Total Connect 2.0 Posts

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

August Smart Lock Pro

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

Check out all of our fantastic smart locks here.

Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat

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

Check out all our smart thermostats here.

Lutron Caseta P-BDG-PKG1W Starter Kit

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

Check out all of our smart lighting options here.

Build Your Smart Home!

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

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

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

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

Here are four of the best smart thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro

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

Alarm.com ADC-T3000

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

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

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

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

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

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

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

Locations Suitable for Installing Heat Detectors

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

Resideo Lyric Alarm System Vs. Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

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

Compatible Back-Up Battery for the 2GIG GC3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resideo has announced that the Lyric Gateway System has been discontinued, effective immediately. You can no longer purchase the Gateway from the Alarm Grid website. Fortunately, the vastly superior Lyric Controller is still available for purchase if you decide to go with a Resideo System.

The Lyric Gateway was a unique system. It offered no option for end user programming. Instead, all programming had to be done remotely by an alarm monitoring company. This did not fit the DIY model of Alarm Grid. As a DIY monitoring company, we try to empower our customers by encouraging them to complete their own programming and learn how their systems work. Because of this, the Lyric Gateway was never a good product for us. We carried it to offer as many options for our customers as possible.

There are a few Alarm Grid customers with active Lyric Gateway Security Systems. We want them to rest assured that we will continue to support their panels for as long as we can. The Gateway System even has an AT&T LTE Communicator available, the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A. Installing and activating this communicator will ensure that a Gateway System can remain monitored for many years to come. Please note that the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator for the Lyric will not work with the Gateway.

If you are looking for a new Resideo Security System, the Lyric Controller is still the recommended option. This panel is actively being supported with new add-on releases and new firmware updates. This is evidenced by the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator and the MR9 Firmware Update to support this new module. Even with the new Resideo ProSeries System eventually coming to the market, we expect Resideo to maintain active support for the Lyric and their existing LYNX Touch Systems for a long time. For more information on the MR9 Firmware update, please click here.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the Lyric Gateway, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We are very happy to announce that software revision 1.09 is now available for the Resideo Lyric Security System. This software revision is more commonly known as firmware update MR9, and it can be downloaded for free by any end user with active alarm monitoring service.

The biggest addition that comes from firmware update MR9 is support for the upcoming Verizon LTE Communicator. We expect this communicator to be released sometime later this summer. Support for the existing AT&T LTE Communicator is also carried over to MR9. The update can be pushed down from the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and is completely free of charge. In order for the update to take effect, the system must be disarmed, with no trouble conditions present.

If you want to apply the update yourself when the system is disarmed, you can do so by entering the following commands from the main Lyric screen: Security > Tools > Installer Code (default 4112) > Update Firmware. The button will grey out to confirm that it was selected. Then return to the home screen using the return arrow in the upper-right corner. The update process should begin automatically.

Depending on the speed of the communication path, the update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour. The system will then reboot to apply the update. If you want to confirm the update, go to Security > Tools > Master Code (default 1234) > Advanced > System Information. The listed Revision on the top line should start with 1.09.

If you want more information about the MR9 update, please check the associated release notes. If you have any further questions about the MR9 update, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome DIYers! We're here with another video recap, this time covering June 10th thru 14th. It was a great week for our video team, as 10 new videos are ready for viewing. Your favorite Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Joe and Jorge are all here. Let's check out the newest videos from the team.

Location of the MAC Address on a Honeywell L5210

Jarrett teaches users how to find the MAC address for your Honeywell L5210 Security System. The MAC address is actually associated with the added Honeywell L5100-WIFI Card. You will need to provide this code when activating your WIFI communicator for monitoring service. The code consists of a 12 digit combination of numbers and letters. This code can be found on the box for the L5100-WIFI, on the module itself or inside panel programming. You will also need to provide the CRC code, which is found alongside the MAC address.

