Service Announcements Posts

Hi DIYers! We have some important information that is applicable for anyone with central station monitoring service from Alarm Grid. Our alarm monitoring partner, Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS), has announced some important changes regarding their text and email notifications.

Starting December 1st, 2019, all text message notifications and automated notifications from Criticom will come from the short code 60281. We recommend marking this number with your phone service provider so that it is not blocked as part of anti-spam measures. Additionally, all automated email notifications from Criticom will come from noreply@myalarms.com. You should mark this email so that any incoming messages do not end up in your spam folder.

Additionally, CMS has alerted us that blocked calls to customers have been reported. This is due to anti-spam measures put into place by phone companies. As an Alarm Grid customer, it is crucial that you are able to receive incoming phones calls from CMS at all times. Failure to answer these calls may result in unnecessary emergency dispatch. We have actually discussed this subject at length before in a previous blog post.

We recommend saving ALL contact numbers for CMS in your contacts list. It is also recommended that you contact your phone carrier directly and ask them to allow incoming calls from these numbers. We also understand that some customers may have downloaded third party apps that will detect and block incoming toll-free and/or believed "spam" numbers. If you have one of these apps, you should delete it, or adjust its settings so that CMS phone numbers are not blocked.

As a reference, the five (5) phone numbers listed below are associated with Criticom Monitoring Services, and they should not be blocked or ignored under any circumstance:

• Longwood, FL: (800) 432-1429
• Manasquan, NJ: (800) 631-2299
• Cypress, CA: (714) 373-7000; (800) 468-4640; (800) 482-9800

Keep in mind that you may not always receive incoming phone calls from the same CMS phone number. In the event that one monitoring center is temporarily taken offline for any reason, any incoming alarms will be automatically re-routed to a different monitoring center. This redundancy helps ensure that customers always get the help they need when alarm events occur. For that reason, make sure to save all five (5) of the CMS phone numbers listed above.

You may also want to sign-up for text notifications from CMS. Text messages sent from CMS are sent from the CMS secure short code that should not be blocked under any circumstance. Remember, this short code will be 60281 starting December 1st, 2019. This number should be saved as a contact in your phone so that you can quickly recognize any incoming message as being associated with your security system and/or monitoring service.

If you want to learn more about our monitoring plans that include central station service, we recommend checking out our alarm monitoring page. If you have any questions, you should email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our team responds to emails during our regular support hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you have about monitoring service.

Hi DIYers! Today, we want to discuss an unusual quirk we found with Alarm.com. It turns out that the Alarm.com platform cannot receive alerts from temperature sensors. This is important for any Alarm.com user who wants to receive remote alerts for unusually high or low temperatures.

When you use sensors with a security system, the expectation is that you will be able to receive alerts from an interactive service platform whenever the device is activated. But with Alarm.com, the platform cannot receive incoming signals from a system regarding faulted Temperature Zones. This means that you cannot use Alarm.com to receive text and/or email alerts regarding an activated temperature sensor.

We discovered this issue due to a customer using a DSC PG9905 Temperature Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. We quickly discovered that the issue also applied to any temperature used with an Alarm.com Security System. This is important to note, as we know that many users out there will want to know about any unusual temperatures in their homes and businesses. Many people rely on using these sensors with their security systems so that they know if their HVAC systems break before serious and expensive damage occurs.

Fortunately, there is still another way you can receive alerts from Alarm.com regarding an unusually high or low temperature. If you pair a Z-Wave thermostat with your system, then you can set up notifications to be sent out whenever the detected temperature goes outside of a set threshold. A good Z-Wave thermostat to use for this application is an Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat. This thermostat also supports the ADC-S2000 Temperature Sensor, which will allow you to monitor the temperature in a second area of the building as well.

Another option is to use the Total Connect 2.0 platform with a Resideo Security System instead. Unlike Alarm.com, the Total Connect 2.0 service can be set up to send out text and/or email notifications for any sensor type, including temperature sensors. The Resideo LYNX Touch and Lyric Systems also have designed Temperature Zones that are used with Z-Wave thermostats to end high-low temperature alerts to AlarmNet360 and TC2 whenever an unusual temperature is detected. Just make sure that any Temperature Zone is noted as such on your central station document. These zones are frequently mistaken for 24-hour auxiliary medical zones.

If you have any questions about the functionality of temperature sensors, the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms, or any of our other products or services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We also recommend checking out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring services. We look forward to hearing from you and providing top-quality monitoring service for your home or business.

UPDATE: This issue was later addressed in Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update 2.5.0. Please see this post for more information.

