Internet Alarm Communicators Posts

On July 5, 2022 Resideo announced that all LTEM-PA, LTEM-PV, LTEM-PIA, and LTEM-PIV communicators will undergo a slightly revised activation process. Upon registration, if the communicator is not using the latest firmware version, it will automatically receive an Over-the-Air (OTA) update.

This announcement came in the form of MyWebTech Technical Notification #83. For those communicators with a WIFI or Ethernet connection, the OTA update will be performed using this communication path. If WIFI or Etehrnet is not available, then cellular data will be used. The update process typically takes about five (5) minutes, but when cellular is the only communication path available, it may take longer. The length of time a cellular upgrade takes also depends on the cellular signal strength.

During the update, the communicator's LED's will light according to where the communicator is in the two-stage process:

• Firmware Downloading: REG, Status, and Fault LEDs will fast-blink in unison.
• Upon Firmware Completion: The device will reset, then all five (5) LEDs, REG, Status, Fault, Cell, and WIFI/Ethernet will fast blink in sequence.

The OTA software update will cause the communicator to generate a few different messages to the central station. These messages indicate the beginning and end of the software update process. The messages sent are as follows:

• E903 - Application Code Update (Remote Download begins)
• R903 - Application Code Update Restore (Remote Download Completed)
• E904 - Application Code Update Failure (Remote Download/Update Failed)

For Alarm Grid customers, this notice means that if you are using one of the LTEM-P Series communicators listed above, it is more important than ever that you have your equipment installed and ready when your activation appointment time rolls around. In particular, anyone who will be using cellular communication only, as any OTA update required may take some time to complete, and we currently have no way of knowing how long.

If you have any questions about this notice, reach out to your alarm dealer for details. If you are an Alarm Grid customer, you can send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern time to answer your questions.

Alarm Grid would like to make you aware of a possible issue when using a ProSeries Panel (PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC, PROA7, or PROA7C) with an Ubiquiti Wireless Access Point (AP). Connection problems may occur if Auto Optimize is turned ON for the AP. To avoid issues, turn Auto Optimize OFF.

You may recall a similar issue that affected the predecessor panel from Honeywell Home and Resideo, the Honeywell Lyric. In that case, users had to disable the Auto Optimize Network feature for an Ubiquiti UniFi AP in order for a Lyric System to connect successfully. If a Lyric Panel was connected with an Ubiquiti UniFi AP, and then the Auto Optimize feature was enabled on the AP, then the Lyric would lose its WIFI connection with the Ubiquiti device. This would occur even if the Auto Optimize feature was turned ON due to an automatic update for the Ubiquiti AP. It was then later reported that Ubiquiti corrected the issue so that security systems were not booted from the network when the Auto Optimize feature was enabled.

In this case, it is the Honeywell Home and Resideo ProSeries Security Panels that are having issues with the Auto Optimize feature for Ubiquiti AP devices. Reports indicate that if the Auto Optimize feature for the Ubiquiti AP is turned ON, then the system may have trouble maintaining a stable WIFI connection. When the feature is enabled, a ProSeries Alarm Panel may be unable to connect with the network, or it may fail to reconnect with the network if the connection becomes lost. With that in mind, it is advised that you keep the Auto Optimize feature turned OFF for an Ubiquiti Access Point if a ProSeries System is connected. Please refer to the manual for your Ubiquiti AP for more information on how to do this. Alarm Grid has also released a very general FAQ outlining potential WIFI issues for ProSeries Panels, which you can view here.

Don't forget that a ProSeries Panel needs a WIFI card in order to connect with a WIFI network. This can be a Honeywell Home PROWIFI, which is a standalone WIFI module, or a Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW, which doubles as both a WIFI card and a Z-Wave Plus home automation controller. The Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and Resideo PROA7PLUSC both contain a PROWIFIZW from the factory, so no add-on module will be needed. On the other hand, the Honeywell Home PROA7 and Resideo PROA7C do not have a WIFI module pre-installed from the factory, so you will need to add one of the aforementioned units in order to get one of those systems connected to WIFI.

Hopefully this post has helped at least one user in correcting issues between their ProSeries System and their Ubiquiti Access Point. If you have any experience using a Honeywell Home or Resideo ProSeries Security System with an Ubiquiti Access Point, or if you just want to discuss ProSeries Alarm Panels in general, then please share your thoughts in a comment down below. We are always interested to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more helpful news and updates coming soon!

