Site Announcements Posts

Hi DIYers! We have a quick tip today to help you save time. If you ever email us to make changes to your central station document, then you will need to provide your false alarm passcode or the last four (4) digits of your credit card on file. This is necessary for verifying your identity.

This information is applicable for any Alarm Grid customer with monitoring service that includes central station service from Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS). Any customer with central station service will have a document on file with Alarm Grid that includes important instructions and information. For example, this document will include the phone numbers to call during an alarm, the order that these numbers should be called, your false alarm passcode and more.

The easiest way to make simple changes to your CMS document is to email us at support@alarmgrid.com with the changes. For example, you might want to add a new phone number to your account. Or maybe you want to have the central station call your spouse before they call your neighbor. Perhaps you want to change your false alarm passcode to something you can more easily remember. Emailing support@alarmgrid.com in these situations is a great way to get the change made as quickly as possible.

However, it isn't enough to just send us an email from your email address you have on file. We need verification to prove that it's you. At Alarm Grid, we take protecting your account information very seriously. If we get an email telling us to make changes to your account, we want to be certain it's you. For all we know, someone may have hacked your email and is trying to gain unlawful access to your account. That is why we strongly encourage all customers to keep their email passwords safe and protected.

Now you may be wondering, how can we prove that you are really who you say you are when you send us an email. The easiest way is to include your false alarm passcode or the last four (4) digits of the credit card that you have on file with Alarm Grid. This is classified information that only you and people you absolutely trust should know. On that note, we must also remind customers to never share this secure information with anyone who should not have access to their accounts. This is important.

Just to be clear, your false alarm passcode is not the same as your verbal duress code. Your false alarm passcode is what you say if the central station calls you and wants to know that everything is okay. The dispatcher will ask you for your secret false alarm passcode so that they know it's you on the line and not an intruder who made an unlawful entry.

Your verbal duress code is something completely different. This is also a secret code that you say to a central station dispatcher, but this code is used in an emergency hostage situation. As soon as the dispatcher hears this code, they will hang up and immediately call the police. This code is useful if an intruder is holding you hostage and you want to request emergency dispatch without actually calling for help.

Always make sure that you know the difference between your false alarm passcode and your verbal duress code. Never mix them up, as doing so can certainly lead to a false alarm. Remember, you can always contact us or CMS to change your false alarm passcode or your duress code. Our team is happy to help you with these issues whenever needed.

Keep this tip in mind the next time you email us to make account changes. Remember to include the last four (4) digits of your credit card or your false alarm passcode so that we can verify your identity and quickly make the changes. We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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.

As may know, Alarm Grid started charging sales tax in most states earlier this year. If you have been approved for tax exempt status, then you must send us a copy of your tax exempt certificate to avoid being charged sales tax. You must also send an updated copy before your status expires.

Our sales tax policy varies between different states. For some states, Alarm Grid charges sales tax for both website purchases and monthly monitoring service. For other states, Alarm Grid only charges sales tax for website purchases. And there are some states where Alarm Grid does not charge any sales tax at all. The best way to determine the policy in your state is to check this helpful post. Please note that Alarm Grid does not charge sales tax for international orders.

Any customer who has qualified for tax exempt status should send us a copy of their tax exempt certificate before placing an order or starting monitoring service. We will charge sales tax for any customer who fails to do this. Your tax exempt status certificate provides us with proof that you have qualified for tax exempt status. We will retain this information and make sure not to apply sales tax on future orders, as long as your tax exempt status is still valid.

Additionally, customers receiving tax exemptions should make sure to send us updated copies of their certificates as soon as possible. We strongly recommend sending a new copy before the old one expires. This is very important for customers who have monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Failure to provide us with an updated copy before your old one expires may result in you being charged sales tax.

The best way to send us to send us a copy of your tax exempt certificate is to scan the certificate and email it to support@alarmgrid.com. We will make sure to reply as soon as possible. You may also contact us at that same email address if you have any questions or concerns about our tax exemption policy. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Resideo has updated Total Connect 2.0. The update is Version 2.12.4. The biggest offering from this update is the ability to control smart home devices more easily. It is also now easier to see the status for smart home devices across multiple locations.

Any Total Connect 2.0 user with multiple locations can see the status for their programmed smart locks and smart thermostats from the Locations Menu. This feature allows users to more quickly review the current status for these smart devices all at once. If you have multiple homes or businesses, this is a great way to easily check your various smart locks and thermostats all at once.

