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Hi DIYers! We're here with our usual video recap. This time we have videos featuring Jorge and Joe. We hope that you find these instructional videos helpful in using your security system. Our dedicated video team has been hard at work putting together these videos. Let's check them out!

Programming an Encore FF345 with an L5210

Jorge shows you how to program the Encore FireFighter FF345 with a Honeywell L5210 Security System. The FF345 is a listening module that activates upon hearing the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector or the Temporal 4 sound of an activated carbon monoxide detector. The device is commonly used with high-voltage or conventional life-safety sensors that otherwise couldn't integrate with a security system. Any sensor that produces a Temporal 3 or Temporal 4 sound can be used with this device.


Connecting a LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door to a Honeywell Alarm System

Joe explains how you can use a LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door Controller with the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that is commonly used with Honeywell Security Systems. By pairing your MyQ WIFI Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0, you can open and close your garage door from pretty much anywhere using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App. You can also get text alerts from TC2 regarding any garage door activity. However, you cannot use a MyQ Garage Door Controller with TC2 smart scenes.


IQ Panel 2 vs IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm Systems

Jorge explains how the main difference between the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is the sensors that they support. The original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can only use 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes Qolsys S-Line Sensors. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can use 915 MHz DSC PowerG Sensors, plus one of three different legacy sensor frequencies. You can choose between legacy sensor support for 319.5 MHz sensors, 345 MHz sensors, and 433 MHz sensors.


Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 w/o Monitoring

Jorge explains that while it is technically possible to use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 without alarm monitoring service, it is not recommended. By not monitoring the system, you will not be able to receive text and/or email alerts from Alarm.com regarding system activity. You will also be unable to receive automatic emergency dispatch from a central monitoring station in the event of an alarm. But you can still use the system as a local noisemaker and as a Z-Wave hub without monitoring.


Activating the Chime on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge teaches you about the chime settings on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. A chime is a pleasant sound that lets you know when a sensor has been faulted. This sound is much quieter than a siren or an alarm. It's just a quick way to let you know that some activity has occurred. On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2, you can enable or disable chimes across the entire system. You can also set individual chimes for each zone. You can choose from a selection of different chimes for each zone.

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Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap. Sadly, our video team took a break a couple weeks ago, so there was no recap last week. But they came back strong last week with seven (7) new videos! The Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe are all back. Let's check out the videos!

Cellular Communicators That Work With a Honeywell VISTA 20P

Our always helpful alarm technician Jarrett explains which cellular communicators work with a Honeywell VISTA 20P. The system needs an added alarm monitoring communicator to connect with the AlarmNet360 servers and Total Connect 2.0. If you decide to get a cellular communicator, then you must make sure that your monitoring plan supports cellular service. It is strongly recommended that you get an LTE cellular communicator for the system. These include the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE), the Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP).


Deciding Whether to Use 2-Wire or 4-Wire Smoke Detectors

Joe smiles and waves as he helps you make the decision of whether to use 2-wire smoke detectors or 4-wire smoke detectors with your hardwired security system. Most users will choose 2-wire smoke detectors because they can be used without extra equipment. But the downside is that 2-wire smoke detectors can only be used with a designated smoke detector reset zone, such as Zone 1 on a Honeywell VISTA Panel. A 4-wire smoke detector can be used on any hardwired zone, but you will need extra equipment, including a power supply and relay.


Reasons Why the Wired Alarm Contact on a Door May Not Work

Joe gives another big wave as he provides various reasons why a hardwired door and window contact sensor may not be working properly. A common reason for this is that the magnet is not properly aligned with the sensor. This causes the reed switch inside the sensor to remain open, even when the door or window is closed. Properly aligning the magnet with the sensor will fix this issue. Another possibility is that the wire leading from the sensor to the panel may be damaged or cut. In that case, you would need to re-wire the sensor.


Putting a 5834-4 Into High Security Mode

Three cheers for Joe, as he explains how to put a Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob into its high-security mode. This key fob can be set for a low-security mode or a high-security mode. When the key fob is in high-security mode, the device is essentially "synced" with the system and using rolling-code encrypted communication. This makes it significantly more difficult for a savvy intruder to try and tamper with the device. The 5834-4 will use a green LED in its low-security mode, while it will use a red LED in its high-security mode.


