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Hi DIYers! Today we're taking a look at a classic Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor. The Honeywell 5820L Wireless Slim Line Door and Window Sensor is known for being one of the easiest to use and effective contacts around. Its slim profile makes it ideal for use with sliding doors and windows.

The 5820L provides the same function as virtually any wireless door and window sensor. But its long, thin profile makes it perfect for certain applications. The way that the sensor works is fairly standard. The sensor has an integrated reed switch, and it is installed alongside a separate magnet that comes included. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor and cause the internal reed switch to activate. The sensor will then send an alert to the alarm system. As a 345 MHz sensor, the 5820L will work with most wireless Honeywell and 2GIG Panels. It will also work with the new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz daughtercard.

What separates the 5820L from other 345 MHz contacts is its slim profile. This makes it exceptional for use with sliding doors and windows where a smaller sensor is needed. Even better is that the sensor is extremely easy to install by mounting it with double-sided foam tape. This means that no drilling or nails are needed to securely mount the sensor. And since the device uses a single AAA battery with an average battery life of 10 years, keeping the 5820L powered is a breeze. The one downside to the sensor is that it features are relatively short wireless range of about 150 feet. But a user can effectively double this range to 300 feet with the use of a Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater.

The Honeywell 5820L is available for purchase from Alarm Grid now. Protect your sliding doors and windows with this versatile sensor!

Hi DIYers! Since its inception in 2012, Alarm Grid has prided itself in being the premier no-contract option for home security. We believe that the no-contract model provides a better experience and greater flexibility for customers. Let's take a look at why no-contract monitoring is ideal.

No-contract alarm monitoring is exactly what it sounds like. It means that the customer is not locked into any contract, and they are free to terminate their monitoring service at any time. Alarm Grid also does not charge any fees for cancelling service. The only thing keeping a customer with us is the simple fact that we provide the best monitoring service and customer support at a fair price. If a customer no longer wants to receive monitoring service, or if they find another company who they believe can do it better, they can leave whenever they would like. It's this level of freedom and versatility that has helped make Alarm Grid what it is today.

At first glance, an alarm monitoring contract might not seem like a big deal. A customer might think that they can just wait out the duration of their contract and then take their system to a different alarm monitoring company later. Unfortunately, it isn't always this easy and simple. Some monitoring contracts can run for several years, and the only way to escape the alarm contract is usually to pay a potentially costly cancellation fee. Plus, many alarm companies use proprietary equipment that can only be used with that particular company. Or they may refuse to release the communicator or provide the Installer Code for the system if the customer leaves. Even if you received the panel for free, it might not do any good if the system only works with that company. Recently, we have even heard of monitoring contracts specifically stating that the company would not be legally required to release the communicator even after the alarm contract expires!

However, Alarm Grid does not play these games. The equipment that we offer is all non-proprietary. It can be used with any alarm monitoring company that is willing to register it. We also encourage our customers to use the default Installer Codes for their systems so that they are empowered. They won't get locked out of programming, and they will be able to take their system to a new monitoring company if they choose to do so. And if a customer ever does decide to leave Alarm Grid, we will absolutely release the communicator for their system so that it can be easily reused. This is your system, not ours. You are free to do whatever you would like with it.

The one thing Alarm Grid will never do is trap its customers. We know that our service is the best, and we don't need to force our customers to stick with us. If an Alarm Grid customer wakes up one day and realizes that our service isn't for them, they are free to leave. We won't hold it against them. But they won't have that level of freedom with alarm monitoring companies that use contracts.

Make the smart choice. Choose Alarm Grid no-contract monitoring so that you are in control of your monitoring service. We're sure that you'll love what we have to offer. And if you don't, then you can leave at no cost. Please check out our monitoring page for more information about our no-contract monitoring plans.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that Lutron Smart Lighting Devices are now available for purchase on the Alarm Grid website. Lutron is one of the leaders in smart lighting and home automation. Their products are perfect for users who want to achieve an automated home lighting setup.

