Training Posts

Welcome to a special Tuesday edition of an Alarm Grid Video Recap! We normally do these on Mondays, but we pushed this one back a day due to the time-sensitive nature of yesterday's post. Make sure to go and check that one out if you use the Nest Thermostat integration for Alarm.com.

As for today's video recap, it's mostly just business as usual. We have three (3) new videos today, all of which feature the 2GIG Edge. This innovative and feature-rich security system has certainly kept us busy and given us a lot to explore and share with you. We have even received some comments from users on YouTube asking us to cover specific 2GIG Edge features and functions. If you have anything that you would like to see from Alarm Grid, then make sure to leave a comment on this post down below. There's a great chance that you will see it in a future Alarm Grid video!

We know that you're on the EDGE of your seat waiting to see these new 2GIG EDGE videos, so let's get started! Here are the latest tutorial videos from Alarm Grid:

2GIG Edge: Clearing a Tamper Error

I show you how to clear a tamper error trouble condition from the 2GIG Edge. A tamper error occurs when the panel's internal tamper switch is not held down probably. This is usually the result of the panel being opened. When the issue occurs, a trouble notification will appear as a yellow circle with number inside it. Also, the panel will begin emitting a soft beeping sound. Once you properly close the panel so that the tamper switch is pressed down, the trouble notification will go away, and the beeping will cease.

2GIG Edge: Adding a Z Wave Device

I show you how to pair a Z-Wave device with a 2GIG Edge. Inside every 2GIG Edge is a Z-Wave Plus V2 700-Series Controller. This allows users to enroll a wide selection of Z-Wave peripherals, such as smart lights, door locks, programmable thermostats, and more. Z-Wave devices can be controlled locally at the panel, plus remotely from Alarm.com if the system is monitored with a plan that includes automation services. You can also create customized Alarm.com Smart Scenes to have your Z-Wave activate automatically.

2GIG Edge: Removing a Z Wave Device

I show you how to clear a device from the Z-Wave network using the 2GIG Edge. When you remove, or clear, a Z-Wave device, you are wiping out all its Z-Wave network data. This will allow the device to pair with a new Z-wave controller or hub. A user will typically remove a Z-Wave device if they no longer intend on using it. However, a user should also perform the clearing process before attempting to pair a device. This will ensure that no residual Z-Wave network data remains lingering inside the device.

We're back with another video recap! And this is a rather special video recap, because I have a guest joining me this time! It's someone you have never seen in Alarm Grid videos before, and we hope to have this person back and doing more videos soon. Five (5) new videos await! Let's go!

Alarm com Mobile App: Setting Up Multi System Access

I show you how you can set up multiple system access in Alarm.com. With this feature, you can access Alarm.com using a single username and password to control multiple security systems. There will be a dropdown menu in Alarm.com that you can use to navigate between the different systems linked with your account. This feature is excellent if you own multiple properties, or if you're a business owner with multiple locations. Now you can control all your systems from a single login!

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Master Code

In her triumphant Alarm Grid video debut, Aja shows you how to reset the Master Code on a 2GIG Edge Security System. The Master Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for arming and disarming and changing Master-level settings. The code should almost always be changed for security purposes. To change the Master Code, you can access the Users Menu and manually change the code. Additionally, if you perform a Factory Default of the Users Settings, then the Master Code will revert back to its default of 1111.

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Installer Code

I teach you how to reset the Installer Code on your 2GIG Edge Alarm System. The Installer Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for getting into deep-level programming. We recommend keeping the Installer Code at its default of 1561 so that you do not become locked out of programming. Keeping the Installer Code at the 1561 default does not represent a security risk because you cannot disarm the system with the Installer Code. If you ever forget the default code, you can always look it up later.

2GIG Edge: Factory Resetting

I show you how to factory reset your 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel. In order to perform a factory reset, also called a factory default, you need the system's Installer Code. This is because you must access the Installer Toolbox on the panel. Inside the Installer Toolbox is the Restore Defaults Menu. You can choose from multiple types of defaults to perform. The options include Sensors & Zones, Console, Users, Z-Wave Network, IP Cameras. You cannot "undo" a default after one has been performed.

2GIG Edge: Adding a User Code

I show you how to set up an additional user code on the 2GIG Edge Security Panel. The 2GIG Edge supports up to 100 different user codes. With this feature, you can give everyone who uses the system regularly their very own personalized user code. When you set up a code, you will be asked to provide the numeric code that will be used for disarming the system. If you have slots open for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition using personalized Facial Biometrics, then you can also set up those features when you create the new user.

We have a quick post for you today, as we just wanted to tell you about the new "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature for Alarm.com. With this feature, you can prevent certain users from accessing security camera footage. The feature is available to all ADC users with added cameras.

As you likely know by now, the deep lineup of Alarm.com Security Cameras is quite impressive. But what if you want to make it so that certain users are unable to view security camera footage through Alarm.com, while still being able to access the Alarm.com platform for other tasks, such as arming/disarming and controlling automation devices? That is now possible thanks to the "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature! You can easily set up the feature through the Alarm.com website using a compatible web browser.

Once the feature has been set up, access to live and recorded camera footage will be restricted for any designated users. It is also possible to restrict access on a camera by camera basis, so that a user can view one or more cameras, while access for one or more other cameras is restricted. The feature can really come in handy in a number of different situations. For example, if you have children or teens in your household, and you want them to be able to arm/disarm from the Alarm.com Mobile App, but you don't want them to view the feed for the camera in the master bedroom, then this is a great option. Another scenario could be that you have employees with access to the Alarm.com account for your business, and you don't want them to view the camera in your private office.

To get started, visit the Alarm.com website, and log in to your customer account. Make sure you are using login credentials with Admin access for the Alarm.com account. Once you are logged in, select Users on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Logins on the upper bar. Then press the blue "Add A Login" button in the bottom-right corner. You will then follow the steps to create a new login. This will include providing a valid email address, a login name, and setting the language preference. Then press the blue Save button in the bottom-right.

From there, you will be taken to the Manage Login Permissions page. Under "Permission", click the box for Limited Device Access. Make sure to check any boxes for functions that you want the new login to have access to. For example, by checking the box for Remote Arming and choosing the name of the system from the selectable box, you are giving the login the ability to arm/disarm the system from the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. To restrict camera access, do not check the box next to Video Cameras. Alternatively, if you only want to restrict access to certain cameras, then you can check the box next to Video Cameras, and only choose cameras from the dropdown menu that you want to allow the user to view.

Additionally, if you ever want to change the restrictions (i.e. add/remove camera access), then you can simply access the Manage Logins page on the Alarm.com website, click on the underlined login name for the user whose permissions you want to adjust, make the appropriate changes, and press Save in the bottom-right corner. Please note that this feature can only be applied to a single-system login. Group logins cannot be given access to video devices on a per-device basis.

It's nice to see Alarm.com adding a new feature like this. Sure, it's something relatively small, but it's a nice touch that can really come in handy. It's also cool how you can customize access so that certain cameras remain visible, but other cameras, perhaps ones in more private areas (e.g. Master Bedroom, personal offices, etc.), are restricted for access.

If you have any interest in the feature, then we encourage you to test it out. Then after trying it out, leave a comment down below sharing your experience. We would love to hear what you have to say about this new feature. The comments section down below is also a good place to ask any questions you might have.

