1000-Feet 18/2 Alarm Wire Posts

Replacing a First Alert PROA7 or PROA7PLUS panel sounds simple enough. Alarm dealers perform replacements daily using AlarmNet360 (AN360), and when the recommended process is followed, everything works fine. But for a DIYer with no AN360 access, the proper order of things may not be clear.

DIY users often run into a unique problem. While in the process of replacing their existing PROA7 or PROA7PLUS, they also decide to add to the system and purchase new PROSIX sensors for that purpose. The hood's already up, might as well give it a tune up, right?

We've seen customers receive their replacement panel and immediately begin adding new sensors before performing the actual panel swap. We get it, new sensors are exciting! But please curb your enthusiasm until you've worked with one of our support agents to move all existing PROSIX sensors from the old panel to the new one. Otherwise, you may lose either your original PROSIX sensors or the new ones you've already added.

Why This Happens

Unlike older wireless sensors, PROSIX devices become permanently paired, or “married,” to a specific alarm panel during enrollment.

Once a PROSIX sensor is learned into a system, it cannot simply be moved to another panel later unless it is properly released from the original system first.

That means if you:

• Power up a replacement PROA7 or PROA7PLUS
• Enroll new PROSIX sensors into it
• Then later perform a panel replacement in AN360

...you may unintentionally overwrite sensor programming during the restore process.

This can go wrong in any number of ways, but the end result of not following the proper steps is that you lose sensor programming, and the affected sensors may not be recoverable. Once a PROSIX sensor has been paired with a system and powered on for 24 hours or more, it can no longer be factory defaulted. So a sensor in this position, paired with a system that no longer exists with no possibility of being factory defaulted, is a sensor that must be replaced.

But the Panel Does Exist!

Yes...and no. When a PRO Series panel is registered and communicating properly with AlarmNet360, the panel and server stay in constant sync. If programming changes, AN360 updates the panel "image" stored on the server. During a panel replacement, this saved image is transferred to the new PROA7 or PROA7PLUS.

If you get a new panel and begin programming it with new PROSIX sensors, you're creating a new and separate image. One that isn't synced with AN360. When the panel pairs with a PROSIX sensor, it chooses a channel for communication. You may be familiar with this process from older 2.4 GHz WIFI networks. The panel makes its choice based on the least noisy channel at the time of sensor programming. This information becomes part of the new image.

If that channel later becomes noisy, the panel can switch to a cleaner channel and notify all enrolled PROSIX sensors to follow it. If a sensor misses that message, it may remain stuck trying to communicate on the old channel. For more information on PROSIX wireless best practices, check out this FAQ.

The proper channel setting, the encryption key for each PROSIX sensor, and all other panel programming are stored in AN360 as part of the original panel's "image". When you initiate a panel replacement, you're telling AN360 to send the most recent image taken from the old panel to the new one. By necessity, this process replaces the new panel image you began creating when you started adding PROSIX sensors to the new panel prior to the swap. There is no way to merge these two images together.

If the replacement succeeds, the new panel becomes an exact copy of the last synced version of the old panel. That's the intended result. However, if you enrolled new PROSIX sensors into the replacement panel beforehand, those sensors will be overwritten during the replacement process. If they were powered on and paired for more than 24 hours prior to this, they cannot be factory defaulted and will have to be replaced.

The Most Important Rule

If you are replacing a PROA7 or PROA7PLUS system: DO NOT power up or enroll any new PROSIX sensors before the panel replacement is fully completed.

This includes:

• Door/window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Glass breaks
• Key fobs
• Sirens
• Any additional PROSIX device

Leave any new sensors in the box until the replacement process is completely finished.

