Home Security Blog

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell Lyric C1. This is an affordable and effective security camera that makes for a solid addition to any home. It is very easy to set up, and it offers 720P HD streaming in real time. Overall, the C1 is a great camera for basic indoor use.

The Honeywell Lyric C1 is part of the Honeywell Lyric HD Camera Series. These are are the latest cameras designed for use with Honeywell's Total Connect 2.0 interactive service platform. They are great for anyone with a Honeywell Panel and access to Total Connect who wants to get started with security cameras. Although the name "Lyric" implies that these cameras are designed for use with the Honeywell Lyric Controller, they also make great additions for the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels and Honeywell VISTA Series Panels. The user just needs access to Total Connect 2.0 and an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance.

Although there is no way to view the live feed for the camera right from the panel, a user can access the live feed from Total Connect 2.0. This includes both the website version and the mobile app version for Android and iOS devices. The mobile app functionality is particularly impressive, as the user can pull up their Android or Apple smartphone and view the live feed for their Lyric C1 from virtually anywhere in the world! This is ideal for a person to get a quick view of their home while they are away.

Out of the Honeywell Lyric HD Cameras, which also includes the 1080P Lyric C2 and the outdoor Lyric OC1, the Lyric C1 represents the most affordable option. It is a 720P HD camera designed for indoor use. While it can be mounted to a wall, it can also be conveniently rested on a table or a desk. As a result, no tools are needed to install this camera. The user just needs to pair it with their Total Connect account. This simple process is outlined in this helpful FAQ.

Some features for the Lyric C1 include its 135° viewing angle and its night vision range of 16.5 feet. It is best-suited for small to medium sized rooms where it will be able to pick up any activity that occurs in dark settings. Many self-monitored users will set up the device near a smoke detector so that they can see if there truly is a fire in their home before contacting the fire department. It can also be useful for determining it an intruder is really present after a motion sensor has been triggered. Indeed, there are many fantastic possibilities from this simple, yet effective camera.

The Lyric C1 is available for purchase from Alarm Grid right now. Get started with video surveillance or expand upon your current camera lineup with this affordable, yet surprisingly robust, home security camera!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the VERSA-2GIG and VERSA-GE Door and Window Contacts. These are actually both Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors that have been reconfigured to communicate at different frequencies. They offer an affordable solution for monitoring doors and windows.

The VERSA-2GIG, VERSA-GE and 5800MINI all provide the same operation that a user would expect out of any standard door and window contact. The device functions using a sensor and an included magnet. The sensor should be mounted on the stationary portion of the door or window frame. The magnet should be mounted on the moving part of the door or window, within a half-inch of the sensor. Both can be mounted using screws or with double-sided foam tape. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will result in an internal reed switch inside the sensor being activated. The sensor will then know that the door or window has been opened, and it will send an alert to the security system.

The main difference between the VERSA-2GIG, VERSA-GE and the 5800MINI is the frequency at which each sensor communicates. The 5800MINI communicates at the 345 MHz frequency that is used with all Honeywell 5800 Series Devices. This makes it compatible with all Honeywell Systems (with compatible wireless receivers) and 2GIG Systems. The VERSA-2GIG operates at a similar frequency, but it is more like the 2GIG Sensors. The device will work with 2GIG Systems and the Honeywell Lyric Controller after receiving firmware update MR3. Both the 5800MINI and the VERSA-2GIG will work with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughterboard. As for the VERSA-GE, it operates at 319.5 MHz. This makes it compatible with the Interlogix/GE Systems and any Qolsys System with a 319.5 MHz Daughterboard. This includes the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus with 319.5 MHz Daughterboard.

The only other difference between the two VERSA Sensors and the Honeywell 5800MINI is that the VERSA Sensors program in as Loop 2, while the Honeywell 5800MINI programs with Loop 1 when used as a contact. Also, the VERSA Sensors cost significantly less than the 5800MINI. This makes the VERSA Sensors the preferred option if both sensors are compatible with their system. Other than that they are the same sensor. Both devices measure in at 2.2"L X 1.0"W X 0.25"H. This makes them extremely discreet and unobtrusive once installed. And of course, the VERSA Sensors are extremely easy to program in with any compatible panel.

Both versions of the VERSA Sensors - the VERSA-2GIG and VERSA-GE - are available for purchase right now. And for users of a Honeywell LYNX Touch or Honeywell VISTA, the 5800MINI is still available as well. You can get all of these excellent sensors from Alarm Grid. Protect the doors and windows your home with these versatile and reliable sensors!

