Product Announcements Posts

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that the Honeywell LTEM-XA and Honeywell LTEM-XV are now available! These are both brand-new cellular communicators for VISTA Systems. They follow the same installation process as the LTE-XA and LTE-XV, which are being phased out in favor of these new models.

What separates the LTEM-XA and the LTEM-XV from their predecessors is that they connect with the advanced LTE Cat M1 networks. These networks allow for stronger security and more effective signal penetration than other LTE cellular networks. The LTEM-XA receives service from the AT&T, while the LTEM-XV is covered by Verizon. As usual, the decision to go with one over the other has nothing to do with your personal phone, and it will have no impact on the cost of your monitoring service.

It should be noted that the older LTE-XA and LTE-XV will still continue to work as intended. Anyone using one of these modules does not need to upgrade to a newer model or replace their existing equipment. In fact, there is very little reason to do so if your system is working as intended. You can confirm that your communicator is receiving a strong cellular signal by checking the Signal LED on the front of the module. A solid green light indicates a strong signal. It's also worth mentioning that the LTE-XA and LTE-XV will continue to remain available for purchase while stock remains of these products. However, there is little reason to buy them, as the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV are now the recommended models.

One other important note about the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV is that they offer cellular connectivity only. These are not dual-path communicators, and they do not provide internet connectivity. This is not a huge concern, as LTE Cat M1 service is plenty fast and extremely reliable on its own. But if you do want a dual-path option for your Honeywell VISTA System, then the Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP) are still readily available. Just remember that the LTE-IA and the LTE-IV only use "standard" LTE connectivity, as opposed to the LTE Cat M1 service offered by the LTE-XA and LTE-XV. It is currently unknown if Resideo will eventually release dual-path communicators that utilize LTE Cat M1 connectivity. Like always, we promise to keep you informed about any updates.

The function of the LTEM-XA and LTE-XV remains largely the same from other AlarmNet Communicators. By installing and activating one of these modules, your Honeywell VISTA Security System will be able to communicate with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers across a fast and reliable LTE Cat M1 cellular network. If your alarm panel supports Total Connect 2.0, then you will be able to take advantage of that great service as well, provided that access to the TC2 platform is included in your monitoring plan. Remember that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System must have PROM Chip Version of 9.12 or higher to support Total Connect 2.0. We sell PROM Chip Upgrades for the 15P and for the 20P if you need them. Please also refer to this FAQ on identifying and replacing PROM Chips.

While the 15P and 20P are most likely going to be the most commonly used systems with the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV, you can technically use these communicators with any Honeywell VISTA System that supports ECP mode. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding system compatibility. You are also welcome to contact us if you are interested in starting new monitoring service. Our team is happy to help you get started. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that the next generation Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Security System is available for purchase on our site. Today, we're going to explore this new system and find out whether or not its worth buying. Let's take a deep dive into the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS!

We will cut right to the chase. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS from Resideo has been available on our site for a couple of months now. However, we have been hesitant to promote it due to one glaring factor. The system lacks support for local end user programming. This means that the system can only be programmed and configured by your monitoring provider. You will need to contact Alarm Grid, or whomever you are using for monitoring service, whenever you want to make changes to the system programming settings. You won't be able to enter programming locally and conveniently make adjustments to the majority of system settings and configurations. This goes against our primary principle as a DIY monitoring provider, and it is such a big concern that we have been reluctant to announce it.

Now, the news isn't all bad. Other than its lack of local programming, the PROA7PLUS is a very nice alarm panel. it's sleek, crisp, and it looks great mounted on a wall. The system turns heads with its gorgeous 7-inch full-color display screen that offers easy and convenient touchscreen control. And it wouldn't be complete without the panel's powerful features, which we will certainly be discussing later in this post. Plus, we have received a promise from Resideo that local programming support for the PROA7PLUS will be made available in a future update, which is expected to be made available sometime in the first half of 2021. For now, you are certainly welcome to purchase the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS from us, and we are happy to monitor the system and help you with setting it up and configuring it to your liking. But for the time being, it is not one of our top security system picks. If you want to learn more about some systems that we currently recommend purchasing instead of the PROA7PLUS, then please check out our 2020 Holiday Buying Guide for Alarm Panels, which includes the Honeywell Lyric, also from Resideo.

With that out of the way, we can begin focusing on the positive aspects of the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. And there really is a lot to discuss in that regard. The system supports up to 127 zones out of the box, and it can support up to 250 with the proper add-on, which we'll cover later. There are also 32 key fob slots. The main sensors you'll be using with the PROA7PLUS are the Honeywell Home PROSIX Series Sensors. These state-of-the art sensors are built exclusively for use with the PROA7PLUS. They utilize top-of-the-line 128-bit AES encryption, and they boast a wireless range of more then 300 nominal feet. You can also use the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors, which were originally built for use with the Lyric, with the PROA7PLUS. But be warned, once you pair an original SiX Series Sensor with a PROA7PLUS, it will receive an update and then you will never be able to use it with a Lyric System again.

For this buying guide, we'll primarily be focusing on the PROSIX Sensors built exclusively for the PROA7PLUS. Let's check out the PROSIX Series Sensors.