The Correct Way to Replace a PROA7 or PROA7PLUS

Follow these steps to avoid losing sensors or corrupting system programming:

1. Don't power on the new panel. Leave the new panel powered completely down until you are ready to physically replace the old one. Don't perform any programming on the new panel. If you have gotten to this point and you realize you've made the mistake of powering on the new panel and adding PROSIX Sensors, you should factory reset the new panel, then once all PROSIX sensors have received the reset command, power the panel down completely. You can tell a PROSIX sensor has been released if you open or fault the sensor and the LED begins blinking rapidly. If it's going to be hours or days before you can complete the replacement through AN360, remove the batteries from the new PROSIX sensors to conserve power.

If you happen to be replacing your existing panel with a used PROA7 or PROA7PLUS, be sure the "new" panel has the latest firmware. This ensures compatibility with all sensors. After updating, be sure to perform a factory reset before continuing. To do this, the panel will need to be powered on. As long as you complete these steps, then power back down before the swap is initiated in AN360, you're good. You'll need to work with your alarm dealer to arrange the firmware update, if one is needed.

2. Verify the programming. At this stage, you may want to verify that the "image" of the old panel in AN360 matches the actual programming in the old panel as closely as possible. You'll need to work with your alarm dealer to do this, as end users don't have access to AN360. If the old panel is completely dead, just do your best to complete this step.
3. Perform the panel replacement in AlarmNet360. Provide the MAC and MAC CRC from the new panel to your alarm dealer. They can now initiate the panel replacement process in AlarmNet360. If you plan to reuse the cellular module, PROWIFIZW*, or any other modules from the existing panel, power it down, remove those modules, and NEVER POWER THAT PANEL ON AGAIN WITHIN RANGE OF THE SENSORS unless your alarm dealer tells you to do so.

*When replacing a PRO Series panel paired with Z-Wave devices, AN360 can bring those devices to the new panel, preventing you from having to exclude and then include them again. However, this is only possible when the PROWIFIZW module from the old panel is moved to the new one.

4. Allow the replacement process to finish completely. After the replacement has been initiated in AN360, you should:
   • Power up the new PROA7 or PROA7PLUS.
   • Tap the Setup button for WIFI > choose your SSID > enter your password > Save > Connect.
   • Once connected to WIFI, tap Next, then tap Register.
   • Let the new panel fully sync with AlarmNet360. As it goes through the process of adding the existing PROSIX sensors, the panel will chime for each sensor.
   Do not interrupt this process. Depending on signal strength and the number of enrolled sensors, synchronization may take several minutes to complete. Be sure your alarm dealer also knows not to access the account in AN360 until the replacement process has fully finished.
5. Confirm all existing sensors restored properly. Tap the hamburger menu icon (☰) at the bottom center of the Home screen, then tap Sensors. You should see a list of all enrolled sensors. Verify that the sensor names are correct. To the right of each sensor name, the panel will display the signal strength and battery status of the sensor. Initially, these fields may appear blank. As the panel completes synchronization with the sensors, the signal and battery indicators will gradually populate. The replacement process is not complete until every sensor shows both a valid signal strength and an accurate battery level.

If the old panel was completely dead, or otherwise unable to communicate with the PROSIX sensors for an extended period of time, some sensors may show a low battery condition sooner than expected. PROSIX sensors continuously attempt to check in with the panel. If the panel does not respond, the sensors continue trying repeatedly, which can prematurely drain their batteries. If you suspect that an existing PROSIX sensor may have a dead battery, replace the batteries in the device and make sure it communicates fully with the panel before you enter panel programming.

6. Add new PROSIX sensors. Only after completing the previous steps should you begin enrolling any newly purchased sensors. Once you have verified that all programming has been synced from AN360 to the new panel, you can add additional sensors and make any other necessary changes.

Final Thoughts

We understand why DIY users try to prepare the new panel ahead of time. It feels like the faster and more organized approach. Unfortunately, with PROA7 and PROA7PLUS systems using PROSIX sensors, doing this can actually create major problems during the replacement process.

The safest approach is simple:

• Keep the replacement panel powered off.
• Leave all new PROSIX sensors unopened and unpowered.
• Work with your alarm dealer to complete the AlarmNet360 replacement first.
• Verify old sensors restored correctly.
• Finally, add any new devices and test for proper operation.

