News Posts

Alarm.com has sent the ADC-POE-INJ PoE Injector to the big storage closet in the sky. That's our way of saying that the product has been discontinued. Alarm.com has not named an official replacement for the product. But you should be able to use most PoE Injector devices with ADC Cameras.

Before we get into the significance of the ADC-POE-INJ being discontinued, we should give a quick lesson on what exactly Power over Ethernet (PoE) refers to. Basically, PoE allows a device, in this case a compatible Alarm.com Camera, to receive both power and network connectivity from a single hardwired ethernet connection. That way, you won't need to run both a network wire and a power wire to the device. When it comes to the Alarm.com Cameras, most of their cameras designed for commercial use (with a VC in the SKU or name) support PoE, while most of their residential cameras do not support PoE.

Normally, if you are using an internet network router that supports PoE, then no PoE injector is needed. You will just connect the ethernet wire from the PoE-supported router to the PoE-compatible device. By doing this, both power and network connectivity will be supplied. But if you are using a router or network switch that doesn't already provide power, then you can add a PoE injector to add (inject) electrical power into the ethernet connection. That's where a device like the ADC-POE-INJ really comes in handy. The Alarm.com ADC-POE-INJ has served as the recommended PoE injector for use with PoE-compatible Alarm.com Cameras for quite some time. Now with the product discontinued, users must find another option.

Alarm.com has not yet named a replacement for the discontinued ADC-POE-INJ, nor do they have another option that they officially recommend. But the good news is that most PoE injectors on the market should work fine. If you need a PoE injector for setting up a network of PoE-compatible cameras, then you should be able find one online or at most computer or office supply stores. And we will make sure to let you know if we learn of a good replacement from Alarm.com or another reputable source.

Of course, if you come across a used ADC-POE-INJ, then it should still work just fine. But you are unlikely to find any new models with the product officially discontinued. If you had any prior experience using the ADC-POE-INJ, then please let us know about your personal thoughts on the product down below. Did you find that it was an easy PoE injector to use, or did it present some difficulties? We would love to hear what you have to say. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security news and updates coming real soon!

This is just a friendly reminder that the 3G and CDMA Sunsets are still on-track. The AT&T 3G Sunset occurs January 31, 2022, while the Verizon CDMA Sunset occurs December 31, 2022. Alarm Grid can help you take action and make a transition to newer LTE hardware, or make alternative plans.

The 3G and CDMA Sunsets go beyond the alarm industry. Older cellular technology is being shut down and will no longer work. This is being done to transition resources to newer and more advanced cellular technology that will provide more effective service for users. After the shutdown, only 5G and 4G LTE will remain active as major network bands. Once your alarm system is set up with LTE, you will have a trustworthy and reliable communication path for many years to come.

You may have to start thinking about the 3G or CDMA Sunset if you have an older alarm system that is still using a 3G or CDMA Communicator. By the time the Sunset occurs and the associated cellular network is shut down, you will either have upgraded to newer technology, or your hand will be forced and your system will no longer be monitored.

The following outcomes are possible for any user with a 3G or CDMA Communicator:

• Upgrade to a new alarm panel entirely, namely one that will support LTE, or a Honeywell Panel or Resideo Panel that is IP Only.
• Keep the existing alarm panel, and upgrade its 3G or CDMA Communicator to a new LTE Communicator that will allow it to stay monitored.
• Downgrade to IP-only monitoring service. This is not possible for any system that uses Alarm.com.
• Terminate all monitoring service for the panel. It can still be used as a local sounder, but it will not report signals.

Users with 3G and CDMA Communicators who do not take any action will be subject to that last option. Once the 3G or CDMA Network is shut down, the panel will lose network connectivity, unless it is a Honeywell Panel configured for internet connectivity. A system that loses all connectivity due to a permanent network shutdown can still be armed and disarmed, but it cannot send any signals to the central station, meaning that no help can be automatically dispatched. The system also won't send notifications to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0, and the user won't be able to control their system remotely from one of those platforms. Also, the user will not be able to maintain an active Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a discount on their homeowner's insurance. Only actively monitored systems are eligible for a CoA.

