Can I Program My Alarm Using Just Total Connect 2.0?

No, you cannot program your alarm system using just Total Connect 2.0. The majority of system programming is done at the panel itself, not through the Total Connect 2.0 service. Total Connect is more for interacting with your alarm system once it has already been set up and programmed.

It is not possible to do most of panel programming through Total Connect. You will not be able to change any sensor settings or configurations, and you will not be able to change any of the basic settings for the panel. The only real settings you can change using Total Connect involve what kind of alerts and notifications you will receive. You can also manage user codes for the panel through Total Connect, giving you another point of access for this setting instead of the panel itself. However, most of the actual programming will need to be done at the panel itself.

Total Connect is more of an access point for a security system that has already been programmed. While it will allow you to see some of the settings for your panel, you will generally not be able to change these settings. Likewise, Total Connect will allow you to view the current status of sensors that have been set up, but you will not be able to interact with these sensors in any sort of way. This means that you cannot change the programming settings or program any new sensors. If a fault occurs on a zone for your system, you will not be able to clear it from Total Connect. However, you will be able to use Total Connect to bypass the fault so that the system can be armed.

Still, there are many great capabilities that Total Connect offers for end users. Once a panel has been fully set up and programmed, it makes for a great access point for your system. You can use the platform to arm and disarm your system just like you would at your security panel. You can also add, edit, or delete secondary user codes, and edit the master code. Total Connect service also provides you with control over any Z-Wave devices that have been enrolled with your system. Most importantly, Total Connect will send you instant alerts about any events that occur on your security system. This means that you can use Total Connect to be informed whenever your system is disarmed or when a zone on your system has been faulted. You can then use this information to contact emergency personnel if necessary.