Technology Posts

We are now in the month of December, and 2019 is quickly approaching its end. Now is the time to start preparing for the winter ahead. We have products that are perfect for the winter, including freeze sensors, flood sensors, and doorbell cameras. Make sure you and your family are ready!

Whether you love it or hate it, you likely know what winter brings for most of the country. There will likely be some cold weather and snow. The holiday season will also be happening soon, and presents will be sent out. Although Alarm Grid doesn't have anything to help you shovel your driveway or defrost your car windshield, we do have some important accessories that will help ensure that your winter season is a good one.

Today, we have three product categories that we would like to discuss. Making sure that you have these devices set up and running is very important for the winter season. Let's check them out!

Freeze Sensors

When it gets cold out, you will definitely want to have some temperature sensors or freeze sensors ready to go. These devices alert your system when the temperature drops to an unusually low level because of a broken HVAC system. Most temperature sensors can detect both unusually high and low temperatures, so they are also good for the summer months.

These devices will usually activate around 40°F. This is high enough above freezing so that you will have time to take action, but still way lower than you would ever keep your home. Total Connect 2.0 can even send you alerts regarding an activated freeze sensor. Alarm.com users can get similar alerts using a Z-Wave thermostat.

Flood Sensors

You might not think of flooding during the winter months. But many house floods occur when snow melts, and the water needs some place to go. You can use flood sensors to detect water leaks before they result in serious damage. Many temperature sensors also double as flood sensors, so you certainly have many environmental sensors to choose from!

The typical flood sensor uses a probe and will activate upon detecting a very small amount of water. This is important for ensuring that you are alerted before a water leak develops into a serious problem. And interactive platforms like Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com can send you alerts for activated flood sensors.

Doorbell Cameras

Amazon is going to be busier than ever this holiday season delivering packages across the country. With packages being delivered faster than ever, package thieves are becoming a serious concern. Stolen presents won't lead to a merry holiday season, especially if you don't have any evidence of the crime. This is why you should definitely install a doorbell camera.

By using footage from a doorbell camera, you can catch any package thief red-handed. These devices are also great for checking who is at your door from your phone, without having to get up. After all, it might be a delivery, or it might just be some annoying solicitor. Most doorbell cameras will support a mobile app that you can use to check the live feed from anywhere. The SkyBell Cameras sold on our website are perfect for this!

We're Here to Help!

Need help choosing the perfect items for your home? Alarm Grid is here to help. We are happy to discuss our services and find the perfect products for your needs. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you this winter season and beyond!

Hey Alarm Grid fans! We're here with another video recap! Our video team worked with Jorge last week to put together three (3) new videos before the Thanksgiving break. This time Qolsys equipment is featured. Let's check out the newest instructional videos from Jorge and Alarm Grid.

What is the Qolsys Hardwire 16-S?

Jorge provides an overview of the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. This is a wired to wireless converter that works with wireless security systems that operate at 319.5 MHz. You connect hardwired sensors to the IQ Hardwire 16-S module so that the module can send wireless signals to the panel on their behalf. This is great for using hardwired sensors with a system that otherwise wouldn't support them. A great system to use with the IQ Hardwire 16-S is the original IQ Panel 2. You can also use it with an IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ 319.5 MHz daughtercard.

Overview: The Qolsys Hardwire 16-F

Jorge teaches users about the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. This wired to wireless converter is just like the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S, except that the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F adds the ability to support 2-wire smoke detectors at Zone 16. This is a great feature, as most wired to wireless converters will not support life-safety sensors. When the IQ Hardwire 16-F is used with a compatible IQ Panel 2 System, the panel will know to send a reset signal to the converter when a fire alarm is cleared. This will reset the smoke detector and stop it from sounding.

Programming a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Alarm System

Jorge covers the process for programming a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is known for being one of the easiest systems to program. It is ideal for DIYers and people who are new to alarm monitoring. Wireless sensors can be auto-enrolled to the 128 available wireless zones on the panel. The menus are very simple to navigate using the panel's 7-inch touchscreen controller. And if you are using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you can use PowerG Sensors. These sensors offer some of the best range and security in the industry!

