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Although users accustomed to the Lyric's all-in-one style and convenience are unlikely to switch to a hybrid panel, it is still possible. Therefore, in this installment of "Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life," we will discuss replacing the Lyric with the new First Alert VISTAH3.

Replacing The Lyric With A Hybrid Panel:

The First Alert VISTAH3 may be a good choice to replace an aging Lyric. Much like the PRO Series panels, the VISTAH3 supports SiX and PROSIX sensors right out of the box. It can also support a variety of wired and wireless devices.

The VISTAH3 is more of a traditional system, like the VISTA-20P. The main control panel is installed in a remote location, away from entry points. Then, either wired or wireless keypads are used to control the system. This is the first panel Resideo has produced that can support wired zones, wireless devices, legacy wireless, ECP zone expansion, and V-PLEX zone expansion. That's every type of expansion the company has ever made.

While the VISTAH3 might seem complex, its programming closely resembles that of the PRO Series panels. When replacing a Lyric system, you may not immediately utilize the new panel's more advanced features. However, it's nice knowing these capabilities are available for future expansion.

Recommended Keypads:

DIY installers of the VISTAH3 should be aware that local programming requires a touchscreen WIFI keypad. This means adding either a PROWIFI (WIFI-only) or a PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus) module before connecting a programming keypad.

There are three (3) touchscreen keypads to choose from when using the VISTAH3. The Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH, the Resideo PROWLTOUCHC, and the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC. If you'll be purchasing a new touchscreen keypad for use with this panel, we recommend the First Alert model. It is compatible with all versions of the VISTAH3 panel without having to undergo a firmware update.

Before using either the PROWLTOUCH or PROWLTOUCHC with the VISTAH3, a firmware update is required. This update can take up to 30 minutes to download and install. The VISTAH3 panel must be registered and updated first; then, it will automatically push the necessary firmware to the keypad. If you intend to set up and program your system before registration, the First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC is the best keypad for you.

Although touchscreen keypads offer the best functionality and control of both the system and automation devices, it is recommended that you have at least one wired keypad to provide control of the alarm system in the event of a wireless failure.

The First Alert VISTAHLKP and First Alert VISTAHPKP both connect to the panel through the iBus. This new bus technology leverages RS-485 and provides robust flexibility for long wire runs.

RS-485 is not a protocol. Instead, it's a standard that defines the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers in a serial network. It's been commonly used in manufacturing automation for years due to its relative immunity to electrical noise. It supports long wire runs in noisy environments and multiple devices connected to a single bus.

Support for Legacy Wireless:

The VISTAH3 is compatible with the First Alert VISTAHTKVRWL for legacy wireless zone support. This legacy wireless takeover module works exactly like the PROTAKEOVER module used with the PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC. The biggest difference between the two modules is in their antennas.

The PROTAKEOVER includes a new PRO Series panel backplate with integrated antennas. The original backplate must be replaced for proper module function. Similarly, the VISTAHTKVRWL utilizes two external antennas, installed within the VISTAH3 panel's enclosure, to ensure effective wireless signal reception.

Similar to the PROTAKEOVER, the VISTAHTKVRWL cannot support multiple legacy wireless frequencies simultaneously. That means it cannot support both 5800 Series 345 MHz sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz sensors. If your Lyric panel incorporates both sensor types, a decision will have to be made as to which wireless series to keep and which to replace.

Communicators:

The VISTAH3 features an integrated Ethernet communicator. If a wired Ethernet connection is unavailable, or if you plan to use a WIFI keypad, you'll need to add either the PROWIFI (WIFI-only) or PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus) module. For enhanced reliability, consider installing either the PROLTE-A or PROLTE-V2 LTE cellular communicator. However, similar to the PRO Series, the VISTAH3 requires an Ethernet or WIFI connection for firmware updates. Over-the-air updates are not allowed via cellular connection.

Total Connect 2.0:

As with choosing a PRO Series panel as a replacement for the Lyric the First Alert VISTAH3 also comes with the added convenience of supporting Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Whether you've already been using TC2 with the Lyric, or you want to begin using it with the replacement panel, the VISTAH3 provides you with that opportunity.

TC2 is the remote accessibility platform offered by AlarmNet. AlarmNet is a subsidiary of Resideo. It started life as a means of providing backup communication for alarm systems that relied on telephone lines for a communication path. A savvy burglar could cut the phone lines from outside the building, then make entry, secure in the knowledge that the alarm system was unable to communicate.

AlarmNet changed all that by providing cellular communication capabilities for alarm systems. Those old analog cellular communicators were used only in instances where the primary means of communication, namely the copper phone line, was compromised.

Now, cellular communication is often the primary or the only communication path used. With the addition of IP communication, in the form of an Ethernet or WIFI path alarm users can have the best of both worlds. The speed of IP communication with the reliability of cellular. Total Connect 2.0 leverages these paths to provide remote control, along with real-time remote monitoring and notification capability.

