Home Security Blog

It's the first Alarm Grid video recap of September! We have some great new videos to show you, and we're hopeful that you find them helpful in setting up your system. Subscribe to our YouTube channel if you haven't yet, and stay tuned for future videos. Let's check out the newest videos.

Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with a Phone Line

I explain how you cannot use the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with a phone line connection. Phone line connectivity was once the most common communication path used with security systems. But with the rise of internet and cellular, that is no longer the case. Most newer panels like the IQ Panel 2 don't even have a jack for using a phone line. Instead, the system has built-in WIFI and cellular. Remember that activating for monitoring service with use of Alarm.com requires the activation of the system's cellular communicator.

Removing a Z Wave Device from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

I show you how to remove, or clear, a Z-Wave device from the network by using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Clearing a Z-Wave device is typically done before enrolling it with the network to ensure that all the network data is properly wiped out. It is also done if the user no longer intends on using the Z-Wave device anymore. It is important to note that a device can still be cleared from the network even if it isn't actively enrolled with a Z-Wave hub.

Program SiXCT to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXCT Door and Window Contact Sensor to a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The Honeywell SiXCT is a wireless door and window sensor that uses 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless security. The sensor has a terminal block so that you can use it as a wireless transmitter with a wired contact sensor. The wireless range for the SiXCT is roughly 300 nominal feet, and it has a green LED light to assist with enrollment.

Program SiXMINICT to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXMINICT to a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The SiXMINICT is a smaller version of the SiXCT. Unlike the SiXCT, the Honeywell SiXMINICT does not have a terminal block, and the sensor cannot be used as a wireless transmitter. It also has a smaller wireless signal range of only about 200 nominal feet. However, this door and window sensor is smaller than the SiXCT, and many users prefer the more compact design of the SiXMINICT. It retains the same green LED light to assist with enrollment.

Program a Honeywell SiXGB to the Lyric Security System

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXGB Glass Break Sensor to a Honeywell Lyric Security System. As a member of the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup, the SiXGB utilizes 128-bit AES encryption, and it can only be used with the Lyric System. The wireless glass break sensor actively listens for the sound of breaking glass. It is great for monitoring windows and protective glass casings. The sensor has a detection range of roughly 25 feet, and it needs a direct line of sight to any glass being monitored.

Adding an External Communicator to a DSC PowerSeries NEO

I show you how to install an external communicator for a DSC PowerSeries NEO Security System. The PowerSeries NEO requires an added communicator for connecting with Alarm.com. The communicator connects with the DSC PCL-422 Module, which comes included. Then, a PC-Link cable connection is made between the NEO Panel and the PCL-422. Once the communicator is properly installed, you will need to activate it for monitoring service. Remember that you will need a monitoring plan that offers cellular communication.

Alarm Grid is closed today, Monday September 7th in observance of Labor Day. During this time, we will not be answering phones, and we will not be checking any emails. Please keep that in mind when contacting us for support or assistance. Our team will resume their usual duties on Tuesday.

If you need to contact us during this time, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will do our best to provide a response on Tuesday. If you need to put your system on test mode, then please call us at (888) 818-7728 and choose option [9], or use the convenient MyAlarms.com feature. We hope you have a fun and safe Labor Day, and we look forward to hearing from you on Tuesday.

Labor Day is Monday (Alarm Grid will be closed), and for many, Labor Day Weekend starts today! We know that many people will be traveling to visit their family and friends. We figured now was a good time to post some tips you can follow to ensure your home stays safe while you're away.

Arm Your System

This is a no-brainer, but please remember to Arm Away before you leave for the weekend. We feel silly stating the obvious, but we do occasionally hear about people who forget to Arm, and they pay the consequences. Remember that if you're monitored and have access to Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can check on your phone to see if your security system is armed, even while you're traveling.

Leave Some Lights On

By leaving some lights on, you can make it appear that you are home, even if you're really on vacation. An intruder will think twice about trying anything if they see that lights are left on inside the home. You might even consider getting smart lights and setting an automation schedule so that they turn on and off at different times. Alarm Grid has a great selection of smart lights for you to consider.

