Promotional Posts

Hi DIYers! Today we're taking a quick look at the Honeywell 5800RP. This is a useful tool that will repeat the signal of any Honeywell 5800 Series Device. By placing the Honeywell 5800RP in a key location, you can effectively double the communication range of a 5800 Series Device.

When a 5800 Series Sensor is activated, it sends a wireless 345 MHz signal to let the alarm system know about the event. For most of these sensors, the signal will only travel a maximum 200 feet on its own. But the 5800RP can take this signal that has been sent out and send it out a second time. This means that the signal can travel an initial distance of 200 feet, before being repeated by the 5800RP for an additional 200 feet. So when all is said and done, a 5800RP will increase the max distance for most Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors to 400 feet!

A unique aspect of the 5800RP is that it does not need to be programmed to the panel. It will start repeating compatible signals as soon as it is plugged in. However, a user can program it to a wireless zone for supervision purposes. This way, the panel will display a trouble condition if the 5800RP ever goes offline or exits the signal range. Please note that 5800 Series Sensors can only have their signals repeated once. In other words, a user cannot add multiple 5800RP Repeaters to continuously repeat the signals of 5800 Series Devices. However, a user could have two different 5800RP devices going in opposite directions away from the system to repeat communication signals traveling from opposite ends.

It is important to note that the Honeywell 5800RP will only repeat the signals of 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Devices. This includes any 5800 Series Sensors, as well as bidirectional 5800 Series Devices, such as a Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob or a Honeywell 5828 Keypad. However, it will not work with other wireless Honeywell Sensors. This includes the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors, which are incompatible with the 5800RP. The repeater is also incompatible with the 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors. But Alarm Grid offers a separate repeater, the 2GIG RPTR1-345 that is compatible with these 2GIG Sensors. There are also repeaters for 319.5 MHz Sensors, 433 MHz Sensors and 915 MHz PowerG Sensors.

You can get the Honeywell 5800RP and these four other wireless repeaters from Alarm Grid right now. Build you home or business security system with Alarm Grid!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a quick look at the Honeywell 5816OD Wireless Outdoor Contact. This is an extremely versatile and useful sensor that allows a user to monitor virtually any door located outside. It offers superb protection to keep it safe from nearly any outdoor elements.

The Honeywell 5816OD takes its name from two places. The "5816" portion is a direct reference to Honeywell's most popular wireless sensor, the Honeywell 5816. The "OD" portion simply refers to "outdoors". Simply put, this is an outdoor version of a 5816. But the 5816OD has some added features built-in. Perhaps the most notable is the extra large magnet spacing gap that the 5816OD can utilize. Unlike the half-inch maximum spacing gap used by the 5816, the 5816OD can work properly with a maximum spacing gap of 1.5 inches. This gives the user great flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor and its included magnet.

As a wireless contact, the Honeywell 5816OD is fairly standard in terms of its operation. The device consists of a sensor and magnet. The sensor should be placed on the stationary portion of the door, fence or gate. The magnet should be placed on the moving portion of the door, fence or gate, within an inch and a half of the sensor. When the structure is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. The sensor will then alert the system to let it know that the structure has been opened.

For weather protection, the 5816OD is waterproof, and it meets NEMA4X water protection. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -40° to 150° F, making it suitable for virtually any environment on this planet. It can be mounted on flat or curved surfaces. Alarm Grid recommends using strap ties or cable ties if you are installing it on a round surface, such as a fence or gate post. The sensor can even be painted so that it blends-in better with the structure. If you do this, remember to use a paint that is safe for plastic!

The 5816OD operates at a wireless frequency of 345 MHz. This makes it compatible with most Honeywell Systems and all 2GIG Systems. It will also work with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz Daughtercard. If your system is connected with an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can even receive remote alerts through your iOS or Android smartphone to let you know when the 5816OD has been activated.

You can purchase the Honeywell 5816OD from Alarm Grid right now. Get yours to protect your outdoor fence, gate or door!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell 5800FLOOD Wireless Flood and Temperature Sensor. This device provides monitoring for water leaks and extreme temperature changes. It will work with any panel that accepts the 345 MHz frequency, including most Honeywell and 2GIG Systems.

The 5800FLOOD is a great device for anyone who needs reliable monitoring for water leaks or potential flooding. The sign of a good flood sensor is the ability to detect leaks before they cause costly damage, without setting off any false alarms. The 5800FLOOD will activate once its built-in water probes have detected at least a quarter-inch of liquid. The device will respond within 22 seconds for a quick and accurate alert about the potential for water damage.