Additionally, the System Administrator and Master Users can now access TC2 to modify the ability for Panel Only Users to control Z-Wave Locks. Before this most recent update, this ability could only be modified directly from the panel. Now you can access TC2 to give a Panel Only User the ability to control Z-Wave locks using their code or take the ability away.

Update 2.12.4 also provides various fixes. This includes correcting a problem that prevented Internet Explorer users from using the New Users Spreadsheet to create multiple new users at once. The update also fixes a problem on the Camera Settings page where the WIFI signal strength indicator for C-Series HD Cameras was displayed incorrectly. Finally an old problem with the End User License Agreement (EULA) on Internet Explorer has been corrected.

You may also notice a new design from the login screen:

If you have any questions about this new update, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with support for legacy 319.5 MHz sensors and PowerG sensors is now available for just $399.99. This is significantly reduced from the previous price-tag of more than $500. Now is a great time to buy an IQ Panel 2 Plus!

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the most advanced wireless all-in-one security systems on the market today. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, and it serves as a fully functional Z-Wave Plus controller. It also offers advanced features like Bluetooth disarming, live streaming with Alarm.com Cameras, facial recognition, partitioning and more. This version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports both PowerG sensors and legacy 319.5 MHz sensors from Qolsys and Interlogix/GE. It is available in both Verizon LTE and AT&T LTE options. Both 319.5 MHz versions have been reduced in price to $399.99 effective as of now.

Please note that this price reduction only affects the 319.5 MHz versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The 345 MHz versions (legacy Honeywell and legacy 2GIG) and the 433 MHz versions (legacy DSC) have retained their original pricing. These versions are also available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. You can find those panels with the following links:

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz Verizon LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz Verizon LTE

We would also like to announce that the original IQ Panel 2 has been discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase, effective immediately. As a result, all of the Alarm Grid System Kits that included the original IQ Panel 2 have been updated to offer the IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System instead. At this time, we are only offering kits with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want the 345 MHz or 433 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need to purchase the system individually.

Each IQ Panel 2 Plus System Kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System, Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts (3 or 10 depending on the kit), a single Qolsys IQ Motion-S Sensor, a power cable, a plug-in transformer, and a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon). You can find these kits in the links below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 10-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 10-1 Kit

If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will respond back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're here with the latest video recap from Alarm Grid. Our team managed to put up 9 new videos during the past two weeks, and we are eager to share them with you. Take a look at these new videos, as Alarm Grid techs teach you how to get the most of your security system!

Programming the 5800Combo to a Vista Panel

Joe covers the process of enrolling a Honeywell 5800COMBO with a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. In order for the sensor to work with the system, a 345 MHz wireless receiver must be added.The sensor will require five zones for full functionality. These zones are for smoke/heat detection, CO detection, low-temperature detection, maintenance, and end of product life. Each zone must be programmed individually. If you don't want to use a particular function, you can skip programming that zone.

Using the 2-Way Voice Feature with an Alarm.com Camera on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Joe demonstrates the audio streaming feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 that is compatible with certain Alarm.com Cameras. The feature is available for Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Systems that are running firmware version 2.2.1 or higher. By using this feature, the user can have a live conversation with whoever is at their camera right from the IQ Panel 2. The option of "Audio for Non-Doorbell Cameras" must be enabled by the user's alarm monitoring provider. The panel and the Camera should be connected on the same WIFI network.

How Do I Setup Multi-System Account Access in Alarm.com?

Joe shows users the process of linking multiple Alarm.com accounts together. The benefit to do this is that the user will be able to control all their Alarm.com locations conveniently from a single login. This is great for users who operate security systems across multiple locations. The pairing process must be completed using the Alarm.com website. The user will need to provide the username and password for any account they want to pair when syncing the different Alarm.com accounts.

Upgrading the 2GIG GC3 to an LTE Communicator

Jorge completes the process of upgrading a 2GIG GC3 to use an LTE cellular communicator. An example of an LTE communicator for the 2GIG GC3 is the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3. When swapping out the old communicator, the user should make sure to power down their system first. Failing to do this could result in system damage. By upgrading to an LTE communicator, an end user will enjoy faster speeds and greater reliability. They will also extend the life of their system, as LTE is expected to remain in service well into the distant future.

Programming a New SiX Series Device Into an Older Lyric System

Jorge explains why some users might experience trouble when trying to program newer Honeywell SiX Series Sensors with an older Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The problem occurs because the newest SiX Series Sensors have an updated MAC prefix that is not compatible with Lyric Systems that are not running at least firmware version MR7 or higher. Any customer who is monitored by Alarm Grid can have the latest firmware pushed down to their Lyric System. This is a free over-the-air firmware update.