Don't Brag On Social Media

We understand that you're very excited about your weekend travels, and you want to tell everyone about your plans. But hold your horses before you go letting the world know that your house will be vacant all weekend. A savvy intruder might check your social media page and use the information to their advantage. Instead, try letting close friends and family know discreetly via a phone call, text message, or private message on social media.

Check Your Sensors

It's a good idea to perform a routine system test before departing for a weekend getaway. This can be especially important for life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and CO sensors. Sure, you can still get an RF supervision loss notification via TC2 or ADC, but you're probably not going to be constantly staring at your phone during your vacation. Check your system beforehand so that you can focus on enjoying yourself. And remember to put your system on test mode before testing!

Don't Forget About Your Stove

Fire-safety is always important, and many people accidentally leave their stoves and grills on before leaving for the weekend. Take your time and make sure these appliances are off before you head out. And if you're hosting others, remember to turn off your stove or grill before you go and socialize. If you're concerned, then consider getting a 2GIG STVGRL1-345, which works well with the Lyric, the 345 MHz IQ2+, and all the 2GIG Alarm Panels.

Have a Fun Labor Day Weekend!

No matter how you enjoy your Labor Day Weekend, we hope that you have a fun and safe time with those who matter most to you. Remember that we will be away until Tuesday, so if you need to reach us, then email support@alarmgrid.com. Also keep in mind that if you need to put your Alarm Grid monitored system on test mode, you can do so at anytime by calling (888) 818-7728 and choosing option number (9). Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

If you're using a newer wireless security system, then you will definitely want to explore the encrypted sensor options that we offer! Encrypted sensors are virtually impossible to hack, and they can make your security system even more secure. There are many great options available.

As you know, a home security system or a business security system is an investment you make for the protection of yourself, your property, and those around you. A proper system should also give you peace of mind and make you feel safe. It doesn't do you any good if an intruder manages to defeat your system. But with encrypted sensors, that is extremely unlikely to ever happen.

If you aren't familiar with encryption, it refers to techniques for encoding data and signals so that only authorized individuals and/or equipment are able to access the information. When it comes to wireless alarm systems, encrypted sensors send protected signals that can only be accessed, received, and interpreted by the authorized panel.

When wireless systems first rose to prominence, they rarely, if ever, used encryption. This made many people wary of wireless security panels, and they felt more secure using wired ones. The lack of encryption wasn't seen as a fatal flaw, as an intruder would have to be extremely savvy and really know what they're doing to defeat even a non-encrypted sensor. To this day, many people feel totally comfortable and safe using non-encrypted equipment. Remember, most intruders don't have the knowledge to beat wireless sensors, even if they aren't using encryption.

But there are the rare, professional criminals who do take the time to extensively study security equipment, and they develop techniques for beating non-encrypted devices. This is very uncommon, but it's not unheard of. And if you aren't using encrypted sensors, then you are leaving yourself open to this small risk. Whether or not that means outfitting your system with all-new encrypted sensors, or even upgrading to a different system that is capable of supporting encrypted sensors is up to you. We just want to make you aware of your options.

Today, we're going to briefly look at some popular wireless systems and explore their encrypted sensor options, as well as their non-encrypted sensor lineups. This will help you learn more about your system, or one you are considering for purchase.

Honeywell Lyric Controller

The Lyric represents the first the first encrypted panel from Resideo, formerly known as Honeywell. The system has its very own lineup of encrypted sensors called the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors. The lineup is a bit limited, as its lacking options like an outdoor door and window sensor and a curtain motion sensor. But the good news is that these sensors are extremely secure with their military grade 128-bit AES encryption.