Following the proper order prevents lost programming, sensor lockouts, and hours of unnecessary troubleshooting. Alarm Grid customers who need to perform a PROA7, PROA7PLUS, or even VISTAH3 replacement with existing PROSIX sensors should contact support prior to taking any action on the replacement. Our support team is here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern. You can contact us at 888-818-7728 or by emailing support@alarmgrid.com.

Replacing a First Alert PROA7 or PROA7PLUS panel sounds simple enough. Alarm dealers perform replacements daily using AlarmNet360 (AN360), and when the recommended process is followed, everything works fine. But for a DIYer with no AN360 access, the proper order of things may not be clear.

DIY users often run into a unique problem. While in the process of replacing their existing PROA7 or PROA7PLUS, they also decide to add to the system and purchase new PROSIX sensors for that purpose. The hood's already up, might as well give it a tune up, right?

We've seen customers receive their replacement panel and immediately begin adding new sensors before performing the actual panel swap. We get it, new sensors are exciting! But please curb your enthusiasm until you've worked with one of our support agents to move all existing PROSIX sensors from the old panel to the new one. Otherwise, you may lose either your original PROSIX sensors or the new ones you've already added.

Why This Happens

Unlike older wireless sensors, PROSIX devices become permanently paired, or “married,” to a specific alarm panel during enrollment.

Once a PROSIX sensor is learned into a system, it cannot simply be moved to another panel later unless it is properly released from the original system first.

That means if you:

• Power up a replacement PROA7 or PROA7PLUS
• Enroll new PROSIX sensors into it
• Then later perform a panel replacement in AN360

...you may unintentionally overwrite sensor programming during the restore process.

This can go wrong in any number of ways, but the end result of not following the proper steps is that you lose sensor programming, and the affected sensors may not be recoverable. Once a PROSIX sensor has been paired with a system and powered on for 24 hours or more, it can no longer be factory defaulted. So a sensor in this position, paired with a system that no longer exists with no possibility of being factory defaulted, is a sensor that must be replaced.

But the Panel Does Exist!

Yes...and no. When a PRO Series panel is registered and communicating properly with AlarmNet360, the panel and server stay in constant sync. If programming changes, AN360 updates the panel "image" stored on the server. During a panel replacement, this saved image is transferred to the new PROA7 or PROA7PLUS.

If you get a new panel and begin programming it with new PROSIX sensors, you're creating a new and separate image. One that isn't synced with AN360. When the panel pairs with a PROSIX sensor, it chooses a channel for communication. You may be familiar with this process from older 2.4 GHz WIFI networks. The panel makes its choice based on the least noisy channel at the time of sensor programming. This information becomes part of the new image.

If that channel later becomes noisy, the panel can switch to a cleaner channel and notify all enrolled PROSIX sensors to follow it. If a sensor misses that message, it may remain stuck trying to communicate on the old channel. For more information on PROSIX wireless best practices, check out this FAQ.

The proper channel setting, the encryption key for each PROSIX sensor, and all other panel programming are stored in AN360 as part of the original panel's "image". When you initiate a panel replacement, you're telling AN360 to send the most recent image taken from the old panel to the new one. By necessity, this process replaces the new panel image you began creating when you started adding PROSIX sensors to the new panel prior to the swap. There is no way to merge these two images together.

If the replacement succeeds, the new panel becomes an exact copy of the last synced version of the old panel. That's the intended result. However, if you enrolled new PROSIX sensors into the replacement panel beforehand, those sensors will be overwritten during the replacement process. If they were powered on and paired for more than 24 hours prior to this, they cannot be factory defaulted and will have to be replaced.

The Most Important Rule

If you are replacing a PROA7 or PROA7PLUS system: DO NOT power up or enroll any new PROSIX sensors before the panel replacement is fully completed.

