Service Announcements Posts

After much waiting and anticipation, Resideo has delivered the firmware update we have all been wanting for ProSeries Panels. ProSeries System Update Version 3.591.92.0 for PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC, PROA7, and PROA7C introduces local programming mode, as well as other system enhancements.

First, we want to cover how to receive the update. Only monitored ProSeries Systems can be updated. You must have your ProSeries System online and connected with the AlarmNet servers in order for the over-the-air (OTA) update to go through successfully. The system must be connected with a WIFI network, as the update cannot be sent across cellular. Remember that while the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC both come with integrated WIFI network cards, the PROA7 and PROA7C can only connect to WIFI if a PROWIFIZW or PROWIFI has been added separately.

As a one-time event Alarm Grid is planning to send down the new firmware update to all its monitored customers with ProSeries Panels sometime in the coming days. This OTA update is being done in one mass shot to try to update as many users as possible all at once. No special action should be required on your part. Just have your ProSeries Panel powered on and connected to WIFI. While this process isn't perfect, and there will inevitably be some users who miss out on the update for one reason or another, this is the best way for us to ensure that as many end-users as possible have their panels updated. Remember, we can only update ProSeries Systems that are actively monitored by Alarm Grid. If you have a different monitoring provider, then ask them to help you update your system.

If your automatic OTA update fails for whatever reason, or if you didn't have your panel ready at the time of the mass OTA update, then you can request that the update be sent down manually. Alarm Grid customers can email support@alarmgrid.com to request a manual OTA update. Please make sure that you have your ProSeries Panel powered on and connected to WIFI when we push down the OTA update, or else the update process will fail. Our support hours run from 9 am to 8 pm ET M-F, so keep that in mind when contacting us. Furthermore, we cannot push down a manual OTA update to your panel if you receive alarm monitoring service from a different provider. If you are monitored by a different company, then you should instead reach out to your provider for further assistance.

There are some big highlights here in ProSeries Firmware Update 3.591.92.0. Obviously, the elephant in the room is the introduction of local programming mode. Previously, users were forced to have all system programming completed remotely by their monitoring provider. This included basic system setup tasks like enrolling sensors and configuring zone settings. Not only will the introduction of local programming make activations easier for professional technicians, but it will also empower end-users and give them greater control over their systems. This is a huge deal, as it officially makes the ProSeries Panels DIY-friendly alarm systems.

There are other major introductions in ProSeries Firmware Update 3.591.92.0, though they are likely to be overshadowed by the introduction of local programming. Nonetheless, we are still very excited about these smaller, but still important, introductions. For one, there is a boost to system partitioning, as a common lobby partition option is now available. You can set Partition 3 or Partition 4 as the common lobby, depending on how many partitions are being used. The highest number partition will always be the common lobby, and you must have at least 3 partitions in order to enable the common lobby feature.

There are some principles to keep in mind regarding the lobby function. You cannot set both Partition 3 and Partition 4 as the common lobby. Only one can be the common lobby partition at any given time. The way that the common lobby partition works is that disarming any other partition will also disarm the common lobby partition. Additionally, if ALL other partitions are armed, then the common lobby will also automatically arm. The only way you can arm/disarm the common lobby partition independently is if all the other system partitions are in an armed state. All system users have authority over the common lobby partition. Finally, any 24-hour zones assigned to the common lobby partition will sound on keypads of all partitions, but you can only silence alarms and troubles from these zones using the common partition keypad. Any faulted zone in the common lobby partition will be automatically bypassed when the common lobby partition is armed, even if it is armed automatically due to all other partitions being armed.

The ProSeries Firmware Update 3.591.92.0 brings support for some upcoming PROSiX Sensors that we hope to have available on our site very soon. Specifically, we are talking about support for the PROSiX Wireless Repeater (PROSIXRPTR) and support for the PROSiX Wireless Heat (PROSIXHEAT).

