Touchscreen Keypads Posts

The problem outlined in this notice arises if you attempt to pair an older firmware ProSeries touchscreen keypad to a newer or recently updated ProSeries panel. If the keypad is on version 3.324.46 or lower, and the panel is on 03.3206.57+, then the keypad won't pair and ceases functioning.

ProSeries keypads, specifically the PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC, may require a special upgrade process to install the latest firmware in certain cases. Normally, these keypads receive updates from the ProSeries panel. However, if the keypad can’t pair with the panel, or loses connection, it won’t be able to receive the update.

If you have a ProSeries panel and touchscreen keypad that stay paired, connected to WIFI, and in regular communication most of the time, you shouldn’t have any issues. When the panel updates its firmware via WIFI, it will pass along any available update to the keypad automatically. If your keypad has trouble staying connected, you may want to set it up using Access Point (AP) Mode. This helpful FAQ can show you how.

As we mentioned earlier, most users won’t run into this issue. However, certain situations make it more likely. For example, if you buy a used ProSeries touchscreen keypad, or if you purchase one from stock that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time, you may encounter the problem.

If your panel hasn’t been updated regularly, jumping from an older firmware straight to the latest release can cause the issue described above. It can also occur with panels that have been installed for a long time and communicate with AlarmNet360 only over cellular.

If your system has a PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW module, the panel and keypad may have been paired using AP Mode. Since the panel can’t update firmware over cellular, suddenly connecting it to WIFI could trigger an upgrade to the latest version, potentially leaving the keypad behind on older firmware.

If you purchase a new keypad that has been sitting in stock, and you discover it suffers from this issue, you should be able to return it to the dealer or distributor for a refund or replacement. However, if you buy a used keypad, inherit one with a home purchase, or receive a second-hand keypad as a gift, you may need to follow specific steps to update it. The first step is to check the firmware version.

Our Advice: If you’re considering buying a used touchscreen keypad, ask the seller to verify its firmware before you commit. Request a picture of the firmware screen as proof. Even if the keypad isn’t paired to a panel, you can still see its firmware version.

To check the firmware, power on the keypad and let it attempt to connect to a panel. Press "Pair to Panel". On the next screen, you’ll see options for connecting the keypad to WIFI. At the bottom of that screen, the current firmware version is displayed.

Once you know the keypad firmware, verify your ProSeries panel version. On the panel begin by tapping the Menu icon (≡) at the bottom center of the panel screen. Scroll down and tap Tools > Enter the Installer or Master Code (4112 or 1234, by default) > tap System Information > General. The panel firmware version will be displayed in a XX.XXXX.XX format.

If the keypad is on version 3.324.46 or lower and the ProSeries panel is on firmware version 03.2306.57 or higher, the touchscreen keypad will not pair with the panel. There is no way to make the keypad in this example pair with a panel at that firmware version. However, the keypad will still function if it is used with a panel on a lower firmware version that is then upgraded properly.

Important Note: You cannot downgrade the firmware on a ProSeries panel, per Resideo support.

Another drawback to this situation is that an end-user can't control when their panel updates, or to what version. The only control you have as an end-user is that if you remove your ProSeries panel from WIFI, it will not receive firmware updates. These panels don't update using cellular data.

Important Notes At A Glance:

• Keypads on v3.324.46 or lower can’t pair with panels on v03.2306.57 or higher.
• ProSeries panel firmware can’t be downgraded.
• Panels update only over WIFI, not cellular.
• Disconnecting WIFI stops panel updates.
• Check firmware before buying a used keypad.
• Contact your alarm dealer for upgrade help.

If you're a customer with concerns about this potential issue, contact your alarm dealer. They will be able to push the necessary upgrades to your ProSeries panel in the correct order. Alarm Grid has a list of customers with touchscreen keypads that may be susceptible and we are proactively reaching out via email or phone to those customers. If you are not an Alarm Grid customer your alarm dealer should have a similar list.