Many users aren't even aware that their systems have 3G or CDMA Communicators that need to be upgraded. There are ways to tell if your communicator needs to be upgraded, but it may be difficult for someone who isn't trained to tell. If you have an older security system that you think may be in need of a communicator upgrade, then we can help you. Reach out to our team at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to make sure that you are ready for the 3G or CDMA Sunset. Depending on your situation and the equipment, we will advise you to do one of the following.

• Upgrade to a panel that can support LTE Cellular.
• Upgrade the communicator for an existing panel to LTE Cellular.
• Certain Honeywell Panels can be downgraded to support IP-only so that you can stay monitored using the equipment you already have.

Do you have any questions about the 3G or CDMA Sunset? Maybe you have already upgraded, and you want to let us know about your experience? Or maybe you have been putting off upgrading and are waiting until the last minute? We would love for you to leave a comment down below to let us know how you are preparing for the 3G or CDMA Sunset in your home or business. This is a major event for the security industry, and it's happening very soon. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more security news and updates on the 3G and CDMA Sunset, as we all transition to LTE.

Hey Alarm Grid Blog Readers, just a quick update. We wanted to let you know that we (finally) got our 2GIG Edge set up in the video room, and we will have some new videos covering the panel coming out soon. If you have been waiting to see the Edge in action, the time is coming soon!

We have a small amount of content already available for the Edge. We got up FAQs covering the processes for resetting the Installer Code, resetting the Master Code, and factory resetting the system, and we're sure that we'll have some more FAQs uploaded real soon, along with videos to accompany them.

If you have any requests for the 2GIG Edge, leave them in a comment down below, and you might just see it become reality. Or if you don't let us know what you want to see, then we'll just go and decide for you! Either way, we are planning some great content coming soon. And if you haven't seen our blog about 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then go and check that out. Like I said, it's a real quick post today, but we figured it was okay to get the hype train rolling. Get ready for Edge videos and content coming soon!

If you are familiar with ISC West in any capacity, then you know that the 2021 edition certainly won't be be like any of the previous tradeshows. In a post-COVID world, it's fair to expect some new policies to be put into place. And ISC West is no exception. Get ready for sweeping changes.

For those who haven't been keeping up with the news, the 2020 edition of ISC West was pretty much non-existent. While it's true there was a virtual-only event, we really didn't get much out of it. Manufacturers didn't seem excited about the virtual-only event either. And when we checked it out, there really wasn't much we could cover. ISC West has always been recognized as an iconic Las Vegas event, and it just didn't adapt well to the virtual format.

But for 2021, ISC West is being marketed as a "hybrid" event. Basically, it means that the show will go on in Las Vegas, but with some strict guidelines in place. Sure, there will be some online content to cater to those who refuse to attend a massive public gathering, as well as those who can't afford to put their personal health into jeopardy. But if the all-virtual 2020 ISC West was any indication, I wouldn't expect the "virtual" offerings to light the world on fire. ISC West is about the Vegas experience. It's about the manufacturers putting their best stuff forward and offering an interactive in-person event. And while there will inevitably be some policies meant to protect everyone involved, the fact is that this will probably be the largest security conference since ISC East 2019.

First and foremost, we should applaud the folks at ISC West for even attempting a conference like this in 2021. No, this ISC West definitely won't look or feel like the previous gatherings from 2019 and earlier. Some people will stay home. Almost everyone will be more on their toes. Nobody knows truly what to expect out of a global tradeshow in a post-pandemic world. But that hasn't stopped the organizers from trying.

And so, for ISC West 2021, being held at the Sands Exposition and Convention Center from July 19 thru 21, some guidelines have been released. We can't say that we're surprised, but having seen the chaos and crowds associated with previous editions, we can't even begin to picture what ISC West 2021 will look like. The one thing working in this event's favor is that some otherwise annual attendees will undoubtedly opt-out, stay home, and try to get the most out of whatever virtual offerings are available.