Panels That Support Telguard HomeControl Flex

The helpful and friendly Joe talks about which panels support the Telguard HomeControl Flex interactive service. This service is a lot like Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com. In order to access this service, you will need an appropriate Telguard Communicator. You will also need active alarm monitoring service. Most Alarm Grid customers access this service using a Telguard TG1-Express. This communicator allows a panel with a phone line to communicate across a cellular network.

Resideo Total Connect 2.0 Recording Limits

Jorge discusses the Resideo Total Connect 2.0 recording limits for Resideo IP Cameras. The limit depends on which type of Resideo IP Cameras you are using with your system. The newer HD camera models allow you to store up to 1,500 clips for up to 30 days. Any clip older than 30 days will be automatically deleted. Additionally, clips are deleted if you reach the 1,500 clip limit. The older, non-HD models allow for 100MB of storage or 7 day, whichever comes first.

SkyBell Video Clip Availability

Jorge explains the SkyBell video clip availability limits for both Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com. These services follow completely different rules in this regard. For Total Connect 2.0, clips are stored for seven (7) days. For Alarm.com, it is more complicated. It depends on what type of monitoring plan you have. There will be a limit to the number of total clips you can store on Alarm.com. There will also be a limit on the number of clips your cameras can store per month on Alarm.com.

Learning the Honeywell 5800CO into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

The ever-cheeky Joe teaches you how to add a Honeywell 5800CO Carbon Monoxide Sensor into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. You must use the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus if you want to add a Honeywell 5800CO Sensor. This is the only version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus that can support 345 MHz sensors. This module will provide your home or business with accurate and reliable detection of potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas.

Flood Sensor Notifications from a Lyric via Apple HomeKit

Jarrett is back, and he explains why you cannot receive flood sensor notifications from Apple HomeKit when the sensor is used with a Lyric Controller. HomeKit only provides detailed Lyric notifications regarding security sensors. A flood sensor is not a security sensor. That is why it is important to still use Total Connect 2.0 even if you start using Apple HomeKit with the system. The Total Connect 2.0 platform will provide you with specific notifications for any zone type.

Learning the 5808W3 into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to add a 5808W3 Smoke and Heat Detector with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System. This smoke detector can only be added to IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems that support the 345 MHz wireless frequency. The 5808W3 provides reliable smoke and heat detection for a home or business. It can also be used for low temperature detection. A built-in 85 dB sounder is integrated with the sensor for alerting building occupants.

Products Supported on the Alarm.com Platform

Jorge explains which products are supported by the Alarm.com interactive service. To use Alarm.com, you will need a system with an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. You will also need a Gold Plan or higher from Alarm Grid. By accessing Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control smart home devices and more. You can access this service remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App on Android and iOS devices.

Image Sensor and Alarm Panel Compatibility

Awesome Joe covers image sensor and alarm panel compatibility. Image sensors are like motion detecting sensors, except they also have a built-in camera. When an image sensor detects movement, it will produce a photo. This photo can be sent to an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. If you have the TC2 or ADC mobile app, you can get this image remotely. This is perfect for verifying if a crime or emergency is occurring in your home or business.

Hi DIYers! Have you activated your 3G or 4G cellular communicator yet? If not, you are running out of time. All 3G and 4G communicators must be activated by June 26, 2019 for AlarmNet and June 30, 2019 for Alarm.com. After that, it will no longer be possible to activate these modules.

This is your very last chance to purchase a 3G or 4G communicator. If you wait much longer, we won't be able to guarantee that it will arrive to your address in time for you to install and activate it. And if you are still sitting on a 3G or 4G communicator, the time to activate it is now. You should reach out to Alarm Grid as soon as possible to get started with monitoring service. The following plans will work for cellular communication - Gold, Self-Gold, Platinum, Self-Platinum, Cellular-Only. Please read this blog post for more information about our monitoring plans.