We have learned that there are some temporary server issues affecting the Total Connect 2.0 service. These issues may lead to "latched" alarms and/or trouble conditions. Users may also experience delays using the TC2 platform and have trouble logging into their accounts during this time.

As a result of these issues, users may find that system alarms and trouble conditions are becoming "latched" on their Total Connect 2.0 account. This means that these events are still appearing on TC2, even though the issue has been cleared locally. You should be able to clear these events by using the "Refresh Status" button on TC2. If you find that you cannot clear these events, then you should email us at support@alarmgrid.com so that we can clear them for you. Please note that other TC2 functions, such as remote access and system alerts, should still be operating as normal.

Alarm Grid has reported these issues to Resideo's AlarmNet360 division, and the problem is being addressed at this time. We expect the matter to be resolved as soon as possible. We will provide an update when the matter is fixed. Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

Update: Resideo has reported that the issue has been resolved as of about 5:30pm ET.

Resideo is currently in the process of pushing automatic OTA firmware updates to all active AT&T LTE Communicators. The updating process is ongoing, and we are not sure how long it will last. You should not notice any changes to your monitoring service or your Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you recall a few months ago, we announced that Resideo was pushing down automatic over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates to LTE communicators. Resideo started with the Verizon LTE Communicators, and now they are updating the AT&T LTE Communicators. This is a very similar update with no major differences.

Just like before, Resideo is expected to perform this update cycle in batches. Units that were registered first will have the update performed first. This will continue in sequential order until all active Resideo AT&T LTE Communicators have been updated. Any new AT&T LTE Communicator activated during this time will be placed at the end of the queue. If an update fails, that communicator will be pushed to the next batch to try again.

Remember, the communicator must be active and connected with the AlarmNet360 Servers in order for the update to go through. Any communicator that is not active will not be able to receive the update. This includes any communicator installed inside a panel that is currently powered off. Try and keep your panel powered on at all times to ensure that the update can go through successfully.

The following Resideo Communicators are affected by this update:

• Honeywell LYRICLTE-A for Lyric Controller
• Honeywell LTE-L57A for L5210 and L7000
• Honeywell LTE-IA for VISTA Panels
• Honeywell LTE-XA for VISTA Panels
• Honeywell LTE-L3A for L3000

It is possible that your panel may reboot as part of the updating process. However, you should not notice any other changes. Additionally, the following Contact ID messages may be generated during the process:

If you have any questions regarding this update, please do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to learn that Firmware Version 2.4.0 is now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The update can easily be applied at the panel or pushed from Alarm.com. Many new features and automation capabilities come included with the firmware update.

The following updates to the system are applied with Firmware Version 2.4.0:

Improved User Interface (UI)
- Ability to Hide Security, Lock, and Thermostat Pages
- Dynamic Screen Lock Page - Enable Independently from Partitions
- All-New Automation & Wellness Pages

Improved Partitions 2.0
- Global Arming
- Bluetooth Disarming by Partition

LiftMaster MyQ Garage Control
- New Panel UI for LiftMaster Garage Door Devices Paired w/ Alarm.com

ADC Scene Control
- Control Alarm.com Scenes Directly from Panel

IQ Remote Enhancements
- Alarm.com Videos thru Built-In Camera
- Live-Stream ADC Cameras and Video Doorbell thru IQ Remote (No Audio)
- Connectivity Improvements

Home Automation
- Support for Z-Wave Version 6.81.03 - Including S2 Security & SmartStart
- Note: Only for Panels Manufactured w/ 2.4.0 & Above; Not for Panels Receiving Update OTA
- Support for LQI 2 (link quality indicators)
- Emergency Heat Mode for Z-Wave Thermostats now supported

PowerG
- PowerG Modem Firmware Update 80.25
- Fixes Compatibility with the DSC PG9312 Outdoor Contact

Panel Motion
- Sensitivity Settings - High, Medium, Low
- Mask-Off Up to Four (4) Distinct Areas

Other
- QR Code Scanning for S-Line Sensor Enrollment (319.5 MHz Panel Only)
- Language Improvements

While we will certainly be showing off these features in greater detail sometime in the near future, for now we just want to show you how to download the new firmware. You can have the update pushed down automatically from the Alarm.com servers free of charge. Alarm Grid customers can do this by emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com. You will need to have the panel monitored with Alarm Grid and connected to WIFI for us to do this.

But the easiest way to update is to apply the update yourself at the panel. Again, make sure your system is monitored and connected to WIFI before you begin. It will also need to be plugged-in and not have a low-battery condition. Start from the main screen of the system. Click on the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > type in iqpanel2.4.0 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. If done correctly, the new firmware update should be downloaded. Once it has been completely downloaded, press "OK" to begin the update process. The panel will reboot as part of the update. The entire process will take around five (5) minutes and is complete after the reboot.