Enrolling a PowerG CO Detector to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe graces us with a fourth video, as he shows how to enroll a PowerG CO Detector with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Adding carbon monoxide sensors to your security system is important. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. Most of these deaths occur during the winter months when heaters are commonly used in homes. A faulty heater can lead to a CO outbreak. However, CO deaths can also occur due to other factors, such as accidentally leaving a vehicle running in an enclosed garage.

Learning the DSC PG9939 Key Fob to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge is here to show us how to enroll a DSC PG9939 Key Fob with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This key fob can be auto-enrolled like pretty much any other compatible sensor for the system. This is done by putting the system into its auto-enrollment mode and then activating the device to transmit a signal. You will need to choose a Sensor Group for the key fob. The most common Sensor Group to choose is 1 - Mobile Intrusion. The DSC PG9939 features four (4) buttons that you can use to control the IQ Panel 2 Plus System.


Finding the Serial Number on a Honeywell Key Fob

Jorge is the master of key fobs, as he shows you how to find the Serial Number for a Honeywell Key Fob. The Serial Number is used for enrolling the key fob with the system. The best way to enroll a Honeywell Key Fob with a system is to auto-enroll it. If you manually enter the Serial Number, there is a chance that you might make a mistake. Auto-enrolling will prevent this. It also ensures that the key fob can communicate the with panel properly. Once you auto-enroll the key fob, the Serial Number will automatically appear on the screen.

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Hi DIYers! We're here with the Alarm Grid video recap covering October 21st thru 25th. We have eight (8) new videos this time. These videos proudly feature the Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Joe, and Jorge. We hope you're ready to learn more about security systems! Let's check out the videos!

Issues Disabling Auto-Stay Arming for a Vista-128BPT

Joe talks about issues regarding Auto-Stay Arming on a VISTA-128BPT running firmware version 10.0. This firmware version has an error where Auto-Stay Arming is not automatically disabled when arming from Total Connect 2.0. This can cause issues if you Arm Away from Total Connect 2.0 and you aren't around to fault an Entry/Exit Zone during the Exit Delay countdown. When this happens, Auto-Stay Arming will go into effect for any zone where the feature is enabled.


Connecting The Lyric Alarm System to Alexa

Jorge explains how you can connect the Resideo Lyric Security System with Amazon Alexa for spoken voice commands. In order to do this, the Lyric Alarm System must be paired with the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Any voice commands for the Lyric System sent through Alexa will pass through Total Connect 2.0 before being forwarded to the panel. You can use Alexa voice commands through TC2 to arm the system, check current status, and control smart home devices.


Why Your Vista-128BPT is Armed Stay After Choosing Arm Away from TC2

Joe explains why you might find that your VISTA-128BPT Security System has Armed Stay even though you have selected Arm Away on Total Connect 2.0. This is due to the error on Firmware Version 10.0, were the TC2 platform doesn't know to automatically ignore Auto-Stay Arming settings if they are enabled. You can overcome this issue by upgrading to Firmware Version 10.4, or by manually disabling Auto-Stay Arming for every zone on the VISTA-128BPT Alarm System.


The Honeywell Lyric Security System Will Allow for Different User Codes

Jorge explains how you can set up multiple user codes on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm Panel. You need to provide a valid code to perform various system functions such as arming and disarming. Additionally, the Master Code and Installer Code both have special privileges on the system as well. The Installer Code is particularly important, as it is needed for programming the system. However, you can only disarm using the Installer Code if it was the code used to arm originally.


Using More Than One SkyBell With Total Connect 2.0

Jarrett explains how you cannot use more than one (1) SkyBell device with a Total Connect 2.0 account. If you want to use a second SkyBell Video Doorbell, then you will need a second Total Connect 2.0 account. Alarm Grid customers can add one (1) SkyBell to any Total Connect 2.0 account, even if their plan does not technically include video surveillance. We offer a special Video-Only Plan, which is perfect if you already have an alarm monitoring plan, but you are needing a second account to add a second SkyBell device.


Why A Legacy IPCAM Won't Work With Total Connect 2.0

Jarrett explains an issue that you might encounter when trying to use a legacy Total Connect 2.0 IP Camera with the TC2 platform. The older legacy TC2 IP Cameras have default software that is not compatible with the new HTML5 version of TC2. Resideo pushed down an update to these cameras to make them compatible with the new HTML5 platform. But any legacy TC2 IP Cameras that weren't connected at the time were unable to receive the update. Those cameras can no longer be used with TC2.


