Technology Posts

We recently discovered that Android users have the unique ability to set up customized sounds for Total Connect 2.0 Push Notifications. This is possible due to settings for the Android device itself. You can set up a different customized sound for each type of TC2 Push Notification.

As you most likely know by now, Total Connect 2.0 can send you text, email, and push alerts regarding system activity. In order for this to work, you must first set up the notifications within TC2. You must then make sure that the TC2 username you are using with your Android device is placed in the appropriate Notifications Group within TC2. Once everything is properly configured, you should begin receiving push notifications from TC2. More info on getting started is available here.

You can start setting a customized sound for each type of TC2 Push Notification after the app has sent you at least one (1) push notification for the type you want to work with. Different types of push notifications from TC2 include faulted sensors, system arming/disarming, alarm events, and more. The first step to setting a customized sound for a TC2 Push Notification is to accessing the Settings App on your Android device.

From there, choose the Notifications option, and locate the TC 2.0 App. You may need to click the "See All" option to find the app. Then press the button for the app to access the App Notifications Menu for Total Connect 2.0. Then select "Notification Channel Name" to enter the sub-menu for the Notification Category. You may notice that there are multiple Notification Channel Name category options. This is because each type of push notification from TC2 will have its own sub-menu for setting a customized sound, among other options. In our example below, we received two (2) unique push notifications from TC2 - one for sensors faulting, and one for system alarm events.

As you can see above, we set a customized sound called "Carnival" for one of our TC2 Push Notifications. You can choose whatever available sound you would like, and you can set a different one for each type of push notifications from TC2. We have found that this feature works great, and it is really cool to be able to hear a different sound for each type of push notification.

Remember, these options are configured entirely within the Settings Menu for the Android device itself. The only thing that Total Connect 2.0 is doing is sending out push notifications. It is the Android device that is taking those push notifications and playing whatever sound is set. Also keep in mind that if you do not have push notifications properly configured within the TC2 App, then you will not receive push notifications, and no sound will occur. Make sure that you are able to successfully receive push notifications from TC2 before trying to set a customized sounds.

If you do not yet have access to Total Connect 2.0 yet, then we recommend checking out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans that include access to the TC2 platform. If you have any questions about our monitoring plans, or if you need additional help setting up customized sounds, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alarm.com users now have a new feature at their disposal, as a special full-screen two-camera mode has been added to the Live Video page on the Alarm.com customer website. By accessing your Alarm.com account through the website, you can take advantage of this all-new viewing experience.

As you can see from the picture above, we have already tested this new feature to great success. We tested the dual-camera full-screen viewing option using the Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera (the top picture) and the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR Indoor Camera (the bottom picture). Both of these Alarm.com Security Cameras support the robust and powerful Alarm.com Video Analytics package. Although we don't believe that ADC Video Analytics is a requirement for using full-screen two-camera mode, we still highly recommend getting ADC Cameras with Video Analytics support because its tremendous benefits.

The new two-camera mode allows both displayed cameras to be live-streamed in HD quality, without any sacrifice or compromise in terms of picture. This is the perfect feature if you are wanting to monitor two cameras in your home or business at the same time. Additionally, Alarm.com has retained its other viewing modes, including 2x2, 1+3, full-screen, and theater modes. And of course, you can still set a single camera to its own exclusive full-screen if desired. But it's nice to see Alarm.com giving its users additional viewing options.

Remember, you need to have an alarm monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com video services to take advantage of this new feature. Alarm Grid customers can choose between a Platinum Level Monitoring Plan (Self or Full) or our Video-Only Plan. If you have any questions about this feature, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring plans, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Anyone looking to bring existing hardwired sensors to a new 345 MHz wireless system will be delighted to learn that we have reduced the price of the Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter to just $49.99. Now is the perfect time to buy this awesome wired to wireless converter module!

If you aren't familiar with the Honeywell 5800C2W or wired to wireless converters in general, then allow us to give you a quick lesson. A wired to wireless converter essentially replaces a hardwired alarm panel so that you can bring existing wired sensors over to a wireless system. Typically, a wired to wireless converter module will be installed in the previous location of the wired panel. All of the existing wired sensors will connect with this module. The wired to wireless converter can then transmit wireless signals to the new wireless panel on the behalf of these sensors. The wireless system will then recognize the wired sensors as wireless sensors.

