Industry News and Discussions Posts

We're here once again to remind you to upgrade the old 3G or CDMA cellular communicator for your alarm system to an LTE communicator! Once the associated cellular network is shut down, the old communicator will no longer work in any manner. This could leave your home or business vulnerable!

Security systems use internet and/or cellular communication to send out signals to central monitoring stations and/or interactive monitoring platforms like Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com. This is the very core principle of alarm monitoring. And if the associated communication network is shut down or fails, then alarm monitoring will become impossible.

Just like your phone, tablet, or computer, your alarm system cannot just magically send out signals. It needs equipment to accomplish this task. That equipment comes in the form of an alarm monitoring communicator. This is a piece of hardware either inside, or located nearby your alarm panel, much like what you would find inside of another electronic device that needs to communicate out and also receive incoming signals.

In the world of cellular communications, you have likely heard about the new 5G networks. These 5G networks represent the latest and greatest cellular technology available, and they are certainly going to change the game when it comes to mobile communication. But while service providers are working to develop new 5G infrastructure, they are also phasing out older technology. This includes the AT&T 3G Network and the Verizon CDMA Network.

If you have a system with a cellular communicator that works across a 3G network, such as the aforementioned AT&T 3G and Verizon CDMA Networks, then time is running out for you to upgrade. While we cannot provide an exact date of shut down, we can confirm that it is due to occur sometime in 2022.

Now, you might be thinking, "Well gee, 2022 is a long way away. I'll just wait until then." And really, we can't force you to upgrade now. We have already promised to continue supporting older communicators for as long as possible. But if you have the means to buy a new cellular communicator and keep your existing system running, then we urge you, as professionals, to make the jump sooner rather than later.

Time is moving quickly, and we can all but guarantee you that some people will not get the memo, and they will get left behind. We understand. For many people, a security system is not something that is on their minds regularly. Historically, this has been a piece of hardware that you hide away somewhere, while only interacting with a wired keypad. But don't take this deadline lightly. Make the jump sooner rather than later, and save yourself the trouble.

We are also often asked by people upgrading from 3G or CDMA which type of communicator they should get. The answer to that is an LTE communicator. LTE is the direct successor to 3G and CDMA. If you have heard the term "4G LTE", that's where LTE comes from. There have been LTE communicators available for security systems for a few years now. They work great, and they can keep a system monitored well into the very distant future.

You might be wondering why we aren't recommending a 5G alarm monitoring communicator. The truth is that 5G technology is still so new that there aren't really any 5G communicators available quite yet. We are sure that we will have some 5G communicators available to sell and promote in the near future. But for right now, LTE is the best available. And since LTE already provides fast speeds, there really won't be much difference for a security system.

Another common concern we encounter is that end users are fearful that LTE will also one day become obsolete. Our response to this concern is that LTE will most likely remain active and in place for many, many years, even decades into the future. The term LTE itself even stands for "Long Term Evolution". Cellular service providers envision 5G as the primary network of the future, with LTE infrastructure being kept in service as a reliable backup.

It's important to understand that building a new nationwide cellular network is not cheap. Every cellular service provider is spending billions to build the necessary infrastructure. To them, this is not a joke or a game. The 5G networks are being built to last. They enable the remarkably fast speeds needed to support future technology. The idea here is that they are spending huge amounts of money now so that they do not need to build new networks later.

And while 5G cellular networks are the technology of the future, the current LTE networks are also not going anywhere anytime soon. Why? They are designed to serve as backup options once 5G is fully in place. This is much like the current 3G and CDMA networks. They are a backup to the current LTE networks. If you have ever noticed that your LTE phone is also capable of using 3G, that is why. It's in case LTE is ever unavailable for some reason.

The difference with 5G is that, once in place, it is going to be the premier option for a very, very long time. The very idea of a supposed "6G network" isn't really even fathomable at the moment. We're likely talking decades from now. What you can expect in the near future is that 5G will become the primary technology, while LTE will be kept in-service as a backup.

And again, we hear some more cries from people, "Well, I'll just wait for a 5G communicator to come out." The truth is that with alarm systems, the difference between LTE and 5G really won't matter all that much. Security systems do not transmit large amounts of data. Yes, 5G might make some automation commands a hair faster. But LTE can already handle this quite well. And it's very possible that 5G communicators might not be ready before the 3G sunset.