Model	Notes
Honeywell Home PROSIXCO	Carbon monoxide sensor. Emits 85 dB Temporal 4 sounder upon activation. Includes One-Go-All-Go functionality.
Honeywell Home PROSIXCOMBO	Combination smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide sensor. Includes built-in 85 dB sounder that emits Temporal 3 sound for smoke and heat, and Temporal 4 sound for CO. Includes One-Go-All-Go functionality.
Honeywell Home PROSIXCT	Door and window contact sensor. Magnet spacing gap of 0.75". Includes terminal block for single NC wired contact sensor. Has battery life of approximately five (5) years. Offers wireless range of 300+ feet. Measures 3.13"L x 1.61"W x 1.0"D.
Honeywell Home PROSIXFLOOD	Flood sensor. Sends alert to system within 15 seconds of detecting liquid. Comes with detachable Honeywell FP280 Probe that measures 15 feet in length.
Honeywell Home PROSIXFOB	Four-button key fob. Allows for dual-button inputs, for a maximum total of eight (8) inputs. Includes key ring for easy carry.
Honeywell Home PROSIXGB	Glass break detection sensor. Includes 25-foot detection range, and four (4) sensitivity settings. Honeywell FG701 is recommended glass break simulator.
Honeywell Home PROSIXMED	Single-button medical alert. Activation requires pressing and holding single button for three (3) full seconds. Only uses one (1) zone on system. Water-resistant. Includes accessory clip for device to be worn as wristband, lanyard, or belt clip.
Honeywell Home PROSIXMINI	Mini door and window sensor. Magnet spacing gap of 1.15" on wood, and 0.5" on metal. Has battery life of approximately five (5) years. Offers wireless range of 200+ feet. Measures. 2.44"L x 1.25"W x 0.45"D.
Honeywell Home PROSIXMINI2	Mini door and window sensor. Magnet spacing gap of 1.15". Has battery life of approximately seven (7) years. Offers wireless range of 500+ feet. Measures 2.9"L x 1.15"W x 0.75"D.
Honeywell Home PROSIXPANIC	Dual-button panic. Activation requires pressing and holding BOTH buttons for three (3) full seconds. Only uses one (1) zone on system. Water resistant. Includes accessory clip for device to be worn as wristband, lanyard, or belt clip.
Honeywell Home PROSIXPIR	PIR motion detection sensor. Has maximum detection area of 40 by 56 feet with 90° viewing angle. Supports pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 lbs.
Honeywell Home PROSIXSHOCK	Three-zone, all-in-one shock, contact, and transmitter sensor. Each function (service) can be turned ON or OFF as needed. Shock coverage area of about 10 to 12 square feet (5 to 6 foot radius). Four (4) sensitivity options for shock detection. Contact magnet spacing gap is 0.75" on wood surface. Wireless transmitter is for NC contact sensors only. Measures 3.13"L x 1.61"W x 1"D.
Honeywell Home PROSIXSMOKEV	Smoke and heat detector. Photoelectric smoke detection. Heat sensor activates at Fixed Temperature of 135°F, or Rate-of-Rise of 15°F in single minute when temperature is 104°F or higher. Emits 85 dB Temporal 3 sounder upon activation. Includes One-Go-All-Go functionality.
Honeywell Home PROSIXTEMP	Temperature sensor. Uses two (2) zones - one for low-temperature detection (COLD), one for high-temperature detection (HOT). Low-temperature detection activates when temperature falls below 45°F for ten (10) minutes. High-temperature detection activates when temperature rises above 95°F. Faulted zone restores when temperature is inside normal threshold for at least ten (10) minutes. Accurate within +/- 3°F.
Honeywell Home PROINDMV	Full-motion video sensor. Combines a PIR motion detection sensor with a full-motion video camera, and begins recording video when activated while the system is Armed Away and an alarm is triggered. Video is sent from Total Connect 2.0 to the end user via text and/or email. User cannot request a video clip or a live look-in from TC2. Provides a coverage area of 39 by 54 feet with a 90° viewing angle. Offers pet immunity for small animals under 80 lbs.

But the PROSIX Sensors and classic SiX Series Sensors are not your only sensor options for the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. If you add a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module to the system, then your PROA7PLUS will be able to interface with wireless sensors from one (1) of five (5) selectable legacy sensor frequencies. The PROTAKEOVER Module has a dial that allows you to choose which one (1) legacy frequency you want to use. Your options include Honeywell 5800 Sensors, 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, legacy DSC 433 MHz Sensors, legacy Qolsys & Interlogix/GE 319.5 MHz Sensors, and Bosch 433 MHz Sensors. In addition, this module is what allows the PROA7PLUS to support 250 zones. Of these maximum 250 zones, 127 are for use with PROSIX and classic SiX Series Sensors, and the other 123 are for the legacy sensors you can add after installing the PROTAKEOVER Module. One limitation of the PROTAKEOVER Module is that it should NOT be used to interface life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and CO detectors with the PROA7PLUS System.

There is one other important note about using the Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module with the PROA7PLUS. Once you install the PROTAKEOVER inside the system, you will NOT be able to use the current Honeywell Home PROA7DM Desk Mount with the system. The PROA7DM is an accessory that allows you to conveniently rest the system upright on a table or desk, instead of hard-mounting it to a wall. In other words, you must choose between the PROTAKEOVER Module and the PROA7DM Desk Mount. Fortunately, you will still be able to mount the PROA7PLUS System on the wall like normal when using the PROTAKEOVER Module. The reason for this is that the PROTAKEOVER module comes with a replacement wall mounting plate which contains the antenna used for the legacy wireless devices. The PROA7DM also comes with a replacement mounting plate, but it does. not have the required antenna built-in. Resideo says that a new version of the PROA7DM Desk Mount will eventually be released that will allow you to use it with the PROTAKEOVER Module. Unfortunately, we do not have an estimated release date for the updated PROA7DM at this time.

