoy.

For Alarm Grid, 2023 has been a year of reestablishing equilibrium after the pandemic, supply chain shortages, and tumult in the world. As my dad might say, we've got things lined out. We hope that you are experiencing a similar "settled" feeling. Whatever traditions you observe and holidays you celebrate, we wish you all the best this year.

Our office will be closed on Friday, December 22, and on Monday, December 25 this year. Of course, our central station partners will remain vigilant during this time, and will handle all of your alarm needs with their usual swift and professional attention. In addition, we will be closed on Friday, December 29, and Monday, January 1, 2024.

If you reside in the US and need to contact the central monitoring station during the times we're out, either to cancel a false alarm or to verify a signal, you can contact Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) by dialing (888) 818-7728 and choosing Option [9].

Our Canadian customers can contact Rapid Response at (800) 932-3822. Remember, any time you call either monitoring station, you will be asked for your name, address, and your false alarm password or phrase. Providing incorrect information when asked, will result in the dispatch of authorities.

If you have a support question or need to make adjustments to your account, the monitoring station cannot assist you with that type of request. In that case, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com with details of your request and we will begin to address these support issues as soon as we return to the office on each of the respective Tuesdays. Requests can pile up during this time, so please be patient with us while we catch up.

Regardless of how you celebrate at this time of year, the reason for celebrating is about life, love, gratitude, and hope. May your days be merry and bright. May your life be long and happy, and may you have an abundance of things to be grateful for, with the hope of more to come.

Resideo recently applied an update to the wording of Total Connect 2.0 notification messages. Where, originally they referred to the alarm system by name, they added the word "Installation" to the message. After complaints, they have returned the messages to their original wording.

These updates exclusively affected SMS, email, and SMS-to-email notifications. Consequently, if you rely solely on push notifications through your iOS® or Android® device, you might not have noticed any difference. However, for those who receive SMS, email, or SMS-to-email notifications, you may have noticed these changes in recent days.

The primary concern that most users seemed to have revolves around the term "Installation." This led to some confusion, and coupled with other modifications, such as displaying the user number instead of the user name when a system is armed and disarmed, the update garnered a negative reception. I believe there's an opportunity to combine elements from each of these formats to craft a more well-received message that users would find favorable.

It is undeniable that the updated format offers a concise, but complete message, whereas the original format, to me, seems a bit jumbled. As an alarm professional, I can parse the jumble pretty easily, but I imagine an end-user took a little time to become accustomed to this messaging format. Having acclimated, when users were provided with a somewhat improved, more complete, message they balked.

I would like to see a format similar to the example shown below. Remember that the location name provided in these notifications comes from the name you've given your system in the Locations section of the Total Connect 2.0 website. Particularly, if you have multiple locations, it's important to name each one so that it's easily distinguishable when you receive notifications. Not to mention, when you log in to control your systems or check their status.

If you need to edit the name of your system, you can easily do so by logging into Total Connect 2.0 from a browser. In the Menu list to the left, click on Locations, then click the down arrow to the right (ours is shown as an up arrow because we've already clicked on it in the screenshot below) of the current location name to expand the selection, then click on Edit and enter the name you want to use. Be sure to "Save" when you've finished.

If you're a Total Connect 2.0 user, did you notice any difference in your recent notification message format? If so, did you notice when they were switched back to the original format? Which format do you prefer? If you have a format idea that you think is better than the one we proposed above, share it with us. We'll be happy to pass it along to Resideo.

Anyone with a SkyBell Video Doorbell used with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, which is also used with the SkyBell app, be aware. The SkyBell app may prompt you to upgrade to "Gen5." However, upgrading will remove access from all third-party apps. Once installed, this upgrade can't be undone.

The message displayed in the SkyBell app is shown above. As you can see, any SkyBell Trim II, Slim II, Trim Plus, Slim, or HD4.x doorbell will eventually be upgraded to "Gen5," according to SkyBell. This means if you want to use a doorbell that is compatible with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you will need to begin planning a video doorbell upgrade.

Currently, when prompted in the SkyBell HD App, you have the choice to select "Not Yet." However, this option will eventually be phased out, and the update will be automatically implemented. The exact timeline for this mandatory update is not yet known. This upgrade not only discontinues remote access via Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com but also eliminates compatibility with any local integrations involving Resideo touchscreen panels and keypads. We are still awaiting information regarding the impact of this change on alarm panels and keypads that utilize Alarm.com.