How a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Behaves When the Internet Goes Down

Jorge explains what happens when a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System loses its internet connection. When this happens, the system will remain connected with Alarm.com using its built-in LTE cellular communicator. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus have an integrated cellular communicator for this exact purpose. You can choose from AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE. We recommend going with the service that works best in your area, regardless of which one you use for your personal phone.


Resetting A Qolsys IQ Panel 2 to Factory Defaults

Jorge covers the process for factory resetting a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This is done using the Dealer Code, which is 2222 by default. By performing a factory reset and restoring the system to factory default settings, several things will happen. Any programming settings will be restored to their default. All programmed sensors will be deleted. All Z-Wave devices will be cleared. All user codes will be deleted, with the exception of default codes. If you changed the Master, Installer, or Dealer Codes, they will all be reset to their default.

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Hi DIYers! We're here with another video recap. We put out four (4) videos last week, all on September 27th. There is one video apiece from Jorge, Joe and Jarrett. I even rolled up my sleeves and did a video! Let's check out the newest instructional videos from the Alarm Grid Video Team!

Programming the VISTA-21iP To Use IP Only

Jorge explains how to make the Honeywell VISTA-21iP System use IP communication only. The VISTA-21iP has a built-in IP communicator for this purpose. In order to program the system for IP-only communication, you will need to enter programming using the system's Installer Code. Remember that the default Installer Code is 4112. Keep in mind that an internet outage will take your system offline if you do not have cellular backup. For that reason, you might want to consider getting a dual-path communicator for the system.


Enrolling the DSC PowerG PG9312 to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

I show you how to program a DSC PowerG PG9312 Outdoor Contact to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This sensor will work with any version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, as long as the system is running Firmware Version 2.4.0 or higher. As an outdoor contact, this sensor is perfect for use on fences, gates, barn doors, and outdoor patio doors. One of its best features is its extra wide magnet spacing gap of up to 1.75 inches.


The Keypad Tamper Lockout Feature on the Lyric Security System

Joe discusses the keypad tamper lockout feature on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. This feature goes into effect if thirty (30) numeric keys are entered within a 15 minute period, without ever entering a valid code. Pressing any numeric key while the system is in its lockout mode will result in a long error tone. Honeywell designed this feature to prevent brute force entry into the Lyric System. The only way to disarm the system in this mode is to use a key fob or Total Connect 2.0.


Using a Honeywell Z-Wave Thermostat with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Everyone's favorite Alarm Grid Technician Jarrett shows off using a Honeywell Z-Wave Thermostat with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Since, the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports Z-Wave devices, you can really use any Z-Wave thermostat with the system. By enrolling a Z-Wave thermostat with the system, you will be able to control it from the panel and from Alarm.com. You can access the Alarm.com service using a web browser or remotely through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Remember that you will need a monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com!

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Hi DIYers! It's time for our video recap again, this time covering September 9th thru 13th. We have five (5) new videos this time featuring Jarrett, Jorge, and myself. We have been getting some positive feedback regarding our videos lately, thank you so much! Let's check out the new ones!

Enrolling the 2GIG PAD1-345 Wireless Keypad to the 2GIG GC2

I show you how to enroll a 2GIG PAD1-345 with a 2GIG GC2 Security System. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a relatively simple push-button keypad that is great for basic arming and disarming. You can keep it by a second entrance in your home or business so that you can arm and disarm as you come and go. It is also compatible with other 2GIG Systems. These include the 2GIG GC2e, the 2GIG GC3, and the 2GIG GC3e.


Using a WIFI Communicator with a Honeywell Alarm System

Jorge from Alarm Grid talks about using a WIFI communicator with a Honeywell System. This can be a great way to monitor your system if you have WIFI in your home or business. IP communication is known for being fast and relatively reliable for the most part. You just need to be wary of internet outages, as they will leave your system unmonitored. For that reason, you might want to get cellular backup for your system as well.


Using L7000 Alarm Panels Together

Team MVP Jorge explains how you cannot use two Honeywell L7000 Systems together. As a general rule, it is not possible to use multiple security systems together. You cannot pair one alarm control panel with another alarm control panel. This is true even if they are the same exact system. If you want a second controller for operating your alarm system, then you should get a keypad instead. A good keypad for the L7000 is the Honeywell 5828.


