Site Announcements Posts

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It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy, Safe, and Healthy Holiday Season! Regardless of which of several holidays or traditions you observe, we at Alarm Grid hope this season finds you surrounded by loved ones and festivities.

The Alarm Grid team will be celebrating the holidays starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday December 23, 2021. Our offices will close at that time, and will reopen on Monday, December 27, 2021. During the time our office is closed we won't be here to answer support phone calls or emails.

Our central station partners, of course, will be available during this time. All signals sent by your Alarm Grid monitored alarm system will be handled as usual. If you need to contact the central monitoring station, to cancel a false alarm or verify a signal, customers in the US can contact Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) by dialing (888) 818-7728 and choosing Option [9].

Canadian customers can contact Rapid Response at (800) 932-3822. Remember when you call either monitoring station, you will be asked for your name, address, and your false alarm password or phrase. Providing incorrect information when asked, will result in the dispatch of authorities.

If you have a support question, or need to make adjustments to your account, the monitoring station cannot assist you with that type of request. In that case, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com with details of your request and we will begin to address these support issues as soon as we return to the office on Monday, December 27.

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2021, we want to say thank you to our customers. Thank you for trusting us with your safety and security. It is a privilege that we don't take lightly. Relax, and enjoy this time with your family and friends.

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Beginning on December 6, and continuing through December 31, 2021 Alarm Grid customers who subscribe to Alarm.com video service can capture a picture of Santa Clause as he visits their home. Not all cameras have the ability to capture images of Santa, but Alarm.com has a few cameras that do.

The following cameras offered by Alarm.com are capable of capturing Santa's image:

Any Alarm Grid customer with one of the cameras listed above and a monitoring plan that includes video has the ability to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the big man in action. There are limits to this technology, though. The only way you can see Santa is through a still image captured within a screenshot. He moves so quickly, you can't possibly catch him in an actual video clip.

The ability to grab an image of Santa is only available through the Alarm.com Customer App, not through the web page. In order to support this feature, iOS users must be on version 4.17 and higher of the app, while Android users must be on version 4.15.1 and higher. The Alarm.com app is available as a free download through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

To use this feature, log into the app using the proper credentials, completing any two-factor authentication that you may have setup. Once you're logged in, click on the menu icon in the upper left (≡) then tap Video from the list of menu items. Select the live video feed of any of the compatible cameras listed above that you may have associated with your account. Click the Santa icon available near the top of the live stream:


This is when the magic happens! The first time you click on the icon, a pop-up window will show you how to capture the proper image for your situation. For cameras and images in full light, Santa may appear in color. If the image is captured at night, then Santa may appear in black and white. Once you have the image, you can either choose to share it, download it, or both.

It's that simple! This magic "Santa Filter" is only available until the end of December. After that, we'll have to wait until next year to see if this particular Holiday Magic will be available again then. Alarm Grid customers with a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or with a Stand-alone video plan can take advantage of this opportunity.

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From all of us at Alarm Grid, Happy Thanksgiving! We send you good wishes for a healthy and happy day with your friends and family. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just Giving Back we hope you stay safe and warm. Be sure to arm your security system, and lock your doors.

We at Alarm Grid understand the importance of spending time with loved ones, so we will be closed on Thanksgiving to give our employees the opportunity to celebrate. Of course, our central monitoring stations will both be available to handle any alarm signals that may be sent by our customer's systems. If you need to contact the monitoring station, to report a false alarm or put your system on test, you can call Criticom Monitoring Services (CMS) at (888) 818-7728 and choose Option [9]. This is the process for customers inside the United States.

If you are a Canadian Alarm Grid customer, then you will contact Rapid Response, our monitoring partner in Canada at (800) 932-3822. Remember, when you call you will be asked for your name and address, and to verify your false alarm password or phrase. Providing the wrong information, or the Duress Password will result in a police dispatch.

If you have a support question, or need to make adjustments to your account, the monitoring station won't be able to assist you with that. In that case, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com with your request and we'll get back with you as soon as possible when we return to the office on Friday, November 25.

As we begin the 2021 holiday season, we give thanks for our health, our employees, but most of all for our wonderful customers. It is truly our pleasure to help you keep your family and your property safe and secure.

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Now, in addition to Z-Wave and Liftmaster/Chamberlain MyQ garage door integration, Alarm Grid's Alarm.com customers can use Genie Aladdin Connect retrofit kits, and OHD Anywhere Overhead Door kits to integrate control of garage doors through Alarm.com. This is a server-level integration.

