Home Security Blog

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.

When dealing with so many other things in life, it's easy to put off buying a home security system. But it's something you really might want to do sooner rather than later. Installing your own home security system is very easy, and the insurance savings often make it a great investment.

We understand that buying a security system isn't exactly the flashiest addition you can make to your home. But it's something that every homeowner should add sooner rather than later. With a security system, you are protecting yourself, your possessions, and your loved ones. We also strongly recommend checking with your insurance company to learn about potential discounts. These discounts alone make an alarm system a worthwhile investment. And the quicker you act, the better.

The great thing about the security systems offered from Alarm Grid is that you can always start small and expand later as needed. For example, you might just get an alarm panel, a single door and window sensor, and a single smoke detector for an insurance discount. This will likely you save you money on your homeowner's insurance. In that sense, the system will basically pay for itself over time. Many Alarm Grid customers find that their insurance savings are greater than their monitoring expenses.

Then once you have saved up more, you can easily build upon the system with more sensors. Many users like to have a sensor at each door so that they can hear chimes and voice annunciations whenever there is activity in their homes. By installing your own system, you can set up each zone to make its own sound effect. You can also turn off the chime and annunciation for any given zone if you prefer. And your insurance company may offer you additional discounts for things like low-temperature detection, flood detection, or carbon monoxide detection. You can add all of these devices to system later on, at your own pace.

And your home security system can be used for more than just keeping your family safe. Most home alarm systems can be set up as automation controllers for operating devices such as lights, door locks, smart thermostats, and more. These smart devices can be activated automatically based on a set schedule or with certain system events. We even offer monitoring plans that will allow you to control these devices from pretty much anywhere in the world using an app on your phone. And there are even options for interfacing with smart platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit. IFTTT, and more!

Designing and installing a complete security system can be a big project. But you can start small. And with a wireless system, you can even take it with you if you decide to move later on. These are many fantastic panels today that work just as well in a small apartment as they do in a spacious family ranch home. And you can do it all by yourself, without having to hire a professional installer. Take steps to protect your household before trouble strikes. Even if you start small now, you can always grow your system to meet your needs later.

Want to learn more about our security systems and alarm monitoring? Send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We would love to tell you more about how a security system can keep you safe and make your life more convenient. Our support technicians and system planners are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions!

At Alarm Grid, we truly believe that most security systems can be installed by end users, with no on-site support from professional installers or technicians. Installing your own DIY security system can save you money in the long run, and it will keep you and those around you safe.

There are many considerations you will want to make if you are just getting into the market for the first time. You should start by thinking about which alarm panel you want to use. There are several options out there. We recommend reading the three (3) statements below and deciding which one applies to you the most. We realize that all of these statements may apply to your situation, but for the sake of picking the best panel, try and narrow it down to the single most accurate statement. We can begin to steer you towards the optimal panel just based on that one answer, as it shows what is most important to you in this decision.

A. I want the best all-around DIY security system.

B. I want a security system for low-cost monitoring.

C. I want a system system that adds property value.

For those choosing A and wanting the best all-around DIY security system, the answer is most often the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. It has an attractive, modern design that looks great when on placed on a desk or table with its included stand. The entire installation can be complete using only a screwdriver in just a matter of minutes. Programming is made super easy and intuitive, and the vast majority of new users describe the simple setup process as a pleasant experience. The system has a great user interface (UI), and you will love how well the menus are laid out.

Since the IQ Panel 2 Plus has a built-in cellular communicator and an integrated WIFI card, you will not need to add any equipment to use dual-path connectivity with the system. It is ready to go, right out of the box. The panel is also loaded with features that really help make it appealing to those interested in home automation. This comes in six (6) variants, as there are three (3) legacy sensor support options (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz), and each one is available in AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE. The most popular model is the 319.5 MHZ Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, simply because it is the most affordable, but they are all fantastic.