Long story short, you should upgrade to LTE as soon as you can if you intend on using cellular communication with your security system. Remember that cellular service is much more reliable than WIFI connectivity. Even in the year 2020, internet outages are relatively common. They likely always will be. That is why users are willing to pay a premium for cellular monitoring service. Cellular all but ensures your system will always stay connected.

While your 3G or CDMA communicator might be working great right now (as it always has been), you will wake up one day (in 2022) only to find a scary "Comm Fail" message with no quick solution. And if you are cell-only, your panel will be offline, and your home or business will be vulnerable. Don't let that happen. Just make the jump to LTE as soon as you can.

Alarm Grid offers LTE cellular communicators for many types of alarm systems. We can help you get exactly what you need so your transition is as seamless as possible. As of this writing, there won't be any increase in your monthly bill. You will pay exactly the same monthly fee for cellular monitoring service using a new LTE communicator as what you pay with a 3G or CDMA communicator now. You only need to buy the new LTE module. That's it.

And if you're worried about needing to install your new LTE communicator, fear not! These devices are super easy to install. And if you're monitored by Alarm Grid, we will be more than happy to help you through the installation process. That's our job. Every day, we encounter new and inexperienced users and help them monitor their homes and businesses. And that includes keeping existing systems running. We love what we do, and we're happy to help.

Maybe you aren't sure which LTE communicator you need for your system? Hey, we totally understand! It's not like you're completely obsessed with this stuff (like we are). Just shoot us an email with a picture of your panel, and we can help you explore your options. If you can get us a picture of the panel's inside with its current communicator, then that's even better!

Like always, the best email to reach us is support@alarmgrid.com. We'd love to hear from you, whether you're an existing Alarm Grid customer, or if you're looking for the very best in DIY security. Maybe you would prefer to talk on the phone? That's cool too. Our number is (888) 818-7728, and we happily answer phones from 9am to 8pm ET Monday thru Friday.

Our goal is to make the 3G and CDMA sunset as easy and as seamless for our customers (and future customers) as possible. The time to take action is now. We can help you get what you need so that you and the people around you stay safe and protected. The 3G sunset is serious, and we don't want you to get left behind. Please, upgrade now. We are grateful to have you as a member of the Alarm Grid family, and we look forward to hearing from you.

We have learned that DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems and the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Commercial Stream Video Recorder have new updates available. Both updates are quite minor. The PowerSeries NEO update (Version 1.36) can be requested from ADC. The ADC-CSVR126 update will be pushed automatically.

You may recall last week that there was an update for PowerSeries NEO Communicators. Well this one is for the NEO panel itself. It includes a minor fix related to the operation of interconnected smoke and heat detectors and their visual verification feature. Alarm Grid customers can contact us to push the upgrade from Alarm.com. If the update is sent across cellular, then a small fee may be charged by Alarm.com, and will be applied to your next bill.

As for the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Commercial Stream Video Recorder, its new update merely updates the certificates the device uses with the Alarm.com platform. End users should not notice any change in the device's performance. Updates will be pushed down automatically over time, but you can also have the update pushed down manually if desired. No charge is required to do so. For reference, the new firmware is Firmware V4.1.10.190628.

The best way for an Alarm Grid customer to request one of these updates is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And if you are interested in becoming an Alarm Grid customer with access to Alarm.com, please check out our monitoring page We look forward to hearing from you!

Today marks the first day for many of us at Alarm Grid in returning to our headquarters! After working from home for the past couple of months, we are eager to come back. We are returning in waves, so not everyone will be back at once. This is due to new health and safety requirements.

Unfortunately, our support technicians and our planners won't be returning to the office for a few more weeks. This will allow us to better-conform with CDC guidelines. And as per new occupational safety requirements, we have already outfitted our headquarters with some upgrades to encourage social distancing. We intend on being completely safe and cautious with our transition back.

With our technicians and planners continuing to work from home, nothing will change in terms of your end user experience. Any orders will continue to be sent out by our shipping team like normal. Just keep in mind that some products may be backordered. If you want to make sure that an item is in stock, just contact us, and we'll be happy to check.

We can say that since our content team is returning, we will have some long-awaited videos being uploaded soon! Our usual video stars won't be returning right away, so you'll have to settle for a few of myself. We think our regular guys will be back soon though!