Self-Monitoring an Alarm.com Security System

Super Alarm Grid Hero Jarrett explains how you can self-monitor an Alarm.com Security System. The Alarm.com service is used with many security systems. This service will send you text and/or email notifications regarding any system activity. As a result, it is possible to use an Alarm.com System without it being connected with a central monitoring station. This practice is known as self-monitoring. Just remember, it will be up to you to contact the authorities if needed!


Defaulting a Resideo Lyric Controller

Wonder Boy Jarrett shows you how to default a Resideo Lyric Alarm System. Performing a factory default on a Lyric is normally only done if you are planning to get rid of the system, or as a last resort troubleshooting step. Doing this will reset the Installer Code back to 4112 if it was changed. All zones from the system will be cleared. It will reset the panel time. And all general system settings will be reset back to their default values.

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Hi DIYers! Welcome to another Alarm Grid Video Recap, this time covering videos published on September 5th & 6th. We have a big recap this time, with eight (8) new videos being published. Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe all make appearances. Let's get right into it and check out the new videos!

Finding the CRC on a Honeywell-Resideo Wireless Alarm System

Jarrett explains how to find the CRC code for a wireless Honeywell or Resideo System. The CRC code is a 4-digit code that is unique to the panel's IP communicator. Along with the 12-digit MAC address, the CRC code is very important when activating a system for alarm monitoring service. You should make sure to write the code down and save it in a safe place once you have obtained it. You may need this code again at a later time.


Explaining the 6F Message on an Alarm Keypad

Jorge talks about the "6F" message that can appear on a wired keypad for a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. This code is actually "bF", which stands for "backup failure". The message indicates that there is a problem with the system's communicator. The "bF" message will only appear on a Fixed English Keypad, like a Honeywell 6150. An Alphanumeric Keypad like a Honeywell 6160 will instead display "Check 103, Long Rng Trbl", which means the same thing.


Arming-Disarming the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 From Your Phone

Jorge shows you how to arm and disarm a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System using your phone. This is done using the Alarm.com service. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus includes integrated LTE and WIFI communicators for connecting with Alarm.com. You just need to have the system activated with an alarm monitoring plan that includes access to the Alarm.com platform. You can then use the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android and iOS devices to arm and disarm remotely.


Replacing a Honeywell 1321 Transformer with a 1361 Transformer

Joe is back, and he answers the question of whether or not you can replace a Honeywell 1321 Transformer with a Honeywell 1361 Transformer. The answer is that you can always replace a 1321 with a 1361. However, you cannot always replace a 1361 with a 1321. This is because the 1361 supplies more power than the 1321. A setup that was using a Honeywell 1361 Transformer for power might not receive enough power from a 1321 Transformer used in its place.


Displaying the MAC ID On a Honeywell Wireless Alarm System

Jarrett teaches you how to find the MAC ID on a Honeywell Wireless Alarm System. This applies to any Honeywell Panel with an IP communicator. To find the MAC address, you will need to enter programming. This requires providing the Installer Code for the system. Remember that the default Installer Code on most Honeywell System is 4112. The MAC address and MAC CRC are found within the Comm Diagnostics Menu. Clicking on Communication ID Numbers will display the codes at the top of the screen.


Devices Used With a 2GIG XCVR2-345 Transceiver on a Go!Control GC2

Jorge talks about the 2GIG XCVR2-345 and the devices that are used with it. The 2GIG XCVR2-345 is an add-on accessory for the 2GIG GC2 System. This communicator is what allows the system to work with bi-directional devices. These are devices that must both send and receive signals with the GC2 System. Some of the devices that require the use of a 2GIG XCVR2-345 include the 2GIG Go!Bridge IP Communicator and the 2GIG TS1 Touchscreen Keypad.


Monitoring and Controlling the Temperature On a Honeywell L5210

Jorge explains how you can monitor and control the temperature using a Honeywell L5210 Security System. For this to work, you will need a Honeywell L5100-ZWAVE Card installed inside the system. This is a Z-Wave controller that allows the system to support Z-Wave smart home devices. From there, you can enroll a Z-Wave thermostat with the system. This will allow you to monitor and control the temperature for the building directly from a Honeywell L5210 Alarm Panel.


