Video Recap Posts

We're back again with four (4) more videos. We rejoin Jorge and Michael with videos on the 2GIG Edge and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Michael discussed the PROA7PLUS support for 5800 series sensors. Jorge provides several tutorials on the 2GIG Edge. Enjoy these videos from Alarm Grid.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Compatible with Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors

In this video, Michael from Alarm Grid discusses the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS' support for Honeywell's legacy 5800 Series Wireless Lineup. In order for the panel to support these sensors, a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module must be installed. This module allows the panel to support one (1) of five (5) legacy RF frequencies. Only one (1) PROTAKEOVER is supported per panel.

2GIG Edge: Compatibility With 2GIG Sensors

In this video, Jorge discusses the ability of the 2GIG Edge to support both encrypted and unencrypted 2GIG Sensors. It may seem as though it should go without saying that a 2GIG panel supports 2GIG Sensors, but with newer panels supporting encrypted sensors, and new sensor lineups, it's good to be 100% sure before making a purchase, particularly if you have existing 2GIG sensors installed. The 2GIG Edge supports all of the 2GIG sensors.

2GIG Edge: Z Wave Support

Jorge is back again to talk about how the 2GIG Edge supports Z-Wave devices. This panel has the most advanced version of Z-Wave currently available with the 700-Series Z-Wave Plus V2 chip onboard. When used with a commensurate 700-Series Z-Wave device, all of the great new features that are included in this latest version. Some of these features include S2 encryption for all Z-Wave Plus V2 certified devices as well as SmartStart and 128-bit AES encryption. You can see a comparison between all three Z-Wave versions here.

2GIG Edge: Default Master Code

Jorge really knows his stuff when it comes to the 2GIG Edge! Here he is talking about the default Master Code on the 2GIG Edge (1111) as well as information on how to change the Master Code and also what the default Installer Code is (1561). If you happen to be moving and leaving behind an alarm system, please check out this post that discusses proper etiquette when leaving behind an alarm system for a new home or business owner.

That's the recap, we hope these videos will help you with your alarm system. We look forward to feedback, if you have comments or suggestions drop us a comment in the space below. We're here Monday - Friday from 9 am - 8 pm Eastern. You can reach us via email at support@alarmgrid.com

We missed an opportunity to recap videos last week, but that just means we have more videos to cover this week. Six (6) today, with more to follow. Michael and Jorge share their knowledge of the 2GIG Edge and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Summer's almost over but wade in, the water's fine.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Resolve WIFI Connection Issues

In this video, Michael discusses the various reasons why the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS might not connect to WIFI. Reasons can include range, environmental issues, and even bad equipment. In addition, there is a specific setting to watch out for on Ubiquiti Access Points. Having this setting enabled can prevent your Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS from connecting to WIFI.

2GIG Edge: What To Expect During AC Loss

During an AC Loss condition, the 2GIG Edge will go into power conservation mode. After a few seconds, the touchscreen will go dark and only illuminate when something occurs that needs to be displayed, or when a user touches the touchscreen. Jorge tells and shows users what to expect as normal behavior when an AC Loss condition occurs.

2GIG Edge: Powering Down Properly

Believe it or not, there is a right way to properly power down an alarm system. In this video Jorge will show you how to properly power down a 2GIG Edge alarm panel. Begin by removing the set screws, pulling the panel off its base then unplugging the battery. Next, unplug the transformer, either at the barrel connector on the panel side, or by unplugging the transformer from the wall. If you can't find the transformer, you can power down by turning power off at the breaker.

Qolsys IQ Remote: Behavior On a Partitioned System

In this video Michael shows you how the Qolsys IQ Remote behaves when it is used on a partitioned system. The IQ Remote will only display the status of the partition to which it is assigned. It will only allow the user to control the assigned partition as well, and only a user with a User Code that has been given access to the assigned partition will be able to interact with the system from the IQ Remote.

