Product Announcements Posts

This is an important message for anyone with a Honeywell VISTA System that uses an LTE-XV Verizon Cellular Communicator. Honeywell will be sending out an automatic firmware update to these communicators. This firmware update will install version 4.0.30 on the communicator. With this automatic update, users can expect a performance upgrade and an enhancement of the module's auto-detect recovery mode.

During this update process, the following messages will generate::

These messages are completely normal, and they are nothing to worry about. The update will take place automatically sometime in the next few days. The update will not affect the usability of your security system. You will also not need to make any changes to your panel's settings. However, we recommend keeping your system powered on and connected to the cellular network during this time. This will allow the firmware update to go through as normal.

If you have any questions about this update and what it means for your panel, please contact support@alarmgrid.com.

When Honeywell first invited us to be a part of the beta program for their new Lyric Controller security system in 2015, one of the first things we noticed was that the wireless door/window sensors that came with the system were much bigger than the existing wireless door/window sensors that work with all of the other Honeywell wireless security systems. At the time, Honeywell said they were working on a smaller version door/window sensor and we are excited to finally announce that those smaller sensors are now available!

One of the major advantages of the Lyric security system over other wireless security systems is that the Lyric supports a new line of bi-directional, encrypted sensors that are more secure than the existing 5800 Series sensors. The SiX Series sensors utilize 128-bit AES encryption and communicate on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio frequency channel directly to the Lyric system. This advanced technology makes it much more difficult for a savvy intruder to be able to "spoof" or hack the wireless SiX Sensors in an attempt to gain access to the protected property without setting off an alarm. While the sensors use a similar frequency that WIFI routers will use, the sensors communicate right to the Lyric's built-in wireless receiver and don't use the WIFI network in the home for sensor communications. Honeywell developed the SiX Series technology themselves and even put in specialized protocols designed to scan nearby networks to prevent possible WIFI interference. Before the Lyric system and SiX Series sensors were released, there weren't really any good options for wireless security systems that utilized encrypted sensors but encrypted sensor technology is a growing trend in the industry and we encourage everyone that has a non-encrypted system to consider upgrading to add an extra layer of security to your home.

The original SiX Series door/window sensors that were available when the Lyric system first launched were the SiXCT sensors. The SiXCTs are 3.13 inches long, 1.61 inches wide and 1 inch deep (depth of the sensor out into the room compared to the mounted surface) which is fairly large when you consider that you may want to have one installed on all of your home's doors and windows.

The new SiXMINICT door/window sensor is only 2.44 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and 0.45 inches deep off the mounted surface making for a much less intrusive sensor and much more aesthetically pleasing installation of your Lyric system with encrypted sensors protecting your doors and windows. The magnet for the SiXMINICT is also smaller than the magnet for the SiXCT. The SiXMINICT magnet is 1.5 inches long, 0.44 inches wide and 0.44 inches deep off the mounted surface while the SiXCT magnet is 1.5 inches long, 0.44 inches wide and 0.69 inches deep. The SiXMINICT and magnet provide a much flatter design so that the sensor and magnet blend into your door and windows and frames much better than the original SiXCT and magnet.

While the SiXMINICTs are much nicer looking, please keep in mind that the don't offer the same ability as the SiXCTs to wire in a wired sensor to the SiXCT so that it can act as a pass through wireless transmitter to send the alarm from the wired sensor to the wireless Lyric security system. In re-designing the smaller sensor, there wasn't enough room to add in the internal screw contacts that the SiXCT has for the option to wire in a wired device so the SiXMINICT can only be used as a regular sensor with the included magnet.

We have updated all of our Lyric wireless security system kits so that they include the newer, smaller SIXMINICTs instead of the older, bigger SiXCTs and we even put together a value 5-pack of SiXMINICT sensors that can save you on your system purchase if you need more sensors than are included in the kit you're ordering or if you need to add encrypted protection to 5 or more new doors/windows.

We believe encrypted sensor technology is only going to become more and more popular and we are excited to see that Honeywell is going to build out their line of SiX Series sensors so that hopefully there will eventually be an encrypted version of every 5800 Series device they offer now. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog as we will continue to let you all knwo about any new SiX devices that are released by Honeywell.