Alarm.com Update: According to Alarm.com CORE Technical Support, they are unaware of the Gen5 update, but since Alarm.com SkyBell doorbells use a proprietary version, and should never be connected to the SkyBell servers or app, this update should not affect their customers.

Alternative Video Doorbell for Total Connect 2.0 Users:

First Alert VX1 HD

The First Alert VX1 HD is the first video doorbell offered by Resideo that is manufactured in-house. It is designed to replace an existing doorbell, so it does require power wiring. The VX1 HD offers dual-band WIFI connectivity using either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Because of its advanced features, a Total Connect 2.0 plan that includes video monitoring is required to use this doorbell camera. For Alarm Grid customers this is either a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or a Video Monitoring Plan. Each plan can support up to eight (8) cameras, and each VX1 HD counts as one (1) camera.

The VX1 HD is a 5MP camera, it supports 2-way audio and intelligent event detection. This is an advanced AI that can easily tell the difference between people, packages, vehicles, animals, and even loud sounds. This feature will limit unwanted recordings and accidental activations. There is a built-in LED and color night-vision options. It also has a built-in siren feature that can be manually activated to scare away unwanted visitors.

Another great feature of the VX1 HD is Wide Dynamic Range (WDR). We hear High Dynamic Range (HDR) mentioned a lot with Alarm.com cameras, but WDR is slightly different. With WDR, advanced software is combined with the ability to make hardware adjustments to provide the best image possible. Think of aperture iris adjustments and shutter speed control that allow the perfect amount of light to enter the recording. This is particularly important in images that combine very light and very dark areas. HDR also perfects images with high contrast, but it uses software only, without the ability to make hardware adjustments.

The VX1 HD supports three (3) unique options for its field of view. These are tall, wide, or full. Tall optimizes the camera for a portrait-style image, while Wide optimizes the camera for a landscape view. And finally, Full provides the largest possible visual area. There are also selections between low and high video quality. There are many other settings. You can adjust the use of the indoor chime, set how night vision works, and control the doorbell lights, the speaker volume, and the microphone volume.

The VX1 HD can use a mechanical or a digital chime and comes with an adapter for digital chime applications. It also comes with two (2) trim rings (white or grey), a straight and angled mounting bracket, a doorbell release/reset tool, and mounting hardware.

Alternative Video Doorbell Options for Alarm.com Users:

Alarm.com ADC-VDB770

When it comes to Alarm.com video cameras, we're spoiled for choice. The ADC-VDB770 is their flagship video doorbell and is the first manufactured specifically for Alarm.com. Like the VX1 HD, it supports dual-band WIFI (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). It offers full HD recording with 1440 x 1920 video resolution. It boasts IR night vision with a viewing distance of up to 15' (4.5m). The viewing area is also impressive with a 150° vertical and 115° horizontal field of view.

The ADC-VDB770, like the VX1 HD, counts as a video camera when a video monitoring plan is used. If you have a single video doorbell camera, and no other video devices, you can add a single doorbell to an Alarm Grid Gold plan (Self or Full) without upgrading to a Platinum Plan. Just know, that if you already have a Platinum or Video Monitoring Plan, the ADC-VDB770 will count as one (1) when it comes to camera limits.

With High Dynamic Range (HDR), video recorded by the ADC-VDB770 is always crisp and clear. HDR is advanced software that optimizes each image so that it is as clear as possible. This is particularly important in images that have large areas of very light and very dark space. The ADC-VDB770 can work with mechanical or digital chimes. It is a wired doorbell camera and requires power. It should easily connect to an existing doorbell transformer rated between 16-30VAC and 10VA. Alternatively, a 15-30VDC, 8W minimum power adapter can be used. There is an included power module, and it is required in every installation, whether AC or DC power is being used.