Or if you have yet to get started with video surveillance from Alarm.com, then we would love to help you out. We offer Alarm.com Video Surveillance on our Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) and our Video-Only Plan. Don't forget to check out our monitoring page for information on all our available plans. You can also send an email to support@alarmgrid.com to get the ball rolling on new monitoring service a bit more quickly. We check emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. As always, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Welcome to our PROA7PLUS Cheatsheet! This document will cover various procedures and information associated with the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS, Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7PLUSC, and Resideo PROA7C. First, we'll cover a preface, and then we'll dive deep into various system processes.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Wiring
• Local Alarm Mode
• Arming the System
• Adding a Zone
• Deleting a Zone
• Adding a Z-Wave Device
• Deleting a Z-Wave Device
• Changing the Master Code
• Adding a User
• Deleting a User
• Bluetooth Disarming
• Partitions
• Advanced Settings
• Miscellaneous Settings
• Total Connect 2.0
• Conclusion

Preface

The PROA7PLUS, along with its variants, represents the latest alarm panel from Honeywell Home and Resideo. Sometimes referred to as the ProSeries 7" All-In-One Systems, these are wireless all-in-one panels that connect with AlarmNet for alarm monitoring service. They can also be set up for use with the Total Connect 2.0 interactive platform, provided that access to the service is included in the user's alarm monitoring plan. Since AlarmNet supports IP-only alarm monitoring, cellular-only alarm monitoring, and dual-path alarm monitoring with both IP and cellular, you can technically use the PROA7PLUS and its variants with any alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. To learn more about the Alarm Grid Monitoring Plans, please review this helpful post.

It should be mentioned that end-user programming for the ProSeries Panels is not available as of May 2021. The feature is currently in beta development and only available to those in the alarm industry. That is how we are able to provide information on how end-user programming looks and how it works. It is expected that the feature will be made available to the general public via a firmware update in the very near future. But please note that if your ProSeries System has not yet been updated to the firmware version that supports end-user programming, then the feature will not be available on your panel.

Right out of the box, the ProSeries Panels can support all of the Honeywell Home PROSIX Series Sensors and the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors that were originally built for use with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. It is important to note that once you pair a SiX Series Sensor with a ProSeries Panel, it will receive a firmware update and can never be reverted back to be used with a Lyric again. Once it goes to ProSeries Panel, it can never go back. The ProSeries Panels each have (127) zones available for the encrypted PROSIX and SiX Series Sensors.

Legacy sensor support is also available for the ProSeries Panels. If you add a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module to the panel, then you can pair sensors from one (1) of five (5) possible legacy frequency. The legacy frequency you decide to use is selected via an adjustable dial on the PROTAKEOVER Module. The available options include Honeywell 5800 Sensors (but not 2GIG), 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors (but not Honeywell), 319.5 MHz Sensors (Qolsys, Interlogix, GE), 433 MHz Sensors (DSC), and Bosch Sensors. You can only add one (1) PROTAKEOVER Module to a ProSeries Panel, so only one (1) legacy frequency can be used with the system at any given time. Up to (123) legacy zones are available on the ProSeries Panels. When combined with the encrypted zones for PROSIX and SiX Sensors, a maximum total of (250) zones are available on one of these systems.

One key characteristic of the PROA7PLUS is that the system is split into four (4) different variants, based on two (2) deciding factors, with each factor having two (2) options. First, you must decide whether you want the PLUS version or the BASE version. Most users ultimately go with the PLUS version, as the BASE version is more limited and requires an added communicator to get the system monitored. Second, you must decide whether you want the Honeywell Home version for residential use or the Resideo version for commercial use. Unlike the first decision, this second one really comes down to personal preference, and it won't really affect the performance of the system in any way.

	PLUS Versions	BASE Versions
Honeywell Home Versions	Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS	Honeywell Home PROA7
Resideo Versions	Resideo PROA7PLUSC	Resideo PROA7C

PLUS vs. BASE

Most users who buy a ProSeries System opt for a PLUS Model. There are a few differences to be discussed between the PLUS Models and the BASE Models. A PLUS Model comes with a Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW Module already built-in for WIFI and Z-Wave Plus support. A BASE Model does not have this, but you can add one separately. If you only want WIFI support, and you don't care about Z-Wave Plus for home automation, then there is also a Honeywell Home PROWIFI that provides WIFI, but no Z-Wave Plus. Honeywell has chosen to go with a very modular design, so that users don't have to pay for features they may never intend to use.

A PLUS Model can be set up for IP-only monitoring (WIFI) right out of the box. You only need to add a cellular communicator if you want to set up a PLUS Model for dual-path monitoring with both IP and cellular. Conversely, a BASE Model cannot be set up for alarm monitoring right out of the box, as it does not have a built-in communicator. You must add an IP communicator and/or a cellular communicator to get the system monitored. If, for example, you want cellular-only monitoring, it may make sense for you to buy the BASE Model, and a cellular communicator, but only if you don't want any of the other features that are supported only on the PLUS Model. We'll cover those features in just a bit.

For reference, the IP communicators are WIFI modules that support wireless WIFI connectivity, and they cannot be used for wired ethernet connectivity. The options include the Honeywell Home PROWIFI, which adds WIFI only, and the Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW, which adds both WIFI and Z-Wave Plus. As of May 2021, only LTE modules are available for cellular connectivity. The options include the Honeywell Home PROLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell Home PROLTE-V (Verizon LTE). It's possible that a 5G cellular module might be released for the system someday, but that is not an option now.

There are two (2) other big differences between the PLUS Models and the BASE Models. One, a PLUS Model has a built-in camera for taking disarm photos on the system, while a BASE Model does not have an integrated camera. There is no way to add a panel camera to a BASE Model, so this will always be a feature you miss out on if you decide to get a BASE Model. Two, a PLUS Model supports Bluetooth LE connectivity for automatic Bluetooth disarming, while a BASE Model does not support Bluetooth. There is no way to add Bluetooth connectivity to a BASE Model, so again, this will be a feature you miss out on if you opt for a Base Model.

Honeywell Home vs. Resideo

Unlike the PLUS vs. BASE debate, the Honeywell Home vs. Resideo decision is more of a personal preference decision. The difference here is that the Honeywell Home Models say "Honeywell Home" across the front, while the Resideo Models say "Resideo" across the front. Other than that, they are exactly the same. Technically speaking, the Honeywell Home Models are intended for residential use, while the Resideo Models are intended for commercial or industrial use. But there is actually nothing stopping you from using a Resideo Model inside a home, or a Honeywell Home Model inside a business. For more information on the subject, we recommend checking out this blog we wrote on the subject.

General System Information

Below is some of the general information for the Honeywell Home and Resideo ProSeries Panels:

• Panel Type: Wireless All-In-One
• Voltage Input: 9VDC, 2.5A Transformer (Included - P/N 300-10260)
• Backup Battery: 24 Hour Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.6/4.2V, 5200mAH (Included - P/N 300-11186)
  
• Total Zones: 250 Security Protection Zones
• PROSIX and SiX Series Zones: 127 Zones
• Legacy RF Support: 123 Zones, 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz, or Bosch (with added takeover module)
  
• Legacy RF Notes: Uni-Directional Only; Requires PROTAKEOVER Module
  
• KeyFob Slots: 32 (ProSix & SiX Fobs)
• User Codes: 96 (Master Code Hardcoded to Slot 1)
  
• Partitions: 4
  
• Automation: Z-Wave Plus (Automatically Included with PLUS Models Only)
• Z-Wave Device Limit: 78 (Automatically Included with for PLUS Models)
  
• Compatible Keypads: Resideo PROSIXLCDKP, Resideo PROWLTOUCH (Requires PROWIFIZW or PROWIFI)
  
• Maximum Keypads: 8 per Partition
  
• Event Log: 4,000 Events
• Other Features: WIFI. The following features are supported on the PLUS Model only: Integrated Camera, Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, Wiselink (PROINDMV & PROOUTMV)
  