In the case of the Honeywell 5800C2W, the module transmits signals at 345 MHz. This makes it compatible with any system that supports the 345 MHz wireless frequency. Systems that support this frequency include the Honeywell Lyric Controller, the 2GIG GC3e, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughtercard, among others. If you aren't sure whether or not your system supports 345 MHz signals, then you can always contact us for help.

Please note that while the Honeywell 5800C2W comes with its own transformer, you must provide your own cabling to make the connection. If you ever need to buy a new standalone transformer for your Honeywell 5800C2W, you can purchase one from us. The 5800C2W AC Transformer is sold under the part name Honeywell 300-07052. You will also need to provide your own backup battery to keep the 5800C2W running during an electrical outage. The UltraTech 1240 Battery is perfect for this task. The 5800C2W comes with a battery harness included for completing the connection.

Each wired sensor used with the 5800C2W will require its own wireless zone on the wireless panel. These zones are configured individually, so you will need to enroll each sensor one by one. The 5800C2W can support up to nine (9) zones. If you have additional hardwired sensors beyond that, then you will need additional 5800C2W units. You can use as many Honeywell 5800C2W modules as you need, as long as you do not exceed the total number of wireless zones on your panel. Please note that the 5800C2W does not support Zone Doubling. Additionally, life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors cannot be used with the Honeywell 5800C2W.

The Honeywell 5800C2W is now available from Alarm Grid for just $49.99. We are also excited to announce that our Honeywell 5800C2WPK Wired to Wireless Kit has also been reduced in price, and it is now available for just $65.99. Our Honeywell 5800C2WPK Kit includes a brand-new 5800C2W Converter, a power transformer, a Honeywell LT-Cable for connecting the transformer, an UltraTech 1240 Battery, and a battery harness for connecting the battery. And if you are looking to get started with a new system as well, you might consider our Honeywell LYRICC2WPK Kit. This system kit includes everything in the 5800C2WPK Kit, plus a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller and an additional LT-Cable for powering the panel. This is a truly amazing bundle that provides an excellent way to upgrade the old and outdated wired system in your home or business to a state-of-the-art wireless system that is an absolute joy to use.

If you have any questions about the Honeywell 5800C2W or any of our aforementioned kits, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And if you haven't signed up for monitoring service from Alarm Grid yet, make sure to check out our monitoring page to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: We have also reduced the cost of our certified refurbished Honeywell 5800C2W to just $39.99. If you want to learn more about our certified refurbished Honeywell products, please check this prior blog post.

It's time for another video recap from Alarm Grid! Our video team only managed to put up a few new videos last week, but we think they will be really helpful. We always appreciate our viewers who take the time to subscribe to our channel and support our videos. Let's check out the new ones!

The Number of Wireless Zones On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how many wireless zones are available on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 support up to 128 wireless zones. The original IQ Panel 2 can only support 319.5 MHz wireless sensors. The newer IQ Panel 2 Plus System can support PowerG Sensors, plus one of three (3) legacy sensor frequencies. These legacy sensor frequencies include 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz. Make sure you purchase the correct version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus based on the legacy sensors you want to support.

The Number of IQ Key Fob Devices Supported by a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge mentions that you can technically use up to 128 Qolsys Key Fob devices on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Each Qolsys IQ Fob-S uses one (1) single system zone. And since the IQ Panel 2 supports up to 128 zones, you can theoretically use a maximum of 128 IQ Fob-S devices on a system. Remember that since the Qolsys IQ Fob-S operates at 319.5 MHz, it will only work with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus and the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System.

Viewing a Live Video Feed On the Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge shows you how to view the live video feed for a compatible Alarm.com Security Camera directly from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. You must make sure that the Alarm.com Camera you are using is compatible with this feature. Most of the newer Alarm.com Cameras with Video Analytics support the feature. Additionally, the IQ Panel 2 System will need to be running a high enough firmware version. If the system needs a firmware update, you can always check out Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update Page for more information.

One excellent way to expand upon a new or existing Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System is with an image sensor module like the DSC PG9944. This is an outdoor PowerG Image Sensor that can pair very nicely with the Alarm.com platform and all versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System.

