Industry News and Discussions Posts

Hi DIYers! Last week, we sent a small team to Silicon Valley, California to check out the 2019 Qolsys Summit. Needless to say, we were absolutely blown away with what Qolsys will soon be offering. Today, we would like to focus on some of their new industry-changing products in the pipeline.

The biggest highlight of the Qolsys Summit was the opportunity to check out the newest upcoming panel from the company, the Qolsys IQ Hub. The IQ Hub represents the vision of Qolsys to bring home security closer and more accessible to the average consumer than ever before. This is truly the optimal system for any budget-conscious consumer who wants to bring state-of-the-art security and technology into their home. It is slated for a Q1 2020 release.

We do not have all the details on the Qolsys IQ Hub quite yet. But there is still a lot that we can talk about. The most obvious addition to the Qolsys IQ Hub is its prominent speaker on the front. Qolsys is expected to introduce some mind-blowing integrations for the system that will turn your alarm control panel into a compact entertainment center.

Remember that Alarm.com already offers an excellent Sonos integration. We are sure that the IQ Hub will take full advantage of this feature and truly put it to great use. Our team did get a chance to test the IQ Hub sound quality, and we can confirm it sounds just as good as any high-end portable speaker. This is highly impressive, and we expect many users to be thrilled that their alarm system can now essentially double as a party-starter.

The next aspect you will likely notice about the IQ Hub is its standout display screen. This is a 7" touchscreen display that appears to have even higher resolution than any existing security system on the market. We do not have the exact specifications on the screen just yet, but it certainly passes the eyeball test. And as you can see from the photo above, the slideshow feature returns. Get ready to show-off some of your best photos on the Qolsys IQ Hub!

As we mentioned earlier, Qolsys seems to be envisioning the IQ Hub as a way to make the home security market more accessible to the average consumer. The new system is not expected to replace the existing Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, but it is anticipated to have a lower price point. We also expect many existing features to return to the IQ Hub, including built-in WIFI, Bluetooth connectivity, cellular LTE, and Z-Wave Plus functionality.

One thing that will not be returning to the IQ Hub is support for legacy sensors (e.g. 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz devices). The new system will be entirely PowerG, and you will need to use those sensors with the system. This is fine, as PowerG Sensors offer an impressive wireless range of up 2,000 feet when used with the IQ Hub in open air. They also utilize military grade 128-bit AES encryption in all their communication to ensure maximum wireless security.

Another interesting note about the panel is that it is not designed to be opened up. This is a significant change from most existing security systems, where you will occasionally need to open up the panel to make hardware changes. The battery on the IQ Hub is sled-replaceable, and it can easily be swapped out by the end user with little effort. All of the hardware is built right in, so you will never have to make any changes in that regard. Talk about DIY friendly!

Qolsys made other various enhancements to the IQ Hub System. They touted an improved integrated camera, and it can even double as a motion sensor by detecting changes in pixelation. We also expect this feature to be used in conjunction with Alarm.com so that you can take a peak-in at your home while you're on the go. You will also notice the LED light on the front of the panel. This light changes colors to let you know the current system status. How cool!

The system also features a built-in microphone that you can use to get alerts regarding loud sounds. You can even adjust the minimum sound level required to trigger alerts. This is perfect for parents who want to know if their baby is fussing or for owners of rental properties who may want to be alerted if their guests are throwing a loud party. It's just another way that Qolsys is working hard to keep you connected with your home.

We do expect that there will be some hardware limitations of the IQ Hub when compared with the IQ Panel 2 Plus, especially when you consider the anticipated lower price point. Qolsys most likely reduced costs by dropping legacy sensor support. It's also possible that the IQ Hub will support fewer zones than the IQ Panel 2 Plus (128 zones). But we cannot confirm the exact number of zone on the IQ Hub at this time. The IQ Hub is also slightly larger than the existing IQ2+ due to the added speaker.

As stated earlier, the Qolsys IQ Hub is scheduled for a Q1 2020 release. This groundbreaking new system is sure to make some big waves in the security industry, and we are confident that it will help many new users get their start with home security. We can't wait for its release, and we hope you're excited too!

Qolsys also unveiled another interesting product at the event, the Qolsys IQ Router. At first glance, you might be wondering what's the big deal. What's so exciting about an IP router? Well Qolsys packed in some game-changing features that are sure to make the IQ Router the perfect addition to your IQ Hub or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. It is sure to make your life more convenient in many ways. And we can also confirm, it is dual-band with support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz!

