Service Announcements Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi DIYers! We are pleased to announce that the ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostat is now available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website. This thermostat improves upon the older ADC-T2000 Thermostat with increased capabilities, a new slimmer design, and advanced features for end users.

End users looking for a state-of-the-art smart thermostat can receive great results from the Alarm.com ADC-T3000. This Z-Wave Plus Thermostat is designed for use with the Alarm.com platform. However, you can really use it with any Z-Wave smart home network. This includes Resideo Systems that use the Total Connect 2.0 platform. No matter how you control your smart home devices, you will love the performance of your new ADC-T3000.

There are many great features that make the ADC-T3000 a worthwhile upgrade. For one, this has more space for wiring than the previous model. Installers will also appreciate the improved access terminals that make it easier to wire the connections. It is also easier to understand what action the HVAC system is performing, as the ADC-T3000 will actively display the word "Heat" or "Cool" based on the current activity. The device measures 4.1"L x 5.0"W x 0.7"D, which is even slimmer and sleeker than the previous model. The device uses two (2) AAA batteries for backup power, and all the necessary mounting hardware comes included.

Additionally, Alarm.com has also expanded upon the list of their certified Z-Wave Plus smart lighting devices. Devices certified by Alarm.com do not count towards the limit of 10 devices for displaying status. Remember, you can only check the status for up to 10 "uncertified" smart lights from Alarm.com. You can use additional uncertified Z-Wave lights with your Z-Wave network, but Alarm.com won't necessarily know if the lights are currently on or off.

The newly certified Z-Wave Plus smart lights include:

• Jasco Enbrighten Smart LED Bulb A19 (39723)
• Jasco In-Wall Dimmer Toggle (14322, 14296)
• Jasco Dimmer Switch Toggle (14319, 14293)
• Leviton In-wall Switch (DZ15S)
• Leviton In-wall Dimmer (DZ6HD - 600W)
• Leviton Plug-in Outlet (DZPA1)
• Leviton Plug-in Dimmer (DZPD3)

Finally, Alarm.com has announced that the ADC-V622 Security Camera is now compatible with their Video Analytics feature. Video Analytics is an advanced feature that allows users to receive real time alerts (text and/or email) regarding unusual activity or movement, while ignoring routine movement. This is done using advanced AI software that is only available from Alarm.com. This technology can actively distinguish between people, vehicles and animals. It can also determine direction of movement and the duration of any captured activity.

If you have questions about any of these Alarm.com updates, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alarm Grid is aware that the Total Connect 2.0 Service from Resideo was experiencing server problems last night. Users were unable to login, and notifications from TC2 were delayed. The issue has since been identified and fixed by Resideo. We apologize for any inconvenience this caused.

We do not expect any further issues to occur. However, if you notice any problems with Total Connect 2.0, we encourage you to report them to us at your earliest convenience. The best way to notify us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email and report back to you as soon as possible.

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that the Alarm Grid logo will now appear in the lower-left corner of downloaded Alarm.com video clips. This new feature applies to any Alarm Grid customer who uses Alarm.com Cameras for video surveillance. You should notice the logo effective immediately.

The Alarm Grid logo should appear in the bottom-left corner of any downloaded video clip from Alarm.com. This includes any video clip that you choose to share through email, text message or social media. Sharing the clip effectively downloads it. This will count towards your monthly limit of allowed clip downloads. The logo will be semi-transparent so that it is clearly visible, but does not obscure the video in any fashion.

We believe that this new addition will add a nice touch to Alarm.com video clips. It will also help to identify the source of the clip in the event that you ever need to present video evidence to the authorities. Other than this image, you should not notice any changes to your Alarm.com video clips or your Alarm.com service in general.

Please note that this image will not be present in the live video feed for Alarm.com Cameras. The logo will also not appear in clips you view directly from Alarm.com. It will only be present in downloaded video clips.

Below is an example of what the image should look like in a video clip:

If you do not have Alarm.com video surveillance included in your monitoring plan, you can check our monitoring page for more information. You will need a Platinum Plan to use Alarm.com Cameras. We also offer a standalone video surveillance plan if you want to use Alarm.com Security Cameras without regular monitoring service.

Please email us at support@alarmgrid.com if you have any questions about this new feature or the Alarm.com service in general. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728. Our regular office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Resideo will be pushing down an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update for all AlarmNet LTE Communicators later this month. This update will go through automatically, and it should not affect your monitoring service in any fashion. The update will be applied sometime later this month.