But for those who are willing to put on a brave face (and facemask) for attending the largest gathering of who's who in the security industry, here are the guidelines put out by ISC. And we will say right away, we expect these policies to be very strictly enforced. ISC West is put on by some of the smartest guys and gals in the room. They wouldn't risk the health and safety of the security industry leaders if they didn't think they could do it properly. So while the event has already been pushed back from its original March 23 thru 26 schedule, here's what will be in store for the July 19 thru 21 affair.

• Facemasks: Required. This should come as absolutely no surprise. Facemasks will be mandatory for everyone on the ISC West floor. This applies to everyone - all attendees, vendors, manufacturers, hosts, no exceptions. Furthermore, ISC West is not allowing any face coverings with valves, bandanas, neck gaiters, or masks of "unpermitted" materials. ISC also specifically outlaws "mesh materials", face coverings with holes, significantly damaged face coverings, and "costume" masks. At a minimum, face coverings must fit properly and snugly, and they must fully cover a person's nose and mouth, and secure under the chin. You can review the ISC West Face Covering Guidelines in full detail here.
• Temperature Screenings: Mandatory. You aren't getting on the floor without a temperature screening. And if you register above 100.4°F, then sorry, you will be turned away. Again, this isn't a surprise. We're talking about a group of individuals putting out the latest and most advanced security equipment that mankind has to offer. Somewhere along the way, we picked up a few thermometers as well. People will be screened, and people who have a fever won't be permitted inside. It might be wise to pack a small personal thermometer in your luggage to take your own temperature before trying to enter. And if you don't feel well, then please, don't risk it for everyone else. We know ISC West is exciting, but there has to be a cut-off point. And that cut-off is 100.4°F.
  
• Enhanced Sanitation: Reed Exhibitions, the group organizing ISC West, is working to enhance the sanitation standards for ISC West 2021. Attendees are being asked to remain responsible for their own hygiene and cleanliness. Reed Exhibitions recommends that everyone washes their hands for at least twenty (20) seconds at a time with soap and warm water. This should be done frequently. Wash your hands. Use sanitizer. The new normal.
  
• Physical Distancing: You have likely heard of social distancing by now, and this is strikingly similar. Reed Exhibitions has adjusted the show's "layout", and exhibitors are being required to "promote physical distancing". Attendees are being asked to maintain a physical distance of at least six (6) feet between each other. As someone who attended a pre-COVID ISC West, this is the hardest guideline for me to picture. Personal space was a precious commodity at previous gatherings, and you had to accept being in the close quarters of others. How exactly "physical distancing" will go down at ISC West 2021 is tough for me to imagine personally. Just try your best to keep your distance, and if someone says you're too close, politely respect their wishes and back up. It's for health and safety.
  
• Distance Marking & Signage: To promote the physical distancing requirements, Reed Exhibitions is putting up floor and distance markings. Additionally, "operational adjustments" may occur throughout the event (aka, on the fly) as needed to "ensure the health and safety of all attendees". This is a nice way of saying, expect the unexpected, and that the rules may change at any time. If you've seen those "six feet" distance markers at a department store, it will likely look similar at ISC West. Again, this is in the best interest of everyone involved. Do your best to keep a distance and protect the safety of yourself and others.
• Hands-Free Greetings: Another policy that should come as no surprise. Don't shake hands. Don't hug. Don't even fist bump. Hands off! Just smile and wave, from six or more feet away.
• Registration is Open: That's right, you too can get on board for the adventure that will be ISC West 2021. It's certainly going to be like nothing we have ever seen before. And believe me, none of these rules and guidelines are meant to scare anyone. If you have a normal, healthy immune system, then you should feel completely safe and comfortable at ISC West 2021. Like I mentioned earlier, the brightest minds from the security industry are coming forth to put on this incredible, once-a-year event. Just keep your distance (and your facemask on), and everything will be fine.
• Summer Time: Okay, this is my own personal addition, but you may have noticed the event is in July, which is one of the hottest months in the Northern Hemisphere (which is where the United States happens to be located). And you may also notice that Las Vegas, NV is a literal desert. Yes, the event will be inside in an air-conditioned building. But I can tell you now, this will be a hotter ISC West than previous years. This isn't a springtime affair. This is in the dog days of summer, in the desert. Be careful with your health, and try not to get caught outside for an extended period. It's hot out there, and we don't want anyone suffering from heat stroke. Plan accordingly, stay inside when possible, and stay hydrated.