At the basic level, the IQ Router is exactly what it sounds like, an internet router. It replaces the existing router for your home's IP network. But what you get with the router is pretty ingenious. Any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System or Qolsys IQ Hub connected with the IQ Router can be accessed remotely by your alarm monitoring company for programming purposes. This is similar to what the DSC Iotega offers. But with the Qolsys Systems, it is optional rather than mandatory.

Of course, if you don't want your monitoring company accessing your panel, then you can disable the feature. But it's pretty nice if you want assistance with programming new devices. One thing you will certainly love is its ability to auto-discover your IQ Hub System and automatically enroll it with your WIFI network. You can even configure your IP settings right from the IQ Hub. This truly makes the IQ Hub the central controller for your entire network!

Another innovation from the IQ Router is the ability to auto-enroll guest WIFI devices. In other words you can get any visitors on your WIFI network, without making them enter a long, tedious password. The way this works is that your guest will request to join the network from their IP device. You will then approve the request from either your IQ Hub or an app on your phone. And just like that, your guest will be connected with your WIFI network. Super convenient!

As you will notice, the Qolsys IQ Router only has one (1) LAN port for connecting a hardwired ethernet device. This isn't a big deal, as most users might not even need one. If you need additional ports, then you can easily connect a network switch to the router and use it however you would like.

But one very exciting feature of the IQ Router is its ability to support up to eight (8) WIFI extenders or access points. This makes it truly suitable for even large commercial locations! The router facilitates a total mesh network to help ensure that all of your IP devices stay connected across even an incredibly expansive area. Whether your needs are big or small, you are sure to get great use out of the new IQ Router! Qolsys states that it should be out by the end of this year.

We would like to end this post with some smaller product announcements we heard at the Qolsys Summit. A PowerG 360-Degree Ceiling-Mount PIR Motion Sensor called the PG9862 was unveiled. This sensor is perfect for use in closets or in commercial locations where corner-mounting is not feasible. The PG9862 is available from Alarm Grid now, and you can get it right here.

Lastly, we heard rumors about a much-anticipated PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter. This is huge news, as it will allow you to takeover an existing hardwired system and use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus or Qolsys IQ Hub in its place. And of course, all your hardwired sensors will enjoy the amazing range and security of the PowerG wireless protocol. We do not have any other details on the PowerG Converter at this time, but we will definitely keep our eyes peeled.

We hope that you are eagerly awaiting all of these new products just like we are! This was truly an awesome event that Qolsys put on, and we are thankful that we got to be a part of it. We are hopeful that Qolsys hosts a similar gathering next year in 2020! For now, check out these new and upcoming products, and email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions or thoughts. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. As usual, we look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we are promoting a new add-on package available for Alarm.com users. Alarm Grid is now proud to offer the Alarm.com Wellness Platform for customers receiving service from Alarm.com. This robust add-on is perfect for anyone with an elderly or mobility challenged loved one.

If you have an elderly, disabled, or mobility challenged loved one, then you are likely aware of the challenges involved. On one hand, you want to respect their privacy and allow them to live as independently as possible. But you also want to make sure that they are kept safe and that they can get help if needed. We have seen many offerings through the years that help users accomplish this goal. But the Alarm.com Wellness Platform might the most complete yet.

Just last week, we talked about some of the new Alarm.com wellness sensors. It seems Alarm.com is really pushing this market with their all-new wellness platform. This is more than just an emergency alert button or an occupancy sensor. This is an entire platform and user interface (UI) designed to monitor your loved one's activity and let you know about any unusual occurrences. This is yet another great way to take advantage of your Alarm.com Security System.

The Alarm.com Wellness Platform provides you with many great features that are perfect for monitoring your loved one. You can receive text and/or email alerts from the platform so that you are kept informed about any important activity. Below are just some of the ways you can use the platform:

• Establish patterns of your loved one's usual activity, and receive alerts if activity occurs at an unusual time.
• Make sure your loved one is active and moving around like normal.
• Receive alerts regarding any strange or suspicious wandering or activity at odd hours.
• Set automated security and smart home functions to make your loved one's life easier.
• Integrate with personal emergency response pendants to know if your loved one needs help.
• Monitor your loved one's activity, including how long they stay in bed, remain seated, or spend time outside.
• Create an organized method for keeping track of caregivers and knowing when they come and go.