This includes:

• Door/window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Heat detectors
• Glass breaks
• Key fobs
• Sirens
• Any additional PROSIX device

Leave any new sensors in the box until the replacement process is completely finished.

The Correct Way to Replace a PROA7 or PROA7PLUS

Follow these steps to avoid losing sensors or corrupting system programming:

1. Don't power on the new panel. Leave the new panel powered completely down until you are ready to physically replace the old one. Don't perform any programming on the new panel. If you have gotten to this point and you realize you've made the mistake of powering on the new panel and adding PROSIX Sensors, you should factory reset the new panel, then once all PROSIX sensors have received the reset command, power the panel down completely. You can tell a PROSIX sensor has been released if you open or fault the sensor and the LED begins blinking rapidly. If it's going to be hours or days before you can complete the replacement through AN360, remove the batteries from the new PROSIX sensors to conserve power.

If you happen to be replacing your existing panel with a used PROA7 or PROA7PLUS, be sure the "new" panel has the latest firmware. This ensures compatibility with all sensors. After updating, be sure to perform a factory reset before continuing. To do this, the panel will need to be powered on. As long as you complete these steps, then power back down before the swap is initiated in AN360, you're good. You'll need to work with your alarm dealer to arrange the firmware update, if one is needed.

2. Verify the programming. At this stage, you may want to verify that the "image" of the old panel in AN360 matches the actual programming in the old panel as closely as possible. You'll need to work with your alarm dealer to do this, as end users don't have access to AN360. If the old panel is completely dead, just do your best to complete this step.
3. Perform the panel replacement in AlarmNet360. Provide the MAC and MAC CRC from the new panel to your alarm dealer. They can now initiate the panel replacement process in AlarmNet360. If you plan to reuse the cellular module, PROWIFIZW*, or any other modules from the existing panel, power it down, remove those modules, and NEVER POWER THAT PANEL ON AGAIN WITHIN RANGE OF THE SENSORS unless your alarm dealer tells you to do so.

*When replacing a PRO Series panel paired with Z-Wave devices, AN360 can bring those devices to the new panel, preventing you from having to exclude and then include them again. However, this is only possible when the PROWIFIZW module from the old panel is moved to the new one.

4. Allow the replacement process to finish completely. After the replacement has been initiated in AN360, you should:
   • Power up the new PROA7 or PROA7PLUS.
   • Tap the Setup button for WIFI > choose your SSID > enter your password > Save > Connect.
   • Once connected to WIFI, tap Next, then tap Register.
   • Let the new panel fully sync with AlarmNet360. As it goes through the process of adding the existing PROSIX sensors, the panel will chime for each sensor.
   Do not interrupt this process. Depending on signal strength and the number of enrolled sensors, synchronization may take several minutes to complete. Be sure your alarm dealer also knows not to access the account in AN360 until the replacement process has fully finished.
5. Confirm all existing sensors restored properly. Tap the hamburger menu icon (☰) at the bottom center of the Home screen, then tap Sensors. You should see a list of all enrolled sensors. Verify that the sensor names are correct. To the right of each sensor name, the panel will display the signal strength and battery status of the sensor. Initially, these fields may appear blank. As the panel completes synchronization with the sensors, the signal and battery indicators will gradually populate. The replacement process is not complete until every sensor shows both a valid signal strength and an accurate battery level.

If the old panel was completely dead, or otherwise unable to communicate with the PROSIX sensors for an extended period of time, some sensors may show a low battery condition sooner than expected. PROSIX sensors continuously attempt to check in with the panel. If the panel does not respond, the sensors continue trying repeatedly, which can prematurely drain their batteries. If you suspect that an existing PROSIX sensor may have a dead battery, replace the batteries in the device and make sure it communicates fully with the panel before you enter panel programming.

6. Add new PROSIX sensors. Only after completing the previous steps should you begin enrolling any newly purchased sensors. Once you have verified that all programming has been synced from AN360 to the new panel, you can add additional sensors and make any other necessary changes.