ISC West is quickly approaching! In less than three (3) months all the (brave) faces of the security world will be coming together to try to bring back some semblance of normalcy. Yes, it will be different, but together we can make it a success. Share your thoughts in a comment down below. We'll see you in July. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for updates until then. Despite all of the rules, safety guidelines, and important regulations, it's still the biggest and brightest convention of the year! It's okay to get a little hyped and excited. We're looking forward to it, and you should too. Until then, stay safe, stay clean, and practice your best socially distant greetings. Let's all get ready for the safest ISC West ever!

There is an issue affecting all versions of the Honeywell and Resideo Tuxedo Keypads and VISTA Automation Modules (VAMs). This is a server issue causing the displayed weather forecast to not update. Resideo has not provided an ETA for a fix. Alarm Grid will update when more info is made available.

Qolsys has released the long-awaited Firmware Version 2.6.0. This will be the base version for the Qolsys IQ Hub and will allow users to configure the new IQ WIFI Mesh Router from the touchscreen of the IQ Panel 2. These are only a couple of the new features. This is truly an exciting update!

We've been talking about the Qolsys IQ Hub, well, forever, it seems. But honestly, it's been "coming soon" for over a year now. We are so glad that the wait is almost over. The Qolsys IQ Hub will truly be a DIY dream. Qolsys has taken a "see no green" approach to this panel, meaning there is no reason to open the panel fully, so you should never see the green printed circuit board (PCB). It won't even have screw terminals! The battery will be easily end-user replaceable with a minimum of "deconstruction" to the alarm panel itself. Some of the best features of the IQ Panel 2/2+ will be available in this new panel, such as Bluetooth disarming, and Alarm.com Camera Streaming at the panel.

A couple of things have been removed though. It will not have a built-in camera, nor will it offer 2-way voice capability. The IQ Hub is meant to be a slightly less expensive alternative to the IQ Panel 2 or 2 Plus, and to the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 that we should be seeing later this year. Initially, the IQ Hub will support PowerG Wireless Sensors, but later, there will be 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz options available. Each IQ Hub is intended to support only one (1) RF frequency.

You might be saying, "I thought this was a blog about Firmware Version 2.6.0?" Well, it is. But the fact that we have Firmware Version 2.6.0 available now means that the full release of the Qolsys IQ Hub won't be far behind. The Qolsys IQ Hub is scheduled for a Q2 2021 release. Aside from all the new features and improvements for the IQ Panel 2 Plus itself, another exciting capability that is added in this firmware release is the ability to control and configure the new Qolsys IQ Router through the IQ Panel 2 or 2 Plus Touchscreen.

The Qolsys IQ Router is also slated for release in Q2 of 2021. This is a mesh router system that will support up to eight (8) nodes, and both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. What's great about this product is that it allows a user to create a WIFI subnet inside their regular network. Any devices that use WIFI can be attached to the network, not just security devices, and multiple nodes (up to 8) can be added to strengthen the mesh network. If you change internet providers or even just internet equipment, you simply unplug the IQ Router from the existing router, plug it into the new router, and all of the WIFI devices will remain connected to the WIFI sub-network without having to reconfigure any of them. These are two upcoming products associated with the release of Firmware Version 2.6.0 that we're really looking forward to.

Below you'll find some of the additional new features supported on Firmware Version 2.6.0:

New Features:

• Support for DSC hardwire keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) via the CORBUS on the PowerG Hardwire to Wireless Translator (PG9WLSHW8) with Firmware V 1.1. Also added new PGM system triggers for Police, Fire, Aux & CO emergency.
• Support for DSC NEO Wire-Free Keypads HS2LCDWFx, HS2LCDWFxENG.
• Support for new V4 PowerG Daughter Card.
• Panel now supports remote Z-Wave Smart Start integration from Alarm.com.
• This update includes the critical firmware2 fix that resolves an issue where certain panels would automatically reboot with previous firmware applied.