Once you have your Alarm.com account enabled for the wellness platform, you can start creating specific wellness alerts regarding the activity you want to monitor. This will allow you to know that your loved one is alright, while still maintaining their independence and privacy. Alarm.com has also released a variety of products designed to be used with the platform. At this time, we are offering the following Alarm.com Wellness Products:

• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 345 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 433 MHz Bed Sensor
• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Chair Sensor
• Alarm.com 319.5 MHz Emergency Button
• Alarm.com 345 MHz Emergency Button
• Alarm.com 433 MHz Emergency Button

The Alarm.com Wellness Platform is also great for pairing with fall pendants. These pendants go above and beyond the typical medical alert button. These devices feature built-in accelerometers that will trigger an emergency medical response upon sensing a fall. This way, your loved one will still receive help even if they fall and are unable to press the button themselves. We currently have two (2) fall pendants available:

• 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant (345 MHz)
• Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant (319.5 MHz)

We also want to give a special shout-out to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus for its innovations in the wellness arena. As part of Firmware Version 2.4.0, the panel offers a Wellness Menu that allows for nurses and/or caregivers to check-in/out as needed. You can easily integrate this feature with the Alarm.com Wellness Platform as well. This Wellness Menu also offers a big auxiliary panic button in case of an emergency. You can enable the menu from within Installer Settings.

In order to use the Alarm.com Wellness Platform, you must first have a monitoring plan that includes Alarm.com service. If you are monitored with Alarm Grid, you will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). More information is available on our monitoring page. From there, you will also need your monitoring company to enable the Wellness Platform add-on package on your account. Please note that enabling this service may result in an increase to your monthly monitoring fee.

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you are looking to add this service to your account, we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information. You may also email us if you have any questions about this platform. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Keep that in mind if you email us outside of our usual business hours. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions about the ADC Wellness Platform!

Alarm Grid has learned that Interlogix will start shutting down its business in North America by the end of 2019. The company states that it will concentrate on growth in other fire and security businesses. Interlogix says that it will follow-through on any existing warranty obligations.

This is a surprising turn of events, considering Interlogix has very recently released new equipment, including the Interlogix Simon XTi-5i Security Panel. But on the other hand, it isn't too shocking when you consider that Interlogix likely couldn't compete with some of the other big names in the security industry. This includes Qolsys, who just announced that they would begin manufacturing their IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States.

If you have an existing Interlogix System, do not worry. Alarm Grid will continue to provide effective and reliable monitoring for you panel. There is no reason for monitoring platforms like Alarm.com to drop support for existing communicators. You should also have no problem activating a new communicator for an Interlogix Panel. If you move into a new home and find an Interlogix Panel on the wall, there is a great chance you will be able to use it with Alarm Grid!

Anyway, we will be sad to see Interlogix go. We wish them the best in whatever endeavors they decide to take on moving forward. But there are still some outstanding security companies like Qolsys, Resideo, and Nortek that are continuing to innovate and release impressive equipment. We expect great things on the horizon for the security industry moving forward.

One of our favorite alarm system manufacturers Qolsys has announced that they will begin manufacturing the IQ Panel 2 Plus in the United States. Thanks to a newly formed partnership with Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), the security system will now be assembled in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin.

According to Qolsys, the panel will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI. Qolsys has stated that the move will help the company maintain high-quality and consistent manufacturing. It will also improve their delivery speeds and help them expand their overall global presence. The company will still continue to operate its existing facility in Juarez, Mexico. This is just another location for Qolsys to produce industry-leading products.

We believe that this is an excellent move for Qolsys, as the company will benefit greatly from the manufacturing, production, and supply chain expertise of FII. It is also great news to hear of a security system manufacturer bringing more jobs to the USA. As you may know, Qolsys is based out of San Jose, CA, and they have regularly provided some great innovations for the security industry. Their IQ Panel 2 Plus System has received widespread praise for features like PowerG support, automatic Bluetooth disarming, live-streaming for ADC Cameras, partitioning and more.

Alarm Grid congratulates Qolsys on the recent move, and we look forward to their continued success. If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus or any Qolsys product, you can reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our technical support hours are from 9am to 8pm EST. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect security system for your needs.

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we have some new wellness sensors available from Alarm.com. These are great for use with elderly or mobility challenged loved ones. There is an Alarm.com Bed Sensor and an Alarm.com Chair Sensor available on our website. Both operate at 319.5 MHz.