One other option for adding sensors to the Honeywell PROA7PLUS Alarm System is to use a wired to wireless converter. This type of device will allow you to pair hardwired sensors with the system that otherwise wouldn't be able to interface. The way that this works is by having the wired sensors wire-in directly with the converter unit. The converter then sends a wireless signal to the alarm panel on behalf of the wired sensors. As far as the PROA7PLUS is concerned, it will just see the wired sensors as wireless devices and allow them to pair with wireless system zones. Resideo offers a special wired to wireless converter exclusively for the PROA7PLUS called the Honeywell Home PROSIXC2W. The PROSIXC2W transmits at the same encrypted wireless frequency as the PROSIX Series Sensors, making it extremely safe and secure. And it can communicate with the PROA7PLUS System from more than 300 nominal feet away. Overall, the PROSIXC2W is a fantastic option if you have existing wired sensors on an older system and you are looking to upgrade to a new PROA7PLUS Panel.

Now that we have discussed all the sensor options for the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS, we now want to discuss automation options for the system. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller, just like what is inside the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the 2GIG GC3e. This is an upgrade of the standard classic Z-Wave controller that is found inside the Honeywell Lyric. By using certified Z-Wave Plus devices with the PROA7PLUS, you will be able to achieve an extended wireless range and battery life. We strongly recommend checking out our 2020 Holiday Buying Guide for Automation to learn more about the Z-Wave Plus devices we recommend pairing with the PROA7PLUS. Additionally, it is expected that the PROA7PLUS will eventually be able to support Apple HomeKit, just like the Honeywell Lyric. Unfortunately, we do not have an ETA for when this will be made available. For now, we recommend using Z-Wave Plus devices for automation with the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Security Panel.

Please note that up to 78 total Z-Wave devices can be paired with the PROA7PLUS, which includes 60 lighting modules, 6 garage door controllers, 6 door locks, and 6 thermostats. Any Z-Wave device used with the system will also be pushed over to Total Connect 2.0 for remote control, assuming that the PROA7PLUS System is monitored.

Our next topic involves communicator options for the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. The system comes with a built-in WIFI card for IP connectivity. This means that you can get it monitored and set up with AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0 right out of the box, with no additional add-ons. This is great for users who want low-cost IP-only alarm monitoring service from an Alarm Grid Bronze Plan or an Alarm Grid Silver Plan. But you should keep in mind that by doing this, your monitoring service and your safety will be dependent upon your internet connection. If you experience an internet outage, then your PROA7PLUS Alarm System will have no way of communicating signals to you or to a monitoring station.

That is why we strongly recommend upgrading to cellular communication. By installing a compatible cellular communicator inside the system. This will require upgrading to a more expensive cellular alarm monitoring plan, such as an Alarm Grid Gold Plan or an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan. But the advantage to doing this is that your system will stay connected with AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0 even during an internet outage. You may want to review this post that thoroughly outlines our monitoring plans for more information. Remember, our Gold and Platinum Plans include BOTH cellular AND internet, meaning that you can set up your PROA7PLUS with what is commonly referred to as dual-path connectivity.

We currently have two (2) cellular communicator add-on options for the PROA7PLUS, and they are outlined below.

Model	Notes
Honeywell Home PROLTE-A	AT&T LTE AlarmNet Communicator for Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS.
Honeywell Home PROLTE-V	Verizon LTE AlarmNet Communicator for Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS.

The last thing we want to discuss are some miscellaneous accessories that you can use with the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. These are just various replacement parts and add-ons that can improve your user experience. Some of the most notable products listed here are secondary keypads that you can use to control your security system from a second on-site location. This section also includes wireless external sirens that you can use to spread out your system's alarm sound across a larger area to ensure that everyone is alerted in the event of an emergency. These products don't really fit in with any other category, so refer to the notes to learn more about these devices. Without further ado, let's take a look.

Like always, if you have any questions about the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS or any of its accessories or add-ons, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a great email to use if you are interested in starting new monitoring service or if you simply want more information. Our technicians and security system planners are here to respond to incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is thrilled to announce that the brand-new Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera is now available! This is a state-of-the-art video doorbell camera that provides all the tools you need to monitor the front of your home and quickly and conveniently respond to anyone at your door.

There's so much to discuss when it comes to the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770. But a great place to start is with its recording capabilities. This fully functional doorbell camera has the type of specifications that you would expect out of a high-end security camera. It offers Full HD recording capabilities, with max resolution topping out at 1440 x 1920 pixels. Its High Dynamic Range (HDR) helps recordings appear deeper, while also allowing for superior color detail. And with an astounding Field of View (FoV) of 150° Vertical and 115° Horizontal, the doorbell camera will capture more activity in the front of your home so that you stay informed. It even has IR night vision of up to 15 feet for capturing high-quality and detailed footage in the dark.

What makes the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 even better is that it supports the use of Alarm.com Video Analytics. If you haven't heard about Video Analytics for Alarm.com, then you really are missing out. You can use Video Analytics to set up special recording rules and alerts based upon the type of activity that is detected. For example, you can easily set up a customizable detection zone that will trigger a video recording when a vehicle pulls into your driveway, but not when a person is walking by on the sidewalk. You can even set up multiple detection zones for added customization. For the ADC-VDB770, the video analytics feature will have the following limitations: One (1) Video Analytics recording rule can be set up per VDB-770, only Ground Zone rules can be created, and only people can be detected. You will most likely want to set up the Ground Zone rule directly in front of your door to detect a person as they approach. This is the ideal resource you need for producing video evidence of a package thief right in the act. Please note that the ADC-VDB770 does not have a conventional motion sensor, and it relies upon Alarm.com Video Analytics for all motion-based triggers and detection.

