Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! We recently learned that the Sonos Speaker integration for Alarm.com is now available. This allows users to control their Sonos Speakers and include music into scenes alongside other smart home devices. It is now easier than ever to create the perfect ambiance for your home.

There are many fantastic features available through the Alarm.com Sonos Speaker integration. You can play audio from a variety of different sources, including Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud and more. It's also super convenient to control the audio feedback right from Alarm.com. Users can play/pause, adjust the volume, mute/un-mute and more. You can even choose to play music on all speakers or select a particular set.

But the most exciting part of this integration is the ability to include the speakers into smart scenes. This way you can have Alarm.com activate your Sonos Speakers based on a set schedule or with certain system events. For instance, you might have your music turn on as soon as you get home and Disarm your system. Or you could have your music activate when you open up a door. You can even have it activate with other devices like your lights and your smart thermostat.

In order to use the ADC Sonos Integration, you will need either an iOS device running Firmware Version 8.0 or higher or an Android device running Firmware Version 2.1 or higher. You will also need:

• Alarm.com Mobile App Version 4.10.4 or higher
• The latest version of the Sonos Mobile App and Speaker Software
• The Alarm.com Audio Integration Service Package provided from your monitoring company
• The Sonos Speakers must be connected to the internet on the same network as your iOS or Android device for initial pairing.

To get started with the Sonos integration, you should contact your monitoring company and ask them to activate the Alarm.com Audio Integration Service Package on your account. Alarm Grid customers can do this by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You can complete the rest of the process from Alarm.com.

Login to your Alarm.com account on the mobile app. Press the hamburger button (three horizontal bars), followed by Audio. Select "Sonos" from the dropdown menu. Then press Start, followed by Continue. You will then need to login to your Sonos account and give Alarm.com permission to control your Sonos System. After you complete the process, you will see an Audio option in the main menu of your Alarm.com account through the mobile app. This will allow you to conveniently play audio.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Sonos integration, please email us, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alarm Grid has learned of technical difficulties between certain PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. These issues affect the PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor when used on an IQ2+ System running PowerG Version 80.17.

Due to this issue, any DSC PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor manufactured before August 23, 2018 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. This includes any PG9914 running firmware V3.0.5 or V3.0.7. Also, if the first four (4) digits of the Serial Number are less than "3618", then the device is affected.

Below are some pictures of a PG9914 that will not work with an IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Version 80.17:

Additionally, any DSC PowerG PG9933 Carbon Monoxide Sensor manufactured before March 26, 2019 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. Any PG9933 manufactured after this date will include a sticker indicating compatibility with the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

If you want to check the PowerG Firmware for your IQ Panel 2 Plus, you can do so from the panel. Start from the main screen. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > About > PowerG. You should check the Radio Firmware Version.

If you have any questions about these incompatibilities, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We hope that you had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. Our video team managed to produce eight (8) new videos last week. Joe was featured in five (5) new videos, mostly covering the August Smart Lock Pro. Jorge and Jarrett both had a video apiece, and I made one as well.

Connecting an August Smart Lock Pro with the August Home App

Joe explains how to connect your August Smart Lock Pro with the August Home App. This is one of the first things you will do with the August Smart Lock Pro. The August Home App allows you to operate your lock from your smartphone. You can control the lock through Bluetooth if you are within 10 to 15 feet. You can also operate the lock remotely from almost anywhere if you have the August Connect WIFI Bridge.

Including the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe shows users how to include the August Smart Lock Pro with a Z-Wave network. This is important if you want to control the August Smart Lock Pro from an interactive service platform from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. The pairing process is completed through the August Home App. You will need to have the lock paired with the app before you can pair it with a Z-Wave network. You will also need access to your Z-Wave hub or controller.

Defaulting the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe teaches users how to perform a factory default for an August Smart Lock Pro. To perform a factory reset, you will need to access your August account through the August Home App. Doing this will clear any Z-Wave and WIFI settings for the lock. You will need to reprogram the lock from scratch using the app. You should only perform a factory reset if you plan on giving away the lock or as a final troubleshooting step.

Excluding the August Smart Lock Pro

Joe covers the process for excluding the August Smart Lock Pro from a Z-Wave network. Unlike most Z-Wave devices, you don't need to clear the August Smart Lock Pro before adding it to a Z-Wave network. Instead, you will only do this if you are clearing the device from the network so that you can add it to a new one. You can complete the exclusion process through the August Home App. If you don't have access to your Z-Wave hub, you will need to perform a Z-Wave factory reset.