Having peace of mind in knowing that your elderly or mobility challenged loved one is alright can be very important. That is why Alarm.com created these new wellness sensors. They both work in a similar manner. The bed sensor will let you know when your loved one gets in and out of bed. The chair sensor will let you know when they sit down and get up from their usual chair. Both will activate upon sensing 50+ pounds of weight.

These wellness sensors are known as "occupancy sensors". We don't talk about these sensors fairly often, but they are relatively easy to understand. When your loved one is sitting down or in bed, the sensor will be in an "occupied" state. And when the bed or chair is empty, the sensor will enter a "vacant" state. Your system will announce whenever there is a change in status for the sensor.

But the real beauty in these sensors comes in their ability to be used with the Alarm.com platform. You can get text and/or email alerts regarding any sensor activity. It is also possible to configure notifications so that you only get alerts during certain times of day. This way you can set a schedule based around your loved one's usual activity.

The bed sensor is quite useful when paired with the "Sensor Left Open" notification. You might set up a notification to be sent if your loved one is out of bed for more than an hour. And you can also set a time frame so that notifications are only sent during periods when they are almost certainly in bed, say between midnight and 6am. That way, if your loved one gets out of bed in the middle of the night and suffers a fall and is unable to make it back, you will get an alert.

Even better is the new Alarm.com Wellness Platform that allows for even more detailed notifications. You might set up alerts to be sent if your loved one never gets out of bed in the morning, or if they have remained seated for an unusually long period of time. We hope to show-off the feature in greater detail sometime soon. For now, just be aware that it is available upon request for Alarm.com users. Remember, Alarm Grid customers need a Gold Plan or higher to use ADC.

At this time, we are only offering 319.5 MHz versions of the bed and chair sensors. You will need a compatible 319.5 MHz system to use them. Examples include the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ 319.5 MHz Daughtercard and the Interlogix Simon Alarm Panels. For the IQ2, we recommend using Sensor Group 25 - Local Safety Sensor and an Occupancy Sensor Type. For an Interlogix Panel, you should use either Sensor Group 40 (chime) or 27 (no chime).

We expect other wireless frequencies to be available sometime in the near future. We will let you know once we have them available. If you have any questions about these new sensors or the new Alarm.com Wellness Platform, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to inform you that the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 AT&T LTE Communicator is here! This cellular communicator works with both the original 2GIG GC3 and the new 2GIG GC3e. By installing and activating this communicator, you can use your 2GIG Security System with Alarm.com.

In order to use this communicator, your 2GIG GC3 or 2GIG GC3e System must be running Firmware Version 3.2.3 or higher. This update can be pushed down to your panel from Alarm.com by your monitoring company for a small fee. Alarm Grid customers can contact us to do this. You can also apply the update locally at the panel using a USB drive. Updating locally is completely free. More information on how to apply the update locally can be found here.

Once you have installed and activated the communicator, you will be able to control your system using Alarm.com. This includes both the Alarm.com website and the Alarm.com Mobile App for Android and iOS devices. By accessing Alarm.com, you can arm/disarm, check current system status, control Z-Wave devices, and more. Just remember that you will need a compatible monitoring plan, such as a Gold or Platinum Plan from Alarm Grid.

The important thing about this communicator is that it works across the AT&T LTE Network. Cellular service providers like AT&T intend to keep their LTE networks running well into the very distant future. They have invested huge amounts of money into these networks, and they intend to use them for the long-term. An LTE communicator like the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 AT&T LTE Communicator is an excellent investment, as it will keep your system monitored for many years to come. We also sell LTE communicators for other security systems here.

If you have any questions about the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 or any other cellular communicator, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You should also email us if you are an Alarm Grid customer looking to have a firmware update pushed down to your panel. Remember that over-the-air (OTA) updates for these panels will incur a small fee. We pass this fee along to our customers with no mark-up. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to learn that Firmware Version 2.4.0 is now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The update can easily be applied at the panel or pushed from Alarm.com. Many new features and automation capabilities come included with the firmware update.