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, us included. But we are proud to say that we have made an excellent transition to working from home. And now, we're excited to get back to our usual spot!

If you would like to learn more about Alarm Grid or sign-up for monitoring, the best way to contact us is by email at support@alarmgrid.com. If you want to reach us by phone it's (888) 818-7728. We operate business hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that a firmware update for the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad is available. Honeywell 6290W Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002 corrects an issue where the keypad Disarm screen does not automatically appear when the Honeywell VISTA System goes into its Entry Delay.

Resideo never made a public announcement about Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002, so it's possible that it may have already been out for a little while. However, we only just heard about it the other day. Although the change it makes is relatively minor, having the Disarm screen automatically appear when the system is in its Entry Delay should make things more convenient for end users. That way, you won't have to manually pull up the Disarm screen when entering the premises and disarming your system. We recommend upgrading to the latest firmware as soon as possible if you haven't already.

Firmware updates for the Honeywell 6290W are provided automatically over-the-air (OTA) from the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers. They are not pushed down manually, so there is no need to contact us to request the update. However, you must enable WIFI and enable Remote Upgrading for the keypad in order for the update to be automatically sent down. Once the 6290W has checked-in with the AlarmNet Server, the update will be put into a queue and pushed down as soon as possible. This usually occurs within 24 to 48 hours of the keypad checking-in. Alarm Grid recently uploaded a document that shows the process for enabling WIFI and Remote Upgrading, which you can view here.

As a quick reference, WIFI is enabled by pressing the Settings icon (the gear) on the main screen, followed by "System WIFI". From there, toggle the WIFI option, and select the desired WIFI network. Enter the network's password, and click on Connect. Once the process is complete, return to the home screen by clicking on the picture of the house. Next, enable Remote Updating by clicking the Settings icon again and choosing System Info. Click on the Enable Remote Upgrade option to turn on the feature. You can then return home.

Remember, the Settings icon for the keypad looks like .

If you are monitored by Alarm Grid and you need additional assistance enabling OTA updates, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check for new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: After the update is pushed down to the keypad, it will only be applied once the system is in a disarmed state with no faulted zones and no trouble conditions, including low battery or AC power loss. The update will also be delayed if the system is in programming mode or if there is a zone in alarm memory. The keypad will reboot as part of the update process.

Alarm.com has announced that Firmware Update 189G is now available for DSC PowerSeries NEO Dual-Path Communicators. Both the DSC TL880LEAT N AT&T & IP Dual-Path Communicator and the DSC TL880LTVZ N Verizon & IP Dual-Path Communicator can receive the new update from the Alarm.com servers.

Firmware Update 189G provides multiple stability fixes, and it resolves some issues that have been known to affect DSC PowerSeries NEO Communicators. It is recommended that anyone using a DSC PowerSeries NEO with a dual-path communicator for use with Alarm.com has the update pushed down to their system as soon as possible. Any DSC PowerSeries NEO System with a DSC TL880LEAT N or a DSC TL880LTVZ N can receive the update. This includes the DSC HS2016NK, the DSC HS2032NK, the DSC HS2064NK, and the DSC HS2128NK, which are all sold by Alarm Grid.

As is the case with any Alarm.com Firmware Update, there may be a small fee to push this update down to your panel. This fee is applicable if the update is forced to be sent across a cellular network. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, then we will simply add the fee to your next monitoring bill. If your NEO System is properly configured for both IP and cellular, then the update should be sent across the internet, and no fee should be applied.

Remember that this update is for the Alarm.com Dual-Path NEO Communicators only. The update is not for the cell-only communicators. If you have either the DSC TL880LEAT or the DSC TL880LTVZ (the non-N models), then you do not need to request this update. If you have a DSC PowerSeries NEO System that is monitored by Alarm Grid and you aren't sure which communicator you have, then you can email us, and we will be happy to check.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a DSC PowerSeries NEO System and one of the Alarm.com Dual-Path Communicators, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com to request the firmware update. Please make sure that your NEO System is powered on and connected with Alarm.com servers so that the update can be pushed down successfully. Our support team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

There have been ongoing reports that a recent batch of Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Audio Takeover Modules are unable to interface with Honeywell Panels. We believe that this issue is temporary and that future batches will not have this problem. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you aren't familiar with the FF345, it is a smoke detector and CO detector listening module that actively listens for the distinct sound of an activated smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor. Any high-voltage or conventional smoke detector that produces the corresponding Temporal 3 sound, as well as any CO detector that produces the Temporal 4 sound, can be used with the FF345. By enrolling the FF345 with your system and installing it within six (6) inches of your existing smoke detector or CO sensor, you can indirectly "takeover" the existing unit and have it operate as a true life-safety sensor on your system.