2GIG GC3e: Installing the XCVR3 GC3

Michael shows users how to install the 2GIG XCVR3-GC3 to the 2GIG GC3e panel. Unlike with the 2GIG GC2 panel, the installation of the 2GIG XCVR3-GC3 does not require that anything be removed from the GC3e panel first. This transceiver module simply adds 900 MHz 2-way communication capability between the GC3e and the 2GIG TS1 as well as the 2GIG Image Sensors.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Installing PROTAKEOVER

Michael shows users how to set the dial for legacy RF devices, and then properly install the Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module into a PROA7PLUS system. This module allows the PROA7PLUS to support one (1) of five (5) legacy RF frequencies. This allows the panel to support previously existing sensors from Honeywell or 2GIG 345 MHz sensors, existing Qolsys and/or Interlogix/GE 319.5 MHz sensors, DSC 433 MHz sensors, or Bosch 433 MHz sensors. This module allows a user to replace an older panel with the newer PROA7PLUS without having to replace all the existing wireless sensors that are still working.

It's time for our weekly video recap, this time covering releases from Monday and Tuesday of last week. We only have four (4) new videos for now, but we promise there are many more on the way. This week's releases all feature myself, and they cover the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Let's begin!

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Add a Z-Wave Device

I show you how to add a Z-Wave device to a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. The PROA7PLUS has a built-in module called the PROWIFIZW that provides the system with both WIFI and Z-Wave control. Paired Z-Wave devices can be controlled from the panel, and remotely from Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored with a plan that includes automation services. You can also use TC2 to create smart scenes for your Z-Wave devices so that they activate automatically based on a schedule or with system events.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Remove a Z-Wave Device

I show you how to remove a Z-Wave device from a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Removing a device clears out its Z-Wave network data so that it can be paired with a new network. That is why you typically remove, or clear, a Z-Wave device before you attempt the pairing process when adding it to the network. This is done even if a Z-Wave device is brand-new, as many Z-Wave devices have residual network data leftover from factory testing.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Adding a Z-Wave Lock

I show you how to pair a Z-Wave door lock with a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Like all other Z-Wave devices, a Z-Wave lock is paired with the PROA7PLUS by putting the system into its Z-Wave pairing mode and then activating the inclusion/exclusion function on the lock. For best results, it is advised that you clear the lock from the network before attempting to pair it. Most Z-Wave locks have a button that is used for inclusion/exclusion, or they require you to enter in a specific pairing command code using a push-button or touchscreen keypad.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Resolve WIFI Connection Issues

I explain some of the reasons why a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS may be experiencing WIFI connection issues. One reason is that the password for the WIFI network may have been entered incorrectly. Another reason is that you are using a Ubiquiti Access Point (AP) with the PROA7PLUS, and you have the Auto-Optimize feature turned ON for the Ubiquiti device. Lastly, there could be something wrong with the PROWIFIZW module inside the PROA7PLUS, and it may need to be replaced.

Welcome back from 4th of July! We have had a busy past couple of weeks at Alarm Grid since our last video recap. This time, we have seven (7) new videos to show you, including five (5) with Jorge and two with myself. We cover the PROA7PLUS, 2GIG Edge Cameras, and 2GIG GC2 Firmware Updates!

2GIG Edge: Alarm.com Cameras that Support Live Streaming

Jorge explains which Alarm.com Security Cameras can be streamed directly to a 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel. Most of the newer Alarm.com Cameras can be used in this way. In order for this to work, a camera must be paired with the same Alarm.com account used with the 2GIG Edge, and it must be enabled for panel streaming from the Alarm.com website or mobile app. Cameras can be streamed from the Smart Home Menu on the 2GIG Edge.

2GIG Edge: Alarm.com Cameras that Support 2-Way Audio via Live-Streaming

Jorge teaches users about two-way audio playback when live-streaming security cameras on the 2GIG Edge. While nearly all Alarm.com Cameras can be used for video streaming on the 2GIG Edge, only a smaller selection of cameras can be used for live audio streaming. Really, it's mostly the indoor residential cameras that do audio streaming. Most of the Alarm.com Commercial Cameras that support Power over Ethernet (PoE) and all Alarm.com Outdoor Cameras do not support two-way audio, as they typically do not have built-in microphones.

2GIG Easy Updater Tool: Updating

Jorge explains how to update the 2GIG UPDV Easy Updater Tool that is used to update the firmware on a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 Security System. The Easy Updater Tool contains the firmware update for the GC2 System. If the firmware on the Updater Tool is outdated, then you must update the Updater Tool by following the process outlined in this video. The current downloaded firmware on the Updater Tool will be displayed across the device screen when power is applied. This will let you know if you need to updater the Updater Tool.

