Smart Home Posts

Hi DIYers! Today, we are very excited to talk about the all-new Z-Wave Plus lighting products from Resideo. These lights are very easy to use, and they will work with nearly any security system that supports Z-Wave. They will certainly make a great addition to any growing smart home.

Resideo (formerly Honeywell and Ademco) has been long-known for their alarm control panels, sensors, and thermostats. But they really haven't made much of a splash in terms of smart lighting equipment. But that should change with these brand-new lights. The lineup has everything you need to create a robust and capable lighting setup.

All of these products use Z-Wave Plus technology to communicate with a central hub. We strongly recommend making sure your Z-Wave controller is certified for Z-Wave Plus so that you get the maximum wireless signal range. Some systems that support Z-Wave Plus include the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the 2GIG GC3e. If you have monitoring service and access to Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, then you can control your lights remotely and use them with smart scenes.

These devices are all super easy to program with your alarm system or other Z-Wave hub. When enrolling, you should always make sure to exclude the device from the network first. This will clear out any information and ensure that the device can be enrolled successfully. Then enroll the device by putting the controller into its inclusion mode and activating the inclusion function on the light. It should successfully pair with the network.

Now that you know a little bit about the lights in general, let's take a quick look at all of the new products individually:

• Resideo Z5SWITCH - An in-wall light switch that is used to control hardwired lights or a ceiling fan. Replaces the existing in-wall switch.
• Resideo Z5DIMMER - An in-wall dimmer switch that is used to control hardwired lights. The light bulbs must support dimming to be used in that manner. Replaces the existing in-wall switch.
• Resideo Z53WSWITCH - An in-wall 3-way switch that is used with the Z5SWITCH and Z5DIMMER. You can use multiple Z53SWITCH devices to achieve up to a 6-way lighting configuration. Please note that a traveler wire is required for use.
• Resideo Z5SWPID - A plug-in switch that is used for controlling a lamp or other connected device. It features a manual ON/OFF switch and a pass-through "non-Z-Wave" outlet.
• Resideo Z5DIMPID - A plug-in dimmer module that is used for controlling a lamp. The light bulbs must support dimming to be used in that manner. It features a manual ON/OFF switch and a pass-through "non-Z-Wave" outlet.
• Resideo Z5SWPIO - A plug-in switch that is suitable for outdoor use. Great for operating holiday lights or other outdoor lighting fixtures. It does not include a pass-through outlet.
• Resideo Z5OUTLET - An in-wall AC outlet that provides Z-Wave Plus control to the connected device. The bottom port uses Z-Wave Plus, while the top port is always active. Replaces an existing outlet.

All of these smart lighting products are available right now from Alarm Grid! They're great for anyone looking to create a new smart lighting network or expand upon an existing one. If you have any questions about these new Resideo Lights, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're here with another video recap, this time covering August 20th thru 23rd. As usual, thanks goes out to our video team for all the hard work they do. They managed to put up some great videos this time, and we are eager to show them off. Let's check out the newest videos!

Adding a Second Push-button Keypad to a VISTA-20P

Joe teaches you how to add a second keypad to a Honeywell VISTA System. This process applies to any Alphanumeric Keypad or Fixed English Keypad. In order to set up the keypad, you must wire it to the panel and address it. You can use any address from 16-23 for a push-button keypad. Address 16 is usually for the initial keypad, so a second keypad will typically use an address of 17-23. Remember to enable the address in programming from your first keypad if needed.

Clearing a Low Battery On a VISTA P-Series Panel

Joe covers the process for clearing a low battery on a VISTA P-Series Alarm System. A low battery trouble condition occurs when battery fails a Load Test and determines that the battery cannot properly support the current load. To fix a low battery, you need to either give the battery some time to charge, or replace it with a new one. Then you must have the system pass a Load Test to clear the trouble. Remember, the typical battery life is about three (3) to five (5) years.

Properly Testing the Honeywell 5800CO with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe explains how you can properly test the Honeywell 5800CO Carbon Monoxide Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This device only works with the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. You can easily test the sensor's communication with the panel by using the recessed test button. But if you want to test the sensor's ability to detect carbon monoxide gas, then you can use canned CO to complete a test. Be very careful when using canned CO!

Updating a LYNX Touch Panel Using the LynxTouch-MSD Tool

Joe is back for more, as he teaches you how to update a Honeywell L5210 or a Honeywell L7000 by using the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool. You might need to upgrade the firmware on one of these panels if you are trying to use an LTE communicator with the system. This includes the Honeywell LTE-L57A AT&T LTE Communicator and the Honeywell LTE-L57V Verizon LTE Communicator. You will need to power down the panel and open it up to complete the updating process.

