January 2025 Archives

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Resideo and Honeywell Home unveil a new wall mount and charging station for PROWLTOUCH and VISTAHTCHWLC keypads. Redesigned with a 9VDC transformer, the PROWLTOUCHWA allows longer wire runs between the power outlet and the unit and offers improved stability while using wall-mounted keypads.


The original wall mount for PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC keypads, the PROWLTOUCHWM, utilized a 5VDC power supply. This lower voltage restricted power wiring to a maximum of 34 feet (10.3 meters) when using 18 AWG wire. This limitation rendered the PROWLTOUCHWM unsuitable for some applications. Furthermore, when the touchscreen keypad was mounted on the PROWLTOUCHWM and used for system control, the keypad exhibited instability and a tendency to move.

With its 9VDC power supply, the PROWLTOUCHWA supports wire runs that are up to 277' (84m) long. That's more than 500% longer than with the PROWLTOUCHWM! The redesign also improves the stability of the keypad while it is mounted. So, no more "Galloping Gertie" while you try to control your system.

Wire Gauge and Length Chart For PROWLTOUCHWA

Wire Gauge
Max Length
Increase over PROWLTOUCHWM
#16 AWG 277 Feet (84m) N/A
#18 AWG 174 Feet (53m) 140 Feet (511%)
#20 AWG 110 Feet (33m) 89 Feet (524%)
#22 AWG 68 Feet (20m) 55 Feet (523%)
2 - #22 AWG
(Twisted Together)
136 Feet (41m) N/A

The PROWLTOUCHWA and PROWLTOUCHWM use different power supplies (9VDC and 5VDC, respectively). These power supplies are not interchangeable*. Using the 9VDC power supply with the PROWLTOUCHWM could damage the touchscreen keypad during charging. This is due to the incompatibility of the PROWLTOUCHWM's internal circuitry with the higher voltage.

*Per Resideo, there will be a very limited number of PROWLTOUCHWM units that can work with the 9VDC power supply. These units will have a date code on the product, which signifies their ability to support the higher input voltage.

Both the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHWA wall mount and the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCHDM desk mount provide the convenience of a fixed keypad location with integrated battery charging. However, these mounts also offer the flexibility to detach the keypad for portable use. This is especially helpful during tasks like adding zones or programming Z-Wave devices, which often require direct interaction with the device being configured.

Due to the design modifications required for enhanced stability of the keypad when mounted, the PROWLTOUCHWA is no longer compatible with installation using a standard gang box. This is a minor inconvenience when compared with significant gains in stability and overall performance.


Alarm Grid has discontinued the original PROWLTOUCHWM and is now pleased to offer the enhanced PROWLTOUCHWA. If you haven't explored wall or desk mounting options for your touchscreen keypad, it is an add-on that we can wholeheartedly recommend. The ability to detach the keypad for mobile use during programming is game changing. Whether you have a new VISTAH3, a PROA7, or a PROA7PLUS system with an add-on touchscreen, this is a product that will quickly prove its worth.

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In an email last week, Johnson Controls, the parent company of Qolsys, announced the discontinuation of both the Qolsys IQ WIFI and the Qolsys IQ WIFI 6. These purpose-built routers, accessible via Alarm.com, were meant to prevent security equipment disconnections due to end-user errors.


We first told you about the IQ WIFI 6 in October 2022. It offered an elegant solution for users with security systems. The IQ WIFI 6, designed to act as the router while IQ WIFI units functioned as Wi-Fi nodes, created a mesh network with a unique security partition accessible only by the alarm dealer.

This, combined with remote access through Alarm.com, prevented costly service calls when customers made changes to their network, then inadvertently neglected to update their security system components.

Unfortunately, it didn't catch on. End-users interested enough in their network to invest in a specialized router prioritized optimizing their network for gaming or streaming video, rather than ensuring reliable connectivity for their security systems and WIFI cameras.


If you own an IQ WIFI 6, rest assured it will continue to function as usual. Alarm.com has pledged ongoing support, allowing dealers to remotely access and troubleshoot internet connectivity for your system. The IQ WIFI is not accessible through Alarm.com, so with the end-of-sales notice, they will no longer offer live setup support for the IQ WIFI.

Alarm Grid has discontinued both the IQ WIFI and IQ WIFI 6 on our website. We do not maintain stock, and our distributor has very limited inventory available. To avoid accepting orders that we cannot fulfill, we have decided to discontinue both products immediately.

The discontinuation of the IQ WIFI and IQ WIFI 6 raises concerns about the future of these products. If you're an existing user, we'd love to hear about your experiences with these devices. Share your thoughts and any concerns you may have in the comments below. It's frustrating when a purchased product is discontinued by the manufacturer. Alarm Grid is here to help our customers in whatever way we can.

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