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Qolsys updated the recent Technical Service Bulletin TSB# 200413 regarding Software Update 2.5.2 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The revised version provides new instructions on successfully performing the update using a Patch Tag. You can view the revised Qolsys TSB here.

In the revised TSB, Qolsys suggests first changing the system Log Level to Verbose, then waiting two (2) minutes, then changing the Log Level to Debug, then waiting another two (2) minutes, then rebooting the panel, and then finally performing the update via a Patch Tag. These new instructions only apply if you are updating the system via Patch Tag. If you have the update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com, then no action is needed.

The previous version of the TSB did not mention waiting 2 minutes, and it did not mention changing the Log Level to Debug. It only said to change the Log Level to Verbose and then perform the update immediately afterward without waiting. We are hopeful that this updated TSB will help end users avoid any confusion or frustration.

In order to change the Log Level, start from the main screen, click the small grey bar at the top, and choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code or Dealer Code (default 1111 and 2222 respectively) > Installation > System Logs.

Remember you must set the Log Level to Verbose, wait 2 minutes, set the Log Level to Debug, reboot the panel, and then perform the update via patch tag like usual. The reboot can be performed by clicking the grey bar at the top of the screen, and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Panel Reboot.

The process for updating via Patch Tag involves clicking the small grey bar at the top of the main screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.2 > OK. The update will then begin. It should take less than 30 minutes for the update to finish. Remember, you must enter iqpanel2.5.2 exactly. The IQ2 must be monitored and connected with a local WIFI network for the update to be performed. It should have its backup battery charged, and the system should be receiving AC power from its plug-in transformer.

If you have any questions about this update, please contact your monitoring company. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, you may email us at support@alarmgrid.com for assistance. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that there is a new update for the Alarm.com Round SkyBell Security Doorbell Camera. This is known as the ADC-VDB101 for the "Satin Nickel" finish, and the ADC-VDB102 for the "Oil-Rubbed Bronze" finish. The update can be pushed down by your monitoring company.

The new Alarm.com SkyBell update is known as Version 5039. According to Alarm.com, the new update fixes a bug that caused the indoor chime for the doorbell camera to not ring when the ambient temperature dropped below a certain point. It was also possible that the SkyBell would perform an unusual ringing pattern if the temperature dropped too low. Another resolved issue caused the SkyBell device to not upload video clips to the Alarm.com servers until the device was rebooted. Alarm.com says that these issues should be resolved with the new update.

Remember that this update is only for the round Alarm.com SkyBell Doorbell Camera. If you have the rectangular "slim-line" model, also known as the Alarm.com ADC-VDB105 or ADC-VBD106, then this update does not apply to you. In order to receive the update, you must have your Alarm.com ADC-VDB101 or ADC-VDB102 powered on and connected with the Alarm.com servers. You can then have your monitoring company push down an update. We advice contacting your monitoring company to have the update pushed down as soon as possible.

If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, then we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com at your earliest convenience. Just let us know that you want the latest update for your Alarm.com SkyBell, and we'll take care of the rest. There is no charge to receive the update, but keep in mind that the update will not go through if the device is offline. Make sure your WIFI is running and that the device is powered on. Also remember that we only check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Please also email us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: It turns out that this is update will be pushed down automatically by Alarm.com, and no action is required on the part of the customer. Once the update is available, dealers as well as end-users will also be able to manually request the update through the dealer portal, or the customer website.

Alarm Grid has learned that Alarm.com was experiencing a technical issue that prevented weather-related features from working properly. The issue was successfully addressed by Alarm.com, and it was only temporary. We apologize for any inconvenience that this issue may have caused.

According to Alarm.com, the issue began on last Tuesday evening April 28th, 2020 at roughly 9:50pm Eastern Daylight Time. The technical issue resulted in problems with weather-related features, including weather to panel, severe weather alerts, and weather forecasts that are displayed in user interfaces.

The issue was eventually resolved at roughly 7:00pm EDT on Wednesday, April 29th. Alarm.com users should no longer be experiencing any problems with weather-related features. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, and you are having problems with Alarm.com, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com to let us know. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Resideo has made some cool new updates to Total Connect 2.0. The platform has a sleek new look that is sure to turn some heads. Resideo also introduced a more streamlined process for creating scenes. It is a great time to get started with a Honeywell System and TC2.

Upon logging into your Total Connect 2.0 account from either the website or mobile app, you will be greeted by the familiar "What's New" screen that provides an overview of what changes to expect. From there, you will continue to the main menu where you can control your system and smart home devices like usual. The layout isn't too different, so it is unlikely that you will have any trouble navigating the website.

We think the new TC2 interface looks a lot like the UI for the upcoming Resideo PROA7PLUS Security System that everyone is super excited about. That makes sense, considering Honeywell is expected to release the system sometime in the near future. Some of our team members have been beta testing the upcoming system, and we think it will make a great option for DIYers and professional installers alike. You can check out our beta test in this earlier blog post. Also remember to sign-up for our mailing list so that you can stay informed about the upcoming system from Resideo.