If you aren't familiar with image sensors, they are basically motion detection sensors with built-in still motion cameras. When your system goes into alarm, it will take multiple photographs. These photographs are then forwarded to the panel, and then ultimately to an interactive monitoring platform like Alarm.com.

For the DSC PG9944, it starts with it its reliable motion detection. The device features eight (8) internal passive infrared (PIR) sensors, with each using an advanced quad-detection configuration. This helps to ensure that the PG9944 reliably responds to movement, while ignoring potential false alarms. Operating in this manner is crucial for an image sensor device that will typically be used in an outdoor environment.

Being able to use your image sensor in an outdoor setting opens up a world of possibilities for keeping your home safe. Many users will install the PG9944 in a backyard, inside a garage, or even in a barn or shed on the property. These are all locations where you might otherwise have difficulties using standard indoor models. You can expect the PG9944 to work reliably when exposed to rain, dust, heavy sunlight, and extreme temperatures. And the device's IR night vision helps to ensure clear and concise images even during the darkest of nights.

Many Alarm Grid customers will choose to use the DSC PG9944 with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. We believe that this is a great alternative to using standard Alarm.com Security Cameras. A great aspect about image sensors is that you do not need a video-monitoring plan to use them. In fact, you can start using image sensors on an Alarm Grid Gold Level Plan (Self or Full), which is the standard level plan to start using Alarm.com. More info can be found on our monitoring page.

When the associated system goes into alarm, the PG9944 responds by taking ten (10) consecutive photos. These ten photos are sent to the IQ Panel 2 Plus for local viewing. These images can be easily viewed from the main screen of the IQ2+ by scrolling left or right until you see the other panel photos. Please note that they may be strung-together to appear as a stop-motion video. But rest assured, they are individual photos, and not a video. You can also take manual photos anytime, even if your system is not experiencing an alarm event.

It is also important to note that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus will send the first of the ten captured images to the Alarm.com platform for remote viewing. Only the first image is sent, and it will be available within the "Panel Camera Images" section of Alarm.com. Please note that this will only occur if the panel is connected with Alarm.com for monitoring and the "Panel Camera Images" feature is enabled for the Alarm.com account. That setting must be enabled by your monitoring company.

Also note that you will need to have the Panel Camera Alarm Image Uploads feature enabled on your Alarm.com account. You must enable this setting from the customer end of the Alarm.com website. Simply log-in to your Alarm.com account using a web browser, choose the Automation section, and make sure the rule is enabled. You can see an example in the image below.

We recommend using the DSC PG9944 if you require an image sensor for outdoor use. However, if you only need a unit for indoor use, then you might also consider the DSC PG9934P. This is another PowerG Image Sensor module that will offer similar performance to the DSC PG9944. But unlike the PG9944, the PG9934P can only be used indoors. This is a great device to use if you want to be able to see what's going on at home, but you don't necessarily want to pay the extra monitoring costs to use Alarm.com Video Cameras.

Both the DSC PG9944 and the DSC PG9934P are available right now from the Alarm Grid website. We recommend them for anyone looking for new image sensor modules for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. If you have any questions about these sensors or any of these other products on our website, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our video team was hard at work last week after their new year break. We put up several new videos, mostly featuring Jorge. We hope that you enjoy these new videos and find them super helpful. Remember, we make these videos to help you out. Let's take a look at our newest videos!

The Honeywell Home 6290W Works With a VISTA Alarm System

Joe explains how you can use a Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad with a Honeywell VISTA Security System. The Honeywell 6290W is perfect for anyone who wants to add touchscreen operation and control to their VISTA Panel. Many new users prefer touchscreen keypads because they are easier to operate and less intimidating than traditional push-button keypads. The 6290W connects to the panel just like any other keypad. It must be addressed before using. More information on addressing can be found here.

Using Motions with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge talks about using motion detection sensors with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. All versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can support PowerG Motion Sensors. These systems can also support one of three (3) different legacy sensor frequencies (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz). The legacy sensor frequency supported by your IQ Panel 2 Plus will depend on which version of the system you get. Meanwhile, the original IQ Panel 2 can only support 319.5 MHz motion sensors.

Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Without a Phone Line

Jorge discusses how the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus does not use a phone line for monitoring. Phone line communication was traditionally used with alarm systems, mostly before the rise of cellular and IP monitoring. However, it is rarely used today. This is largely because phone line connectivity is known for being very slow and unreliable. Qolsys knew that phone line communication was mostly an archaic technology, so they did not even make phone line monitoring possible for the IQ2.

Setting Up WIFI & Cell on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge shows you how to set up WIFI and cellular communication for an IQ Panel 2 Plus. The system has a built-in LTE cellular communicator and an integrated WIFI card for connecting with Alarm.com. The cellular communication path must be set up per Alarm.com requirements. By connecting the system to a local WIFI network, the panel will utilize dual-path monitoring with both WIFI and cellular. This means that the system will send out signals across both WIFI and cellular when communicating with Alarm.com.

Self Install a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and Still Get Monitoring

Jorge mentions how you can install your own IQ Panel 2 Plus System and still get monitoring service from Alarm Grid. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is a very easy system to install, and the entire process can be completed using only a screwdriver. At Alarm Grid, we do not care whether you install the system yourself or hire a professional installer to do it for you. By installing your own security system, you can save a lot of money.

Rebooting The Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge demonstrates the process for rebooting the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Rebooting the panel refers to a reset, in which the system will power down and then automatically power back on. This is something that you may need to do as a troubleshooting step or for making sure that a new firmware update has been applied. The rebooting process can be completed from the system menus, without having to disconnect the system's transformer or backup battery.

Alarm.com users have some new features to enjoy. The platform now lets users easily share and save highlight videos, and you can now perform Alarm.com Smart Scenes directly from the an Apple Watch. We are sure that many users out there will want to take advantage of these great features!

The Alarm.com video highlights feature was first introduced last year, though we never really mentioned it in our blog. Basically, Alarm.com keeps track of different events and arranges them into a "highlight reel" for you to review. Any Alarm.com user with Video Analytics enabled on their account can take advantage of this feature. You will need to have version 4.10.3 or higher of the Alarm.com Mobile App to view highlights on your Android or iOS device. Remember that you can update to the latest version from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Alarm.com includes the following events into highlight reels:

• Z-Wave Door Locks are Locked/Unlocked
• Door/Window Contacts are Faulted/Restored
• Z-Wave Garage Doors are Opened/Closed
• Alarm.com System is Armed/Disarmed
• Z-Wave Thermostats are adjusted
• Motion Sensor detects movement
• Alarm.com System goes into Alarm
• Video Analytics Camera records a clip
• Sunrise/Sunset

If you have Video Analytics enabled on your Alarm.com account, then you can conveniently view your daily highlight reel from either the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. Each individual "event" in the highlight reel can be selected by tapping its associated thumbnail. And you can tap the double arrow to switch to the highlight reel for a previous day.

The reason why we're just now bringing up Alarm.com Highlights is because the platform now allows users to conveniently download and share highlight reels directly from the Alarm.com Mobile App. You can download your daily highlight reel to save it for permanent use. You can also click the Share button to conveniently send it to a friend via text message or email, or you can upload it to various social media platforms.

The other new Alarm.com feature we briefly wanted to mention is the new ability to perform smart scenes from an Apple Watch. With just a few taps, you can adjust your lights, thermostats, door locks, and more. Now you can have total control right on your wrist! Please note that scenes will need to be set up using the Alarm.com Mobile App or website before you can initiate them from your Apple Watch.

Remember that you need to have an alarm monitoring plan with Alarm.com service to take advantage of these great features. If you don't have Alarm.com service yet, then you should check out our monitoring page to learn more. Keep in mind that you will need a Gold or Platinum Plan (Self or Full) if you intend on using Alarm.com with Alarm Grid. If you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

With a new year comes reduced pricing on many of our great existing products. We have just dropped the prices on 73 of our existing offerings. You can certainly find something great to upgrade your existing system or use with a new installation. Let's check out these awesome products!

Before we go through and list each and every reduced price product, we figured we'd go through and talk about some of the ones that excite us the most. After all, sorting through a list of 73 products is pretty daunting. Our initial "best-of" list may help you find exactly what you're looking for. These products are great if you have an existing system, or if you are building a new system and want to add some cool accessories.

These products are presented in alphabetical order:

Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

The ADC-V723 is the current flagship outdoor security camera for use with the Alarm.com platform. This simple, yet powerful camera makes the perfect addition to any home or small business. It can capture video at up to 1080p quality, and it makes use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) to improve image depth and luminosity.