Be sure to check out the rest of this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 2 we discuss replacing the Lyric with another all-in-one panel, in particular with one of the PRO Series systems. In Part 4 we discuss using an Alarm.com compatible system as a replacement.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 2

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 4

I began with the intention of making a single post about possible replacement options for the Lyric. But the post grew out of control and took on a life of its own! So instead, I'm making a series of posts, one for each suggestion. In Part 2, we'll concentrate on the Resideo PRO Series panels.

The Lyric was discontinued in 2021 and production of all SiX Series sensors has now ended. With that in mind, I've been looking at the various ways forward for current Lyric users. In Part 1 we explored the option of simply continuing to use the Lyric Alarm. In Part 2, we'll discuss replacing the Lyric with a like-panel. In this case, the Resideo PROA7C or PROA7PLUSC.

Feature Comparison FAQs:

• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7PLUS
• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7
• PROA7 Vs. PROA7PLUS

Replace the Lyric With Another All-In-One System:

If you choose to replace the Lyric panel, using another all-in-one system is a great idea. The Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC panels are a natural choice. The PROA7, PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC can support nearly all the same sensors as the Lyric, though there are some exceptions as we discuss in this FAQ.

NOTE: The Honeywell Home PROA7 and the Resideo PROA7C are virtually the same panel with a different manufacturer's badge on the front. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7PLUSC are also virtually the same. In early 2025, Resideo announced they would discontinue the PROA7PLUS and begin only manufacturing the PROA7PLUSC.

Between the two panels, the PROA7PLUSC is the most like the Lyric in terms of features. For example, the Lyric has a front-facing camera as does the PROA7PLUSC. The PROA7C has no camera. The PROA7PLUSC comes with both WIFI and Z-Wave support included, the PROA7C doesn't, though you can add those features. You can see a full feature comparison between the PROA7C and the PROA7PLUSC here.

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC both support PROSIX and SiX Series sensors right out of the box. When a SiX Series sensor is added to either of the PRO Series panels the sensor is updated, effectively becoming a PROSIX sensor. Once this upgrade occurs, the SiX Series device cannot be downgraded again. That means it can never work with a Lyric panel after the upgrade takes place.

Another important thing to remember is that every SiX and PROSIX sensor can only be paired to one panel at a time. When replacing a Lyric system with a PRO Series panel, a specific set of steps should be completed, and in the proper order. You can read the steps for replacing a Lyric with a PRO Series panel here.

You'll need to work closely with your alarm dealer to complete a replacement steps linked above as only your alarm dealer can perform certain steps in the list. There is no direct replacement option through AlarmNet360 currently, as there is when going from one Lyric panel to another Lyric panel. You will be reprogramming all your zones when performing this replacement.

As previously mentioned, SiX Series devices are paired with the Lyric panel during programming. To disassociate a sensor for use with another panel, either the individual zone must be deleted while the sensor is powered on and can receive the delete command, or the entire panel must be defaulted with all SiX sensors powered and receptive to the default signal.

In the event of a Lyric panel failure with multiple paired SiX Series devices, sending the delete or default command may become impossible. Consequently, not only would the Lyric panel require replacement, but all paired SiX Sensors would also need to be replaced, as they would be unresponsive to pairing with a new panel. For this reason, it is better to replace the Lyric panel before a failure occurs.

Honeywell 5800 Series Support:

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC don't offer native 5800 Series support. To support 5800 Series devices a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module must be added. With a PROTAKEOVER the system can support any one (1) legacy RF frequency from the following:

• Honeywell 5800 Series - 345 MHz
• 2GIG Unencrypted Sensors - 345 MHz
• Qolsys/Interlogix Unencrypted - 319.5 MHz
• DSC Legacy (not PowerG) - 433 MHz
• Bosch - 433 MHz

In spite of the fact that several of the above mentioned manufacturers use the same basic frequency for legacy wireless, none of these are interchangeable. That means you can only support 2GIG or Honeywell 5800 Series, not both. We have tested this and this is a definite limitation. Incidentally, the FF345 behaves as a Honeywell 5800 Series device rather than a 2GIG one. The same rule holds true for DSC and Bosch 433 MHz sensors.

Communicators:

A key advantage of Resideo and First Alert panels is their versatile communication options, offering IP, LTE cellular (AT&T or Verizon), or dual-path connectivity. However, it's important to point out that IP-only communication leaves the system vulnerable to network outages. LTE cellular communication is much more reliable, though it is slightly more expensive when choosing a monthly monitoring plan.

Despite the reliability of LTE cellular communication, Alarm Grid still recommends a connection to WIFI. This is due in part to the fact that PRO Series panels can only receive over-the-air firmware updates via WIFI. Updates will not be sent using cellular data. If you have a panel in a location with no WIFI available, you can use your cell phone as a wireless hotspot. The panel will see this as a WIFI connection and should be able to download any available update.