If you have any questions about this update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This looks to be a very exciting update for the IQ Panel 2 plus, and we can't wait for you to check it out. We will be showing off some of these features in greater detail in the coming days. Keep checking our blog for more information!

We have learned that the LYNX Connect App has been discontinued. The app can no longer be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Users wanting a second on-site option for controlling a LYNX Touch should use either a keypad or Total Connect 2.0, or upgrade to the Lyric.

The LYNX Connect App is a handy tool for many LYNX Touch users, It allows users to control a LYNX Touch System from a separate on-site device, all while enjoying the same user interface as the LYNX Touch System itself. The LYNX Touch Panel must have an L5100-WIFI Card installed and be on the same WIFI network as the device that is using the app to control the system. The app is designed for use with the L5100, L5200, L5210, and L7000 systems.

A very common application of the LYNX Connect App is to use it on a tablet that is mounted to the wall. By doing this, you can essentially have the tablet operate as a touchscreen keypad for the system. Many users find this to be a desirable option, as it is really the only way to obtain a secondary touchscreen controller for a LYNX Touch. By using a cheap tablet, you can readily establish a great secondary keypad for your system. Unfortunately, the discontinuation of the app means that this is no longer an option for many LYNX Touch users.

It turns out that all Firmware Versions 9 and higher for the LYNX Touch Systems does not work with the LYNX Connect App. In order to support the LTE communicators, a LYNX Touch System will need to be on some Firmware Revision that is higher than Firmware Version 9. The minimum Firmware Revision required depends on which LTE module you are using.

The LTE-L57A requires Firmware Revision 9.00.209 or higher, while the LTE-L57V requires Firmware Revision 9.00.201 or higher. Rather than update the app to make it compatible with the newer versions, Resideo made the decision to discontinue support. As a result, it is no longer possible to get the app for an Android or iOS device. Remember that the latest LYNX Touch Firmware Version is only available for the L5200, L5210 and L7000 Systems. If you have an L5100, then your system is running a lower Firmware Version, and it will still work with the app.

If you already have the LYNX Connect App downloaded, and your LYNX Touch System is running less than Firmware Version 9, then you can still continue to use the app. Many L5210 and L7000 users who use IP-only monitoring never upgraded to the latest Firmware Version. This is because the newer Firmware Versions only really benefit users with cellular connectivity. Just be aware that if you ever need to replace your Android or iOS device, you will not be able to re-download the app. And if you ever upgrade to Firmware Version 9 or higher on your panel, then the app will no longer work.

Remember that Firmware Version 9.00.201 or higher is needed to use the LTE-L57V, and Firmware Version 9.00209 or higher is needed to use an LTE-L57A. These updates are very important, as LTE is so crucial. If you want to replace a tablet that served as a secondary keypad using the LYNX Connect App, then you have a couple of options available. One possibility is to get a Honeywell 5828 or Honeywell 5828V Keypad. Both keypads will pair nicely with any LYNX Touch System.

You might also consider using Total Connect 2.0. This is an interactive monitoring platform that you can use to control your system from anywhere. TC2 is even more versatile and beneficial than the LYNX Connect App. This platform can be used to access the alarm system from virtually anywhere using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App. Since you can access it on a smartphone, many users find that it is even more convenient than setting up a second keypad.

Another option is to upgrade to the Resideo Lyric Alarm System. The Lyric has its own app called the MyHome Controller App that works in the same manner as the LYNX Connect App. The MyHome Controller app is still actively supported by Resideo, and it allows a tablet or smartphone to serve as a reliable secondary keypad. Other benefits for the Lyric include HomeKit compatibility, increased zone support, and its encrypted sensor options.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns about the loss of the LYNX Connect App, or if you want to learn more about Total Connect 2.0, then we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is happy to help you determine the best replacement keypad option for your needs. The best way to contact us is by email at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that there are new firmware updates available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the 2GIG GC3e & GC3 Systems. Qolsys users can apply the firmware update locally at the panel. 2GIG users can apply from USB or have it pushed from Alarm.com for a small fee.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Version 2.3.4

Starting with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, Firmware Update 2.3.4 is now available. This is a relatively minor upgrade to the system that improves recognition of the PowerG daughterboard for supporting wireless PowerG Sensors. Although you can technically apply this update to an original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System, it won't make a difference, because that system does not have a PowerG daughtercard. Since you can apply this update locally at the panel, there is no fee required to receive this update. Remember, your system must be actively monitored and connected with Alarm.com for the update to go through.

