Alarm.com ADC-SEM100-CDMA Posts

We have learned that there is a new firmware update available for Alarm.com Honeywell VISTA SEM Communicators. Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61 is a free over-the-air (OTA) upgrade to ensure that SEM VISTA Panels running 187h or 187i firmware and 1.60 gateway firmware have the newest features.

In order to receive Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61, it must be pushed down manually by your alarm monitoring company. Your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System must be in a disarmed state in order for the update to go through. It is recommended that the system be kept in a disarmed state while the upgrade is completed. The entire process should take roughly 20 to 40 minutes. No action is needed while the update is being performed.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a Honeywell VISTA System using an Alarm.com SEM Communicator, then you should email us to request the update. The best email to contact us at is support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to use if you have a Honeywell VISTA Security System or any other alarm system that you are hoping to get monitored. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

When we launched Alarm Grid in 2012, we sold Honeywell equipment exclusively. We have been very slow to grow our selection because their products have proved to be so reliable. We absolutely love Honeywell. And while we're proud to have expanded our offerings to 2GIG systems and Simon communicators, our primary offering continues to be Honeywell focused.

Last year, when we added 2GIG's systems to our offerings, we also launched alarm.com at the same time. While Honeywell's products have always been coupled tightly with AlarmNet's interactive offering, Alarm.com powers the interactive services for most of the other brands. And while we believe strongly in the Total Connect product, Alarm.com has done an amazing job of offering a bit more flexibility to their offering meaning that a lot of end users prefer the Alarm.com software.

So what's a DIYer to do if they want Honeywell hardware and Alarm.com software?

Alarm.com has just released the System Enhancement Module (SEM) which allows end users to attach the unit to their wired Honeywell system (e.g. VISTA 20P, VISTA 15P) and use the Alarm.com software. Significantly cheaper than the Total Connect communicator the iGSMV4G or GSMV4G, the SEM gives the systems cellular monitoring capabilities to anyone who wants them. Additionally, the SEM provides more options to end users regarding their choice of network, currently available for LTE and CDMA.

What's more, the SEM gives end users the ability to take advantage of some incredible Z-Wave functionality that previously would have required the purchase of the VAM or the Tuxedo. Simply, for a cost of $155.99, an end user can now take advantage of everything these systems have to offer.