Normally, the FF345 operates on the same 345 MHz wireless frequency as the Honeywell 5800 Sensors. This makes it compatible with the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, any Honeywell VISTA Panel with an added wireless receiver, the 2GIG Panels, and the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Recent reports have indicated that a new batch of FF345 sensors is not compatible with the aforementioned Honeywell Panels. We also believe that compatibility with the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus may be affected, though this has not been tested or confirmed. Our understanding is that these sensors will still work just fine with the 2GIG Panels, including the 2GIG GC2, 2GIG GC2e, 2GIG GC3, and 2GIG GC3e.

Alarm Grid is currently having conversations with the manufacturer and our suppliers to determine a solution to this problem. We understand that many of our customers rely on FF345 devices to takeover existing hardwired smoke detectors and CO detectors. This problem is of great concern to us, as we strive to provide our customers with a simple and effective solution for integrating life-safety sensors with their systems. We will provide further updates as we learn more.

About a month ago, Alarm.com started a special demand response program for Baltimore Gas & Electric customers who use Alarm.com for smart thermostat control. We are now proud to say that a similar cost-savings program is now open to customers of LA Dept. of Water & Power (LADWP).

Demand response programs, such as the one between ADC and LADWP, are designed to help mitigate demand for electricity during peak hours. Alarm.com customers who enroll in this new program can earn valuable rewards, including credits that go towards their energy bills. These savings will be in addition to the cost-saving benefits of owning a smart thermostat in the first place. This program is virtually identical to the previous partnership between Alarm.com and Baltimore Gas & Electric, which you can read about here.

By enrolling in this program, you will be allowing LADWP to make small temperature adjustments to any smart thermostat that has been enrolled with your Alarm.com account. These temperature adjustments are expected to be very small and only occur during peak demand hours, such as during a hot summer afternoon, when nearly everyone is expected to be running an AC system. This program is completely optional, and no additional equipment is required. You just need to be both an LADWP customer and an Alarm.com customer with a smart thermostat enrolled on your system.

All Alarm.com customers who use one or more smart thermostat devices with their accounts should soon be receiving a notification about this new programming through both the Alarm.com website and mobile app sometime in the near future. This will include information on getting started. If you sill have any additional questions about this program, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. You might also want to contact your energy provider directly to see if there are any similar demand response programs available in your area. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that the 2GIG Go!Bridge IP Communicator has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available to be purchased. Existing units can still be used, including any units that have not yet been activated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you are not familiar with the 2GIG Go!Bridge, it is an IP communicator for the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC2e Security Systems. Using this module will allow your GC2 or GC2e to communicate with Alarm.com across the internet. As such, the Go!Bridge can be used instead of, or in addition to, an LTE cellular communicator. However, you will still need to pay the full-price for an Alarm.com cellular monitoring plan if you are using the module by itself.

With the Go!Bridge being discontinued, there is now no available IP communicator for a GC2 or GC2e System. The best way to get one of these systems online is by using an LTE communicator. Alarm Grid offers both the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC2 AT&T LTE Communicator and the 2GIG LTEV-A-GC2 Verizon LTE Communicator for this purpose. You may also need a 2GIG UPCBL2 Updater Cable or a 2GIG UPDV Updater Tool to upgrade your system to the latest firmware. We also recommend checking our 2GIG GC2 Firmware Update Page for more information. For reference, the latest firmware is Version 1.19.3.

Remember that any Alarm Grid customer activating a 2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC2e will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Cellular-Only Plan. Although the Go!Bridge is an IP communicator, a customer will still need to pay the equivalent for cellular monitoring to use it. Since cellular monitoring is more reliable anyway, we have avoided recommending the 2GIG Go!Bridge for monitoring service in the past. Instead, we have steered customers towards the AT&T and Verizon LTE Communicators mentioned above. Keep in mind that if you have an existing Go!Bridge Communicator, it can still be used for monitoring as needed.