Final Thoughts

We understand why DIY users try to prepare the new panel ahead of time. It feels like the faster and more organized approach. Unfortunately, with PROA7 and PROA7PLUS systems using PROSIX sensors, doing this can actually create major problems during the replacement process.

The safest approach is simple:

• Keep the replacement panel powered off.
• Leave all new PROSIX sensors unopened and unpowered.
• Work with your alarm dealer to complete the AlarmNet360 replacement first.
• Verify old sensors restored correctly.
• Finally, add any new devices and test for proper operation.

Following the proper order prevents lost programming, sensor lockouts, and hours of unnecessary troubleshooting. Alarm Grid customers who need to perform a PROA7, PROA7PLUS, or even VISTAH3 replacement with existing PROSIX sensors should contact support prior to taking any action on the replacement. Our support team is here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern. You can contact us at 888-818-7728 or by emailing support@alarmgrid.com.

If you own a Lyric system and have not already done so, please read this important update regarding AlarmNet360 changes that affect your panel. It may be time for an update!

I began with the intention of making a single post about possible replacement options for the Lyric. But the post grew out of control and took on a life of its own! So instead, I'm making a series of posts, one for each suggestion. In Part 2, we'll concentrate on the Resideo PRO Series panels.

The Lyric was discontinued in 2021 and production of all SiX Series sensors has now ended. With that in mind, I've been looking at the various ways forward for current Lyric users. In Part 1 we explored the option of simply continuing to use the Lyric Alarm. In Part 2, we'll discuss replacing the Lyric with a like-panel. In this case, the Resideo PROA7C or PROA7PLUSC.

Feature Comparison FAQs:

• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7PLUS
• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7
• PROA7 Vs. PROA7PLUS

Replace the Lyric With Another All-In-One System:

If you choose to replace the Lyric panel, using another all-in-one system is a great idea. The Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC panels are a natural choice. The PROA7, PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC can support nearly all the same sensors as the Lyric, though there are some exceptions as we discuss in this FAQ.

NOTE: The Honeywell Home PROA7 and the Resideo PROA7C are virtually the same panel with a different manufacturer's badge on the front. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7PLUSC are also virtually the same. In early 2025, Resideo announced they would discontinue the PROA7PLUS and begin only manufacturing the PROA7PLUSC.

Between the two panels, the PROA7PLUSC is the most like the Lyric in terms of features. For example, the Lyric has a front-facing camera as does the PROA7PLUSC. The PROA7C has no camera. The PROA7PLUSC comes with both WIFI and Z-Wave support included, the PROA7C doesn't, though you can add those features. You can see a full feature comparison between the PROA7C and the PROA7PLUSC here.

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC both support PROSIX and SiX Series sensors right out of the box. When a SiX Series sensor is added to either of the PRO Series panels the sensor is updated, effectively becoming a PROSIX sensor. Once this upgrade occurs, the SiX Series device cannot be downgraded again. That means it can never work with a Lyric panel after the upgrade takes place.

Another important thing to remember is that every SiX and PROSIX sensor can only be paired to one panel at a time. When replacing a Lyric system with a PRO Series panel, a specific set of steps should be completed, and in the proper order. You can read the steps for replacing a Lyric with a PRO Series panel here.

You'll need to work closely with your alarm dealer to complete a replacement steps linked above as only your alarm dealer can perform certain steps in the list. There is no direct replacement option through AlarmNet360 currently, as there is when going from one Lyric panel to another Lyric panel. You will be reprogramming all your zones when performing this replacement.

As previously mentioned, SiX Series devices are paired with the Lyric panel during programming. To disassociate a sensor for use with another panel, either the individual zone must be deleted while the sensor is powered on and can receive the delete command, or the entire panel must be defaulted with all SiX sensors powered and receptive to the default signal.