Lutron uses its own smart wireless communications protocol that is different from WIFI and other home automation signals like Z-Wave. The Lutron signal is specifically designed to not interfere with these communication signals. We have found that the Lutron wireless protocol is one of the most reliable and consistent signals for use with smart lighting and home automation. These devices can truly make a user's life easier, giving them complete and total control of their lights.

The centerpiece of a Lutron Smart Lighting System is the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. This is what makes remote access and control possible for a Lutron device. All Lutron Lighting Devices will integrate with this central hub for access and control. Some of the smart home assistants and platforms that can be used with Lutron include Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Nest and Sonos. Whenever a command is sent out through one of these platforms, it will first pass through the Lutron Bridge before being forwarded to the specific device. Voice commands for Lutron Devices are possible when used with Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Some of the Lutron Devices that can connect with the Lutron Smart Bridge include the Lutron In-Wall Light Dimmer Switch for hardwired lights (no travel wire required) and the Lutron Plug-In Lamp Dimmer Module for lamps and floor lights. These devices can all be controlled remotely from virtually anywhere using the Lutron App or Apple HomeKit. They can also be operated by on-site users by using a Lutron Pico Remote. There's also an audio Pico Remote specifically designed for use with Sonos Sound Systems. And with the Lutron App, a user can even have their lights activate based on the Geofencing location of their smartphone!

By using a Lutron System with a Honeywell Lyric Controller (MR7 firmware update required) and Apple HomeKit, a user can even have their Lutron Devices activate with certain security events. For example, a might have all of their Lutron Smart Lights set to turn on when they return home and disarm their Lyric Alarm System. This is the best way to integrate a Lutron Smart Lighting System with a home security system.

Please note that Lutron integration with Alarm.com is only possible with the L-BDGPRO2 Smart Bridge PRO. If you are looking for the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 that can integrate with Alarm.com, it can be purchased here.

Lutron Products are available now on the Alarm Grid site. Obtain a robust and complete smart lighting setup for your home!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the 2GIG PANIC1-345 Panic Switch for use with the 2GIG GC2 and GC3 Alarm Systems. This device has many possible applications, but it is most commonly used as a medical alert device. It provides a quick and easy way to request emergency help.

It can be very concerning and scary to leave an elderly or disabled relative in their home alone. However, these people will often want to live as independently as possible and be able to take care of themselves. A panic switch like the 2GIG PANIC1-345 provides an ideal solution for these situations. If the user experiences a fall or medical emergency, they can quickly and conveniently get the help they need, even if nobody else is around.

The device can be conveniently activated by pressing and holding the large central button for 2 complete seconds. Having to press and hold the button prevents any false alarms from occurring due to accidental button prices. The red LED light on the device will activate after holding the button for 2 seconds, letting the user know that the signal has been successfully transmitted to the alarm system.

The PANIC1-345 is easy to set up with a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 or GC3 System as a medical alert device. This is usually a Sensor Type of (08) 24-Hour Auxiliary Alarm. With this setting, an alarm will be immediately sent out to the central station once the device has been activated. However, no siren or strobe will be set off during this time. The central station will then know to send out emergency medical dispatch to the residence immediately. Alternatively, the device can be programmed for police or fire dispatch if desired.

The device comes with a sensor clip and accessories for wearing the device as a wristband or lanyard. It is lightweight and water-resistant, allowing the user to keep it on their person at all times. This makes it perfect for users who might forget to put on the device after getting out of bed or bathing. However, the device should not be fully submerged underwater. But it is durable enough for reliable daily use. The battery inside the PANIC1-345 has a lifespan of about 2 years before requiring replacement.

The PANIC1-345 is available on the Alarm Grid website. Protect your loved one and help them live independently with this easy-to-use and convenient device.

Hi DIYers! As you know, we love the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Alarm System. It is definitely one of the most robust and advanced security systems available on the market today. But a feature that is sometimes overlooked is the built-in glass break sensor that is integrated with the system.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 internal glass break sensor functions in basically the same manner as any other standalone glass break sensor. It will actively listen for the sound of breaking glass and trigger an alarm if it detects this type of sound while the system is armed. This is great for monitoring a window in case an intruder tries to break-in. Both the standard Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems contain this sensor.

