Resideo Posts

At roughly 9:45 PM on Wednesday March 11, 2020, the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers and the Total Connect 2.0 platform experienced some technical difficulties. Users were unable to control their systems through the Total Connect 2.0 platform. These issues were later restored at roughly 2:25 AM.

We would like to apologize for any issues that this may have caused, and we expect all Total Connect 2.0 services to work as normal. If you are still experiencing issues, we recommend emailing our support team at support@alarmgrid.com immediately. Remember that we are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We will provide a further update if these issues reemerge, but we anticipate no further issues.

Update: Resideo reports that there may still be some lingering issues for some users. However, we have tested our systems and found them to be working fine. Please contact us for assistance if you are still experiencing problems. We expect these issues to be fully resolved shortly.

2nd Update: Resideo reports that the issues have been fully resolved. Please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com if you are still experiencing issues.

Those looking for a new outdoor motion sensor have a great new option available with the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2. This is an outdoor motion sensor with a max coverage area 30 by 40 feet and a 180° degree field of view. It is compatible with systems that support Honeywell 5800 345 MHz Sensors.

Many homeowners are concerned about unwanted activity occurring outside their homes. This can include someone lurking around the back yard or a person vandalizing property. Outdoor motion detection sensors are great for monitoring for this type of activity and making sure that no suspicious activities area occurs. Wireless outdoor motion sensors are perfect for detecting such instances and keeping the home safe. A single 5800PIR-OD2 can provide reliable detection coverage across a maximum area of 30 feet by 40 feet.

The Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2 is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that you can count on for monitoring your home's exterior. Like all passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, the 5800PIR-OD2 works by detecting the changes in infrared energy that occur with movement. This 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor works with a wide variety of panels and systems, including the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems, a Honeywell VISTA System with an added wireless receiver, the 2GIG Panels, and the 345 MHz Version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.

As an outdoor motion sensor, the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2 has an ingress protection rating of IP54. It offers a wireless communication range of 200 nominal feet. The sensor allows for both vertical and horizontal detection zone adjustments. User can increase or decrease the pulse count for the sensor to adjust device sensitivity. White light immunity helps ensure that the device can detect activity in any lighting environment. Other features include a big guard, anti-mask protection, a tamper switch, and an LED light for walk testing,

The Honeywell PIR-OD2 is available from Alarm Grid now! If you have any questions about this new product or any of our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that Total Connect 2.0 is experiencing some temporary issues. Users may be unable to perform security and automation functions during this time. They may also receive delayed notifications, and some notifications may not appear at all. But alarm signals are unaffected.

Resideo is working to fix this issues as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will update this post once we learn more. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember, alarm delivery services are not affected. The central station will still be notified about incoming alarms, provided that central station service is included in your monitoring plan.

Update: This issue has mostly been resolved. Total Connect 2.0 notifications may still be delayed, and users will be unable to correct the issue using the Sync Refresh button in the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App or website. We expect a complete fix shortly.

We have great news for Total Connect 2.0 users today, as Resideo has made it recently made it possible for a maximum of five (5) SkyBell Video Doorbell devices to a single Total Connect 2.0 account. SkyBell devices are still integrated with Total Connect 2.0 in the same manner as before.

If you are unfamiliar with SkyBell Doorbells, they are perfect for monitoring the front of your home and getting activity alerts. These devices conveniently connect with your home's WIFI network, and they can easily replace nearly any doorbell that uses a standard mechanical chime. There is also an adapter available that allows a SkyBell to replace a doorbell that uses a digital chime. Total Connect 2.0 can send updates to your phone whenever a SkyBell device detects motion or whenever someone rings the doorbell. You can also get updates through the native SkyBell app.

Previously, it was possible to only enroll a single SkyBell device with a Total Connect 2.0 account. Users wanting to integrate a second SkyBell device with Total Connect 2.0 needed to get a second account set up. But for many users that will no longer be necessary. And if you were hesitant about getting a second SkyBell because you didn't want to pay extra for an Alarm Grid Video-Only Account, well no you no longer need to worry about that. This is truly the perfect time for you to expand upon your existing SkyBell account.

You do not need true video monitoring service to start using SkyBell Cameras. As long as you have a Total Connect 2.0 account with the SkyBell feature enabled, you will be able to integrate up to five (5) devices with your account. You will need to have your monitoring company enable the feature. Alarm Grid will enable the feature at no additional charge for customers who use our monitoring services. Just contact us at support@alarmgrid.com if you need to have the feature enabled.