Installing an outdoor motion detector is an excellent way to keep the perimeter of your home safe. These devices will allow you to know if anyone has trespassed on your property, and they can help ensure that the appropriate authorities are sent if needed. Outdoor motion detectors can also be used for home automation purposes as well. For example, you can set your system so that your lights turn on and your thermostat is adjusted automatically when your outdoor motion detector is triggered.

Choosing the best outdoor motion detector can seem like a daunting process. You’ll want a motion detector that can provide an acceptable range of detection, maintain a proper level of sensitivity, stand-up to inclement weather and communicate with your security system effectively. Each of these factors should be considered very carefully before deciding on which outdoor motion detector to purchase. You will also need to think about the type of security panel you own and its compatibility with the motion detector that you choose. Additionally, you may need to purchase an add-on, such as a signal translator or a wireless receiver so that your panel will work with the detector.

When considering which outdoor motion detector to use, it’s usually easiest to start by thinking about which type of panel you own. In this guide, we will cover some common security panels and discuss what we believe is the best motion detector for each system.

Outdoor Motion Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller & LYNX Touch Panels

Honeywell’s wireless security systems are generally some of the easiest panels to use and set up with with security devices like outdoor motion detectors. Honeywell even makes its own outdoor motion detector, the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, that is part of its 5800 Series of wireless devices. With its outstanding features, performance and reliability, not to mention its easy connectivity, the 5800PIR-OD is a great device to use with these Honeywell panels.

The 5800PIR-OD uses passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect the presence of motion. This means that the device looks out for infrared energy that is given off by a person. When the sensor detects a significant change in infrared energy, an alarm will be triggered. A user can configure the pulse count of the sensor to adjust its sensitivity. This will affect how large of a change in infrared energy is needed to activate the device. A higher pulse count will decrease the sensitivity of the sensor and require a larger change in infrared energy to be detected for an alarm to occur. In other words, adjusting the device to a low-sensitivity setting by increasing its pulse count will make a false alarm less likely to happen. The opposite is true for setting the device to a high-sensitivity setting with a low pulse count.

To further prevent false alarms, the 5800PIR-OD comes equipped with two different PIR detectors. Each detector must be tripped in order for the sensor to become triggered. This prevents things like small animals or falling leaves from setting off the device and triggering an alarm. However, a person is almost always large enough that they will activate both sensors and cause an alarm event to occur on your security system.

The Honeywell 5800PIR-OD is effective at detecting motion at a range of up to 40 feet. This range can also be reduced if desired. At this range, the device should be able to detect any events that are happening at important areas outside your home, while also not responding to occurrences that do not concern you. The 5800PIR-OD also features high, medium and low sensitivity settings, making it great for all applications.

As an outdoor motion detector, the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD is ready for almost anything that nature can dish out. The device includes a weather-resistant casing that prevents the detector from being damaged by heavy rain or moisture. This casing also ensures that fine particles such as dust or sand will not be able enter the inner-workings of the sensor and cause problems. The 5800PIR-OD is highly-effective in virtually any type of climate, being able to function properly in temperatures ranging from -4° to 122 ° Fahrenheit.

Setting up the 5800PIR-OD for use with the Lyric and LYNX panels is extremely easy. Like every other 5800 Series wireless device, the 5800PIR-OD can connect with these panels right out of the box. Just simply enroll the sensor with the panel through the system’s programming menu, install the detector in a desired location and it will be ready to use. The process is incredibly straight-forward, and it can typically be fully completed by almost any end-user.

Compatible Outdoor Motion Detectors for 2GIG GC3 and GC2 Panels

While 2GIG makes many fantastic devices for its security panels, the company does not offer any viable sensors for outdoor motion detection. However, just like the wireless Honeywell panels, both the 2GIG GC3 and GC2 function with the 5800PIR-OD with no additional add-ons needed. Because the 5800PIR-OD is such a phenomenal outdoor motion detector, we recommend it for use with these panels as well. Again, it’s as simple as enrolling the device within the panel’s programming menu and then installing the sensor.