The sensor must be activated from within the Installer Settings menu in order for it to be used. The internal glass break sensor is essentially treated as a wireless zone by the system. Once activated, the internal sensor will count towards the system's 128 available wireless zones. A user may want to keep this in mind if they use an extremely large number of sensors with their IQ Panel 2 System.

For the best possible detection, there should be no obstacles between the system and the window. The recommended distance between the panel and the window is from 3 to 15 feet. The internal glass break sensor will only be active when the system is armed and receiving power from its plug-in DC transformer. Depending on the sensor's programming settings, a user can set the glass break sensor to be active when the system is set to Arm Away only or both Arm Away and Arm Stay. Both "Low" and "Normal" Sensitivity options are available.

Both the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems with an integrated glass break detector can be purchased from the Alarm Grid website. Protect your home or business with one of the world's best alarm systems!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the 2GIG SP1 Wireless Touchscreen Keypad for use with the 2GIG GC3 Security System. This keypad provides a secondary point of access for a GC3 Panel, and it offers virtually all of the same operation functionality and controls as the GC3 itself.

The GC3 System is already known for its bright colors and responsive touchscreen controls. This makes the system a joy to use for end users. But what if a user wants to control their system from a second location. That is where the 2GIG SP1 comes in. Previously, the only touchscreen keypad option was the 2GIG SP2. This was fine, but the SP2 didn't provide all of the features and conveniences available with the actual GC3 System. But the SP1 made it possible for users to get nearly all of the same functionality and performance out of their secondary keypad that they get out of their GC3 Alarm Panel. In fact, the only thing that the SP1 can't do is make changes to system programming.

At first glance, the SP1 and SP2 keypads might seem very similar. Both devices feature a 7-inch full-color touchscreen display, can be mounted on a wall or a desk (with 2GIG CP-DESK), WIFI connectivity, basic security controls, the ability to check current system and sensor status, bypassing capabilities, and chime functionality. This makes both devices highly capable secondary keypads. And if a user only requires basic functionality for a secondary controller, they will usually do just fine with the SP2.

But the SP1 goes above and beyond by offering features not available with the SP2. The SP1 is capable of voice annunciation for verbally announcing any zone that has been faulted. It also offers smart home automation control so that a user can control their Z-Wave devices directly from the keypad, without having to go to the GC3 System itself or pull up the Alarm.com Mobile App. This includes the ability to execute any Z-Wave Smart Scenes that have been established. The SP1 also provides the current weather data so that the user can get a quick look at the local forecast.

The SP1 and SP2 can both be purchased from the Alarm Grid website. Add a secondary keypad to your GC3 System and make your life more convenient!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're highlighting another outstanding PowerG accessory, the DSC PG9911B. This is a wireless outdoor siren that offers impressive functionality and tremendous versatility, while still being remarkably easy to use and set up. it is one of the best sirens available today.

Traditionally, adding a siren to an alarm system wasn't necessarily an easy task. Most sirens had to be hardwired to the system and set up with a power supply and relay. Wireless sirens made the installation process much easier, as they only need to be mounted and programmed with the panel. But unfortunately, the initial wireless sirens didn't offer the same performance as hardwired sirens. And many of them couldn't be used outdoors.

But the DSC PG9911B proves that it is possible for a wireless siren to be both powerful and versatile. The PG9911B packs a serious punch with its 110 dB noise rating. This is about as loud as your average rock concert. Everyone will hear this siren activate, even in a large industrial complex. Bottomline, it is powerful. This makes the PG9911B excellent for increasing the volume of your current setup.

Also included with the DSC PG9911B is blue strobe light for providing visual indication of an alarm event. The strobe is extremely bright, and it grabs the user's attention to let them know that there is a serious problem that requires them to evacuate immediately. This is great for letting any hearing-challenged occupants know about the alarm occurrence. It makes the perfect complement to the 110 dB sounder.