2GIG GC2: Updating Using the Easy Updater Tool

Jorge teaches you how to use the 2GIG UPDV Easy Updater Tool to update the firmware on a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 Alarm Panel. After you have updated the firmware on the Updater Tool itself, you can then use the device to update the firmware on the GC2 Panel. Updating to the latest firmware version will ensure that you can use all of the released features for the system and that all of the latest hardware is supported. The LTE communicators for activating with Alarm.com and alarm monitoring will require a certain firmware version.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Delete a Zone

Jorge shows you how to delete a zone on a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS or other ProSeries Alarm System. When you delete a zone, the associated sensor will no longer be programmed with the system. You would need to re-enroll it in order to continue using it. For the encrypted PROSIX Sensors and SiX Sensors, after deleting the sensor, you will then be able to enroll it with a new ProSeries Panel, provided that the sensor received the deletion signal from the panel. When deleting PROSIX and SiX Sensors, be sure the sensor is powered on and within range of the ProSeries Panel at the time of deletion.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Add a User Code

I show you how to add a new user code to a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Alarm System or other ProSeries Panel. All of the ProSeries Systems support up to (96) total user codes, so you should have no trouble giving everyone in your household or office their very own code to use when controlling the system. After you have added a user code, you can then go back into user settings to configure automatic Bluetooth disarming and Z-Wave lock functionality for the user.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS: Clear a Tamper Error

I show you how to clear a tamper error on a Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS or other ProSeries Security Controller. A tamper error occurs when the red tamper button on the back of the ProSeries Controller isn't held down properly. This is usually because the system has been taken off its backplate, or it isn't mounted on its backplate properly. Once you get the panel back on the backplate, you can then acknowledge the tamper condition by entering the system's Master Code when prompted.

It's time for the Alarm Grid Video Recap! There are five (5) new videos this week. For the first time in awhile, I did not appear in any videos. I'll hopefully be back next week. Instead, Jorge really took over, doing four (4) videos. Julia also made a rare video appearance. On with the show!

2GIG Edge: Pair the 2GIG PAD1-345

Jorge shows you how to pair the 2GIG PAD1-345 Keypad with the 2GIG Edge. The PAD1-345 is a very basic keypad device that has been around since the days of the 2GIG GC2. As a very limited keypad, the PAD1-345 can be used to arm/disarm and trigger system panics. The 2GIG PAD1-345 cannot be used to bypass sensors, and it also does not display system status. Additionally, the PAD1-345 can only control the system partition that is has been assigned, and it cannot "switch" to other partitions.

2GIG Edge: Finding the IMEI Number

Jorge shows you how to find the IMEI Number on a 2GIG Edge Alarm System. When working with a 2GIG Edge, the IMEI Number may also be referred to as the panel's Serial Number. This is an important piece of information that you need when activating the system for alarm monitoring service. It is associated with the panel's built-in cellular communicator, which is registered with Alarm.com as part of the activation process. All outbound signals for the 2GIG Edge are sent through Alarm.com.

2GIG Edge: Connect to WIFI

Jorge explains how to connect the 2GIG Edge to a WIFI network. The 2GIG Edge can use WIFI connectivity as a secondary pathway for communicating with Alarm.com. However, WIFI cannot be the only communication pathway, as Alarm.com requires that a cellular communication path is configured and set up with their servers. Most users will configure the WIFI pathway anyway, as most monitoring providers will not charge extra for internet monitoring, and almost all homes and offices have WIFI readily available.

2GIG Edge: Sending a Cell Test

Jorge teaches you how to perform a cell test on a 2GIG Edge Security Panel. A cell test is performed at the end of the system's activation process, as a way of verifying communication with the Alarm.com servers. You may also perform a cell test at any time after the activation to ensure that the system is still communicating properly. As part of the cell test, the system checks that it can successfully send signals to the Alarm.com servers, and also successfully receive incoming signals from Alarm.com.

2GIG GC2: Updating Firmware Using Updater Cable (UPCBL2)

Julia teaches you how to update the 2GIG GC2 using the 2GIG UPCBL2 Updater Cable. Normally, the easiest way to update a GC2 is to activate the system for monitoring service, and then push down an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update from Alarm.com. But if you have an old GC2 that is not on a high enough firmware version to get connected with Alarm.com, then you must update using the Updater Cable or the 2GIG UPDV Easy Updater Tool. Alarm Grid also has a 2GIG GC2 Firmware Updates Page that you can check out.