The problem outlined in this notice arises if you attempt to pair an older firmware ProSeries touchscreen keypad to a newer or recently updated ProSeries panel. If the keypad is on version 3.324.46 or lower, and the panel is on 03.3206.57+, then the keypad won't pair and ceases functioning.

ProSeries keypads, specifically the PROWLTOUCH and PROWLTOUCHC, may require a special upgrade process to install the latest firmware in certain cases. Normally, these keypads receive updates from the ProSeries panel. However, if the keypad can’t pair with the panel, or loses connection, it won’t be able to receive the update.

If you have a ProSeries panel and touchscreen keypad that stay paired, connected to WIFI, and in regular communication most of the time, you shouldn’t have any issues. When the panel updates its firmware via WIFI, it will pass along any available update to the keypad automatically. If your keypad has trouble staying connected, you may want to set it up using Access Point (AP) Mode. This helpful FAQ can show you how.

As we mentioned earlier, most users won’t run into this issue. However, certain situations make it more likely. For example, if you buy a used ProSeries touchscreen keypad, or if you purchase one from stock that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time, you may encounter the problem.

If your panel hasn’t been updated regularly, jumping from an older firmware straight to the latest release can cause the issue described above. It can also occur with panels that have been installed for a long time and communicate with AlarmNet360 only over cellular.

If your system has a PROWIFI or PROWIFIZW module, the panel and keypad may have been paired using AP Mode. Since the panel can’t update firmware over cellular, suddenly connecting it to WIFI could trigger an upgrade to the latest version, potentially leaving the keypad behind on older firmware.

If you purchase a new keypad that has been sitting in stock, and you discover it suffers from this issue, you should be able to return it to the dealer or distributor for a refund or replacement. However, if you buy a used keypad, inherit one with a home purchase, or receive a second-hand keypad as a gift, you may need to follow specific steps to update it. The first step is to check the firmware version.

Our Advice: If you’re considering buying a used touchscreen keypad, ask the seller to verify its firmware before you commit. Request a picture of the firmware screen as proof. Even if the keypad isn’t paired to a panel, you can still see its firmware version.

To check the firmware, power on the keypad and let it attempt to connect to a panel. Press "Pair to Panel". On the next screen, you’ll see options for connecting the keypad to WIFI. At the bottom of that screen, the current firmware version is displayed.

Once you know the keypad firmware, verify your ProSeries panel version. On the panel begin by tapping the Menu icon (≡) at the bottom center of the panel screen. Scroll down and tap Tools > Enter the Installer or Master Code (4112 or 1234, by default) > tap System Information > General. The panel firmware version will be displayed in a XX.XXXX.XX format.

If the keypad is on version 3.324.46 or lower and the ProSeries panel is on firmware version 03.2306.57 or higher, the touchscreen keypad will not pair with the panel. There is no way to make the keypad in this example pair with a panel at that firmware version. However, the keypad will still function if it is used with a panel on a lower firmware version that is then upgraded properly.

Important Note: You cannot downgrade the firmware on a ProSeries panel, per Resideo support.

Another drawback to this situation is that an end-user can't control when their panel updates, or to what version. The only control you have as an end-user is that if you remove your ProSeries panel from WIFI, it will not receive firmware updates. These panels don't update using cellular data.

Important Notes At A Glance:

• Keypads on v3.324.46 or lower can’t pair with panels on v03.2306.57 or higher.
• ProSeries panel firmware can’t be downgraded.
• Panels update only over WIFI, not cellular.
• Disconnecting WIFI stops panel updates.
• Check firmware before buying a used keypad.
• Contact your alarm dealer for upgrade help.

If you're a customer with concerns about this potential issue, contact your alarm dealer. They will be able to push the necessary upgrades to your ProSeries panel in the correct order. Alarm Grid has a list of customers with touchscreen keypads that may be susceptible and we are proactively reaching out via email or phone to those customers. If you are not an Alarm Grid customer your alarm dealer should have a similar list.