If B is most important for you, and you want to keep your monitoring costs as low as possible, then you will generally want to look at the Honeywell Alarm Panels. This is because Honeywell Panels can be set up for alarm monitoring service without needing use a cellular communicator. Although cellular communication allows for the optimal reliability, it also increases the cost of alarm monitoring due to the cellular service charges. If you have a strong WIFI internet connection in your home, then you can rely on an IP-only setup for alarm monitoring. An excellent panel for this type of setup is the Honeywell Lyric Controller.

The Honeywell Lyric Alarm System is professional-grade security system that is supported by alarm companies across the industry. The panel provides effective and reliable monitoring service to keep your home or business monitored and protected at all times. It is also no slouch when it comes to smart home functionality, as you will have no trouble setting up a complete automation network with the panel if desired. But the money saving aspect lies in the fact this panel is able to connect with monitoring servers without needing a registered cellular communicator. This can save you hundreds in annual monitoring expenses by strictly relying on IP connectivity. All you need to do is connect the Lyric to your WIFI network and have the panel activated by your alarm monitoring company. For more information on why the Lyric is a great option for low-cost alarm monitoring service, please check out this prior blog.

Lastly, those choosing C, where adding property value is the main consideration, you might want to look into a hardwired security system. This is especially true if you are building new construction and have the capacity to run wires throughout the new or unfinished building. An integrated, hardwired security system will add value to any property, and it gives the home or business a nice additional feature. But it should be noted that hardwired systems are more difficult to install. While we have seen some DIY users install their own hardwired systems, the task is usually completed by a professional due to the sheer amount of wiring involved. However, we are happy to work with a third-party installer in helping you install a wired system.

Most new installations today utilize wireless security systems. But if you decide that a wired system is for you, then there are plenty of options to choose from. Hardwired Honeywell Panels are great if you looking to minimize monitoring costs by using IP-only connectivity. We are particularly fond of the Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE, as it already has a built-in IP communicator for supporting a wired ethernet connection. A cellular communicator can also be added if desired. Overall, the Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE will provide more than enough functionality for any home or small to medium sized business. There are also commercial-grade panels like the Honeywell VISTA-128BPT, the Honeywell VISTA-250BPT, and the DSC PowerSeries NEO HS128NK, but those are more suited for large businesses and industrial complexes. Just remember that you will need to add extra accessories for all wired systems, such as alarm wiring, a siren, and keypads.

Start by considering what is most important to you if you are looking for a new alarm system. Once you have committed to a panel, you can start building around it to establish security and automation capabilities. This will include choosing compatible sensors and other accessories. You can also start checking out various monitoring plans to determine which one is right for you. If you ever want to talk to us, we are best reached by emailing support@alrmgrid.com. Our support team answers email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Alarm.com is implementing some new features designed to protect end users against malicious attempts to access accounts. Although these new security features are nothing revolutionary or game-changing, they should still prove helpful in keeping customers safe.

The first new feature being implemented by Alarm.com is a password strength indicator that appears when making a new customer account or when changing the password for an existing customer account. An end user can use the indicator to determine whether or not their desired password is strong enough.

Seeing a password that is considered "weak" can prompt an end user to choose a more secure password that will better protect their account. Using a random password generator to come up with a strong password is recommended. It is also recommended that you do not use the same password for Alarm.com as you do for another website. We expect this feature to be made available in the coming days.

Additionally, Alarm.com has also announced that two-factor authentication is now supported when enabling the ability to live-stream Alarm.com Security Cameras to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. Previously, enabling two-factor authentication for the associated Alarm.com account would also result in the end user losing access to the camera live-streaming feature. More information on Alarm.com Camera Streaming for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus can be found in this prior blog post. To enable two-factor authentication from the Alarm.com Customer Website, login to your account using the web browser, then choose Settings, followed by Login Information.

We're glad to see that Alarm.com is doing their part to protect end users. If you are interested in learning more about Alarm.com or Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our support email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

For users looking to add smoke and heat detectors to their wireless systems, there are always some great options to consider. Of course, the specific models you can choose from will depend which alarm panel you are using. We're here to present the best options for some popular systems.