Fixes & Improvements

• Added a setting to allow the panel to send 1 or 10 images taken by PowerG Image Sensor Cameras (PG9934P, PG9944, NEXT CAM, PG2, NEXT CAM K9-85 PG2, BW-IRC, BW-IPC, TOWER CAM PG2, BW-ODC) during an alarm event to Alarm.com. Previously, ten (10) images were stored locally at the panel, but only the first image was sent to Alarm.com.
• Added a setting allowing alarm dealers to select a specific time for Communication Tests to be sent to the monitoring station. If no selection is made, the time will be randomized.
• Added a setting for detection direction on PG9902 Outdoor Curtain PIR. Users can choose left to right, right to left, or both.
• Added the ability to disable PowerG activation LED on devices that have one in order to conserve battery.
• Added Partition support for EN Grade 2 Panels.
• Improved 700-Series Z-Wave performance on UK & EU Panels.
• Bluetooth Disarm now available for UK & EU Panels.
• Added language support for Spanish (Spain), French (France), Finnish, and Polish.
• Added support for European date format: DD.MM.YYYY.
• Improved cellular strength matching between Panel and Alarm.com for Latin America.
• Silent and Audible Panics now report separate CID codes to central station.
• Duress Alarm and Silent Police Panic can now be dismissed from Alarm.com.
• Improvements to PowerG Wireless keypad functionality (WS9LCDWFx).
• Keyfob arming now follows the Auto-Bypass setting on the panel.
• Duress codes from KP-140 & KP-141 now transmit to Alarm.com.
• Corrected an issue where a PG9905 Temperature Sensor would send double alarms for the same event.
• Fixed an issue related to virtual device integration on the panel, which includes Liftmaster Garage Door control from the panel UI, and Solar Integration from Alarm.com. See TSB 201026 for additional details.

Into each life, a little rain must fall. It's not all good news, although, this is more of an inconvenience than actual bad news. Because Firmware Version 2.6.0 also contains the important firmware2 fix, it must be downloaded and installed from the Qolsys Server. The server has some logic built-in that allows it to tell if the panel being updated requires the firmware2 fix, or not. For this reason, much like Firmware version 2.5.5, Qolsys is not making this firmware file available for download. This means that Alarm Grid can't host it on our site.

What this means for the end-user is that in order to get 2.6.0, your panel must have a WIFI connection. Once it does, you have two ways in which you can get the firmware. You can request it from your alarm dealer, and they can push the update to your panel from Alarm.com. This will be a free update. As long as your panel has WIFI 24/7, this is a simple and no-fuss way to get your panel updated. Just remember, if for some reason your panel loses WIFI, the update won't go through. Alarm.com will not allow the panel to be updated via a cellular-only connection. You can also follow the instructions below to request the update via Patch Tag.

If your panel happens to be in an area where there is no WIFI, maybe it's a hunting or fishing cabin, or a second home where WIFI is not readily available, then you may be able to use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot and fool the panel into thinking it's connected to WIFI. The amount of data in this file is about 250 MB according to Qolsys. Alternatively, you may be able to move the panel to a spot that has WIFI available just long enough to perform the upgrade. In a situation like this, you need to be in control of when the update begins, so in this case, you would want to use the "Patch Tag" method of updating. To do so, once your panel has a WIFI connection, do the following:

Follow these instructions after making sure your panel is on version 2.0.1 or higher. If the panel is on 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, the user must first update to 2.5.3 before running the update for 2.6.0:

• Touch the small gray bar in the center at the top of the Home screen on the panel.
• Touch “Settings”
• Touch “Advanced Settings”
• Enter a valid Installer or Dealer Code (defaults are 1111 and 2222 respectively)
• Touch “Upgrade Software”.
• Touch “Patch Tag” and enter: iqpanel2.6.0 then touch “OK”.
• Important: If you need to install 2.5.3 prior to this update, the Patch Tag for that version is: iqpanel2.5.3. Run that update before running the Patch Tag for 2.6.0.
• Touch “Upgrade Using Network”. If the panel is connected to WIFI, the system will begin downloading the update, it will be installed when the download completes. Once the update begins Do Not Touch The Screen! The update will take about five (5) minutes, and the panel will reboot as a part of the process. When the panel returns to the home screen and the Green LED at the right lights, the process has completed.