It does not come as much of a surprise that the smart home industry is thriving right now. Recent reports suggest that the worldwide smart home devices market is set to grow 31% over the course of 2018. Just under 650 million smart home device shipments will be made by the end of the year.

As part of this projection, smart speakers, video entertainment devices, smart lights, smart thermostats and home surveillance products are included. By 2022, it is expected that 1.3 billion smart home devices will be shipped annually. This is a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%. Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, are set to experience the largest compound annual growth rate during this period at an astounding 39.1%.

These figures help to confirm the belief that alarm monitoring and home security is no longer just about security, life-safety and intrusion support. Smart home functionality is quickly becoming an integral feature of owning and operating a complete security system. The same system that keeps you and your family safe also works to control your lights, heat and cool your home and help you save money on your energy bills. And we fully expect for a user's smart home devices to become even more integrated with their alarm systems in the next few years.

Indeed, the future is now for security systems and smart home devices. Countless people operate their home automation devices and their alarm systems with the press of a button or a simple voice command. And while your security system will always be there to protect you and your loved ones, it will soon be doing so much more. Alarm monitoring and home automation are no-longer mutually exclusive. We've recognized this for a few years now, and it is just becoming more and more apparent over time. This trend is only going to increase as smart home technology continues to develop.

If you haven't already gotten started with smart home automation, the time is now. Alarm Grid isn't just your home for industry-leading security and protection. Our services are also here to make your life easier. We're constantly working to expand our smart home lineup and help our customers get the most our of their home automation functionality, whether it's through Apple's Siri, Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Just last month, we added Lutron Smart Lighting to our offerings. Even before that, we already offered a great lineup of Z-Wave devices that are compatible with the vast majority of our alarm panels. And we're only looking to grow from here. In the next few years, smart home automation will truly become just as important to us as providing the best alarm monitoring services possible.

Alarm Grid will always strive to provide users with reliable and dependable home and business monitoring for when they need it most. But smart home automation is something we feel extremely passionate about, and we recognize that the future of connectivity between security systems and smart functionality truly is now. Alarm Grid is proud to be your home for both alarm monitoring and smart home services. And we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family in the future.

With the looming threat of Hurricane Michael and the recent events of Hurricane Florence, we sometimes hear concerned reports from customers wondering if their home or business will remain monitored during an emergency. We want all our customers to rest assured that they absolutely will.

The reason that we can guarantee active monitoring service for our customers is thanks to our partner Criticom Monitoring Services and the three central stations that they operate across the country. Criticom runs monitoring stations in Florida, New Jersey and California. If one station ever goes down due to an emergency or a natural disaster, the calls will be automatically rerouted to one of the other stations. Regardless of which CMS Station receives an alert, the local authorities in the customer's area will always be notified in the event of an alarm. The only requirement is that the panel can successfully send out communication signals. As long as the panel is communicating reliably, CMS will receive the alert every time.

There's a good reason we chose CMS as our monitoring partner. They provide the most dependable and most reliable monitoring services in the country. We don't cut corners by working with a company that only operates from one location. With their three locations, Criticom will continue to operate. Should one location go down, the other two will be there to pick up the slack. There was even a precedent for this in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the Northeastern part of the country. Although the CMS location in New Jersey was put out of commission for a few days, the offices in Florida and California were there to make sure that all of the people they protect day-in and day-out continued to receive the highest-level of monitoring services that they have come to expect.

We know that the Hurricane Season can be a nerve-wracking time for many people. Even if a storm doesn't strike your home or business, you never know if it could strike your monitoring company. But with Alarm Grid and Criticom Monitoring Services, there's no need to worry. However, you can do your part as well. Make sure you sign-up for a cellular monitoring plan so that your system utilizes the most reliable communication possible. Remember, unlike WIFI, cellular service doesn't go down as soon as the power goes out. It's also a good idea to keep multiple backup batteries on hand. If your home is hit by a storm and you experience an extended power outage, you will need the backup batteries to keep your system running. Many people in hurricane-prone areas keep a generator on hand to run important equipment, such as alarm systems, refrigerators, phone chargers and more.

Don't let hurricane season take away your peace of mind. Alarm Grid and Criticom are here to keep you safe at all times, even through a dangerous storm or disaster.

Hi DIYers! Our team is back with another video recap, this time for October 2nd through October 5th. It's a rather short video recap this time, but we have some fantastic videos from our support technicians Joe and Jorge. Let's check out what the video team has been up to this week.