Alarm Grid is here with another video recap! This recap marks the return of Jorge to our videos after a long absence. Each video in this week's edition covers the 2GIG Edge, and we feel like we have some really helpful content to share with you. Anyway, let's get started with the video recap!

2GIG Edge: Activating on Alarm com

Jorge shows you how to activate the 2GIG Edge System with the Alarm.com service. Getting the 2GIG Edge set up with Alarm.com is an important part of getting the system monitored. All system alarms and other notifications are sent to the Alarm.com servers before being passed on to a central station and/or the end-user via text and/or email, depending upon the user's alarm monitoring plan. The 2GIG Edge comes ready to activate with Alarm.com using its built-in LTE cellular communicator. You can also set up optional IP connectivity using the panel's integrated WIFI card. Adding WIFI allows the use of the 2GIG Edge Remote Keypad as well as the Live Streaming feature for Alarm.com cameras.

2GIG Edge: Deleting a Zone

Jorge teaches you how to delete a zone on the 2GIG Edge. Zones are never really deleted from the 2GIG Edge. The system always has 100 wireless zones. But whether all of them are currently active or not is another story. When someone talks about "deleting" a zone, they mean clearing out the zone settings so that the zone can be used with a new sensor instead. This is normally done if you run out of zones and need to free one up, or if you simply want to stop using a sensor with the 2GIG Edge, or need to replace a sensor on the system.

2GIG Edge: Deleting Door/Window Sensors

I show you how to delete a door/window sensor from a 2GIG Edge. The process for deleting a door/window sensor from the Edge is the same as any other sensor type. You need to enter into zone programming, select the zone associated with the sensor you want to clear from the system, and then tell the Edge to reset that zone. The zone would then need to be reprogrammed from scratch in order to support the same sensor, or a new sensor programmed in its place. This could be another compatible door/window sensor, or any other type of compatible sensor.

2GIG Edge: Changing the Master Code

I show you how to change the Master Code on your 2GIG Edge Security System. The Master Code is the system's primary code for disarming, and also arming if Quick Arm is disabled. Changing this code is very important for security purposes, and it is one of the very first things you will do after getting the 2GIG Edge System. The 2GIG Edge default Master Code is 1111, and you will certainly want to change it to prevent a savvy intruder from trying that code to disarm your system.

2GIG Edge: Programming a Zone

Jorge shows you how to program a zone on your 2GIG Edge. Programming zones is an important task for setting up the system. This is the act of assigning sensors to empty system zone slots. You must configure the zone settings so that the system responds as intended when the sensor is faulted or activated. You will also set various settings for the zone, like its chime sound, whether or not RF supervision will be used, whether the system will report if the zone causes an alarm, and even the zone name.

2GIG Edge: Bypassing Zones

I teach you how to bypass zones on the 2GIG Edge. Bypassing zones is the act of telling the system to temporarily ignore specified zones so that they do not cause any system response when activated. Later, when you are ready to use the bypassed sensors again, you can then un-bypass them so that they are again used with the system like normal. This is a good alternative, and honestly much quicker and easier than having to delete zones entirely and then reprogram the zones from scratch.

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.

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.

Hey Alarm Grid Blog Readers, just a quick update. We wanted to let you know that we (finally) got our 2GIG Edge set up in the video room, and we will have some new videos covering the panel coming out soon. If you have been waiting to see the Edge in action, the time is coming soon!

We have a small amount of content already available for the Edge. We got up FAQs covering the processes for resetting the Installer Code, resetting the Master Code, and factory resetting the system, and we're sure that we'll have some more FAQs uploaded real soon, along with videos to accompany them.

If you have any requests for the 2GIG Edge, leave them in a comment down below, and you might just see it become reality. Or if you don't let us know what you want to see, then we'll just go and decide for you! Either way, we are planning some great content coming soon. And if you haven't seen our blog about 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then go and check that out. Like I said, it's a real quick post today, but we figured it was okay to get the hype train rolling. Get ready for Edge videos and content coming soon!