In the event of a Lyric panel failure with multiple paired SiX Series devices, sending the delete or default command may become impossible. Consequently, not only would the Lyric panel require replacement, but all paired SiX Sensors would also need to be replaced, as they would be unresponsive to pairing with a new panel. For this reason, it is better to replace the Lyric panel before a failure occurs.

Honeywell 5800 Series Support:

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC don't offer native 5800 Series support. To support 5800 Series devices a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module must be added. With a PROTAKEOVER the system can support any one (1) legacy RF frequency from the following:

• Honeywell 5800 Series - 345 MHz
• 2GIG Unencrypted Sensors - 345 MHz
• Qolsys/Interlogix Unencrypted - 319.5 MHz
• DSC Legacy (not PowerG) - 433 MHz
• Bosch - 433 MHz

In spite of the fact that several of the above mentioned manufacturers use the same basic frequency for legacy wireless, none of these are interchangeable. That means you can only support 2GIG or Honeywell 5800 Series, not both. We have tested this and this is a definite limitation. Incidentally, the FF345 behaves as a Honeywell 5800 Series device rather than a 2GIG one. The same rule holds true for DSC and Bosch 433 MHz sensors.

Communicators:

A key advantage of Resideo and First Alert panels is their versatile communication options, offering IP, LTE cellular (AT&T or Verizon), or dual-path connectivity. However, it's important to point out that IP-only communication leaves the system vulnerable to network outages. LTE cellular communication is much more reliable, though it is slightly more expensive when choosing a monthly monitoring plan.

Despite the reliability of LTE cellular communication, Alarm Grid still recommends a connection to WIFI. This is due in part to the fact that PRO Series panels can only receive over-the-air firmware updates via WIFI. Updates will not be sent using cellular data. If you have a panel in a location with no WIFI available, you can use your cell phone as a wireless hotspot. The panel will see this as a WIFI connection and should be able to download any available update.

Apple HomeKit Support:

If your Lyric is using Apple HomeKit you will be able to continue using it with the Resideo PROA7PLUSC. Unfortunately, the Resideo PROA7C does not support HomeKit. Also, once you have the PROA7PLUSC configured, you'll need to go through the process of setting up HomeKit with the new PROA7PLUSC from scratch. There is a bit of difference in using the PROA7PLUSC with HomeKit, you can read about that here.

HomeKit is a great way to automate you lifestyle-enhancement devices and integrate them with your alarm system, or vise versa. However, there are limitations to the security and life-safety devices you can monitor with it. For example, Apple HomeKit doesn't provide detailed notifications for fire or carbon monoxide alarms. You can read a comparison between HomeKit and Total Connect 2.0 here. Because of these differences, we still recommend that HomeKit users also use TC2.

Total Connect 2.0:

Switching from the Lyric to a PRO Series panel enables continued or new access to Total Connect 2.0. This remote platform mirrors panel functionality, allowing you to monitor status, arm/disarm, control automation, and program scene-based automation schedules and system event triggers.

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 in this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 3 we discuss replacing the Lyric with a new VISTAH3 Hybrid panel.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 1

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 3

If you own a Lyric system and have not already done so, please read this important update regarding AlarmNet360 changes that affect your panel. It may be time for an update!

I began with the intention of making a single post about possible replacement options for the Lyric. But the post grew out of control and took on a life of its own! So instead, I'm making a series of posts, one for each suggestion. In Part 2, we'll concentrate on the Resideo PRO Series panels.

The Lyric was discontinued in 2021 and production of all SiX Series sensors has now ended. With that in mind, I've been looking at the various ways forward for current Lyric users. In Part 1 we explored the option of simply continuing to use the Lyric Alarm. In Part 2, we'll discuss replacing the Lyric with a like-panel. In this case, the Resideo PROA7C or PROA7PLUSC.

Feature Comparison FAQs:

• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7PLUS
• Honeywell Lyric Vs. PROA7
• PROA7 Vs. PROA7PLUS

Replace the Lyric With Another All-In-One System:

If you choose to replace the Lyric panel, using another all-in-one system is a great idea. The Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC panels are a natural choice. The PROA7, PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC can support nearly all the same sensors as the Lyric, though there are some exceptions as we discuss in this FAQ.