And like any PowerG device, the versatility of the PG9911B second-to-none. It has a direct line-of-sight signal range of roughly 2 kilometers. That's more than 6,500 feet away from the alarm system! If that's not enough, the range can be effectively doubled with the DSC PG9920 Wireless Repeater. Since all PowerG devices are protected by 128-bit AES encryption the PG9911B is nearly impossible to hack or take over. It is indeed one of the most secure wireless devices available today. And its IP55 waterproof rating will allow it to stand up to whatever nature can dish out.

The DSC PG9911B Wireless Outdoor Siren can be used with any PowerG-compatible alarm system. This includes the all-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. You can purchase the DSC PG9911B from Alarm Grid now. Get yours and boost the siren for your system!

Hi DIYer! As you probably know by now, we're huge fans of PowerG Sensors. We figured it was time we started highlighting some of the best equipment from the PowerG sensor lineup. And what better place to start than an excellent door and window contact? Today, we present the DSC PG9975.

There are many reasons to be impressed with PowerG technology. Most notable is the insane range of PowerG Sensors. In open air, a PowerG Sensor will communicate from up to two kilometers away from the alarm system. This is roughly four times the range of a traditional wireless sensor. And since they are protected by 128-bit AES encryption, PowerG Sensors are extremely secure and almost impossible to take over.

The PG9975 fits these functions into an ultra-thin device that is less than 8 millimeters thick. The full dimensions for the device in inches are 2.45"" x 1"W x 0.3"D. This makes the PG9975 extremely unobtrusive when used. It's no wonder that it is often referred to as a "vanishing" door and window sensor; you won't even know it's there! The device can be easily mounted with screws or with the double-sided foam tape that comes included. No installation tools are needed if using double-sided foam tape. Also included is a 3V CR2032 lithium battery that has an average life of three years.

The sensor operates in virtually the same manner as any other door and window contact. The sensor is installed on the door or window frame, and the included magnet is secured on the door or window itself within a quarter-inch of the sensor. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate, telling the sensor to alert the system. The system will then perform the programmed Response Type for that zone.

As a PowerG Sensor, the DSC PG9975 communicates at a wireless frequency of 915 MHz, and it will work with any compatible alarm system. This includes the brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus. You can purchase the DSC PG9975 from Alarm Grid. Get yours today!

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, the cameras below are for video only:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi DIYers! Today we're highlighting the Qolsys IQ Siren. This easy-to-use system add-on is great for IQ Panel 2 users who want to increase the siren volume for their system. The device communicates using Z-Wave Plus technology, and it is offers exceptional functionality and versatility.

There are many advantages to using a Qolsys IQ Siren. The most obvious is that it will increase the siren volume for the IQ Panel 2 Security System. The internal siren for the IQ Panel 2 is 85 dB, the minimum volume level for an alarm system. But the IQ Siren is rated at an astounding 105 dB. This is the volume equivalent to a jackhammer or a helicopter. Once the IQ Siren has been activated, everyone in the building will be made immediately aware of the emergency.

The great thing about the IQ Siren is its ease-of-use. Wired sirens can be tricky to install with wireless alarm panels, and extra equipment is usually required. But the IQ Siren can be installed by simply plugging it into a standard wall outlet. From there, it can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2 System in the same manner as any standard Z-Wave smart home device. Should the power go out, the IQ Siren will still be able to activate thanks to its 430 mAh rechargeable lithium backup battery.

In addition to the 105 dB sounder, the IQ Siren also includes a built-in strobe light for providing a visual indication of an alarm. This can be good for hearing-challenged or deaf users. Since the IQ Siren is a certified Z-Wave Plus device, it will serve as a viable repeater for other Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices. Remember, it's always smart to add new Z-Wave devices to strengthen your Z-Wave mesh network!

At just 3.25" tall and 1" deep, the siren is unobtrusive, and it will only require a single wall outlet. And of course, it's compatible with the brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems! This makes the siren an exceptional add-on for any Qolsys user who wants to easily and effectively increase their system's siren volume.

The IQ Siren is available for purchase right now from Alarm Grid. Get yours today!