News Posts

Hi DIYers! If you have an Alarm.com 3G Cellular Communicator, the time to activate it is NOW. This is your very last chance. If you do not get your Alarm.com 3G Communicator activated by the end of Friday, June 28th, you will be unable to do so. The deadline to activate is almost here.

The actual cutoff date for Alarm.com 3G activations is Sunday, June 30th. However, Alarm Grid does not perform activations on the weekends. If you want to activate your Alarm.com 3G Communicator for use with Alarm Grid monitoring services, you must do so by the end of this Friday. Our team will get your communicator up and running for alarm monitoring service so that you can use Alarm.com.

By activating an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator and signing up for cellular alarm monitoring service, you can start using your system with the Alarm.com platform. Alarm.com allows you to arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com IP Cameras, and more. You can access this great service using the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device.

An activated 3G communicator will provide consistent and reliable monitoring service until the 3G networks are shut down. AT&T is planning to shutdown their 3G network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their 3G CDMA network around this time as well. Remember, if you deactivate a 3G communicator after the cutoff date for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate it. Trying to reactivate a communicator is considered the same as an initial activation.

If you miss the deadline for activating an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, you will still be able to activate an LTE communicator for use with Alarm.com. Cellular service providers have stated that they plan to keep their LTE networks activated well into the very distant future. Getting an LTE communicator is the best way to provide long-term monitoring service for your panel.

At this point, a 3G communicator is only a temporary solution. Additionally, an LTE communicator will provide faster connection speeds than a 3G communicator. The difference isn't huge for monitoring itself, but LTE can make a big difference when it comes to home automation. Anyone looking to keep their system running for many years to come should make the jump to LTE as soon as possible.

If you need to activate an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, please reach out to us immediately. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that there is a radio firmware update for the PowerG Daughtercard used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The new radio firmware is v80.25, and it provides various fixes for sensor compatibilities. The update can be applied by entering a patch tag.

The new radio firmware for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Daughtercard provides some general fixes for using the system with PowerG Sensors. According to Qolsys, radio firmware version 80.25 fixes a transmission delay that occurs when PowerG Sensors are enrolled on IQ Panel 2 Plus Zones 1, 2, and 3. It also corrects the PowerG compatibility issues that many users experienced when trying to use the PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PowerG PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor on radio firmware version 80.17.

There are two ways for Alarm Grid monitored customers to apply this firmware update. The first is to contact us to have the firmware update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com. This will require a small added fee, which will be applied to the customer's next bill. If you want to update the radio firmware for free, you can perform it manually by completing the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press Upgrade Software.
6. Press Patch Tag.
7. Enter v3cardfix1 and press OK.
8. Press Upgrade Using Network.

Please note that the panel must be connected to WIFI for the update to go through. It may take several minutes for the panel to reboot and the update to be applied. After the process is complete. the panel will begin the re-sync process with all of the PowerG Sensors. You may notice reports of PowerG Sensors opening and closing during this time. This is normal. It may take up to 20 minutes for the re-sync process to complete. Your PowerG Zones should be operating like normal after this process.

Please note that only IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems with a PowerG radio firmware of 80.XX are affected by this upgrade. If you have a PowerG radio firmware of 4.XX, you will notice that the radio firmware does not change to 80.25. The update will still go through, but no noticeable changes will be made. Again, this is normal. If you want to check your firmware, complete the following steps:

1. Click the small grey bat at the top of the main screen.
2. Press Settings.
3. Press Advanced Settings.
4. Enter Installer Code (default 1111).
5. Press About.
6. Press PowerG.
7. Locate the Radio Firmware Version.

Below is an example of a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with radio firmware version 4.06:

If you have any questions about this radio firmware update, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have some very special news for you today. One of our best customers, Brett of Philadelphia, MS, has decided to name his new kitten "Alarm Grid". Our entire company is honored to hear of the exciting news. We now introduce you to our new company mascot, Alarm Grid the Cat.

This is the first time we have heard of a customer naming their pet after our company. Brett has been a loyal Alarm Grid customer for many years, and we are proud to provide his home with reliable and trustworthy monitoring service. We will continue to work hard to ensure that Brett and his entire family (including his new kitten) are kept safe and secure. We love hearing news like this, and it has made everyone in Alarm Grid very happy to know that we have a great customer like Brett. Thank you Brett for your continued support, and we hope to keep working with you for many years to come.