The Difference Between Total Connect Comfort and Total Connect 2.0

Jorge explains the difference between Total Connect Comfort and Total Connect 2.0. Total Connect Comfort is an interactive platform designed strictly for use with certain Honeywell WIFI Thermostats. Total Connect 2.0 is much more robust, as it is used with Resideo Security Systems and a variety of different smart home devices, including Z-Wave devices. If you have a monitoring plan that includes access to TC2, then there is very little reason to keep using the Total Connect Comfort App.

Setting Up Automation On the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Smiling Jarrett is back! And he's gonna show you how to set up automation on your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Nearly any Z-Wave smart home device can be paired with the system. The panel has a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller, so you will get maximum range and battery life if you use Z-Wave Plus devices. Before adding Z-Wave devices, you should clear it from the network first. You can also use Alarm.com to control the Z-Wave devices on your IQ Panel 2 if you have the system monitored.

Hi DIYers! Today, we would like to talk about Lutron Smart Lights and explain why they are a great choice for establishing a smart lighting setup. These smart lights offer many nice features, including integrations with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. We think you will love these lights!

When talking about smart lights, we often point customers to Z-Wave lights first, due to their easy integrations with Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0. But if you don't have access to ADC or TC2, then you might choose a different smart network to build around. For smart lighting, Lutron represents one of the best options available. The Lutron Caseta lineup is perfect for DIY installers, and the products offer some great features and functions.

Anyone interested in Lutron should first become familiar with the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. This is the central hub that makes the setup possible. All of your Lutron devices will pair with this controller. And whenever you use a smart assistant (e.g. Siri, HomeKit, Alexa, etc.) to control your Lutron Lights, the command will first pass through the smart bridge.

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is very easy to set up. Just connect it to your router using the included ethernet cable. Then pair your smartphone with the bridge using the Lutron App. You will then be able to control connected Lutron devices from anywhere. One Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge can support up to 50 Lutron devices. You will have no problem decking out your home with Lutron Smart Lights!

The fun part comes once you have your smart bridge. You can then start choosing individual Lutron devices to use in your home. There are plenty of devices to choose from. We have some of our favorites listed below:

• Lutron Caseta In-Wall Neutral Smart Switch - An in-wall light switch that lets you add smart control to your existing hardwired lights. You can turn them ON and OFF from anywhere!
• Lutron Caseta Wireless In-Wall Dimmer - An in-wall dimmer that lets you add smart control to your existing hardwired lights. You can turn them ON and OFF and adjust their brightness from anywhere! Note that the light bulbs must support dimming.
• Lutron Caseta In-Wall Smart Dimmer for ELV+ - Same as above, but for use with electronic low voltage (ELV) lighting loads.
• Lutron Caseta Lamp Dimmer - Lets you provide smart control for two (2) connected lamps. Plugs into any standard wall outlet.
• Lutron Caseta Pico Remote - A handy remote that lets you control your lights on-site. You can have it loose, or mount it to the wall. There is also an audio Pico Remote for controlling an integrated Sonos Sound System!

There are also lots of kits that include bundled Lutron items. We won't list them all here, but please check out our Lutron Smart Home Page to see them! Lutron even offers a variety of decorative wallplates to go with your Lutron In-Wall Switches. Look for the Lutron Claro Wallplates for more information!

Remember, Lutron is great for pairing with a variety of different platforms including Apple HomeKit and Siri, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Nest, and Sonos Sound. It is also excellent for Resideo Lyric System users who use the system with Apple HomeKit, as it gives the user a single robust platform for controlling the system and their lights. Just remember that the Lyric must be running firmware update MR7 or higher to do this.

If you have any questions about Lutron, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you and answering all your questions about Lutron!

Hi DIYers! It's time again for our video recap. Our video team did a great job last week, as they worked very hard to put up some helpful new videos. Jorge made the most videos with four (4) this time around. I even made a rare on-camera appearance! Let's check out the new videos.

Setting the Communication Path In a Lyric Controller

Jorge explains how to set the communication path for a Resideo Lyric Alarm System. You can choose between WIFI & Cellular, WIFI-Only, Cellular-Only, and None. If you have both WIFI and cellular enabled, then the system will use WIFI as the primary path to communicate with the AlarmNet Servers. Please note that you will need to add a cellular module to use cellular communication with the Lyric System. We recommend using the LYRICLTE-A or the LYRICLTE-V.