• Package Contents: Panel, PROWIFIZW Module (installed, PLUS Models Only), Transformer (9VDC, 2.5A), Backup Battery, Manuals, Mounting Hardware w/ Wall Plate
• Dimensions: 5.75"L x 7.875"W x 1.0"D
  
• Mounting Options: Wall Mount or Desk Mount (Sold Separately)
• Default Master Code: 1234 (should change for security purposes)
• Default Installer Code: 4112 (recommended to keep at default)

Wiring

The ProSeries Alarm Panels include a transformer for powering on the system, but a user must supply their own wiring. The use of a prepared wire, such as a Honeywell LT-Cable is advised. However, traditional wiring is perfectly suitable. You should use a wire gauge between 16-gauge and 22-gauge. If you decide to use traditional wiring that you have prepared yourself, then please observe the following strict wire limits:

Local Alarm Mode

Local Alarm Mode is used when the system needs to be set up and tested, but it's not yet registered with the AlarmNet server. The PROA7PLUS is meant to be monitored in some fashion. If Local Alarm Mode is not enabled, then as soon as the panel powers up, it reaches out to the AlarmNet360 server in an attempt to register and retrieve its communicator programming. If an account does not yet exist on the server for the panel, it will return a communicator error which will not clear until registration occurs. When Local Alarm Mode is enabled, the communicator for the panel is disabled, and this process of attempting to register does not occur. Therefore, no communicator error will be displayed. To enable or disable Local Alarm Mode, select the Menu Icon from the bottom-center of the home screen, then scroll down to Tools. Enter the Installer Code (Default is 4112) when prompted for a code, then select Local Alarm Mode. The feature is toggled ON or OFF from this screen. Bear in mind, when this setting is changed the panel will reboot, and this process can take several minutes.

System Arming

Arming the security system puts it into a secured state. If activity is detected while the system is armed (e.g. a door/window being opened, movement being detected, etc.), then the system may go into immediate alarm or require that a user verify their identity with a valid code to prevent an alarm. Please note that this does not apply to 24-Hour Zones, which will trigger an immediate alarm when activated, even if the system is in a disarmed state. Common examples of 24-Hour Zones include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit doors.

To arm a ProSeries Panel, click the ARM button on the main screen. Then choose the arming type to arm the system. You can Arm Away or Arm Home, with Arm Home being the system's version of Arm Stay. The difference between these arming modes is that interior sensors are automatically bypassed (ignored) when you choose Arm Home. This allows anyone still inside the building to move around freely, without triggering a false alarm. But in Arm Away, interior sensors are active and able to cause alarms on the system. There should be nobody remaining inside the building after you have enabled Arm Away mode. Please note that at least one (1) Entry/Exit Zone must be faulted during the Exit Delay countdown when Arming Away, or else the system will revert to Arm Home mode instead. This is because the system will assume no one left after arming, and that the user must have meant to Arm Stay. This is known as Auto-Stay Arming, and it is a false alarm prevention feature.

Keep in mind that if multiple partitions are set up with the system, then you will be able to select which partition you want to control before you press the ARM button on the main screen. You can select any of the four (4) partitions that are enabled on the system. A partition dropdown selection option will only be shown if multiple partitions are configured on the system. If partitions have not yet been configured, and the system still only has a single partition, then this dropdown option will not be displayed. Partitions are covered in greater detail later in this cheatsheet.

A feature called Quick Arm is enabled by default, but can be disabled by partition, in each partition's settings. This affects what happens after selecting your preferred arming method (Home or Away). When this feature is enabled, the PROA7PLUS will not prompt for a user code to complete arming. This can save time when arming. This also allows anyone to be able to arm the alarm. A valid user code is still always required to disarm. This poses little to no risk, as long as you remember your user codes. When armed with Quick Arm, the panel's event log shows that it was armed by a generic user. Some choose to disable this feature because they prefer to know who exactly armed the system. When disabled, the actual user number will be logged as the user who armed the partition.

Another option called Arm Night will also be available if you have at least one motion sensor programmed on the system with the Arm Night feature enabled. Arm Night is a more secure version of Arm Home (Stay), in which any interior motion sensor with the Arm Night feature enabled will NOT be automatically bypassed. That is, if that sensor detects activity while in Arm Night mode, it will trigger a response (e.g. an alarm) on the system. Meanwhile, motion sensors that have Arm Night disabled will be bypassed and ignored by the system.

Also when arming the system, you can choose to enable or disable Entry Delay and Silent Exit. The default selection is to enable Entry Delay, and disable Silent Exit. If Entry Delay is disabled it will result in the system going into immediate alarm when an Entry/Exit Zone is faulted, as opposed to going into an Entry Delay countdown, during which the user can disarm the system before an alarm occurs. Silent Exit being enabled will result in the panel not producing any sounds as the Exit Delay countdown occurs. Please note that if Silent Exit is enabled, then the Exit Delay countdown timer will be automatically doubled for that arming session. This will give the user extra time to vacate the building, as there won't be any countdown timer reminding them that they need to exit immediately.

Please note that you can also arm the system via Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored and set up with the service.

System Disarming

Disarming the system takes it out of a secured state and puts it into a Disarmed mode, in which only 24-Hour Zones are able to trigger system alarms. You can only disarm the system while it is in an armed mode. Please note that if you have Armed Home or Armed Night, then an option for Quick Exit will be available. This feature allows a user inside a location that is Armed Home or Armed Night to briefly step outside, for instance, to take out the trash, or to retrieve something from their car. When you press Quick Exit, the system begins the normal Exit Delay countdown. During this time, any Entry/Exit door can be opened without causing an alarm. As long as the door is secured again before the countdown expires, the system will return to its prior arming state at the end of the countdown. This prevents the user from having to disarm, then arm again.

In Arm Away mode, the only available option is to Disarm.

To disarm the system, you must have a valid code. This can be a regular user code, or the Master Code. Click the Disarm button to pull-up a numeric digital keypad. Then enter the valid code into the digital keypad. The system will disarm. Don't forget that if you need to disarm a different partition than the one displayed on the screen, then you should first select that partition from the dropdown menu and provide a user code with authority for the selected partition. This dropdown menu will only be present if multiple partitions are set up on the system.

Please note that you can also disarm the system via Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored and set up with the service.

Adding a Zone

To add a zone to a ProSeries Panel, you must have access to end-user programming. Otherwise, all zone programming is completed remotely by your monitoring company. To access the system's auto-enrollment mode, start from the main screen and click the small menu button (three horizontal bars) at the bottom of the home screen, and then choose Tools, enter the Installer Code (default 4112), and then choose Programming, and then choose Peripherals, and then press the + button at the top of the screen to put the system into its auto-enrollment mode.

With the system in this mode, you can then fault (activate) a sensor to get it to auto-enroll. You will be taken to the Edit Sensor screen where you can configure the zone settings. The following programming fields are available:

• Sensor Type: Set automatically during auto-enrollment. This is the model of sensor that was enrolled (e.g. SIX-Contact, SIX-Motion, etc.)
• MAC: Set automatically during auto-enrollment. This serves as a Serial Number identifier for PROSIX and SiX Sensors. Please note that if you enroll a legacy sensor using the PROTAKEOVER Module, then this will instead be a Serial Number or a Sensor DL ID Field.
• Partition: Allows you to assign the sensor to a specific system partition. Only enabled partitions can be selected.
  
• Service (with grey background): Available on certain types of SiX and PROSIX Sensors. Allows you to add an additional (secondary) function for the sensor. An example is adding support for an external NC Contact that is wired into a PROSIXCT or SiXCT terminals when its primary function is the Reed Switch.
  
