News Posts

Hi DIYers! We have an exciting new offering to tell you about today. The Alarm.com ADC-SVR122 Stream Video Recorder is now available in a 2TB storage option. This is in addition to the existing 500MB and 1TB storage options. You can buy the 2TB ADC-SVR122 from the Alarm Grid website now!

If you don't know about the Alarm.com Stream Video Recorder (SVR), it's a device that allows you to store digital recordings for Alarm.com Security Cameras. You need an SVR device if you want to establish a set recording schedule for your ADC Cameras. This includes a 24-hour continuous recording schedule.

Any footage stored on an Alarm.com SVR device can be accessed remotely through the Alarm.com website or mobile app. Additionally, you can also view stored video locally at the SVR itself using an HDMI monitor and a USB mouse. For more information on how the Alarm.com SVR works, please check this FAQ.

Just like the existing SVR-122 models, the new 2TB model supports up to eight (8) Alarm.com Cameras, HDMI live-streaming, and remote viewing for any stored clips. Remember that you need a monitoring plan with video surveillance and access to Alarm.com to use the SVR-122. For Alarm Grid Customers, this can be a Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full) or a Video-Only Plan.

If you have any questions about the ADC-SVR122 or any of our products or services, 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. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are very happy to announce that we have some exceptional new products from Alarm.com. There is a new Z-Wave Plus smart water valve, an upgraded ethernet-to-WIFI bridge for Alarm.com PoE Cameras, and a digital doorbell adapter for use with SkyBell Video Doorbell Cameras.

The first new product we will be discussing today is the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve. This smart water valve uses Z-Wave Plus technology to communicate with your security system or Z-Wave hub. It allows you to remotely shut-off your main water line from virtually anywhere. This can be very convenient if a flood or leak occurs while you are away. The device is perfect for pairing with flood sensors that you have enrolled with your alarm panel. You can even set up smart scenes to have the device shut-off the water automatically whenever a flood sensor detects a leak.

Although the ADC-SWV100 was built with Alarm.com in mind, the versatile device can really be used with any Z-Wave controller that supports smart water valves. This includes Honeywell Alarm Systems that use the Total Connect 2.0 platform. One important thing to note is that if you use this device with Alarm.com, then you will need to have your monitoring company enable the Water Management Add-On Package for your account. If you have monitoring service with Alarm Grid, then we will do this for no additional monthly charge.

Next up we have the Alarm.com ADC-W110 Ethernet-to-WIFI Bridge. This accessory lets you take a hardwired ethernet device and have it communicate wirelessly across a local WIFI network. The device is great for use with compatible Alarm.com Cameras that use power over ethernet, also known as PoE. By using the ADC-W110, you can eliminate the need to run an ethernet cable from the IP router to the camera.

What's super convenient is that both power and IP data are supplied from the ADC-W110. You just need to connect the PoE camera with the ADC-W110 using an ethernet cable. The ADC-W110 will then take care of the rest! This device is actually a newer version of the older ADC-W100, which as of late October 2019 is still available. Keep in mind that you will still need to connect the ADC-W110 with a wall outlet for power.

Lastly, we have the Alarm.com ADC-VACC-DB-A SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter. This adapter makes any SkyBell Doorbell Camera with a digital doorbell chime. Normally the SkyBell devices only work with mechanical doorbell chimes. We actually created an FAQ that will help you get started using the SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter with your digital doorbell chime. You can check it out right here.

If you have any questions about these new products, or if you would like to learn more about our monitoring services or Alarm.com, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will review your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our support hours for responding to emails are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're checking out the newest camera from Alarm.com, the ADC-V723. This is an outdoor security camera designed for use with the Alarm.com platform. It packs some powerful and impressive features into a compact design, making it ideal for virtually any home or business.

The ADC-V723 is an Alarm.com Security Camera that captures clear, pristine video at up to 1080P. The device is fully compatible with all of the excellent Video Analytics features from Alarm.com. This allows you to receive specific alerts regarding detected movement so that you are only notified for important events. Another great feature of the device is its High Dynamic Range (HDR) functionality to reliably capture activity when it occurs.

With its 117° field of view, you can rely on the ADC-V723 to cover a wider area than most other cameras. This increases your area of video surveillance, without having to add multiple video capture devices for adequate coverage. The camera also boasts an IR night vision range of about 40 feet, making it superb for capturing activity and movement in the darkest of settings. And its IP66 weather-resistant rating allows it to stand up to almost anything nature can dish out.

The ADC-V723 connects with a WIFI network across a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Remember that you will need an Alarm.com account with video surveillance. If you have a security system connected with Alarm.com through Alarm Grid, then you will probably want to upgrade to a Platinum Plan (Central Station or Self) if you haven't already. You can learn more about our Platinum Plan on our monitoring page. We also have a Video-Only Monitoring Plan, which is great if you want video surveillance without actually owning a security system.