We have learned that Alarm.com is now offering a new solar power monitoring feature. This feature allows Alarm.com users to track their solar power usage and monitor their estimated savings. Users can conveniently track their solar power consumption through the Alarm.com Mobile App.

In order to use the solar monitoring feature, the Solar Monitoring Service Package Add-On must be applied to your Alarm.com account. Alarm Grid will apply this add-on at no additional cost for any customer with active Alarm.com service through Alarm Grid. Simply let us know that you would like to have the service added, and we will take care of the rest.

By using the Alarm.com Solar Monitoring feature, you can track power consumption data for the past day, week, 30 days, and last 12 months. You can also view any estimated power savings that have occurred as a result of your solar power usage. Alarm.com says that they hope having access to this information will help users make smarter decisions regarding their household energy usage.

Please note that this feature is only compatible with SolarEdge and Enphase Solar Inverters. This covers roughly 90% of all solar panels currently used in the United States. If you are not sure which type of solar panels you have, check with your solar power company. They should have that information readily available for you.

Additionally, each Alarm.com account can only support one (1) solar inverter system. And each solar power system can only be associated to a single Alarm.com account. Keep this in mind when using the Alarm.com Solar Monitoring feature. Also remember that you will need a cellular alarm monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com to get started.

If you want to learn more about Alarm.com Solar Monitoring, or if you would like to have this feature added to your existing Alarm.com account, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And if you don't yet have access to Alarm.com, check our monitoring page for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid was recently featured in a Porch.com article about home security systems. The article answers many common questions that homeowners have about alarm systems, and it offers some good advice for users who are new to home security. We are proud to have been featured in the article.

We are always pleased when other publications make use of our vast resources and expertise. It's nice to see our knowledge being put to good use. The folks about Porch.com really put together a helpful article in this case. We recommend checking it out if you are just getting started with home security and you are considering a new system or are a first-time buyer.

The section of the article that features Alarm Grid covers the importance of audio functionality on a home security system. We recommend that every system has a functional siren. Even if you don't want an audible intrusion alarm on your system, you will likely still want a siren for any life-safety alarms, including any smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

For most residential users, a simple 85 dB to 90 dB siren will work just fine. Most wireless panels have this type of siren built right in. Wired panels can usually have a small siren added quite easily. And don't forget that many smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors will have their own built-in sounders. Spreading out the sound like this and having multiple sirens activate during a life-safety alarm can be very important for ensuring everyone in the home is alerted to the emergency.

We should also keep in mind that users with larger homes and/or multiple partitions may want more powerful sirens that can transmit sounds across a greater distance. While this isn't necessarily something that most homeowners will need, it is something that can certainly be added to most systems. There is usually a creative solution that can be implemented with the right problem solving, whether it be a wireless siren like the DSC PG9911B or a wired Z-Wave siren relay like the FortrezZ MIMOlite.

Of course, siren functionality isn't the only sound used with an alarm system. Many users like to have chimes and voice annunciation set up with their systems. These features can be very useful for knowing if someone has opened a door or window or if a family member has returned home. These features come standard on many systems, and we are happy to help you set them up the way that you like.

We also expect that audio integrations will become a bigger part of alarm systems in the near future. The past few years have presented an explosion in the popularity of smart home automation, and it is being shown time after time that security systems can do more than just keep you and your family safe. we believe that the ability to stream music and podcasts will play a big role in this developing phenomenon.

Alarm.com has already introduced their Sonos integration that allows users to launch Sonos sound from the Alarm.com Mobile App and include their smart speakers with smart scenes. And when looking at the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub, we will be shocked if Qolsys doesn't present some interesting new features that utilize the prominent speaker on the front of the panel. Indeed, we could see the lines between security systems and entertainment centers start to blur in the very near future.

Whether you are wanting the very latest in audio entertainment technology, or you just want a simple system that will alert you and your family during a burglary or fire, we at Alarm Grid are happy to help. If you are just getting started, you are invited to check out our monitoring page to learn more about the services we offer. You can also send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions or want more information. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the 2GIG SMKT8e-345. This is a wireless encrypted smoke and heat detector that also offers freeze detection. This versatile and effective life-safety combo sensor is designed exclusively for use with the 2GIG GC2e and 2GIG GC3e Security Systems.