Learning the DSC PG9929 Key FOB to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to enroll a DSC PG9929 Key Fob to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems have PowerG daughtercards that allow them to support the 915 MHz PowerG Sensors. However, these sensors enroll in a unique manner. The system should be in its auto-enrollment mode. The user must then press and hold the enrollment button, which is the star (*) button for the PG9929. The button should be held until an LED light appears for a second time. They can then release the button to enroll.

Learning the DSC PG9938 Panic Switch to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge demonstrates the process of enrolling a DSC PG9938 Panic Switch to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The PG9938 is a personal panic switch that can be enrolled with the IQ2+ like any other PowerG Sensor. Pressing this button will trigger an immediate system panic. The device is perfect for elderly or disabled individuals who may need to call for hep in case of an accident or fall. It can also be used to trigger a panic alarm from virtually anywhere on the property. The button must be pressed and held, which helps to avoid false alarms.

Honeywell Thermostats and Total Connect 2.0 Compatibility

Joe tells users which thermostats will work with Total Connect 2.0. The simple answer is that Z-Wave thermostats from any manufacturer that can enroll with your Honeywell Alarm System, along with most Honeywell WIFI Thermostats can be operated through Total Connect 2.0. However, Z-Wave thermostats will offer greater functionality through TC2 than WIFI thermostats. This is because only Z-Wave thermostats can be used with TC2 Smart Scenes. But certain WIFI thermostats can be used with other platforms like Apple HomeKit.

Arming the Lyric in Stay Mode

Jarrett teaches users how to put the Honeywell Lyric Controller into Arm Stay mode. This is the arming mode to use if someone is going to remain inside the building. In Arm Stay mode, all interior zones are automatically bypassed. This way, the end user can move throughout the building without having to worry about setting off an alarm. However, entry/exit zones, perimeter zones and 24-hours zones will still respond as if the system was set to Arm Away.

Hi DIYers! After you sign-up for monitoring service and get your system, you still need to have it activated! This is a one-time process that is used to get your system up and running and communicating properly. We have some tips to make sure that your alarm system activation is successful.

Alarm Grid is a DIY monitoring company. All the support we provide is either online or over the phone. When you sign up for one of our self-monitoring plans, we can usually activate your account remotely, with no one onsite. However, if you sign up for one of our central station monitored accounts, the process is slightly more involved and requires an appointment. Anyone on-site can complete this process, so you can certainly ask a spouse, relative or a roommate to do this on your behalf.

During your activation appointment, you will be on a live phone call with one of our support technicians. The technician will create your account, verify the information you have provided for the monitoring company, and walk you through a test to verify a working system. Our activation appointments are allotted one hour. We know that your time is valuable, so we want to ensure that the process goes smoothly and quickly and results in a successful activation!

The basic premise behind an activation is that you will have a pre-arranged time slot during which an Alarm Grid activator will call you and provide you with one-on-one and focused attention to help program your system to communicate successfully. You will receive information beforehand via email with some basic guidelines to follow. This is designed to help get you ready for your activation. Remember, nobody is going to come out to your home or business. Your Alarm Grid activation will be completed over the phone, and you will be the one working at the panel.

While our team members will certainly do their jobs, you have to do your part as well for the activation to be successful! By following these five tips, you can help us perform our duties more effectively and make the overall process easier for both of us:

1. Be on-site. Although our support is provided over the phone, an account activation occurs at the panel or keypad. Security systems cannot be initially set up or programmed remotely. You, or a designee, need to be on-site with the system to complete the activation. If you aren't on-site, we will need to reschedule the activation. There are no exceptions to this rule, and a rescheduled activation is very inconvenient for both of us. Don't think that you can activate your system while you are driving, on a plane, or on vacation. You must be at your home or business directly in front of the panel. All the work will be completed right there.

2. Know your codes. Many panel activations are stalled or terminated because a customer does not know their codes. We have no way of seeing any system codes until the system is activated. You really need to know these codes to complete the process. For activation, you will need to know the system's Installer Code. This is the system code used for menu-level programming. If the system is brand-new, then the Installer Code is almost certainly at its default. If the system has been monitored before, then a different monitoring company may have changed the code to lock the customer out of programming.