In order to apply this update, you must have your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus connected to WIFI. The panel should be plugged into AC power, and it should not have a low-battery condition. To begin, start from the main screen of the system. Press the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings> Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.3.4 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. The system should begin downloading the update. Once the download is complete, the update will be applied. This process should take about five (5) minutes. The panel will reboot at this time. The process is complete after the reboot finishes.

2GIG GC3e & GC3 Firmware Version 3.2.3

The 2GIG GC3e System just became available very recently. This Firmware Update Version 3.2.3 is a great way to get your new GC3e System up and running. Additionally, existing users of the original 2GIG GC3 System can also apply this same update. The update provides support for the new AT&T LTE Communicator (coming soon!) and allows for 6-digit user codes with both the panel and compatible Z-Wave locks. It also provides various fixes and helps the system run smoother overall. It is recommended that every GC3e and GC3 user receives this update so that they can continue to get the most out of their system.

The easiest way to receive Firmware Version 3.2.3 is to simply have it pushed down from Alarm.com. To do this, the system must have an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator installed and activated. You must contact your alarm company and ask them to push the update. There will be a small fee for this service. If you don't have Alarm.com, you can get more information on our monitoring page. The latest update can also be applied directly at the panel. To do this, you must download the update file onto a USB flash drive and insert the drive into the panel. You will then be able to apply the update locally at no cost. More information on this process can be found in this helpful FAQ. Although that FAQ is specific to the original 2GIG GC3 System, the 2GIG GC3e will follow the same process. Remember, there is no cost required to update via USB.

If you have questions about either of these firmware updates, or if you would like to learn more about our monitoring services, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is always to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions!

Hi DIYers! We have learned about a super convenient feature for Total Connect 2.0. You can now set smart scenes on Total Connect 2.0 to have your Lyric Arm or Disarm automatically based on a set schedule. This was previously only possible for Alarm.com users. TC2 users rejoice!

This feature is extremely convenient if you want to have your Resideo Lyric Panel Arm or Disarm at a set time on a regular basis. You can select both the day(s) of the week and the time of the day when the Arm or Disarm will occur. If your system is already Armed or Disarmed accordingly, then no change will occur. Otherwise, the scene will go through automatically, with no code being required.

Please note that this feature is only available for the Lyric Controller. It will not work with other Honeywell Panels that can use Total Connect 2.0 like the VISTA Panels or the LYNX Touch Panels. If you want to use this feature with TC2, then you will need to upgrade to the Lyric System. This is a great system anyway with its increased zone support and HomeKit compatibility. You might also consider going with an Alarm.com System, as the Alarm.com platform supports this feature for all their compatible panels. A great option is the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, which can support the same great 5800 Series Sensors that are commonly used with LYNX and VISTA Panels.

Users who follow a set routine every day should find that this feature is extremely useful. For example, if you go to work at the same time Monday thru Friday, you can set the system to Arm automatically shortly after the time you leave every day. You won't have to remember to Arm your system before you leave. Likewise, you can also have your system automatically Disarm a little before you normally return home. No more racing to beat your system's Entry Delay! Another example is if your kids leave the house after you do, and they sometimes forget to arm the system, you can set an arming schedule to run just after they are set to leave to be sure the system arms.

And if you ever want to make sure that your system Armed or Disarmed like it was supposed to, you can always check the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on your Android or iOS device. The app is also a great way to Arm and Disarm your system, and you can use it from pretty much anywhere. Another option available to make sure the system is Armed or Disarmed is to create Open (Disarm) and Close (Arm) notifications that will be sent via text, email, or push notification any time the system is armed or disarmed. We are sure that many of you will love automatic Arming and Disarming for your Lyric from Total Connect 2.0.

For our example, we will show you how to set up automatic Arming and Disarming from a web browser. But you should also have no problem doing this from the mobile app. To get started, login to your TC2 account on the website. Once you have logged-in, click "Scenes" on the left side of the page.

Then click the "Add Scene" button at the top of the screen.

Then give a name for your scene. We recommend choosing something easy to remember, like "Automatic Arm Away" or "Automatic Disarm". In our example, we just went with "Test Arm Stay". Then press the blue Continue button in the lower-right corner. When asked what you want the scene to do, choose Security. Then choose the status you want to put your system in when the scene activates. In our example, we choose "Arm Stay". Then press the blue Continue button in the lower-right corner.