Of course, you will also receive alerts from the Alarm.com Mobile App on your phone whenever someone rings the ADC-VDB770 Doorbell. You can then connect to a live full portrait video of the person at the door and communicate with them in real-time using two-way audio. This is perfect whether you are away at the office or downstairs in your basement and don't feel like walking all the way upstairs to answer the door. If it's your friend, then you will know to let them in. But if it's just a pesky solicitor, then you can tell them you're not interested without having to go all the way to the door. This is super convenient, and it can really make your day-to-day life easier. You can even use this feature to prevent a possible burglary by answering the doorbell and appearing to be home if a potential intruder tries to ring the doorbell while you are away. Many intruders will first ring the doorbell to see if anyone is home, so this can really come in handy!

The Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 connects with your local WIFI network for pairing with the Alarm.com servers. WPS pairing is supported to make the process easy. One important thing to note is that if you do not have full video monitoring service for your Alarm.com account (e.g. if you are signed up with one of Alarm Grid's Gold Plans), then you will be restricted to using only one (1) ADC-VDB770 device with 1,200 monthly clips and 1,200 total clips. These limits cannot be increased unless you upgrade to full video service (e.g. an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan). If you have full video service with an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan, then the ADC-VDB770 will simply count towards you camera limit and your regular clip limits. More information about all our monitoring plans can be found here. The doorbell camera is eligible for Alarm.com Video Analytics, regardless of whether it is used with a non-video plan or a full video surveillance plan.

The Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 is available for purchase on our site now! If you have any questions about this new doorbell camera, including compatibility requirements, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to contact us at if you are interested in signing up for new monitoring service or upgrading your existing plan. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Just last month, we announced that we were offering the Linear GD00Z-7 Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Controller. Well that product was short-lived, as it has already been discontinued and replaced by the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Controller, which is now available on our site.

The GoControl and Linear brands are often used interchangeably. They are both used to identify automation offerings from Nortek Control, which is also the parent company of 2GIG. Whether the company decides to brand a product as GoControl or Linear usually isn't very important, as they basically represent the same product lineups from Nortek Control.

As you may recall, the various smart garage door controllers offered from Nortek through the years have usually been sold under the Linear banner. Some of these products include the Linear GD00Z-4, the Linear GD00Z-5 and, of course, the Linear GD00Z-7 that we mentioned earlier. From what we can tell, the introduction of the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC was only done to rebrand the product as GoControl instead of Linear. We say that because, from what we can tell, the Linear GD00Z-7 and GoControl GD00Z-8-GC are virtually identical, other than the name written across the front.

This isn't a bad thing though, as the Linear GD00Z-7 was an excellent product. All of the same great features return for the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC. It is a Z-Wave Plus garage door controller that is wired to your garage door motor. By pairing the device with your Z-Wave hub, you can open and close your garage door and check its current status remotely. This is done by using a compatible interactive automation platform for the Z-Wave controller, such as Alarm.com. You can also include it with smart scenes for automatic operation.

Just like its predecessors, the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC cannot check the open/close status of the garage door on its own. Instead, it interfaces with a tilt sensor that is installed on top of the garage door. This tilt sensor will relay status to the GD00Z-8-GC so that it knows whether the garage door is opened or closed. This tilt sensor comes included with the product, so you do not need to purchase one separately.

An exception to the above rule is if you wish to have the garage door monitored by your burglar alarm system. The tilt sensor that comes included only conveys the garage door status to the GD00Z-8-GC, not to the alarm panel being used. So, if you want to monitor the state of the garage door as a part of your alarm system, then you will need to purchase a separate, compatible garage door sensor.

Also returning to the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC is the ability to utilize the S2 Security Protocol with Z-Wave Plus controllers that support S2. This security suite offers advanced levels of protection to keep your automation equipment safe. We recently did a great post on the S2 Security Protocol, which you can check out here. Keep in mind that the same compatibility restrictions of the older Linear and GoControl Garage Door Controllers also apply to the GD00Z-8-GC. This means that you cannot interface the unit with the Honeywell Lyric or the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels. Make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

If you want to check compatibility, or if you have any other questions about the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC2 or monitoring service in general, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our business hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our team came across an interesting website that seems to suggest that there will be a new alarm panel from Nortek Control and 2GIG in February 2021. The 2GIG Edge is expected to be a cutting edge (pun intended) wireless security system, with all of the latest features and capabilities.

On the 2GIG Edge Website, we are only presented with small glimpses of the 2GIG Edge Panel. The system appears to be black in color. This is in contrast to the older 2GIG Panels, which have all been white. The user interface (UI) looks to be completely redesigned from the 2GIG GC3e and 2GIG GC2e. It's too early to make any guesses, but 2GIG may be finally introducing more intuitive end user programming to make their systems more accessible.

It's hard to make many interpretations from the little information we're presented, but there are some takeaways. The upper-right corner has the 2GIG logo, which will likely be a button for accessing menus, system settings, and programming. We also see a gear icon in the bottom-right corner, which should have a similar function. Directly to the left of the gear icon is a button that we think might be used for accessing different system partitions.