Knowing your Installer Code is crucial as a DIY user. After all, you will want to be able to make your own system programming changes when needed. At Alarm Grid, we work to empower our customers and prevent them from ever being locked out of programming mode. That is why we advise our customers to keep their Installer Codes at default. If you don't know your Installer Code, trying the default first is always a good option. If that code doesn't work, then you may need to get the information from your prior monitoring company. If they are refusing to provide your Installer Code, then they are holding your system hostage, and you can often threaten legal action!

Keep in mind that some systems offer the option for a backdoor method that can be used to get into programming if the Installer Code is lost. Once you are inside programming, you can change the Installer Code to something you know. However, this process is not possible for every panel. Any backdoor steps should be completed prior to your activation, as it takes up valuable time to complete the process. Alarm Grid offers the following FAQs that cover the backdoor process:

• Backdoor Method on a LYNX Touch
• Backdoor Method on a VISTA

The default Installer Code can usually be determined by the manufacturer of the panel. Keep in mind that there are occasionally some panels that break this norm. The typical default Installer Code and Master Code for various alarm system manufacturers is shown in the table below:

3. Program beforehand. Having to go through and program a panel will slow down any system activation. You really should have most or all of this process completed prior to your scheduled activation slot. Of course, if you have any questions or troubles with programming, then our team is happy to help. But just remember that it gets in the way of our main task of configuring the system. Getting an early start with programming is a great way to start learning your system and setting things up the way you want. This includes things like learning-in sensors and adjusting Entry and Exit Delay timers to your liking.

We offer many FAQs and videos that can help you complete various programming tasks. We also encourage you to use the search bar in the upper-right corner of our website to browse through any content we have created. Also, keep in mind that there may be answers elsewhere. You can always search Google or YouTube to see what solutions and guides you come across. We fully understand that the typical DIY user will have a few minor programming questions; that is to be expected. But whatever you can figure out and complete yourself will save trouble and time during your appointment!

4. Listen to your technician. One thing you can most definitely expect during your activation is to receive instructions from your Alarm Grid technician. It is very important that you listen carefully and follow these instructions exactly as described. Your technician is working to get you through the process as quickly and accurately as possible. The steps we provide and the tasks we ask you to complete are given for a reason. We're trying to help you to keep your family, and your property safe. So put on your best listening ears and follow our instructions. Before you know it, you'll be ready to go with a complete security system!

5. Minimize conversation. Our support technicians are all very friendly, and we will gladly listen to you. But just remember that we're here to get a job done within a relatively small time window. We understand that you may be very excited about getting a new alarm system. And if you just moved into a new home, then you most definitely have some interesting stories to tell about the experience. We realize that you probably want to tell everyone about your new house that you've worked hard for. And while that's great, too much idle chatting slows down our activation.

Look, we know that some small talk is to be expected. We enjoy talking with our customers and providing friendly service. That's one of our top goals. But we also want to move through the process efficiently. If you start getting off-task, then it will not be in the best interest of our activation. While we won't shoot down any customer who wants to socialize, we will be trying to subtly move the process along. You're certainly free to talk with us during your activation, but you may want to save any deep conversations or lengthy stories for a neighbor, your family, or your co-workers at the water cooler. It's nothing personal, we just have a job to do!

Have you signed up for Alarm Grid monitoring yet? If not, now is a great time to get started. Just click the orange Monitoring button at the top of the page to check out our plans. You can also start browsing our site for a security system to install in your home or business. If you need help planning an Alarm Grid security system, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We also accept phone calls at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9 am to 8 pm EST M-F. We look forward to working with you during your activation!

Happy New Year DIYers! It's 2019, and the Alarm Grid office has re-opened after a New Year's celebration. It's back to work for all of us, as we will continue to ensure that your homes and businesses are protected. Please keep checking this blog for important news and information.

Remember, the best way to get a hold of us is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. If you need to call us, you may do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also offer an online chat during business hours, and our support agents are ready to help.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2019. Thank you for being a part of the Alarm Grid family!

The Alarm Grid office will be closing early at 6pm on December 31st, 2018. We will remain closed through January 1st, 2019. Our office will reopen at 9am on January 2nd, 2019. Our support team will not be answering phones or checking any emails or online chats while we are closed.

If you need to reach us during this time, your best option is to send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We will review all our emails thoroughly when we return on January 2nd and respond as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Alarm Grid would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Please stay safe, and remember to arm your security system if you decide to go out. If you are experiencing a real emergency, you can always reach your local authorities by calling 911. Please check back to this blog in 2019 for more updates from Alarm Grid.