What do you think about the new Qolsys firmware, and the new products they have in the pipeline? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Is there a security topic you'd like to see us discuss? If so, leave a comment and we'll be happy to cover any security-related topics of interest. As always, we look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid sends big congratulations to Rapid Response Monitoring Services! The central monitoring station has won the 2021 Excellence Awards for Manager of the Year (Johnathan Rainbow) and Support Person of the Year (Michelle Quattrini). Nice job Rapid Response, and keep up the good work!

The Excellence Awards are hosted by The Monitoring Association (TMA). These awards recognize and honor the very best central monitoring stations and the dedicated personnel who keep them operating. A well-run central station is a vital part of alarm monitoring service, and we're super proud of Rapid Response for walking away with two (2) huge awards!

Jonathan Rainbow of Rapid Response was named as the sole 2021 Manager of the Year, while Michelle Quattrini of Rapid Response tied for 2021 Support Person of the Year. Both individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to the alarm monitoring industry and their distinct level of professionalism. Alarm Grid congratulates both of these individuals, and we hope they continue their work into the following year and beyond.

All Alarm Grid customers who receive central station service in Canada are covered by Rapid Response Monitoring Services. Our primary central station partner for monitored customers in the United States, Criticom Monitoring Services, has many of the same certifications as Rapid Response. Both Criticom and Rapid Response are certified as being UL Listed and FM Approved. Whether you are covered by Criticom or Rapid Response, you have a dedicated team of committed operators on your side, and they are ready to step in whenever an alarm occurs on your monitored security system.

Again, we send our heartfelt congratulations to Johnathan Rainbow, Michelle Quattrini, and everyone else at Rapid Response Monitoring Services for their success! We expect to see both Rapid Response and Criticom Monitoring Services receive awards and accolades in the future. Please share any thoughts you have about our central station partners in a comment down below. And of course, stay turned to our blog for more alarm system news coming real soon!

If you have one or more Alarm.com Cameras set up for onboard recording using an installed SD card, then there is a new Alarm.com webpage you may want to check out when accessing ADC from a web browser. The new SD Card Information Page will show details about the SD card inside your camera.

For those unfamiliar with Alarm.com Onboard Recording, it basically allows a compatible Alarm.com Security Camera to store its captured video footage to a Micro SD card that is on-board the camera device. You can then access the footage remotely from the Alarm.com website or mobile app. The feature really became popular after the Alarm.com ADC-SVR122 Streaming Video Recorder was discontinued. At this time, the cameras that support the feature include the ADC-V515, the ADC-V523, and the ADC-V723.

The new SD Card Information Page can be very useful for anyone using the Alarm.com Onboard Recording feature. The page shows all of the critical details for the SD card that is installed inside one of the compatible Alarm.com Cameras. This may include how much storage space is available for footage. You can also use the page to reformat an SD card, which you might need to do if the SD card was previously used inside a different device.

You can only access the SD Card Information Page if you have the Onboard Recording Feature enabled for your Alarm.com account and you have at least one compatible camera set up to use the feature, with a Micro SD card installed. Also note that you can only access the page from the Alarm.com website. It is not found within the Alarm.com Mobile App. To access the page, login to the Alarm.com website, and choose Video, followed by Settings, and then SD Card Information.

Have you tried out the Alarm.com Onboard Recording Feature yet? If you have, please leave a comment down below to let us know what you think of the feature. Also, do you think the SD Card Information Page will come in handy? Let us know in a comment down below. We will be back with more security system news soon, so keep checking the Alarm Grid Blog!

There is going to be scheduled maintenance occurring on Alarm.com tonight, specifically focusing on the Verizon infrastructure. The maintenance period will run from 12:00 am Midnight to 2:00 am Eastern Time. According to Alarm.com, no impact is expected with regard to monitoring service.

The purpose of the scheduled maintenance is to enhance platform stability and improve redundancy moving forward. We have heard reports that a small number of Alarm.com Verizon LTE Communicators have been experiencing some relatively minor technical issues. Alarm.com has been aware of these issues since at least last Saturday, and they have been actively working to troubleshoot affected units to prevent any disruptions in service. The scheduled maintenance tonight should fix these issues and help to ensure that all Alarm.com Verizon Communicators function as intended, with exceptional reliability.