• Zone Number: Cannot be changed. Shows which Zone Number the sensor is being assigned. Remember that the system supports (127) encrypted PROSIX and SiX zones, plus (123) non-encrypted legacy zones, for a total of (250) zones.
• Service (with white background): Available on certain types of PROSIX and SiX Sensors. This allows you to set the primary function for the sensor. An example would be choosing between the Reed Switch function and the External Contact function on a PROSIXCT or SiXCT. If the Reed Switch is the primary function, the Contact Terminals would then be the secondary function.
  
• Zone Descriptors (1 & 2): Used for naming the zone. The ProSeries Panel will speak the Zone Descriptors, plus the Device Type, when the sensor is faulted. For example, if you have Zone Descriptor 1 set as "East", Zone Descriptor 2 set as "Door" and Device Type as Door, then the panel will speak "East Door Door" when the sensor is faulted. In this case, Zone Descriptor 2 is unnecessary. Please note that you do not technically need to provide any Zone Descriptors for the zone. You can leave one or both of the fields blank. Many users will just program Zone Descriptor 1 and leave Zone Descriptor 2 blank. If you leave both of them blank, then the zone will only be known as whatever is set for Device Type.
  
• Device Type: This is used to set the type of sensor you are adding (e.g. Door, Window, Flood, etc.) Along with the Zone Descriptors, the Device Type is spoken by the panel when voice annunciation is enabled and the sensor is faulted. Depending on the Device Type you choose, only certain types of Response Types will be available. If you want access to a certain Response Type that isn't available for the sensor's normal Device Type, then you may consider setting the Device Type to "Other", which will result in all Response Types being available. Please note that if you set the Device Type to "Other", then it will not be spoken when the sensor is faulted and voice annunciation is enabled. For example, if you had Zone Descriptor 1 set as "East" and Zone Descriptor 2 set as "Bedroom" and the Device Type set as "Other", then the panel would only speak "East Bedroom". Available Device Types include Door, Window, Garage Door, Other, Police, Environmental, Glassbreak, Flood, Medical, Motion Sensor, and Temperature.
• Response Type: This option determines what action the system will take when the sensor is faulted or activated. Depending on the Device Type you set, only certain Response Type options will be available. If you want to choose from every available Response Type, set the Device Type to "Other", and you will have a complete selection of possible Response Types. Available Response Types include: Not Used, Entry Exit 1, Entry Exit 2, Perimeter, Interior Follower, Day/Night, 24 Hour Silent, 24 Hour Audible, 24 Hour Auxiliary, Interior Delay, Monitor, Trouble, Arm Stay, Arm Away, Disarm, No Response, Silent Burglary, Garage, Garage Monitor, and Local Alarm.
• Supervised: Toggle ON or OFF. When Supervised is ON, the system will expect the sensor to check-in periodically to ensure that it is working properly. If Supervised is ON, and the sensor fails to check in (due to environment or range issues, the unit being powered down, or having a dead battery, or the device having been removed), then the system will display a trouble condition to alert the user.
• Alarm Report: Toggle ON or OFF. When Alarm Report is ON, the system will report to AlarmNet when the zone causes an alarm on the system. AlarmNet then forwards the signals to the user's Central Station. This is assuming that the system is being monitored. If Alarm Report is OFF, then no alarm signal will be sent out if the zone causes an alarm on the system. However, if Total Connect 2.0 is enabled for the user, an email or text notification can still be sent.
• Version: Cannot be changed. Shows the firmware version of the programmed sensor.
• Chime: This is the sound the panel will make when the sensor is faulted. Choose from a variety of Chime options, or set to Disabled to turn OFF the chime for the zone.
• Armed Night: Only available if a Device Type of Motion Sensor is selected. Toggle option for ON and OFF. If Armed Night is ON, then the sensor will remain active when the system is set to Armed Night mode, as opposed to being automatically bypassed as an interior sensor. Please note that you must have at least one programmed motion sensor with Armed Night turned ON in order for the Arm Night option to be selectable from the arming screen.
• Supervision Time: Cannot be adjusted from this screen. If a sensor fails to check in with the system for longer than this period of time, the system will put that sensor into a Trouble or Check condition. The panel is literally telling you to check on that sensor.

When you are finished adjusting the zone settings, choose either Save or Save & Add Another to save the change. If you choose Save, then you will be taken to the Peripherals List. If you choose Save & Add Another, then you will be taken back to the Add a Peripheral Screen so you can enroll another sensor. You can edit the zone settings later by selecting the sensor within the Peripherals List.

Deleting a Zone

If you need to delete an existing zone, start from the main screen of the system, and click the menu button (three horizontal bars) at the bottom of the screen. Then choose Tools, and enter the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Then choose Programming, followed by Peripherals. This will access the Peripherals List. Find the zone you want to delete and check the box on the right-hand side. If you are deleting multiple zones, then check the box for each zone you want to delete. With all the necessary boxes checked, click the black "Delete" button in the upper-right corner. The system will ask you to confirm. Choose Delete on the right-hand side to confirm that you want to delete the sensor(s).

Adding a Z-Wave Device

You can only add a Z-Wave device if there is a PROWIFIZW Module inside of the ProSeries Panel. The PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC have this module included out of the box, but it must be added separately to the PROA7 and PROA7C. When you add a Z-Wave device to the system it can then be controlled both locally at the panel and remotely from Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored with a plan that includes automation services. You can also include Z-Wave devices with smart scenes so that they activate automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events.

To add a Z-Wave device, start from the main screen of the system, choose the menu button at the bottom (the three horizontal bars), followed by Tools. Enter the Installer Code for the system (default 4112). Choose Programming, and then Z-Wave Peripherals. It is advised that you clear (Exclude) the device from the panel first to wipe out any residual Z-Wave network data. You can do this even if the Z-Wave device in question is not enrolled with a Z-Wave controller. Many Z-Wave devices will have residual Z-Wave network data left over from the factory, so "excluding" first is almost always a good idea. Choose Exclusion Mode to put the panel into a mode for clearing Z-Wave devices. Then activate the inclusion/exclusion function on your Z-Wave device. There may be a button on the Z-Wave device for this purpose, or you may need to enter a specific programming code. Refer to the manual for your Z-Wave device for more information. The panel should show a device as excluded. Press done after the device has been excluded. Then choose Inclusion Mode to put the panel into a mode for adding Z-Wave devices. Activate the inclusion/exclusion function for the Z-Wave device again. This may be the same function you used when clearing the device from the network. The panel should show that a Z-Wave device was added. Press the done button when finished.

Deleting a Z-Wave Device

Deleting a Z-Wave device will clear it from the network so that it is no longer paired with the ProSeries Panel. You can then pair the Z-Wave device with a new Z-Wave network. Please note that deleting a Z-Wave device may also be referred to as clearing the device or excluding the device. Z-Wave devices are typically cleared from the network before pairing to ensure that any remaining Z-Wave network data is properly wiped out.

To delete a Z-Wave device, begin from the home screen of the panel, select the menu button at the bottom (the three horizontal bars), and then press Tools. Provide the Installer code for the system (default 4112). Select Programming, and then Z-Wave Peripherals. Choose Exclusion Mode to put the system into a mode for clearing Z-Wave devices. From there, activate the Inclusion/Exclusion function on the Z-Wave device. This process will vary depending upon the Z-Wave device in question. It may have an inclusion/exclusion button, or there may be a different process. Check the manual for the Z-Wave device to find out for sure. The panel should show that a device has been cleared from the network.

Changing the Master Code

A ProSeries Panel will have a default Master Code of 1234. You will want to change this code for security purposes. Choose a different code that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for someone else to guess. To begin, start from the main screen of the panel. Click the menu button (the three horizontal bars), and then choose Settings. Select User Management. Then provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) for the system. This will allow you to access the Users Menu.