Compatible Outdoor Motion Sensors for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Qolsys is a relatively young company whose IQ Panel 2 has received rave reviews from security experts. As a newer company, Qolsys is still working on improving its own in-house lineup of security devices. Keeping this in mind, we actually recommend looking to companies outside of Qolsys for an outdoor motion detector. With its amazing features and proven performance, the Honeywell 5800PIR-OD is actually an excellent device to pair with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. The motion will require an external wireless translator to be utilized with the IQ Panel 2, but the 5800PIR-OD is still the best outdoor motion detector to use with the system.

Alarm Grid offers the Resolution Products RE524X, a great wireless translator that will allow the 5800PIR-OD to function with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. The RE524X converts the signal sent by the 5800PIR-OD into one that is accepted by the IQ Panel 2. All you have to do is set up the RE524X with the IQ Panel 2 and then learn-in the motion detector with the RE524X. Once complete, you will be able to use the fantastic 5800PIR-OD with your innovative Qolsys panel.

Compatible Outdoor Motion Sensors for Honeywell Vista Panels

For wired systems like the Vista panels, it is usually desired to use a wireless receiver with in conjunction with a wireless outdoor motion detector. This because the sensor will typically be located far away from the system. A wireless receiver will allow a Vista panel to work with wireless devices.

Most owners of Vista Panels find that using a keypad with an integrated wireless receiver is the easiest solution for using wireless device with their Vista system. This way, they can have a keypad for controlling their security system and a much-needed wireless receiver in just one device. Our favorite keypad for this purpose is the Honeywell 6160RF keypad. The keypad can be easily hard-wired into any Vista panel, and it will serve as an excellent tool for controlling the system. Once connected, a wireless outdoor motion detector can be programmed with the panel. And just like the other Honeywell systems, we are strong supporters of using the 5800PIR-OD with any panel in the Vista lineup due to its great performance and general ease of use.

With Total connect 2.0's December update, Honeywell continues to take both end-user and dealer feedback seriously to improve the platform. In this release, there are improvements in loading speed, multiple changes to the way panel and Total Connect users are handled, as well as the reintroduction of the Night Stay Arming option in both Lyric and Lynx panels, and the addition of Custom Arming in the Lyric panels.

Here's the splash screen for the December update. It outlines all the updates and improvements included with this release. This screen will come up when you first log in to the website after the update, but you can always access it from the About Screen in TC2 by following the "What's New in this app" link. This is also where you can provide feedback directly to Honeywell regarding the page.

The user administration section is now more streamlined, allowing you to view current or all location's users, as well as add users to any or all locations, for multi-location accounts, from a single screen. The process of adding a user is now menu driven, making it much simpler

In the security screen, on Lyric and Lynx Touch panels, you now have the option to Arm Night Stay, if there are any interior zones on your system programmed with Night Stay enabled. On Lyric panels, you also have the option to choose Arm custom. When you do, you'll be presented with a screen showing all available zones. Any zones you select with a check mark will automatically be bypassed, with the rest being armed.
You can choose whether or not you want the system to provide you with an Entry Delay, once armed. The panel will always provide an Exit Delay. Keep in mind that even though you may be bypassing all motion detectors, the panel considers this an "Away" arming, and will sound the Exit Delay beeps, if enabled. The panel does know the difference between arming via Total Connect 2.0, and arming via the keypad, so Auto Stay arming logic will not apply in this situation, as it would if you custom armed through the Lyric panel itself.

Notification edits are now much easier to perform, and can be done directly from the Notification List page. You can still toggle a notification on or off quickly and easily, but you can also add a new notification Group from a drop down menu, and you can click on the name of the Notification Event to access an Edit screen, where you can change the name of the notification, shown as the subject of the notification message when it's received, add additional groups, then set those groups to also receive this notification, and so on. The Save option will only be available if information is changed on this screen.

I'm glad to see Honeywell is taking input from both dealers and end-users seriously, and I look forward to seeing more improvements in the future. What do you think about the new features and improvements to Total Connect 2.0? What other changes would you like to see? Let us know in the comments section!