We have made a discovery regarding the compatibility for the Honeywell L5100-WIFI for LYNX Touch Systems. It turns out that L5100-WIFI units with the updated MAC prefix of B82CA0 can be used with Honeywell L5100 Systems running a firmware version of at least 5.00838, but less than 5.05000.

If you aren't familiar with the Honeywell L5100-WIFI, it is an internet communicator that allows a compatible Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel to communicate with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers across an IP (internet protocol) network. The L5100-WIFI accesses the internet by connecting with a local WIFI network. Many users rely on the L5100-WIFI for inexpensive IP monitoring service. The communicator can also be used to set up the LYNX Touch System with Total Connect 2.0, provided that the user's alarm monitoring plan includes access to the platform.

If you recall back in the summer of 2018, it was announced that new Honeywell L5100-WIFI units had an updated MAC prefix, as it was changed from 00D02D to B82CA0. This had several implications. Starting with LYNX Touch Firmware 5.05000, Resideo locked the required MAC prefix so that only L5100-WIFI units with 00D02D were supported. This was later revised in Firmware Version 8.00183 to support the new MAC prefix of B82CA0. As a result, LYNX Touch Systems with a Firmware Version of at least 5.05000, but less than 8.00183, cannot support newer L5100-WIFI units with the MAC prefix of B82CA0. For LYNX Touch firmware in Canada, the required MAC prefix of 00D02D became locked with Firmware Version 5.15000.

However, we didn't realize that LYNX Touch Systems running firmware versions below 5.05000 (and below 5.15000 for Canadian models) do not have the locked MAC prefix requirement. This means that if you have a Honeywell LYNX Touch System with a firmware version of less than 5.05000, then you can use it with a newer L5100-WIFI unit with a MAC prefix of B82CA0. It still must meet the minimum firmware requirement to support the L5100-WIFI (Firmware Version 5.00838), but this allows for some new monitoring possibilities. Most notably, it allows certain Honeywell L5100 units use either the new L5100-WIFI model with the updated MAC prefix or the old model with the old MAC prefix.

In spring of 2019, it was announced that Resideo was no longer allowing Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels to receive over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. Instead, firmware updates could only be applied locally using the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool. Initially, the updater tool was only compatible with the Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000, but it was later made compatible with the Honeywell L5200 as well. But the updater tool was never made compatible with the Honeywell L5100. This makes it impossible to update the firmware for a Honeywell L5100 Security System, and there is no way to get the system onto Firmware Version 8.00123 or higher.

But since Resideo didn't begin locking the required MAC prefix to 00D02D until 5.05000, an L5100 running a firmware version of at least 5.00838, but less than 5.05000, can support all L5100-WIFI units, regardless of their MAC prefix. Therefore, if you have an old Honeywell L5100 System lying around that you were thinking could never be monitored again unless you found a used L5100-WIFI with the old MAC prefix, it may be a good idea to check its firmware to see if it falls in that range.

If you want to check the firmware for a Honeywell L5100, you can do so by choosing Security > More > Tools > enter your Master Code (default 1234) > Test. The firmware revision will be displayed at the top of the screen. This process is the same for any LYNX Touch System, so you can also use this method to check your L5200, L5210, or L7000 firmware. Below is a picture of a Honeywell L7000 on Firmware Version 9.00209..

If you find that your L5100 is running a firmware version of 5.05000 or higher (5.15000 or higher in Canada), then you will be limited to using the older L5100-WIFI with the MAC prefix of 00D02D. With any luck, you may be able to find a used model somewhere with the older prefix. But should your L5100 be running a lower firmware, then the system will be able to support any L5100-WIFI model, including the new ones that you can purchase from Alarm Grid. This is an excellent way to get an old L5100 System set up with low-cost IP monitoring.

Of course, if you have an L5200, L5210, or L7000, then it is recommended that you get the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool to upgrade the system firmware to the latest version. The latest firmware is 9.0213 at the time of this writing. Updating to the latest firmware version is always recommended. And as long as the firmware version is 8.00183 or higher, the system can support all versions of the L5100-WIFI, regardless of the MAC prefix.