The Genie Aladdin Connect and OHD Anywhere Overhead Door kits are retrofit kits that make older garage doors "Smart". They provide a connection to WIFI, that older garage doors would otherwise not have, which enables them to work with their own remote control app and/or with the Alarm.com app. The benefit of integrating with Alarm.com is that it allows a single app to control multiple types of devices. Also, when the garage door is integrated through Alarm.com, it can then be included in automation scenes based on system events, or schedules.

Each retrofit kit can support up to three (3) separate garage door motors. The Genie Aladdin Connect Retrofit Kit Installation Instructions are available here. the OHD Anywhere Quick Install Guide is located here. There is also a Compatibility Guide, showing which older garage door motors are compatible with the OHD Anywhere retrofit kit. For the most part, any older garage door opener made after January 1, 1993, or with safety beams built-in, should be compatible with either of these kits. Conversely, most newer Chamberlain and Liftmaster MyQ garage door motors are incompatible.

For users with pre-existing installations of either the Genie Aladdin Retrofit Kit, or the OHD Anywhere Retrofit Kit, we have an integration guide (both linked above) showing how to add that integration to your alarm.com account. In order to have the option to add a garage door, you will need to have the Garage Door and Gate Control service package add-on enabled by your alarm dealer. For Alarm Grid customers, this will require the Gold Plan (Self or Full) or higher. At the time of activation, let your activator know that you need this service to be enabled.

If you don't yet have one of these kits installed, but you'd like to add one, there is no need to set the device up through the manufacturer's app. The entire setup, including adding the retrofit kit to WIFI, can be accomplished through Alarm.com by your security dealer. They will need you to provide the proper module serial number to them so that they can complete the server-to-server integration. Once it is complete, you'll be able to access the garage door through the Alarm.com app with no need to download any other app first.

What do you think of this integration? Alarm.com is really committed to third-party integration, and they are doing a bang-up job of making these types of services available to their customers. Do you have an older garage door motor that could be upgraded in this way? Let us know what you think in the comments below, we always look forward to hearing from you!

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Qolsys TSB #211022 indicates that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, PowerG and 319.5 MHz version with any communicator has been discontinued. All kits containing these versions have also been discontinued. The IQ Panel 4 PowerG and 319.5 MHz panel is the appropriate replacement in this instance.

Currently Alarm Grid offers the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Verizon LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible 319.5 MHz Wireless Alarm Panel w/ PowerG, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 AT&T LTE, Interlogix/GE Compatible 319.5 MHz Wireless Alarm Panel w/ PowerG. Both versions will eventually be offered in Black or White color variations, but at this time only the White variation is available.

This announcement is only for the Interlogix/GE compatible panels that support legacy RF in the 319.5 MHz frequency. The other variations of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, those that support 345 MHz Honeywell and 2GIG legacy RF, and 433 MHz DSC legacy RF sensors are still available at this time. This is because production for the IQ Panel 4 versions of these panels has not yet begun.

Per Qolsys, the IQ Panel 4 PowerG and Honeywell/2GIG compatible panels that support 345 MHz legacy RF sensors are beginning production this week. As supply ramps up, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus that supports this legacy RF frequency will be phased out. We expect this to begin happening in the near future. Production of the IQ Panel 4 for the DSC compatible panels that support 433 MHz legacy RF sensors will begin production in early December, with a similar phase out of those IQ Panel 2 Plus models soon to follow.

As with the IQ Panel 2 Plus, each Qolsys IQ Panel 4 will support PowerG in addition to one (1) legacy RF frequency. In addition to choosing a panel based on the RF frequency to be used, the user will also want to choose the panel with the built-in cellular communicator that will have the best signal strength and quality in the location where the panel will be installed. This can match the carrier for the user's cell phone, but that is not a requirement. When deciding which cellular carrier to choose, base the decision solely on cellular coverage. Billing for the panel's cellular communicator will be included in the monthly monitoring service charges.

The legacy RF frequency built-in to the IQ Panel 4 is intended to make it easy to replace an existing alarm panel from a different manufacturer. By choosing the IQ Panel 4 that supports the wireless frequency for sensors that are already installed in a location, a user can save a lot of money by not having to buy all new sensors. You get the benefit of an all new, feature-rich alarm panel without the expense, not to mention the time and trouble saved, of replacing existing sensors that still work.