Update 12/02/21:

We have confirmed with Resideo and at least one customer that the issues regarding the syncing of Automation between all versions of the Tuxedo Keypads, and the VAM have been resolved and that remote control of Z-Wave devices has returned to normal. Users should now be able to remotely control Z-Wave Automation Devices during any Total Connect 2.0 session. Any Alarm Grid customer that notices issues like this in the future, please report it to support@alarmgrid.com.

Update 11/26/21:

On Tuesday of this week, Resideo announced an update meant to fix this issue. Apparently, it fixed the portion of the issue where all Automation Syncs were failing, but did not address the issue with being unable to control Z-Wave Devices remotely.

There is something of a workaround for this portion of the issue at this time. During the TC2 session where a successful Automation Sync occurs, you can control Z-Wave devices remotely. Once you end that TC2 session and begin another one, you will lose that ability. So, for now, if you need to control a Z-Wave device remotely, perform a sync, and once you see in the Activity Log that the Automation Sync was successful, you will be able to control Z-Wave devices until the current TC2 session ends. Stay tuned and we will provide further updates as this issue is resolved.

Original Post:

In the last couple of weeks, Alarm Grid has noticed several customers with VAM and Tuxedo Keypads (all versions) having trouble syncing Z-Wave devices with Total Connect 2.0. This prevents newly added Z-Wave devices from showing up in TC2, though local control at the device is still available.

This issue doesn't seem to affect Total Connect 2.0 accounts associated with AiO (All-in-One) panels such as the Lyric Controller and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Accounts with these panel types should be working fine. It is unknown exactly what the problem is, and there is currently no workaround available. We've been in touch with Resideo and Honeywell Home and they are aware of the problem, but there is no Estimated Time of Resolution (ETR) for a fix.

You can continue to add and remove Z-Wave devices locally at the VAM or Tuxedo. But any changes that are made locally at the Z-Wave controller will not be synced to Total Connect 2.0. This means that any device deleted locally will continue to show up in TC2, and any device added locally will not show up in Total Connect 2.0 until this issue is resolved and a successful automation sync occurs.

Any device that currently shows up in Total Connect 2.0, and still exists in the Tuxedo or VAM CANNOT be controlled remotely through TC2. When an attempt to perform an Automation Sync occurs, there is no Automation Sync Failed, or Automation Sync Successful message displayed in TC2 Activity. Status changes from the Z-Wave device to TC2 seem to be coming through fine. It's only the sync process and remote control that seem to be having issues.

Alarm Grid is working with Resideo and Honeywell Home, and as soon as this issue is resolved, we'll post about it here. We posted information earlier this year about the Tuxedo Keypads and VAM Automation Controllers not updating the weather properly. We don't know if this current issue is related to the previous one, but we hope that it will be resolved soon. Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

Update 12/02/21:

We have confirmed with Resideo and at least one customer that the issues regarding the syncing of Automation between all versions of the Tuxedo Keypads, and the VAM have been resolved and that remote control of Z-Wave devices has returned to normal. Users should now be able to remotely control Z-Wave Automation Devices during any Total Connect 2.0 session. Any Alarm Grid customer that notices issues like this in the future, please report it to support@alarmgrid.com.

Update 11/26/21:

On Tuesday of this week, Resideo announced an update meant to fix this issue. Apparently, it fixed the portion of the issue where all Automation Syncs were failing, but did not address the issue with being unable to control Z-Wave Devices remotely.

There is something of a workaround for this portion of the issue at this time. During the TC2 session where a successful Automation Sync occurs, you can control Z-Wave devices remotely. Once you end that TC2 session and begin another one, you will lose that ability. So, for now, if you need to control a Z-Wave device remotely, perform a sync, and once you see in the Activity Log that the Automation Sync was successful, you will be able to control Z-Wave devices until the current TC2 session ends. Stay tuned and we will provide further updates as this issue is resolved.