The following updates to the system are applied with Firmware Version 2.4.0:

Improved User Interface (UI)
- Ability to Hide Security, Lock, and Thermostat Pages
- Dynamic Screen Lock Page - Enable Independently from Partitions
- All-New Automation & Wellness Pages

Improved Partitions 2.0
- Global Arming
- Bluetooth Disarming by Partition

LiftMaster MyQ Garage Control
- New Panel UI for LiftMaster Garage Door Devices Paired w/ Alarm.com

ADC Scene Control
- Control Alarm.com Scenes Directly from Panel

IQ Remote Enhancements
- Alarm.com Videos thru Built-In Camera
- Live-Stream ADC Cameras and Video Doorbell thru IQ Remote (No Audio)
- Connectivity Improvements

Home Automation
- Support for Z-Wave Version 6.81.03 - Including S2 Security & SmartStart
- Note: Only for Panels Manufactured w/ 2.4.0 & Above; Not for Panels Receiving Update OTA
- Support for LQI 2 (link quality indicators)
- Emergency Heat Mode for Z-Wave Thermostats now supported

PowerG
- PowerG Modem Firmware Update 80.25
- Fixes Compatibility with the DSC PG9312 Outdoor Contact

Panel Motion
- Sensitivity Settings - High, Medium, Low
- Mask-Off Up to Four (4) Distinct Areas

Other
- QR Code Scanning for S-Line Sensor Enrollment (319.5 MHz Panel Only)
- Language Improvements

While we will certainly be showing off these features in greater detail sometime in the near future, for now we just want to show you how to download the new firmware. You can have the update pushed down automatically from the Alarm.com servers free of charge. Alarm Grid customers can do this by emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com. You will need to have the panel monitored with Alarm Grid and connected to WIFI for us to do this.

But the easiest way to update is to apply the update yourself at the panel. Again, make sure your system is monitored and connected to WIFI before you begin. It will also need to be plugged-in and not have a low-battery condition. Start from the main screen of the system. Click on the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > type in iqpanel2.4.0 > OK > Upgrade Using Network. If done correctly, the new firmware update should be downloaded. Once it has been completely downloaded, press "OK" to begin the update process. The panel will reboot as part of the update. The entire process will take around five (5) minutes and is complete after the reboot.

If you have any questions about this update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. This looks to be a very exciting update for the IQ Panel 2 plus, and we can't wait for you to check it out. We will be showing off some of these features in greater detail in the coming days. Keep checking our blog for more information!

In observance of Labor Day, Alarm Grid is closed Monday, September 2, 2019. We will not be answering phone calls or checking support emails during this time. Any customer who needs to reach us during this time should email support@alarmgrid.com. We will reply back as soon as possible.

We would also like to use this opportunity to provide an update on Hurricane Dorian. As you may know, the main headquarters for Alarm Grid is located in South Florida. It is very likely that we will experience at least some of the effects of the hurricane. As a result, it is possible that our main headquarters may be closed Tuesday, September 3, 2019. It is impossible for us to make that determination at this time. We just want to make you aware of that possibility.

Alarm Grid has a couple of smaller offices further north in the United States that will not be affected by the hurricane. These offices will maintain business as usual Tuesday, September 3rd, regardless of what happens to our main headquarters. These technicians will still be around to answer your calls and reply to your emails. But please understand that we may be working with a limited staff. Additionally, it's possible that there may be shipping delays on orders. Again, we cannot confirm anything at this time. We are only making you aware of what might happen. We appreciate your understanding.

We also want to make it very clear that Hurricane Dorian will NOT affect your monitoring service. As you know, Alarm Grid is partnered with Criticom Monitoring Services for alarm monitoring. Criticom operates three (3) stations - one in Florida, one in California, and one in New Jersey. It is possible that the Florida station may go offline during the storm. If that happens, any incoming signals will be rerouted to one of the other monitoring centers. A central station will still be alerted to any alarm that may occur on your system, and action will be taken. This redundancy is a big reason why we chose Criticom as our monitoring partner.

Again, we are not saying that the Criticom Florida monitoring station will go offline. We are just making you aware of that possibility. And even if it does, it will have no impact on any of our monitored customers. To anyone being affected by Hurricane Dorian, we understand what you are going through. We wish you nothing but safety for yourself and your loved ones. Please stay safe and take proper precaution during this storm. We all hope to be back tomorrow to provide you with outstanding service and support. And if circumstances prevent that, we will be back as soon as possible.

If you need to reach us by phone, you can contact us at (888) 818-7728 tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3. Remember that our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST. Thank you for your support, and have a happy and safe Labor Day.