Alarm Grid recommends using the 5800FLOOD in places that are most prone to experiencing water damage. Popular locations include bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, basements and garages. You will want to put the 5800FLOOD in the area of the room where a water leak will most likely occur or where the water is most likely to accumulate. Once the device detects a leak, it will send an alert to security system to let it know about the situation.

In addition to flood sensing, the 5800FLOOD also operates as a viable temperature sensor. The low-temperature loop will have the sensor respond upon detecting a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for 10 consecutive minutes. This is great for catching a broken HVAC unit before the pipes freeze and cause serious damage. Meanwhile, the high-temperature loop will have the sensor respond after detecting a temperature of 95 degrees or higher for at least 10 minutes.

When programming the 5800FLOOD, the loop number that is set will determine how the sensor is used. There are three separate loops for flood detection, low temperature detection and high temperature detection. In order to use all three functions, the 5800FLOOD will need to be programmed to three separate wireless zones, with each zone being assigned the appropriate Loop Number. The table below outlines the Loop Numbers for the 5800FLOOD:

The 5800FLOOD Wireless Flood and Temperature Sensor is available from Alarm Grid now. Protect your home or business from serious water damage with this versatile and effective sensor!

Hey DIYers! Today, we're taking look at the Honeywell 5828 Wireless Keypad. This device is great for pairing with a Honeywell LYNX Touch or Honeywell VISTA System to provide a secondary access point. The wireless keypad is great for use in larger homes or those with multiple entryways.

The 5828 Touch-Button Keypad provides a Fixed English display for the user. This means that the keypad cannot be used for deep-level programming, and it should only be used as a secondary controller. All deep-level programming will need to be done through the panel itself or through an Alphanumeric keypad. But the 5828 Keypad is still great for conveniently arming, disarming and checking the system status.

As a wireless device, the 5828 Keypad communicates at 345 MHz. It uses bi-directional communication, meaning that it can both send and receive signals. This is important for knowing the current system status and letting the main panel know whenever the system has been armed or disarmed. In order to facilitate this communication, the keypad will only be able to pair with a Honeywell System that has a proper House ID. The Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems and the Honeywell VISTA Systems both feature the House ID for this purpose. However, the 5828 cannot be used with the Honeywell Lyric Controller, as it does not have a House ID. Additionally, if the keypad is being used with a Honeywell VISTA, then the system will need to have a separate wireless receiver added to support the 345 MHz frequency. A great wireless receiver option is the 6160RF Keypad, which can also serve as a primary controller for deep level programming.

The 5828 Keypad has a 50-foot wireless range, but this range can be effectively doubled by using a Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater. It uses three AA batteries for power, but a Honeywell K0991 AC Transformer can be added for continuous operation. The standard 5828 Keypad only produces chimes and tones, but Honeywell also offers the 5828V Wireless Talking Keypad. This is the exact same keypad, only with added voice functionality. It also allows the user to leave voice messages for later use. Both keypads can be wall-mounted or easily rested on a desk or table using the Honeywell 5828DM Desk Mount Kit. This desk mount kit is an excellent way to set up the keypad without having to drill any holes.

The Honeywell 5828 Keypad and Honeywell 5828V Talking Keypad are both available from Alarm Grid now. Get one today, and upgrade your Honeywell System!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell CELL-EXTST. This an antenna adapter cable designed for use with the Honeywell Lyric Panel. This adapter allows you to connect a cellular antenna with the the Lyric Cell Radio to boost its signal strength and communicate more reliably.

Normally, we recommend using cellular amplifiers to boost the strength of a cellular module. These tend to work more reliably than antennas, and they allow you to boost the cellular strength throughout the building. But if a user plans on using an antenna, they will need to make sure it is strong enough to achieve the reliable connection they want. Normally, the fixed-length Honeywell CELL-ANTU will work just fine for this role. This antenna offers a 1dB gain of signal strength, and it has a 10-foot cable that cannot be extended. The Honeywell CELL-ANTU already comes with the Honeywell CELL-EXTST Adapter for integrating with the Lyric Controller. But if a user requires a stronger antenna, they will need to use the Honeywell CELL-EXTST Adapter to complete the connection.