A local alarm mode is now supported, meaning you can trigger a localized system alarm, complete with siren, but without the system reporting out. This can be good for scaring away on-site intruders, while also resting easy in knowing that the authorities will not be sent to the premises. This is basically how the system behaves if an intrusion alarm occurs on a system that is not being monitored. When local alarm mode is enabled, all communication to AlarmNet is halted, including access to Total Connect 2.0 features.

The panel will now provide severe weather alerts. This feature requires that the system is set up with Total Connect 2.0 and the corresponding weather package. Remember, this is only possible if the system is monitored and set up with Total Connect 2.0. Ask your monitoring company about receiving weather alerts on the panel.

If you are using the system in Canada, you can now use the PROTLE-CN Communicator. This communicator may be carried by Alarm Grid in the future. Alarm Grid is not provided with the option to sell the Resideo and Honeywell Home lineup of Canadian communicators, however, we can get potential customers in touch with a Canadian distributor. Once you obtain a PROLTE-CN elsewhere, then we will be able to set it up for monitoring.

On the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC only, you can now stream the live video feed for Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras and SkyBell Video Doorbell Cameras from both the Panel, as well as any PROWLTOUCH or PROWLTOUCHC Keypad. The PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC also now both support disarm photos from the PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC Keypads. Again, these two (2) features are for use with the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC only.

For all ProSeries Panels, there is backlight timeout improvement. You can now set the backlight timeout for a ProSeries Panel or a PROWLTOUCH/PROWLTOUCHC Keypad to Disable and have the screen go completely dark. This is instead of going to the "inactivity screen" that shows the weather, time & date, 1st thermostat temperature, partition arming status, panic icons, and CELL/WIFI/AC/BLE status.

Other updates include:

• You can now have Partition 1 Disarm automatically when a Z-Wave Door Lock is UNLOCKED.
• There are improvements to the 7-Day Z-Wave Thermostat Schedule on Total Connect 2.0.
• There is now optional device supervision for PROWLTOUCH & PROWLTOUCHC Keypads.
• The PROSIX Wireless Technology is now more accurate in displaying signal strength and remaining battery life.
• There is now improvement in enrollment range for PROSIXSMOKEV and PROSIXHEATV.
• There is now improved multi-language display on the PROSIXLCDKP Keypads.
• If you use a cellular communicator in Canada then you may notice Cellular Roaming Improvement.
• Updates to the ProSeries Cyber Security.
• The PROINDMV Indoor Motion Viewer and Z-Wave Devices are now supported during the AlarmNet360 Panel Replacement Process. This is only for the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC.

Are you excited about this new update? What do you think about local programming finally being available for the ProSeries Panels. Is there some other new feature that you're also really eager to check out. Let us know in a comment down below. And stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more news and updates coming soon.

There is an important key change coming to the way that Alarm.com Video Analytics are handled. Notifications for Alarm.com Video Analytics are now being as soon as a person, vehicle, or animal is detect. A notification will link to the live camera feed so that you can view the action.

This new change will apply to all new and existing Alarm.com Video Analytics recording rules. Previously, Alarm.com Video Analytics notifications were sent out once the associated video clip was fully uploaded. The one exception to the change is for email and SMS text message Video Analytics notifications that are specifically configured to "Attach a Video Clip" are still going to be sent after the video clip has been uploaded.

According to Alarm.com, the new method with the notification linking to the associated camera video feed will make it easier for users to quickly access the associated camera so that they can gain knowledge of the situation at-hand in a faster time period than they were able to previously. While this might seem like a relatively small change here, it will actually have a pretty big impact on Alarm.com Video Analytics and how they are used.

Remember that Alarm.com Video Analytics are based around Video Analytics Rules. If you want to add a new Video Analytics Recording Rule through the Alarm.com Website, then start by logging into your Alarm.com account through a compatible web browser. Choose Video on the left-hand side, then Recording Rules, followed by Add New Rule, and then Video Analytics. Remember that your alarm monitoring provider must have enabled both video monitoring and Video Analytics on your account before you will be able to do this. Alarm Grid customers must have a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or an Alarm Grid Video-Only Plan to use any form of Alarm.com Video Analytics.