Using a Phone Line with an Interlogix Simon XTi & XTi-5 Alarm System

Joe shows users how to use a phone line with an Interlogix Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 Alarm Systems. The physical phone line input for the POTS (plain old telephone service) connection is found on the inside of these panels. An RJ31X is needed to complete the wiring process. This module comes included with both of these systems. Please note that Alarm Grid strongly recommends using cellular monitoring service over a POTS connection. This will require a compatible cellular communicator.

Enabling the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Built-in Glass Break Sensor

Jorge explains how to enable the built-in glass break detector for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This system includes an integrated sensor that actively listens for the sound of breaking glass. We recommend setting this sensor to the lowest possible setting for avoiding any false alarms. The sensor can be enabled from the Installer Settings menu. The user will need to provide the Installer Code (1111) to access these settings. There will be a box to check for the user to enable the sensor. The user will then configure the settings for the sensor.

Can I Use Wired Contacts on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Joe talks about how a user can use normally closed hardwired contacts with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. The panel has inputs on its circuit board for supporting two hardwired contacts. If the user wants to set up additional contacts with their system, they will need to use a compatible wired to wireless converter. The hardwired contacts will connect directly with the converter, and the converter will send a wireless signal to the system on the behalf of these hardwired sensors. A great converter to use for this application is the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S.

Checking the Firmware Version of a Simon XT

Jorge demonstrates how to check the firmware version for an Interlogix Simon XT System. It can be very important to check the firmware for this system, as it will need to be running version 1.3 or higher in order to support an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. If the system is running a lower firmware version, then it will not be able to support the module, and it will not be able to connect with Alarm.com. The firmware can be checked right from the main menu of the system, and no codes are needed to see the revision number.

Discussion of Batteries in Sensors

Jorge talks about the batteries that are used in various wireless security sensors. A wireless sensor relies on battery power for being able to communicate properly with an alarm system. This is what allows them to stay running without having any wires connected with a wall outlet. The type of battery that a sensor will use generally depends on the size of the sensor and the type of power it needs. Two of the most popular batteries for security sensors are CR123A Camera Batteries and CR2032 Coin Cell Batteries. We recommend using lithium batteries for a maximum lifespan.

Honeywell 5800 Sensors and the Interlogix Simon XT?

Joe discusses how Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors can be used with the Interlogix Simon XT if a wireless translator is used. A wireless translator will take the 345 MHz signal from the Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor and translate it to 319.5 MHz. This will allow the sensor to be used with the Simon XT. Another option is to just use 319.5 MHz sensors with the system. This includes all Interlogix/GE Sensors all Qolsys Sensors, including the encrypted S-Line Sensors.

Managing Home Automation Devices in Total Connect 2.0 from a Tablet

Jorge explains how to manage smart home automation Z-Wave devices in the Total Connect 2.0 service by using a tablet. The user will first need to login to their Total Connect account. The user should then access the Automation Menu to obtain a complete view of all their programmed smart home devices. The user will then be able to control these devices as needed and set them up with any smart scenes. Please note that the user will need to have automation services included in their alarm monitoring plan in order to do this.

Hi DIYers! We have another product highlight for you today. We're taking a look at the DSC PG9994 Wireless Outdoor Motion Sensor. This motion detector is part of the PowerG lineup, and it operates at 915 MHz. This makes it compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm Systems.

The PG9994 operates much like any other passive infrared (PIR) motion detector. It takes a base reading of any infrared energy in the area. Movement in the area will cause a change in infrared energy. The PG9994 is designed to detect this energy change and alert the security system when it occurs. The sensor offers various functions and features to reduce false alarms, while still being able to detect human intruders with exceptional precision. Since it is an outdoor sensor, the PG9994 is prepared to stand up to any rain, wind, dust or high temperatures that may be present in the local area. It is truly the perfect motion sensor for use in harsh conditions.

Inside the PG9994 are eight individual PIR sensors, and each sensor acts as a quad detector. This allows the sensor to properly recognize when a human is present, as opposed to another source of motion like a swaying tree branch. The device also uses advanced motion analysis to to consider the time, amplitude, background temperature and speed of any motion that is detected. This allows it to better distinguish between humans and other possible motion sources. The device provides pet-immunity for small animals weighing up to 40 pounds when it is mounted properly.

To reduce false alarms caused by sunlight and other infrared sources, the PG9994 makes use of a reflective, nickel-based surface. This serves as a useful optical filter against any white light that may be present. Meanwhile, the device also uses mirror optical capability to achieve an extended detection range and increased sensitivity when needed. Additionally, the unique V-Slot technology of the PG9994 makes it nearly impossible for any intruders to disable the device. The PG9994 also includes a tamper switch for alerting the system if anyone tries to open the sensor.