Click on the Master option from within the user list. This will take you to the Master User settings screen. Find the field for pin, and click the pencil icon on the right-hand side of that field. You will be asked to provide a new pin. Be sure the 4-digit code you enter is unique within the system. Enter the desired pin code. Then confirm that pin code by entering it a second time. Then press Save in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to enter the Master Pin to save. You should enter the EXISTING Master Code at the screen. If you are changing the code from the default of 1234, then you will enter in that 1234 default, and not the new code that you changed the Master Code to. After you enter the existing Master Code, the change will be saved and applied. The Installer Code can be used to get into this programming area, but it cannot be used in the final step, the existing Master Code must be known in order to change it.

Adding a User

There are (96) user slots available on the ProSeries Panels. When you add a new user code, you will be able to use that code for arming and disarming. To get started, click the Menu button (the three horizontal bars) at the bottom on the home screen of the panel, and then choose Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) to gain access to User Management. Click the + icon in the upper-right corner to begin adding a user. You will then provide a name for the user. After you save the name, you will be taken to a settings screen for that user. Make sure to provide and confirm a pin code for the user. Then at the bottom, you will need to set which partition(s) the user has access to. Make sure to set the partition access, or else the user code will not have any authority. In fact, the system will not let you add a code until you have set both a pin code and access authority. You can also set options for Bluetooth Disarming and Z-Wave Lock Control at this time, or you can save that for later. When you are finished, press Add in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to provide a pin to confirm the adding of the new user. Enter in the system's Master Code (default 1234). The Installer Code will not work for this. The new user will be added to the Users List. If you click on the user name, then you can edit its settings.

Deleting a User

After you delete a user, that code will no longer be able to disarm the system. To delete a code, you must access the User Management Menu. Begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom of the screen. Choose Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) to gain access. You will enter the User Management Menu. Find the user that you want to delete, and click the checkmark box on the right-hand side of that user. You can also delete multiple users at once by checking the box for every user you want to delete. Once you have selected the user(s), press the Delete button in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to provide the Master Code to confirm deletion. After entering the code, the user(s) you had selected will be deleted. Those user slots will be opened and available for assigning new codes.

Bluetooth Disarming

Automatic Bluetooth Disarming will allow the system to disarm from Armed Away mode automatically upon detecting a paired Bluetooth-compatible phone. Up to six (6) Bluetooth-compatible phones can be set up with this feature. Each of the 6 phones must be associated with a different user. The Master User can also be set up with a Bluetooth Phone for automatic disarming. A phone will only be able to disarm the system if it is removed from the area before the system is fully armed. If the Exit Delay countdown expires and the phone is still detected in the area, then it will be disabled and ignored for that arming session and unable to disarm the system. This prevents the system from disarming immediately due to someone forgetting their phone and accidentally leaving it behind. The feature will go into effect, and the system will immediately disarm upon the user faulting an Entry/Exit Zone with the phone properly connected across Bluetooth. You must set up the feature before it can be used. The feature is completely optional, and it can be turned OFF at any time.

You set up the Bluetooth Disarming feature within the User Management Menu. Begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom of the screen. Click Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112). Click on the user you want to set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming. Then choose the field for Disarm With Bluetooth. At this time, you should activate Bluetooth pairing mode for the phone that is being paired. Press the blue Pair button in the top-right corner of the ProSeries Panel. On the phone, find the ProSeries Panel and click on it. The panel and the phone will both display pairing messages and a pairing key. Click pair on both devices to complete the pairing process. When you back out to the user settings screen, make sure to press Save in the upper-right corner. If you are saving the Master User, then you will be asked to provide its code for confirmation.

Partitions

If you are unfamiliar with security system partitions in general, please read this FAQ. Basically, partitions allow you to "section-off" your alarm system so that certain sections (partitions) of the system can be armed or disarmed, while the other sections (partitions) remain in their current armed or disarmed state. Up to four (4) partitions can be configured on a ProSeries Panel. By default, only the first partition is enabled. Partition 2, Partition 3, and Partition 4 will only be used and in effect after they have been added. You need to first access the partition settings menu. Begin from the main screen of the ProSeries Panel. Click the three (3) horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Then choose Tools, and enter the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Click Programming, followed by Partitions. The list of enabled partitions will be shown on the screen. To add a new partition, click the + icon in the upper-right. You will then be able to configure various settings for the partition. These are mostly arming settings that you should configure as needed based upon how the system is being used. You want to set Entry/Exit Delays to proper settings so that no false alarms occur on the system. When you are finished, press Save in the top-right. If you ever need to delete a partition, you can access the Partitions Menu, click on the checkmark box on the right-hand side of any partition that is being deleted to select it, and then press Delete in the top-right. Please note that you cannot delete the main Partition, which is Partition 1.

Whenever you are at the main screen of the system, you can set which partition you want to control. There will be a dropdown menu you can click on to choose a different partition to switch to. Whenever you go to switch partitions, you must provide a code with access to that partition. You can also provide the Master Code which has global authority and access to any system partition. Note that only enabled partitions will be present.

Advanced Settings

The Advanced Settings Menu is a programming menu that includes sub-categories for Communicator, System, and Reporter. Many of these options are fairly complex, and it is suggested that you not change them unless instructed by your monitoring provider, or you are formally trained in alarm systems and you know what you are doing. To access this menu, begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Press the Tools option. Provide the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Choose Programming. Then choose Advanced Settings. You will then be in the Advanced Settings Menu to make system changes. Once finished, press the Save button in the top-right to save any changes you have made.

Miscellaneous Settings

This section will very briefly cover other settings that haven't been covered earlier in this cheatsheet. This includes setting the WIFI network for the panel. To access the Settings Menu, begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Then choose Settings. You will have options for WI-FI, User Management, and Secondary Keypad. You may be asked to provide the Master Code (default 1234) or Installer Code (default 4112) before configuring these settings.

Please note that you can also configure settings for Backlight Timeout, Voice, Chime, Brightness, Volume, and Screen Cleaning right from the main screen. Just click or drag down the bar from the top of the system's home screen to access the primary settings. No access code is needed!

Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 is the interactive security notification and automation platform used with the ProSeries Alarm Panels. You can access Total Connect 2.0 remotely using a web browser or by using the free Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App that you can download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Your system must have some type of monthly monitoring plan to be used with Total Connect 2.0. Your monitoring company will help you get started with the Total Connect 2.0 service, usually by sending you a Total Connect 2.0 activation email after you are activated for alarm monitoring service. You will need to create a username and password for logging into Total Connect 2.0. For Alarm Grid customers, your username will typically be the email address associated with the monitored account. You can use Total Connect 2.0 to arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control programmed Z-Wave devices, and more!

Conclusion

We hope that you found this Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Cheatsheet to be useful! We want you to get the very most out of your Resideo Alarm System. And keep in mind that this post may be updated in the future to include new information. It's very likely that Resideo will be updating the ProSeries Panels in the future to include new features and functions, and we will make sure to provide you with the resources you need to take advantage of whatever is offered. Also, if there's anything else that YOU would like to see included in this cheatsheet, please leave a comment down below, and we just might add it in. This is a living, breathing document, and we will likely update it as we learn more. And stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more great content coming soon!

We're back with more 2GIG Edge content today. First, if you haven't already seen our post about setting up 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then make sure to go check that out. We really want each new Edge user to get the most out of their system. But today's topic is Automatic Bluetooth Disarming.