During the scheduled maintenance period tonight, Alarm.com says that service outages are unlikely to occur. You should not experience any problems if your security system uses a Verizon Communicator for connecting with Alarm.com. However, Alarm.com is not ruling out the possibility, and they want to keep users informed, just in case. Remember that if you have an IP (WIFI or Ethernet) communication path set up, then that can serve as a valuable backup option tonight during the maintenance period. If your system is cellular only with Verizon connectivity, then just be careful if you need to arm your system tonight between 12:00 am Midnight and 2 am Eastern Time. Again, no issues should occur, but Alarm.com is performing due diligence by making the maintenance period known in advance.

Once again, all maintenance taking place is on the Verizon infrastructure for Alarm.com. Your monitoring service will not be affected in any way if your system uses a different carrier, such as AT&T, for connecting with Alarm.com, or if your system is set up with a different network, such as AlarmNet for Total Connect 2.0, or Telguard for HomeControl Flex. If your system does use Verizon connectivity for communicating with Alarm.com, then check and make sure your WIFI or Ethernet path is working as an important backup plan for tonight. If you have been using your system with cell-only on Verizon with ADC, but you have the option to add WIFI or Ethernet, now may be a good time to do so. Your system should still be fine, but, it never hurts to use redundancy when it is available. Stay tuned to our blog for more security system news and updates coming soon.

Note: If you are reading this after 2:00am on April 14th, or on any future date, then it is assumed that the scheduled maintenance has been concluded, and all Alarm.com Verizon Service should be operating as intended, now with improved infrastructure.

We're glad to say that Total Connect 2.0 has received a new update for its mobile app on Android and iOS. The new update is Version 6.7.1, and it is a worthwhile upgrade for all who use the TC2 Mobile App. You can download it right now from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

The biggest inclusion with Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App Version 6.7.1 is a bug fix that lets users pair up to (14) Total Connect IP Cameras with the platform, as Resideo had originally intended. This includes support for up to eight (8) HD Cameras and up to six (6) Legacy Cameras. Although TC2 users have long been promised the ability to use this number of IP cameras with the service, there was previously a bug that prevented users from pairing the full roster of eight (8) HD Cameras. TC2 Mobile App Version 6.7.1 has fixed this issue, and now users should have no issue setting up the maximum number of cameras for a single TC2 account. This news comes not long after we learned that Resideo discontinued their only existing outdoor camera, the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. We have not received any official word on the development of a new Resideo Outdoor Camera, but we have heard some rumblings that a new model may hit the market before the end of the year. Of course, we'll pass on any new discussions and/or rumors that we hear to you in the Alarm Grid Blog.

There isn't really much else in terms of new features that come with Total Connect 2.0 Android Version 6.7.1 and Total Connect 2.0 iOS Version 6.7.1. We know that not every Alarm Grid customer with access to Total Connect 2.0 has support for cameras, so this may not exactly be the most exciting update we have seen for TC2. The only Alarm Grid customers who can use Total Connect 2.0 Cameras are those with a Platinum Level Plan or a Video-Only Plan. If you don't fall into one of those categories, then it may be easy to shrug off this update. But still, Resideo also mentions that the Version 6.7.1 Update includes minor user interface (UI) enhancements, as well as improvements in security and stability, not to mention some general bug fixes. This makes the update recommended for all TC2 users who access the platform through the mobile app, including those who don't use cameras.

To download the update for free, check the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on whether you are an Android or iOS user. Those locations are also where you can download the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App for free, in case you have been restricting yourself to only using the website. Again, all TC2 users are advised to download the update at their earliest convenience. The improvements in UI, security, and stability make it a worthwhile update for all. If you are an Alarm Grid customer needing help installing the update, or if you are interested in starting a new monitoring subscrition for access to Total Connect 2.0 and Mobile App Version 6.7.1, then please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And also, why not leave a comment down below sharing your thoughts on the new Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App Update? We would love to hear what you have to say. Remember to keep reading the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!