You can supplement your SiX Series Sensors on your Lyric System with devices from the Honeywell 5800 Series. These sensors are not encrypted, but the lineup offers more diverse selection than the SiX Series lineup. You could consider using encrypted sensors for the most vulnerable parts of your home or office, while using non-encrypted 5800 Series devices for areas where it isn't as important. The non-encrypted 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors are also compatible with the Lyric once the system is on Firmware Version MR3 or higher.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

There are some outstanding encryption options available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, regardless of which version you have. Any IQ Panel 2 Plus System can readily support DSC PowerG Sensors. Not only do these sensors have an outstanding wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus, they also utilize military grade 128-bit AES encryption and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology.

And if you have the 319.5 MHz Version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you can also pair Qolsys S-Line Sensors, which use rolling code encryption. This rolling code encryption isn't quite as secure as the encryption used by PowerG Sensors, but it still does a good job of keeping your system protected. The S-Line Sensors will also utilize encryption when paired with the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2. The original IQ Panel 2 cannot use PowerG Sensors.

In terms of non-encrypted options, each IQ Panel 2 Plus can support one of three (3) non-encrypted radio frequency signals. The available options are 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz, and it is dependent upon which version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus you buy. Again, it is certainly possible to mix encrypted sensors with non-encrypted sensors on the same system. But with the diversity and selection of the PowerG lineup, you probably won't need to look outside too much.

2GIG GC3e

The big highlight when the 2GIG GC3e was introduced was its ability to support encrypted sensors. While it took a little while before its encrypted sensor lineup became available, we were very pleased with the result. The 2GIG eSeries Sensors use highly secure encryption to keep your system protected. It also seems that 2GIG is regularly expanding upon this lineup, as we have been seeing new eSeries Sensors hit the market it recent times. All of the 2GIG eSeries Sensors are compatible with the GC3e, as well as its little brother, the GC2e.

With the GC3e, you also get access to the Honeywell 5800 Sensors and the 2GIG 345 MHz lineup. Just like with the Lyric, there is a bit more of a diverse selection of non-encrypted sensors available for the 2GIG GC3e. You can definitely set up a mixture of encrypted and non-encrypted sensors to meet the needs of your business. But with new 2GIG eSeries offerings continuing to become available, you shouldn't have much trouble building a fully encrypted 2GIG Security System.

If you are looking to set up an encrypted security system, then Alarm Grid is here to help! We can let you know if your existing system has any encrypted sensor options available. We can also help you determine if you are currently using encrypted devices or if your existing sensors are non-encrypted. Many users have trouble determining. Either way, we'll help you make an informed decision so that you can get the most out of your monitoring service. If you want to reach us, please email support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our friends at Alarm.com have a big reason to celebrate and party, as the virtual basketball team they sponsor has won the 2020 NBA 2K League Championship. Alarm Grid congratulates Alarm.com and Wizards District Gaming for their tremendous success on the virtual basketball court.

Wizards District Gaming, which is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment and serves the affiliate of the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA), has won the 2020 NBA 2K League Championship series over Warriors Gaming Squad. The Wizards won Game 4 in a best of 5 series to take home the title. The score of the final game was 70-55 in favor of Wizards District Gaming. By winning the championship, Wizards District Gaming has pocketed $420,000 in prize money. We're sure they will use these funds to fuel future gaming success.

Alarm.com has served as the primary sponsor of Wizards District Gaming throughout the 2020 NBA 2K League Season. The Alarm.com logo was proudly featured on the uniforms for the in-game ballers, as well as the real-life gamers controlling them. Those watching the matches would also notice the Alarm.com emblem decorating the virtual arena. Wizards District Gaming even used the Alarm.com Smart Home in Northern Virginia as their "War Room" for making draft pick selections earlier this year in February.

Director of eSports for Monumental Sports & Entertainment Andrew McNeill said of the victory, "Bringing the trophy back for the fans who have shown us such loyalty and support is so rewarding... We owe such a debt to them, so many of whom have been with us since the beginning, as well as those who contributed to the explosive growth in viewership that we saw this season. With our tremendous partners in streaming and linear broadcasts, we were able to reach audiences in unprecedented ways this year."