Original Post:

In the last couple of weeks, Alarm Grid has noticed several customers with VAM and Tuxedo Keypads (all versions) having trouble syncing Z-Wave devices with Total Connect 2.0. This prevents newly added Z-Wave devices from showing up in TC2, though local control at the device is still available.

This issue doesn't seem to affect Total Connect 2.0 accounts associated with AiO (All-in-One) panels such as the Lyric Controller and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS. Accounts with these panel types should be working fine. It is unknown exactly what the problem is, and there is currently no workaround available. We've been in touch with Resideo and Honeywell Home and they are aware of the problem, but there is no Estimated Time of Resolution (ETR) for a fix.

You can continue to add and remove Z-Wave devices locally at the VAM or Tuxedo. But any changes that are made locally at the Z-Wave controller will not be synced to Total Connect 2.0. This means that any device deleted locally will continue to show up in TC2, and any device added locally will not show up in Total Connect 2.0 until this issue is resolved and a successful automation sync occurs.

Any device that currently shows up in Total Connect 2.0, and still exists in the Tuxedo or VAM CANNOT be controlled remotely through TC2. When an attempt to perform an Automation Sync occurs, there is no Automation Sync Failed, or Automation Sync Successful message displayed in TC2 Activity. Status changes from the Z-Wave device to TC2 seem to be coming through fine. It's only the sync process and remote control that seem to be having issues.

Alarm Grid is working with Resideo and Honeywell Home, and as soon as this issue is resolved, we'll post about it here. We posted information earlier this year about the Tuxedo Keypads and VAM Automation Controllers not updating the weather properly. We don't know if this current issue is related to the previous one, but we hope that it will be resolved soon. Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

Here at Alarm Grid, we recently learned that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 supports the Qolsys IQ Remote, but only the most recent iteration. Older Qolsys IQ Remotes are not compatible. If you plan to replace a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with an IQ Panel 4, read on to see how you can tell the keypads apart.

As of now, only the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 AT&T LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Verizon LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version are available. The other iterations of the panel will become available in the next couple of months. The only touchscreen keypad that is currently compatible with these panels is the Qolsys IQ Remote, and only the latest version with P/N QW9104-840, at that. Keypads with a P/N of QW9103-840 or below are not compatible. The sticker showing the part number should be on the back of the keypad.

Below, you can see the back of an IQ Remote with the P/N: QW9103-840. This keypad is not compatible with a Qolsys IQ Panel 4:

Looking at the sticker on the back of the keypad is the first way to easily determine whether the IQ Remote will work with the IQ Panel 4 or not. But, what if the sticker has been removed, or the touchscreen keypad has been mounted to the wall and the back side is difficult to access? There is another easy way to tell whether the IQ Remote you have is the older or newer version.

When the IQ Remote was re-designed, the front-facing camera was moved from the upper right corner to the center of the keypad. This was done, in part to better match the look of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2/2 Plus. Checking the location of the camera is the easiest way to determine whether it is a newer or an older Qolsys IQ Remote.

Below you can see one of the original Qolsys IQ Remotes. You can see that the camera is located in the upper right corner of the keypad.

Below is an image of the newer Qolsys IQ Remote, P/N QW9104-840. You can see the camera has been moved to the front center, and in the upper right corner you can see that a microphone has been added:

Checking the camera location is by far the easiest and quickest way to determine if the IQ Remote you have is compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. It's rumored that a PowerG Touchscreen Keypad is in the works, which, if true will likely make the IQ Remote obsolete given the superior wireless range of the PowerG protocol.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can support up to three (3) IQ Remotes, but it also supports the use of up to five (5) Wireless PowerG Keypads (WS9LCDWF9, HS2LCDWF9, and HS2LCDWF9ENG) and up to two (2) Hardwired DSC Keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) per DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless translator module. Up to two (2) modules are currently supported per panel, so up to four (4) of the wired keypads can be used. This gives a total of up to 12 remote keypads.