Alarm.com T2000 Smart Z-Wave Thermostat

If you are still looking for a smart Z-Wave thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 is an outstanding entry-level option. It conveniently wires in place of your existing thermostat to give you smart control over your HVAC system. It can pair nicely with both the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms. You just need a compatible Z-Wave hub to get started.

DSC PG9312 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor

The DSC PG9312 is the premier outdoor contact sensor for any user with a PowerG-compatible security system. It offers a maximum magnet spacing gap of 1.75", which gives you more flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor and magnet. Like all PowerG Sensors, it offers a wireless range of up to 2 km away from the panel, as well as 128-bit AES encryption.

DSC PG9914 Motion Sensor

Anyone with a PowerG Security System looking to add a basic indoor motion sensor should turn to the DSC PG9914. This is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that is great for use in nearly any home or business. It offers a modest coverage area of 39 feet, and the sensor provides pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 lbs.

Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Listening Module

The Encore FireFighter FF345 is perfect if you have existing high-voltage smoke detectors that you want to integrate into a 345 MHz wireless system. The module can detect both the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector and the Temporal 4 sound of an activated CO detector. And if your high-voltage devices are one-go-all-go, then a single FF345 can takeover your entire network.

Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor

Also for 345 MHz system users, the Honeywell 5822T allows your system to monitor your garage door to see if it's opened or closed. This wireless sensor works great for security and automation purposes alike. You might even create a special smart scene that activates as soon as the 5822T detects that you garage door has been opened!

Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera

The Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera is for anyone with an existing Total Connect 2.0 Video Monitoring service plan that they want to expand upon. This is a simple and straightforward camera that captures video at up to 720p quality. It can be easily rested on a desk or table, and no hard-mounting is required.

Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S Door/Window Sensor

The Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S can be used by anyone with a 319.5 MHz wireless system, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Interlogix & Qolsys Daughtercard. This is a straightforward door and window contact sensor that makes a nice addition to any compatible system. Its small and compact design allows for a tidy installation.

Please see our complete list of reduced price products in the table below, organized by product type:

If you have any questions about these products or any of the other products on our site, including product compatibilities, please reach out to us. You may also contact us if you want to learn more about our monitoring services. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you find the perfect product for your needs!

Back on December 27th, we uploaded a few new videos that we never got around to covering in a recap. We figured now was as good of a time as any to cover these videos. We have two (2) videos featuring Jorge, and one (1) video featuring Jarrett. We hope that you find them helpful!

Also, if you were expecting more videos, don't worry! Our video team is hard at work putting together some new content for you to check out. We expect that it will be ready in the next few days. And we should have an even bigger video recap next week. Anyway, on with the videos!

Using Alarm.com with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge explains how you can use the Alarm.com platform with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. In order to do this, you will need to activate the system with a monitoring plan that includes access to Alarm.com. By accessing your Alarm.com account, you can arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com Cameras, and more. You can access your ADC account using a web browser or the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Connecting an Android Phone to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge covers the process for using an Android Phone to operate a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This is done using the Alarm.com Mobile App. The app can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store. Once you have the app, you can provide your Alarm.com account information to begin controlling your system remotely. This way, you can access your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System whether you are across the street or across the globe!

Activating Panic Mode on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Jarrett teaches you how to activate a panic on a Honeywell Lyric Security System. The Lyric has a red button on the front of the panel that can be pressed and held to open a panic menu. You will then be able to trigger an alarm on the system. This can be really useful if you have central station monitoring service, and you are currently experiencing an emergency situation. The Lyric allows you to trigger police, medical, fire, and local panics. Alarms can be silent or audible.

With 2019 now on its last days, we thought it would be a nice time to go back and look at what the security industry experienced this past year. As usual, we were there for it all, and we have so much to look back on. We hope that you enjoy this comprehensive year in review from Alarm Grid.

January 16 - Qolsys Releases the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F

Qolsys made some big waves in January with their IQ Hardwire 16-F. This product is the first wired to wireless converter to support 2-wire smoke detectors. The module can also function as a wireless siren relay for a hardwired siren. The IQ Hardwire 16-F works with most 319.5 MHz wireless systems, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Qolsys & Interlogix Daughtercard.