Apple HomeKit Support:

If your Lyric is using Apple HomeKit you will be able to continue using it with the Resideo PROA7PLUSC. Unfortunately, the Resideo PROA7C does not support HomeKit. Also, once you have the PROA7PLUSC configured, you'll need to go through the process of setting up HomeKit with the new PROA7PLUSC from scratch. There is a bit of difference in using the PROA7PLUSC with HomeKit, you can read about that here.

HomeKit is a great way to automate you lifestyle-enhancement devices and integrate them with your alarm system, or vise versa. However, there are limitations to the security and life-safety devices you can monitor with it. For example, Apple HomeKit doesn't provide detailed notifications for fire or carbon monoxide alarms. You can read a comparison between HomeKit and Total Connect 2.0 here. Because of these differences, we still recommend that HomeKit users also use TC2.

Total Connect 2.0:

Switching from the Lyric to a PRO Series panel enables continued or new access to Total Connect 2.0. This remote platform mirrors panel functionality, allowing you to monitor status, arm/disarm, control automation, and program scene-based automation schedules and system event triggers.

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 in this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 3 we discuss replacing the Lyric with a new VISTAH3 Hybrid panel.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 1

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 3

With the introduction of the PRO Series and VISTAH3 panels, and with SiX Sensors discontinued, the official end-of-life of the Lyric panel will likely soon follow, leaving its users to seek viable upgrade paths. Here, we explore your upgrade options once the inevitable announcement is made.

If you have a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System don't worry. Even though production was discontinued in 2021, you can still use your working system. It will also continue to work with Total Connect 2.0. Discontinuation just means that you can no longer purchase a new Lyric panel. Also, it is likely there will be few, if any firmware updates going forward.

Upon discontinuing an alarm system, Resideo provides five (5) years of over-the-phone support to alarm dealers. Then the system enters the 'Limited Support' phase. During limited support, Resideo only offers documentation to dealers; direct, one-on-one support is no longer available. For the Lyric panel, limited support begins on December 31, 2026. After this date, a Lyric that displays anomalous behavior should be replaced.

Continue To Use The Lyric:

While SiX Sensors are still available for purchase from Alarm Grid, that's only because we still have inventory. As these sensors are no longer in production, they will be discontinued upon stock exhaustion. So, if you rely on a Lyric panel to protect your belongings or your loved ones, getting any necessary replacement sensors is recommended while supplies last.

Fortunately, the Lyric Controller also supports most Honeywell 5800 Series wireless sensors and 2GIG uni-directional, unencrypted 345 MHz sensors. So, these devices can be used to replace existing SiX Series devices that malfunction. Unfortunately, none of these devices support encrypted signaling between the sensor and the panel.

The Lyric cannot support the 2GIG eSeries encrypted sensors, nor can it support Honeywell bi-directional devices like the 5800WAVE, 5828, or the 5800RL. Any Honeywell 5800 Series device that requires a House ID to communicate with the system is not supported by the Lyric.

There is also the option of using a wired to wireless converter module. For users accustomed to the ease associated with using wireless sensors, the thought of using wired sensors may seem daunting. But depending on the layout, installing a Honeywell 5800C2W or a 2GIG TAKE-345 wired to wireless converter may be a good solution. Particularly if you need to install several closely grouped sensors.

A wired to wireless converter module functions by converting signals from traditional wired sensors into wireless transmissions. This enables the alarm panel to receive status updates from wired sensors, such as door openings or motion detection. The Honeywell 5800C2W supports up to nine (9) wired inputs, while the 2GIG TAKE-345 accommodates up to eight (8).

Consider a scenario involving a room addition or patio to sun room conversion. In such cases, wiring sensors in the new area to a wired to wireless converter module offers a simple method for integrating these zones into your existing Lyric system. This option simplifies the expansion of your security system without the need for a complete overhaul.

Another major consideration when thinking about replacing a Lyric System is the use of Apple HomeKit. The Lyric was the first, and for a long time the only, professionally installed system to support HomeKit. If you're using HomeKit, or if you plan to begin using it, then sticking with the Lyric may be your best bet.

There are now other panels that support Apple HomeKit, including the PROA7PLUSC from Resideo. The functionality between the Lyric and the PRO Series panels is a little different as outlined in this blog post. You can see how to configure HomeKit on a PROA7PLUS or PROA7PLUSC in this FAQ.

Be sure to check out the rest of our series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 2 of the series, we discuss the considerations when replacing a Lyric with another Resideo all-in-one panel the Resideo PROA7C, Honeywell Home PROA7, or Resideo PROA7PLUSC. In Part 3 we cover replacing the Lyric with a new First Alert VISTAH3 hybrid panel, and in Part 4, we consider moving from Resideo to an Alarm.com capable panel.

Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 2

For those end-users who desire a more traditional keypad for their First Alert VISTAH3, the First Alert VISTAHLKP wired landscape keypad is now available. Unlike older hybrid systems like the VISTA-20P, though, this keypad will only allow you to control the security system, not program it.

