Smart Home Posts

Hi DIYers! Many of our customers have been using Chamberlain and LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door Controllers with Total Connect 2.0. These smart garage door controllers are perfect for use with the TC2 platform. They offer a great way to integrate your garage door into your smart home network.

The Chamberlain and LiftMaster MyQ integration is great for tying in remote control for your garage doors to your Total Connect 2.0 account. By using this integration, you can consolidate your garage door control into one single app, instead of two separate ones. However, there is a limitation. The integration does not allow you to add the MyQ garage doors into a TC2 Smart Scene for automated control based on security system actions. For instance, you cannot create a scene that will automatically disarm your Resideo System if your garage door is opened. But fortunately, we now have a solution for this problem.

When you integrate your MyQ Garage Door Controller in with Total Connect 2.0, you can control your garage door remotely through the platform. You can also receive text and/or email alerts when the garage door opens or closes. However, if you try to integrate your MyQ Controller with smart scenes, you will be unable to do so. But we recently came up with a solution for this issue that will work for the Lyric Controller and all LYNX Touch Systems. This solution will also provide your system with the ability to truly monitor the activity of your garage door.

The answer is to add a sensor to your garage door. You will want to use either a tilt sensor or a contact sensor with a wide spacing gap. The Honeywell 5822T is a wireless tilt sensor that can easily pair with a Lyric or LYNX Touch System. Another option is the Honeywell 958. This is a hardwired contact designed for overhead garage doors. You can either wire the Honeywell 958 back to the panel, or you can connect it to a wireless sensor that accepts a wired input, such as a 5816 or a SiXCT. Whether you go with the 5822T or the 958 is really up to you, as they are both perfect options for this job.

You should program the sensor into one of the designated wireless garage door zones. The designated garage door zones for an L5100, L5200, or L5210 are Zones 46 thru 48. For an L7000, they are Zones 45 thru 48. And for the Lyric, they are Zones 127 thru 130. You should give the Zone Descriptor a name that allows you to easily recognize it as your garage door.

Please note that each garage door zone is associated with a particular garage door slot. The table below outlines this:

From there, you should program a "virtual" Honeywell 5877 Relay Module into the system through the Automation Menu. The 5877 is a Honeywell Wireless Relay Module that provides remote control for garage doors. However, it is not compatible with MyQ Garage Door Controllers. With this trick, you don't actually need a 5877 Relay, but you will program your system as if you are using one.

What you want to do is start from the main screen of your panel. Choose Automation > down arrow > Garage Door Setup. From there, choose the garage door slot associated with the zone you set up with the tilt sensor or the contact sensor. Click on "Assign Device". Then go to the "Enter Serial Number" field. Since you aren't actually using a real 5877, you can just enter a fake serial number like "1111111". Click "Done" in the bottom-right corner when you have finished. This will make the system think that a 5877 Relay has been enrolled. You can then return to the main screen by repeatedly pressing the return arrow in the upper-right.

You can then create TC2 Smart Scenes to have the system respond automatically based on the status of the garage door. For example, you might have a smart scene to disarm your system automatically when you open your garage door. To do this, you will want to use the garage door slot that you set up on the system when creating the smart scene. The system will know to change the status of the garage door (opened or closed) based on the activity of the associated zone.

Now, you might be wondering why you need the "fake 5877" setup with the system. The reason for that is because you can't create smart scenes to Arm or Disarm your system based on zone faults. So even if you have sensor programmed for your garage door, you cannot use it as a trigger for arming or disarming your system. But you can use a garage door as a trigger. By making your system think that it has a true garage door programmed, you can use that as a trigger for smart scenes.

It must be mentioned that there are a couple of limitations to this setup. For one, you cannot use this work-around to have your garage door respond automatically based on system activity. This is because there is no real relay module to tell the garage door what to do. So if you want to have the garage door automatically open/close when you arm/disarm your system, it will not work. Second, this will not work with Honeywell VISTA Systems, as those systems do not support the 5877. As a result, you cannot program a "fake 5877" on a VISTA Panel. But other than these limitations, this is a pretty good work around. You also get the benefit of enabling your system to truly monitor your garage door for activity.

If you have any questions about this work-around, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you.

Hi DIYers and future DIYers! If you've spent any time on our site, you have likely come across Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Maybe you know all about it. Maybe you know nothing about it. But did you know that you can "Test Drive" TC2 to check out the platform? Today, we're gonna show you how.