We understand that there are some Alarm Grid customers who have existing video accounts for the sole purpose of adding extra SkyBell device. There are even a few Alarm Grid customers with third and fourth accounts just for using extra SkyBell Cameras. The great news for these customers is that these extra accounts no longer necessary. We can deactivate your extra accounts if you have them and help you set up all your SkyBell devices into a single account, provided that you have five (5) or less SkyBell devices. If you fall into this category, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com.

We are also aware that there may be some customers who want to use more than five (5) SkyBell Cameras with a single Total Connect 2.0 account. Unfortunately, this is not possible. This 5 device limit is strict, and we have no way of increasing it. However, you can still use the same solution as before for adding additional SkyBell Cameras beyond the limit. You can add an additional Alarm Grid Video Monitoring Account, and you will be able to set up your additional SkyBell devices with that account. Each account will allow you to use five (5) additional SkyBell Cameras. If you want to use up to ten (10) SkyBell Cameras, you will need two (2) accounts. If you want to use 15 SkyBells, you will need three (3) accounts. And so on.

At this time, Alarm Grid only sells one (1) SkyBell Camera for use with Total Connect 2.0. This is the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM. That is the rectangular version of the SkyBell. The round model, the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM is discontinued and no longer sold by Alarm Grid. But if you come across the round model somewhere else, then you can certainly set it up for use with Total Connect 2.0. Just remember never to use an Alarm.com SkyBell with Total Connect 2.0 or the SkyBell App.

Keep in mind that SkyBell clips are stored on the SkyBell servers. They are not stored on Total Connect 2.0 or AlarmNet360. This means that SkyBell clips will not count towards your Total Connect 2.0 recording limits. They will also not count towards your security camera limits. If you already have Total Connect 2.0 Security Cameras set up, then you can add up to five (5) SkyBell devices without needing to change or remove any of your existing cameras. Remember that SkyBell video clips are available from the SkyBell servers for up to seven (7) days. After that, they are lost forever and no longer available. But it is possible to download and save any clip for permanent use. Just make sure you do so before the clip is deleted forever.

If you want to learn more about the SkyBell Cameras or our monitoring service for accessing Total Connect 2.0 using a Honeywell Security System, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We maintain support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that new Honeywell Lyric System Kits are now available! These new kits come included with Honeywell 5800MINI Door/Window Sensors, which are easy to enroll and install. Now is the perfect time to get started with a new Honeywell Lyric Security System!

Customers can choose between the Honeywell LYRIC5800PK Kit and the Honeywell LYRIC5800PK10 Kit. The LYRIC5800PK Kit includes three (3) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor. This is a good kit for a smaller home or an apartment where not many sensors are needed. If you have a larger home or business, then the LYRIC5800PK10 Kit is most likely the preferred option. That kit includes ten (10) door and window sensors and one (1) motion sensor. Of course, both kits can be easily expanded upon if needed. The Lyric supports 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Sensors, 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors, and 128-bit AES encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Sensors.

Previously, Alarm Grid offered Lyric System Kits that featured the VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contacts. The Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors offer the exact same performance, and they have an identical appearance. The only difference is that the Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors have a red circuit board, while the one for the VERSA-2GIG is yellow. But with the cover closed, you won't be able to see the difference. Both sensors enroll in the same manner, and they both provide excellent function as door and window contacts.

We have included some other accessories with these kits to help you get started. Both kits feature the Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor. This passive infrared (PIR) motion detection sensor offers a coverage area of 40 feet by 56 feet, and it provides pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 pounds. As this sensor is part of the SiX Series lineup, it utilizes 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless security. This military-grade encryption makes it nearly impossible for others to hack or takeover. And since the Lyric System supports up to 128 wireless zones, you will have no problem expanding on the system later if needed.

For monitoring service, the Lyric comes with a built-in WIFI card. This allows the system to connect with the AlarmNet360 Servers, provided that you obtain an appropriate monitoring plan. You should also make sure that your monitoring plan includes access to Total Connect 2.0, as that will really unlock some exciting features and capabilities for your system. By accessing TC2 through a web browser or mobile app, you can arm and disarm your system, control Z-Wave home automation devices, check system status and more. Speaking of Z-Wave, the Lyric Panel includes a built-in Z-Wave controller for adding devices like lights, locks and thermostats. You can create Total Connect smart scenes for automatic operation of these devices based on predetermined system events.