January 24 - Gabe from Security Baron Reviews the Honeywell Lyric Controller

We were delighted in January when Gabe from Security Baron gave a comprehensive review of our Lyric AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit. This is a compete system kit that includes a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller, three (3) VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Contacts, a Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor, a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power.

February 7 - Privacy When Disarmed for Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 introduced a helpful new feature called "Privacy When Disarmed", which stops Total Connect IP Cameras from recording and capturing clips while a user's system is Disarmed. This feature is perfect for users who don't want to receive frequent notifications that occur from camera activity while they are on-site. Only Honeywell HD Cameras support this feature.

February 18 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Facial Recognition

Firmware Update 2.3.0 brought a major boost to the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, as users could now use the panel's built-in camera for disarm photos and facial recognition. The user can set up Alarm.com text and/or email notifications whenever an unrecognized face disarms the system. This feature is great for receiving alerts about possible suspicious system activity.

February 20 - MAC Prefix Update for Honeywell SiX Sensors

Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller received an updated MAC prefix. This meant that they were only compatible with the system's latest firmware version. This is another reason why it's important to always keep your system running on the latest firmware. For more information on the latest Lyric Firmware, please check here. Please also review how to update the firmware.

March 20 - Lyric Firmware Update MR8

Resideo released Firmware Update MR8 for the Lyric System. The update brought a few changes to the system. The WIFI indicator in the panel's upper-left corner will now show a red X if IP connectivity goes down. SiX Series Sensors now have a shorter RF transmission supervision interval. And the SiX Programming Menu now shows every enrolled SiX Sensor for easy access.

March 21 - Verified Response Repealed in San Jose, CA

The city of San Jose, CA repealed its verified response policy. This makes it easier for a central station operator to send out authorities during an emergency event. This was a big win for Alarm Grid monitored customers who receive central station monitoring service from Criticom. We hope that more cities will follow the lead set by San Jose in repealing verified response laws moving forward.

March 27 - Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool

Resideo released the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool, which is used for updating the firmware version of a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel. At first, the updater tool was only compatible with the Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000. However, it was later reworked to support the Honeywell L5200 as well. Honeywell L5200 panels updated using the tool will be seen by AlarmNet360 as L5210 panels moving forward. Updating to the latest firmware can be important for using an LTE radio.

March 28 - No Activity Alerts from TC2

Total Connect 2.0 made it easier to monitor your loved one with their new "No Activity Alerts". This feature allows users to receive text and/or email notifications whenever no system activity occurs within a set period of time. The feature can be very useful for monitoring a loved one who may have trouble getting around. If you receive a "No Activity Alert", then you know to check on them.

April 1 - Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor

Our April Fool's Day joke was a big hit, as we announced our very own SiXTH Sensor for the Honeywell Lyric Security Panel. This sensor uses a Device Type of "Paranormal Detector" and a special Response Type of "Bruce Willis". It will alert the security system as soon as it detects any otherworldly paranormal activity. Begone other-dimensional spirits!

April 9 - Honeywell LTE-IV Available

This was a big day for Honeywell VISTA System users, as the Honeywell LTE-IV became the first-ever dual-path LTE & IP communicator available for these panels. The Honeywell LTE-IV provides connectivity with AlarmNet360 through both the Verizon LTE Network and through a wired ethernet connection. A Honeywell LTE-IA with service from the AT&T LTE Network & IP was later released.

April 10 - First Look at Resideo ProSeries 7" All-In-One Plus

Alarm Grid had a great time at ISC West 2019. The biggest news during the event was the unveiling of the upcoming Resideo ProSeries Panel. This yet-to-be-released system represents the next generation in security technology. Alarm Grid expects some big things out of this panel once it is made available. We hope that it will be released sometime in 2020.

April 12 - Interview w/ Jeremy McLerran of Qolsys

Another big moment during our ISC West 2019 experience was interviewing Qolsys Director of Marketing Jeremy McLerran to pick his brain about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is still our top security system as of the end of 2019. Being able to check out the Qolsys booth and the rest of ISC West was a great experience, and you can expect more in 2020.