Using the IPCAM-WOC1 With a Lyric Security System

Jorge talks about how it is not possible to view the live feed for the IPCAM-WOC1 Security Camera through a Resideo Lyric Alarm System. The only way that you can view the live feed for this camera is through Total Connect 2.0. This is the interactive monitoring and automation platform that is commonly used with the Lyric System. You can access this platform through the TC2 website or mobile app. You will also need an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to TC2 and video surveillance.

Reasons to Purchase an LTE Cellular Communicator

Jarrett discusses the reasons why you should make sure to buy an LTE cellular communicator for your alarm system. An LTE communicator will provide a fast and reliable connection that will keep your system monitored at all times. It will also provide a long-term monitoring solution for your panel. This is because cellular service providers have no plans to shut down their LTE networks any time soon. Older cellular networks like 3G and CDMA are expected to be shut down sometime in the coming years.

Setting Up The Slideshow Feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to set up the slideshow function on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System. The slideshow feature allows the panel to operate like a digital picture frame. This can be nice for making the aesthetic in your home more pleasant. Images are loaded onto the panel through a MicroSD card. There are many restrictions regarding the pictures that can be used in the slideshow function. Make sure to pay close attention in the video so you know which images you can add.

Z-Wave Light Status with Alarm.com

Jorge goes into detail about the Z-Wave light status feature for Alarm.com. A maximum of ten (10) "uncertified" Z-Wave lights can have their current ON/OFF status displayed from Alarm.com. Although you can add more Z-Wave lights beyond this limit, Alarm.com won't know whether the light is ON or OFF. In other words, you will be controlling these lights blindly. Alarm.com also has a list of "certified" Z-Wave Plus lights that do not count towards this device limit.

Alphanumeric, Fixed English, or Touchscreen Keypad?

I help you determine whether the keypad for your Honeywell VISTA System is an Alphanumeric Keypad, a Fixed English Keypad, or a Touchscreen Keypad. You can recognize an Alphanumeric Keypad because it will display "Installer Code 20" when you enter programming. A Fixed English Keypad will only display "20". A Touchscreen Keypad will have a Console Mode that allows the system to behave as an Alphanumeric Keypad. You should only use an Alphanumeric Keypad or a Touchscreen Keypad in Console Mode to complete deep-level programming.

Hi DIYers! It's time for our weekly video recap. We have a great batch of videos for you all today. Our technicians Joe, Jarrett, and Jorge will all help you learn how to use your alarm systems and get the most out of your equipment. Let's check out the latest videos from the team.

Adding Wired Motion Detectors to the VISTA 20P

Joe teaches users how to add wired motion detection sensors to a Resideo VISTA 20P System. Hardwired motion sensors will use a 4-wire connection, with two (2) wires being used for the zone input, and two (2) wires being used for power. Most hardwired motion sensors use a Normally Closed (NC) wiring configuration, meaning that they are wired in Series. However, there are some Form C motion sensors that can use a Normally Open (NO) wiring configuration for wiring in parallel.

Troubleshooting a Low Battery Condition on a VISTA Panel

Joe explains how to troubleshoot a low battery condition on a Resideo VISTA Alarm Panel. You will need a voltmeter to do this. The first step is to check the AC voltage. You should expect to see about 18 to 19 volts on a 16.5VAC transformer. Next, check the Auxiliary Power. You should see a reading of 13 volts or higher. Finally, you should check the charging voltage. This should be the same as the auxiliary power voltage.

Adding a 2-Wire Smoke to the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Joe teaches users how to add 2-wire smoke detectors to a Qolsys Hardwire 16-F. Any 2-wire smoke detectors used with the Hardwire 16-F must be connected at Zone 16. You must wire the smoke detector(s), plus any other sensors used with the module, before enrolling the Hardwire 16-F with the panel. This lets the module know the proper configuration for each zone. The 2-wire smoke detectors will use Normally Open (NO) wiring. Most burglary devices use Normally Closed (NC) wiring. CO detectors cannot be used with the Hardwire 16-F. You will also need 4.7k resistors at each zone.

Turning Off "Arm Confirm" in a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge explains how you cannot turn off the Arm Confirm feature on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Arm Confirm feature has the panel produce a loud tone when the system is Armed Away using a key fob or wireless keypad. The purpose of this tone is to make sure that the user knows that they have set their system to Arm Away and that they should exit the premises. Unfortunately, you cannot turn off the Arm Confirm feature on the IQ Panel 2 Plus System because it does not exist.