Aside from its traditional appearance, the First Alert VISTAHLKP has another distinct advantage over its wireless touchscreen counterparts. It is a wired keypad, and it connects to the panel using the iBus. The VISTAH3 introduces a new bus technology called iBus that replaces the older Enhanced Console Protocol (ECP) used by the VISTA-20P and other VISTA panels.

This new bus protocol uses RS-485, a frequently used hardware and driver architecture common in industrial automation. This allows for more flexibility in wiring, and longer wire runs for wired bus devices. It is Alarm Grid's belief that every VISTAH3 panel should have at least one (1) wired keypad, for occasions when wireless keypads may not be functioning properly.

1. 2X16 LCD Display
2. Power LED
3. Status LED
4. Disarm (Off) Key
5. Arm Maximum (Away, No Entry Delay)
6. Arm Instant (Stay, No Entry Delay)
7. Medical Panic
8. Panic
9. Fire Panic
10. Police Panic
11. Status (scroll)
12. No Other Function
13. System Tests
14. # Key
15. Quick Arm Night Option
16. Chime (Toggle)
17. Quick Arm Home Option
18. Bypass Sensors
19. Quick Arm Away Option
20. Arm Stay
21. Arm Away
22. Trouble LED

Using the VISTAHLKP with the VISTAH3 is very similar to using a Honeywell 6160 keypad on a VISTA-20P or similar panel. The following commands can be used:

• Arm (Away/Stay/Instant/Max/Night)
  • When the system is not ready, quick arming, if enabled, will automatically bypass faulted zones at the end of exit delay.
• Disarm
• GOTO (allows the user to log onto a separate partition, if their user code has access)
  • Returns to home partition after 30 seconds of no activity
• Add/Edit/Delete User Codes
• Bypass Zones

Excerpt from the User Guide showing Quick Arming icons and corresponding keypad commands:

Each First Alert VISTAHLKP can display either English or French language, depending on the language selection in the VISTAH3 panel. The keypad connects to the panel's iBus terminals as shown:

Wiring Limits for iBus Based on Current Draw and Wire Gauge:

NOTE: With ECP devices, the four wires for the bus are:

• Negative (-), or Black
• Positive (+), or Red
• Data In, or Green
• Data Out, or White/Yellow

However, the iBus connections are:

• Negative (-), or Black
• Positive (+), or Red
• Data A, or Green
• Data B, or Yellow/White

On the iBus, Data In is YELLOW, and Data Out is GREEN.

The VISTAHLKP keypad cannot be used to program the VISTAH3 system or to control smart home devices. For these capabilities, you'll need a wireless touchscreen keypad and either a PROWIFI (WIFI-Only) or PROWIFIZW (WIFI and Z-Wave Plus) module installed in the panel.

The compatible touchscreen keypads for the VISTH3 are the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH, Resideo PROWLTOUCHC, or First Alert VISTAHTCHWLC. Resideo has been working to dial-in their branding strategy recently, hence the different "brands" for these keypads. But, Honeywell Home, Resideo, and First Alert are all Resideo brands and all have the same robust, quality hardware.

If you choose to use the PROWLTOUCH or PROWLTOUCHC, a firmware update to the keypad is currently required (as of February, 2025) to make the keypad compatible with the VISTAH3. This firmware update can take about 30 minutes to download and install. The panel will be updated first, then the keypad. The panel won't download firmware using cellular data, so be sure the WIFI module is installed.

The primary difference between the PROWLTOUCH-style keypad and the VISTAHTCHWLC is size. The dimensions on the VISTAHTCHWLC are 5.75"L x 7.875"W x 1.0"D while the PROWLTOUCH keypads are 4.76"L x 7.68"W x 0.708"D.

You'll often find keypads near entry doors, bedrooms, kitchens, and common areas – basically, anywhere you need quick access to your security system. The VISTAHLKP is a smart choice for entry and exit doors, letting you arm and disarm the system in seconds. Another bonus? If an intruder triggers the alarm, the keypad's noise can be a good distraction. While they're dealing with that, the VISTAH3 system will be working behind the scenes to notify you and the monitoring service, depending on your monitoring plan.

For a straightforward, dependable security solution, the VISTAHLKP keypad is an excellent choice. Its wired connection to the panel ensures near 100% reliability, eliminating the potential issues associated with wireless keypads. If you're looking for simplicity and peace of mind, the VISTAHLKP delivers. Get yours today!

Resideo, in a February 17, 2025, announcement, declared the end-of-life (EOL) for its first-generation Total Connect 2.0-compatible cameras. These cameras will no longer function with the TC2 platform after July 31, 2025. Resideo recommends replacing them promptly for uninterrupted service.

The following cameras and accessories are affected by this notice:

Product Name	Image
IPCAM-WI
IPCAM-WL
IPCAM-PT
IPCAM-WI2
IPCAM-WO
IPCAM-PT2A
WAP-PLUS
WREX
ACU

The VX Series cameras from Resideo are now available for use with Total Connect 2.0, providing a significant upgrade in performance and features. Improvements include enhanced image resolution and quality, sophisticated AI event detection (allowing for more precise alerts), and integrated two-way audio functionality.

