Service Announcements Posts

Alarm Grid has a handy tip for you today. We have discovered that the latest TC2 redesign also now allows Android users to adjust the font size and style. When you adjust the font from within the Android device settings, you will also be adjusting the font in the Total Connect 2.0 App.

Adjusting the font size and style in TC2 is only available for Android devices. We haven't seen the feature implemented for iOS devices yet. To access the Font & Style Settings, start by accessing your phone's main Settings Menu. Then choose Display, followed by Font Size and Style. You will then be taken to a menu where you can adjust the font to your liking. The menu may appear slightly different from the one shown above, but any differences should be minor. Remember that changing these settings is not just for Total Connect 2.0, but for your phone as a whole.

Once you go into Total Connect 2.0, you should find that the font for the app has changed. Keep in mind that the changes may not go into effect if you are not running the latest version of TC2. You can download the latest version for free from the Google Play Store. If you need any help using the TC2 app, or if you are interested in starting monitoring service so you can gain access to TC2, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: Below you can see what it looks like with the font set to "Cool Jazz". As you can see, the top menu and the arming buttons have updated with the new font.

And here you can see the same screen with the default font:

According to reports, Ubiquiti has corrected an issue affecting their UniFi Access Points (APs). Alarm Grid previously reported the issue back in February. The issue prevented various security systems from connecting. Users had to disable the Auto Optimize Network feature to connect.

It is our understanding that Ubiquiti pushed a firmware update to their UniFi Access Point devices. This firmware update made it so that a security system will not be booted from the network when the Auto Optimize Network feature is enabled for the AP. Users can now expect their systems to work while the AP is in this mode.

Before the issue was fixed, we were only aware of Honeywell Lyric Alarm Systems being affected. We later learned that other systems connecting with Ubiquity UniFi Access Points were believed to be affected as well. Regardless, there should no longer be any issues when using a UniFi AP with your system, as long as the AP received the firmware update.

If you are still experiencing issues, we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com. While we cannot push the update to an Ubiquiti AP, we can walk you through steps for making sure that your alarm system is doing its part. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also make sure to check out our monitoring page if you are interested in learning more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: The Honeywell ProSeries Panels (PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC, PROA7, and PROA7C), when used with Ubiquiti Access Points, require that an Ubiquiti device has its Auto-Optimize feature turned OFF. This is needed for maintaining a stable WIFI connection. Please keep this in mind if you use an Ubiquiti Access Point with a ProSeries System.

Qolsys updated the recent Technical Service Bulletin TSB# 200413 regarding Software Update 2.5.2 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus. The revised version provides new instructions on successfully performing the update using a Patch Tag. You can view the revised Qolsys TSB here.

In the revised TSB, Qolsys suggests first changing the system Log Level to Verbose, then waiting two (2) minutes, then changing the Log Level to Debug, then waiting another two (2) minutes, then rebooting the panel, and then finally performing the update via a Patch Tag. These new instructions only apply if you are updating the system via Patch Tag. If you have the update pushed down automatically from Alarm.com, then no action is needed.

The previous version of the TSB did not mention waiting 2 minutes, and it did not mention changing the Log Level to Debug. It only said to change the Log Level to Verbose and then perform the update immediately afterward without waiting. We are hopeful that this updated TSB will help end users avoid any confusion or frustration.

In order to change the Log Level, start from the main screen, click the small grey bar at the top, and choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code or Dealer Code (default 1111 and 2222 respectively) > Installation > System Logs.

Remember you must set the Log Level to Verbose, wait 2 minutes, set the Log Level to Debug, reboot the panel, and then perform the update via patch tag like usual. The reboot can be performed by clicking the grey bar at the top of the screen, and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Panel Reboot.

The process for updating via Patch Tag involves clicking the small grey bar at the top of the main screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > enter IC or DC > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.2 > OK. The update will then begin. It should take less than 30 minutes for the update to finish. Remember, you must enter iqpanel2.5.2 exactly. The IQ2 must be monitored and connected with a local WIFI network for the update to be performed. It should have its backup battery charged, and the system should be receiving AC power from its plug-in transformer.

If you have any questions about this update, please contact your monitoring company. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, you may email us at support@alarmgrid.com for assistance. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that there is a new update for the Alarm.com Round SkyBell Security Doorbell Camera. This is known as the ADC-VDB101 for the "Satin Nickel" finish, and the ADC-VDB102 for the "Oil-Rubbed Bronze" finish. The update can be pushed down by your monitoring company.

The new Alarm.com SkyBell update is known as Version 5039. According to Alarm.com, the new update fixes a bug that caused the indoor chime for the doorbell camera to not ring when the ambient temperature dropped below a certain point. It was also possible that the SkyBell would perform an unusual ringing pattern if the temperature dropped too low. Another resolved issue caused the SkyBell device to not upload video clips to the Alarm.com servers until the device was rebooted. Alarm.com says that these issues should be resolved with the new update.