Alarm Grid has been working tirelessly to launch the full line of Qolsys's panels. These panels are state of the art, built on Google Android, and they look great. They are built to work on Alarm.com, and have already come out with a line of encrypted sensors. This distinguishes the line from the GC3, which has the capability of communicating with encrypted sensors, but 2GIG has not yet release the compatible encrypted sensors.

Just like the 2GIG GC3 or the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys is simple to use. We have tested it extensively and we are comfortable offering this line to our customers. Like our other panels, we will be putting together a full set of FAQs on the Qolsys panels so that our DIY folks can do most of their own installation and programming.

Qolsys has two panels, despite having only been around a little while. Their first one, the IQ Panel, made a big splash. Built on Android, the system function astoundingly well, standing up to the major players in the space. The IQ Panel 2, however, is on a different level. It's clean, thin, made of glass. The system joins the pantheon of modern systems as a great looking item to have on the wall of any home.

Armed with all the basic features of a security system, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 comes with it some amazing little extra touches that neither Honeywell nor 2GIG have added to the Lyric or Go!Control lines as of yet. The ease of updating this system is unparalleled, and its got some great diagnostic features to help setup Z-Wave sensors. In-all, it is the perfect panel for the avid DIYer, and it won't disappoint anyone who is used to the Honeywell and 2GIG quality,

For those who don't like the look of the Qolsys's sensors, Alarm Grid is making available a new sensor. The Alarm Grid 319.5 MHz sensor which is reliable, cheap, and looks great. We are selling them as single units, in packs of 5, and in packs of 10.

Hi DIYers! Today we are reviewing the brand-new 5800COMBO from Honeywell. The 5800COMBO is a versatile life-safety sensor that is great for any alarm system. It offers smoke, heat and carbon monoxide, all in one convenient device. This reduces the number of life-safety sensors a user will need to install. The device was very reliable in tests, and we have already received great reviews from end users. It definitely lives up to the quality one would expect from a Honeywell sensor. We recommend the sensor for anyone who is starting fresh with new life-safety devices.

The 5800COMBO is a great addition to the Honeywell 5800 Series of wireless sensors. These sensors are easy to program, and they work with a large number of alarm systems. Any LYNX Touch, Lyric Controller, 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC2 can use this sensor. The sensor can also interface with Honeywell VISTA Systems using a wireless receiver. But Qolsys System owners must look elsewhere for a wireless life-safety device.

The sensor programs with an alarm system in a somewhat unique way. It requires two wireless zones on the system. One zone is for smoke and heat detection, and the other is for CO detection. Both of these zones use their own 7-digit serial number. The final digit of the CO zone is one digit higher than the fire zone. For example, let's say that the fire zone is 2222222. In that case, the CO zone is 2222223.

Each sensor on the device has shown in testing to operate in a consistent manner. The 5800COMBO smoke sensor will trigger after detecting a small amount of smoke. But this will not set off an alarm on its own. Instead a second trigger must go off for an alarm to occur. This can occur in one of three ways. The first way is for the heat sensor to activate. This will happen if the sensor detects a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The second way is for the device's built-in infrared (IR) sensor to detect a fire. The IR sensor will look for the flickering glow of flames. It will trigger an alarm upon sensing this type IR energy. Finally, an alarm will always occur if the sensor detects carbon monoxide.

All this makes the 5800COMBO a very balanced device. You won't have to worry about the sensor triggering any false alarms. That said, it will still activate in the event of a real emergency. Our extensive testing process proved this. One minor concern about the device is that it is a very large sensor. The bulky size will put off some users. But the fact that the 5800COMBO serves dual purposes more than makes up for this. The device also features two prominent test buttons for easy testing. We recommend testing this device on a yearly basis.

The 5800COMBO is UL-listed and CP-01 approved. It can request central station dispatch in the event of an emergency. By installing one, a user can receive a discount on their homeowner's insurance. The amount of this discount will vary between different states and insurance companies. A user should speak with their insurance company to find out more about a possible discount. This is another huge benefit of owning a 5800COMBO.