The bottom-left corner has a red asterisk (*), and we expect that to open a panic menu for use in emergencies. The center of the main screen has large buttons that will likely be used for arming, disarming, and performing smart home functions. At the panel's bottom, there is a large speaker that should provide chime and voice annunciation functionality. We also see a prominent camera at the top of the panel's front, and we're excited about what that entails.

Also on the main screen are displays for time, date, and a local weather forecast. There is also an LED light in the upper-right corner. Our guess is that this light will change color to indicate the current system arming status. One observation is that the panel appears to be very thin, and it should be extremely unobtrusive when mounted on a wall. We have no word on how power will be provided to the system or what type of backup battery will be supplied.

We reached out to 2GIG to try and obtain more information about the 2GIG Edge. We were informed that there will be inter-company training held in the near future, and more info should be available after that time. However, we were informed that the camera will support some type of facial recognition feature. This sounds similar to what is currently supported by the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. You can learn more about IQ2+ facial recognition right here.

A 2GIG representative was also able to confirm that the 2GIG Edge Security Panel will be compatible with Alarm.com, and it should be backwards compatible with non-encrypted 345 MHz sensors, including 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. No word on whether the 2GIG Edge will be backwards compatible with the encrypted 2GIG eSeries Sensors, or if it will have its own new lineup of encrypted wireless sensors.

Other questions we have about the 2GIG Edge include its display screen size, whether it will support the 700-Series of Z-Wave Plus and if its Z-Wave card will be replaceable, whether a cellular communicator will come built into the system and if there will be some options for 5G cellular connectivity, and whether the system will be able to interface with various automation platforms. We would love to see another Apple HomeKit-compatible system!

The 2GIG Edge website has a countdown timer that we assume represents the release date of the system. According to the countdown timer, the panel should be released in very early February 2021. That's just a few months away, so it's fair to get a little bit excited and hyped up for the release. Of course, that release date could change, especially considering the uncertainty of today's world. But right now, we're expecting the Edge by February 2021.

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures or detailed information about the 2GIG Edge at this time. But we do plan to follow up with 2GIG again soon to try and learn more. For now, you can email us at support@alarmgrid.com to submit questions. We will try our best to provide information about what we know. Keep in mind that we check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember to check out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring services. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have some new offerings from 2GIG that have just been added to our website. These include the 2GIG STZ-1 Z-Wave Plus 700-Series Thermostat, the 2GIG CO8 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor, and the 2GIG CO8e Encrypted Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor. All three are available as of now!

Starting with the 2GIG STZ-1, this is a smart thermostat that uses the latest Z-Wave Plus 700-Series technology. This represents the next generation of Z-Wave Smart Home Automation after the 500-Series of Z-Wave Plus. The 2GIG STZ-1 is actually one of the very first 700-Series Z-Wave Plus devices we have ever seen. You may also see this protocol referred to as Z-Wave Plus V2. Although we haven't encountered many 700-Series Z-Wave controllers or hubs quite yet, we are sure that they will begin to pop up before too long. This new generation of Z-Wave will provide even better battery life and wireless range capabilities than ever before.

For the time being, you will have no trouble using the 2GIG STZ-1 with Z-Wave Plus controllers like the 2GIG GC3e, 2GIG GC3, 2GIG GC2e, Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and Honeywell Home Tuxedo. However, 2GIG has stated that the STZ-1 Thermostat is not compatible with their older 2GIG Go!Control GC2, which only has a classic Z-Wave controller. Therefore, you may want to refrain from getting the 2GIG STZ-1 if your automation network is still centered around a classic Z-Wave hub. But the good news is that you can take advantage of advanced features like SmartStart QR Code Pairing and the S2 Security Protocol when using it with the latest Z-Wave Plus hubs.

The 2GIG STZ-1 is also no slouch when it comes to controlling an HVAC system. The thermostat supports 3-Stage Heating and 2-Stage Cooling, humidity and fan control, and the ability to be used without a "C" wire connection and rely solely on battery power. Like any Z-Wave thermostat, you can include the 2GIG STZ-1 with smart scenes so that it automatically begins heating or cooling your home or office on a set schedule. This is great for keeping energy costs to a minimum, while also ensuring that you stay comfortable!

Meanwhile, the 2GIG CO8 and the 2GIG CO8e serve as the latest carbon monoxide sensors from Nortek Control. The 2GIG CO8 joins the always popular 2GIG 345 MHz Sensor Lineup, while the 2GIG CO8e is part of the 2GIG eSeries Lineup of encrypted sensors. The 2GIG CO8 is a non-encrypted wireless sensor, and it is compatible with a wider selection of alarm systems, including all of the 2GIG Panels, the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the Honeywell Lyric on Firmware Version MR3 or higher. The 2GIG CO8e is only compatible with the 2GIG GC2e and GC3e, but it uses encryption for better wireless security and protection.

Whether you go with the CO8 or CO8e, you will be providing valuable carbon monoxide detection for your home or office. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is odorless and tasteless, and it kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. Most CO-related deaths occur in the winter months when heaters are more frequently used. With the winter quickly approaching us, now is a great time to get started using carbon monoxide sensors. You will have peace of mind in knowing that you and others around you will be alerted in case a CO gas situation occurs. And with central station monitoring service, help will be automatically sent to the location in the event of a carbon monoxide alarm. Remember to check out our monitoring page if you are interested in learning more about alarm monitoring.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG STZ-1 Thermostat, 2GIG CO8 Carbon Monoxide Sensor, or 2GIG CO8e Encrypted Carbon Monoxide Sensor, please email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is thrilled to announce that our Honeywell Lyric LTE Upgrade Kits now feature the Honeywell LCP500-24B 24-Hour Backup Battery. You can pick between the LYRICUPGRADE-A with AT&T LTE and the LYRICUPGRADE-V with Verizon LTE. Rest easy in knowing that your Lyric will stay connected!