But perhaps the biggest benefit to the Lyric Alarm System is its ability to be used with Apple HomeKit. This is an interactive platform for iOS users that offers some impressive features when paired with a Lyric Alarm Panel. You can have your HomeKit devices respond automatically based on certain events of your Lyric System. And if you have a compatible HomeKit Hub, such as an iPad or an Apple TV, then you can control your Lyric System remotely using Siri voice commands sent from your iPhone. Simply put, this integration is awesome, and you will surely want to take advantage of it as much as possible! Just remember that you need to have the Lyric activated for monitoring service in order to enable it with Apple HomeKit.

We are sure that you will love your new Lyric System Kit. The panel is super easy to operate, and you will love its 7-inch full-color touchscreen display. And it looks great whether mounted on a wall or rested on a desk or table using the Honeywell LCP500-DK Desk Mount. If you have any questions about our new Lyric 5800MINI Kits, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring plans, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Resideo has discovered that certain Honeywell LTE-XV and Honeywell LTE-L3V Communicators have a firmware issue that makes them unable to appear in AlarmNet360. The affected communicators can still process signals and report to the central station. But these affected units must be replaced.

The Honeywell LTE-XV is a Verizon LTE Communicator for Honeywell VISTA Systems, while the Honeywell LTE-L3V is a Verizon LTE Communicator for Honeywell L3000 Systems. Only certain LTE-XV and LTE-L3V units are affected. The affected units will have a date code ranging from C305 to C365 or from D001 to D023. Modules outside of those listed dates are unaffected.

If you need to locate the date code for your LTE-XV or LTE-L3V, then it is very easy to find. You can locate the code on the inside of the module itself on the lower-left corner of the MAC sticker. Remember, date codes from C305 to C365 and from D001 to D023 may be affected. These date codes are associated with manufacture dates from November 2019 through January 2020.

Additionally, not all units within the aforementioned date codes are affected. If the communicator has a blue dot on the module or on the product packaging, then it is not affected. The images below show units with blue dots on the packaging, meaning they are not affected by the issue.

Keep in mind that these blue dots will also appear on the communicators themselves. Any communicator with a blue dot is unaffected and does not need to be replaced. Remember, this issue only affects LTE-XV and LTE-L3V units. Other AlarmNet Communicators are not affected.

If you have a Honeywell LTE-XV or Honeywell LTE-L3V without a blue dot on the packaging or on the module itself, check for the listed date code to see if your module is affected. More information on this issue can be found in this document provided from Resideo.

If you believe that you have an affected communicator, or if you need help locating the date code for the module, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We operate support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We're back with another weekly video recap! This time, we have four (4) new videos to show-off. All of them were uploaded right at the end of the week. Good for our video team for rallying! There are three (3) videos with Joe, and one (1) with Jarrett. Let's take a look at the videos!

Overview - Alarm.com Video Analytics

Joe bows before providing a helpful overview of Alarm.com Video Analytics. This is a feature offered with most of the newer Alarm.com Security Cameras, and it is something you will definitely want to take advantage of if you use Alarm.com for video monitoring. By using Video Analytics, you can have Alarm.com alert you for suspicious activity, while ignoring routine events that don't warrant your attention. Please note that you will need to have the feature enabled by your monitoring company that provides you with Alarm.com service.

Using a Honeywell 4219 Zone Expander on a VISTA-50P

Joe explains how you cannot use a Honeywell 4219 Zone Expander with a Honeywell VISTA-50P Security System. The Honeywell VISTA-50P is a polling loop system that can support addressable V-Plex Polling Loop Sensors when a compatible polling loop zone expander is added to the system. Only compatible polling loop expanders can be added to the VISTA-50P. You cannot add a regular hardwired zone expander like the Honeywell 4219. The Honeywell 4219 is for VISTA Low P-Series Panels only. Compatible polling loop zone expanders for the VISTA-50P include the Honeywell 4208SN and the Honeywell 4208U.

Demonstration of Glass Break Simulator

Joe shows you how to use a glass break simulator to test your glass break sensors. A glass break sensor will activate upon hearing the low-pitched "thud" of an object striking against glass, along with the high-pitched "shattering" of glass breaking. By using a glass break simulator, you can properly test your glass break sensors, without having to actually break any glass. This is the best way to test your glass break sensors. The glass break simulator Joe uses in this video is the Honeywell FG701.

Disabling the Internal Siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Scrublord Jarrett takes time out of his busy schedule to show you how to disable the siren for your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System so that it no longer activates. This will affect the system's internal sounder, as well as any external sirens you have added to the system. By disabling the siren, your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System will not make any sounds during alarm events. In order to disable the siren, you will need to know either the Installer Code or the Dealer Code for the system. These codes are 1111 and 2222 by default, respectively.