For this list, we are presenting our favorite combination smoke and heat detector and standalone heat detector for each system. Combination smoke and heat detectors are what you should use in most locations of your home or business. During a fire, smoke is usually detected before heat, so a combination sensor will rely on smoke detection as its primary method for detecting fires. Heat detection serves as a good backup to smoke detection.

But there are some rooms of a home where it is better to use standalone heat detectors. This is because using a regular smoke detector in these rooms could result in false alarms due to excessive dust, moisture, or smoke that is normally present. Examples of rooms where a standalone heat detector is often a better option include kitchens, attics, garages, and bathrooms. Remember that standalone heat sensors are one-and-done devices, and they must be replaced after activation. Do not test them using a hair dryer!

Below are our favorite smoke and heat detector options for various systems:

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (319.5 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Interlogix HDX-135

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus (345 MHz)

Smoke & Heat: DSC PG9936

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

Smoke & Heat: Honeywell SiXSMOKE

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

2GIG GC3e & 2GIG GC2e

Smoke & Heat: 2GIG SMKT8e-345

Standalone Heat: Honeywell 5809SS

If you need any help setting up your new Alarm Grid Security System, or if you are interested in learning more about 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!

Looking for an easy way to improve upon your security system? Adding security cameras and integrating them with your existing setup will really let you unlock your system's full potential. You can have your cameras activate and begin recording as soon as activity occurs on your system.

The main thing you should consider when choosing cameras for an existing system is to think about which alarm panel you have. Your alarm panel, by extension, determines which interactive service platform you use. Most Alarm Grid monitored customers use either Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. If you have a Honeywell Security System, then you most likely use Total Connect 2.0. If you have Alarm Grid monitoring service using a panel from a different manufacturer, such as Qolsys, 2GIG, or DSC, then you most likely use Alarm.com.

Both Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com have their own selection of cameras to choose from. Total Connect 2.0 keeps things simple with just three (3) cameras to choose from as of April 2020. These cameras are the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1, the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2, and the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. Alarm.com seems to release updated models more frequently, as they continue to update their camera lineup. At this time some of our favorite Alarm.com Camera Models include the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR, the Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL, and the Alarm.com ADC-V723.

Once you know which camera lineup to choose from, there are many factors for you to consider when deciding which camera to buy. Some of these factors include whether the camera is for indoor or outdoor use, the recording quality of the camera, the camera's viewing angle, and how much money you would like to spend. Since Honeywell only has three cameras currently on the market, it's usually pretty cut and dry which one is best for your needs. With Alarm.com, there are more options to consider.

Whether you are using TC2 or ADC, you can view the live feed for your camera remotely from anywhere in the world using an app on your phone. You can also set a camera to begin recording, whenever activity occurs on your system. For example, if someone faults an Entry/Exit Zone and triggers an Entry Delay countdown, then you can have your camera record all the action. Usually, it will just the routine activity of an authorized individual arming the system, but you will be ready if anyone tries to make an unauthorized entry into your home or business. And you can set your cameras for all sorts of triggers, included faulted sensors, system alarms, at certain times of day, and more.

Remember that you will need a monitoring plan that includes video surveillance to use security cameras. If you already have a monitored system with Alarm Grid, then the easiest option is to upgrade to a Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). To learn more, or if you have any questions about security cameras or our monitoring services, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our support emails from Monday thru Friday, 9am to 8pm ET. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.2 is now available. Anyone with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus can download this update. This is a universal update that will improve system performance and connectivity with Alarm.com. Apply it as soon as possible.

There isn't too much exciting to talk about with this update, but it is still very important. The only definitive noticeable change is that it fixes an error involving low-battery alerts while using a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16 Wired to Wireless Converter. Other than that, the update mostly serves to improve the communication between the panel and Alarm.com.