Our Lyric LTE Upgrade Kits represent the ultimate option for anyone who wants to be sure that their monitored security system will always stay online and connected. These systems come with built-in WIFI and added communication modules that provide cellular backup. Even if your home or business experiences an internet outage, the cellular backup will keep your system reliably monitored. Cellular connectivity almost never goes down, so you will have peace of mind in knowing that you are consistently protected. This is crucial for receiving the most reliable and dependable alarm monitoring service available!

But these aren't just any cellular communicators. These are LTE cellular communicators that will receive network support for many years to come, possibly for even decades. As older 3G and CDMA networks are soon being shut down in an event commonly referred to as the 3G Sunset, users are being urged to upgrade to LTE as soon as possible. The term LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution", and cellular companies like AT&T and Verizon have promised to support their LTE networks well into the very distant future. These networks are expected to remain running as important backups to the 5G networks, which you have likely heard about. With an LTE communicator like those included in these kits, you won't have to worry about making any communication upgrade to your Lyric any time in the foreseeable future.

The new change to these LTE upgrade kits is that they now include a 24-hour backup battery instead of the prior 4-hour backup battery. Your Lyric Security System will rely on this backup battery to stay running when the electricity is out and AC power is unavailable. The backup battery represents the last line of defense for a security system in staying powered on and connected for monitoring service in these crucial moments. Being able to keep your Lyric Alarm Panel running and connected for 24 hours versus 4 hours will give you much more confidence and peace of mind when a sudden power outage occurs. And even during an extended outage, your home or business will be protected. This is the perfect complement to LTE cellular connectivity, which works perfectly when your internet router is down and unable to provide WIFI service for your system.

Of course, these kits wouldn't be complete without the state-of-the-art Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. This security panel includes a full-color 7-inch touchscreen display, support for up to 128 panel zones, the ability to interface with Honeywell SiX Series Sensors that use military-grade 128-bit AES encryption, built-in Z-Wave capability for smart home devices, and full compatibility with Apple HomeKit, the robust and powerful automation platform for iOS users.

Both the Honeywell LYRICUPGRADE-A and the Honeywell LYRICUPGRADE-V come with a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Alarm System with plug-in transformer, an LTE communicator, and a fully prepared Honeywell LT-Cable for conveniently providing system power. Whether you choose the LYRICUPGRADE-A with AT&T LTE or the LYRICUPGRADE-V with Verizon LTE will not make much of a difference. This decision will have no impact on your monthly monitoring costs, and we have found both cellular networks to work great when adequate signal coverage is obtained. Just go with the network that provides the most reliable and consistent coverage in your area. If you aren't sure, coverage maps are widely available. Remember that this decision has nothing to do with your personal phone. You can have an AT&T Phone and get a Verizon Communicator for your system, or vice-versa.

Also keep in mind that you will need a cellular monitoring plan to take advantage of all the cellular communication capabilities of your new Honeywell Lyric LTE Security System Kit. Examples of compatible monitoring plans include the Gold and Platinum Plans from Alarm Grid. We advise checking out our monitoring page for more information about signing-up. And if you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com for extra assistance. We check our email during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get started with your new Lyric System!

Update: These kits no longer include the 24-hour battery. They once again include the standard Lyric 4-hour battery. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are happy to announce that some new products are available on our site. The Linear GD00Z-7 Garage Door Opener and the Alarm.com ADC-SWM150 Smart Water Valve and Meter can both be purchased from Alarm Grid. Both devices use Z-Wave Plus technology for communicating with a compatible hub.

Starting with the Linear GD00Z-7, this new Z-Wave Plus unit replaces the older Linear GD00Z-5 model previously offered on our site. This new unit connects with a compatible garage door motor to provide smart control for the connected garage door. You can open and close your overhead garage door using an interactive service platform like Alarm.com, and you can also include the device with smart scenes for automation operation.

Unlike previous models, the new Linear GD00Z-7 can utilize the S2 Security Protocol when it is paired with a Z-Wave Plus controller that supports the protocol. This is only available on the most advanced Z-Wave controllers, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus once the Z-Wave Firmware is upgraded to Version 6.81.03. It is also backwards compatible with most other Z-Wave controllers, where it will simply use the older S0 Protocol. However, it cannot be used with the wireless Honeywell Panels. Any Lyric or LYNX Touch owner should still get the Honeywell GDCK, which is also sold by Alarm Grid.

As for the Alarm.com ADC-SWM150, it is a complete smart water valve and meter that can be used for both controlling water flow and monitoring water usage for energy monitoring and consumption purposes. Once installed, the unit detects leaks of any size in the building, and you can access it remotely to shut off the main water supply in the event of a leak.

If you have ever experienced a flood or serious water leak, then you know how costly of a situation it can become. Being able to shut off the water flow remotely can really come in handy when time is of the essence. Many users will pair the ADC-SWM150 with one or more flood detection sensors and build smart scenes to have the water shut off automatically once a sensor is triggered.