If you have any questions about the new ADC-V723 or any of our products or monitoring services, you are welcome to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours for replying to emails are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our team 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 have some important information that is applicable for anyone with central station monitoring service from Alarm Grid. Our alarm monitoring partner, Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS), has announced some important changes regarding their text and email notifications.

Starting December 1st, 2019, all text message notifications and automated notifications from Criticom will come from the short code 60281. We recommend marking this number with your phone service provider so that it is not blocked as part of anti-spam measures. Additionally, all automated email notifications from Criticom will come from noreply@myalarms.com. You should mark this email so that any incoming messages do not end up in your spam folder.

Additionally, CMS has alerted us that blocked calls to customers have been reported. This is due to anti-spam measures put into place by phone companies. As an Alarm Grid customer, it is crucial that you are able to receive incoming phones calls from CMS at all times. Failure to answer these calls may result in unnecessary emergency dispatch. We have actually discussed this subject at length before in a previous blog post.

We recommend saving ALL contact numbers for CMS in your contacts list. It is also recommended that you contact your phone carrier directly and ask them to allow incoming calls from these numbers. We also understand that some customers may have downloaded third party apps that will detect and block incoming toll-free and/or believed "spam" numbers. If you have one of these apps, you should delete it, or adjust its settings so that CMS phone numbers are not blocked.

As a reference, the five (5) phone numbers listed below are associated with Criticom Monitoring Services, and they should not be blocked or ignored under any circumstance:

• Longwood, FL: (800) 432-1429
• Manasquan, NJ: (800) 631-2299
• Cypress, CA: (714) 373-7000; (800) 468-4640; (800) 482-9800

Keep in mind that you may not always receive incoming phone calls from the same CMS phone number. In the event that one monitoring center is temporarily taken offline for any reason, any incoming alarms will be automatically re-routed to a different monitoring center. This redundancy helps ensure that customers always get the help they need when alarm events occur. For that reason, make sure to save all five (5) of the CMS phone numbers listed above.

You may also want to sign-up for text notifications from CMS. Text messages sent from CMS are sent from the CMS secure short code that should not be blocked under any circumstance. Remember, this short code will be 60281 starting December 1st, 2019. This number should be saved as a contact in your phone so that you can quickly recognize any incoming message as being associated with your security system and/or monitoring service.

If you want to learn more about our monitoring plans that include central station service, we recommend checking out our alarm monitoring page. If you have any questions, you should email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our team responds to emails during our regular support hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you have about monitoring service.

Hi DIYers! We have great news for anyone clinging on to an old Honeywell LYNX Touch L5200 System. The panel now supports the use of a new Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool and can be upgrade to the latest firmware. This means the L5200 can now use one of the LYNX Touch LTE Communicators!

This news was brought to our attention thanks to Resideo Technical Notification #43, which you can view here. According to this document, the L5200 can now receive a firmware upgrade from a newly released LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool. These newly released updater tools will have the following sticker on the box:

It is our understanding that any existing LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tools WILL NOT work with the L5200. However, we are still awaiting word from Resideo regarding confirmation. We also believe that it will no longer be possible to have firmware updates pushed down to the L5200 over-the-air (OTA). Instead, all future updates for the L5200 must now occur using the updater tool. Please note that by upgrading the L5200 System to run the latest firmware, AlarmNet360 will view the system as an L5210 running the latest firmware. As far as AlarmNet is concerned, the L5200 and L5210 are the same system once the panel is on the latest firmware.

Update: Resideo confirmed that only LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tools manufactured after October 2019 will work with the L5200.

The new updater tool will also continue to support the L5210 and L7000 Systems like normal. For more information on using the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool, please review this helpful FAQ. We offer step-by-step instructions and a video that will help you use the device to upgrade any Honeywell LYNX Touch System.

By upgrading to the latest firmware, you can use the LTE cellular communicators with the L5200 System. These include the Honeywell LTE-L57A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell LTE-L57V (Verizon LTE). Upgrading to LTE is crucial for extending the life of your security system. Please note that Firmware Revision 9.00.209 or higher is needed to use the LTE-L57A, and Firmware Revision 9.00.201 or higher is needed to use the LTE-L57V.

Remember that older cellular networks like AT&T 3G and 4G and Verizon CDMA are set to be shut down in the coming years. Meanwhile, support for LTE Networks will be maintained well into the very distant future! Remember that Alarm Grid customers will need a Gold Plan or higher to use cellular communication with any system.