Whether you prefer to call it Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth LE, or whatever, it's a pretty cool feature for the new 2GIG Edge Alarm System. It's actually pretty similar to what Qolsys offers on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. I personally found the 2GIG Edge Bluetooth Disarming feature a little bit easier to set up, though I will admit that I also found the options associated with the feature to be a bit lacking. And by that I mean, there aren't really any options for the feature, other than turning it ON or OFF, or as 2GIG likes to call it, ACTIVE or INACTIVE.

You should also keep in mind that only a maximum of five (5) phones can be set up with the feature, and you can only have one (1) phone paired per user. If you want to have the maximum 5 phones set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, then they will need to be set up with 5 different users. And we also want to mention that the feature can only be used when the system is Armed Away. It won't work when the system is Armed Stay. But all of that aside, we'll just have a fairly quick post today, I'm just going to give you a quick rundown of setting up the feature and putting it into action.

First, to get started setting up 2GIG Edge Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, you need to access the Users Menu. Start from the main screen of the 2GIG Edge Panel. Click the small Settings Icon (the gear) in the bottom-right corner. Then enter in the Master Code (default 1111, but usually changed) or the Installer Code (default 1561, not usually changed), or use Facial Recognition if you have the feature set up for the Master User. Once inside, choose Users to access the Users Menu.

In the Users Menu, find the user you want to set up Automatic Bluetooth Disarming for. You can do it for the Master User or any other valid user. You cannot set it up for the Installer Code, which makes sense because the Installer Code cannot disarm the system. And you cannot configure it for the Duress Code either, as that would certainly lead to countless false alarms, which we obviously don't want. But in any case, decide on a user that CAN be set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, and click the pencil icon next to the name to access the edit screen for that user.

As you go down the list, you will see options for Display Name, Access Code, Facial Recognition, Bluetooth Disarming, and User Number. Obviously, the one we want is Bluetooth Disarming. And when you click that, you will be taken to the Bluetooth Disarming Edit Screen for the user you selected.

At this time, you should turn ON your phone's Bluetooth feature. You will very shortly be putting the panel into a scanning mode where it can find pairable Bluetooth devices. Remember that you can only pair certain Bluetooth devices, namely smartphones. You won't be able to pair something like a tablet or a laptop. Again, this makes sense based on how the feature is used.

When you are ready, click the blue PAIR button on the right-hand side. Then press the green Scan button on the following screen. The Edge will begin scanning for a pairable Bluetooth device. If everything was done correctly on the Edge, and your phone is in its Bluetooth pairing mode, then it should appear. In our example, the Bluetooth device is called VELVET.

You should also notice a Bluetooth pairing request on your smartphone.

Once you click the Pair button on your phone, you will get the notification on the panel. Press the green Pair Device button to complete the process.

And that's pretty much it! You can make the feature ACTIVE or INACTIVE within the settings menu for the assigned user. When active, the feature will always be in effect. However, there is one exception. If the panel detects that the phone is still present when the system officially becomes armed - in other words, immediately after the Exit Delay has expired - then that phone will be barred from activating the feature for the current arming session. This is designed intentionally to prevent the panel from being accidentally disarmed prematurely because of a forgotten or left-behind phone. If you realize you forgot your phone before you left, then don't expect that phone to be able to activate the feature and disarm the system. But, the feature can still be activated by a different phone, as long as that phone was properly programmed and it was outside of wireless Bluetooth range of the panel when the Exit Delay expired. One other note is that the phone must be disconnected from the 2GIG Edge for ten (10) full seconds to prevent being barred from activating the feature for that arming session.

As we mentioned earlier, a maximum of five (5) users on the 2GIG Edge can be set up with the Automatic Bluetooth Disarming feature, and each user can only have one (1) paired phone. The feature will only work in Arm Away mode. It will not work when the system is Armed Stay. Activating the feature is quite simple. Your phone should automatically connect with the Edge once it gets into Bluetooth range. But the system won't actually go and automatically disarm until you activate a delay period by faulting an Entry/Exit Zone, or in other words, opening a door used for coming and going, such as a front door, back door, or garage door. For the feature to work properly, the phone must "connect" with the panel before the Entry Delay is triggered. And with the phone already connected, the system should disarm immediately upon activating the Entry/Exit Zone.

There is a timer so that the feature won't activate right away. This is to prevent you from accidentally activating the feature while you are still nearby after already arming the system. This timer is five (5) minutes. In other words, 5 minutes after you arm your system, once the system detects the paired Bluetooth device, if the system is in its Entry Delay window, it will disarm. It's super convenient, and it's good to see that 2GIG accounted for the possibility of a forgotten phone so that it does not create a security risk. But it is a bit questionable that there's no way to change or adjust the 5-minute timer. Maybe 2GIG can make this an adjustable setting in a future update? We would sure appreciate that!

When actually using the feature, it is advised that you check and make sure that the Bluetooth on your phone is reconnected before faulting the Entry/Exit Zone and activating the Entry Delay Period. If it's not reconnected to Bluetooth, then the feature will not work, and the system will not disarm automatically. We also want to say that to prevent false alarms, you should always be prepared for the possibility that the feature may fail. Be prepared to disarm with a valid code if needed. It's true that you can also disarm with Facial Recognition if that is set up, but you should always be prepared for the worst. Out of the three - Bluetooth, Facial Recognition, and classic code entry - classic code entry is still the most dependable. But we can also say that when testing the Bluetooth Disarming feature at Alarm Grid, it worked flawlessly.

Have you gotten to try out 2GIG Bluetooth Disarming yet? What do you think of the feature? Leave your thoughts in a comment down below. And stay tuned for more security system content on the Alarm Grid blog coming soon!!

You might be checking your calendar because it's Friday, and this is a video recap, and we usually save those for Mondays. Well we had four (4) videos from earlier this month that we never managed to recap, so we figured why not now? The topics today are VISTA Panels and the Tuxedo Keypad.

Honeywell VISTA System: Factory Defaulting

I show you how to Factory Default a Honeywell VISTA Security System. This process is very simple. You just get into programming with the command [Installer Code] + [8] + [00], with the default Installer Code being 4112. You can press [*97] to perform the default. The panel will beep three (3) times to confirm. You should also press [*96] to default the panel account and Computer Station ID (CSID). You can then press [*99] to exit programming. You can perform the default on an Alphanumeric Keypad, a Fixed English Keypad, or a Tuxedo Touchscreen Keypad in its Console Mode.

Honeywell Home Tuxedo: Local Scenes Using Sunrise & Sunset

I explain how you can create local smart scenes on a Honeywell Home Tuxedo Keypad to be set with time-based triggers for the local sunrise or sunset time. In the upper-right corner of the main Tuxedo screen, there is a weather display. If you click on this, then you can set the ZIP Code for the keypad. The Tuxedo will use this ZIP Code and its WIFI connection to get the daily sunrise and sunset time for any scenes set to trigger that way. If the Tuxedo loses its internet connection, it will just use the last recorded sunrise time and sunset time.

Honeywell Home Tuxedo: Setting Up Web Server & Remote Access

I show you how to set up web server access so that you can control the Tuxedo Keypad from a web browser. After setting up the feature by entering a username and password into the designated section of the Tuxedo, you can enter the Tuxedo IP Address into the web browser of an IP-connected device to access a login screen. The device used must be on the same network as the Tuxedo Keypad. Provide the username and password that you set up at the Tuxedo. This will open an interface resembling the old style Tuxedo Touch, and you can use that you control the Tuxedo and the connected VISTA.