The ADC-VDB770 also has an impressive list of available accessories, which you can purchase separately:

• ADC-VDBA-COVER - Touchless Doorbell Cover that lets guests know not to touch the video doorbell. Used in conjunction with the Video Doorbell Mat.
• ADC-VDBA-MAT - Video Doorbell Mat that lets guests know to activate the camera by standing on the mat. Used in conjunction with the Touchless Doorbell Cover.
• ADC-VDBA-PSU-PD - Video Doorbell Wall Power Supply Kit that is used if there is no existing chime circuit, or if the chime circuit is incompatible. Can be used with or without a power module. The device is rated at 16 Volts DC, 1.25 Amps, or 20 Watts.
• ADC-VDBA-TC - Temperature Collar Accessory that allows the doorbell camera to be safely used in temperatures as low as -40°F. Can be used with or without the Wall Mounting Plate.
• ADC-VDBA-WP - Wall Mounting Plate that hides blemishes such as missing paint or screw holes. Goes between the wall and the doorbell camera. Dimensions are 5.43"L by 3.43"W.
• ADC-VDBA-WMK - Wedge Mounting Kit that includes four (4) additional mounting bracket options that are not otherwise included with the ADC-VDB770. These mounting brackets are appropriately named D, E, F, and G. You will ultimately only use one (1) mounting bracket in the final installation.

Alarm.com ADC-VDB750

The ADC-VDB750 replaces the SkyBell ADC-VDB105X. It is a 2MP camera with a 165° horizontal and 145° vertical field of view. It's offered in three (3) colors, white, bronze, and silver. For most mechanical chimes, it doesn't require the installation of a power module, which simplifies installation.

Combined with the ADC-VDB750's excellent viewing area, this doorbell camera also offers 2-way audio, and video analytics for people detection. Unlike passive infrared (PIR) detection, which can be triggered by moving shrubs or holiday decorations video analytics uses software to determine whether an alert should be activated.

This video doorbell also offers an impressive operating temperature range of -58ºF up to 120ºF (-50°C - +48.8°C). It can be powered by an AC transformer rated at 16-24VAC, and 10-40VA or a DC power adapter with a rating of 15-24VDC, 6-20W. It does not have an internal battery. This allows it to be more versatile and compatible with a wider range of temperatures and hardware.

Unlike most video doorbells, the ADC-VDB750 has a programming option for no chime. For installations where no chime is being used, this doorbell camera does not require that a special resistor be installed. For a full list of features and specifications, please click the product link above to be taken to the product description page.

Alarm.com ADC-VDB780B

We'll round out our list of Alarm.com video doorbells with the ADC-VDB780B. This doorbell is unique among all those listed here because it is battery-operated and truly wireless. This doorbell is perfect for those who traditionally might not have a doorbell, such as apartment and condo dwellers, or those in older homes that don't have an existing doorbell, where a retrofit of a wired doorbell isn't possible or perhaps isn't wanted.

At Alarm Grid, we sell the VDB780B as a kit with an Alarm.com wireless chime. Each ADC-VDB780B must have at least one W115C to operate. The ADC-VDB780B-W115C-BNDL gives you everything you need to get a doorbell up and running in a location where no doorbell has ever been installed before. In addition to being a wireless chime, the W115C acts as a WIFI extender, which may come in handy if the ADC-VDB780B is mounted far away from your WIFI access point. The W115C just plugs into any standard outlet.

What sets this doorbell camera apart from all others is the fact that it is completely wireless. The included rechargeable battery is expected to last for up to six (6) months before it has to be recharged. When that time comes, just unlatch the bottom of the doorbell mount, remove the doorbell, and then pull down and separate the battery pack. Now you can charge the battery with the included micro USB cable. The plug-in charger is not included. You will need to provide a 5V/1.5A USB wall charger, similar to what you probably use to charge your cell phone or tablet. A fully drained battery takes about seven (7) hours to fully charge.

As with the other video doorbell cameras listed here the ADC-VDB780B counts as one (1) camera when used with a full video plan such as Alarm Grid's Platinum Plan. If this will be your only video device, then a single ADC-VDB780B can be used with our Gold Plan without requiring a plan change.

The field of view for this camera is also impressive at 160° horizontal, 90° vertical, 175° diagonal, and the 2.12MP camera offers true HD recording at 1920 x 1080 video resolution. It offers IR night vision with a detection range of ~15' (4.8m) 2-way audio, and Alarm.com's video analytics to prevent unwanted or erroneous alerts. One big difference with this doorbell is the fact that it only supports 2.4 GHz WIFI. The same is true of the Alarm.com W115C wireless chime. It can only use, and boost the 2.4 GHz band.