April 25 - Alarm Grid Mini Window Stickers

Our mini window stickers quickly became a fan favorite! We have had larger window stickers available for quite some time. But we got many requests for smaller window stickers that are easier to place. And now we have mini window stickers. You can get adhesive-backed mini stickers in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs. Adhesive-front stickers also come in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs.

May 15 - Tennessee Ends False Alarm Fines for Monitoring Companies

Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee signed a law that stops local governments from fining alarm companies for any false alarms that occur. Additional, local Tennessee governments can no longer charge monitoring companies for alarm permits. Only end users can be charged for excessive false alarms and for alarm permits. This makes it easier for monitoring companies to provide service.

May 21 - Total Connect 2.0 Update 2.12.4

Resideo updated Total Connect 2.0 to version 2.12.4. This update made it possible to see the current status for smart home devices across multiple locations. Users who use Total Connect 2.0 across multiple residences and/or businesses really appreciated this update, which made it easier to quickly check the status for their programmed home automation accessories.

June 18 - Lyric Firmware Update MR9

Lyric Firmware Update MR9 is still the system's latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. This firmware version made it possible for the Lyric System to support the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator, which was released later in 2019. End users can check out the release notes for MR9 if they want to learn more about the latest firmware for the Lyric Alarm Panel.

June 26 - End of 3G Activations

The security industry made great strides in 2019 in helping end users make the transition to LTE communicators. AlarmNet began stopping 3G communicator activations on Wednesday June 26, 2019. Alarm.com followed suit and stopped allowing 3G activations after Sunday June 30, 2019. Users looking to get started with cellular monitoring should make sure to get an LTE communicator.

July 19 - Alarm Grid's 7th Birthday

Alarm Grid celebrated its 7th anniversary as a company on Saturday July 20, 2019. Our team enjoyed the occasion a day prior by partaking in some "team-building" exercises. We thank all of our customers for their continued support throughout the years, and are looking forward to continuing to offer exceptional alarm monitoring service in years to come.

July 30 - 2GIG GC3e Released

2GIG had a great year in 2019 by releasing their much-anticipated 2GIG GC3e System. This panel brought back all of the same great features of the original 2GIG GC3, along with the added support for encrypted sensors. In addition to the GC3e, 2GIG also released the new 2GIG GC2e a couple of weeks prior. The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors were released shortly after the 2GIG GC3e.

August 28 - Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 was a great addition to the Alarm Grid smart home lineup. This central hub allows users to integrate their Lutron Lighting Devices with the Alarm.com platform for greater flexibility in designing a truly interconnected home. In addition to Alarm.com, the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 can also be used with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Nest, and more.

September 3 - Hurricane Dorian Scare

Alarm Grid was forced to close its main headquarters for a day due to Hurricane Dorian being in close proximity. Thankfully, the storm missed our headquarters, and our remote offices picked up the slack while our main office employees weathered the storm. Our thoughts go out to everyone in the Bahamas who was adversely affected by this powerful and deadly storm.

September 5 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.0

Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus was very exciting, as it brought some great new features to the system. These new features included improvements to the panel's general user interface (UI), global arming for system partitions, Alarm.com Smart Scene control, enhancements for IQ Remote Keypads, home automation updates, and so much more.

September 18 - Alarm.com Wellness Sensors

Alarm.com began offering its own lineup of wellness sensors designed for use by elderly and mobility challenged users. This lineup included a bed sensor, a chair sensor, an emergency call button, and even a wellness camera. Alarm.com soon followed this up with their very own wellness platform that is available for users of the Alarm.com security and automation platform.

September 20 - Interlogix to Shut Down Alarm Business Following 2019

Interlogix shocked the security industry by announcing that they would cease their operations in North America at the end of 2019. The company had just released its new Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System and its own lineup of Interlogix Encrypted Sensors. Alarm Grid and Alarm.com plan to continue supporting any existing Interlogix Systems for monitoring service.

September 20 - Qolsys to Begin Manufacturing IQ Panel 2 Plus in America

We were really excited to learn that Qolsys would begin manufacturing their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States. This was made possible thanks to the new partnership between Qolsys and Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII). The IQ Panel 2 Plus will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

September 25 - Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad

Honeywell VISTA users received a fresh new keypad option with the release of the Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad. The device features a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display that makes it easier for new users to operate a VISTA System. The full-color menus, clean design, and responsive touchscreen controls, make the keypad an absolute joy to use. WIFI capability allows it to take advantage of OTA Firmware updates.