The VX Series doesn't directly replace some older camera equipment. Specifically, it lacks replacements for the first-generation pan-tilt camera, the ACU (analog converter unit), and the WAP-Plus access point. If you need to replace these older devices, Resideo suggests using one or more VX5 indoor cameras in place of the IP-CAM PT/IP-CAM PT2. Cameras currently connected to ACUs should also be replaced with the appropriate VX Series camera.

Recommended VX Series Replacements for Cameras at EOL:

It's true what they say: all good things must come to an end. And while the original Total Connect 2.0 cameras were mediocre by today's standards, they served a vital purpose in a market with few options at the time. They were especially useful for DIYers looking to add integrated video to their alarm systems without a lot of extra complexity.

The VX Series cameras offer the modern features customers expect, integrating seamlessly with Total Connect 2.0, PROSeries panels, and the VISTAH3 (via its touchscreen keypad). For now, Resideo is keeping it simple, offering one (1) indoor camera, one (1) outdoor camera, and one (1) video doorbell option in the VX Series.

Multiple sources have recently distributed notices regarding the Rogers 3G network. Rogers plans to sunset the 3G network on July 31, 2025. This differs from the original planned sunset on March 31, 2025. Once the network has been shut down, Rogers 3G communicators will soon begin to fail.

AT&T and Verizon ended their 3G service in 2022, but Canadian customers have had a few extra years to upgrade their devices. Now, Rogers is focusing on improving its faster LTE and 5G networks and needs to shut down the older 3G equipment.

If your system uses a Rogers 3G cellular communicator, you'll need to update it soon. Without an upgrade, eventually your system will not send alarm signals, including life-safety signals like fire and carbon monoxide alarms. This will also cause the system to display error messages.

Alarm Grid is here to help our Canadian customers upgrade their alarm systems before the Rogers 3G network shutdown. We'll be contacting you to discuss your upgrade options. Depending on your system, you may need a full upgrade or just a communicator upgrade. We'll work with you to find the best solution.

If you're not an Alarm Grid customer, we still offer a wide variety of FAQs geared toward upgrading systems and communicators. if you go to alarmgrid.com you'll find a list of these FAQs. You can also use the search bar at the top of the page to perform your own search with more specific criteria.

If you have an alarm system that is currently not monitored, or if you're not satisfied with your current service, Alarm Grid offers low-cost, no-contract monitoring plans for most systems. If you're interested in signing up for monitoring, but you're unsure whether we can monitor your system, reach out to support@alarmgrid.com.

Let us know what system you have, and if you're not sure, send us a picture of the system. From there, we may ask for more information. Once we know your system type, and whether we can access the required programming, we'll let you know if we can monitor your system. From there, you can sign up for monitoring.

If you sign up for a Self-Monitoring Plan, once the system or communicator has been upgraded and the required information has been provided, we'll create your account and email you with the login information.

If you sign up for a Full-Monitoring Plan you'll set an appointment for activation. You'll need to install the new communicator or system prior to your activation appointment. If you need support during that time, you can call us at 888-818-7728 (M - F, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EDT). You can also email us for support, or use our chat support feature during regular business hours.

We'll give you the knowledge you need to replace any equipment necessary. You can purchase that equipment from Alarm Grid or, if you prefer, from other suppliers. Once your system is registered, we'll perform any required testing, discuss any monitoring details for Full-Monitoring Plans, then wrap things up.

Resideo and Honeywell Home unveil a new wall mount and charging station for PROWLTOUCH and VISTAHTCHWLC keypads. Redesigned with a 9VDC transformer, the PROWLTOUCHWA allows longer wire runs between the power outlet and the unit and offers improved stability while using wall-mounted keypads.

The original wall mount for PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC keypads, the PROWLTOUCHWM, utilized a 5VDC power supply. This lower voltage restricted power wiring to a maximum of 34 feet (10.3 meters) when using 18 AWG wire. This limitation rendered the PROWLTOUCHWM unsuitable for some applications. Furthermore, when the touchscreen keypad was mounted on the PROWLTOUCHWM and used for system control, the keypad exhibited instability and a tendency to move.

With its 9VDC power supply, the PROWLTOUCHWA supports wire runs that are up to 277' (84m) long. That's more than 500% longer than with the PROWLTOUCHWM! The redesign also improves the stability of the keypad while it is mounted. So, no more "Galloping Gertie" while you try to control your system.

Wire Gauge and Length Chart For PROWLTOUCHWA

The PROWLTOUCHWA and PROWLTOUCHWM use different power supplies (9VDC and 5VDC, respectively). These power supplies are not interchangeable*. Using the 9VDC power supply with the PROWLTOUCHWM could damage the touchscreen keypad during charging. This is due to the incompatibility of the PROWLTOUCHWM's internal circuitry with the higher voltage.