Encrypted communication is important for wireless sensors like the 2GIG SMKT8e-345. It prevents anyone from hacking or spoofing the sensor. This way, you can always be sure that it will communicate with the system properly. Many of the newer security systems on the market have their own lineup of encrypted sensors. The 2GIG GC2e and GC3e have the 2GIG eSeries Lineup, and the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 represents the latest addition.

The 2GIG SMKT8e-345 has a photoelectric sensor for smoke detection. This involves using a small light source inside the sensor, coupled with a photo sensor. When smoke enters the chamber, the light will refract onto the photo sensor. The sensor will detect this and alert the system to the fire. This detection method is extremely reliable, and it helps ensure that the system properly responds to any fire. Additionally, the optical chamber for the SMKT8e-345 is designed in such a way that the sensor is more sensitive to synthetic smoke rather than natural cooking smoke. This helps to prevent certain false alarms on the system.

The SMKT8e-345 also uses a fixed temperature and rate-of-rise sensor for extreme heat detection. The heat sensor is triggered in a rather unique way that we've never quite seen with another heat detector. Whenever the sensor detects a temperature increase of 15°F or more in a single minute, it sends a rate-of-rise alert to the panel. But the system will only go into alarm and the sensor will only activate its sounder if the rate-of-rise alert is sent when the sensor detects a fixed temperature of 104°F or higher. The sensor will monitor and report any extreme temperature variations.

We do not have the specifications for the built-in freeze detector at this time. We can assume that the sensor most likely activates at temperatures around 40°F to 45°F and below. This will give you time to take action before the pipes freeze due to a broken HVAC system. Note that the internal sounder for the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 is rated at 90dB. This is good for alerting everyone in an average sized home or a small business. If your system is monitored, the activated sensor will trigger an alarm so that an alert is sent to you and/or a central station. The sensor uses three (3) AAA batteries, and it has an average battery life of 10 years with normal use.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG SMKT8e-345 or any of the products sold on our site, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're checking out the newest camera from Alarm.com, the ADC-V723. This is an outdoor security camera designed for use with the Alarm.com platform. It packs some powerful and impressive features into a compact design, making it ideal for virtually any home or business.

The ADC-V723 is an Alarm.com Security Camera that captures clear, pristine video at up to 1080P. The device is fully compatible with all of the excellent Video Analytics features from Alarm.com. This allows you to receive specific alerts regarding detected movement so that you are only notified for important events. Another great feature of the device is its High Dynamic Range (HDR) functionality to reliably capture activity when it occurs.

With its 117° field of view, you can rely on the ADC-V723 to cover a wider area than most other cameras. This increases your area of video surveillance, without having to add multiple video capture devices for adequate coverage. The camera also boasts an IR night vision range of about 40 feet, making it superb for capturing activity and movement in the darkest of settings. And its IP66 weather-resistant rating allows it to stand up to almost anything nature can dish out.

The ADC-V723 connects with a WIFI network across a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Remember that you will need an Alarm.com account with video surveillance. If you have a security system connected with Alarm.com through Alarm Grid, then you will probably want to upgrade to a Platinum Plan (Central Station or Self) if you haven't already. You can learn more about our Platinum Plan on our monitoring page. We also have a Video-Only Monitoring Plan, which is great if you want video surveillance without actually owning a security system.

If you have any questions about the new ADC-V723 or any of our products or monitoring services, you are welcome to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours for replying to emails are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our team will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we wanted to quickly discuss some of the various integrations that have been made available for Alarm.com. We will be checking out the Sonos, Legrand, Rachio, and Rain Bird integrations. They are great for any ADC user who wants to control their audio or irrigation system!

If you have a smart audio system from Sonos or Legrand, or a smart irrigation system from Rachio or Rain Bird, then it is likely that you can set it up for use with Alarm.com. This will allow you to control your audio or irrigation system conveniently from the Alarm.com Mobile App. All you need to do is have the appropriate options enabled for your Alarm.com account and complete a simple pairing process.