You can read the entire Technical Service Bulletin TSB# 200413 here.

To apply this update, make sure that your panel is running at least Firmware Version 2.0.1, and have your system connected with a local WIFI network. The system should be connected with its transformer, and its backup battery should be charged. Please also note that if you are updating from Firmware Version 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, you must change the Log Level to "Verbose". This is done by clicking the small grey bar at the top of the system screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > System Logs.

Once you are ready, from the primary panel, click the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > provide the Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.2 > OK > Upgrade using network. The upgrade process should then begin. It normally takes less than 30 minutes. Remember that you must enter the Patch Tag exactly, or else the process will fail.

If you have any questions about this update, please email support@alarmgrid.com. We offer free technical support for monitored customers. Our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This new Qolsys update should not be confused with Total Connect 2.0 Update Version 2.5.2, which was released in October of 2018.

The organizers of ISC West, along with the Security Industry Association (SIA), have announced that ISC West 2020 is again being postponed, this time to October 6th - 8th. It will still take place at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV. This is the second postponement of the event.

Originally, ISC West 2020 had been scheduled for March 18th - 20th at the Sands Expo Center. However, the annual event was delayed on March 6th due to health concerns associated with the ongoing global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The new dates for the event were later announced as July 20th - 22nd.

Unfortunately, the organizers have determined that the July dates would no longer be suitable for this massive international event, which attracts thousands of security professionals from around the world every single year. The group has recently announced that the 2020 event will now be pushed back to October.

We are sure that this decision was not made lightly. This move had to have been made with the best interest of the health and safety of organizers, demonstrators, and attendees in mind. While our team at Alarm Grid is disappointed, we fully understand and respect the move of ISC West 2020 to October.

A statement from Reed Exhibitions Group Vice President Will Wise reads:

"Considering the escalation of COVID-19, travel and social distancing restrictions, and the economic impact over the past five weeks across the United States and the world, it is necessary to reschedule the event to October ... Working closely with the Sands Expo, we were committed to pursuing the best opportunity for ISC West to facilitate the conduct of business, education and peer-to-peer engaged platforms. Holding the event six months from now in October will offer the best scenario to support the security and public safety industry, in addition to the Las Vegas community. It is an unprecedented time, and we appreciate how the community is adapting, adjusting, and rallying."

The Reed Exhibitions group also released a document providing information regarding the waiving of airline fees. Most United States airline carriers are offering their customers refunds for travel plans that have been disrupted due to the ongoing pandemic. This is important for anyone who had already booked a flight to ISC West for the March or July dates. More information can be found here.

Although it is impossible for us to make any firm predictions (we don't have a magic crystal ball), it is fair to assume that this is the absolute furthest that ISC West 2020 can be pushed back. Any further, and you would begin to approach the time at which ISC West 2021 would likely be held. Holding the annual event back-to-back would not make any sense from a logistical or planning perspective. We may be stating the obvious here, but it looks like it's October or bust for ISC West 2020.

Right now, all we can do is hope that the world can move past the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly as possible so that we can save the date in October. Although October might seem like a long time from now, it will approach sooner than you think. Remember, ISC West is a huge global event that takes a tremendous amount of logistics and planning to be pulled off properly. Putting everything together during a major global crisis is simply impossible, and we applaud the organizers for make the change sooner rather than later.

Again, we would like to send our a sincere Thank You to the doctors, nurses, and scientists working on the front lines, as well as to all of the maintenance workers, sanitation workers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and all of the other essential workers who are doing everything they can to help the rest of us during this difficult time. We are hopeful that this situation will be dealt with as quickly as possible so that order can once again be restored to the world.

When working with security systems, there are only certain types of smoke detectors that can directly integrate with an alarm panel. But many people overlook the fact that almost all high-voltage smoke detectors can still be integrated indirectly using smoke detector listening modules.