Do you have any thoughts on this seeming small, yet major change to Alarm.com Video Analytics notifications? Share your viewpoint in a comment down below. Maybe you like this change, because it will allow you to access your cameras more quickly? Or maybe you think that Alarm.com should have just left things alone. In any case, we would love to see some discussion. And don't forget to to stay tuned to our blog for more security news coming soon.

Alarm.com users are likely already aware of their ability to protect their accounts using two-factor authentication (2FA). Now Alarm.com is expanding their 2FA offerings to allow the use of third-party authenticator apps. This is a great new option for keeping your ADC account secure.

By adding an additional layer of security to your Alarm.com account through the use of two-factor authentication, you can prevent malicious intruders from accessing your account and your Alarm.com Security System, through your username and password alone. Existing 2FA methods allowed users to verify their identities from an email or text message. Alarm.com can also be set up so that it knows to "trust" a verified device, and only require 2FA on a new "unrecognized device" that is being used. A user will have the option to "save" a new device so that it is trusted, and 2FA isn't required the next time a user logs in.

Additionally, Alarm.com is now allowing users to set up 2FA in the form of an authenticator app. The way that these apps work is they generate a new secret code about every minute. This code is typically 5 to 7 digits in length, but it can vary. When a user goes to log into their account, after entering their username and password, they must open the authenticator app, and provide the current randomly generated code that is only good for about a minute or so. As soon as a new code is generated, the existing one is thrown out, and only the new code will be usable for a short time period until the next code is generated. If you choose to use this type of authentication, be sure to follow all instructions, particularly in the event that you get a new device, such as a new phone. Each authenticator app will have a specific process you should follow.

Alarm.com customers will have a variety of authenticator apps that they can choose from, including Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass, Twilio, Duo, and more. Most of the apps have been said to work without any issue, However, an issue has been identified when using the Duo App, as generated codes may not be valid for the first fifteen (15) seconds after being generated. If you are having trouble using the feature, then you should reach out to your monitoring company for further assistance.

Fortunately, setting up 2FA on your Alarm.com account is very easy, It can be done through the mobile app or website. To use the mobile app, login to your account through the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android or iOS. Click the three (3) horizontal bars menu button in the upper-left corner, and then choose Login information. Then select the Two-Factor Authentication option. You will be asked to receive the code using an Authentication App, Email, or Text Message. Choose Authenticator App to have a QR code generated to scan.

If you are using the website, then the process is just as simple. Login to your Alarm.com account through a compatible web browser. Choose Settings on the left-hand side, followed by Login Information. Then under Login Security, choose the option for Two-Factor Authentication. You can then follow the on-screen prompts to set up 2FA through an authentication app, email, or text message. If you are having any trouble, then you should reach out to your monitoring provider for additional help.

Do you have any thoughts on Alarm.com Two-Factor Authentication? Do you use it to help keep your account safe, Will you be taking advantage of the ability to use authenticator apps? Let us know what you think in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. Remember to stay posted to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

Alarm Grid will be closed from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. During this time, we will not be answering our phones, responding to online chat questions, or responding to emails. We will reopen on Tuesday, June 1. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Remember that our central station partner Criticom Monitoring Services for United States customers and Rapid Response for those in Canada will both remain open during this time. You can reach out to them to put your system on test mode or to cancel a false alarm. To contact CMS, please call our number, (888) 818-7728, and then choose option [9]. If you need to reach Rapid Response, then you can call (800) 932-3822.

All other inquiries can be sent to our support email support@alarmgrid.com. Please keep in mind that we will likely be encountering a high-volume of emails on Tuesday morning, so we ask for your patience as we do our best to respond as quickly as possible. However, we will make sure to reply to all emails at our earliest opportunity.