For the uninitiated, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform designed exclusively for use with Resideo Alarm Systems. You can access this platform using a web browser or by using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on an Android or iOS device. From there, you must login to your TC2 account using your username and password. Make sure to keep this information a secret. After logging in, you can control your system in a number of different ways.

TC2 allows users to do all sorts of different actions. You can access TC2 to arm and disarm your system, bypass sensors, view the live feed for Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras, control Z-Wave smart home devices, and more. What's great about this service is that you can quickly and conveniently access the platform from almost anywhere. As long as you have your smartphone, you can get on TC2 and control your system from across the street or across the world.

But maybe you want to see how great TC2 is for yourself? With the Total Connect 2.0 Test Drive feature, you certainly can. You don't need to sign-up for anything, and the feature is completely free to use. All you have to do, is go to the Total Connect 2.0 website or mobile app, and click the Test Drive button. Please note that the button will appear slightly different depending on whether you are using the website or mobile app.

After clicking the Test Drive button, you will be taken to an identical representation of the TC2 platform. You can then check out all of its features and see exactly how the platform looks and responds. This will show you first-hand exactly what the platform can do you for you. This way, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not TC2 is right for you.

If you decide that TC2 is for you, then getting started with the service is easy. You will need to obtain a Resideo Alarm System with an AlarmNet Communicator. You will then need to get an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. You will choose a time slot to activate your system. Make sure to follow these tips to make your activation as easy as possible. One of our trained activators will call you at the scheduled time to activate your system. After that, you will receive an email to set up a Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you want to learn more about Total Connect 2.0 or our monitoring service, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email as soon as possible and reply back at our earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at one of our newest and most exciting products, the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro. This is smart video doorbell camera that is easy to use in nearly any home. It supports integrations with some of the most versatile and robust smart home platforms.

We hear all the time of end users looking for an effective video doorbell camera that they can add to their homes. They want a device that is easy to use and setup and offers all of the excellent features that they expect out of a modern smart home device. The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro checks all of these boxes, making it the perfect addition for anyone looking to unlock the great potential of a video doorbell camera.

To unlock the full potential of the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro, you will definitely want to get started with the August Home App. This is a free app for Android and iOS devices that lets you view the live feed of your doorbell cam from anywhere. The app can also send push notifications right to your phone whenever the device detects motion or when someone rings the doorbell. This is perfect for knowing about any activity that occurs in front of your home.

There are many awesome features that make the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro an excellent doorbell camera for all types of users. The device offers 1080p HD video, and an integrated flood light lets the camera capture video in the darkest of settings. Real-time motion alerts ensure that you are alerted to any activity in front of your home, This includes package thieves and suspicious loiterers. The device also integrates with your August Smart Lock Pro, as well as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro is very easy to install, making it perfect for DIY users. To get started, you just need to cut power to your existing hardwired doorbell at the breaker, and disconnect your existing doorbell. Then wire the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro in its place. Apply power to the device at the breaker, and complete the setup process using the August Home App. This will involve connecting the device to your local WIFI network and associating it with your August account.

If you don't have a hardwired doorbell set up with your home, you might consider using the August View Wire-Free HD Video Doorbell instead. This device offers similar functionality as the August HD Video Doorbell Cam Pro, but it doesn't integrate with a hardwired setup. Both devices can be purchased right from the Alarm Grid website. If you have any questions about either doorbell camera, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today we're looking at three (3) smart home devices that can make a great addition to nearly any home. Half the fun of owning an alarm system is getting into the exciting world of home automation. These devices are all easy to use, and they are all available from Alarm Grid.

August Smart Lock Pro

The August Smart Lock Pro is very unique in being one of the few Z-Wave Plus Smart Locks that is also compatible with Apple HomeKit. It also works with great voice-based platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and it can be used for automatic Bluetooth unlocking. All of this makes the August Smart Lock Pro extremely versatile. It is a great choice no matter what interactive platform you are building around. The lock comes Z-Wave Plus ready right out of the box. You can also pair it with an August Connect WIFI Bridge for enhanced remote access. You can still use the lock with HomeKit without the Connect Bridge, but it will need to be within Bluetooth range of the HomeKit Hub (Apple iPad, Apple TV Gen 4 or higher, or Apple HomePod). Overall, this is a fantastic smart lock for your home and great for many scenarios.