Arm Away Vs. Arm Maximum

Jarrett discusses the difference between the Arm Away and Arm Maximum modes. When you Arm Maximum, you are telling your system to ignore all of the Entry Delay Periods on your system. This means that if you open an Entry/Exit Zone while the system is set to Arm Maximum, then an immediate alarm will occur. If you are outside the building, you will need to disarm using a key fob or an interactive platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

Hi DIYers! It's time for another Alarm Grid video recap! We have videos from all the usual team members. Those team members are Jarrett, Joe, and Jorge, and they're all here to help you learn how to use your security system. Let's check out the latest videos from the Alarm Grid video team!

Troubleshooting 2-Wire Smokes on the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Joe explains the best practices for troubleshooting 2-wire smoke detectors when they are used with a Qolsys Hardwire 16-F Wired to Wireless Converter. The Qolsys Hardwire 16-F supports 2-wire smoke detectors when they are wired at Zone 16. This wired to wireless converter can work with any 319.5 MHz wireless alarm system, including the 319.5 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Remember that you will need to wire the 2-wire smoke detectors to Zone 16 before enrolling the Hardwire 16-F with the system. You must also use a 4.7k end of line resistor.

Testing the Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke Detector on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett rocks some protective ear gear while he explains how to test the Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke and Heat Detector on the 345 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The Honeywell 5808W3 Smoke and Heat Detector has a recessed test button that you can test using a thin object like a screwdriver. If you want to test the actual functionality of the sensor, you can use a hair dryer for the heat detection function and canned smoke for the smoke detection function. Always remember to put your system on test mode before testing this sensor!

Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) on Alarm.com Cameras

Joe discusses how you can use Power over Ethernet (PoE) with certain Alarm.com Cameras. Power over Ethernet means that the camera will receive both power and data from the same ethernet cable. This means that you will not need to connect a power adapter to the camera. You can just use the ethernet cable. This can help reduce installation time and allow you to utilize a more flexible wiring configuration. In order to complete a PoE setup, you may need a PoE injector like the Alarm.com ADC-POE-INJ. This will depend on the network switch or router being used.

Using the Qolsys IQ Siren with a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel

Jorge explains how to use the Qolsys IQ Siren with a LYNX Touch System. The Qolsys IQ Siren is a Z-Wave Siren that communicates with a system wirelessly. To pair this siren with a LYNX Touch System, the panel must have an L5100-ZWAVE Module installed. Since these panels will see the IQ Siren as a light switch, you must create special scenes for it to work properly. You need a scene to activate the siren during intrusion alarms, a scene to activate the siren during fire alarms, and a scene to stop the siren when an alarm is cleared.

Zone Status Indications on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jarrett discusses the various zone status symbols that will appear next to zones on the main screen of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The different statuses that can be displayed include Open, Closed, Active, Idle, Unreachable, and Tampered. The Open and Closed statuses are for door and window contact sensors. The Active and Idle statuses are for motion sensors, glass break sensors, environmental sensors, and life-safety sensors. The Unreachable status refers to a sensor experiencing loss of RF supervision. The Tampered status means that someone has activated the tamper cover for the sensor.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that we now have dual-path communicators available for the Interlogix Simon Series Systems. Compatible panels include the Simon XT (1.3+), Simon XTi, Simon XTi-5 and the upcoming Simon XTi-5i System. There are AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE options available.

If you are an Interlogix Simon user, then you know how important it is to add an alarm monitoring communicator to your system. These systems don't come with an integrated communicator, and you need to add one if you want reliable alarm monitoring service and connectivity with the Alarm.com platform. By accessing Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave devices, and view your ADC Cameras from virtually anywhere in the world.

What's great about these new communicators is that they utilize dual-path connectivity across an LTE network and a local IP network. In other words, you get the ultra-fast speeds of IP monitoring, plus the full reliability of cellular connectivity. If one path goes down or becomes unavailable, the other path will be there to back it up. This is ideal for situations where the internet goes down or when an electrical outage takes your router offline. Your system will still have cellular service to fall back on.

You get more than just trustworthy dual-path connectivity with one of these new communicators. They are also effective Z-Wave Plus controllers that you can use to start building a complete smart home network. You can add classic Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus devices to the panel for use with Alarm.com. This includes the ability to start creating smart scenes for automatic operation based on a set schedule or with certain system events. We recommend using Z-Wave Plus devices for optimal battery life and wireless signal range.