Have comments, questions, suggestions? Leave a comment below and we'll be happy to respond. Our support hours are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday - Friday, and our support email is support@alarmgrid.com. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Here at Alarm Grid, we recently learned that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 supports the Qolsys IQ Remote, but only the most recent iteration. Older Qolsys IQ Remotes are not compatible. If you plan to replace a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with an IQ Panel 4, read on to see how you can tell the keypads apart.

As of now, only the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 AT&T LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Verizon LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible version are available. The other iterations of the panel will become available in the next couple of months. The only touchscreen keypad that is currently compatible with these panels is the Qolsys IQ Remote, and only the latest version with P/N QW9104-840, at that. Keypads with a P/N of QW9103-840 or below are not compatible. The sticker showing the part number should be on the back of the keypad.

Below, you can see the back of an IQ Remote with the P/N: QW9103-840. This keypad is not compatible with a Qolsys IQ Panel 4:

Looking at the sticker on the back of the keypad is the first way to easily determine whether the IQ Remote will work with the IQ Panel 4 or not. But, what if the sticker has been removed, or the touchscreen keypad has been mounted to the wall and the back side is difficult to access? There is another easy way to tell whether the IQ Remote you have is the older or newer version.

When the IQ Remote was re-designed, the front-facing camera was moved from the upper right corner to the center of the keypad. This was done, in part to better match the look of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2/2 Plus. Checking the location of the camera is the easiest way to determine whether it is a newer or an older Qolsys IQ Remote.

Below you can see one of the original Qolsys IQ Remotes. You can see that the camera is located in the upper right corner of the keypad.

Below is an image of the newer Qolsys IQ Remote, P/N QW9104-840. You can see the camera has been moved to the front center, and in the upper right corner you can see that a microphone has been added:

Checking the camera location is by far the easiest and quickest way to determine if the IQ Remote you have is compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. It's rumored that a PowerG Touchscreen Keypad is in the works, which, if true will likely make the IQ Remote obsolete given the superior wireless range of the PowerG protocol.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can support up to three (3) IQ Remotes, but it also supports the use of up to five (5) Wireless PowerG Keypads (WS9LCDWF9, HS2LCDWF9, and HS2LCDWF9ENG) and up to two (2) Hardwired DSC Keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) per DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless translator module. Up to two (2) modules are currently supported per panel, so up to four (4) of the wired keypads can be used. This gives a total of up to 12 remote keypads.

Have comments, questions, suggestions? Leave a comment below and we'll be happy to respond. Our support hours are from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday - Friday, and our support email is support@alarmgrid.com. We always look forward to hearing from you.

The leading keypad option for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is unquestionably the Qolsys IQ Remote. This innovative touchscreen keypad mimics the screen of an IQ2 or IQ2+, and it allows for security and automation control from a second on-site location. But sadly, it lacks a replaceable battery!

To be clear, the Qolsys IQ Remote does have a backup battery. When AC power for the IQ Remote is lost (either due to the transformer being unplugged or an electrical outage), the backup battery will keep it running for several hours. But like any rechargeable battery, the one inside the Qolsys IQ Remote has a limited useful life. And once that useful life is up, the battery cannot be replaced with a new one. This means that the IQ Remote Keypad will need to be plugged in at all times in order to be used. If AC power becomes lost for any reason once this happens, then the IQ Remote will immediately power down. Also, the keypad will then always show a low-battery warning that can never be cleared. While not completely debilitating, it is an unfortunate aspect of the Qolsys IQ Remote device.

When we spoke with Qolsys about this issue, they assured us that the IQ Remote battery is "very long lasting", and a user shouldn't encounter this issue for at least ten (10) years from the initial manufacture date, assuming that the battery is cared for properly. Additionally, the company has stated that they have not received any excessive reports of IQ Remote battery failures since its release more than five (5) years ago. But it's fair to expect that Qolsys might be hearing about this issue more frequently in about five year's time when a large number of Qolsys IQ Remote batteries begin failing! At least most IQ Remote Keypads are not carried or transported around, and most users just leave them mounted in a single location. If a user gets a backup generator for the device, then the issue might not cause serious problems.