Check out all of our fantastic smart locks here.

Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat

The Honeywell T6 Pro is arguably our favorite Z-Wave thermostat right now. Its biggest selling point is its ability to connect to an HVAC system and remain powered on without common power from a C-wire. This is excellent for DIY installers, as it prevents them from having to work with high voltage wiring. The Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave version is certified Z-Wave Plus for extended wireless range and improved battery life. There is also a HomeKit-compatible T6 Pro that uses WIFI instead of Z-Wave Plus. However, most Alarm Grid customers get the Z-Wave Plus model so that they can control the thermostat through the same interactive service platform used with their security systems. Although the T6 Pro was designed with Total Connect 2.0 in mind, it will work just fine with Alarm.com and associated systems.

Check out all our smart thermostats here.

Lutron Caseta P-BDG-PKG1W Starter Kit

Lutron Caseta is a great option if you are looking to establish a smart lighting network for your home or business. In order to get started, you will need a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge to serve as the central hub for the setup. The kit linked above include the smart bridge, along with an in-wall dimmer switch and a Pico Remote for controlling the device from up to 60 feet away in open air. Other great starter kits from Lutron include the P-BDG-PKG2P with a lamp dimmer module, and the P-BDG-PKG2W with dual in-wall dimmer switches. A great aspect of Lutron Caseta devices is that you can build a network of lights without having to run traveler wires to connect load-bearing light switches to a master switch. Instead, all communication occurs wirelessly through the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. Lutron integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home with ease. This makes this smart lighting network perfect for many different smart home setups.

Check out all of our smart lighting options here.

Build Your Smart Home!

Alarm Grid is here to help you build your ideal smart home. Whether you're looking for locks, thermostats, or lights, we have what you need to help you get started. Remember, we offer free support for all Alarm Grid monitored customers. You can build your smart home network around one of our security systems and make your life more convenient than ever. Alarm Grid customers should email us at support@alarmgrid.com with any questions. And if you haven't joined Alarm Grid quite yet, you can get started by clicking the orange Alarm Monitoring button at the top of this page. We look forward to helping you design the perfect smart home.

Hi DIYers! We know that we haven't done a video recap lately. Our video department has been on a well-deserved break, as the team has been focusing on other priorities. Well the same team will be back at work this week to make new videos. Expect new videos from Jarrett, Jorge and Joe soon!

Remember, the best way to find out about new videos as soon as possible is to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We upload new videos almost every day, and we would love your support on YouTube. You can also expect a regular video recap by checking this blog. We usually like to post video recaps on Mondays, but it can vary based on recent activity.

Our video team looks forward to getting back to work and making some great new videos to help you learn how to get the most our of your security system. We apologize that we haven't been putting out new videos in recent weeks, but we will have some new ones very soon. We hope that you are looking forward to some helpful new videos just as much as we are, and we are eager to show you what our team can do.

Hi DIYers! We are here to announce today that we have some new products available on our site. Our new offerings include the DSC Iotega Alarm System, several new Z-Wave Plus in-wall light switches, and even some hand tools that you can use to install your security system and sensors!

First we will talk about the DSC Iotega System. The Iotega is one of the newest alarm systems from DSC. This is one of the few systems on the market with Apple HomeKit support. It is the only system that can support both HomeKit and PowerG Sensors. These wireless sensors are great, as they offer an astounding range of up to 2km in open air (4km with wireless repeater) and 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless protection.

Alarm Grid already sells the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG support, which is one of our most favorite systems. We also sell the HomeKit-ready Resideo Lyric Alarm System, an exceptional system in its own right. But if you want to use both PowerG Sensors and Apple HomeKit, then you are stuck with the DSC Iotega.

The Iotega has a major drawback in that it does not support local programming. This makes the panel a poor choice for DIY users, as they cannot complete their own programming. But if you need a HomeKit-compatible system with PowerG support, the Iotega fulfills that niche. The system is also compatible with the Alarm.com interactive platform for remote access, Z-Wave Plus control and more. Please note that cellular monitoring service is require to use Alarm.com.