Getting an Alarm or Zone Open or Close to Activate a Honeywell IP Camera

Joe talks about how you can create notifications to have your Resideo IP Cameras activate when sensors are faulted or during alarm events. Normally, these cameras will only activate when they detect motion or sound. You can create these notifications through Total Connect 2.0. It is also possible to set specific hours when a camera can initiate a recording. This way, even if a zone is faulted, the camera will only capture clips during certain predetermined hours.

Temperature Sensor Notifications from a Lyric via Apple HomeKit

Jorge explains how you cannot receive temperature sensor notifications from Apple HomeKit when used with a Resideo Lyric Alarm System. HomeKit will only provide specific alerts for intrusion zones on the Lyric. For all other zones, only a General Lyric System Alert will be displayed. This makes it impossible to determine exactly which zone was faulted. However, you can still use HomeKit alongside Total Connect 2.0. The TC2 service will provide specific alerts for any faulted zone.

Is AlarmGrid Compliant with Nationally Recognized Industry Standards?

In a very rare video appearance, I talk about how Alarm Grid is compliant with Nationally Recognized Industry Standards. Nearly all of the systems and sensors that we sell are certified by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. Additionally, our central monitoring partner Criticom Monitoring Services is UL Listed and FM Approved. While we may occasionally have equipment on our site that is still in the process of being approved by a NRTL, we stand behind our manufacturers and are confident in their offerings.

Finding the Firmware Revision on a Lynx Touch

Coming through with a video at the very last minute, Jarrett teaches users how to find the Firmware Revision on a Resideo Lynx Touch System. If you want to perform a firmware update for these systems, then you will need the LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool. It is no longer possible to push an update over-the-air (OTA). Getting these systems on the latest firmware is important if you plan to use an LTE cellular communicator. Please note that you will also need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity.

Alarm Grid will be closed Monday May 27, 2019 in observation of Memorial Day. We will not be answering our phones or responding to any emails during this time. Our entire office will resume normal operations Tuesday May 28, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

If you need to reach us during this time, you should email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email on Tuesday and respond as quickly as possible. You may also reach us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST.

Alarm Grid would like to pay special respect to those who have made immense sacrifices in defending and protecting our country. We thank everyone who has worked hard to keep us safe. No matter how you spend this Memorial Day, we hope that you stay safe and enjoy the company of some good family and friends. Our team looks forward to returning to work tomorrow.

Hi DIYers! We're here with another alarm system tip today. This time, we would like to remind everyone tests their systems at least once per year. It is important to make sure that your sensors are working correctly and reporting to the panel. It is very easy to test your system yourself.

Alarm Grid recommends testing all the sensors on your system. This includes all intrusion sensors, environmental sensors and life-safety sensors. Each sensor will follow a unique testing process, so it's important to refer to your instruction manuals for more information. You might consider testing your life-safety sensors like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors twice per year because of their importance. Always place your system on test mode before testing your equipment.

The reason it is important to test all of your sensors every year is because it's possible that they may have gathered dust or shifted slightly in position. Little things like that may prevent these devices from working properly. Taking the time to perform a complete test will provide you with peace of mind in knowing that all your equipment is working correctly. And if you do find a sensor that isn't working, you will be very glad you performed a test.

Additionally, an annual test is required for Alarm Grid customers who obtain Certificates of Alarms (CoA) to receive homeowner's insurance discounts. Any CoA received from Alarm Grid will only be valid for one year from the testing date. A customer should perform a new test before their current CoA expires in order to maintain any discounts offered by their insurance provider. Alarm Grid will provide CoAs for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, flood and freeze.

The process for performing a CoA test is very simple. This process involves contacting Criticom Monitoring Services, putting the system on test mode and then testing certain Zone Types. Alarm Grid monitored customers can login to their accounts on our website and press the designated button to receive an email about performing a system test. If you are having trouble finding the button, you can see its location in the picture below:

Alarm Grid customers can also email us at support@alarmgrid.com if they need to put their systems on test mode. Keep in mind that our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. Do not test your equipment until you have received verification that your system is on test mode.

If you have any questions about testing your equipment, the best way to reach us is at the aforementioned email. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

As may know, Alarm Grid started charging sales tax in most states earlier this year. If you have been approved for tax exempt status, then you must send us a copy of your tax exempt certificate to avoid being charged sales tax. You must also send an updated copy before your status expires.

Our sales tax policy varies between different states. For some states, Alarm Grid charges sales tax for both website purchases and monthly monitoring service. For other states, Alarm Grid only charges sales tax for website purchases. And there are some states where Alarm Grid does not charge any sales tax at all. The best way to determine the policy in your state is to check this helpful post. Please note that Alarm Grid does not charge sales tax for international orders.