The difference between the ADC-SWM150 and the previously released ADC-SWV100 is that the new ADC-SWM150 also includes an advanced water meter for tracking water usage and flow. If a leak occurs, whether it be from a burst pipe or a dripping faucet, you can see the information on the mater. Also included with the ADC-SWM150 is the ability to use the S2 Security Protocol when paired with a compatible Z-Wave Plus controller.

Both the Linear GD00Z-7 and the Alarm.com ADC-SWM150 are available now from the Alarm Grid website. If you have any questions about either of these products, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We check email during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

After much anticipation Firmware Version 2.5.3 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is now available! This update brings support for the PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter, as well as some other new features. Everyone with an IQ Panel 2 is encouraged to download the update as soon as possible.

Support for the DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter is the biggest new addition for Firmware Version 2.5.3. We covered the PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter extensively in a post last month. But just as a quick recap, the device allows to you to connect hardwired sensors so that they can communicate with the IQ Panel 2 Plus wirelessly across the PowerG protocol. This is an excellent way to upgrade from an older hardwired system, as it can prevent you from having to purchase entirely new wireless sensors.

The PG9WLSHW8 also includes all the benefits of PowerG. This includes a wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ2+ in an open air environment, military grade 128-bit AES encryption, and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology for added protection. Up to eight (8) hardwired zones are built into a single converter, and you can use up to two (2) of the PG9WLSHW8 units per IQ2+ System. The unit even offers support for 2-wire or 4-wire smoke detectors, plus a 700mA supervised output for adding a wired siren.

Of course, IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.3 includes a huge bundle of other new features and functions. Even if you don't plan on adding a DSC PG9WLSHW8 unit, there are still many other reasons to receive the upgrade. We'll touch on all the other new additions below.

The IQ2 system now has Panel Ambient Noise Detector settings to adjust noise threshold and duration. Qolsys added this feature with MDU settings where noise complaints are a concern. The feature can be used in-place of the panel's built-in glass break sensor. Alarm.com is planning to add back-end support for this feature sometime in the future.

Alarm.com commercial customers will be able to take advantage of their Smarter Business Temperature Monitoring (SBTM) service plan, which is used in conjunction with the DSC PG9905 PowerG Temperature Sensor. The SBTM service plan allows for 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and historical temperature reporting. It is designed with businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies in mind. Alarm Grid customers with Alarm.com commercial accounts can contact us for more information. In addition, the IQ2+ can now display a trouble condition when an external probe is disconnected from the DSC PG9905.

If you use Alarm.com for solar energy monitoring, then you will be pleased to know that IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.3 offers the ability to provide information from your solar inverter right on your security panel! Solar inverter units from SolarEdge and Enphase are supported. Please see this prior blog post for more info about Alarm.com Solar Monitoring.

Thinking ahead, Qolsys has made Firmware Version 2.5.3 compatible with future Z-Wave 700-Series daughter cards. The 700-Series of Z-Wave will represent the successor to Z-Wave Plus, also known as the Z-Wave 500-Series. Like all new iterations of Z-Wave technology, the 700-Series will allow for extended range and battery life when used with a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub. We hope to see 700-Series Z-Wave devices enter the market sometime in the not-so-distant future. Qolsys also made improvements to the IQ2 Z-Wave Diagnostics Map when using the Z-Wave 6.81 SDK to include RSSI values, as well as the ability to move automation device on the Diagnostics Map.

Some new 500-Series Z-Wave Plus devices are now supported by the IQ Panel 2. Most notably, these include Z-Wave switches from Eaton. Newly supported models include the RF9601, RF9617, RF9640-N, and RF9642-Z. It's good to see Qolsys increasing their support of compatible Z-Wave devices, and we have heard particularly nice things about the Z-Wave switches from Eaton and Cooper.

You can now disarm from the main IQ Panel 2 during the Exit Delay if the arming session was initiated from an IQ Remote, PowerG Keypad, or key fob device. Qolsys also added three (3) new Sensor Groups for keypads, key fobs, and panic switches. These new Sensor Groups include (3) Mobile Silent, (5) Fixed Silent Auxiliary, and (7) Mobile Silent Auxiliary. These new Sensor Group options should add some more versatility for these devices. And as for the Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad, it now has the ability to pair with IP routers using the Protected Management Frame (PMF) protocol.

There are some new changes to the Easy Install Wizard that loads upon booting up the system for the first time. A new drop-down option will allow you to select one of (13) languages for the setup wizard. There is also a new page in the wizard with QR links for you to scan using the camera on your Android or iOS phone to quickly download the Alarm.com Mobile App. Also added to the Easy Install Wizard are new help screens that provide more information on how to pair and test door and window contacts and motion detection sensors.

Some general improvements to the system's PowerG firmware have also been bundled with Firmware Update 2.5.3. The PowerG Modem Firmware is now Version 2.38. There is now support for Fire Trouble and Dirty Detector Trouble on the IQ2 and ADC when DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke Detectors are used. Proximity tag support is now supported with the Visonic PowerG Wireless Keypads (models KP141 and KP241). And the Alarm.com back end can now show the "Not Networked" status for PowerG Sensors in the Event History. This occurs when a PowerG device is enrolled with the panel, but then fails to complete the network association and goes into RF sensor failure.

There are also some changes affecting certain PowerG Door and Window Contact Sensors. For the DSC PG9309 and DSC PG9312, both the reed switch and the auxiliary input can be disabled during disarm. The same also applies to the auxiliary input on the DSC PG9945. The purpose of this is to extend the battery life on high traffic doors. Additionally, the PG9945 and PG9309 can be learned-in with the IQ2+ twice. One zone will be for the sensor's internal reed switch, which the other will be used with the auxiliary input.