*Per Resideo, there will be a very limited number of PROWLTOUCHWM units that can work with the 9VDC power supply. These units will have a date code on the product, which signifies their ability to support the higher input voltage.

Both the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHWA wall mount and the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHDM desk mount provide the convenience of a fixed keypad location with integrated battery charging. However, these mounts also offer the flexibility to detach the keypad for portable use. This is especially helpful during tasks like adding zones or programming Z-Wave devices, which often require direct interaction with the device being configured.

Due to the design modifications required for enhanced stability of the keypad when mounted, the PROWLTOUCHWA is no longer compatible with installation using a standard gang box. This is a minor inconvenience when compared with significant gains in stability and overall performance.

Alarm Grid has discontinued the original PROWLTOUCHWM and is now pleased to offer the enhanced PROWLTOUCHWA. If you haven't explored wall or desk mounting options for your touchscreen keypad, it is an add-on that we can wholeheartedly recommend. The ability to detach the keypad for mobile use during programming is game changing. Whether you have a new VISTAH3, a PROA7, or a PROA7PLUS system with an add-on touchscreen, this is a product that will quickly prove its worth.

As we close out 2024, our offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. I'll be practicing writing and typing 2025 instead of 2024, how about you? Although tech support will be closed, our central station partners will be on the job, ready to respond.

The year 2024 was pretty low-key in our industry. There were a few notable things, and we'll recap those here:

January:

In January, Alarm.com announced that because of changes T-Mobile made within their network, customers who formerly received MMS notifications for video events with a thumbnail, would begin receiving SMS messages with a link instead. You can read the full post here.

February:

The big news in February was a nationwide AT&T carrier outage that affected cell phone users and alarm communicators alike. As a carrier outage, both AlarmNet and Alarm.com customers were affected. According to the FCC, AT&T implemented "a network change with an equipment configuration error" that caused the issue. You can read the original blog post here.

March:

Among other things, in March we told customers how they can request new products for Alarm Grid to offer. You can click this link to request a product. For a full rundown on the required information, check out the post.

2024 seemed to be the year of the squatter, and we discussed ways to use an alarm system, particularly one with video support, to thwart this unique threat. Check out that post.

April:

April is ISC West month. As you may know, ISC West is the largest US trade show for the security and survaillance industry. It takes place in spring each year in sunny Las Vegas. Each manufacturer comes to the show with their best new offerings. We recapped some of those offerings here.

May:

In May, I set out to educate myself, and hopefully you, about Matter, the official Internet of Things (IoT) protocol. A new version of Matter was released in May, that drew quite a bit of attention. You can read about that, and matter in general, here.

June:

In June, I attempted to educate our readers on the joys of using B-connectors, sometimes referred to as beanies or "Dolphins". Since Dolphin is a brand name, we choose to refer to them as beanies. You can read our post on using B-connectors here.

I also posted about the potential danger of the "Shutdown System" menu option in the Resideo PROA7PLUS series panels. In short, it's best not to select that option. You can read the full post here.

July:

In July, Alarm.com rolled out their "Alarm Triggered Warning Sounds" feature. This is a configuration option that causes compatible cameras to emit an audible warning sound when a burglary alarm occurs. You can read all about this feature in this post.

Another global IT outage affected customers in July. On July 19, the now infamous "Crowdstrike Outage" for Windows systems occurred. This affected not the communicators that send signals, but the servers that receive and process them. You can read about the outage and what caused it in this post.

July was a big month! Rogers announced their plans to sunset the 2G/3G networks in Canada. The sunset is coming March 31, 2025, so if you're a Canadian customer with a Rogers communicator, prepare yourself! You can read more here.

August:

In August, Alarm.com released the "Alarm Mode" feature. Meant to make responding to an alarm as quick and easy as possible, Alarm Mode groups all alarm activity together on a single card that shows up on the customer dashboard when logging into the Alarm.com app. Read the full post for details.

On August 13, Resideo/First Alert put a quality hold on all VX1 video doorbells due to a problem with battery charging. A firmware update resolved the issue and the doorbell is again available. You can read that post, with updates, here.

Alarm.com released an all-new floodlight/camera combination unit called the ADC-V729. This product fills a previously underserved niche in the market. It comes in an AC, a 24 VDC, and a PoE version. Read all about it here.

Resideo announced in August that they were transitioning all SkyBell Video Doorbell users to a new backend via a firmware update. This occurred because of changes with the underlying SkyBell platform. You can read about that update here.

September:

In September, we wrote about a mandatory firmware update for older Total Connect 2.0 cameras. Any affected camera that failed to receive this update would no longer work with Total Connect 2.0. Cameras had until October 31, 2024 to properly update cameras. Read the full post for details.

On a more personal note, Alarm Grid rolled out our new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform in September. It has definitely been an adjustment, and we had a bit of a backlog of support tickets at first, but we're hitting our stride with it now. You can read about that here.