If you have any questions about the L5100-WIFI or the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems, then please reach out to us! We are best contacted via email at support@alarmgrid.com. Our hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. This is also a great email to reach us if you are interested in starting new monitoring service. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you have a home or business in Canada, and you are looking to receive central station monitoring service, then Alarm Grid is happy to help! Our company is proud to provide service through Rapid Response Monitoring Services (RRMS). We offer many system options for users in Canada.

Rapid Response has been protecting US and Canadian homes and businesses since 1992. The company consists of more than 550 highly trained experts who are dedicated to providing top-quality monitoring service for end users. Alarm Grid has hand-picked RRMS for the protection of our customers in Canada due to their proven success, expertise, and overall reliability.

There are currently two (2) central station locations operated by RRMS. These monitoring centers are located in Southern California (Rapid West in Corona, CA) and New York State (Rapid East in Syracuse, NY). Both monitoring centers are state-of-the-art, and they operate 24/7 for the protection of end users. We are highly confident in their ability to provide outstanding service at all times.

When an alarm or other important system condition is received by RRMS, a trained expert will immediately take action based on what is listed for the end user's monitoring account. This can include requesting immediate emergency dispatch, contacting the end user to make sure that everything is alright, or following other predetermined instructions. RRMS takes special precautions to prevent delays and ensure that help is sent out as soon as possible.

Having two (2) independent monitoring centers provides added redundancy for end users receiving central station service through RRMS. If one monitoring center goes offline for any reason, all incoming signals will be re-routed to the other monitoring center to ensure that end users receive the help that they need. This aspect was essential in Alarm Grid choosing to work with RRMS.

Although the RRMS monitoring centers are located in the United States, they will have no trouble reaching out to jurisdictions throughout Canada and providing necessary assistance. Remember, the exact location of a monitoring center is not very important. What is important is that the monitoring center is able to reliably receive incoming signals and take appropriate action when emergencies occur. And RRMS has that aspect nailed.

It is important to remember that Alarm Grid customers who receive central station monitoring service in the United States will continue to receive service through Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS). We are extremely confident in both our primary monitoring partners CMS for customers within the United States, and RRMS for customers in Canada. To learn more about CMS, we recommend checking out this helpful FAQ.

Of course, a good monitoring station is only one step in the process. You also need a capable security system that can reliably send out signals. And Alarm Grid has that aspect down as well. The options for users in Canada are slightly different than those for users in the United States. We'll cover some of the most popular options below, but we recommend checking this blog post for more complete info on what we can offer for users in Canada.

The ultimate option for Alarm Grid Monitoring Service in Canada is arguably the AT&T LTE Version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The reason why this system works so well is because its built-in AT&T LTE Communicator will roam to the Rogers LTE Network in Canada with no extra charges. And since it also has built-in WIFI, you will get dual-path connectivity right out of the box. Just remember that your will need a monitoring plan that includes cellular service.

If you are looking to save money with internet-only monitoring, then the Honeywell Lyric is a great option. Unlike the Alarm.com Panels, the Lyric System can connect with the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers through exclusively internet protocol (IP), without having a cellular communication path set up. This can save you money, as IP-only plans are typically less expensive than cellular plans. But remember, an internet outage will leave you unmonitored!

Also keep in mind that it is possible to receive alarm monitoring without service through a central station. This is called self-monitoring, and it involves having the end user receive text and/or email alerts when system activity occurs. Using this option it is solely up to the end user to request their own help in an emergency situation. Alarm Grid offers various self-monitoring plans if you do not want to receive central station service through Rapid Response.

If you have any questions about Rapid Response, or if you want to learn more about security panels or alarm monitoring service in general, please reach out to us! The best way to contact our team is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: If you receive central station service through Rapid Response, make sure to save the phone number (800) 932-3822 in your phone. This the phone number that RRMS will use to call you in the event of an emergency. It is very important that you know that this number is not a telemarketer!

Alarm Grid has learned that the 2GIG Go!Bridge IP Communicator has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available to be purchased. Existing units can still be used, including any units that have not yet been activated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you are not familiar with the 2GIG Go!Bridge, it is an IP communicator for the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC2e Security Systems. Using this module will allow your GC2 or GC2e to communicate with Alarm.com across the internet. As such, the Go!Bridge can be used instead of, or in addition to, an LTE cellular communicator. However, you will still need to pay the full-price for an Alarm.com cellular monitoring plan if you are using the module by itself.