For those hoping to save money with an IP-only monitoring plan, we recommend looking at a different panel for that purpose. A great panel for IP-only monitoring is the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. That panel has a built-in WIFI card specifically for this purpose. You may also check out this page to learn more about all of the different monitoring plans offered by Alarm Grid.

If you would like to learn more about our monitoring services, or if you have any questions about getting your system monitored, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our experts check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you get monitored as quickly and as easily as possible!

A minor update was recently made on Alarm.com to allow end users to view the recent activity history for their smart lights. Any Z-Wave light programmed with your Alarm.com Security System will now appear on the Activity page when it is turned ON/OFF or has its brightness level adjusted.

If you are not familiar with the Activity page on Alarm.com, it is a useful tool that lets you see recent events involving both your security system and your Alarm.com account. You can check this page to see when your system was armed, disarmed, or went into alarm mode. And thanks to a new update from Alarm.com, users will now be able to see the activity history for their smart lights.

According to Alarm.com, their Activity page will now display events for lights being turned ON and OFF. Alarm.com will also display when a dimmable light has had its brightness level adjusted. Each documented lighting event will include the exact hour and minute of the day when it took place. If you ever need to prove that the lights were Turned ON or OFF at a specific time, Alarm.com can now serve as hard evidence.

While this new feature might not seem like big news, it can be quite useful for monitoring your home or business. A light being turned ON or OFF at an unexpected time could be something worth investigating. And having the exact timestamp for the lighting activity can serve as strong evidence in many situations.

Accessing the Activity page on your Alarm.com account is super easy. Simply login to your Alarm.com account through a web browser. Then click the Activity button on the left-hand side. This will take you to the Activity page so that you can review all recent system activity. Remember that other events like Arming, Disarming, Alarm Events, and logging into your Alarm.com account will also be displayed on this screen.

The picture below shows the activity page for our demo account. As you can see, it now shows light activity for a light named Office and another called Hallway.

You can also use the Activity page to search for specific events and download your Activity log in PDF or CSV format. This is a great place to quickly review all the activity on your alarm system. It can be really useful for determining a true timeline of the events that occurred in your home or business.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Activity page, or if you are interested in signing up for monitoring service, 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!

Alarm Grid welcomes you to June! The year has certainly flown by. While there have been some challenges, we're here to help you take a step back from it all, and instead focus on the ever-exciting world of security and home automation! Here is what you can expect soon from Alarm Grid.

Next Generation Systems

If you follow this blog regularly, then you will already know that the Resideo PROA7PLUS from Honeywell Home and the Qolsys IQ Hub will soon be entering the market as brand-new, state-of-the-art security systems. Both are expected to be fantastic options for anyone looking to outfit their home or business with a new system. We also believe that they will be great for existing security system users who want to spice things up with a brand new panel upgrade. While we unfortunately cannot provide an official release date for either of these systems just yet, we can say that they are coming soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Home Automation for Summer

Summer is a great time to get started with home automation. As we have outlined previously, nearly all Alarm Grid customers have a system that can readily support Z-Wave Smart Home devices. A popular option for the summer months is to outfit the home with a new Z-Wave thermostat that can be controlled from anywhere. That way, you can enjoy maximum energy savings, while still returning to a home that is cool and comfortable. We also sell other smart home devices, such as smart lights and smart door locks. And if you are a regular iOS user, you might also consider building around the Apple HomeKit platform.

ISC West 2020 in October

We just wanted to give a friendly reminder that ISC West 2020 has been pushed back to October this year. We know all the security enthusiasts out there are accustomed to having the event in the spring time. But we believe that an autumn ISC West will be a nice change of pace. And it also gives manufacturers more time to truly bring their A-game. Just like last year, Alarm Grid will have a full team on the demonstration floor covering the exciting action. We're sure that there will be a few surprises along the way, and you certainly won't want to miss this year's edition!

Get Monitored!

Remember that the only way to truly unlock the full potential of your security system is with Alarm Grid monitoring service. We have monitoring plans for all budgets and security and automation needs. If you haven't already, make sure to check out our monitoring page. You can also review this prior post to learn about our monitoring plans in full detail. If you have any questions, you are free to email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. Our support and planner teams check email Monday thru Friday from 9am to 8pm ET. We look forward to hearing from you!