Remember that this update is only for the round Alarm.com SkyBell Doorbell Camera. If you have the rectangular "slim-line" model, also known as the Alarm.com ADC-VDB105 or ADC-VBD106, then this update does not apply to you. In order to receive the update, you must have your Alarm.com ADC-VDB101 or ADC-VDB102 powered on and connected with the Alarm.com servers. You can then have your monitoring company push down an update. We advice contacting your monitoring company to have the update pushed down as soon as possible.

If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, then we recommend emailing us at support@alarmgrid.com at your earliest convenience. Just let us know that you want the latest update for your Alarm.com SkyBell, and we'll take care of the rest. There is no charge to receive the update, but keep in mind that the update will not go through if the device is offline. Make sure your WIFI is running and that the device is powered on. Also remember that we only check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Please also email us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: It turns out that this is update will be pushed down automatically by Alarm.com, and no action is required on the part of the customer. Once the update is available, dealers as well as end-users will also be able to manually request the update through the dealer portal, or the customer website.

Alarm Grid has learned that Alarm.com was experiencing a technical issue that prevented weather-related features from working properly. The issue was successfully addressed by Alarm.com, and it was only temporary. We apologize for any inconvenience that this issue may have caused.

According to Alarm.com, the issue began on last Tuesday evening April 28th, 2020 at roughly 9:50pm Eastern Daylight Time. The technical issue resulted in problems with weather-related features, including weather to panel, severe weather alerts, and weather forecasts that are displayed in user interfaces.

The issue was eventually resolved at roughly 7:00pm EDT on Wednesday, April 29th. Alarm.com users should no longer be experiencing any problems with weather-related features. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, and you are having problems with Alarm.com, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com to let us know. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Resideo has made some cool new updates to Total Connect 2.0. The platform has a sleek new look that is sure to turn some heads. Resideo also introduced a more streamlined process for creating scenes. It is a great time to get started with a Honeywell System and TC2.

Upon logging into your Total Connect 2.0 account from either the website or mobile app, you will be greeted by the familiar "What's New" screen that provides an overview of what changes to expect. From there, you will continue to the main menu where you can control your system and smart home devices like usual. The layout isn't too different, so it is unlikely that you will have any trouble navigating the website.

We think the new TC2 interface looks a lot like the UI for the upcoming Resideo PROA7PLUS Security System that everyone is super excited about. That makes sense, considering Honeywell is expected to release the system sometime in the near future. Some of our team members have been beta testing the upcoming system, and we think it will make a great option for DIYers and professional installers alike. You can check out our beta test in this earlier blog post. Also remember to sign-up for our mailing list so that you can stay informed about the upcoming system from Resideo.

In addition to the new look, the latest TC2 update has also changed the previous Automation Menu to the all-new Devices Menu. This new menu features new icons and action buttons for controlling programmed devices. Users will also find it much easier to create new smart scenes, thanks to the new streamlined scenes set up process. Finally, connected SkyBell Video Doorbells can now be streamed in a vertical display or a horizontal (landscape) display.

If you want more information about these changes, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also remember to check our monitoring page if you are interested in starting monitoring service for use with Total Connect 2.0. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that new versions of their mobile app will soon be arriving for both Android and iOS. Android is getting version 4.11.3, while iOS is up to version 4.12. Both versions include important stability fixes, and the new iOS version provides some special new features.

For Apple users, Alarm.com iOS Version 4.12 will provide the ability to operate their integrated lights from within the Today View section by using a widget. Of course, this can be done from virtually anywhere in the world. This feature can be set up within the App Settings section of the left-hand navigation area.

Additionally, iOS users will soon be able to set up up a Siri Shortcut that will allow them to view the live video stream for a compatible Alarm.com Security Camera or an Alarm.com Video Doorbell. This Siri Shortcut is also set up using the App Settings navigation section within the Alarm.com App.

The new Android version does not offer any new features, but it does include important stability fixes and some minor enhancements. Similar stability fixes and enhancements are also included in the new iOS version. Android Version 4.11.3 can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, while iOS Version 4.12 will be available for free from the Apple App Store. Check for them in the coming days.

If you don't already have Alarm.com, check out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. If you have any questions, you can email our planning team at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, so keep that in mind when emailing. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has received reports that some users have been getting excessive and unnecessary notifications regarding Total Connect 2.0 HD Cameras. The issue appears to have been the fault of the AlarmNet Servers, and it is nothing to worry about. It appears to have since been resolved.

According to reports, the issue only affected Total Connect 2.0 HD Cameras, including the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1, the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2, and the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. None of the Total Connect 2.0 Legacy Cameras were affected. The issue caused many users to receive random text and email notifications simply stating that their cameras were "online". Most users reported that the notifications came through starting around 1pm ET yesterday and later stopped occurring shortly after midnight ET.