Alarm Grid completely endorses the 5800COMBO as an outstanding life-safety device. It is one of the most versatile sensors we have ever seen. The device is reliable, and you can count on it in any emergency situation. False alarms are very unlikely to occur, and the insurance benefits you can receive are great. If you already have a standalone smoke or CO detector, then the 5800COMBO isn't for you. In that case, it makes more sense to get a sensor that only includes the function you need. But if you are starting from scratch, the 5800COMBO is second to none. The ability to receive both fire and CO protection in one device in phenomenal. And with the device's reliability and proven performance, you cannot go wrong.

The 5800COMBO is available for sale on our website right now. It is the perfect addition to almost any alarm system. Protect your home and your loved ones with this top-quality Honeywell sensor.

Last week at ISC West, Honeywell received a SIA new product award for the newly released 5800COMBO. The Security Industry Association (SIA) rewards products that balance industry innovation with false alarm prevention. The 5800COMBO encapsulates this criteria almost perfectly. This is the first professionally monitored, fully UL listed wireless heat, smoke and CO combination detector in the industry. This feat alone is quite an accomplishment. The technology packed into the device makes this product even more deserving of this award.

Honeywell did not just integrate standard smoke, heat and CO detection into a single detector housing. They did much more. The individual technologies inside the COMBO are fairly standard. Photoelectric smoke detection, fixed temp (135F degrees) heat detection and electrochemical CO sensing. There is a new infrared (IR) technology designed to pick up ambient light levels and flame flickers. Also the CO detector does have a longer than average life expectancy of 10 years. Everything else is fairly common across other non-monitored combination detectors on the market. So what is it that makes the 5800COMBO so special?

(Photo: Honeywell's booth at ISC West just after the award was given by SIA.)

There are 3 programmable zones: smoke (loop 1 with serial), low temp (loop 3 with serial) and CO (loop 1 with serial + 1 on last digit). The low temp and CO zones are standard and only rely on a single sensing element to trip that zone on the alarm system. The smoke zone is much more advanced since this is the most common zone type for false alarms on these types of life safety detectors. This is especially the case in residential environments. It is the "multi-criteria algorithm" that sets this product apart. Yes Honeywell did it again and engineered a state of the art sensor.

The smoke zone requires two of the four sensing elements to be tripped in order to trigger a fire alarm at the alarm system and dial out to a central station. The four elements are photoelectric smoke detection, fixed high temp, CO and the new IR technology mentioned earlier. The first element must be photoelectric smoke detection. Then any of the other three elements in combination with smoke detection will trigger an immediate alarm and report if the system is monitored. If there is only airborne particulate detected the COMBO requires at least 5 minutes of alarm level contact before triggering.

This dual technology of sorts makes the 5800COMBO extremely versatile and less prone to false alarms. That means better protection for your property and more importantly life safety for anyone within the protected premise. False alarms are not only an issue for local authorities. End users are seeing increasingly higher fines per false alarm across the country. That means by using devices like the COMBO will potentially save you money in the event that your local authorities deliver fines for false dispatches.

All in all, we are very excited about the added value of the 5800COMBO to the Honeywell 5800 series line up. The barrier to monitoring smoke, heat and CO just lowered with the introduction of this simple to install, multi-faceted product. We believe that every Alarm Grid customer should have every form of life safety equipped in this device. If you do not already we recommend adding it today!

Note: This is a 5800 series wireless sensor that requires a compatible RF receiver. To confirm panel compatibility you can contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. There is a list of panels mentioned in the product description as well.

When we launched Alarm Grid in 2012, we sold Honeywell equipment exclusively. We have been very slow to grow our selection because their products have proved to be so reliable. We absolutely love Honeywell. And while we're proud to have expanded our offerings to 2GIG systems and Simon communicators, our primary offering continues to be Honeywell focused.

Last year, when we added 2GIG's systems to our offerings, we also launched alarm.com at the same time. While Honeywell's products have always been coupled tightly with AlarmNet's interactive offering, Alarm.com powers the interactive services for most of the other brands. And while we believe strongly in the Total Connect product, Alarm.com has done an amazing job of offering a bit more flexibility to their offering meaning that a lot of end users prefer the Alarm.com software.