On September 27, we began preparing for Hurricane Helene. Some of our employees are located in Florida, so hurricanes often affect us both personally and professionally. You can read that notice here. We also discussed the effects hurricanes have on alarm system efficacy here.

October:

Alarm.com introduced some new Apple Widgets in response to Apple retiring the Alarm.com Today widget earlier in the year. There were two available widget options and you can read about those here.

Alarm Grid announced the new Alarm.com ADC-SVR210. Since this is not a rack mounted SVR (Stream Video Recorder) it's more of a residential than a commercial offering, though it can certainly also be used in a small business. An SVR works in conjunction with Alarm.com cameras to allow a user to record video 24/7. You can read about the launch here.

November:

In November, CMS, our central station partner for US-based customers, reported an uptick in their calls being blocked. If you have an alarm, and the monitoring station's call to you is blocked, you can't verify if the alarm is false or not. That will almost always result in a dispatch of authorities, unless you have some other specific instructions on file. Read about the issue in this post.

December:

December seems to be the month when everyone jumped on the two-factor authentication (2FA) bandwagon. Alarm.com jumped too, and now all Alarm.com customers are asked to set up 2FA. Interestingly, not only does Total Connect 2.0 not require 2FA, they don't even offer it. I've emailed them for information on why, and I'm waiting for a response. Here's our blog on Alarm.com requiring 2FA.

That's 2024 in a nutshell. It may not have been a monumental year, but it was also nothing to sneeze at. I hope you've enjoyed reading along with me throughout the year, and that you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. As I always say, stick with me and I'll get you through this troubled world!

If you need to contact either central station while we're out, the information to do so is below. Alarm Grid fully-monitored customers in the United States should contact CMS, while Canadian-based customers should contact Rapid Response.

Alarm Grid Central Station Monitored Customers in the US Contact CMS

1. Call 888-818-7728, choose Option 9 to contact the monitoring station.
2. Provide your name and address.
3. Provide your False Alarm Password. This is the password you chose when you set up monitoring. This is the word that means "Everything is OK." If you provide the wrong word or phrase, or if you provide the Duress Password (the one that means "I'm pretending everything is ok, but I really want help!" then the operator will dispatch authorities.
4. Let the operator know the reason for your call. Provide any additional helpful information and answer any questions they may have.

Alarm Grid Canadian Central Station Monitored Customers Contact Rapid Response

1. Call (800) 932-3822 and follow any prompts provided. Depending on availability, you may reach a person immediately, or you may be provided with menu prompts.
2. Provide your name and address.
3. Provide your False Alarm Password. This is the password you set up during your activation appointment. It means "Everything is OK." If you provide the wrong information, or if you provide the Duress Password, the one that means "I'm saying everything is OK, but I really want you to send help." the operator will dispatch authorities.
4. Discuss the reason for your call with the operator.

If you're attempting to make changes to your call list, zone list, or other account related information, the monitoring station can't help you with those items. You'll need to contact us when we're back in the office. The best way to do that is to email us.

Our email address is support@alarmgrid.com. If you're emailing to make account changes, please provide your False Alarm Password, or the last four (4) digits of the credit or debit card we have on file. This will speed up our response and prevent unnecessary back-and-forth emails.

As usual, the Alarm Grid office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so that our employees can enjoy the holiday with their families. This year, Thanksgiving is celebrated on November 28. Though our office will be closed, our monitoring station operators are ready to respond to any signals.

In addition to Thanksgiving Day, our office will be open half-days on Wednesday, November 27th, and Friday, November 29th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We will resume our regular schedule on Monday, December 2nd at 9:00 AM. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

During the holiday, our central station partners CMS and Rapid Response will be hard at work, monitoring Alarm Grid customer systems and helping to keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe and secure. We appreciate their dedication, sacrifice, and hard work!

Alarm Grid central station monitored accounts located inside the United States report to Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS). If you need to contact the monitoring station, to report a false alarm or to put your system on test, you can call (888) 818-7728 and choose Option [9]. Once an operator answers, you'll need to supply your name, address, and false alarm password.

Our Canadian customers can contact Rapid Response for central station inquiries. They can be reached at (800) 932-3822. Remember, when you call either monitoring station you will be asked for your name and address, and to verify your false alarm password or phrase. Providing the wrong information, or providing the Duress password, will result in a police dispatch.

For routine questions or to make changes to your account you'll need to speak to our support team. The monitoring station can't assist you with technical support or with changes to your zone list or call list. For those support needs you can email us at support@alarmgrid.com and we'll handle your request as quickly as possible once we're back in the office. Please bear with us as we clear any backlog of requests once we resume normal hours.

If you'll be traveling this Thanksgiving, be sure to secure your home and arm your system before you leave. Let your system work for you! If you're unsure of your false alarm password, take the time to confirm what it is before you leave. In the event of an alarm, providing the wrong false alarm password is the same as not providing a password at all. It will result in a dispatch.