In addition to the DSC Iotega With Built-In Verizon LTE Communicator, we also now sell an Iotega 3-1 System Kit (System w/ Three (3) Door and Window Contacts & One (1) Motion Sensor), an Iotega Touchscreen Keypad and a desk mount for the touchscreen keypad.

Next for our new product releases are a plethora of new in-wall Z-Wave Plus smart lighting switches from Go!Control and GE. These products are great for any homeowner who wants to take smart control over their lights for remote operation and smart scene functionality. Go!Control and GE both offer some fantastic smart lighting devices, and we are excited to add these products to our growing lineup.

Perhaps the smart lighting device we are most excited about is the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 Z-Wave 3-Way Smart Switch. This in-wall switch controls lighting loads already connected with a load-bearing switch or dimmer. The module can connect with up to five (5) load-bearing switches for 7-way operation. Fewer load-bearing devices can be used if that is all that is needed for the setup.

But what makes the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 unique is that it eliminates the need for a traveler wire. Instead, the module uses Z-Wave Plus technology to send all communication signals. All you need to do for setup is connect the 120VAC line and a neutral wire. This is great for DIY installers who may not feel comfortable running a traveler wire.

Other Z-Wave Plus devices now available from Alarm Grid include:

• Go!Control WD500Z5-1 Z-Wave Wall Dimmer Switch
• GoControl WS15Z5-1 Z-Wave Smart Light Switch
• Go!Control PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-in Appliance Module
• Go!Control PD300EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-In, 300W Dimmer Module
• GE 28170 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Dimmer
• GE 28172 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Switch
• GE 14318 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch
• GE 14294 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Dimmer
• GE 14287 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Fan Control
• GE 12723 Z-Wave In-Wall Add-On 3-Way Switch

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures of the new Z-Wave Plus devices quite yet. But we hope to have them on the site in the near future.

Finally, we have a few hand tools that can help new users install their systems and sensors. These new offerings include the a wire stripper tool, a digital multimeter, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, and 13-piece screwdriver set. Not only are these tools great for setting up your system, they are also perfect for using around the house or around the shop in general. They are all high quality tools that make an excellent addition to any tool set.

• Jonard Wire Stripper Tool
• Pro'sKit Digital Multimeter
• Platinum Tools 6-in-1 Screwdriver
• Platinum Tools 13-Piece Mini Screwdriver Set

We hope that our new and existing customers can put these latest Alarm Grid products to good use. If you have any questions about these new products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing these new products!

Taking a summer trip DIYers? You need peace of mind to maximize your fun. Knowing that your home is safe and operational is a great feeling. You have a lot of planning before you go on vacation, and we're here to help you get ready. Here are some ways you can prepare for your next vacation.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is the perfect accessory if you plan on taking a trip during the summer months. It's hot out! You don't want to come home and suddenly discover that your HVAC system has stopped working. The last thing you need when you come home is an uncomfortable house. You can pair your smart thermostat with your security system and start using it with an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. While you're on the beach or lounging by the pool, you can check your home's temperature and make sure it's reasonable. You don't want to set the temperature too low; there's no reason to waste the extra energy. But you can check and make sure that it's at a reasonable level to know that your HVAC system is working properly. You can even set up automatic notifications if the temperature gets too high.

We actually just made a post showing-off some of the best smart thermostats on our site. Check it out!

Get a Smart Door Lock

Let's say that your smart thermostat shows a very high temperature, and you suspect your HVAC system might be broken. How are you gonna let the repair person inside? You're on vacation, and you triple-checked to make sure your doors are locked! Well with your smart door lock, you can let the repair person inside and then lock the door behind them when they leave. What about your plants or your puppy? Your friendly neighbor is going to need to get inside to take care of them. You don't have to give them a key. Just make them a guest code on your smart lock, along with a guest code on the panel. Or if you are extra cautious, you can always lock and unlock the door and arm and disarm your system from TC2 or ADC. This is the perfect way to make sure that your home stays in order while you're off relaxing somewhere far away.

We did a post a few months ago on some great smart door looks. Take a look!

Get Alarm Monitoring

You won't able to use your smart door lock and your smart thermostat without a hub. And what better hub than a brand-new security system? At Alarm Grid, we have all you need to make sure that your home is safe and secure while you are gone. If someone dares to break-in to your house while you're off on the vacation you worked hard for, we'll make sure that they pay the price. We offer monitoring plans that will connect your alarm system with a 24/7 central station for automatic police dispatch in these serious situations. The smart home control features are a nice touch, but keeping your home and your possessions safe is always a top priority. We have many alarm panels and security sensors to protect homes big and small.