Honeywell Home Tuxedo: Web Interface Cannot Include/Exclude Z Wave Devices

I explain that you cannot include or exclude Z-Wave devices when accessing the Tuxedo Keypad from a web browser, also known as the Tuxedo Web Interface or Tuxedo Virtual Interface. Although you can perform almost all of the same commands from the virtual Tuxedo Web Interface as you can from the Tuxedo Keypad itself, you cannot add or remove Z-Wave devices. This is because the necessary menu option for adding and removing Z-Wave devices is not present inside the Tuxedo Virtual Interface. You can only add and remove Z-Wave devices by interacting with the actual Tuxedo Keypad itself.

With the 2GIG Edge now available, users have access to some features we have never seen before in home security. One feature that really stands out is the system's facial recognition capabilities. This is the first ever panel from Alarm Grid to support facial recognition disarming!

The 2GIG Edge facial recognition feature is set up when you go to configure a user for the system. You can also configure it for the Master User, which is likely what you will want to do, along with changing the code away from its default of 1111. This is probably one of the first things you will do after getting the 2GIG Edge Security System, so consider this to be a bit of a starter's guide as well.

And don't forget that the feature is totally optional to use. If you don't want your 2GIG Edge System storing your "facial biometrics", then you don't have to. But if you do decide to set up the feature, we'll tell you right away, it works very well, and it's super convenient. It is also important to mention that all facial biometric information is only stored locally at the panel. This information is neither shared nor stored with Alarm.com in any fashion. Up to ten (10) users on a single 2GIG Edge Panel can be set up with the Facial Recognition feature, so do keep that in mind if you have a large number of users set up with your 2GIG Edge. But with that of the way, let's get started setting up the Facial Recognition feature on the 2GIG Edge!

What you need to do is access the User's Menu. Begin by clicking the Settings Icon (the gear) in the bottom-right corner. Then provide the Master Code (default 1111) or the Installer Code (default 1561). Then choose Users. And just like that, you are in the Users Menu.

You can click the Add User button in the bottom-right corner to create a new user. But if you haven't configured the Master User yet, then that's what you should do first. To configure the Master User, just click on the pencil icon next to it. You will be taken to the menu where you can adjust a variety of different settings.

From here, you can set a custom Display Name if you want a more personalized touch than "Master User". But today, we're going to focus on the facial recognition feature. You can see that it is disabled by default, so you should go and enable it by setting the toggle bar to green. And once you do, you will be greeted by the Facial Recognition Disclaimer Screen. Read through it, and assuming you agree, then click the Agree button in the bottom-right. You have to scroll all the way through it, or else you won't be able to click the Agree button, as it won't be illuminated.

Then you will need to capture your facial profile. You start by pressing the Begin button. You will need to position your head into the outlined box. Then once it recognizes your face, the outline will turn green. You will be asked to look to the right, and it will detect the movement. Then you will be asked to look to the left. Again, the movement will be detected. Oh, and when you go to do this yourself on your own 2GIG Edge, you don't need to have your phone in the photo. I was just trying (with varying degrees of success) to capture the moment in a series of photos. If you just complete the process normally as 2GIG intended, it's very easy.

You want to be very careful when capturing your facial profile - definitely more careful than me trying to pull double-duty by trying to take photos of the process at the same time! Make sure your face fits as nicely in the outline as possible. Feel free to move your head closer or further away from the panel if you need to. Then, when asked, turn slightly to the right, and then slightly to the left, and you will be all done! It only takes a matter of seconds. You will get the "Congratulations" message, and the feature will be in effect. And if you feel concerned that maybe you did a shoddy job, you can always reconfigure your 2GIG Edge Facial Profile later on. If you find that the system is having a tough time recognizing your face, then repeating this process (and doing it carefully) can make all the difference.

Once you click Next, you will be taken to a screen where you can choose to watch a tutorial video about how the Edge uses facial recognition. It may be helpful for you to get the very most out of the feature. Or you can skip it if you feel like this guide is sufficient. But you will still need to take an "Avatar" photo. Again, I'm a one-man team, so I tried to take a photo of myself trying to take a photo of myself (I never thought I'd write that sentence). Considering the circumstances, I think my "Avatar" turned out pretty nice!

If you're satisfied with your appearance, you can choose Use This Image. Or if you're a perfectionist, feel free to Retake Photo. If you decide that you can't take a good photo to save your life, then you can choose to Skip the step. But after that, facial recognition will be ready to go. If you did this for the Master User, you can even use facial recognition to get into Master-level programming. Whenever the system needs a code, the panel camera will activate. You just position your head, look left and right (like you're suspicious), and you will get in. Now the real question - can I take a photo of myself passing a facial recognition test?

Disclaimer - I cheated. That shot above is actually a video frame. The "User Master User Recognized" message only appears on the screen for a split-second, much too fast for an amateur self-cameraman like me to take a proper photo. But let's focus on what really matters here. This feature actually works VERY well. You can see it recognized me quite easily. And don't worry about it being a security risk. NOBODY else in the Alarm Grid Office could disarm with my facial profile. We had someone else try. They don't have the same "facial profile" as me, so the Edge wouldn't acknowledge them. But my face is able to trigger it quite easily.

You can use facial recognition to arm, disarm, and even enter into Master-level programming when a code is needed. Just be careful to set up your "facial profile" properly, and the 2GIG Edge will take care of the rest. If you have any thoughts on the feature, please share them down below in a comment. And stay tuned for more content from Alarm Grid coming soon!

We're back with another video recap! This time, we only published four (4) new videos, and they were all right at the end of the week. We hope to get more videos published in the upcoming week so that we can present a more robust video recap next time. But for now, here are our new videos.

Interlogix Simon XT: Setting Installer Code to Default

I show you how to reset the Installer Code on an Interlogix Simon XT Security System back to its default of 4321. You need this code or the Dealer Code to get into panel programming. Interestingly, the Dealer Code also has the same default of 4321. If you change the Installer Code, then you will not be able to change it back to 4321 unless you change the Dealer Code, or you factory default the system. Factory defaulting the Simon XT will reset the Installer Code back to 4321, and it will also reset the Dealer Code to 4321 as long as the Phone Lock setting for the system is OFF.

Honeywell VISTA: Custom Word or Phrase on Alpha Keypad

I show you how to set a custom word or phrase for the Alphanumeric Keypad used by your Honeywell VISTA Security System. You can set a custom word or phrase of up to (16) characters by accessing the system's Alpha Programming feature and configuring the custom word for the partition that your keypad is assigned with. After you do that, all of the Alphanumeric Keypads on that system partition will display the custom word or phrase. You may decide to change the custom word or phrase for a seasonal or holiday message, and it's great for adding a personalized touch to the system.

Wired Alarm System: Resetting

I show you how to reset your wired alarm system. When someone is talking about "resetting" a security system, they mean one of two (2) things. First, they could be talking about a power cycle reset, in which the system is turned OFF and then back ON. This is useful for safely making hardware changes, and it can also be used as a general and basic troubleshooting step. The other type of reset is a factory default reset. This will restore all settings and configurations for the system back to how they were when the system was brand new and hadn't yet been programmed.

Wireless Alarm System: Resetting

I show you how to reset your wireless alarm system. Just like a hardwired security system, a wireless system can receive the same two types of reset. Again, these are a power cycle reset and a factory default reset. The one big difference for a wireless alarm panel is that you can often perform both types of resets by choosing an option within the panel's programming menus. This varies between different types of wireless security systems, and you will likely need to refer to your system's manual to learn how to perform a power cycle reset or a factory reset for that particular system.

It's always a great start to the week when there's a new Alarm Grid video recap! We have six (6) new videos to check out this time. I had to step in front of the camera again, as others continue to work from home. It will be a bit longer before others return. But anyway, here are the videos.