So, SkyBell is taking a step away from security integrators, or perhaps they are trying to become one. Either way, it will be interesting to see how this move pays off, or not, in the future. For those of you who use a video doorbell with your security system, it's good to know you have plenty of options if you find yourself suddenly needing them. Until next time...

It's that time of year again! The time when you might spot Santa Claus on your Alarm.com video feed as he prepares to deliver Christmas gifts. Of course, the true magic occurs on Christmas Eve, but Santa could drop by at any time between December 4 and December 31. So, be on the lookout!

Alarm.com is always enhancing and expanding its video offerings. For the past few years, its technology has become so advanced that it can capture Santa Clause as he goes about his pre and post-holiday preparation.

Any time between December 4 and December 31, 2023, you may catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf as he scurries about, scoping out the surroundings and getting all of the logistics prepared for the big night. Delivering toys to all the children of the world in a single night requires meticulous preparation!

The only way you can see Santa is if you capture a still image from your video feed. Santa is much too quick to be seen on the video feed itself. Just log into your Alarm.com account, pull up the feed of one of your Alarm.com cameras, and click the Santa icon. You'll see the various Santa poses captured within the feed. Click the one you like best, and then share the image with your family and friends.

In dark settings, Santa will appear in black and white, in lighted areas you'll see him in color. Just be sure you have the latest version of the Alarm.com app installed on your iOS or Android device so that you can take advantage of this rare opportunity. For iOS users, the latest version is 5.2.1. For Android users, the version you see will vary depending on your device. Just check the Google Play store and be sure there are no available updates. Your phone must be on Android 7.0 or higher to support the Alarm.com app.

Of course, only those with a video subscription, and cameras installed will be able to capture Santa Clause in action. For Alarm Grid customers, this will be those on one of our Platinum Plans (Self or Full) or a Video Monitoring Account. If you've been considering adding an Alarm.com video camera to your system now may be the perfect time!

If you don't happen to have Alarm.com video service, but you do use Alarm.com monitoring for your security system, you have another option for tracking Santa as he visits your home. You can set up a Santa Alert for your system. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Designate a sensor. Log into your Alarm.com security account. Tap the Sensors card and choose a sensor that is easy for you to open and close. Change the name of that sensor to something fun. If you have a chimney, you can call it Chimney Sensor. If not, you can name it Santa Sensor, or a similar fun name.


2. Create a notification. If you don't already have a zone open/close notification set up for the sensor you chose, tap the Notifications menu option, then click the "+ New Notification" icon. Looking at the Standard Notification options, you should see "Sensor Activity." Click on this option.
   
   
   
   
3. Complete the notification setup. When you click on the "Sensor Activity" option, you'll be taken to a configuration screen. First, name your notification. Check the box next to the sensor you renamed in Step 1. Configure all the required parameters to ensure you receive a notification when this sensor is opened. Remember, a notification will be sent every time this sensor is opened or faulted, so you probably want to wait until you're ready for Santa to visit, before you set this up. Otherwise, if this is a sensor you use often, you may be inundated with notifications until you set things back to normal. Presumably, you'll do this on Christmas Eve. Be sure you have at least one recipient for this notification enabled. When you've completed the configuration, click "Save."
   
   
   
4. Create the event. When it's time for Santa's visit, open the sensor you renamed in Step 1. You should receive a notification on your designated device that shows the Chimney Sensor, Santa Sensor, or whatever fun name you gave your sensor has been opened. In the morning, you can show your family proof that Santa Claus visited during the night.


5. Revert to normal. Once you have your proof, you can reverse the above steps and put your system back to normal. There is no need to delete the notification. You can simply toggle it off, then it will be ready again next year, in case you want to use it again.

The year 2023 is winding down. Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Yule/Winter Solstice, and many other holidays are right around the corner. Whatever tradition you may observe at this time of year, we wish you a safe, warm, and relaxing day.

The Alarm Grid offices will be open for half a day, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 22. We will be closed all day on Thursday, November 23, and we will be open for half a day 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Friday, November 24, 2023. While we are closed, we won't be here to answer technical support, shipping, or activation questions.