If you'll be cooking this year, be prepared in the event of a smoke alarm. If you have smoke detectors tied to your alarm system and the alarm goes off due to steam or cooking smoke in the kitchen, silence the alarm. For all-in-one panels this usually means responding to a prompt on the panel screen. For older panels like the VISTA series, it means entering your User Code + Off at the keypad as you do when you disarm the system.

Be prepared, because a smoke alarm on a central station monitored system will result in a call from the monitoring station. For residential Alarm Grid customers, the monitoring station usually calls the user/residence prior to dispatching the fire department. An exception is when you request an immediate dispatch during account setup. If the alarm is the result of a cooking mishap, provide your false alarm password and speak with the operator. Based on the situation, you can determine whether a fire response is necessary.

If a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is triggered, you should evacuate immediately and allow the responding agency to determine if it is safe for you to re-enter. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can kill very quickly. Pets and children are at particular risk, due to their smaller size.

Understand that the monitoring station must dispatch on a CO alarm report, regardless of whether you provide the false alarm password or not. This is for your safety and protection. The fire department has special equipment that can test for the presence of carbon monoxide, and determine its concentration. They also have ventilation equipment to help remove it. Follow their instructions and recommendations once they arrive.

Alarm Grid wishes you and your family a happy Thanksgiving with lots of great food, family, and friends. Whether you're the one traveling, or the one whose home everyone else is traveling to, we wish you a happy, safe, and secure holiday this year!

When a hurricane strikes, widespread power outages, flooding, and wind damage overwhelm residents and emergency personnel. In such crises, property security becomes secondary to life-saving efforts. Any alarm system may fail during extended power outages, further complicating the situation.

As Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton, the second large hurricane forecast to hit the state within the past month, this is a good time to discuss the ways in which these storms affect your alarm system and the response to it.

The Alarm System

A hurricane can physically affect your alarm system in several ways. High winds caused by hurricanes can rattle windows and doors, potentially triggering alarms in older homes with loose fittings. If your alarm system is armed during a hurricane, these vibrations could lead to false alarms. If you have glass break detectors, they can be triggered by weather-related breaking glass.

Electrical power is crucial for alarm systems. If you're an Alarm Grid DIYer, you know that your system has a backup battery to keep it operating during AC power outages. For hardwired systems, you can choose the battery size based on a battery calculation sheet. The goal is typically at least 24 hours of standby power.

When we refer to "standby power," we mean the power consumed by your alarm system when it's not actively in an alarm state. During an alarm, your system requires significantly more power, which can deplete the battery faster. For hardwired systems, you can calculate this additional power consumption and install a larger battery, provided you comply with the manufacturer's specifications.

For all-in-one systems like the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 or Resideo PROA7PLUS, battery options are limited. The included battery is typically UL or ETL listed for at least 24 hours of standby power. This is often the only available option. To extend battery life during power outages, you might consider using a generator or exploring alternative battery solutions. However, these alternative solutions may void the manufacturer's warranty and may cause issues.

While cellular communication for alarms has become widespread, hurricanes can disrupt cellular service due to power outages, infrastructure damage, and other factors. If your alarm system relies on cellular connectivity and the service is interrupted, your system may be unable to report alarms or other conditions. You may also need to clear a communicator trouble condition when you return.

The Responding Authorities

Police, fire, and EMS agencies have specific protocols for responding to emergencies, including those caused by hurricanes. For example, according to Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS), one of our monitoring station partners, many agencies suspend responses to non-emergency dispatches when sustained winds reach 45 MPH.

During and after a hurricane, emergency services will be overwhelmed with requests. While many calls may be legitimate emergencies, others might be less urgent. Unfortunately, there may not be enough resources to respond to every call. As a result, reports of burglar alarms will not be treated as a priority and may not receive a response for some time after the hurricane has passed.

The Monitoring Station

The monitoring station will also be dealing with higher traffic. CMS has provided the following information:

• CMS has increased manpower at its Longwood, FL, and Manasquan, NJ monitoring centers. Please be aware that despite our best efforts, callers may still experience longer than normal wait times.
• Please understand first responders will no longer respond to dispatches from CMS once sustained winds reach 45 mph.
• CMS will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our dealers, their subscribers, and our employees.

CMS is always prepared with true redundancy; It is equipped with three (3), UL listed, FM (Factory Mutual) approved monitoring centers located throughout the United States. Its monitoring centers are connected using the latest in communications technology, allowing it to load balance by redistributing operator resources during spikes in alarm activity.

If disaster strikes any one of the CMS monitoring centers, each of them is backed up by two (2) generators and uninterruptable power supplies Each center is prepared to route alarm signals to the other CMS central stations located across the country. Through the years, CMS has seen just about every type of emergency. They have the experience and facilities to keep them running 24/7 in the face of any storm or other disaster.

With their unique infrastructure, CMS is ready to handle nearly any conceivable situation. Their operators are second to none in the industry. If you call on them, they will be ready to assist you in any way they can. Please heed warnings from experts in your area and evacuate your family, your pets, and yourself if advised to do so.