Interlogix Simon XTi & XTi-5: Setting Installer Code to Default

I show you how to set the Installer Code on an Interlogix Simon XTi or Interlogix Simon XTi-5 to its default setting. The default Installer Code for these systems is 4321. This is actually the same default code as the default Dealer Code for these systems. The only way to have the same Installer Code and Dealer Code on an Interlogix Simon XTi or Interlogix Simon XTi-5 is to keep both of the codes at their default setting of 4321. If you change either code, then you must factory default the system to get both codes back to the default.

IQ Panel 2 Plus: Setting Installer Code to Default

I show you how to set the Installer Code on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus back to default. This system has a default Installer Code of 1111. Alarm Grid recommends keeping the code at its default so that you do not become locked out of programming. If you forget the default code, you can always look it up later. Keeping the Installer Code at the default does not present a security risk because you cannot disarm the system with that code. To reset the Installer Code, you must know either the current Installer Code or the current Dealer Code.

Connecting August Smart Lock Pro to WIFI

I show you how to connect the August Smart Lock Pro to a WIFI network. To do this, you will need an August Connect WIFI Bridge. Alarm Grid sells a bundled kit that comes with both devices. Connecting your August Smart Lock Pro to WIFI will allow you to control the lock remotely through the August Home App when your phone is outside of Bluetooth range. The only other ways to control the lock remotely are outside of the August App through Apple HomeKit or Z-Wave. The August App switches to WIFI automatically once you are outside of Bluetooth range.

Using August Smart Lock Pro With Apple HomeKit

I show you how to configure the August Smart Lock Pro for use with Apple HomeKit on an Apple iOS device. All HomeKit communication for the August Smart Lock Pro occurs through wireless Bluetooth connectivity between the lock itself and a dedicated HomeKit Hub. The dedicated HomeKit Hub can be an Apple iPad, an Apple HomePod, or an AppleTV Gen 4 or higher. You must keep the dedicated HomeKit Hub within Bluetooth range at all times for proper connectivity. The lock cannot use WIFI to communicate with the HomeKit Hub, even if an August Connect WIFI Bridge has been configured.

Wired Alarm System: Power Cycling

I show you how to power cycle your hardwired security system. Power cycling, or a power cycle reset, involves powering the system down and then powering it back on. There are a few reasons you might do this. If you are adding new hardware, such as a new keypad or a new alarm monitoring communicator, then you must power down your system first, and then power it back on after the hardware is installed. You might also power cycle as a general troubleshooting step. Most wired alarm panels require you to manually remove and restore power to fully power cycle.

Wireless Alarm System: Power Cycling

I show you how to power cycle your wireless security system. The reasons for power cycling a wireless system are usually the same reasons you would power cycle reset a wired alarm system. These reasons include making hardware changes and general troubleshooting. But for a wireless system, there is often a menu option you can use to reboot the system, without needing to manually drop and restore AC power and battery power. You should refer to the installation manual for your wireless alarm system to learn how to reboot through a menu selection, as it differs between systems.

Here at Alarm Grid, we try to help as many people as possible with their alarm system. Sure, we hope it will lead folks to choose us for their alarm monitoring needs. But it's also because we're simply helpful people. An alarm in your home or business should help quell fears, not cause them.

We've begun what I think of as "Silly Season". You may be familiar with this term from Nascar, but for us in the alarm industry, this is the time when a lot of home buying and selling occurs. During this time, we get a lot of calls that go something like this, "I just moved into a home with an existing alarm. We haven't been using it, but somehow it got armed, and now it's going off, and I don't know the code to disarm it. Please help!"

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it's also stressful and can be overwhelming at times. So, I've (Ms. Manners) put together this guide to help you, the person who moved out of the home in this scenario, to leave behind your alarm system in a way that's as stress-free as possible for all parties involved.

Ms. Manners Says: Notify Your Alarm Company

If your alarm system is monitored, be sure to notify your alarm company that you are moving out and that the system is staying behind. This may seem obvious, but many people assume that if they stop paying their monitoring fees, the alarm company will know they no longer want service and will cancel it on their own. This is not the case for a number of reasons! There may be contracts involved. There could be liability issues. So for many reasons - not the least of which is it's the polite thing to do - any time you wish to stop monitoring service to a particular address, you should notify the alarm monitoring company as soon as possible.

By notifying the alarm company, you do several things. You give them an opportunity to reach out to the new homeowner and introduce themselves. Hopefully, if you've had a good experience with your monitoring company, you will also put in a good word about them to the new homeowner. Both of these things give the company a leg-up when it comes to courting a potential new customer, and it also gives the new homeowner information based on your real-life experience, not just an advertisement in a new homeowner's mailer.

By notifying the monitoring company, you can also help to prevent any unnecessary dispatching of the authorities to this address. As bad as the scenario above is for the poor, uninformed new homeowner, it's worse for the police, fire, or EMS personnel who may respond to the alarm, which we know is false.

Remember, the person who signed up for the monitoring service at the address in the scenario above no longer lives there. That means the monitoring station is going to be calling people who have no idea what may be going on at this address (which is also an annoyance for the person receiving the call). In this situation, it is likely that the monitoring station MUST dispatch because if they don't (and there is some type of emergency) there may be repercussions for them. A monitoring station is always going to adhere to the adage, "Better safe than sorry." After all, safety is their business.

Ms. Manners Says: Default Users, But Not Zones

When you sell a house and the alarm system with it, you may think it's a good idea to set the alarm system back to factory default to allow the new homeowner a chance to program it as they see fit. Resist this urge! In most cases, what was your Front Door is now going to be their Front Door. What was your Kitchen Window is now going to be their Kitchen Window. John's Bedroom Window may become Jane's Bedroom Window, but this is a pretty simple thing to change and doesn't really call for the entire system to be set back to factory default.

When it comes to user codes, though, it is best to set these back to factory defaults. This will prevent the new homeowner from finding out what codes you used. After all, we are creatures of habit, and there's a good chance you'll use those same codes in your next system. Also, if you set the codes for the Installer and Master users back to their default, the new homeowner should easily be able to find out what they are by doing a quick search online. Then, if they find themselves in the messy scenario discussed above, they'll be able to get themselves out of it. Being able to get yourself out of a jam like this one can do wonders for your self-confidence.

System Manufacturers and their Default Codes

Use the information in the table above to set the codes in your panel back to their default values. If you don't see your panel listed, you can likely find the information you need with a quick online search. Performing this process is the single most helpful thing you can do for the new homeowner when it comes to the alarm system!

Ms. Manners Says: Leave Behind Good Notes

Any information you know about your alarm system, such as the manufacturer and model, the default installer code, and the default master code - each of which hopefully you have programmed into your panel by this time - will be helpful for the new homeowner. A list of zone numbers and their descriptions is also very much appreciated by a new homeowner. Leave them a note, tucked behind the keypad, or on a kitchen counter. Give them the sequence of keys to enter to disarm the system, or better yet, if you have the opportunity, show it to them, and then leave them a note to back up your demonstration.

If you're willing, leave them your contact information so they can contact you in the event that something unforeseen comes up. This is particularly important if your system is somewhat complex and has multiple home automation features integrated with it. I promise the last thing the new homeowner wants to do is bother you if they can avoid it. Everyone at Alarm Grid has talked with a frantic new homeowner who never even considered contacting the prior homeowner. It's usually something we suggest if we're unable to assist.

Fortunately, in most cases, we are able to assist, and we are happy to do so. This is just one of the many ways we make new friends here at Alarm Grid! I hope that anyone who is preparing to move out of a home and leave behind an alarm system will read this and use these suggestions to prepare.

If you happen to be moving into a home that already has an alarm system, and perhaps the previous homeowner didn't read this post, feel free to reach out to us. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. You can reach us via email, or by calling 888-818-7728.