We recently did a comprehensive post covering all our available monitoring plans. Here it is!

Get Environmental Sensors

Protecting your home from a robbery is important, but what about environmental conditions? There could be a water leak that causes a flood in your basement, or maybe a wildfire affects your property. It would also be a real bummer to come home to a natural gas leak. We have sensors for all these situations. You can get flood sensors, smoke and heat detectors, and natural gas detectors all from Alarm Grid. Your Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com service will send you a text and/or email alert so that you know about the activated sensor as soon as it happens. And if it's something serious like a fire, emergency help will be sent out if you have central station service. Alarm Grid has all the environmental sensors you need to know that your home is ready for your vacation.

We know what happens when people don't use environmental sensors. Don't let this happen to you!

Contact Us!

You need to do one last thing before you Arm Away, lock your smart lock and set your smart thermostat schedule. That is contact Alarm Grid to let us know about your vacation plans! If you want any changes for the dispatching process, make sure to inform us. This could include something like having the central station call your neighbor or your friend instead of you while you're away. Letting us know about your vacation schedule is also extremely important if you plan on having someone else looking after your house while you are away. You should let us know that a neighbor or a friend will be using your system during this time. You might even tell us which user code they will be using so that we know to look out for anything unusual. This is really only necessary if you need temporary changes to your account while you are gone.

If you need to let us know about your vacation plans, you should send a quick email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team will check your email as soon as possible and put the necessary information on your account. Enjoy your vacation, and stay safe and relaxed with Alarm Grid on your side!

Hi DIYers! It sure is hot out! We're right in the stretch of summer, and we know that you are looking for ways to stay cool. You can beat the heat with a new smart thermostat from Alarm Grid. These devices are easy to install, and they let you control your home's temperature remotely.

With a smart thermostat, you can ensure that your home stays cool when you need it, while also keeping energy costs to a minimum. The key is having your smart thermostat keep your HVAC system running while you are home, while having it not expend as much energy while you are away working or on vacation.

You can check your smart thermostat from anywhere using an app on your phone and make sure your home is at the temperature you need. When you are on your way back to the house, you can set your thermostat to cool so that your house is nice and comfortable by the time you get back. Or if you aren't going to be home for awhile, you can turn the temperature up so that you aren't wasting energy. It's all in your control - anywhere, anytime.

Here are four of the best smart thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro

The Honeywell T6 Pro has been one of our favorite smart thermostats for awhile. It comes in two models - a Z-Wave Plus model and a WIFI model for use with Apple HomeKit. The Z-Wave Plus model is notable, as no C-Wire is needed to setup the device. The Z-Wave version can run consistently on three (3) AA batteries. This is perfect for DIY users who don't want to mess with high-voltage wiring, as you only need to connect the device to the HVAC system in place of the old thermostat. Please note that the WIFI model does require C-Wire power. The Z-Wave Plus model was designed for use with Resideo Systems and Total Connect 2.0, but you can really use it reliably with any Z-Wave hub. It is ENERGY STAR® certified.

Alarm.com ADC-T3000

The Alarm.com ADC-T3000 is still brand-new to our site, but it has already become one of our favorite smart thermostats. This device supports Z-Wave Plus technology for extended wireless range and battery life. It was built to connect with alarm control panels that use the Alarm.com interactive platform, but you can really use it with any Z-Wave controller. This thermostat is known for its sleek, straightforward design and excellent simplicity that makes it perfect for new users. It is also ENERGY STAR® certified to ensure that you can keep your home cool, while also preventing the energy bills from racking up. The device relies on the C-Wire from the HVAC system for primary power, while two (2) AAA batteries provide backup power. It works with nearly any conventional 24V HVAC system.

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

The iDevices IDEV0005AND4 Smart WIFI Thermostat is the lowest-priced smart thermostat on our list. It is perfect for users who want to get smart functionality for their home's HVAC system at a low price. The device is designed for use with Apple HomeKit, which is great for iOS users who want ultimate control from their iPhones. In addition to Siri voice control through HomeKit, the iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat also supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Remote access is also possible through the iDevices Connected App on both iOS and Android devices. The thermostat has a sleek, slim profile when installed on the wall. It uses 24VAC from the HVAC system, and the C-Wire is required. It does not have a backup battery.