Still, this is definitely a disappointing limitation of the Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad. We hope that Qolsys will see this message and consider updating the IQ Remote to support an end-user replaceable battery. A well-constructed device can certainly be used for more than 10 years, but it needs a replaceable battery option so that it can truly go the maximum distance. Also, for anyone considering the IQ Remote for use with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus, we still think it's a great keypad option, and we still recommend using it. Just be aware that after ten (10) years or so, the battery will probably stop holding a charge and will begin not working as intended. The keypad will need to be plugged in and receiving power at all times once this happens, or else it will power down immediately. Our hope is that Qolsys redesigns the IQ Remote Keypad to put an end to this issue. Then a user can buy a new battery once the original reaches its end-of-life, install the new one, and keep using this great keypad!

For now, we would love to hear what you have to say about the Qolsys IQ Remote lacking a replaceable battery. Does this issue influence your decision in buying this keypad? Or do you think that it's not a major concern? Please let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We're sure that many users who buy this keypad, and also those who have bought it in the past, may be surprised to learn that the device's backup battery cannot be replaced. And if we ever learn of Qolsys updating the IQ Remote to fix this issue, or releasing a successor keypad with a replaceable battery, then we will be sure to let you know in the Alarm Grid Blog so that you can make an informed buying decision. Please stay tuned for more security news and updates coming real soon!

And before we forget, we wish everyone in the United States a Happy Independence Day (4th of July) over this upcoming weekend! We are open today, Friday, July 2nd, and we will also be open for business as usual on Monday, July 5th. We look forward to serving you!

The leading keypad option for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is unquestionably the Qolsys IQ Remote. This innovative touchscreen keypad mimics the screen of an IQ2 or IQ2+, and it allows for security and automation control from a second on-site location. But sadly, it lacks a replaceable battery!

To be clear, the Qolsys IQ Remote does have a backup battery. When AC power for the IQ Remote is lost (either due to the transformer being unplugged or an electrical outage), the backup battery will keep it running for several hours. But like any rechargeable battery, the one inside the Qolsys IQ Remote has a limited useful life. And once that useful life is up, the battery cannot be replaced with a new one. This means that the IQ Remote Keypad will need to be plugged in at all times in order to be used. If AC power becomes lost for any reason once this happens, then the IQ Remote will immediately power down. Also, the keypad will then always show a low-battery warning that can never be cleared. While not completely debilitating, it is an unfortunate aspect of the Qolsys IQ Remote device.

When we spoke with Qolsys about this issue, they assured us that the IQ Remote battery is "very long lasting", and a user shouldn't encounter this issue for at least ten (10) years from the initial manufacture date, assuming that the battery is cared for properly. Additionally, the company has stated that they have not received any excessive reports of IQ Remote battery failures since its release more than five (5) years ago. But it's fair to expect that Qolsys might be hearing about this issue more frequently in about five year's time when a large number of Qolsys IQ Remote batteries begin failing! At least most IQ Remote Keypads are not carried or transported around, and most users just leave them mounted in a single location. If a user gets a backup generator for the device, then the issue might not cause serious problems.

Still, this is definitely a disappointing limitation of the Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad. We hope that Qolsys will see this message and consider updating the IQ Remote to support an end-user replaceable battery. A well-constructed device can certainly be used for more than 10 years, but it needs a replaceable battery option so that it can truly go the maximum distance. Also, for anyone considering the IQ Remote for use with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus, we still think it's a great keypad option, and we still recommend using it. Just be aware that after ten (10) years or so, the battery will probably stop holding a charge and will begin not working as intended. The keypad will need to be plugged in and receiving power at all times once this happens, or else it will power down immediately. Our hope is that Qolsys redesigns the IQ Remote Keypad to put an end to this issue. Then a user can buy a new battery once the original reaches its end-of-life, install the new one, and keep using this great keypad!