Our own team at Alarm Grid offers congratulations to Wizards District Gaming and Alarm.com for their championship. You can also become a member of the Alarm Grid team by signing up for monitoring! We offer a variety of monitoring plans that include access to Alarm.com. Check out our monitoring page for more details. And if you're interested, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com to get started. We check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. The Alarm Grid team looks forward to hearing from you soon!

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named twelve (12) women as recipients for the first ever SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship. Each recipient will receive $6,650 from the SIA to continue their education and/or pursue career goals. Alarm Grid congratulates the recipients!

The SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship is open to SIA Members and SIA Student Members. This is the first year that SIA has offered the scholarship, which is specifically designed to benefit women in achieving their education and career goals. Recipients were selected by a committee comprised of volunteers from the SIA Women in Security Forum and the Human Resources Committee of the SIA.

As an organization, the SIA contributes greatly to the development and improvement of the security industry. They are particularly known for their work in setting various security standards, including those related to false alarm prevention. The SIA Women in Security Forum in particular works to improve diversity in the alarm industry by promoting, recruiting, and cultivating the leadership of women. They offer programs, professional opportunities, and networking events to help achieve this goal. The group is open to all women and men of SIA member companies.

SIA CEO Don Erickson said of the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship, "The SIA Women in Security Forum continues to break new ground, inspire me and many others and provide unique opportunities for the widest spectrum of people possible to thrive in this field through initiatives like this new scholarship offering... We congratulate this talented and historic first class of SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship winners and look forward to celebrating their many accomplishments to come.”

The winners of the 2020 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship include:

• Ryane Burke - Partner Marketing and Events Manager for Identiv
• Margurie Evans - SIA Student Member; Event Security Lead for Phoenix Suns
• Antoinette King - Key Account Manager - End User for Axis Communications
• Kavya Madhusudhan - Senior Project Engineer for Allegion
• Erin Mann - Customer Experience and Strategy Marketing Manager for Allegion Canada
• Daphne Navarro - SIA Student Member
• Sheethal Rao - Mechanical Engineer for Allegion
• Jenna Rolfe - SIA Student Member; Junior Readiness and Security Policy Officer for Global Affairs Canada
• Joneka Russell - Security Officer for Allied Universal
• Holly Sanson - Marketing Manager for ADT Commercial
• Kerri Sutherland - Human Resources Business Partner for Axis Communications
• Rachel Wyatt-Swanson - Director of Business Development for Cherokee Nation Security & Defense

Alarm Grid congratulates these bright and dedicated women, and we wish them the best of luck in pursuing their future goals. It's great to see some good news come out of the alarm industry, and we're happy to share it. We also applaud the SIA for their work in improving diversity in the industry, and we're hopeful that it encourages more women to get involved with alarm systems. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more industry news!

Alarm Grid is here with another video recap. We're got some informative videos to help you set up and use your security system. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay tuned for future videos and other great content. Let's check out the latest tutorial videos from Alarm Grid.

Program SiXPIR to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXPIR with a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The Honeywell SiXPIR is a wireless motion detection sensor designed exclusively for use with the Lyric Security System. The sensor responds to changes in infrared energy caused by movement. The SiXPIR has a maximum coverage area of (40) by (56) feet when mounted from a recommended height of (7.5) feet. It supports pet immunity for small animals weighing up to (80) pounds.

Enroll DSC PG9303 to IQ Panel 2 Plus

I show you the process for manually enrolling the DSC PG9303 PowerG Door and Window Contact Sensor with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Manual enrollment refers to the practice of manually entering in the sensor's Serial Number, rather than allowing it to automatically generate through auto-enrollment. Manual enrollment is recommended for the PG9303 if auto-enrollment fails. After manually enrolling, you must activate the sensor's tamper cover to complete the enrollment process. Activating the tamper cover confirms the encryption key that is shared between the sensor and the panel.