This update only affects the communicator, not the panel itself. The updates will be applied automatically in batches until it has been applied to every Resideo LTE Communicator. First the Verizon LTE Radios will be updated, followed by the AT&T LTE Radios. Resideo will start each update cycle with batches of units that were registered first. The company will follow a sequential order, finishing with batches of units that were registered last. Any new unit that is activated will be placed at the end of the cycle.

It is possible that your system may reboot as part of this update process. However, it should resume normal operation after the update is complete. Additionally, you may notice the following contact ID codes in your Event Log on Total Connect 2.0:

Resideo says that this update will allow their LTE communicators to interact more effectively with the cellular network. Users should expect this update to go through sometime later this month. We do not have an exact date as to when the update process will begin. If you have any questions about this update, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information.

Hi DIYers! We would like to inform you that Software Update 2.3.3 is now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and original IQ Panel 2. This update does not add any new features, but it does include some useful system improvements and general fixes. The update can be easily applied.

Software Update 2.3.3 really only applies useful improvements for the IQ Panel 2 Plus. However, original IQ Panel 2 owners can still perform the update to get their systems on the latest version. This update is very important for helping our technicians provide the best possible support for IQ Panel 2 Plus owners.

The following general improvements are included in Software Update 2.3.3:

• Can now obtain the Long Sensor ID for the PowerG board and report it to Alarm.com
• Can now obtain the Device Firmware Version for any auto-learned PowerG Sensor enrolled after updating to 2.3.3 and report it to Alarm.com.
• Can now send Alarm.com the Radio Firmware Version and Modem Firmware Version for the PowerG board.

To perform the update, your system must be running at least 2.0.1, be connected to a local WIFI network, have its power transformer plugged-in, and have a charged battery. Once you have met the requirements, start from the main system screen. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.3.3 > OK > Upgrade Using Network > OK.

It will take about five (5) minutes for the update to download. The panel should reboot to the home screen when complete. If you have any questions about this update, do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Hi DIYers! We recently learned that the Sonos Speaker integration for Alarm.com is now available. This allows users to control their Sonos Speakers and include music into scenes alongside other smart home devices. It is now easier than ever to create the perfect ambiance for your home.

There are many fantastic features available through the Alarm.com Sonos Speaker integration. You can play audio from a variety of different sources, including Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud and more. It's also super convenient to control the audio feedback right from Alarm.com. Users can play/pause, adjust the volume, mute/un-mute and more. You can even choose to play music on all speakers or select a particular set.

But the most exciting part of this integration is the ability to include the speakers into smart scenes. This way you can have Alarm.com activate your Sonos Speakers based on a set schedule or with certain system events. For instance, you might have your music turn on as soon as you get home and Disarm your system. Or you could have your music activate when you open up a door. You can even have it activate with other devices like your lights and your smart thermostat.

In order to use the ADC Sonos Integration, you will need either an iOS device running Firmware Version 8.0 or higher or an Android device running Firmware Version 2.1 or higher. You will also need:

• Alarm.com Mobile App Version 4.10.4 or higher
• The latest version of the Sonos Mobile App and Speaker Software
• The Alarm.com Audio Integration Service Package provided from your monitoring company
• The Sonos Speakers must be connected to the internet on the same network as your iOS or Android device for initial pairing.

To get started with the Sonos integration, you should contact your monitoring company and ask them to activate the Alarm.com Audio Integration Service Package on your account. Alarm Grid customers can do this by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com. You can complete the rest of the process from Alarm.com.

Login to your Alarm.com account on the mobile app. Press the hamburger button (three horizontal bars), followed by Audio. Select "Sonos" from the dropdown menu. Then press Start, followed by Continue. You will then need to login to your Sonos account and give Alarm.com permission to control your Sonos System. After you complete the process, you will see an Audio option in the main menu of your Alarm.com account through the mobile app. This will allow you to conveniently play audio.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Sonos integration, please email us, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

Alarm Grid has learned of technical difficulties between certain PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. These issues affect the PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor when used on an IQ2+ System running PowerG Version 80.17.

Due to this issue, any DSC PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor manufactured before August 23, 2018 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. This includes any PG9914 running firmware V3.0.5 or V3.0.7. Also, if the first four (4) digits of the Serial Number are less than "3618", then the device is affected.

Below are some pictures of a PG9914 that will not work with an IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Version 80.17:

Additionally, any DSC PowerG PG9933 Carbon Monoxide Sensor manufactured before March 26, 2019 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. Any PG9933 manufactured after this date will include a sticker indicating compatibility with the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

If you want to check the PowerG Firmware for your IQ Panel 2 Plus, you can do so from the panel. Start from the main screen. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > About > PowerG. You should check the Radio Firmware Version.

If you have any questions about these incompatibilities, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

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

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

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