In addition to the new look, the latest TC2 update has also changed the previous Automation Menu to the all-new Devices Menu. This new menu features new icons and action buttons for controlling programmed devices. Users will also find it much easier to create new smart scenes, thanks to the new streamlined scenes set up process. Finally, connected SkyBell Video Doorbells can now be streamed in a vertical display or a horizontal (landscape) display.

If you want more information about these changes, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember to check our monitoring page if you are interested in starting monitoring service for use with Total Connect 2.0. We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you want to achieve a hybrid security system that uses both wireless and hardwired wired sensors? We have the perfect solution for you in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. This will let you use both wired sensors and wireless sensors with one convenient system!

Although we are well into the age of wireless security systems, there is still a place for hardwired sensors. Many people install wired sensors for new construction as a way of fully integrating their security system with their home or office. This is a great way to increase property value, and it's a fairly simple task for a builder to accomplish.

In addition, hardwired sensors require less maintenance than wireless sensors. They do not need any battery replacements, and many do not draw any electricity from a panel or wired to wireless converter module. Also, more and more alarm system manufacturers are offering ways to integrate hardwired sensors in with wireless panels. Using wired and wireless sensors together on the same system is sometimes referred to as a "hybrid security system".

The advantage to using a hybrid alarm system with both wired and wireless sensors is that you can still integrate your wired sensors in with the building, while also being able to easily add wireless sensors when convenient. It can be challenging to run wire for hardwired sensors after a building has been constructed. If you need to add some quick new sensors, then wireless ones make for a great selection. They are super easy to install, and they are just as reliable as wired sensors. Also, there are many sensors out there that are only available in wireless varieties.

The 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus is a great option for those looking to set up a hybrid security system, as it readily supports DSC PowerG Security Sensors and has a great wired to wireless converter option in the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. If you aren't familiar with PowerG Sensors, they offer some of the best range in the industry, as they can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The PowerG Sensors are also extremely secure, since they utilize 128-bit AES encryption and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Technology. These are some of the best wireless sensors that you can possibly use with a security system.

But how do you integrate wired sensors in with your new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System? That's where the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F comes in. This is a wired to wireless converter module that is specifically designed for use with 319.5 MHz security systems. Hardwired sensors connect directly with the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F, and the module sends out a wireless 319.5 MHz signal to the panel on their behalf. This will allow the connected wired sensors to interface with a wireless alarm system that otherwise wouldn't accept them.

There are two (2) versions of the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. There is a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F w/ Small Enclosure and a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F w/ Large Enclosure. The difference between these two is that the large enclosure module will come with a large plastic cabinet designed for housing multiple IQ Hardwire 16-F units in one convenient location. If you are only bringing over a few hardwired sensors and only need one converter unit, the the small enclosure will often suffice. But if you are using multiple converter modules, then you may want to house them in an enclosure.

Note that every IQ Hardwire 16-F supports up to 16 hardwired zones, including one zone for 2-wire smoke detectors. Also note that each large enclosure from Qolsys is designed to support up to two (2) sets of IQ Hardwire 16-F Converters. Backup batteries are not included, but they are highly recommended. These two sets of batteries will also fit in the large enclosure with the converters.

Both the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus and both versions of the IQ Hardwire 16-F are available for purchase on our website. Please make sure you are using the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus, as the IQ Hardwire 16-F will not work with the other versions. However, the IQ Hardwire 16-F can work with the original non-Plus Qolsys IQ Panel 2. And if you have a 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you can achieve similar results with the Honeywell 5800C2W. Before you know it, you will have an effective and reliable hybrid alarm system!

If you have any questions about using the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F, or if you want to learn more about hybrid security systems in general, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team is available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that new versions of their mobile app will soon be arriving for both Android and iOS. Android is getting version 4.11.3, while iOS is up to version 4.12. Both versions include important stability fixes, and the new iOS version provides some special new features.

For Apple users, Alarm.com iOS Version 4.12 will provide the ability to operate their integrated lights from within the Today View section by using a widget. Of course, this can be done from virtually anywhere in the world. This feature can be set up within the App Settings section of the left-hand navigation area.

Additionally, iOS users will soon be able to set up up a Siri Shortcut that will allow them to view the live video stream for a compatible Alarm.com Security Camera or an Alarm.com Video Doorbell. This Siri Shortcut is also set up using the App Settings navigation section within the Alarm.com App.

The new Android version does not offer any new features, but it does include important stability fixes and some minor enhancements. Similar stability fixes and enhancements are also included in the new iOS version. Android Version 4.11.3 can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, while iOS Version 4.12 will be available for free from the Apple App Store. Check for them in the coming days.

If you don't already have Alarm.com, check out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. If you have any questions, you can email our planning team at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, so keep that in mind when emailing. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Business Intelligence Group has recognized Alarm.com by presenting their Customer Operations and Reseller Education (CORE) Team with a 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award in the Organization of the Year Category. Alarm Grid congratulates Alarm.com on their continued success!