NOTE: The Honeywell Home PROA7 and the Resideo PROA7C are virtually the same panel with a different manufacturer's badge on the front. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the Resideo PROA7PLUSC are also virtually the same. In early 2025, Resideo announced they would discontinue the PROA7PLUS and begin only manufacturing the PROA7PLUSC.

Between the two panels, the PROA7PLUSC is the most like the Lyric in terms of features. For example, the Lyric has a front-facing camera as does the PROA7PLUSC. The PROA7C has no camera. The PROA7PLUSC comes with both WIFI and Z-Wave support included, the PROA7C doesn't, though you can add those features. You can see a full feature comparison between the PROA7C and the PROA7PLUSC here.

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC both support PROSIX and SiX Series sensors right out of the box. When a SiX Series sensor is added to either of the PRO Series panels the sensor is updated, effectively becoming a PROSIX sensor. Once this upgrade occurs, the SiX Series device cannot be downgraded again. That means it can never work with a Lyric panel after the upgrade takes place.

Another important thing to remember is that every SiX and PROSIX sensor can only be paired to one panel at a time. When replacing a Lyric system with a PRO Series panel, a specific set of steps should be completed, and in the proper order. You can read the steps for replacing a Lyric with a PRO Series panel here.

You'll need to work closely with your alarm dealer to complete a replacement steps linked above as only your alarm dealer can perform certain steps in the list. There is no direct replacement option through AlarmNet360 currently, as there is when going from one Lyric panel to another Lyric panel. You will be reprogramming all your zones when performing this replacement.

As previously mentioned, SiX Series devices are paired with the Lyric panel during programming. To disassociate a sensor for use with another panel, either the individual zone must be deleted while the sensor is powered on and can receive the delete command, or the entire panel must be defaulted with all SiX sensors powered and receptive to the default signal.

In the event of a Lyric panel failure with multiple paired SiX Series devices, sending the delete or default command may become impossible. Consequently, not only would the Lyric panel require replacement, but all paired SiX Sensors would also need to be replaced, as they would be unresponsive to pairing with a new panel. For this reason, it is better to replace the Lyric panel before a failure occurs.

Honeywell 5800 Series Support:

The PROA7C and PROA7PLUSC don't offer native 5800 Series support. To support 5800 Series devices a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER module must be added. With a PROTAKEOVER the system can support any one (1) legacy RF frequency from the following:

• Honeywell 5800 Series - 345 MHz
• 2GIG Unencrypted Sensors - 345 MHz
• Qolsys/Interlogix Unencrypted - 319.5 MHz
• DSC Legacy (not PowerG) - 433 MHz
• Bosch - 433 MHz

In spite of the fact that several of the above mentioned manufacturers use the same basic frequency for legacy wireless, none of these are interchangeable. That means you can only support 2GIG or Honeywell 5800 Series, not both. We have tested this and this is a definite limitation. Incidentally, the FF345 behaves as a Honeywell 5800 Series device rather than a 2GIG one. The same rule holds true for DSC and Bosch 433 MHz sensors.

Communicators:

A key advantage of Resideo and First Alert panels is their versatile communication options, offering IP, LTE cellular (AT&T or Verizon), or dual-path connectivity. However, it's important to point out that IP-only communication leaves the system vulnerable to network outages. LTE cellular communication is much more reliable, though it is slightly more expensive when choosing a monthly monitoring plan.

Despite the reliability of LTE cellular communication, Alarm Grid still recommends a connection to WIFI. This is due in part to the fact that PRO Series panels can only receive over-the-air firmware updates via WIFI. Updates will not be sent using cellular data. If you have a panel in a location with no WIFI available, you can use your cell phone as a wireless hotspot. The panel will see this as a WIFI connection and should be able to download any available update.