We have learned that Alarm.com is planning to release new updates for their Android and iOS mobile apps. The new updates will make it easier to access your Alarm.com Video Doorbell Camera from your phone. General stability fixes and improvements will also be included in the updates.

The new Alarm.com Mobile App versions are Android Version 4.14.2 and iOS Version 4.15. These new versions include doorbell camera support to the Home Screen Quick Actions Option. This option is configurable through the App Settings Menu. When properly configured, you will be able to access the live feed for your video doorbell with a single, long press of the Alarm.com App icon.

As we have learned from prior experiences, Alarm.com usually has a bit of a delay between announcing their new app updates and them actually being available in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Don't fret if you don't see them right away. In fact, we don't expect them to appear until the start of September at the earliest. Our best estimate is that they will be made available in the first or second week of September, but it really depends on how quickly Alarm.com gets the bell rolling.

All Alarm.com users are encouraged to download the latest versions when available, as they should also include general stability fixes and improvements to provide a better user experience overall. Keep an eye out for them in the next couple of weeks. If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Mobile App, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service for access to Alarm.com, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have some good news from the folks planning ISC West 2020, as it appears they are right on-track for the all-virtual event scheduled for October 5th through 7th. Alarm Grid is eagerly awaiting the virtual event to get the latest happenings in the always exciting security industry.

According to ISC West organizers, the all-virtual event will include keynote speakers, education from SIA experts (Security Industry Association), vendor product training sessions and demonstrations, exhibitor tech center offerings, networking events for socialization, and more. It appears that the ISC West organizers are planning to do everything within their power to make this year's event memorable and worthwhile.

While we are disappointed that the in-person event in Las Vegas, NV ultimately had to be cancelled due to ongoing pandemic concerns, we understand that the health and safety of organizers, vendors, and attendees comes first. The Alarm Grid team will be embracing the all-virtual event, and we hope to get as much out of it as possible. This isn't just for us as security professionals. We also plan to keep security enthusiasts and DIYers informed about ongoing happenings in this constantly changing industry.

Mark the dates of Monday October 5th through Wednesday October 7th for virtual ISC West 2020 coverage! We are sure to have some exciting news to share. If you have any questions about ISC West 2020, or if you are interested in learning more about Alarm Grid monitoring service, send an email to our team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

While checking out Firmware Version 2.5.3 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, we came across the Smart Energy Optimizer feature, and we figured we'd take a closer look. From what we can tell, this feature looks to be a nice way to set up automation rules for lighting devices right from the IQ2.

As you can see from the above picture, the option is found conveniently within the Settings Menu for the system. Simply click on the small grey bar at the top of the screen, and then choose Settings. You should see the Smart Energy Optimizer option with the Tree icon in the bottom-left corner. In order to enter this menu, you must have at least one compatible Z-Wave device enrolled with the system. If you try to enter the menu without a Z-Wave device being enrolled, then you will not gain access.

Once you are in the menu, you can set compatible lights to turn ON/OFF or to DIM to a set level during peak hours that you can set on the panel. You can set both the month and the hour of the day when "peak" consumption goes into effect for energy savings. You can also choose whether the automatic adjustments will only be applied to weekends (Saturday and Sunday). It's all customizable. We're sure Qolsys is going to continue developing this feature.

Based on the settings we have shown above, our light is set to automatically DIM to a 52% level between the months of June to September, during the hours of 2pm to 5pm, with the weekends set as the peak. Of course, you can set your compatible light or dimmer switch however you want. The time setting is expressed in 24-hour "military time", so keep that in mind when setting your values. For our testing, we used the Qolsys IQ Dimmer. The dimmer level bar is a bit flimsy and difficult to adjust, so we're hoping Qolsys makes it a bit easier to control in a future update. But for now, 52% is close enough to half-level that we're happy.

We're still exploring the feature, so we'll let you know if we find out anything else. For now though, it looks like a nifty little way that you can automate your smart lights directly from your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System! If you have any questions about the feature, or if you want to learn more about alarm monitoring, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!