As a PowerG Sensor, the DSC PG9994 will work from a maximum distance of up to 2 kilometers away in open air. Plus, 128-bit AES encryption will make it nearly impossible for others to perform any wireless hacking attempts on the sensor.

The PG9994 is available for purchase from Alarm Grid now. Monitor your property with this powerful and versatile PowerG Sensor!

Hi DIYers! We would like to announce that the Honeywell LTE-XA AT&T LTE Communicator for Honeywell VISTA Alarm Systems is now available for purchase on our website. This is the perfect solution for Honeywell VISTA users who are unable to get reliable Verizon LTE service in their area.

Alarm Grid already offers the LTE-XV for connecting a VISTA Panel to the Verizon LTE Network. But now, the LTE-XA Communicator presents users with an alternative option for getting their system monitored. This is very important for VISTA users who live in areas where Verizon service isn't the best. Now they will have the option of connecting with the AT&T LTE Network instead.

As an LTE communicator, the LTE-XA will provide fast transmission speeds and highly consistent communication with the AlarmNet360 servers. This communicator also allows the system to function with the Total Connect 2.0 service. A user can access this platform to arm and disarm their system, check the current status of sensors, control Z-Wave smart home devices and more. Please note that an appropriate alarm monitoring plan is needed.

Alarm Grid also offers the LTEXA-TC2 Upgrade Kit. This kit includes both the LTE-XA Communicator and the latest VISTA 15P and 20P PROM Chips for supporting the module. Any VISTA System that is not running firmware revision 9.12 or higher needs a PROM chip upgrade in order to be used with the Total Connect 2.0 service. With this kit, the system will receive the necessary upgrade, and it will obtain fast and reliable LTE communication from AT&T.

It is important to mention that there is currently no way to get dual-path (IP and cellular) communication on a VISTA System using LTE communication. Although dual-path is always the preferred option, a standalone LTE cellular radio will still provide consistent and reliable monitoring service for the user. And the user will receive the benefit of having the system remain monitored even as older cellular networks are slowly phased out. With LTE, a user is taking steps to future-proof their system.

Both the standalone LTE-XA Radio and the upgrade kit with PROM Chips are available now. Get your VISTA System connected for top-quality alarm monitoring services!

Many people are very excited about 5G communication and what it will mean for the security industry. But users should keep in mind it may take awhile before this vision becomes a reality. We suspect that no 5G communicators for alarm systems will become available until at least 2020.

Even once 5G service is rolled out across the country and offered from cellular service providers, it does not mean that alarm systems will gain 5G functionality overnight. As you may know, a security system needs a cellular communicator to connect to a cellular network. This communicator determines which cellular network the system will access. In order for an alarm panel to connect with any given 5G network it will need a communicator that allows it to access the network. Until one of these communicators is released, security panels will have no way of connecting with 5G networks.

Historically, the release of new cellular communicators by alarm manufactures has not been an immediate process. It's fair to expect that it will take some time after the rollout of 5G for any 5G communicators to become available. In fact, there are still LTE communicators that have yet to be released for alarm systems. And LTE has been out for quite some time now. At this time, we have not received word from any alarm manufacturer on plans to release a 5G communicator for any system. And we don't expect to receive this type of news for quite some time.

Right now, we're in late 2018. Cellular service providers are only now just starting to test 5G networks in select areas. There certainly won't be any sort of nationwide 5G service until late next year at the earliest. And many cellular service providers may even wait until 2020 to rollout their networks. Of course, various 5G-compatible smartphones will be made available for these releases. But 5G communicators for alarm systems will be a lower priority. Most likely, one manufacturer will get on the ball and announce a 5G communicator. However, it probably wouldn't hit the market until at least 2020. That being said, this is only our prediction, and many things can change between now and then.

And even once a 5G module is released, it won't mean that every alarm system can suddenly use 5G communication. There will most likely only be 5G communicators made available for a very select number of alarm systems at first. We assume that the newer and most advanced systems will get priority, and it will probably be awhile before 5G communicators become available for older models. And it's fair to assume that some systems may never receive a 5G communicator, and they will only have LTE service available as their fastest cellular communication. This is fine though, as cellular service providers have repeatedly stated that their LTE networks will be supported well into the distant future.

So while 5G technology might be eagerly anticipated by the security industry, end users should not get their hopes up for any regularly used 5G communicators until 2020 or 2021. Of course, Alarm Grid will keep you up to date as we learn more about 5G networks and what customers can expect. For now, we'll keep looking forward to this exciting new technology.

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that Alarm.com has recently updated their iOS Mobile App to version 4.8. The big change that comes with this release is the ability to perform various Alarm.com functions through Siri voice commands. This is done through voice shortcuts on iOS 12.