Were you thinking of purchasing a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus in the 319.5 MHz "flavor"? If you were, you can purchase the IQ Panel 4 instead. This panel currently has the exact same User Interface (UI) as the IQ Panel 2 Plus, so the user experience will not differ. We expect the IQ Panel 4 to get a facelift in the near future, with the end-user having the choice of whether they want to use the new interface, or stick with the legacy one. The new UI is supposed to be very similar to the Alarm.com layout. If you have any comments, please leave them below. As always, we look forward to hearing from you!

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Alarm.com announced on Friday, October 22, 2021 that they plan to discontinue sales of the Concord 4 Dual-Path VoLTE Module and Gateway at the end of October. Interlogix, which is now owned by UTC (United Technologies Corporation) stopped making the Concord 4 panel in late 2019.

There were two (2) VoLTE Dual-Path communicators formerly offered by Alarm.com. The Alarm.com CD-411-US-AT AT&T LTE version, and the Alarm.com CD-421-US-VZ Verizon LTE version. Both of these modules have been on backorder for some time during the global chip shortage, which may have played a part in the decision to discontinue them.

As of now, there is still a Verizon LTE cellular-only communicator available for the Concord 4 panel. The Interlogix GE 600-1053-LTE-VZ connects to the Verizon LTE network for fast and reliable delivery of alarm signals and Alarm.com notifications. With Alarm.com service, the user also has the ability to review status and send alarm system commands remotely using the Alarm.com app or website.

UPDATE 10/26/21! We've discovered that the Interlogix GE 600-1053-LTE-VZ is not available from any of our vendors. We haven't seen an official discontinuation notice, but it seems it may have been. This means that currently, we can't offer any new LTE communicators for the Interlogix/GE Concord 4. For alarm reporting only, the Resideo LTEM-PA or LTEM-PV with the Resideo PRODCM Dialer Capture Module can be used.

The Concord 4 panel is not one that Alarm Grid sells. However, for those users with a Concord 4 in the field that is still working just fine, an updated communicator allows them to continue using a system they're comfortable with, while taking advantage of newly introduced features.

With a subscription to Alarm.com and one of the Verizon LTE communicators, not only can the user view the status of their system, arm and disarm remotely, and receive text, email, or push notifications on alarm events, but they can also add the convenience of Z-Wave functionality to the system. Z-Wave is a communications protocol that allows various devices in your home or business to communicate with the main system to do things such as turn on lights, set the thermostat to a particular temperature based on a Geo-Fence or on the armed status of the panel, and many more options. The Concord 4 panel just needs to be on version 4.0 or higher to support the use of the 600-1053-LTE-VZ communicator.

What do you think about Alarm.com discontinuing these modules? It's only been about a year since they were introduced. Do you think the global chip shortage led to the demise of the Concord 4 Dual-Path communicators? Leave a comment below and we can discuss further. As always, we look forward to hearing from you.

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Alarm.com video customers have another great weapon in their defensive arsenal. It's called Perimeter Guard™ and it works like this. Customers with video analytics enabled and using compatible cameras can program those cameras to flash their LEDs and make noise when an intruder is detected.

All that is required in order to enable this feature is an Alarm.com monitoring plan with Video Analytics enabled. Any Alarm Grid customer who subscribes to a monitoring plan that supports video can have this feature enabled. We don't enable Video Analytics by default because we pay more for it, but we don't charge more for it. But if you want to utilize this feature we're happy to enable it for you. Both of our Platinum plans, as well as our stand-alone video plan support this feature.

The list of cameras that can be used with this feature is always growing. Basically, the camera needs to have either a visible LED or a speaker with which to make noise on. Currently, the cameras that support Perimeter Guard™ are (updated 4/23):

  • ADC-V724 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
  • ADC-V523 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
  • ADC-V723 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED only)
  • ADC-VC727P all versions (supports LED and Audio Alert)
  • ADC-VC827P all versions (supports LED only)
  • ADC-VC847PF all versions (supports LED only)
  • ADC-VC728PF on firmware version 0.6.3.601+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
  • ADC-VC838PF (supports LED only)
  • ADC-VDB770 on firmware version 02199+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)

With Video Analytics enabled and a compatible camera, the only other thing required is to set up a Video Analytics rule for each compatible camera. This is one of those features that you set, then forget. Get the setup correct, and then it'll take care of itself!