So what's a DIYer to do if they want Honeywell hardware and Alarm.com software?

Alarm.com has just released the System Enhancement Module (SEM) which allows end users to attach the unit to their wired Honeywell system (e.g. VISTA 20P, VISTA 15P) and use the Alarm.com software. Significantly cheaper than the Total Connect communicator the iGSMV4G or GSMV4G, the SEM gives the systems cellular monitoring capabilities to anyone who wants them. Additionally, the SEM provides more options to end users regarding their choice of network, currently available for LTE and CDMA.

What's more, the SEM gives end users the ability to take advantage of some incredible Z-Wave functionality that previously would have required the purchase of the VAM or the Tuxedo. Simply, for a cost of $155.99, an end user can now take advantage of everything these systems have to offer.

If you are looking for the most advanced security system on the market, Alarm Grid has finally begun selling the Lyric Controller. This much-anticipated panel has been on the market for only a few hours now, and Alarm Grid is the first home security company to be selling it online!

In addition to the Lyric Controller, Honeywell has released a number of their encrypted peripherals, such as the SiXCT, the SiXPIR, the SiXFOB, the SiXSIREN and both the Verizon and the AT&T cellular communicators.

As has been the case with all our security systems, we are selling Lyric kits at a slight discount for those that need specific pieces to come with their Lyric's. There are a number of pieces that are not yet quite available. The Lyric LKP500 keypad, the SiXGB, and the SiXSMOKE, are still not in inventory, though we do anticipate getting them in soon. If you are ordering a Lyric, you can certainly add these items to your cart, but we want you to know that we're not shipping them until Honeywell gets some to us.

Also worth noting, we have a very limited quantity of the Lyrics and we've been told that we won't be re-supplied for a couple of weeks. We're selling them on a first-come-first-serve basis. So get your system today before they're all gone.

For those who are a little bit intimidated by the idea of installing the system, luckily for you, we have a series of great Lyric security system Installation videos you can watch! While you're there, make sure to hit subscribe. :)

While we wait for Honeywell to release their exciting security system, the Lyric, 2GIG has finally released their anticipated panel, and Alarm Grid is the first DIY outfit to make it available!

If you are one of the many people who have been awaiting the arrival of the much anticipated GC3, then this is an exciting day for you. The GC3 is 2GIG's much needed update to the Go!Control 2, which has been the workhorse of the brand since 2010. In 2011, the panel was unexpectedly awarded "Security Product of the Year" at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), as well as the "2011 Best Wireless Security Panel" award, and "2011 Best in Show" at Electronic Security Expo (ESX). The all-in-one panel was revolutionary, and the ability to use Alarm.com as the interactive backbone of the 2GIG line changed the way that the security industry does business.

Now, with Honeywell's LYNX line and the coming Lyric, the Go!Control is a still excellent panel in a sea of many panels that have caught up and, in many cases, surpassed its many features, which in 2011 had never really been seen before. The GC3 is a sleek, new panel that is pulling 2GIG back into the much deserved limelight.

The 7-inch, extremely responsive capacitive color touchscreen is a nice touch, as is the information packed display. Featuring excellent Z-Wave controls, much like its predecessor and competing Honeywell panels, the GC3 makes it clear that it is a security system first, but under the surface, it is a deceivingly capable device that allows users the ability to control their Z-wave home automation capable devices as well as the ability to receive updates to its firmware. This modern security system can and will keep up with the times - whatever they may bring.

While you can purchase a standalone panel, we have also made the GC3PK kit available that includes 3 DW10 door and window sensors, a KEY2-345 key fob, and a single PIR1-345 motion sensor, as well as the GC3 system itself. All you will need to add to that kit is a radio that best suits your needs. At the moment, 2GIG has released radios that work with Verizon and AT&T, or, if you're in Canada, Rogers. These simple radios snap into the side of the GC3, making installation incredibly simple and almost exactly as easy as the process of installing a radio in Honeywell's Lyric controller. In all, it seems, 2GIG has made huge improvements over its older systems, as well as making a number of incredible improvements that will make having this security system a delight.