We recently discovered that Android users have the unique ability to set up customized sounds for Total Connect 2.0 Push Notifications. This is possible due to settings for the Android device itself. You can set up a different customized sound for each type of TC2 Push Notification.

As you most likely know by now, Total Connect 2.0 can send you text, email, and push alerts regarding system activity. In order for this to work, you must first set up the notifications within TC2. You must then make sure that the TC2 username you are using with your Android device is placed in the appropriate Notifications Group within TC2. Once everything is properly configured, you should begin receiving push notifications from TC2. More info on getting started is available here.

You can start setting a customized sound for each type of TC2 Push Notification after the app has sent you at least one (1) push notification for the type you want to work with. Different types of push notifications from TC2 include faulted sensors, system arming/disarming, alarm events, and more. The first step to setting a customized sound for a TC2 Push Notification is to accessing the Settings App on your Android device.

From there, choose the Notifications option, and locate the TC 2.0 App. You may need to click the "See All" option to find the app. Then press the button for the app to access the App Notifications Menu for Total Connect 2.0. Then select "Notification Channel Name" to enter the sub-menu for the Notification Category. You may notice that there are multiple Notification Channel Name category options. This is because each type of push notification from TC2 will have its own sub-menu for setting a customized sound, among other options. In our example below, we received two (2) unique push notifications from TC2 - one for sensors faulting, and one for system alarm events.

As you can see above, we set a customized sound called "Carnival" for one of our TC2 Push Notifications. You can choose whatever available sound you would like, and you can set a different one for each type of push notifications from TC2. We have found that this feature works great, and it is really cool to be able to hear a different sound for each type of push notification.

Remember, these options are configured entirely within the Settings Menu for the Android device itself. The only thing that Total Connect 2.0 is doing is sending out push notifications. It is the Android device that is taking those push notifications and playing whatever sound is set. Also keep in mind that if you do not have push notifications properly configured within the TC2 App, then you will not receive push notifications, and no sound will occur. Make sure that you are able to successfully receive push notifications from TC2 before trying to set a customized sounds.

If you do not yet have access to Total Connect 2.0 yet, then we recommend checking out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans that include access to the TC2 platform. If you have any questions about our monitoring plans, or if you need additional help setting up customized sounds, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Anyone looking to bring existing hardwired sensors to a new 345 MHz wireless system will be delighted to learn that we have reduced the price of the Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter to just $49.99. Now is the perfect time to buy this awesome wired to wireless converter module!

If you aren't familiar with the Honeywell 5800C2W or wired to wireless converters in general, then allow us to give you a quick lesson. A wired to wireless converter essentially replaces a hardwired alarm panel so that you can bring existing wired sensors over to a wireless system. Typically, a wired to wireless converter module will be installed in the previous location of the wired panel. All of the existing wired sensors will connect with this module. The wired to wireless converter can then transmit wireless signals to the new wireless panel on the behalf of these sensors. The wireless system will then recognize the wired sensors as wireless sensors.

In the case of the Honeywell 5800C2W, the module transmits signals at 345 MHz. This makes it compatible with any system that supports the 345 MHz wireless frequency. Systems that support this frequency include the Honeywell Lyric Controller, the 2GIG GC3e, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughtercard, among others. If you aren't sure whether or not your system supports 345 MHz signals, then you can always contact us for help.

Please note that while the Honeywell 5800C2W comes with its own transformer, you must provide your own cabling to make the connection. If you ever need to buy a new standalone transformer for your Honeywell 5800C2W, you can purchase one from us. The 5800C2W AC Transformer is sold under the part name Honeywell 300-07052. You will also need to provide your own backup battery to keep the 5800C2W running during an electrical outage. The UltraTech 1240 Battery is perfect for this task. The 5800C2W comes with a battery harness included for completing the connection.

Each wired sensor used with the 5800C2W will require its own wireless zone on the wireless panel. These zones are configured individually, so you will need to enroll each sensor one by one. The 5800C2W can support up to nine (9) zones. If you have additional hardwired sensors beyond that, then you will need additional 5800C2W units. You can use as many Honeywell 5800C2W modules as you need, as long as you do not exceed the total number of wireless zones on your panel. Please note that the 5800C2W does not support Zone Doubling. Additionally, life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors cannot be used with the Honeywell 5800C2W.