Our central station partners will be available during this time. They operate 24/7/365 and will handle any signals that your alarm system may send in their usual manner. The only exception will be if you have provided alternate instructions, or if you put your system on test.

Alarm Grid central station monitored accounts located inside the United States report to Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS). If you need to contact the monitoring station, either to report a false alarm or to put your system on test, you can call (888) 818-7728 and choose Option [9]. Once an operator answers, you'll need to supply your name, address, and false alarm password.

For our Canadian customers, our monitoring partner in Canada is Rapid Response. They can be reached at (800) 932-3822. Remember, when you call either monitoring station you will be asked for your name and address, and to verify your false alarm password or phrase. Providing the wrong information, or providing the Duress password, will result in a police dispatch.

If you have technical support questions or you need to make adjustments to your account, the monitoring station will not be able to help you with that. For those requests, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com with as much detail as possible. We'll get back to you as soon as possible when we return to the office. During the holidays, there can be a slight backlog, so please be patient while we catch up.

If you plan to travel this holiday season, don't forget to secure all your doors and windows and arm your system as you leave. If you don't have pets or house sitters to worry about, it might be a good idea to arm your system Maximum (VISTA systems) or choose the option to arm Away with no entry delay (offered on most all-in-one systems).

This means that if any armed zone is faulted once the system arms, it will cause an immediate alarm, rather than providing an entry delay. This suggestion assumes you have access via Alarm.com, Total Connect 2.0, or some other means such as a wireless key fob, with which you can disarm prior to opening any doors.

If you happen to be cooking this Thanksgiving, and a kitchen smoke alarm is triggered by a little cooking smoke, or steam, don't panic. If the detector is tied to your alarm system, disarm your system. This should silence the system siren and any keypads. To silence the detector, you need to get the smoke or steam cleared from the sensing chamber. This is easiest to do with a fan. If you have one, keep a small fan handy, just in case.

If a system alarm occurs, contact the monitoring station as soon as possible. It may be that they will call you before you get a chance to call them. Be ready, and be sure to answer. Once you do, provide the correct false alarm password and explain the situation. This is by far the best way to avoid an unnecessary and unwanted dispatch when this type of alarm occurs.

For smoke detectors that are not tied to an alarm system, the best way to stop them from sounding is to clear the smoke from the sensing chamber. In most cases, the detector should have a button you can press to silence the local alarm. Be prepared with something you can use to reach this button. However, even if it is silenced, if smoke remains in the sensing chamber the detector will begin to sound again after a brief period. Again, a small fan will go a long way toward clearing the sensing chamber and silencing the alarm for good.

If a carbon monoxide alarm occurs, or if a fire alarm occurs for no apparent reason, leave the premises and allow the fire department to check and clear the house. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Remember, if a CO alarm is reported, the monitoring station is required to dispatch, even if you do provide the correct false alarm password.

Happy Thanksgiving from Alarm Grid! We look forward to talking with you again once we've had a little break, some festive time with family and friends, and more food than anyone should eat in a single sitting.

Some Resideo 5821 wireless flood and temperature sensors manufactured between July and October of 2023 may not transmit properly. They may fail to learn into the alarm panel or fail to transmit when an alarm occurs. Affected units can be returned to the vendor for refund or replacement.

The 5821 is a versatile wireless sensor from the Resideo (formerly Honeywell) 5800 Series sensor line. Alone, it can monitor for high and low temperature conditions. It can also be used with either a remote temperature probe, or a remote flood-sensing probe. The use of either remote probe allows the 5821 to monitor harsh conditions that the circuitry of the transmitter itself cannot endure.

The date code for the 5821 is located on the box it comes in, and should also be visible as a sticker or a printed series of numbers on the circuit board itself. The date code consists of a 2-digit number for the year and a 2-digit number for the week of that year.

In 2023, between week 30 and week 40*, a manufacturing issue caused 5821 transmitters to be produced with a defect that caused affected units not to transmit properly. These units may never learn into the panel, or they may fail to transmit when a monitored condition occurs. This could result in damage to a home or business.