Apple HomeKit Support:

If your Lyric is using Apple HomeKit you will be able to continue using it with the Resideo PROA7PLUSC. Unfortunately, the Resideo PROA7C does not support HomeKit. Also, once you have the PROA7PLUSC configured, you'll need to go through the process of setting up HomeKit with the new PROA7PLUSC from scratch. There is a bit of difference in using the PROA7PLUSC with HomeKit, you can read about that here.

HomeKit is a great way to automate you lifestyle-enhancement devices and integrate them with your alarm system, or vise versa. However, there are limitations to the security and life-safety devices you can monitor with it. For example, Apple HomeKit doesn't provide detailed notifications for fire or carbon monoxide alarms. You can read a comparison between HomeKit and Total Connect 2.0 here. Because of these differences, we still recommend that HomeKit users also use TC2.

Total Connect 2.0:

Switching from the Lyric to a PRO Series panel enables continued or new access to Total Connect 2.0. This remote platform mirrors panel functionality, allowing you to monitor status, arm/disarm, control automation, and program scene-based automation schedules and system event triggers.

Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3 in this series on Preparing For the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life. In Part 1, we discuss the considerations when continuing to use the Lyric. In Part 3 we discuss replacing the Lyric with a new VISTAH3 Hybrid panel.

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 1

Preparing for the Eventual Lyric End-of-Life - Part 3

Hi DIYers! We would like to announce that we are now offering high-quality alarm system wiring and cabling from Genesis. This wiring and cabling is perfect for nearly all types of alarm system applications. If you have a hardwired system or sensors, this is great wiring to have around!

Alarm wiring is needed whenever you add a new hardwired sensor, keypad, siren or other accessory to your alarm system. Cabling is also used for providing power to the panel through the plug-in transformer and backup battery. When you go and make hardware changes to your wired system, you will almost certainly need some wiring around. It is good to have on-hand whether you plan on setting up a brand-new system or whether you plan to make changes to your current one.

Both DIY users and professional installers can benefit from high-quality wiring. And that is exactly what Alarm Grid is offering with the Genesis Wiring. Genesis is owned and operated by Resideo (formerly Honeywell), a company already known for its top-of-the-line security systems. You can count on Genesis to provide excellent wiring that will allow your hardwired alarm system equipment to work effectively and reliably. It is great for wiring alarm systems from nearly any maker or manufacturer.

Alarm Grid is offering 18-gauge and 22-gauge wiring options. 18 AWG is slightly thicker than 22 AWG, and it is better-suited for longer wire runs and higher current draws. We recommend the use of 18-gauge wire, as it offers an ideal balance of maximum wire run length and general flexibility. But if the user doesn't have to worry about long wire runs, then they might want to use the thinner 22-gauge wire for greater flexibility.

All of the cabling featured on our site consists of stranded copper. This type of wire is perfect for DIY users, as it can be cut, spliced and bent without easily being damaged. DIY users who try to work with solid core wiring are likely to damage the cabling and experience major issues when they go to wire their systems. We strongly recommend the use of stranded wiring for all alarm system equipment. This is true whether you're setting up your own DIY system or you are a professional installer.

The wiring we are offering is available in 2-conductor and 4-conductor options. A cable that is 2-conductor will have two inner wires, while 4-conductor cable will have four inner wires. The type to use will depend on the connections you need to make. Remember that you can double-up and use two separate 2-conductor wires to complete 4-wire connections, but you lose the convenience of having four different color wires when you choose this option. And you can always leave two of the inner wires for a 4-conductor cable disconnected when completing a 2-wire connection. But for neatness, you should consider your needs appropriately and choose the conductor option that works best for your needs. All our wire sizes are available in 500-foot and 1,000-foot rolls.

We offer the following wiring products at this time:

• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet

If you have any questions about our wiring products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support technicians and security system planners are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. We can also help you determine the perfect type of wiring if you aren't sure exactly what you need. We look forward to hearing from you so that we can help you plan your system!