Assuming that you only want the scene to Arm or Disarm your system, press the blue Continue button again. You will then be able to set the schedule for the scene. Start by pressing the "On a recurring schedule" button near the top.

And now you will set the schedule. You can choose multiple days of the week and the time. You can also choose to have the scene occur at Sunrise and/or Sunset on the selected days. For our test example, we set the scene to occur Monday thru Friday at 11:00am. Press the blue Continue button after making your selection.

Finally, press the blue Save button in the lower-right corner to save your new scene!

If you ever want to run the scene manually, you can press the Play button next to the scene. Otherwise, in our example, the scene will run automatically at 11:00am M-F if the system is Disarmed at the time. Once the scene runs, the system will automatically go into Arm Stay mode. If the system is already Armed at 11:00am M-F, then nothing will happen. The picture below shows the play button if you wanted to run the scene manually.

Remember that you will need to create separate scenes if you want to have your Lyric System both Arm and Disarm automatically at separate times. Also keep in mind that you can only do this on TC2 if you have a Resideo Lyric Controller. If you don't have a Lyric yet, now is a great time to upgrade to this powerful wireless security system.

If you have any questions about this feature, please reach out to us! We are happy to provide technical support for Alarm Grid monitored customers. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. If you would prefer to call us, you can reach us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that some spam blockers have been incorrectly marking one of the Criticom Monitoring Services outbound phone numbers as "spam". This is a serious issue, as it is very important for all our customers with central station service to be able to receive incoming calls from CMS.

If you are not aware, Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) is the official monitoring partner of Alarm Grid. Anyone with an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid who receives central monitoring service has their security system connected with CMS. If you have central station service from us, then it is crucial that you are always able to reliably receive incoming phone calls from CMS.

The phone number in question that has been being incorrectly labeled as "spam" is (800) 432-1429. This is not a spam number. This is not a telemarketer. This is Criticom trying to contact you with important information regarding your home or business security system. If you ever see this number calling in, you should make sure to answer. There are also other phone numbers that Criticom may use to call you. But, to our knowledge, this is the only one we have been seeing marked as "spam".

For a reference, below are all of the numbers that CMS may use to try and contact you:

• Longwood, FL: (800) 432-1429
• Manasquan, NJ: (800) 631-2299
• Cypress, CA: (714) 373-7000, (800) 468-4640, and (800) 482-9800

We strongly recommend that you add ALL of these numbers to the contacts list on your phone. That way, if CMS ever contacts you, then you will know that the call is from them. Remember, you may not always receive calls from the CMS monitoring center closest to you. If one office is ever down or unavailable, calls will be re-routed to one of the other two (2) monitoring centers. This redundancy ensures that CMS is always able to receive incoming alarm signals. This reliability is a big reason why we have chosen CMS as our monitoring partner.

If you use a spam blocker on your phone, that is fine. But you must make sure to "whitelist" this number so that calls can come through successfully. To do this, you should contact your phone service provider and make sure that this number is not blocked. If you use an app on your phone to block numbers, use that application to whitelist the number. We have found that this issue mostly affects T-Mobile users who have the new Name ID App, but users from other carriers who have spam-blocking apps may be affected as well.

Remember, CMS will call you whenever there is an urgent event regarding your security system. This can include a burglary or life safety alarm. If an alarm occurs on your system when it is not warranted, you will need to answer the incoming call from CMS and provide your false alarm password. Otherwise, the trained operator will follow the instructed action listed on your account. This usually involves dispatching the local authorities. If the incoming call is blocked as "spam", then you won't be able to answer the call, and you may receive unnecessary emergency dispatch. This can result in a major inconvenience for your local authorities and heavy fines for you. At Alarm Grid, we always do our part to prevent false alarms. You must do your part as well. Always make sure that you can receive calls from CMS.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. One of our top priorities is making sure that you can reliably communicate with our monitoring station partner. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You are also welcome to call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Remember, our team is here to make sure that you always feel confident about the operation of your alarm system and the response of our central station partner. Thank you for being a valued Alarm Grid customer, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Last night, July 24th, 2019, Alarm.com was experiencing server issues. You may have noticed problems with signaling and with your interactive account. We would like to let all of our Alarm.com customers know that these issues have been resolved. The service should now be working properly.

All Alarm.com users should now find that they can successfully access the platform and that their systems can report to Alarm.com without issue. We apologize for any inconvenience that these problems with Alarm.com may have caused for you last night. But we are now happy to report that these issues should now be resolved

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you are still experiencing any issues with your Alarm.com, we urge you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com immediately. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and work to get your service working as soon as possible. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced last night, and remember that our team is here to help.