Any customer who has qualified for tax exempt status should send us a copy of their tax exempt certificate before placing an order or starting monitoring service. We will charge sales tax for any customer who fails to do this. Your tax exempt status certificate provides us with proof that you have qualified for tax exempt status. We will retain this information and make sure not to apply sales tax on future orders, as long as your tax exempt status is still valid.

Additionally, customers receiving tax exemptions should make sure to send us updated copies of their certificates as soon as possible. We strongly recommend sending a new copy before the old one expires. This is very important for customers who have monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Failure to provide us with an updated copy before your old one expires may result in you being charged sales tax.

The best way to send us to send us a copy of your tax exempt certificate is to scan the certificate and email it to support@alarmgrid.com. We will make sure to reply as soon as possible. You may also contact us at that same email address if you have any questions or concerns about our tax exemption policy. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We're happy to announce that a new product is now available on our site. Introducing the Honeywell 5819S Wireless Shock Sensor and Transmitter. This device is great for any Honeywell or 2GIG user looking for a reliable shock sensor to monitor a door or window for forced entry.

The 5819S offers many great features that help to make it one of the premier wireless shock sensors on the market today. The device is omni-directional, meaning that it can be mounted from any position for reliable performance. This is very useful if you need to mount the sensor horizontally to fit it next to the bottom pane of a double-hung window. Please note that the sensor should not be mounted on the glass itself. The sensor offers four (4) distinct sensitivity levels for use as a shock sensor.

For detection range, the 5819S covers about 10 to 12 feet total. This is roughly a five (5) to six (6) foot radius from the sensor. The exact coverage area can differ due to the mounting surface. For shock detection, you will want to have the sensor programmed using Loop 1. The sensor has three loops in total. The other two (2) loops allow the programmed zone to function strictly as either a wireless contact or as a wireless transmitter for hardwired contacts. Loop 2 is for a contact, and Loop 3 is for a transmitter.

Loop 1 includes the option to have the programmed zone function as both a shock sensor and a wireless contact. This is enabled by setting DIP Switch 4 to ON. If you set DIP Switch 4 to OFF, then Loop 1 will function strictly as a shock sensor. You can also program the sensor to multiple zones using different Loop Numbers if desired. The sensor operates at 345 MHz, and it includes a small magnet for use as a door and window contact. The sensors operates at 345 MHz. LED lights assist with shock sensor testing.

The Honeywell 5819S is available for purchase now on the Alarm Grid site. If you have any questions about this sensor, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Resideo has updated Total Connect 2.0. The update is Version 2.12.4. The biggest offering from this update is the ability to control smart home devices more easily. It is also now easier to see the status for smart home devices across multiple locations.

Any Total Connect 2.0 user with multiple locations can see the status for their programmed smart locks and smart thermostats from the Locations Menu. This feature allows users to more quickly review the current status for these smart devices all at once. If you have multiple homes or businesses, this is a great way to easily check your various smart locks and thermostats all at once.

Additionally, the System Administrator and Master Users can now access TC2 to modify the ability for Panel Only Users to control Z-Wave Locks. Before this most recent update, this ability could only be modified directly from the panel. Now you can access TC2 to give a Panel Only User the ability to control Z-Wave locks using their code or take the ability away.

Update 2.12.4 also provides various fixes. This includes correcting a problem that prevented Internet Explorer users from using the New Users Spreadsheet to create multiple new users at once. The update also fixes a problem on the Camera Settings page where the WIFI signal strength indicator for C-Series HD Cameras was displayed incorrectly. Finally an old problem with the End User License Agreement (EULA) on Internet Explorer has been corrected.

You may also notice a new design from the login screen:

If you have any questions about this new update, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Hi DIYers! We're here with a small video recap, covering May 16 & 17. It was a quiet week for our video team, as we only had five new videos. But we gotta give some credit to Jorge, as he cranked out four videos. Jarrett also came through with one. Let's take a look at the videos.

Adding a Profile Image to a Total Connect 2.0 Account

Jorge shows users how to add a profile image to their Total Connect 2.0 account. Each user on a TC2 account can have their own profile image. This helps to add a nice personalized touch to Total Connect 2.0. Any uploaded image will only be visible from TC2. It will not be visible from the panel. If you have multiple users on the same Total Connect 2.0 account, then each user can have a unique picture.

Adding a Location Image to a Total Connect 2.0 Account

Jorge teaches users how to add a location image to a Total Connect 2.0 account. Each location on a TC2 account can have its own picture. You will have a different location for each system on your Total Connect 2.0 account. This is great for users with multiple homes or businesses. Adding a unique image for each location can be a great way to differentiate them. This way, you can be sure that you are controlling the correct system when you use TC2.