Additionally, you might also need to update the firmware for your L5200 to use a newer Honeywell L5100-WIFI Module. Any L5100-WIFI module with any updated MAC prefix can only be used with a LYNX Touch System running Firmware Revision 8.00.183 or higher. If your L5200 is running an old firmware version, you can upgrade to the latest version using the newly enhanced LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool. This will allow you to use any L5100-WIFI Module with the system. More information on the L5100 MAC prefix update can be found in this blog post.

This is certainly great news for any L5200 owner, as the system has essentially been "resurrected", and can now be set up to use fast and reliable dual-path connectivity (LTE & WIFI) just like any top-of-the-line security system! If you have any questions about the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Firmware Updater Tool or any of the products on our site, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Alarm.com has been pushing out automatic firmware updates for their security cameras. These updates are designed to make the cameras compatible with future enhancements that may be released at a later date. Alarm.com SVR Devices are also being updated.

According to Alarm.com, any non-doorbell camera or SVR device that is online with a strong connection will have the update pushed down automatically. Alarm.com states that 95% of all compatible cameras and accessories have already received the updates. Cameras that are offline or set up with a weak connection will not be able to receive the automatic update. Alarm.com says that they are still trying to get all compatible devices set up with the update.

In the near future, users may notice problems for any camera that has not yet received the update. Specifically, these cameras may stop showing the device name and timestamp on their on-screen displays. Additionally, any SVR devices that have not received the update may stop supporting video recording and video playback. These issues will persist until the device receives the update.

Users may also find that their cameras and/or accessories are displaying a trouble condition for out-of-date firmware. This trouble condition is to let any end users know that they should update the firmware for their cameras and/or accessories as soon as possible. Fortunately, these issues can be properly addressed by simply updating these devices to their latest firmware versions.

If you notice this trouble condition you can manually push down an update yourself by accessing your Alarm.com account through the website and choosing Video > Settings > Select Device > Video Device Info > Update Firmware. You may also contact us to have us push down the update for you. Remember that your camera will need to be online with adequate signal strength in order to receive the update. There is no charge for us to push down this update to your ADC devices.

If you have any questions about the new Alarm.com Firmware Update, or if you need us to push down an update for you, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and making sure that your Alarm.com devices are properly updated!

Resideo is currently in the process of pushing automatic OTA firmware updates to all active AT&T LTE Communicators. The updating process is ongoing, and we are not sure how long it will last. You should not notice any changes to your monitoring service or your Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you recall a few months ago, we announced that Resideo was pushing down automatic over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates to LTE communicators. Resideo started with the Verizon LTE Communicators, and now they are updating the AT&T LTE Communicators. This is a very similar update with no major differences.

Just like before, Resideo is expected to perform this update cycle in batches. Units that were registered first will have the update performed first. This will continue in sequential order until all active Resideo AT&T LTE Communicators have been updated. Any new AT&T LTE Communicator activated during this time will be placed at the end of the queue. If an update fails, that communicator will be pushed to the next batch to try again.

Remember, the communicator must be active and connected with the AlarmNet360 Servers in order for the update to go through. Any communicator that is not active will not be able to receive the update. This includes any communicator installed inside a panel that is currently powered off. Try and keep your panel powered on at all times to ensure that the update can go through successfully.

The following Resideo Communicators are affected by this update:

• Honeywell LYRICLTE-A for Lyric Controller
• Honeywell LTE-L57A for L5210 and L7000
• Honeywell LTE-IA for VISTA Panels
• Honeywell LTE-XA for VISTA Panels
• Honeywell LTE-L3A for L3000

It is possible that your panel may reboot as part of the updating process. However, you should not notice any other changes. Additionally, the following Contact ID messages may be generated during the process:

If you have any questions regarding this update, please do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions!

Hi DIYers! Today, we are happy to unveil the Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE. This is the newest hardwired system from the VISTA Series by Resideo, and it is essentially replacing the existing VISTA-21iP System. The big addition is its ability to support special plug-in LTE communicators.

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is actually the same as a VISTA-21iP System, except that the 21iPLTE board has been upgraded to support new plug-in LTE communicators. This includes the Honeywell Home LTE-21V with Verizon LTE (available now).

This new plug-in module is just like the older Honeywell VISTA-GSM4G Communicator, which is conveniently plugged into the VISTA-21iP board. The only difference is that the LTE-21V supports LTE connectivity. This is important for anyone looking to use cellular communication with a security system.

The reason you want to use an LTE communicator with your alarm system is that it offers superior speed and reliability when compared with older 3G and CDMA networks. Also, these older networks are in the process of being shut down. By going with LTE, you are providing a long-term solution for your panel.