Alarm Grid is still holding a sale on the iGSMV4G Communicator and the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit. These products are currently available for $50 and $60, respectively. Buying a iGSMV4G from Alarm Grid right now is a strong choice if you want to get a VISTA Series System connected for cellular monitoring service for a very affordable price. More information about this sale can be found in this recent blog post.

Keep in mind that deactivating a communicator and then reactivating it counts as activating. If you discontinue monitoring service at any time after June 26th for AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0 or June 30th for Alarm.com, you will not be able to reactivate your old 3G or 4G communicator. This is something to consider if you expect that you may move or relocate your system sometime in the near future. At this time, it is no longer possible to activate a CDMA communicator.

Remember, a 3G, 4G, or CDMA communicator is only a temporary solution at this point. AT&T will be shutting down their 3G/4G cellular network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their CDMA network around this time as well. Any already-activated alarm monitoring communicator that connects with one of these cellular networks provide reliable monitoring service until that time. After that, it will be obsolete.

Getting a 3G or 4G communicator in the next few days for a quick activation is a viable option. However, the best option is to get an LTE cellular communicator for your system. Both AT&T and Verizon have stated that they will support their LTE networks for many years to come. An LTE cellular radio is the best way to ensure that your security system will receive fast and reliable monitoring service well into the very distant future. We have many LTE communicators available for purchase on our website.

If you need help choosing a communicator, or if you are trying to activate a communicator before the cut-off date, please contact us as soon as you can. The best way to get a hold of us is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. If you would prefer to call us, we are available at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. You must schedule an activation during these hours. We look forward to hearing from you and activating your system for monitoring service.

Alarm Grid is aware that the Total Connect 2.0 Service from Resideo was experiencing server problems last night. Users were unable to login, and notifications from TC2 were delayed. The issue has since been identified and fixed by Resideo. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused.

We do not expect any further issues to occur. However, if you notice any problems with Total Connect 2.0, we encourage you to report them to us at your earliest convenience. The best way to notify us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email and report back to you as soon as possible.

Hi DIYers! We have a tip today that might seem obvious, but it is absolutely crucial to remember. Our tip for everyone is to protect their Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com information. This means not sharing your username or password with anyone who should not access your account or your home.

Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com both allow users to Arm and Disarm their systems from anywhere. Giving someone access to your TC2 or ADC account is basically the same as giving someone your system's Master Code. In fact, it can be even worse. If you use these services for smart home automation to control smart locks, then a hacked account is essentially a key to your home. An intruder won't even have to break open a window. They can unlock your door, Disarm your system, and walk right in.

It's not enough to just protect your TC2 and ADC username and password. You must also protect your associated email address and your phone. Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com allow users to reset their passwords through their email and text messages. A hacked email or stolen phone can also be a major concern for your security. We recommend using Touch ID and/or Facial Recognition on your phone if possible. This will help protect your account from a security breach in the event of a stolen phone.

One thing you can do is enable the "Prompt for User Code" feature on TC2. This feature requires that the associated user code is provided when you Arm or Disarm from your phone. If an intruder gets your login information, they won't be able to Arm or Disarm your system from the TC2 Website or App unless they also know your secret code. However, an intruder will be able to find this code if they gain access to your phone. Additionally, ADC does not offer this feature at this time.

If your TC2 or ADC account becomes compromised, or if your email is hacked or your phone is stolen, you should contact us immediately. Anyone who accesses your TC2 or ADC account can change your password to keep you out. But you will still have Alarm Grid on your side. Only you know your false alarm passcode, and only you can contact us to make changes to your account. We will make the necessary adjustments on the dealer's end of TC2 or ADC to ensure that your account is protected.

Remember, such data breaches can have very serious consequences. Always make sure to keep your account information safe. Never share your username, password or email account information with anyone who should not have access to your home. Only share it with individuals you absolutely trust. And if you aren't sure your information is safe, make sure to change your account password immediately. Contact us at support@alarmgrid.com ASAP if you experience any problems. We're here to help ensure that your home or business is always kept safe. Do your part and protect your information.