Sometimes, a larger antenna can make all the difference for ensuring reliable communication with the Honeywell AlarmNet Servers. This is especially true for those who live in rural areas that may be located very far away from a cellular tower. But since the Lyric Cellular Modules use a unique TS9 plug, they need the CELL-EXTST to work with the stronger outdoor antennas. For ultimate signal boosting, we recommend using the Honeywell CELL-EXTST with the Honeywell CELL-ANT3DB AlarmNet Weatherproof Antenna. This will provide up to an additional 3dB in signal strength. You will also need a COAX cable of the desired length to complete the connection. The proper extenders will allow the CELL-ANT3DB to reach a wire length of between 25 and 50 feet for flexible wiring options. But please note that a longer wire run will decrease the signal gain that is provided. By using the outdoor CELL-ANT3DB, your Lyric will certainly enjoy a better connection. This will give you great peace of mind in knowing that your home is monitored!

The Honeywell CELL-EXTST is what makes the connection possible, and it can now be purchased individually from Alarm Grid. Get one for your system, and achieve the reliable connectivity you need! For more information on Honeywell Cellular Antennas, please review this helpful document.

Hi DIYers! Did you know that Alarm Grid offers certified refurbished versions of some of the most popular Honeywell Security Systems and accessories? Our refurbished offerings work just as well as any new equipment. Going this route can be a great option for cutting overall system costs.

All of our certified refurbished equipment is sent to us directly from the manufacturer, Honeywell. It starts when the previous owner of an eligible piece of Honeywell equipment sends the product back to Honeywell for one reason or another. Honeywell will clean up the equipment, restore any defects and basically ensure that it works good as new. With Honeywell's strict oversight, the refurbished equipment is guaranteed to function exactly the same as any new equipment. We then purchase this equipment from Honeywell. Any customer who buys this equipment will have it professionally sent to them from the Alarm Grid headquarters.

In the highly unlikely event that the refurbished equipment does not function as it should, Alarm Grid offers a warranty protection in conjunction with the original warranty Honeywell put on the product. The original warranty will depend upon the manufacture date of the equipment. We will honor any remaining warranty from Honeywell that is left on the equipment, or we will offer our own warranty of up to 90 days, whichever is longer. While we are very confident in all of the refurbished equipment we offer, we fully understand that some customers will want some protective measures put in place before buying this type of equipment.

At this time, our refurbished lineup is restricted to four Honeywell products. However, we may decide to expand this lineup sometime in the future. Our team will make sure to let you know if any new refurbished products become available. The following products are currently available as certified refurbished versions:

• Certified Refurbished Honeywell Lyric Security System
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Wireless Keypad
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell VISTA-21iP Control Panel
• Certified Refurbished Honeywell 5800C2W Wired to Wireless Converter

If you have any questions about our refurbished products, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at any time at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell PAL-T Hardwired Door and Window Contact. Although we often get very excited about the idea of using wireless contacts, we recognize that some people still want hardwired contacts. The PAL-T is one of the most versatile options we offer.

In terms of operation the Honeywell PAL-T is extremely simple. The device consists of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is wired-in directly with the panel, and it is installed on the stationary frame of a door or window. The magnet is then installed on the moving portion of the door or window within 1.125" of the sensor. As a surface mount sensor, the PAL-T and its magnet will be visible from the outside of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to trigger. Once this happens, the sensor will send an alert to the alarm system to let it know that the door or window has been opened. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for that zone.

As a hardwired sensor, the PAL-T is most commonly used with hardwired systems. However, it can also be used with wireless systems that have available zone terminals for hardwired sensors. Additionally, a user can convert the hardwired connection into a wireless transmission through the use of a wired to wireless converter, like the Honeywell 5800C2W. This works by connecting the PAL-T with the wired to wireless converter. The converter will then send a wireless signal to the alarm panel on the behalf of any connected sensors. This will allow the wired sensors to be used with the system as though they were wireless sensors. Doing this is a great way to bring over multiple existing wired contacts and set them up with a newer wireless alarm panel.

What's great about the Honeywell PAL-T is its small size that allows it to be used in a number of different security applications. It will fit on almost any door or window and provide effective monitoring of that opening. The vast array of programming options make it extremely versatile. Depending on the system, you might just have PAL-T instruct the system to chime whenever it is activated. A common option is to have it set as an entry/exit door. If an entry/exit sensor is activated while the system is armed, the user will need to disarm the system within a set entry delay period, or else an alarm will occur. Another possibility is to make a door or window truly off-limits and set it as a 24-hour zone. This will cause an immediate alarm if the sensor is activated, regardless of the system's current state. Setting a zone for this purpose can be great for fire doors or emergency door or windows.