The date codes included in this notice are 2330 (2023, week 30) through 2340 (2023 week 40). Any unit with date code 2342 or later is not affected by this issue. July 24, 2023 begins week 30, and October 8, 2023 ends week 40.

If you recently purchased a 5821 from Alarm Grid, check the date code on the unit. If it falls within the affected range, contact us at support@alarmgrid.com and we will happily provide you with a warranty replacement. You can read the full notification from Resideo here. If you received a unit that would not learn into the panel initially, it is likely that we have already performed troubleshooting with you and have at least begun the warranty replacement process.

For customers who may not read our blog, Alarm Grid is reaching out to anyone who purchased this product from us from March 2023 until now. We will provide information on the notification, how to check the date code, and will gladly replace any units affected.

*Important Note: When this issue was discovered, production of the 5821 was halted and the issue was investigated to discover the root cause. There was no production of the 5821 during 2023 week 41, which accounts for the seemingly "lost week" missing in the above referenced announcement.

Update 09/18/23: Qolsys has released this firmware as of today. Alarm.com, however, has not yet made it available for dealers to perform remote OTA updates. They usually lag behind Qolsys by a few days, as they perform their own testing. Instructions for updating using a patch tag can be found here. The full Qolsys TSB can be found here.

Original Blog Post:

We've been hearing about it for a while, and Firmware 4.4.0 will be available any day now. In this post, we'll go through some of the big additions, fixes, and improvements that you can expect to see in this release. From support for PowerG automation devices to the addition of Night arming.

This is one of the most ambitious updates for Qolsys that we've seen. There are a lot of new features in this update. There are also some important fixes and improvements included. In this post, we'll go through what we believe are some of the more important changes coming up in Firmware 4.4.0.

New Features:

• Support for All New PowerG Automation Devices:
  • IQ Lock-PG
  • IQ Dimmer-PG
  • IQ Switch-PG
  • IQ Smart Socket-PG
  • IQ Smart Plug-PG
  • IQ Outdoor Plug-PG
• Added a new Automation Icon within the Installation > Devices Menu. This icon is where you will now go to add everything except Z-Wave Automation devices. However, from within this screen, you can reach Z-Wave Automation (if you navigate here in error). In the future, we expect all Automation will be programmed from within this screen.
• Added "Night Arming" mode. The panel can now be armed in "Away", "Stay", or "Night".
• Created a new PIN code setting for users of the IQ WIFI 6. This will restrict access to the profiles and network map settings of the router.
• Added support for Aeotec Indoor Siren 6.
• Added Sensor Group 11 (Day Zone) and Group 21 (Night Motion).
• Added Sensor Groups 61 (Fixed Intrusion Panic) & 62 (Fixed Silent Panic). With these settings, hardwired, latching panics can now send restore signals when they are physically restored.
• Allows exterior PowerG motions to be programmed as Door/Window sensors to expand the Sensor Group options when programming.
• Added the option to display ambient temperature on the IQ Panel 4 and IQ4 Hub screen when used with PowerG and PowerG Plus devices that support reporting ambient temperature (listed below).
  
  
  • PG9312
  • PG9309
  • PG9200AX
  • PG9350SL
  • PG9914
  • PG9862
  • PG9872
  • PG9984P
  • PG9922
  • PG9936
  • PG9933
  • PG9905
  • PGP9945E
  • PGP9922
  • PGP9920
• PowerG Smoke Detectors can now sound different cadences for Intrusion, Fire, and CO alarms when the "PowerG Smoke Detector Siren" option is used for additional sounders.

Before going on to Fixes and Improvements, I wanted to pause for a moment and expand a bit on a couple of the things listed above. With the new Sensor Group 11 (Day Zone) here is the description of operation for that zone type: Intended for a Door or Window zone that triggers an alarm instantly if the system is armed (same as Group 13). When the panel is disarmed, the zone will annunciate Opens AND Closes, and will continue to notify until the Dismiss button is pressed on the panel screen.

When it comes to Night Arming, an understanding of the Groups associated with motion detectors is essential. Below is an explanation of how each Sensor Group operates. All of these Groups are supervised.