Just like the existing VISTA-21iP, the new VISTA-21iPLTE has a built-in IP communicator, which is basically the equivalent of a Honeywell 7847i Communicator. Even if you don't add a cell module to the VISTA-21iPLTE, you will still be able to connect it with AlarmNet for IP monitoring and access to Total Connect 2.0.

But, adding a cellular communicator is very important for dealing with internet outages. If the internet goes out and you don't have a cellular backup, then your 21iPLTE will lose connectivity with the AlarmNet360 Servers. Maintaining this connection is necessary for properly utilizing any monitoring service. This makes cellular backup crucial!

By connecting your VISTA-21iPLTE Panel with AlarmNet360, you will also be able to control your system through Total Connect 2.0. This is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that you can access from nearly anywhere using your phone. Make sure you choose a monitoring plan with TC2 service!

If you plan to use cellular communication with your VISTA-21iPLTE and Alarm Grid, then you will need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). This is needed to activate the cellular radio and connect it with AlarmNet360. You can find more information about all our monitoring plans on our monitoring page.

Once you have access to Total Connect 2.0, you will be able to control your 21iPLTE System from any location with network access. You can use Total Connect 2.0 to arm and disarm, check current system status, control Z-Wave devices (controller required), view IP cameras (video monitoring required), and so much more!

As far as functionality is concerned, the VISTA-21iPLTE is just like like a VISTA-21iP. Other than the added support for the LTE-21V, they are the same panel. As a result, almost any specification that applies to the VISTA-21iP also applies to the VISTA-21iPLTE.

The VISTA-21iPLTE is capable of supporting up to 64 total zones. However, you can only use eight (8) hardwired zones out of the box. To use additional wired zones, you will need to add Honeywell 4219 Expansion Modules. To use wireless sensors, you will need a wireless receiver, such as the 6160RF Keypad.

By adding up to five (5) 4219 Expansion Modules, you can use up to 48 hardwired zones on the VISTA-21iPLTE. Keep in mind that Zones 2 through 8 support zone doubling. Zone 1 is a special zone for use with 2-wire smokes. That is why it does not support zone doubling, although it can be used as a burglary or environmental zone if 2-wire smokes are not needed. You can have up to 16 2-wire smokes on the zone.

Adding a compatible wireless receiver will let you use wireless 345 MHz sensors from the Honeywell 5800 Series. A standard wireless receiver will only support uni-directional (one-way) devices. But a wireless transceiver like the 6160RF will also let you use bi-directional devices. Up to 56 wireless zones can be used. The number of available wireless zones depends on the number of wired expansion zones being used.

It is important to keep in mind that the total number of zones (wired and wireless) can never exceed 64. Additionally, zones 49 through 64 on a VISTA-21iPLTE are designated as key fob zones. But you can use these zones with any wireless sensor, as long as you have a wireless receiver added.

There are also some other accessories you can add to a VISTA-21iPLTE System. First and foremost, you will want a keypad for controlling the system. As stated earlier, the Honeywell 6160RF is a great option. If you don't plan to use wireless sensors, then the standard Honeywell 6160 will work just as well.

You might also consider getting a touchscreen keypad for the system. These can be easier to use than push-button keypads. But just remember that only push-button keypads can backdoor into programming. The new Honeywell 6290W is a great option. Or you could go with the Tuxedo Touch which will also add Z-Wave functionality.

There are limits to the number of keypads you can use with the system. Up to eight (8) push-button keypads can be added. Touchscreen keypads count as AUI devices, and the VISTA-21iPLTE will only support a max of four (4) of these. Keep in mind that the Total Connect 2.0 service also counts as an AUI device!

Speaking of Z-Wave, a Z-Wave controller is needed if you want to use Z-Wave devices with the system. Adding a Tuxedo Touch is a great way to add Z-Wave capabilities. If you already have a keypad, then the standalone Honeywell VAM was an option, but it has recently been discontinued. Remember, you can control all Z-Wave devices through TC2.

Lastly, the system comes with its own transformer for supplying power. You will still need to supply a backup battery like the UltraTech IM-1250F1. Power cabling is not included with the VISTA-21iPLTE system, so you must add your own. We recommend using 18-gauge wiring, or even better, a Honeywell LT-Cable.

We would also like to mention that the VISTA-21iPLTE supports two (2) partitions, along with a third common partition. It also supports other miscellaneous features like Quick Arming, Scheduling, up to 48 unique user codes, 100-event event log, two (2) low-current trigger outputs, chime functionality, and more.

The VISTA-21iPLTE System and the LTE-21V LTE Communicator are both available for purchase now from the Alarm Grid website. This system is great for anyone looking for a simple, yet effective hardwired panel. It will certainly serve as a long-lasting addition to your home or business and help keep you safe.

If you have any questions about the system, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours are 9 am to 8 pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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!

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.