With the Go!Bridge being discontinued, there is now no available IP communicator for a GC2 or GC2e System. The best way to get one of these systems online is by using an LTE communicator. Alarm Grid offers both the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 AT&T LTE Communicator and the 2GIG LTEV-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator for this purpose. You may also need a 2GIG UPCBL2 Updater Cable or a 2GIG UPDV Updater Tool to upgrade your system to the latest firmware. We also recommend checking our 2GIG GC2 Firmware Update Page for more information. For reference, the latest firmware is Version 1.19.3.

Remember that any Alarm Grid customer activating a 2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC2e will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Cellular-Only Plan. Although the Go!Bridge is an IP communicator, a customer will still need to pay the equivalent for cellular monitoring to use it. Since cellular monitoring is more reliable anyway, we have avoided recommending the 2GIG Go!Bridge for monitoring service in the past. Instead, we have steered customers towards the AT&T and Verizon LTE Communicators mentioned above. Keep in mind that if you have an existing Go!Bridge Communicator, it can still be used for monitoring as needed.

For those hoping to save money with an IP-only monitoring plan, we recommend looking at a different panel for that purpose. A great panel for IP-only monitoring is the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. That panel has a built-in WIFI card specifically for this purpose. You may also check out this page to learn more about all of the different monitoring plans offered by Alarm Grid.

If you would like to learn more about our monitoring services, or if you have any questions about getting your system monitored, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our experts check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you get monitored as quickly and as easily as possible!

Alarm Grid has a handy tip for you today. We have discovered that the latest TC2 redesign also now allows Android users to adjust the font size and style. When you adjust the font from within the Android device settings, you will also be adjusting the font in the Total Connect 2.0 App.

Adjusting the font size and style in TC2 is only available for Android devices. We haven't seen the feature implemented for iOS devices yet. To access the Font & Style Settings, start by accessing your phone's main Settings Menu. Then choose Display, followed by Font Size and Style. You will then be taken to a menu where you can adjust the font to your liking. The menu may appear slightly different from the one shown above, but any differences should be minor. Remember that changing these settings is not just for Total Connect 2.0, but for your phone as a whole.

Once you go into Total Connect 2.0, you should find that the font for the app has changed. Keep in mind that the changes may not go into effect if you are not running the latest version of TC2. You can download the latest version for free from the Google Play Store. If you need any help using the TC2 app, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service so you can gain access to TC2, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: Below you can see what it looks like with the font set to "Cool Jazz". As you can see, the top menu and the arming buttons have updated with the new font.

And here you can see the same screen with the default font:

Choosing an alarm monitoring plan can feel overwhelming with options for central station service, self-monitoring, automation, and video surveillance. This guide explains Alarm Grid monitoring plans clearly so you can compare features and choose the service that fits your home or business.

What is Alarm Monitoring?

Alarm monitoring is a service that allows a security system to send signals when alarms, troubles, or other system events occur. Depending on the plan, those signals may go to a central monitoring station, an interactive service platform where it is forwarded to the end use, or both.

Without monitoring, a system can still sound sirens locally. But if you are away from the property, a local alarm may not be enough to alert you or request help.

Monitoring can provide off-site alerts, remote system control, and automatic emergency dispatch. Some centrally monitored customers may also qualify for a homeowner's insurance discount with a Certificate of Alarm.

What is a Central Monitoring Station?

A central monitoring station is a facility where trained dispatchers respond to incoming security system alarms and other signals. When an alarm signal is received, the dispatcher can see the alarm type and the location of the protected premises.

Alarm signals may include burglary, fire, medical, carbon monoxide, panic, and other emergency events. The dispatcher follows a set of instructions for the account, including attempting to contact the end user, before requesting dispatch, unless account notes or local rules require a different procedure.

In most cases, the central station will attempt to verify the alarm before dispatching authorities. The user may need to answer the phone and provide their false alarm passcode to cancel a false alarm.

If the user cannot be reached, or the user contacted cannot provide the correct false alarm passcode, or gives a duress code, the central station operator will request dispatch. Some areas may also have special rules, such as verified response requirements.