We hope that everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend. This day is meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping us safe. Please take a moment to think about those who have helped make this holiday possible. We look forward to returning to work on Tuesday, please check-in for a new blog post at that time.

Update 12/30/21: The 2GIG GC3e has been discontinued and is no longer available. The 2GIG Edge w/ AT&T LTE or the 2GIG Edge w/ Verizon LTE have replaced it.

In an effort to clear out existing stock, the 2GIG GC3e Alarm Panel is now available at the bargain price of $189.99. This is an excellent chance to get a modern and reliable alarm panel for your home or business at a super low price. Act quickly, because supplies will run out very soon!

We announced earlier this month that the 2GIG GC3e was discontinued. However, due to existing stock, the GC3e Panel is effectively back from the dead for one final run. Once the limited stock runs out, the 2GIG GC3e will be discontinued forever. Room needs to be made for newer panels, so we're offering the 2GIG GC3e for the low price of $189.99. This is a rare opportunity to get a great alarm panel to build around. It can certainly fulfill all of your security and smart home automation needs once you get it set up and running!

The GC3e is fantastic for alarm monitoring. Just add either a 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 AT&T LTE Communicator or a 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 Verizon LTE Communicator, and you will be able to connect the GC3e with the Alarm.com Servers for monitoring service. Since the 2GIG GC3e already has an internal WIFI card, adding the cellular communicator will make it into a dual-path system that will stay monitored even if one path goes down or becomes unavailable. Alarm.com requires cellular connectivity, so you will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular communication, such as an Alarm Grid Gold Plan (Self or Full).

Although the 2GIG GC3e doesn't support more advanced features like Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming, the GC3e does support the robust lineup of 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. You can also supplement those encrypted sensors with non-encrypted sensors from the 2GIG 345 MHz Series and the Honeywell 5800 Series for good measure. The panel also has an integrated Z-Wave Plus controller so that you can start building a smart home network to make your life more convenient.

Overall, the 2GIG GC3e is an outstanding choice if you want more of a simple, no-frills panel that is still unmistakably modern and offers all the remote access and function through Alarm.com. If you do want something more advanced, than the 2GIG GC3e's effective replacement, the 2GIG Edge is available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. Both the GC3e and the Edge connect with the same Alarm.com platform, and both offer the same sensor compatibility. The main benefit to going with the Edge is that you get access to some more advanced features, such as the aforementioned Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition Disarming. If you don't mind missing out on those features, then the 2GIG GC3e is basically just as good. Both systems feature very similar menus and user interfaces (UIs), so if you know one, then you pretty much already know the other!

In addition, we are also offering special pricing on 2GIG GC3e System Kits. Each kit includes a cellular communicator for getting the system monitored a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power, one (1) 2GIG PIR1e-345 Motion Sensor, and either three (3) or ten (10) VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contact Sensors. Just decide whether you want AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE, and also whether you want three (3) door and window sensors or ten (10) door and window sensors. Then find the corresponding kit below. Hurry, before time runs out!

• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ AT&T LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 3-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE
• 2GIG GC3e 10-1 Kit w/ Verizon LTE

Remember, once supplies of the 2GIG GC3e run out, then the system is gone forever. If you have any questions about the GC3e, or any of the other security systems on our website, or if you want to speak with a security system expert who can help you build the perfect setup for your home or business, then please do not hesitate to send an email to our dedicated team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Whether you go with the 2GIG GC3e, its replacement, the 2GIG Edge, or a different system entirely, we will be there to help you every step of the way. Thank you for reading the Alarm Grid Blog, and we will be back with more news and promotions real soon!

We have a quick bit of news today. Certain commercial-grade Alarm.com Security Cameras will receive an automatic firmware update in the coming weeks. Models receiving the update include the ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826, and ADC-VC836. No special action is needed to receive the update.