Smart Home Items That are Compatible with the Honeywell Lyric

Jarrett talks about smart home items that are compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The system has a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave devices. Any Z-Wave device can be operated through Total Connect 2.0. The Lyric is also one of the few systems on the market that is compatible with Apple HomeKit. You can have your HomeKit devices set to respond based on activity that affects your system. It is also possible to control your Lyric through your iOS device.

Changing the Installer Code Using a Tuxedo Touch Keypad

Jorge explains how to change the Installer Code for a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System using a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. The Installer Code is the code used to enter programming and make system changes. We encourage most users to keep the code at its default of 4112. This will prevent users from being locked out of programming later. If you forget the default Installer Code, you can always look it up later. If you change the code and forget it, you will need to use the backdoor method to get back into programming.

Features Added in the 2GIG GC2 1.19 Firmware Upgrade

Jorge discusses Firmware Version 1.19 for a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 System. Upgrading to the latest firmware is very important for getting the most out of your system. Firmware Version 1.19 added support for various cellular communicators. If you want to use an AT&T LTE communicator, then you need Firmware Version 1.19.3. You can have a firmware update pushed down automatically to your panel from Alarm.com for a small fee. If your panel is not connected with Alarm.com, you will need an upgrade cable or an upgrade tool to complete the process.

Hi DIYers! We're here with another Alarm Grid Tip. We're going to cover the proper technique for mounting your door alarm sensors. Many people have trouble getting a faulted zone to disappear when their sensors are not aligned properly. Mounting your sensors correctly will fix this issue.

First, It's important to understand how door and window contacts work. There are two (2) parts. These are a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is the larger component and usually represents the listed product dimensions. The magnet is the smaller component. In a proper installation, the sensor (larger) should be mounted on the door frame. The magnet (smaller) should be mounted on the actual door. Ideally, the magnet and the sensor should be in direct contact when the door is closed. The magnet should also be aligned with the metal reed switch inside the sensor. The sensor will most likely have indentations to indicate the location of the reed switch.

The idea is that when the door is closed, the magnet will be in contact with the sensor. This is why these sensors are often called "contacts". When the door is opened, the magnet will become separated from the sensor. This will release its internal metal reed switch. When this happens, the sensor will transmit a signal to the alarm control panel. The system will respond based on the programming settings for the corresponding zone.

When you mount your door contacts, you should make sure that the magnet and the sensor are in proper alignment when the door is closed. If not, then the reed switch inside the sensor will stay open. As a result, the zone will still be shown as faulted on the panel. You want proper alignment so that the zone functions consistently. Whenever the door is opened, the zone should appear as faulted. If it's closed, then you should not see any faults.

Walk testing your contacts is extremely important! This is the best way to make sure that the sensor and magnet are in proper alignment. Sure, it might pass the eyeball test, but does it pass the system test? Always, always, always test your equipment! We don't care if you are a novice DIYer or a seasoned professional installer - your job is not finished until you have completed the walk test.

Again, the ideal door sensor and magnet will be IN DIRECT CONTACT when the door is closed. This will provide the best possible results. We have seen customers stack multiple pieces of double-sided foam tape to make this happen. This is pretty unusual, but it works! It might look funny if you have to do that, but it will get the job done! As long as the sensor and magnet are in correct alignment, then the sensor will work.

If you absolutely must leave the contact and magnet separated, do not do so from more than one-half (0.5) of an inch, unless the manual specifically says that the sensor-magnet gap can be further. And make sure to test extra thoroughly if you decide to try and get these sensors to work with a wider magnet spacing.

Also remember to check sensor for indentations that indicate which side to place the magnet. If you are unsure, then check the device manual. Many answers can be found in the installation instructions. Unfortunately, many end users choose to ignore them. Read the manual!

Keep in mind that some door sensors may be equipped with LED lights that help the installer make sure that the sensor and magnet are indeed in proper alignment. If your sensor has this feature, then definitely use it! This is an easy and convenient way to make sure they are aligned correctly. Check your device manual for more information. An example of a door sensor that is equipped with this feature is the Honeywell 5800MINI.

Below is an example of what a properly installed contact looks like. In this case, it is the 2GIG DW10. Note how the sensor and the magnet are in direct contact and properly aligned. Normally, the battery tab at the bottom of the sensor would be removed, but for this example, it's okay.

We hope this tip has been helpful for anyone setting up their first alarm system. Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!