Alarm Grid is very happy to announce that the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 is now available for purchase from our website. This device serves as the central hub for a Lutron Smart Lighting setup. It offers a brand-new integration with Alarm.com for added flexibility and control.

It's funny, we were just talking about Lutron the other day and how great their lighting products are. We didn't know that just a few days later we would be talking about the exciting Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2. This hub supports all of the same great integrations and features as the original Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. These integrations include Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Nest, Sonos Sound, and more.

But the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 adds the ability to integrate your Lutron Lights with Alarm.com. This is huge news for anyone with an Alarm.com Security System. Now you can control your Lutron devices and your security system from the super convenient Alarm.com App. You can even include your Lutron Lights with smart scenes for automatic operation based on a schedule or with certain system events!

If you are not familiar with Lutron Lights, then prepare to have your life brightened! These smart lights offer a multitude of great features that help them outshine similar products. By using the free-to-download Lutron App, you can create smart schedules to have your lights turn ON and OFF at set times of the day.

The Lutron App also supports Geofencing features to have your lights respond based on the location of your smartphone. This is great if you want to have your lights turn ON automatically when you arrive home, or shut OFF when you leave for the day. There is also a cool feature called "Smart Away" that will have your lights turn ON and OFF at random times during the evening to make it look like you are home. This is perfect for when you are traveling.

Remember, you will need a monitoring plan that includes Alarm.com if you want to integrate your Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 with that platform. For Alarm Grid customers, this includes any Gold or Platinum Level Plan. More information about our monitoring services is available on our alarm monitoring page.

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 is compatible with all of the existing Lutron Caseta devices that were already sold on our site. We have all the resources you need to create complete smart lighting network based around Lutron. If you have any questions about Lutron or the new Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we are very excited to talk about the all-new Z-Wave Plus lighting products from Resideo. These lights are very easy to use, and they will work with nearly any security system that supports Z-Wave. They will certainly make a great addition to any growing smart home.

Resideo (formerly Honeywell and Ademco) has been long-known for their alarm control panels, sensors, and thermostats. But they really haven't made much of a splash in terms of smart lighting equipment. But that should change with these brand-new lights. The lineup has everything you need to create a robust and capable lighting setup.

All of these products use Z-Wave Plus technology to communicate with a central hub. We strongly recommend making sure your Z-Wave controller is certified for Z-Wave Plus so that you get the maximum wireless signal range. Some systems that support Z-Wave Plus include the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and the 2GIG GC3e. If you have monitoring service and access to Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, then you can control your lights remotely and use them with smart scenes.

These devices are all super easy to program with your alarm system or other Z-Wave hub. When enrolling, you should always make sure to exclude the device from the network first. This will clear out any information and ensure that the device can be enrolled successfully. Then enroll the device by putting the controller into its inclusion mode and activating the inclusion function on the light. It should successfully pair with the network.

Now that you know a little bit about the lights in general, let's take a quick look at all of the new products individually:

• Resideo Z5SWITCH - An in-wall light switch that is used to control hardwired lights or a ceiling fan. Replaces the existing in-wall switch.
• Resideo Z5DIMMER - An in-wall dimmer switch that is used to control hardwired lights. The light bulbs must support dimming to be used in that manner. Replaces the existing in-wall switch.
• Resideo Z53WSWITCH - An in-wall 3-way switch that is used with the Z5SWITCH and Z5DIMMER. You can use multiple Z53SWITCH devices to achieve up to a 6-way lighting configuration. Please note that a traveler wire is required for use.
• Resideo Z5SWPID - A plug-in switch that is used for controlling a lamp or other connected device. It features a manual ON/OFF switch and a pass-through "non-Z-Wave" outlet.
• Resideo Z5DIMPID - A plug-in dimmer module that is used for controlling a lamp. The light bulbs must support dimming to be used in that manner. It features a manual ON/OFF switch and a pass-through "non-Z-Wave" outlet.
• Resideo Z5SWPIO - A plug-in switch that is suitable for outdoor use. Great for operating holiday lights or other outdoor lighting fixtures. It does not include a pass-through outlet.
• Resideo Z5OUTLET - An in-wall AC outlet that provides Z-Wave Plus control to the connected device. The bottom port uses Z-Wave Plus, while the top port is always active. Replaces an existing outlet.

All of these smart lighting products are available right now from Alarm Grid! They're great for anyone looking to create a new smart lighting network or expand upon an existing one. If you have any questions about these new Resideo Lights, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!