Alarm Grid customers in the United States who choose central station monitoring are connected with Criticom Monitoring Services. CMS operates three networked monitoring centers in Florida, New Jersey, and California. If one center is affected by a major event, signals can be rerouted to another center.

Our Canadian customers who choose central station monitoring have their signals sent to Rapid Response Monitoring Service. You can learn about Rapid Response in their own words: "Deploy the definition of multi-redundancy. Two bicoastal, hardened Command Centers and one secure, hosted Customer Care Center stand ready to serve you 24/7/365. Our headquarters Command Center, home to our original monitoring & data center, is based in Upstate NY. Our redundant Command Center, full-load capable monitoring & data center, is based in Southern California. Our operations branch out in a hub-and-spoke model to include our secure, hosted Customer Care Center in Southern Nevada".

In addition to their load sharing capabilities, Rapid Response also has impressive power capabilities: "Through our digitally-controlled CATERPILLAR diesel generators, Rapid Response has enough private power generation at each of our Command Centers to equivalently power 30 homes for 30 days. Power generation is ensured by months of on-site fuel storage in independent redundant tanks.

Electricity runs through multiple enterprise-scale UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery banks with digital switching controls to eliminate gaps between grid failure and generator spinup. Combined with quad-bus wiring to every piece of equipment in our facilities, power failure is practically impossible."

What is Self-Monitoring?

Self-monitoring connects the system to an interactive service platform without connecting it to a central station. Instead of a dispatcher responding to alarms, the end user receives an alert via email or push notification and contacts the authorities if needed.

Self-monitoring is often used by customers who want app access and notifications, but do not need central station dispatch. It can also be useful for customers outside areas where central station service is available, and for customers in areas where verified response is required or where false alarm fees are high.

Self-monitoring does not provide a Certificate of Alarm. Because no central station is involved, it is less likely to qualify for a homeowner's insurance discount.

What is an Interactive Service Platform?

Interactive service platforms allow users to receive alerts, check system status, and control compatible systems remotely. Alarm Grid customers commonly use Total Connect 2.0, Alarm.com, or Telguard, depending on the system and communicator.

Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com can provide remote arming and disarming, text and email alerts, push notifications, Z-Wave automation, and video features. Available features depend on the monitoring plan and installed equipment.

Let's Discuss Monitoring Plans!

Alarm Grid monitoring plans are divided into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. Each tier has a central station version and a self-monitoring version.

Central station plans are often called Standard plans. These plans connect the system to a central monitoring station for emergency dispatch. Self-monitoring plans provide app access and alerts without central station dispatch. We also offer a plan for cellular alarm monitoring (central station monitoring via cellular with no app access), and one for video-only monitoring (video-only self monitoring with no alarm panel).

Each monitoring plan covers one security system. If you need monitoring for a second system or a second alarm control panel, you will need a separate monitoring plan.

Quick Plan Comparison

Bronze & Self-Bronze

The Bronze level is the most basic Alarm Grid monitoring tier. Standard Bronze provides central station monitoring using landline or internet communication. This plan offers NO ACCESS to an interactive service platform.

Self-Bronze provides basic interactive service without central station dispatch. It can support email, text, and push notifications to the end user, IP communication (WIFI or Ethernet), and remote arming or disarming on systems that support it. Self Bronze provides NO ACCESS to remote control of automation devices.

Bronze plans are best for customers who want basic monitoring or basic remote alerts at the lowest monthly cost. Standard Bronze is $15 per month, and Self-Bronze is $10 per month.

Silver & Self-Silver

Silver plans add interactive monitoring features and remote smart home automation. This level is a good choice for users who want to control their system from an app and manage compatible Z-Wave devices remotely.

Standard Silver includes central station monitoring, internet monitoring, remote arming and disarming, alerts, and remote home automation. Self-Silver provides interactive service and automation without central station dispatch.

Silver plans are best for compatible systems using internet communication where remote access and automation are important. Standard Silver is $25 per month, and Self-Silver is $15 per month.

Gold & Self-Gold

Gold plans add cellular communication. Cellular monitoring is generally more reliable than internet-only monitoring because it does not rely on the property's internet service.