Based out of the Minneapolis metropolitan area in Minnesota, the Alarm.com CORE Team works to provide top-quality customer service, technical support, and training to thousands of security providers on a daily basis. The group is responsible for helping to ensure that service providers like Alarm Grid have the knowledge and resources to help end users accomplish their security goals. The Alarm Grid team can attest to the excellent performance of Alarm.com and their CORE Team. To us, it's no surprise that Alarm.com was recognized in this way.

Alarm.com Vice President of Customer Operations Jason DaCosta said of the team, "We focus all of our efforts on delivering an unparalleled customer service experience to our partners and subscribers. In addition, we strive to identify and develop passionate and highly accountable team members, who share our all-hands-on-deck mentality, to continually elevate our customer service standards for the industry."

As you likely know, Alarm Grid offers many security systems for use with the Alarm.com platform. We have multiple monitoring plans that can be used with Alarm.com, including our most popular Gold Plan. More information is available on our monitoring page. If you want to learn more about Alarm.com or our monitoring services, 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!

One of the best perks of owning a home security system is that it can also serve as an automation hub for controlling compatible smart devices. Apple HomeKit is an excellent platform to build around if you are a frequent iOS or Apple user. And a new Lyric System can make a great addition!

If you aren't familiar with Apple HomeKit, it is an app for iOS devices that allows you to control and automate compatible devices around your home. What's really cool is that you can perform various actions from virtually anywhere in the world using spoken Siri voice commands. Possible actions include arming or disarming your security system, controlling Lutron Smart Lights, or performing a complete HomeKit scene in which multiple devices are controlled at once.

In order to get started using a Lyric with Apple HomeKit, you must have a Lyric System that is set up for alarm monitoring service automation control. For Alarm Grid monitored customers, this means that you will need a Silver Plan or higher. More information is available on our monitoring page. Your alarm monitoring company can then activate the HomeKit feature for your Lyric System. Then just follow this simple FAQ to get it set up.

Remember that having a dedicated HomeKit Hub as part of your automation network is strongly recommended. This can be an iPad, an Apple HomePod, or an AppleTV Gen 4 or higher. You might also want to check out this FAQ on creating HomeKit Automations. That is how you will have your HomeKit compatible devices activate automatically with certain system events or based upon a set schedule.

When expanding upon your HomeKit network, make sure to look for devices that feature the Apple Home logo or other marking identifying them as HomeKit-compatible.

The only way to get your Honeywell Lyric set up for use with Apple HomeKit is to get it monitored. Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information. We check our email Monday thru Friday from 9am to 8pm ET. Our team will be happy to help you find new HomeKit devices and build a robust and powerful HomeKit network that you can control from anywhere using your voice. Getting started is super easy, and we will be there every step of the way!

We are writing this post because in the last few days, a small minority of customers have called in frustrated by shipping times.

Our shipping team is working hard every day to get your product out to you quickly.

Unfortunately, once we pick, pack, and ship the products you ordered, we don't have any control about what happens to the product in the process of shipping. So far, we are noticing more packages arriving a day (sometimes 2 and rarely, but sometimes, 3 days) beyond our quoted timeframe. While our quoted timeframes are meant to be estimates, we understand that it can be frustrating to get a package after you expected it to be delivered.

At the moment, as the package carriers in the United States are being overwhelmed by people turning to online ordering. From what we can tell, a huge majority of products are being delivered just as they always have been. But a few more products than usual, for whatever reason, are showing up beyond what we would normally consider acceptable.

We ask for a little bit of patience. We are getting product out the door quickly - even as our warehouse is short-staffed. And UPS and USPS are getting your packages to you as fast as is humanly possible. Everyone is doing everything they can to get you the product and service you ordered as quickly as possible.

At this time, there are no refunds for late receipt of a shipment. When we ship the items, we are sending them in accordance with our shipping policy, as we normally do. Whether they arrive on time is not up to us. And our carriers have stopped refunding us for late arrival of product for the time being. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Alarm Grid has received reports that some users have been getting excessive and unnecessary notifications regarding Total Connect 2.0 HD Cameras. The issue appears to have been the fault of the AlarmNet Servers, and it is nothing to worry about. It appears to have since been resolved.

According to reports, the issue only affected Total Connect 2.0 HD Cameras, including the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1, the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2, and the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. None of the Total Connect 2.0 Legacy Cameras were affected. The issue caused many users to receive random text and email notifications simply stating that their cameras were "online". Most users reported that the notifications came through starting around 1pm ET yesterday and later stopped occurring shortly after midnight ET.

From what we can tell, Resideo has since corrected the issue, and no further problems should occur. If you find that you are still receiving unnecessary status notifications from Total Connect 2.0, please let us know by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team will respond to incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We will make sure to document any issues and pass on any problems or errors to the Resideo AlarmNet team.

Update: We have received official word from Resideo that they were experiencing technical issues last night. This resulted in issues, including random and repeated online/offline messages, failure to stream cameras, and the failure to register new devices. Resideo says that the vast majority of the issues have been resolved, though there are still a small number of false "camera offline" events.

2nd Update: Resideo has since confirmed that the issue has been fixed.

3rd Update: Resideo confirmed that the issue re-appeared Thursday April 23rd and Friday April 24th. The issue has since been resolved.