At this time, Alarm.com has not provided much information regarding the update. All we know is that the update is for Firmware Version V5.5.82.210318 and that it includes multiple stability enhancements. Only the aforementioned commercial-grade security cameras from Alarm.com are set to receive the update. These are all Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras that only use hardwired ethernet for network connectivity, and they do not support WIFI connectivity. Although these are commercial-grade cameras designed for commercial or industrial use, they can certainly be used in residential settings as well.

Alarm.com has stated that these cameras will be automatically updated in the coming weeks. The update will occur as part of an automated overnight firmware upgrade process. Again, no special action is required to receive the update. Just make sure that your camera is powered on and connected to the network, and Alarm.com should take care of the reset.

Since this update is only for stability enhancements, it is very likely that you will not receive any direct notification that the update has been performed. However, you can easily check the installed firmware for your camera by accessing Alarm.com through a compatible web browser, logging into your account, clicking Video on the left-hand side, choosing Settings at the top, then choosing the first option of Video Device Info. From there, select the camera (Video Device) you want to view from the dropdown menu and note the Current Firmware Version. This can be seen in the following picture.

As we said, we don't know much about the firmware update that will be coming, and we only have "within the coming weeks" as a general timeframe. But still, feel free to leave your thoughts or start a discussion in the comments down below. We would love to hear what you think, And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more news coming soon!

We have an important update for all Google Nest Thermostat users who have integrated their Nest devices with Alarm.com. Any user who hasn't moved their Nest device over to a Google account by June 1st will have their Alarm.com/Nest integration reset. Take action now to avoid this!

According to Alarm.com, Google sent out a notice to all users still using Works With Nest accounts back in March 2020. The notice informed users that they needed to switch their Works With Nest accounts over to Google accounts. Now, Alarm.com is preparing to enforce this mandate, as they will reset the Alarm.com/Nest integration for any user who has not switched over to a Google account by June 1st. If this affects you, then you should take action immediately in order to avoid having your Nest integration reset. Alarm Grid previously covered the Nest integration for Alarm.com in late January 2020 when the integration was reintroduced. You can revisit that prior blog post here.

Fortunately, switching your Works With Nest account to a Google account is very easy. If you received an email from Google about this issue, you can click the option Switch to Google from within it to begin the migration. Otherwise, start by making sure you have the latest available version of the Nest App. Open the Nest App on your Android or iOS device. Once you are in the app, press the settings icon, which looks like a gear. Then choose the option for "Migrate to a Google Account". There will be important information that you should review. After reading, press the "Continue with Google" button. You can then select the Google account you want to use. If you use other Google Assistant and/or Google Home products, then it is recommended that you use the same Google account with your Nest Thermostat as you use with your other Google devices. You will also be given the option to create a new Google account if you do not have one already. After you have selected your account, press "Allow" to give the Nest App permission to access data from your Google account. If you have Works With Nest connections and/or the Google Home App, then extra steps may be presented to disconnect those connections and combine your homes into a unified Google Nest Home. Works With Nest connections cannot be used with a Google Account. From there, review the information, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish.

After you have finished moving over to a Google account, you may need to re-link your Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com. This can be done through the Alarm.com website. Login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, and then choose Settings on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Devices, then Add Device, then Thermostat, then Google Nest Thermostat, and then Begin Installation. You will need to provide the Google account information associated with your Nest Thermostat. This is the same account you used when migrating from Works With Nest to Google. It will likely take a few minutes for the integration process to complete. If you are having trouble, you should reach out to your monitoring provider for further assistance. Alarm Grid customers can email support@alarmgrid.com for help. We respond to emails during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Have you had a good experience using a Google Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com? Do you have any thoughts on the Alarm.com/Nest integration? Is there anything you particularly like or dislike about the integration or the Nest Thermostat in general? Let us know in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

In a previous Beta Firmware Version available to industry insiders, Resideo introduced the ability to live-stream SkyBell Doorbell Cameras from the Honeywell Home ROA7PLUS and Resideo PROA7PLUSC. The new upcoming feature will likely be made available to the general public very soon.