From what we can tell, Resideo has since corrected the issue, and no further problems should occur. If you find that you are still receiving unnecessary status notifications from Total Connect 2.0, please let us know by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Our support team will respond to incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We will make sure to document any issues and pass on any problems or errors to the Resideo AlarmNet team.

Update: We have received official word from Resideo that they were experiencing technical issues last night. This resulted in issues, including random and repeated online/offline messages, failure to stream cameras, and the failure to register new devices. Resideo says that the vast majority of the issues have been resolved, though there are still a small number of false "camera offline" events.

2nd Update: Resideo has since confirmed that the issue has been fixed.

3rd Update: Resideo confirmed that the issue re-appeared Thursday April 23rd and Friday April 24th. The issue has since been resolved.

We have learned that Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.2 is now available. Anyone with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus can download this update. This is a universal update that will improve system performance and connectivity with Alarm.com. Apply it as soon as possible.

There isn't too much exciting to talk about with this update, but it is still very important. The only definitive noticeable change is that it fixes an error involving low-battery alerts while using a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16 Wired to Wireless Converter. Other than that, the update mostly serves to improve the communication between the panel and Alarm.com.

You can read the entire Technical Service Bulletin TSB# 200413 here.

To apply this update, make sure that your panel is running at least Firmware Version 2.0.1, and have your system connected with a local WIFI network. The system should be connected with its transformer, and its backup battery should be charged. Please also note that if you are updating from Firmware Version 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, you must change the Log Level to "Verbose". This is done by clicking the small grey bar at the top of the system screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > System Logs.

Once you are ready, from the primary panel, click the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > provide the Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag > enter iqpanel2.5.2 > OK > Upgrade using network. The upgrade process should then begin. It normally takes less than 30 minutes. Remember that you must enter the Patch Tag exactly, or else the process will fail.

If you have any questions about this update, please email support@alarmgrid.com. We offer free technical support for monitored customers. Our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This new Qolsys update should not be confused with Total Connect 2.0 Update Version 2.5.2, which was released in October of 2018.

One bright spot in the world right now is the perseverance of the DIY security industry. Most technical support agents, sales agents, and trained emergency dispatchers have made a seamless transition to working from home. It's impressive to see the industry weather the storm so well.

A positive trait for the DIY security industry is its ability to quickly adapt to changing global conditions and major ongoing events. Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, people have had to make significant changes and compromises to their daily routines. Every industry is different, and the reality is that some sectors have had an easier time adapting and conforming to the evolving world we live in than others. We are proud to say that the DIY security industry has served as an ideal role model and example of how businesses should adapt to an unpredictable and ever-changing society.

When you consider the basic building blocks of the DIY security industry, it begins to make sense how companies like Alarm Grid are able to thrive during these times. In order for DIY home security to work, the end user needs an alarm panel with an activated communicator and enrolled sensors. With a wireless security system, all of this equipment can be physically installed by an end user. Most security system installations do not require a professional installer. The end user can follow a simple do-it-yourself process and complete the installation on their own. This eliminates the need for a physical person to come out to your home to perform your installation.

On the back end of alarm monitoring service, everything can be done remotely. Your system's alarm monitoring communicator sends signals to dedicated servers, such as those operated by Alarm.com and AlarmNet360 from Resideo. The signals are then re-routed to an interactive monitoring and automation platform and/or a central monitoring station. Traditionally, a central station operator needed to be on-site for regular operation. But in our advanced age of computing, the same tasks performed by an operator at a dedicated central station can now be performed just as effectively from home. This allows the operators to take precaution against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by working remotely and refraining from any large gatherings that may promote the spread of the virus.

As many people now have extra time on their hands and are looking to do stuff around the home, setting up a home security system has become a popular option. Companies like Alarm Grid make it possible to order all your equipment online, receive it at your house, and set it up all by yourself. From there, a trained activator can activate the system remotely. Activators from Alarm Grid are currently working from home, but they can perform the same necessary tasks as what they would perform from our headquarters office.

It's thanks to the amazing technology we have that companies like ours are able to thrive and success in spite of unprecedented health concerns. Our team is very fortunate and thankful to be able to succeed in these challenging times. We would also like to send a special thank you to the front-line doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals and scientific experts who are working so hard to help others. These incredible individuals have offered us all hope and optimism for a better, healthier future.

If you decide that you want alarm monitoring service for your home, then Alarm Grid is ready to work with you. There will be no need to have anyone come out to your home or interact with you in person. All of our support and assistance is handled over the phone and online, so you can safely practice social-distancing. To get started, take a look at our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. You might also want to explore our website a bit to see some of the different security systems we recommend.

Remember, our team is best reached by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We have technicians on the clock from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, and they are happy to provide virtual help and assistance. You can remain in the comfort of your own home, and our technicians will so the same. Pretty soon, you will have a robust and complete security system ready for when we are able to venture out into the world again. For now, we are thankful that we can continue doing what we do best, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.