Customers with compatible equipment can also use dual-path communication with both internet and cellular. This provides added redundancy when supported by the system and communicator.

Alarm.com service requires a monitoring plan that supports cellular communication. Customers using an Alarm.com-compatible system should expect to choose Gold, Self-Gold, Platinum, Self-Platinum, or another qualifying cellular plan.

Gold plans are a strong option for customers who want cellular reliability, Alarm.com service, or dual-path monitoring. Standard Gold is $35 per month, and Self-Gold is $25 per month.

Note: Alarm.com Image Sensor support may be available with compatible systems and services.

Platinum & Self-Platinum

Platinum plans add video surveillance features. These plans allow users to view compatible security cameras through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

Video features may include live viewing, saved clips, and remote access through the appropriate mobile app. Available camera features depend on the selected service, installed cameras, and account settings.

Platinum plans are best for customers who want security monitoring, remote automation, cellular service, and video surveillance together. Standard Platinum is $45 per month, and Self-Platinum is $35 per month.

Other Monitoring Plans

Alarm Grid also offers alternative monitoring plans for customers who do not fit into the standard Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum structure. These include the Cellular-Only Plan and the Video-Only Plan.

The Cellular-Only Plan is similar to Standard Bronze, but it allows for cellular monitoring service. It connects the system to the central station without adding interactive service features such as app control, remote automation, or video.

This plan is useful for customers who want cellular reliability and central station dispatch, but do not need an interactive app. The Cellular-Only Plan is $25 per month.

The Video-Only Plan is for customers who only need video service through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. A security system is not required for this plan.

Customers may also combine Video-Only service with another compatible monitoring plan to add cameras to an existing account. The Video-Only Plan is $15 per month.

Which Alarm Grid Plan Should I Choose?

Get Alarm Monitoring

The best way to sign up for Alarm Grid monitoring is to visit our alarm monitoring page and choose the plan that fits your system and needs.

If you need help deciding, email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular office hours of 9am to 8pm Eastern, Monday through Friday.

Our team will be happy to help you choose the right monitoring plan for your home or business.

Update: We have discovered that Honeywell L5100 Systems running a firmware version of at least 5.00838, but less than 5.05000 (5.15000 in Canada) can also support the newer Honeywell L5100-WIFI units with the MAC prefix of B82CA0. Please see this update post for more information.

The latest technical notification from Honeywell says that the manufacturer is making changes to their L5100-WIFI Module for the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems. New L5100-WIFI devices have a MAC prefix of B8:2C:A0. Modules with this MAC prefix will require the panel to be on at least 8.00.183.

The L5100-WIFI allows a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel to connect with a WIFI network. This will allow the panel to receive IP monitoring service and connect with the Total Connect 2.0 interactive platform. Overall, it is one of the most important upgrades that can be made for a LYNX Touch System.

Older L5100-WIFI modules used a MAC prefix of 00D02D. These modules can be used with a LYNX Touch System right out of the box, with no firmware update being needed. This is not the case with the newer L5100-WIFI modules that have the B8:2C:A0 MAC Prefix. The new L5100-WIFI modules can be identified by having the following label on the outside of their boxes:

In order to use one of these newer L5100-WIFI devices, the LYNX Touch System will need to be running Revision 8.00.183 or higher. Only the Honeywell L5200, Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000 will support this revision upgrade. The L5200 must have the firmware update pushed down to the panel over-the-air by Resideo. The L5210 and L7000 Systems can use the firmware updater tool to complete the update.

Update: As of October 2019, the L5200 can also use the LYNX Touch Firmware Updater Tool. Please see this blog post for more information.

Any L5210 or L7000 System that was purchased after February 2018 will already have Revision 8.00.183 installed. These systems will readily support the newest L5100-WIFI modules. The LYNX Touch Systems that have Revision 8.00.183 pre-installed can be identified by having the following serial number:

If you have an older LYNX Touch System or if you are unable to get Revision 8.00.183 on your L5210 or L7000, then you will still be able to use an older L5100-WIFI with the 00D02D MAC prefix to get the system online. Keep in mind though that any newly manufactured L5100-WIFI module will not have the older prefix. Alarm Grid will stop selling the older L5100-WIFI modules once we run out of our current stock.