If you want to join Brett and the thousands of existing Alarm Grid customers, why not start right now? You don't have to name your pet after our company (that's optional). But we would love to keep your home or business safe and protected. The best way to get started is to click the orange Alarm Monitoring button at the top of this page. You can also email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember, our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that the VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Contacts have received an update. These changes should not affect device compatibility or performance. However, they will effect the way these devices are enrolled with a panel and how maintenance is performed.

The VERSA-2GIG Contacts operate at 345 MHz. They are designed for use with 2GIG Systems (GC2 and GC3) and the Resideo Lyric Controller (Version MR3 or higher). These surface-mounted devices operate like any standard door and window contact sensor. Each unit includes a sensor and an accompanying magnet. The sensor is mounted on the door or window frame, while the magnet is mounted on the door or window itself. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor and cause it to activate. The sensor will then alert the panel to let the system know that the door or window has been opened.

Alarm Grid recently learned that the VERSA-2GIG Door and Window Sensors have been updated. The new model enrolls using Loop 1 and has a convenient slide-off cover. Additionally, a tab on the side of the device indicates which side should be facing the accompanying magnet. This is a change from the older style. The old model of the VERSA-2GIG is enrolled using Loop 2 and has a pop-off cover. Both devices have a yellow inner board that allows you to differentiate them from the VERSA-GE Sensors (blue board) and the Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors (red board).

This change should not affect the performance of the VERSA-2GIG or its compatibility. At this time, we are only aware of changes to the VERSA-2GIG Sensors. We have not received any news of changes for the VERSA-GE Sensors or the Honeywell 5800MINI Sensors. Alarm Grid will produce an update post if we learn of any changes to these sensors.

At this time, we cannot control which version of the VERSA-2GIG Sensors you will receive when placing an order. Some old-style sensors are still being sent out, while other customers are reporting that they have received the new style. It is even possible that you may receive a mix of old and new VERSA-2GIG Sensors with a system kit. Please be aware that these sensors operate exactly the same, and you should not notice any difference in device performance. The new-style VERSA-2GIG Sensors work just as well as the old-style ones. The only functional difference is the cover.

Remember, if you have a new-style VERSA-2GIG Sensor with a slide-off cover, it will enroll to your system using Loop 1. If you have an old-style VERSA-2GIG Sensor with a pop-off cover, it will enroll to your system using Loop 2. You can always auto-enroll your sensor, and the Loop Number should populate automatically. We recommend auto-enrolling whenever possible to check device communication and to avoid making a mistake when manually entering the Serial Number.

If you have any questions about this change, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! Have you activated your 3G or 4G cellular communicator yet? If not, you are running out of time. All 3G and 4G communicators must be activated by June 26, 2019 for AlarmNet and June 30, 2019 for Alarm.com. After that, it will no longer be possible to activate these modules.

This is your very last chance to purchase a 3G or 4G communicator. If you wait much longer, we won't be able to guarantee that it will arrive to your address in time for you to install and activate it. And if you are still sitting on a 3G or 4G communicator, the time to activate it is now. You should reach out to Alarm Grid as soon as possible to get started with monitoring service. The following plans will work for cellular communication - Gold, Self-Gold, Platinum, Self-Platinum, Cellular-Only. Please read this blog post for more information about our monitoring plans.

Alarm Grid is still holding a sale on the iGSMV4G Communicator and the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit. These products are currently available for $50 and $60, respectively. Buying a iGSMV4G from Alarm Grid right now is a strong choice if you want to get a VISTA Series System connected for cellular monitoring service for a very affordable price. More information about this sale can be found in this recent blog post.

Keep in mind that deactivating a communicator and then reactivating it counts as activating. If you discontinue monitoring service at any time after June 26th for AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0 or June 30th for Alarm.com, you will not be able to reactivate your old 3G or 4G communicator. This is something to consider if you expect that you may move or relocate your system sometime in the near future. At this time, it is no longer possible to activate a CDMA communicator.