For now, we would love to hear what you have to say about the Qolsys IQ Remote lacking a replaceable battery. Does this issue influence your decision in buying this keypad? Or do you think that it's not a major concern? Please let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We're sure that many users who buy this keypad, and also those who have bought it in the past, may be surprised to learn that the device's backup battery cannot be replaced. And if we ever learn of Qolsys updating the IQ Remote to fix this issue, or releasing a successor keypad with a replaceable battery, then we will be sure to let you know in the Alarm Grid Blog so that you can make an informed buying decision. Please stay tuned for more security news and updates coming real soon!

And before we forget, we wish everyone in the United States a Happy Independence Day (4th of July) over this upcoming weekend! We are open today, Friday, July 2nd, and we will also be open for business as usual on Monday, July 5th. We look forward to serving you!

A day after announcing the impending discontinuation of the ADC-SVR122, we bring more news of a product being discontinued without a replacement. This time, it's the 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. This leaves the GC3 and GC3e with no touchscreen keypad option.

This time, Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, declined to give a reason for the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1. All we know is that it's gone. It was very sudden and unexpected. And since the other touchscreen keypad option for the GC3 and GC3e, the 2GIG SP2 was discontinued late last year, users of the GC3 and GC3e are now left without an ideal secondary touchscreen keypad option.

With the highly anticipated 2GIG Edge set to release soon, it's possible that 2GIG will release a fancy new cutting-edge keypad for that system. Interestingly, a look at the 2GIG Edge Website, shows that its release has been pushed by roughly three (3) weeks. We're now anticipating a release date of mid-to-late March for the 2GIG Edge. No word on how the 2GIG Edge release will affect the existing 2GIG GC3e, but given that Nortek isn't bothering to provide the system with a secondary touchscreen keypad option, our guess is that the days for the 2GIG GC3e are numbered. Again, total speculation, but that's our best guess.

As for existing 2GIG GC3 and GC3e users who want a viable alarm keypad for their systems, the 2GIG PAD1-345 remains on the market. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a numeric touchpad keypad without a display screen. While primitive, it is a good keypad for basic arming and disarming functionality. If you want to set up a dedicated secondary keypad by a back door, a garage door, a master bedroom, or any other location where you want to control your security system, the 2GIG PAD1-345 is currently the best option for GC3 and GC3e users.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1, the impending 2GIG Edge release, or if you are interested in starting new Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

A day after announcing the impending discontinuation of the ADC-SVR122, we bring more news of a product being discontinued without a replacement. This time, it's the 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. This leaves the GC3 and GC3e with no touchscreen keypad option.

This time, Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, declined to give a reason for the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1. All we know is that it's gone. It was very sudden and unexpected. And since the other touchscreen keypad option for the GC3 and GC3e, the 2GIG SP2 was discontinued late last year, users of the GC3 and GC3e are now left without an ideal secondary touchscreen keypad option.

With the highly anticipated 2GIG Edge set to release soon, it's possible that 2GIG will release a fancy new cutting-edge keypad for that system. Interestingly, a look at the 2GIG Edge Website, shows that its release has been pushed by roughly three (3) weeks. We're now anticipating a release date of mid-to-late March for the 2GIG Edge. No word on how the 2GIG Edge release will affect the existing 2GIG GC3e, but given that Nortek isn't bothering to provide the system with a secondary touchscreen keypad option, our guess is that the days for the 2GIG GC3e are numbered. Again, total speculation, but that's our best guess.

As for existing 2GIG GC3 and GC3e users who want a viable alarm keypad for their systems, the 2GIG PAD1-345 remains on the market. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a numeric touchpad keypad without a display screen. While primitive, it is a good keypad for basic arming and disarming functionality. If you want to set up a dedicated secondary keypad by a back door, a garage door, a master bedroom, or any other location where you want to control your security system, the 2GIG PAD1-345 is currently the best option for GC3 and GC3e users.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1, the impending 2GIG Edge release, or if you are interested in starting new Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!