• Group 17, Away-Instant Motion: Active only when armed to "Night" or "Away". Trips instantly when motion is detected. Does not trip if an E/E zone is tripped first.
• Group 15, Stay-Instant Motion: Active in "Stay," "Night," and "Away". Trips Instantly when motion is detected. Does not trip if an E/E zone is tripped first.
• Group 35, Stay-Delay Motion: Active in "Stay," "Night," and "Away" modes. Triggers an Entry Delay if motion is faulted. Does not trip if an E/E zone is tripped first.
• Group 20, Away-Delay Motion: Active when armed to "Night" and "Away". Triggers an Entry Delay if triggered first. Does not trip if an E/E zone is triggered first.
• Group 21, Night Motion (New): Active only when armed to "Away" and trips instantly when motion is detected by this sensor first. Does not trip if an E/E zone is tripped first.
• Group 25, Safety Motion: This sensor does not report or trigger an alarm. This is a "Chime-Only" sensor when "Activity Monitoring" is active, regardless of panel armed status. Used for medicine cabinets, storage, activity tracking, etc.

Panel Fixes and Improvements:

• Changed the Z-Wave naming convention for Settings related to Automation.
• Added support for Z-Wave Weiser/Kwikset Lock supervision requests.
• Made improvements to text size and movement in Photo Frame Screensaver.
• Enhanced the downloading of images and videos from the IQ Panel to a mobile device.
• Added a 30-second arming delay for the IQ Panel 4's built-in glass break detector.
• Fixed an issue with pairing the ADC S2000-T Temp Sensor to the panel.

IQ Remote PowerG Fixes and Improvements:

• Added the ability for the IQ Remote PowerG to automatically power back on after an extended power failure/battery drain, once primary power is restored.
• Corrected an issue where "Nighttime Mode" was not working properly on the IQ Remote PowerG.
• Changed the functionality of the Power Button on the IQ Remote PowerG. Power Down/Reboot now requires a 10-second button press.
• Added support for Thermostats and Garage Door Control to the IQ Remote PowerG.
• Added "Weather Clock" to the IQ Remote PowerG Frame Options.
• Weather to the IQ Remote PowerG now functions when paired in both PowerG and WIFI modes.
• Added support to IQ Remote PowerG for "Installer Test Mode" where the siren is temporarily silenced during testing.
• Added support to the IQ Remote PowerG for Doorbell Notification pop-up and chime, when paired over both PowerG and WIFI.
• IQ Remote PowerG enrolled over PowerG will now automatically upgrade upon first enrollment, rather than waiting 24 hours.
• General communication improvements (Sync/Delay).

Update Instructions:

This firmware is now available, so you can perform the update. Your panel must be on Firmware Version 4.3.0+ before upgrading to 4.4.0. To check your firmware version, tap the gray bar at the top of the panel's home screen, then press Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer or Dealer Code (1111 or 2222 respectively) then tap About > Software.

If your panel is on Firmware Version 4.0.0, 4.0.1, or 4.1.0, you must first update to 4.1.1.

From there, you can update to 4.2.0 or 4.2.1. Then you can update to 4.3.0 and finally to 4.4.0. This is very important! Failure to follow the proper update steps could cause your panel to become unresponsive.

Now that 4.4.0 has been released you can follow the steps below to update from 4.3.0 to 4.4.0:

1. Swipe down from the top of the panel screen and tap "Settings."
2. In "Settings" tap "Advanced Settings."
3. Enter Installer or Dealer Code (default is 1111 or 2222 respectively.)
4. Tap "Upgrade Software."
5. Tap "Patchtag" then enter iqpanel4.4.0 and then tap "Ok."
6. Tap "Upgrade Using Network," making sure the panel is connected to WIFI. Without a WIFI connection, the upgrade will not go through.

The patch will now be downloaded and then installed. It is important not to touch the panel screen during this process. You'll see a progress bar while the download is in progress, then the panel will reboot. This is normal. Once the panel boots up to the usual security screen, the upgrade is complete. The update usually takes approximately five (5) minutes to complete.

If you prefer, the update can eventually be pushed by your alarm dealer through the Alarm.com dealer portal. If your panel is on an older version, they should also be able to send any prerequisite updates to your panel prior to sending 4.4.0. Just be sure the panel has a connection to WIFI as even updates that are sent through Alarm.com require a WIFI connection at the panel.