And of course, one of the best aspects of the Honeywell PAL-T is that it is one of the cheapest sensors we offer. If you are fine using hardwired sensors, then this is a very affordable way to monitoring virtually any door or window. You can purchase the Honeywell PAL-T on the Alarm Grid website right now. Stock up on a few, and provide complete protection for your home or business!

Hi DIYers! We recently made a post that compared wireless systems with hardwired ones. We ultimately concluded that most end users are better-suited with a wireless system. If you have decided that you need a wireless home security system, this buyer's guide can help you review the options.

Remember, no matter which system you buy, you will need an alarm monitoring plan to go along with with it. Please review our alarm monitoring page for more information. Below are some of the best wireless security systems on the market today and what makes them so great:

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is arguably the most robust alarm system on the market today. Each version provides support for PowerG 915 MHz Sensors and a choice of one legacy sensor type (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz). The PowerG Sensors are particularly renowned for their ability to be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ2+ System in open air. This is also one of the few wireless all-in-one panels with the ability to display the live feed for Alarm.com Security Cameras right from its screen. The panel also includes a built-in LTE cellular communicator (AT&T or Verizon) and a fully functional Z-Wave Plus Controller. In fact, this is one of the very few systems where virtually no add-ons are needed. However, the IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the more expensive wireless panels available on the market. But users will certainly appreciate its sleek, modern design and superb functionality. The system uses Alarm.com as its interactive service platform, and it can readily connect with the service. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus can be seen here.

Choose the IQ Panel 2 Plus if:

• You want the remarkable signal range that comes with PowerG Sensors.
• You want the ability to easily bring over existing wireless sensors (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz) with your new security system.
• You want the ability to view your security cameras right from your panel.
• You don't mind paying top-dollar for an alarm system.

Honeywell Lyric Controller

The Honeywell Lyric Controller is still the flagship HomeKit security system from Honeywell, and the time-tested company has once-again produced an excellent panel. The Lyric is perhaps the best system on the market today for use with Apple HomeKit. It can pair natively with HomeKit in order to provide all of the functionality that a user would expect with the feature. The Lyric System also has its own lineup of encrypted sensors, called the Honeywell SiX Series. Additionally, it is backwards compatible with the Honeywell 5800 Series. Another factor that separates the Lyric from other systems is its ability to be used with Total Connect 2.0. This service is designed exclusively for Honeywell Alarm Systems, and it offers similar functionality to that of Alarm.com. The system's built-in WIFI card allows it to readily connect with the service. One downside to the Lyric is that it only includes a Z-Wave classic controller as opposed to a Z-Wave Plus controller. While it can support Z-Wave Plus devices, they will only have the capabilities of Z-Wave classic devices when used with this system. Please note, a separate Lyric Cellular Module is needed for cellular connectivity.

Choose the Lyric Controller if:

• You plan to use your alarm system with Apple HomeKit.
• You prefer using Total Connect 2.0 over Alarm.com.
• You want to use encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Sensors.
• You don't require a Z-Wave Plus controller.

2GIG GC3

The 2GIG GC3 just gave itself a major upgrade in the form of partitioning support. This makes the GC3 the first ever AIO wireless system to support partitioning. 2GIG refers to this feature as "smart areas", and the system on the latest firmware, and up to four of these areas can be supported. Beyond that, the GC3 is also highly regarded for its strong build quality. That's not to say the other panels are lacking in that department, but the GC3 is perhaps the sturdiest system we have ever worked with. Its touchscreen controls are extremely responsive, and its full-color 7-inch display is a joy to look at. The system can use 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. One weakness of the system is that it does not support any type of encrypted sensors at this time. But it does include a built-in Z-Wave Plus Controller for smart home devices. Like the IQ Panel 2 Plus, the system uses the Alarm.com service. But the user will need to buy a separate GC3 cellular communicator to use ADC.

Choose the GC3 if:

• You need partitioning support.
• You want a system with superb build-quality.
• You want to use the Alarm.com platform.
• You don't need encrypted wireless sensors.