Before this update, the only system we offered that could be used with Siri was the Honeywell Lyric Controller, which can be controlled using Apple HomeKit. But this update gives nearly every Alarm.com System a convenient new option for quick access and control. Although the feature is somewhat limited at this time, we expect additional capabilities to be announced in the coming months, including automation functionality for smart home devices.

The voice feature is only compatible with Apple iOS Version 12. This is the latest iOS version as of October 2018. A user can set up the voice feature under the App Settings Menu of the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Each voice command will need to be set up with its own unique Siri shortcut. Users can also opt to share their in-app activity so that Siri can recommend commands that are commonly used to appear on the lock screen or through spotlight search. Once the command has been set up, the user can conveniently ask Siri whenever they want to perform a basic system function.

Alarm.com iOS Version 4.8 also includes minor enhancements and fixes that should allow the app to operate more smoothly. Alarm Grid will be sure to pass on any further updates regarding Alarm.com as we learn more. Keep an eye on our blog to stay updated for the latest information.

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap, this time for September 20th through 28th. We have seven new videos from our technicians Joe, Jorge and Dylan to teach our customers how to use their security systems. Let's take a closer look and see what the Alarm Grid team has been up to.

Honeywell 5800MINI vs Honeywell SiXMINICT

Jorge explains the differences between the Honeywell 5800MINI and the Honeywell SiXMINICT sensors. These are both door and window contacts that are manufactured by Honeywell. But the Honeywell 5800MINI is a 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor that will work with most Honeywell Systems and 2GIG Systems. The SiXMINICT will only work with the Lyric Controller. Also the SiXMINICT is encrypted, while the 5800MINI is not. The devices measure similar in size, but the 5800MINI is slightly smaller.

Interlogix Simon XT Overview

Jorge provides a comprehensive overview of the Interlogix Simon XT Alarm System. The device supports 319.5 MHz sensors from Interlogix/GE and Qolsys. The system supports up to 40 zones, which is plenty for most average-sized homes and smaller businesses. But a cellular communicator is needed to receive cellular monitoring. By adding a cellular communicator, the system will be able to connect with Alarm.com and support Z-Wave smart home devices. Being able to access Alarm.com can greatly add to the end user experience.

Connecting an Interlogix XTi or XTi-5 to WIFI

Dylan explains how the Interlogix Simon XTi and Simon XTi-5 cannot connect to a WIFI network. These systems do not have a compatible WIFI card for connecting to a WIFI network. Instead, these systems can only receive monitoring service through a phone line or a cellular connection. A cellular connection is greatly preferred because it offers much faster speeds and vastly superior reliability. A compatible Alarm.com cellular communicator is needed to use a cellular connection with these systems.

Wiring a 5883H to a VISTA Security System

Joe shows users how to wire a Honeywell 5883H Wireless Transceiver to a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. The Honeywell 5883H will allow the user to use both one-way and two-way 345 MHz wireless devices with their Honeywell VISTA Panel. This includes standard alarm sensors, like door and window contacts and motion sensors, which typically use one-way communication. But it also includes add-ons that require two-way communication between the device and the system. Examples of two-way devices include keypads and wireless sirens. The 5883H will support as many sensors as the VISTA Panel supports.

Programming a Keyfob to an Interlogix Simon XT

Joe demonstrates how to set up a key fob with the Interlogix Simon XT. This is done by putting the system into its learn mode and then activating the key fob to learn it in. The system should recognize the key fob, and the user will then be able to configure its settings. This includes setting the Group Number for the sensor. Most key fobs use Group Number 1, but there are occasions to use Group Numbers 3, 6 or 7 instead.

Changing the Battery of an Interlogix Simon XTi & XTi-5

Dylan shows users how to change the battery for an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5. These systems normally rely on a plug-in AC connection for power. The backup battery will be slowly storing electricity for when the power does go out. When an electrical outage occurs, the system will automatically switch over to its backup battery power to stay running. The backup battery will need to be replaced every few years for proper operation. But it should otherwise serve as a reliable source for backup power.

How Many Keypads Can I Add to a Honeywell VISTA-20P?

Dylan explains how many keypads a user can add to their Honeywell VISTA-20P Security System. The panel will support up to eight addressable keypads and up to four advanced user interface (AUI) devices. The first keypad a user will want to add is an alphanumeric keypad, like the Honeywell 6160RF. This will allow the user to perform deep-level programming for their system. From there, they may want to add additional keypads for easier access. One thing to remember with touchscreen AUI devices is that the Total Connect service itself counts as one of the four AUI devices.