Other miscellaneous features have been added as well. LiveAnswer is now supported on the IQ2 for security cameras with non-standard aspect ratio streaming. New languages of German, Danish, Portuguese, Hungarian, and Romanian have all been added to the IQ Panel 2. The IQ2 will also now provide audible and visual indication of dual-path failures when the EN Grade 2 Setting is enabled. A change to the Swinger Shutdown feature has been made so that once a sensor reaches its Swinger Shutdown limit, a subsequent sensor event will tell the IQ2 to send an event notice to Alarm.com. Lastly, various improvements to the system have been made so that the IQ2 meets the EN50131-1 Standard.

Now that we have covered all of the new features included with Firmware Version 2.5.3, we can cover the process for upgrading your IQ Panel 2. Qolsys did things a little bit different this time. In order to download 2.5.3, your IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus must be running a firmware version between 2.0.1 and 2.4.2. Do not attempt to download 2.5.3 if your IQ Panel 2 is running Firmware Version 2.5.0 or 2.5.1. If your IQ2 is on one of those firmware versions, then you must upgrade in stages by upgrading to Firmware Version 2.5.2 first, and then upgrading to Version 2.5.3. More information on upgrading to 2.5.2 can be found here.

If you need to check the firmware version for your panel, click the small grey bar at the top of the screen, and choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default 1111) > About > Software. You should see the firmware version displayed. The panel in the picture below is already on 2.5.3.

Once your IQ2 is on a firmware version of 2.0.1 to 2.4.2, or is on Firmware Version 2.5.2, then you can begin upgrading the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.3. To begin, make sure your panel is monitored and connected with the Alarm.com servers via WIFI. The panel should be plugged into its AC outlet, and it should not have a low-battery condition.

When ready, you can perform the update by clicking the small grey bar at the top of the screen and selecting Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.3 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. Then press OK when prompted. It will take about five (5) minutes for the update process to complete. The panel will reboot as part of the update process.

If you have any questions about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, please reach out to us. Also remember to check out this post to learn more about our monitoring plans for gaining access to Alarm.com. The best way to contact us with questions about the IQ Panel 2 System or alarm monitoring in general is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is thrilled to offer the brand-new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad! This sleek and modern keypad serves as a touchscreen controller for your Honeywell VISTA, while also providing Z-Wave Plus home automation capabilities. This will truly bring out the full potential of your VISTA Panel!

The new Resideo Tuxedo represents the third generation in the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Series. The original Honeywell Tuxedo Touch, the Honeywell Tuxedo Touch WIFI, and the Honeywell VAM have all been discontinued to make room for the new Resideo Tuxedo. While we are a little sad to see these classic products be sent off to the "product graveyard", we are extremely excited about this brand-new keypad and what it brings to the party.

If you are familiar with the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad that came out last September, then you will be pleased to learn that the new Resideo Tuxedo offers the exact same look and user interface (UI). In fact, the only difference between the two is the fact that the Tuxedo offers Z-Wave Plus functionality, while the 6290W is just a keypad for controlling the VISTA. With the Tuxedo, you get all of the same security functions from the 6290W (e.g. arming, disarming, bypassing zones), as well as awesome new home automation controls.

The great thing about a touchscreen keypad like the Resideo Tuxedo is that it can make your system much less intimidating and easier to control. This can be especially important for new users who are not used to working with a security system, especially one that uses a classic numeric keypad that requires specific knowledge to operate. The Tuxedo is easy to navigate, and the full-color menus can give a new user confidence in controlling their system. Most experienced users also appreciate touchscreen keypads just due to their overall ease of use.

You certainly have a great deal of automation devices that you can pair with the Resideo Tuxedo. Nearly any Z-Wave device can integrate with the keypad. You can add Z-Wave lights so that it looks like you're home while on vacation. A Z-Wave door lock can be helpful for letting your friend inside without getting up from the couch. And a Z-Wave thermostat can help you save a ton of money in energy costs, while still keeping your home comfortable. The unit supports up to 232 Z-Wave devices, so you're highly unlikely to run out of room. We recommend using exclusively Z-Wave Plus devices to build the strongest network possible.

WIFI connectivity returns to the new Resideo Tuxedo. The keypad uses its WIFI connectivity for communicating with Total Connect 2.0. You can access TC2 to control your programmed automation devices remotely from a mobile app or web browser. The WIFI connection is also how firmware updates are applied to the Tuxedo Keypad. You can alternatively use a wired ethernet connection instead of wireless WIFI, but come on, who's gonna do that? Just be aware that the Tuxedo is not an AlarmNet Communicator. You will still need a separate alarm communicator for your VISTA System and a monitoring plan to access Total Connect 2.0.

And there are many other features and specifications that we love about the new Tuxedo. This keypad and automation controller boasts a 7-inch screen with a 480 x 640 resolution. The thin-film-transitor (TFT) LCD screen is backlit, so you will have no trouble using it at night. Other features include voice and chime, a weather display, the ability to live-stream security cameras, Console Mode, a digital picture frame, and more!

You can buy the new Resideo Tuxedo Keypad from Alarm Grid right now. We are sure that you will love using this robust and powerful keypad in your home or office. It really has a nice modern look that can fit in nicely with any decor. This is truly a great way to improve upon a VISTA System. If you have any questions about the Tuxedo, or if you want to learn more about alarm monitoring, contact us via email at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email during our business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!