The Honeywell 5800C2W is now available from Alarm Grid for just $49.99. We are also excited to announce that our Honeywell 5800C2WPK Wired to Wireless Kit has also been reduced in price, and it is now available for just $65.99. Our Honeywell 5800C2WPK Kit includes a brand-new 5800C2W Converter, a power transformer, a Honeywell LT-Cable for connecting the transformer, an UltraTech 1240 Battery, and a battery harness for connecting the battery. And if you are looking to get started with a new system as well, you might consider our Honeywell LYRICC2WPK Kit. This system kit includes everything in the 5800C2WPK Kit, plus a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller and an additional LT-Cable for powering the panel. This is a truly amazing bundle that provides an excellent way to upgrade the old and outdated wired system in your home or business to a state-of-the-art wireless system that is an absolute joy to use.

If you have any questions about the Honeywell 5800C2W or any of our aforementioned kits, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And if you haven't signed up for monitoring service from Alarm Grid yet, make sure to check out our monitoring page to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: We have also reduced the cost of our certified refurbished Honeywell 5800C2W to just $39.99. If you want to learn more about our certified refurbished Honeywell products, please check this prior blog post.

One of our main principles at Alarm Grid is to always empower our customers. Anyone who has monitoring service with us should be able to make changes to their security system settings at any time they would like. This is an incredibly important value to us as a monitoring company.

When we come across features and settings that can make it more difficult for our customers to get into programming, we make sure to discuss these features and explain why we do not recommend using them. One such feature that we never recommend using is the Lyric Lock feature on the Honeywell Lyric System. This feature provides zero benefits from an end's user's perspective, and it can lead to wasted time and frustration if it is mishandled. We strongly advise always keeping Lyric Lock disabled so that accessing programming is kept as easy and as simple as possible.

The Lyric Lock feature requires the end user to get a generated code from their alarm monitoring company whenever they want to enter the programming menu their panel. This feature can only be enabled for a Honeywell Lyric Panel that is actively monitored and connected with the AlarmNet360 servers. If you try to enter programming on a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled, then you will be prompted to enter a validated code to gain entry. The Lyric System will connect with the AlarmNet servers to verify the correct code before granting access to local programming. If you are unable to provide the correct validated code, then you will never be able to enter programming.

Since there is no way to "backdoor" a Lyric System, having the Lyric Lock feature enabled will make it impossible for you to make system changes if your monitoring company refuses to provide you with the generated code. Some monitoring companies may refuse to provide the generated code as a means of restricting when the user can enter programming and what changes they are able to make. By doing this, the alarm company can limit what the end user can do at the panel, and they may make it impossible for the user to switch monitoring companies without buying a new system.

Only a monitoring company with access to AlarmNet360 can enable/disable the Lyric Lock feature. This isn't something that can be turned ON or OFF freely by end users. If you find that your Lyric System has the Lyric Lock feature enabled, then the company that is actively monitoring the system will need to disable the feature. This because only that monitoring company can access the associated AlarmNet360 account and turn the feature OFF. You can identify the feature as being enabled by seeing "Yes" under the Lyric Lock option after you enter your system's Installer Code when trying to enter programming.

If you are an alarm grid monitored customer, then we will never enable the Lyric Lock feature on your account. However, we sometimes come across prospective customers who have Lyric Panels that were previously monitored by other alarm companies. These other monitoring companies may have enabled the feature for one reason or another. Unfortunately, since we are not the ones with access to the AlarmNet360 account, we are unable to disable the feature in these situations. Only the monitoring company with access to the account can turn off the Lyric Lock feature.

We have one main piece of advice for anyone in possession of a Lyric System with Lyric Lock enabled. That advice is to contact Alarm Grid directly. We will point you in the proper direction for getting the feature disabled so that you may ultimately begin service with Alarm Grid. If your old alarm company refuses to disable the feature or ignores your request entirely, we may be able to work with Resideo directly to disable Lyric Lock on your panel so that you can enter programming. Remember, entering programming is an important step for taking over a Lyric System so that you can use it with a new monitoring company.

The best way to contact Alarm Grid if you need help dealing with the Lyric Lock feature is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will be happy to help you get into programming so that you can continue using your current Lyric System with Alarm Grid monitoring services. Make sure to provide us as much information as possible when emailing us so that we are able to provide you with top-quality support. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to working with you and helping you get the very most out of your security system.

Note: The Lyric Lock feature can also result in difficulties with defaulting Honeywell SiX Series Sensors so that they can be successfully brought over to a new Lyric System if needed. More information on the subject can be found in this detailed FAQ.