September 27 - Qolsys IQ Hub & IQ Router Announced

Some of our biggest news for the year came at the 2019 Qolsys Summit when Qolsys announced both the IQ Hub and the IQ Router. The upcoming IQ Hub Alarm System should make top-quality home security accessible to more users than ever before. We also love the attached high-end speaker that turns the panel into a full-blown music player with the Alarm.com Sonos Integration.

October 1 - Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE Released

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is the successor to the Honeywell VISTA 21iP. This new wired panel supports special plug-in LTE communicators, such as the Honeywell LTE-21V, that can be used without disabling the panel's built-in IP communicator. This way, you can unlock dual-path connectivity for your Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE System with just a simple plug-in module.

October 4 - DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector

DSC released the new DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector, which is the replacement to the older DSC PG9916. The DSC PG9936 will work with any system that supports PowerG Sensors, including any version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and any DSC PowerSeries NEO w/ added wireless transceiver. The sensor supports one-go-all-go connectivity for PowerG Smokes.

October 15 - In-Wall Z-Wave Dimming Switches from GE

Alarm Grid began offering two (2) new in-wall Z-Wave dimming switches from GE. The unique aspect of these new in-wall dimmers is that neither one requires a neutral wire. The new GE Z-Wave Dimmers include the GE 14299 Z-Wave Plus Dimmer and the GE 45717 Z-Wave Classic Dimmer Switch. These switches make it easier for older homes to get started with smart lighting.

October 25 - Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

Alarm.com unveiled their new flagship outdoor camera with the ADC-V723. The ADC-V723 supports 1080p recording capabilities with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for clearer and more detailed video captures. Its 117° field of view allows the device to cover a larger area than other similar cameras. Alarm.com also later released their new flagship indoor camera, the ADC-V523.

October 29 - Alarm.com Smart Z-Wave Plus Water Valve

Another big release from Alarm.com was the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve. This Z-Wave Plus Water Valve is compatible with nearly any alarm panel that supports Z-Wave devices. The smart water valve is specifically designed for use with the Alarm.com Water Management Add-On Package that makes it super easy for Alarm.com users to monitor their water usage.

October 31 - New Alarm Grid Headquarter Sign

Alarm Grid celebrated the Halloween holiday by getting a new sign for its main headquarters. The workers putting up the sign did a great job, and we're thrilled with the end result. We're certainly proud of our office, and we are happy that we can help it stand out a little bit better. And of course, we want to thank our customers who helped make this possible.

November 1 - Alarm Grid Halloween Celebration

We also had quite the Halloween bash inside our office as well. We had some tasty treats, and we put up some fun decorations to get into the Halloween spirit. Some of our team members decided to dress up. Jarrett won our annual costume contest with his T-Rex costume. Congratulations Jarrett. We are hoping for an equally fun Halloween celebration next year in 2020.

November 13 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.2

Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2 Plus represents the latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. The update fixed various issues that affected the IQ Remote and certain PowerG Sensors when used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. We recommend upgrading to the newest available firmware as soon as possible for optimal system performance.

November 28 - Alarm Grid Thanksgiving

Alarm Grid team members had a nice Thanksgiving break in late November, as we all got to spend the holiday with loved ones and friends. Like always, we're grateful to our customers who help make all of this possible. We even made a special Happy Thanksgiving holiday video for everyone to watch. Please check it out when you have a chance!

December 20 - Reduced Pricing On IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits

Alarm Grid was able to reduce the prices on all of its Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits just in time for the holidays. This was thanks to a reduction in cost for the DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contacts, which are included in every kit. Our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits provide everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. We have 12 kits to choose from!

December 23 - Top 100 Most & Least Burgled US Cities

We capped off the year by presenting lists of the Top 100 Most and Least Burgled Cities in the United States. Homes without alarm systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with security systems. Additionally, 4 out of 5 convicted burglars admit to checking if a home has an alarm system before committing a burglary. You can view our full burglary infographic here.

We hope that you enjoyed keeping up with the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog in 2019, and we look forward to continuing in 2020. If you ever need to reach us for help or assistance, you can email support@alarmgrid.com or call (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Check our blog for holiday hours. We look forward to hearing from you!