Programming the Alarm Monitoring Account Information on a Honeywell L5210

Jorge covers the process for programming the alarm monitoring account information on a Honeywell LYNX Touch System. This is an important step for setting up a system for alarm monitoring service. Completing this process will allow the system to communicate with the central station. Normally, an end user will only complete this process themselves if they are bringing the system over to a new monitoring company. This process only needs to be completed if the communicator has not been released by the old monitoring company.

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Hi DIYers! It's time for another video recap. Our video team managed to put up five (5) new videos this time. We're sure they will help many people get the most out of their alarm systems. Hopefully you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. Let's check out the newest videos!

Using a DSC PowerG Keypad With the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe explains how you can use a DSC PowerG Wireless Keypad with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The IQ2+ works with a PowerG Keypad because it accepts the necessary 915 MHz frequency. The compatible PowerG Keypad is a push-button device that makes for a good secondary keypad for an IQ Panel 2 Plus. The keypad can be used in a second location in the building, such as by a back door. If you want a touchscreen keypad for the IQ2+, then the IQ Remote is a great option.


Using the 5800COMBO With the Lyric Alarm System

Jorge teaches users how they can use a Honeywell 5800COMBO with a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The 5800COMBO offers smoke, heat, freeze and carbon monoxide detection all in one convenient device. The sensor can use up to five (5) zones on the Lyric System. Each zone will have a different Loop Number according to function. These functions include smoke & heat detection, freeze detection, CO detection, RF supervision, and end of product life. If there is a function you do not want to use with the sensor, then you can skip programming for that zone.


Getting Remote Access to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge tells users how they can get remote access to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm System. This is done by getting the system monitored with service that includes access to Alarm.com. This is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that allows you to control your system remotely. By accessing Alarm.com through the mobile app on an Android or iOS device, you can arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control programmed Z-Wave devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Cameras, and more.


5800C2W Support With the Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett explains how you can use a Honeywell 5800C2W with a Lyric System. This is a wired to wireless converter that lets you use hardwired sensors with the system. This is great if you are upgrading to the Lyric from a hardwired system. You can save a lot of money by not having to buy completely new sensors when your existing ones work just fine. You will typically want to have the 5800C2W in the same location as the old hardwired panel. This will make wiring as easy as possible. Mark the wires before switching them over!


Door Contacts - Overview

Jorge covers the basics for door contacts. These sensors let the system know when a door is opened. Most work in the exact same manner. There is a sensor, along with a smaller accompanying magnet. The sensor is placed of the door frame, while the magnet is placed on the moving part of the door. The sensor and magnet should be as close as possible when the door is closed. Alignment is also important. Opening the door will cause the magnet to separate from the sensor. This will let the sensor know to alert the system.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hi DIYers! We have a small video recap this week. Our video team was on vacation for most of the week, but we put up three (3) new videos on Tuesday, August 6th. We have two (2) from Joe and one (1) from Jorge. We hope you are excited to check them out! Let's take a look our newest videos!

Carbon Monoxide Detector Functionality

Joe explains how carbon monoxide sensors for security systems are used. These life-safety devices will alert the alarm control panel whenever there is an outbreak of potentially lethal CO gas. This gas is odorless and tasteless, and it kills hundreds of people every single year. We recommend placing carbon monoxide sensors outside of bedrooms, in hallways, and in large central areas like living rooms. You should have at least one (1) CO detector on each floor of the building.


Features Included With an Alarm.com Video Plan

Jorge talks about the features that come included with an Alarm.com video plan. By using Alarm.com for video monitoring, you can view clips from Alarm.com and download them for permanent use. Alarm Grid provides 3,000 monthly clips and 3,000 total clips for any customer with Alarm.com video monitoring. We also provide complimentary Video Analytics at no extra charge. Additional monthly and total clips are available for an added fee. To use video monitoring with Alarm.com, you need a Platinum Plan or a Video-Only Plan.


Error Code 103 On a VISTA Alarm System

Joe discusses the Check 103 Error Code on a Honeywell VISTA System. The Check 103 message will be displayed on an Alphanumeric Keypad when there is a problem with the system's cellular communicator. There are many reasons why a Check 103 error might be displayed. Some possible causes can be a loose tamper cover on the communicator, the panel being unable to recognize the communicator, or the communicator not being registered with AlarmNet. Please note that a Fixed-English Keypad will display the message bF instead for "backup failure".

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