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

Last on our list is the Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat. This is a high-end thermostat that comes at a higher price tag than the other smart thermostats on our list. But it offers some great results. The Carrier Côr is HomeKit-compatible, meaning that it can be used with Siri voice commands on iOS devices. It can also be used with Amazon Alexa once you enable the Carrier Côr Thermostat Alexa Skill. The thermostat provides detailed energy reports, and it is ENERGY STAR® certified to help users better-manage their energy expenses. It also offers useful features like Humidity System Management, Hybrid Heat Management, Ideal Away Settings, and Intelligent Comfort. Users will also appreciate the 7-day programming schedule for added convenience. The thermostat uses HVAC system power. It does not have a backup power source.

If you have any questions about these smart thermostats, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We will help you find the perfect smart thermostat to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Our entire team looks forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have a small video recap this week, as only four (4) new videos were produced. But they're really good ones from Jorge and Jarrett, who both had two (2) each. They're here to help you learn how to use your security system. Let's check out the new videos for June 18th thru 21st.

Locations Suitable for Installing Heat Detectors

Jorge discusses the rooms in a home that are better-suited for standalone heat detectors than traditional smoke detectors. Normally, a user will use smoke detectors because they will detect a fire more quickly. But there are some rooms where it is better to use a heat detector, as a smoke detector may lead to false alarms. Popular locations for heat detectors include kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and attics. There are also combination smoke and heat detectors that use both detection methods.

Resideo Lyric Alarm System Vs. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge compares the Resideo Lyric Alarm System and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. Both systems are some of the best on the market, and they offer some excellent features. Both offer support for up to 128 zones and feature a 7-inch touchscreen display. The advantages to the IQ Panel 2 Plus include its built-in Z-Wave Plus card, its integrated Alarm.com LTE Cellular Communicator, four (4) partitions, facial recognition, automatic Bluetooth disarming, and the ability to livestream cameras. But the Lyric offers HomeKit support.

Compatible Back-Up Battery for the 2GIG GC3

Jarrett is happy to talk about the backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 Security System. Normally, the system is powered using a plug in transformer. But if the electricity goes out, then a backup battery will keep the system running. The backup battery will slowly store a charge while the system is running on transformer power. That way, it will be ready for a power outage. The backup battery for the 2GIG GC3 is called the 2GIG BATTERY-GC3. The battery will provide up to 24 hours of backup power.

Using an LT-Cable With The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett is back for a second round, as he shows users how to use the Honeywell LT-Cable with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The LT-Cable is a convenient option for providing power to an alarm panel. The wires come pre-prepared and ready to connect with the panel and transformer. All you need is a screwdriver. If you need to cut power to the system, you can unplug the male-female barrel connector. This means that you won't have to unplug the transformer from the wall.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that there has been a price reduction on the Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM Video Doorbells. You can now get a brand-new video doorbell for your home for just $100. These are excellent video doorbells that are compatible with the Total Connect 2.0 platform.

The SkyBell DBCAM captures video at up to 1080p quality. The device connects with your home's local WIFI network, and it has a built-in LED light to display current status. Whenever someone rings the doorbell or someone in front of your door sets off the integrated motion detector, you will receive a push alert right to your smartphone. This is great for knowing if your friend has arrived, if the pizza is here, or even if a package thief is trying to make off with your stuff!

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with access to Total Connect 2.0, you can set up the DBCAM to send you alerts right through the TC2 platform. If you don't have service with Alarm Grid, you can still receive mobile alerts for the DBCAM through the SkyBell App. By connecting the device with your local WIFI network, you can get these alerts from anywhere. Whether you're in the backyard or across the planet, you will know exactly what is going on in front of your house!

Please note that this limited time offer is only for the "round" SkyBell DBCAM. Only the "silver" color is being included in this promotion. No other color variant is being offered at a discounted price. Additionally, the SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM and the Alarm.com SkyBell DBCAM are both NOT included in this promotion. Both of those products are still available at their usual prices. This promotion, while supplies last, is strictly for the silver-colored Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM for use with Total Connect 2.0.

Hurry now, and get a brand-new SkyBell DBCAM for your home before they're sold out! This promotion is only being offered while supplies last. If you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!