Remember, a 3G, 4G, or CDMA communicator is only a temporary solution at this point. AT&T will be shutting down their 3G/4G cellular network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their CDMA network around this time as well. Any already-activated alarm monitoring communicator that connects with one of these cellular networks provide reliable monitoring service until that time. After that, it will be obsolete.

Getting a 3G or 4G communicator in the next few days for a quick activation is a viable option. However, the best option is to get an LTE cellular communicator for your system. Both AT&T and Verizon have stated that they will support their LTE networks for many years to come. An LTE cellular radio is the best way to ensure that your security system will receive fast and reliable monitoring service well into the very distant future. We have many LTE communicators available for purchase on our website.

If you need help choosing a communicator, or if you are trying to activate a communicator before the cut-off date, please contact us as soon as you can. The best way to get a hold of us is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. If you would prefer to call us, we are available at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our business hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. You must schedule an activation during these hours. We look forward to hearing from you and activating your system for monitoring service.

Hi DIYers! We would like to recognize our friends at Qolsys for their success at ESX 2019 in Indianapolis, IN. The IQ Panel 2 Plus System won "Best in Show" in the TechVision Challenge. The system also won an Innovation Award in the Intrusion Systems category. Congratulations Qolsys!

The ESX Innovation Awards are designed to recognize innovation and excellence in the security industry. The awards are held annually at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Indianapolis, IN. Judges select 25 winners of "Innovation Awards" in various categories. Of these 25 winners, a select few are invited in the prestigious "TechVision Challenge". A representative presents the product to a panel of judges and explains how it pushes the industry forward. The judges select a single "Best in Show" winner based on the presentations.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus System started the event by winning an Innovation Award in the category of Intrusion Systems. From there, the system was invited to participate in the TechVision Challenge. Thanks to their excellent presentation and the phenomenal features of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys managed to take home the top prize of "Best in Show". This is the 2nd time Qolsys won these awards. The original IQ Panel 2 System also won "Best in Show" in the TechVision Challenge in 2016. This continued success demonstrates the abilities of Qolsys and the fantastic security systems they put out.

It's easy to see what separates the IQ Panel 2 Plus from the rest of the pack. The system supports 128 wireless zones and includes a built-in LTE cellular communicator (AT&T or Verizon) for connecting with Alarm.com. An integrated WIFI card allows for dual-path connectivity right out of the box. There is also a Z-Wave Plus (500 Series) controller for establishing a convenient and effective smart home network.

Other features include automatic Bluetooth disarming, the ability to livestream compatible Alarm.com Cameras, partitioning and facial recognition. End users also appreciate its sleek, modern design and its beautiful 7-inch display screen that makes it a joy to use everyday. Each IQ Panel 2 Plus supports PowerG Sensors and one legacy frequency. The 319.5 MHz version comes standard, but users can alternatively choose 345 MHz or 433 MHz.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is available for purchase right now from the Alarm Grid website. It is great for pairing with Alarm Grid's monitoring service. You will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate the cellular communicator and get the system connected with Alarm.com. If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus or about our monitoring service, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are offering a sale on the iGSMV4G and the iGSMV4G-TC2 effective immediately. The iGSMV4G can be purchased for $50. The iGSMV4G-TC2 is available for $60. These are AT&T 4G Cellular Communicators that allow VISTA Panels to connect with AlarmNet360.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the sunset of their 3G and 4G networks. By February 2022, it will no longer be possible to use an AT&T 3G/4G with your alarm system. You must upgrade to an LTE communicator by then. Additionally, AlarmNet will no longer allow activations for AT&T 3G Communicators and AT&T 4G Communicators starting Wednesday June 26th, 2019.

We still have some iGSMV4G and iGSMV4G-TC2 products in stock. We want to get rid of them before they become unusable. This is a perfect opportunity to get your Resideo VISTA System online for a very low price. With these communicators, you can access Total Connect 2.0 and use all of the available features. Please note that you will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate a cellular communicator with Alarm Grid. Also, we cannot offer overnight orders for these products.

If you do get one of these communicators, you must activate the module before June 26th. After that date, it will be impossible to activate the cellular portion of the communicator. Additionally, if you deactivate the communicator or discontinue service for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate this unit for cellular service after June 26th. You will still be able to use the communicator for Internet Communication only after this date.