It's important to note that these are LTE and IP dual-path communicators. If you aren't aware, LTE stands for "Long-Term Evolution", and cellular service providers have promised to support their LTE networks well into the very distant future. By upgrading to one of these modules, you are ensuring that your Interlogix Alarm Panel can receive fast and reliable monitoring service for many years to come.

These dual-path communicators come in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE options. Remember, this has nothing to do with the cellular service provider for your smartphone. You can certainly have an AT&T Smartphone and use a Verizon Communicator for your alarm system, or vice-versa. You should simply choose whichever service provider works more effectively in your area. The new communicators are as follows:

• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-AT - AT&T LTE & IP Communicator
• Alarm.com XT-511-US-DP-VZ - Verizon LTE & IP Communicator

Remember, you will need a Self Gold Level Plan or higher from Alarm Grid to use these communicators. This is the only way to gain access to the Alarm.com platform for security and smart home control. More information about our alarm monitoring plans is available on our alarm monitoring page.

If you have any questions about these new Interlogix Dual-Path Communicators, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check this email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We know how important it can be to beat the summer heat with a new smart thermostat. That is why we are presenting you with our very own best smart thermostats of 2019. These devices all make fantastic additions to any growing smart home, and they are perfect for daily use.

A smart thermostat is great because you can program it to save huge amounts of money on your energy bills, while still keeping your home nice and cool when needed. You can integrate these devices with excellent platforms like Alarm.com, Total Connect 2.0, and even Apple HomeKIt. Just be aware that platform compatibility will vary between different devices. Make sure you purchase a smart thermostat that is compatible with the network you want to use.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at the best thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Thermostat

Resideo really outdid themselves with the Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Programmable Thermostat. This is the only thermostat on this list that comes in two (2) distinct flavors. These are a Z-Wave Plus version and an Apple HomeKit version. Regardless of which version you choose, you get a neat and clean UI that even new users will feel comfortable using. A unique aspect of this thermostat is that the Z-Wave Plus model does not require a C-wire for power. Instead, the device can run reliably on battery power alone. However, the HomeKit version requires the C-wire connection for WIFI communication. And although the Z-Wave Plus version was built for use with Total Connect 2.0, you can still use it with other networks like Alarm.com and Samsung SmartThings. Just know that it was designed with TC2 in mind.

Best for: Total Connect 2.0 users, Apple HomeKit users.

Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostat

Created specifically for Alarm.com users, the ADC-T3000 offers all the advanced features you would expect out of a robust and powerful smart thermostat. This is a Z-Wave Plus Thermostat which integrates perfectly with any Alarm.com Security System. Although you can technically use this device with other smart platforms like Total Connect 2.0 or Samsung SmartThings, it works best when used with Alarm.com. With the ADC-T3000, you can take advantage of great features like Alarm.com Geofencing, external temperature detection, humidity sensing, smart programming, and more.

Best for: Alarm.com users.

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

The iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat, also known as the iDevices IDEV0005AND4, was built for users who want a reliable and affordable smart thermostat, but don't necessarily want to integrate it with their alarm control panel. While its WIFI connectivity will not allow you to use the thermostat with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, this product is great for those who use smart, voice control platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. The iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat boasts an easy-to-use color-coded touchscreen, along with push-button controls. It fits in nicely with any decor, and no external hub is needed to use the thermostat. You can also use the convenient iDevices Connected App on iOS and Android devices to easily control the smart thermostat from anywhere.

Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Amazon Alexa users, Google Home users.

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa users looking for a premium smart thermostat can get great results out of the Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat. Although this thermostat is unable to integrate with alarm panels, it is still loaded with features that make it one of the best smart thermostats available. The typical homeowner saves 20% on their heating and cooling costs with this Energy Star Certified Thermostat. End users also appreciate the local 4-day weather forecast that is conveniently displayed on the main screen. Other features include Ideal Humidity System Management, Hybrid Heat Management, Ideal Away, and Intelligent Comfort to help the thermostat control the temperature more accurately. This thermostat features a 7-day programming schedule and auto-adjusting between heating and cooling.

Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Amazon Alexa users.

Need Help Choosing a Smart Thermostat?

If you are having trouble deciding on the perfect smart thermostat for your home or business, please reach out to us! Our team is happy to discuss the pros and cons of each thermostat so that you can make the best purchasing decision for your needs. Remember, the best way to reach us is to always email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. You may also call our planning department during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F at (888) 818-7728. We look forward to helping you beat the heat with a brand-new smart thermostat from Alarm Grid!

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!