But if you do manage to find an older L5100-WIFI module with the 00D02D prefix, then you will be able to use it with your system. Alarm Grid will activate any compatible L5100-WIFI Module, whether it was purchased from us or somewhere else. Also remember that you will not need to purchase a new L5100-WIFI module or upgrade your panel's firmware revision if you already have a functioning WIFI module set up with the system.

Another option is to upgrade to the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric comes with a compatible WIFI card already built-in. This makes it extremely easy to connect to a WIFI network. The Lyric also readily supports Z-Wave home automation devices, and it is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit. A user will be able to bring over all their existing sensors to the Lyric Controller, so making the upgrade is very easy.

AlarmNet's family of 4G cellular alarm communicators is finally complete! First we got the GSMVLP5-4G cellular communicator for the L5100 LYNX Touch wireless security system. Then the GSMX4G and GSMV4G cellular communicators that work with the VISTA Series alarm control panels came next. After a bit of delay, the iGSMV4G was released and brought the first communicator that used internet communications and 4G cellular communicators all in one device. Now, with the eagerly awaited release of the iGSMHS4G dual path communicator, there is a 4G cellular communicator that meets UL's strict line security requirements. The iGSMHS4G is the last 4G cellular communicator to be released but like the old saying, last is not least with this device!

Boasting the most secure alarm communications available today, the iGSMHS4G makes use of two communication paths and is supervised by AlarmNet servers every 200 seconds. If a signal is not received after 200 seconds go by, the AlarmNet servers will send out a ping to the iGSMHS4G. If that ping is not received back successfully, a communication failure signal is generated so that your central station can let you know there is something wrong with your security system.

Banks, jewelery stores and government facilities typically require an alarm communicator that meets the high security communication designation. While waiting for the iGSMHS4G, these facilities have had to live with using the older iGSMHS to meet the high security requirements. Unfortunately, as the 2G cellular network is nearing retirement, the people at these facilities that require the most secure alarm communications have been left wondering which day their iGSMHS would stop working. Now, with the iGSMHS4G, those people no longer have to worry. They can confidently upgrade to the iGSMHS4G knowing their Honeywell security system will be connected to police response when needed!

Ever since AT&T announced that they would be discontinuing their 2G cellular network, Honeywell security system owners have been eagerly waiting for a new 3G / 4G dual path alarm monitoring communicator. While the 7847i internet alarm communicator provides a sole path internet solution and the GSMX4G and GSMV4G devices provide an option for cellular communications, AlarmNet has been lacking a 4G capable dual path option to round out it's fleet of alarm communicators.

A LYNX Touch security system could use both an L5100-WIFI internet communicator and a GSMVLP5-4G cellular communicator for dual path alarm monitoring and a VISTA-21iP with an added VISTA-GSM4G module was available as well, but for anyone with a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P security system, there hasn't been a good dual path option up until now. Considering the VISTA-20P is arguably the most popular security system in America, there were a lot of people relying on the discontinued iGSMV, wondering when their cellular back up would stop working. Now, all of those people can upgrade to the iGSMV4G with confidence knowing that the 2G / 3G / 4G capable device will continue to provide industry leading alarm communications for their systems for many years to come. 

At the same time, anyone that has been holding off on signing up for monitoring service because they couldn't decide between the faster internet alarm monitoring path and the more reliable cellular path can now order the iGSMV4G without having to make that decision. With both an internet and cellular alarm communicator built into one device, the iGSMV4G brings together the advantages of both communication paths. The internet communicator is the primary path and provides the added speed of IP communications for anyone that has Honeywell's Total Connect service. With an iGSMV4G, your Total Connect remote control commands and instant email and text messages notifications will come through faster than if you just have a cellular alarm communicator. At the same time, there is a back up cellular communicator ready to take over if the less reliable internet path fails for any reason.

Honeywell has not released a Total Connect 2.0 upgrade kit for the iGSMV4G but we anticipate that will be coming soon. In the meantime, if you want to add dual path alarm communications to your VISTA Series control panel and you also want to upgrade your system to be compatible with Total Connect 2.0, you can add a PROM chip upgrade to your iGSMV4G order. There is a chip upgrade available for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P panels so that you can bring your system up to speed with the latest technologies without having to change out any equipment or reprogram your entire system!