Resideo has stated that more recently manufactured modules will be able to be activated for up to 180 days after June 26th. However, we cannot guarantee that a new iGSMV4G will be able to be activated after that date. For your own planning, you should not expect an AT&T 3G or 4G communicator to be activated after June 26th.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G is a dual-path AlarmNet Communicator for Resideo VISTA Series Systems. It uses AT&T 4G and hardwired ethernet to connect with the AlarmNet Servers and provide access to Total Connect 2.0. This module will provide fast and reliable connectivity until February 2022. The cellular portion of the module will no longer work after February 2022. At that time, you will want to upgrade to a newer LTE communicator. We are offering the iGSMV4G for $50.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G-TC2 is a bundled kit that includes the iGSMV4G module, as well as the necessary PROM Chip upgrades for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P Alarm Systems. You should purchase this kit if your 15P or 20P System is running a firmware version of at least 2.0, but less than 9.12. Any 15P or 20P system running less than version 9.12 will not be able to be used with Total Connect 2.0. We are offering this kit for $60.

If you aren't sure what firmware version your system is running, you can check the current PROM Chip. This is a small black chip located in the middle of the system. This FAQ can teach you how to replace an old PROM Chip if needed.

Here is an example of a PROM Chip for a VISTA-20PSIA System. This is basically a VISTA-20P System with some added features put in place to prevent false alarms. Note that this system is running v10.23, which is high enough to use TC2.

If you want to future-proof your VISTA System with an LTE communicator, then we can certainly help you with that as well. We currently offer the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (dual-path Verizon LTE and IP ethernet). All of these communicators will extend the life of your VISTA System well into the very distant future.

Keep in mind that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System will need to be running at least firmware version 9.12 to support Total Connect 2.0. A VISTA-21iP must be running at least version 3.13 to support TC2. We offer PROM Chip upgrades for VISTA-21iP Systems here. We do not offer bundled kits for VISTA-21iP PROM Chips. The PROM Chips included in the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit are for 15P and 20P Systems only.

Remember, we cannot offer overnight orders for either the iGSMV4G or the iGSMV4G-TC2. You must activate these communicators before June 26th. They can remain active until February 2022. After that, you must upgrade to an LTE communicator or use IP only communication. If you have any questions about this sale or these communicators, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi DIYers! We have learned that a new law has been signed in Tennessee that disallows local governments from charging security companies fines for false alarms. The law also prohibits any fees for alarm permits The bill was signed by Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee on May 8th, 2019.

Under the new law, alarm monitoring companies cannot be charged fines for any false alarms that occur. Additionally, local governments cannot charge end users fees for alarm permits or alarm permit renewals. End users may still be charged by local governments for causing excessive false alarms. The law goes into effect June 19, 2019.

Alarm Grid strongly supports this new law, as it makes it easier for us to provide customers with quality service. Preventing false alarms is the responsibility of both the alarm monitoring company and the end user. Alarm Grid does its part to ensure that customers cause as few false alarms as possible. We accomplish this by educating our customers about the best practices for reducing false alarms. The vast majority of end users do not actively seek out ways of causing false alarms. Most will do whatever they can to prevent them.

Some of the practices used to reduce false alarms include setting appropriate Entry and Exit Delay times, enabling Alarm Report Delay (if needed), and encouraging the use of Arm-Confirm features. Alarm Grid also offers certain panels that are compliant with the standards mandated by CP-01 of the Security Industry Association (SIA) for reducing false alarms.

At Alarm Grid, one of our top goals is to empower the end user. We strive to help our customers understand how their systems work so that false alarms occur less frequently. End users should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and panel programming.

We are also pleased that Tennessee customers will not longer have to worry about alarm permit fees. Alarm Grid believes that anyone who wants alarm monitoring service should be able to receive protection without paying added fees to local governments. Many people avoid getting alarm monitoring service because they do not want to pay permitting fees. We believe that the prohibition of these fees will encourage more people to sign up for monitoring.

Alarm Grid wants to help you avoid false alarm dispatches. But we also want you to know that your home or business will receive help in a real emergency. That is one of our top goals as an alarm monitoring company. If you want to learn more about how we work to prevent false alarms, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is through email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.