We have known about the camera streaming capabilities for the PROA7PLUS for quite some time, but we had yet to see what form the feature would take. That changes with this beta release, as we now have our first glimpse at the feature. Users can live-stream any Total Connect 2.0 compatible SkyBell device right from their PROA7PLUS or PROA7PLUSC. Compatible doorbell cameras include the round Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM and the slimline Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM. The round model has since been discontinued, but the slimline model remains available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website.

In addition to streaming from a compatible panel, the system will also display a message whenever someone is at your door and rings the SkyBell device. The camera streaming also includes audio streaming, and you can engage in a two-way voice conversation with the person at your door. This is thanks to the integrated microphone included in the ProSeries Security Systems. This is great for telling your friend that you will unlock the door for them, or for telling a solicitor that you're not interested. The possibilities will be endless!

And not only is this feature available for the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC, you can also stream from the compatible touchscreen keypads, those being the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH Keypad and the Resideo PROWLTOUCHC Keypad. The touchscreen keypads support all of the same capabilities as the panels in this aspect, including doorbell camera streaming, audio streaming, and two-way voice. Remember that you must have WIFI capability enabled on the panel to integrate the touchscreen keypads as well as the Skybell.

One very important note about the SkyBell streaming feature is that it is only going to be supported by the "PLUS" versions of the ProSeries Panels, those being the PROA7PLUS and the PROA7PLUSC. It is our understanding that the PROA7 and PROA7C will not support the feature. If you were trying to decide between a "PLUS" and a "non-PLUS" version of a ProSeries System, well this is yet another reason to spring for one of the higher-end versions!

Although the feature has not been released to the public quite yet, we still have a general idea of how SkyBell Camera streaming will be implemented. First, you must have the system monitored and set up for service with Total Connect 2.0. You will then need to link your SkyBell device with your Total Connect 2.0 account. If you intend on buying a new SkyBell Camera for this purpose, then make sure that you are getting one of the Honeywell models for use with Total Connect 2.0. A user should never attempt to pair an Alarm.com SkyBell device with TC2 or with the native SkyBell App. After you link your ProSeries System with TC2, there will be a new Cameras option inside the main system menu. It is there that you can choose to stream a SkyBell Camera linked with your TC2 account. The device should show up after the doorbell camera has been successfully integrated with your TC2 account, and the panel has properly refreshed with the AlarmNet Servers.

We know that many Alarm Grid users will certainly take advantage of this feature once it is released. To ensure that you can get started with SkyBell Camera streaming as soon as it becomes available, make sure that you are monitored ahead of time. All TC2 users are entitled to have up to five (5) SkyBell devices linked with their accounts. You don't even need a true video monitoring plan to get started. More information on the subject can be found in this FAQ. If you're interested in signing up for monitoring service, and you haven't decided on a service provider as of yet, then you could consider one of Alarm Grid's monitoring plans. If you have questions, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that we check and reply to emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Are you excited about SkyBell Doorbell Camera streaming for the PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC? We're sorry to tease you with a feature that hasn't seen its official release quite yet, but we figured that it would be okay to build up some hype. With the SkyBell Camera Streaming and Local End-User Programming for the ProSeries Panels both in Beta Development, it's fair to expect the features to be fully released any time now. We will provide updates in the Alarm Grid Blog regarding any major releases. For now, make sure to comment down below to share your thoughts on this upcoming feature. Also feel free to let us know about any security system coverage you would like to see us focus on in the future. That's it for today's blog, stay tuned for more Alarm Grid content coming soon!

Qolsys has released information regarding an issue affecting IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.4 and Firmware Version 2.5.5. The issue affects the Z-Wave Home Automation functionality for IQ2 Systems on those firmware versions. The issue can be fixed by upgrading the system to 2.6.0.