The Sonos and Legrand Audio Systems can also be included with Alarm.com Smart Scenes to have your music or audio play automatically based on a schedule or with certain system events. Your sound system can even be set to activate alongside other devices, including your smart lights, thermostat, door locks, and even your security system! This is perfect for creating the perfect scene for listening to music or your favorite podcast! You might also run a scene while you are away to make it appear like you are really home.

Meanwhile, the Rachio and Rain Bird Irrigation System integrations offer their own benefits. You can use the Alarm.com Mobile App to set your irrigation system to a Rain Delay, initiate watering for any irrigation zone for a set period of time, and view the last time a zone was watered. Additionally, the Irrigation Card from the main screen of the Alarm.com Mobile App will show the current status of your irrigation system.

In order to use Sonos and/or Legrand with Alarm.com, you must have the Audio Integration Service Package Add-On applied to your Alarm.com account. Likewise, you will need to have the Irrigation Service Package Add-On Applied to your Alarm.com account if you plan to use Rachio and/or Rain Bird with Alarm.com. Keep this in mind before you go to complete one of these integrations.

Alarm Grid will apply the Audio and Irrigation Add-Ons to any Alarm.com account at no additional charge. You just need to have an Alarm Grid monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com. Any customer with a Gold or Platinum Plan and a compatible Alarm.com Security System can access the Alarm.com platform. This includes any Self or Central Station Plan. We recommend checking our monitoring page for more information.

At this time, the Sonos, Legrand, and Rachio integrations can all be completed by an end user through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Just make sure that the appropriate Audio or Irrigation Add-On has been applied to your Alarm.com account. However, the Rain Bird integration must be manually performed by your alarm monitoring company. For more information on completing any of these four (4) integrations, we recommend checking out one of the following FAQs:

• Can I Use Sonos Audio With Alarm.com?
• Can I Use Legrand Audio With Alarm.com?
• Can I Use a Rachio Irrigation System With Alarm.com?
• Can I Use a Rain Bird Irrigation System With Alarm.com?

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you need a service package added to your Alarm.com account or you need help setting up any of these integrations, then you should email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You are also invited to email us if you are interested in our monitoring services and you would like to learn more. Remember that our support hours for responding to emails are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we want to discuss an unusual quirk we found with Alarm.com. It turns out that the Alarm.com platform cannot receive alerts from temperature sensors. This is important for any Alarm.com user who wants to receive remote alerts for unusually high or low temperatures.

When you use sensors with a security system, the expectation is that you will be able to receive alerts from an interactive service platform whenever the device is activated. But with Alarm.com, the platform cannot receive incoming signals from a system regarding faulted Temperature Zones. This means that you cannot use Alarm.com to receive text and/or email alerts regarding an activated temperature sensor.

We discovered this issue due to a customer using a DSC PG9905 Temperature Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. We quickly discovered that the issue also applied to any temperature used with an Alarm.com Security System. This is important to note, as we know that many users out there will want to know about any unusual temperatures in their homes and businesses. Many people rely on using these sensors with their security systems so that they know if their HVAC systems break before serious and expensive damage occurs.

Fortunately, there is still another way you can receive alerts from Alarm.com regarding an unusually high or low temperature. If you pair a Z-Wave thermostat with your system, then you can set up notifications to be sent out whenever the detected temperature goes outside of a set threshold. A good Z-Wave thermostat to use for this application is an Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Thermostat. This thermostat also supports the ADC-S2000 Temperature Sensor, which will allow you to monitor the temperature in a second area of the building as well.

Another option is to use the Total Connect 2.0 platform with a Resideo Security System instead. Unlike Alarm.com, the Total Connect 2.0 service can be set up to send out text and/or email notifications for any sensor type, including temperature sensors. The Resideo LYNX Touch and Lyric Systems also have designed Temperature Zones that are used with Z-Wave thermostats to end high-low temperature alerts to AlarmNet360 and TC2 whenever an unusual temperature is detected. Just make sure that any Temperature Zone is noted as such on your central station document. These zones are frequently mistaken for 24-hour auxiliary medical zones.

If you have any questions about the functionality of temperature sensors, the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms, or any of our other products or services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We also recommend checking out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring services. We look forward to hearing from you and providing top-quality monitoring service for your home or business.

UPDATE: This issue was later addressed in Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update 2.5.0. Please see this post for more information.