Smoke detector listening modules are wireless devices designed to actively listen for the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector. By law, life-safety smoke detectors must produce the Temporal 3 sound, which consists of three (3) consecutive tones, followed by a short pause, and then three (3) more tones with this pattern repeating continuously. Both high-voltage 110V smoke detectors and wireless battery powered smoke detectors will produce the same sound. This means that you can use wireless listening modules with both types.

All new construction is required to be outfitted with high-voltage smoke detectors. As a result, it's very likely that you already have these devices in your home or business. You should test these devices to make sure that they are working, and replace any devices that are non-functional. Then you can use a listening module to integrate the devices with your security system and your alarm monitoring service. If you have a network of interconnected hardwired smoke detectors, then you can use a single listening module to takeover the entire network!

Like all security and life-safety products, your smoke detector listening module will need to be tested regularly. Before doing any testing, you should put your system on test mode by either contacting your central station directly or by using the MyAlarms.com feature if you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer. Then activate the smoke detector's sounder by using its test button (if applicable) or by directing canned smoke into its vents. Make sure that your listening module detects the sound and triggers an alarm on your system. Remember that the listening module should be mounted within six (6) inches of the detector for best results.

We offer two (2) smoke detector listening modules on our website. The Interlogix SLX-AD-T3 is for 319.5 MHz systems, while the Encore FireFighter FF345 is for 345 MHz systems. Check and make sure you purchase the correct model that will successfully enroll with your wireless alarm panel. If you aren't sure which one to get, then you should contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will be happy to help. Our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

There's much more to the potential of your security system than just protecting your home or business. Most modern alarm panels offer the necessary built-in hardware to establish a complete smart automation network that you can control from virtually anywhere in the world using your phone.

In the world of smart devices and Internet of Things (IoT), an automation refers to an action that occurs automatically. The trigger for an automation to occur could be something like a sensor faulting on your security system, your system going into alarm, or even the time of day. Automations can also be triggered manually either at the panel or through a mobile app on your smartphone. Most Alarm Grid customers use the Total Connect 2.0 App or the Alarm.com App depending on which system they have. Remember, remote automation control is only included with the Silver Level Plans and higher for Alarm Grid.

There are all sorts of automation devices you can pair with your system and control remotely. Smart lights are a great place to start. It's very easy to replace an existing in-wall switch or dimmer module. There are also plug-in lamp modules that can be set up with needing to use any special tools or equipment. Just plug in the unit, enroll it with your automation hub, plug in a lamp to the designated socket, and enjoy. Setting up automations for your smart lights is perfect for those absentminded moments where you forget to turn off the lights before leaving. You can even have light turn on designated times while you are on vacation to make it look like you are home!

Smart door locks also represent a population automation option. These allow you to lock or unlock your door even while you are away from home. This can be very useful if you forgot to lock up before heading out for the day, and you can also use it to let trusted people inside, such a scheduled maintenance worker, a house maid, or your friend who arrived just a little too early. Many users also set up locks to respond automatically. For example, you might have your back door set to automatically lock whenever you set your security system to Arm Away.

Last and certainly not least, smart thermostats offer some really cool functionality, and they can provide you with tremendous savings in your energy expenses. You are most likely already familiar with programmable thermostats that you can use to have the temperature adjusted automatically at set time intervals. But smart thermostats take things to the next level. You can have your thermostat automatically switch to a more energy efficient level as soon as you arm for the system and leave. And if your automation platform allows for geofencing, then you can have the thermostat activate automatically once you back within a certain distance from your home. It's also really nice to be able to adjust the temperature remotely if needed, in case you have some invited guests arrive while you are away. You can easily monitor your energy usage.

Getting started with home automation for security systems is super easy. You should start by finding out if your panel already has a Z-Wave controller built-in. Most new wireless panels have this functionality. If your panel doesn't support Z-Wave, then there may be an add-on to provide the capability. Then you can start building the perfect smart home! If you have any questions about home automation, or if you would like to learn more about or monitoring plans, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!