According to Qolsys TSB# 210511, which can be viewed here, Z-Wave devices paired with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System on Firmware Version 2.5.4 or Firmware Version 2.5.5 may occasionally buffer and repeatedly send the same command to the device every thirty (30) minutes. Although it's possible that any Z-Wave device could demonstrate this behavior, Qolsys says that it is most likely to affect the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Opener.

Fortunately, Qolsys also adds that the issue can be easily corrected by upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0. If you haven't already, make sure to upgrade to Firmware Version 2.6.0 so that all of your programmed Z-Wave devices work as intended. More information on IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.6.0, including what comes with the update and how to perform the update, can be found in this helpful blog post.

Alarm Grid will provide a future update if we learn anything more from Qolsys. But for now, it can be assumed that upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0 will resolve the issue. Remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more updates coming soon!

We have a quick post for you today, as we just wanted to tell you about the new "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature for Alarm.com. With this feature, you can prevent certain users from accessing security camera footage. The feature is available to all ADC users with added cameras.

As you likely know by now, the deep lineup of Alarm.com Security Cameras is quite impressive. But what if you want to make it so that certain users are unable to view security camera footage through Alarm.com, while still being able to access the Alarm.com platform for other tasks, such as arming/disarming and controlling automation devices? That is now possible thanks to the "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature! You can easily set up the feature through the Alarm.com website using a compatible web browser.

Once the feature has been set up, access to live and recorded camera footage will be restricted for any designated users. It is also possible to restrict access on a camera by camera basis, so that a user can view one or more cameras, while access for one or more other cameras is restricted. The feature can really come in handy in a number of different situations. For example, if you have children or teens in your household, and you want them to be able to arm/disarm from the Alarm.com Mobile App, but you don't want them to view the feed for the camera in the master bedroom, then this is a great option. Another scenario could be that you have employees with access to the Alarm.com account for your business, and you don't want them to view the camera in your private office.

To get started, visit the Alarm.com website, and log in to your customer account. Make sure you are using login credentials with Admin access for the Alarm.com account. Once you are logged in, select Users on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Logins on the upper bar. Then press the blue "Add A Login" button in the bottom-right corner. You will then follow the steps to create a new login. This will include providing a valid email address, a login name, and setting the language preference. Then press the blue Save button in the bottom-right.

From there, you will be taken to the Manage Login Permissions page. Under "Permission", click the box for Limited Device Access. Make sure to check any boxes for functions that you want the new login to have access to. For example, by checking the box for Remote Arming and choosing the name of the system from the selectable box, you are giving the login the ability to arm/disarm the system from the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. To restrict camera access, do not check the box next to Video Cameras. Alternatively, if you only want to restrict access to certain cameras, then you can check the box next to Video Cameras, and only choose cameras from the dropdown menu that you want to allow the user to view.

Additionally, if you ever want to change the restrictions (i.e. add/remove camera access), then you can simply access the Manage Logins page on the Alarm.com website, click on the underlined login name for the user whose permissions you want to adjust, make the appropriate changes, and press Save in the bottom-right corner. Please note that this feature can only be applied to a single-system login. Group logins cannot be given access to video devices on a per-device basis.

It's nice to see Alarm.com adding a new feature like this. Sure, it's something relatively small, but it's a nice touch that can really come in handy. It's also cool how you can customize access so that certain cameras remain visible, but other cameras, perhaps ones in more private areas (e.g. Master Bedroom, personal offices, etc.), are restricted for access.

If you have any interest in the feature, then we encourage you to test it out. Then after trying it out, leave a comment down below sharing your experience. We would love to hear what you have to say about this new feature. The comments section down below is also a good place to ask any questions you might have.

Or if you have yet to get started with video surveillance from Alarm.com, then we would love to help you out. We offer Alarm.com Video Surveillance on our Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) and our Video-Only Plan. Don't forget to check out our monitoring page for information on all our available plans. You can also send an email to support@alarmgrid.com to get the ball rolling on new monitoring service a bit more quickly. We check emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. As always, we look forward to hearing from you soon!