2GIG GC2

The 2GIG GC2 is our pick as a "budget" security system. We know that many people getting into home security will not need all of the advanced features that the state-of-the-art systems have to offer. That is where is the 2GIG GC2 comes into play. With the right support, it can still serve as an extremely viable option for many users. The panel features a 3.75" by 2.25" touchscreen with very responsive controls. This is considerably smaller than the 7-inch touchscreen displays of the other panels on this list, but it will work just fine for many users. The panel can support up to 60 wireless zones. Again, this is considerably less robust than the other systems, but it will be perfectly acceptable for most smaller and medium-sized homes. The system includes a Z-Wave classic controller for supporting smart home automation devices. In order to get the GC2 connected with Alarm.com, a separate GC2 cellular communicator is needed. Overall, if you're looking for a new security system at a reasonable price, you can't go wrong with the 2GIG GC2.

Choose the GC2 if:

• You're shopping for a system on a budget.
• You want a simple, yet capable alarm system.
• You don't need support for as many wireless zones.
• You don't need a larger touchscreen display.

If you still need help deciding on a wireless system, don't hesitate to reach out to us for support! You may email us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. Or you can call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're examining the DSC PG9916 PowerG Wireless Smoke and Heat Detector. This is one of the best wireless smoke detectors available on the market today. It offers reliable fire detection, and its signal range is second-to-none. It works with any PowerG-compatible system.

As you probably know by now, we're major fans of the 915 MHz PowerG wireless sensors. When used with a DSC PowerSeries Neo Alarm Panel, these sensors boast a remarkable wireless signal range of up to 2 kilometers in open air. The smaller wireless antenna used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems limits this range to considerably less than the advertised 2km. But it is still a very impressive range for a wireless device. And a repeater can always be used to extend the range if needed. This strong range gives the user a lot of options when choosing a place for the DSC PG9916. For example, they could place it in a guest house across the property and experience no communication issues whatsoever.

As a versatile life-safety sensor, the DSC PG9916 provides both reliable smoke and heat detection. This gives it two methods for detecting any fires that may occur. The smoke detector is a photoelectric sensor that includes an internal light. When smoke enters the detection chamber, the light will be refracted. The sensor will respond to this action and alert the security system. The heat sensor uses fixed temperature detection, and it will activate at a temperature of 140°F or higher. Once the sensor has been activated, the alarm system can request automatic emergency dispatch from a central monitoring station if this feature is included in the user's alarm monitoring plan. The sensor will also produce its own 85 dB alarm to alert those inside the building. And like all PowerG Sensors, the PG9916 uses 128-bit AES encryption to prevent any hacking or takeover attempts.

In addition to the PG9916, Alarm Grid also offers the DSC PG9926. This is a standalone smoke detector with no heat detection function. This sensor can be better-suited for areas that regularly reach above 100°F. Both sensors are available for purchase on the Alarm Grid website now, and they both make great additions to any PowerG-compatible alarm system. Get one for your system today!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that several Apple HomeKit compatible locks have been added to our site! These locks are great for iOS users who have already got started with HomeKit and those who are interested in the service. Other new products have been released as well.

With the increased popularity of smart home automation, Alarm Grid knows that there is now a stronger link than ever between security systems and smart home devices. HomeKit is one of the most popular smart protocols used today, and we know that many of our current and future customers appreciate using these functions on their iOS devices. This latest rollout of products from Alarm Grid is centered around smart locks that are compatible with the HomeKit service, which means they can be used with the Lyric, a HomeKit security system.

Please note that some of the products listed below are available in multiple colors. We would like to introduce the following HomeKit locks:

• August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
• Schlage Camelot Sense Smart Deadlock
• Yale YRD256 Assure Lock Home
• Yale YRD246 Touchscreen Lock
• Danalock V3 HomeKit Smart Lock

We are also now offering new cellular amplifiers. These devices are used to boost the signal strength of cellular communicators that are used with alarm systems. They can also be used to strengthen the cellular signal for smartphones that are used in the home. The following cellular amplifiers are now available:

• ZBoost 3G Amplifier for AT&T and Verizon
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO for AT&T LTE
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO for Verizon LTE
• ZBoost TRIO SOHO Xtreme for AT&T LTE
• WeBoost Home 3G
• WeBoost Home 4G LTE

Finally, we are now offering certified refurbished versions of select Honeywell products. These certified refurbished products offer the same great performance and functionality as new models, but at a more affordable price. The following certified refurbished products are now available:

• Honeywell 5800C2W
• Honeywell VISTA-21iP
• Honeywell Lyric Security Panel
• Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Keypad

If you have any questions about these new products, please not hesitate to reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.