To set this feature up through the Alarm.com Customer Website, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the website. Go to www.alarm.com/login and using your Alarm.com credentials log in, completing any 2-factor authentication required.
  2. Click Video
  3. Click Recording Rules
  4. Create or Edit Rule. You can either click the pencil icon to add this feature to an existing Video Analytics rule for a compatible camera, or you can Add a new rule. To see how to create a rule using Video Analytics, check out this informative FAQ. Verify that the initial Video Analytics settings are properly configured, then click Next.
  5. Choose response. In the Activates section choose the audible and visible response desired:
    • Camera LED response. Click to toggle the Camera Status LED to Enabled if you want the LED to respond when activity is detected. There is a Duration drop-down, select how long you want the LED response to last.
    • Camera Audio Alert. This option is only available on cameras using the 2-Way Audio feature. Click the Camera Audio Alert toggle to enable an Audio Alert. There is an Audio Sound dropdown menu. Select the type of sound you want the camera to make.
  6. Click Save

To set this feature up through the Alarm.com App, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the App. Open the Alarm.com app and using your Alarm.com credentials log in, completing any 2-factor authentication required. Click the Menu icon in the upper left.
  2. Tap Video from the available menu. Then tap the Gear icon.
  3. Tap Recording Rules
  4. Create or Edit Rule. You can either click the pencil icon to add this feature to an existing Video Analytics rule for a compatible camera, or you can Add a new rule. To see how to create a rule using Video Analytics, check out this informative FAQ. Verify that the initial Video Analytics settings are properly configured, then click Next.
  5. Choose response. In the Activates section choose the audible and visible response desired:
    • Camera LED response. Click to toggle the Camera Status LED to Enabled if you want the LED to respond when activity is detected. There is a Duration drop-down, select how long you want the LED response to last.
    • Camera Audio Alert. This option is only available on cameras using the 2-Way Audio feature. Click the Camera Audio Alert toggle to enable an Audio Alert. There is an Audio Sound dropdown menu. Select the type of sound you want the camera to make.
  6. Tap Save

It's that simple! Once you have this configured, using the advanced video analytics available through Alarm.com, the rule will take care of itself. The idea is that the flashing LED and the audible sounder will scare away an intruder before they ever make it to your home. It's a pound of prevention to ward off a ton of regret.

What do you think about this Alarm.com feature? Have you used it and had experience with it? Do you think it's something you'd like to give a try? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We love to hear from our readers.

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Alarm Grid has obtained an extremely limited supply of the brand new Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 WIFI, outdoor, 1080p camera, compatible with Total Connect 2.0. After the announcement in March, 2021 that the IPCAM-WOC1 was discontinued, Resideo and Honeywell Home were left with no outdoor camera option.

Our blog in March announced that the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 would be discontinued. At the time, we didn't know why the camera was being discontinued. There wasn't a lot of information available then about why it was discontinued, or whether there would ever be a replacement. With Alarm.com releasing new variations of their cameras at a fast and furious pace, we were left to wonder what Resideo was thinking.

In July, 2021, we passed on to our readers that either the IPCAM-WOC1 (also sometimes referred to as the Lyric OC1) would make a return, or if not a return, that it would possibly be replaced with something very similar. It came to light that the reason the outdoor camera had been discontinued in the first place was that certain components involved in its production were no longer being produced.

Resideo was unable to source those same components elsewhere, so they are preparing to release the IPCAM-WOC2. This camera is technically not even released yet, so we don't have official documentation, with the exception of a Quick Install Guide, which frankly, contains several errors. For starters, we know for a fact that the image of the camera and its components used in the guide is incorrect. This document, much like the camera itself, will soon be receiving a face lift.

Some of the things that we know are updated in the IPCAM-WOC2, as compared to the IPCAM-WOC1 are: The Bluetooth Antenna is internal on the IPCAM-WOC2. It was external (part of the big wiring bundle) on the IPCAM-WOC1. The WOC2 will support Audio Analytics, with intelligent sound detection. The WOC1 did not support audio. The IPCAM-WOC2 comes with a 16 GB MicroSD card pre-installed, the IPCAM-WOC1 came with a 8 GB card. These are just a few things that we know about, when the full specs are released, we will update our product description with the full gamut of features and specifications.

If you've been waiting to get your hands on an outdoor 1080p camera that's compatible with Total Connect 2.0, now is your chance to pick one up. Given all the supply chain issues revolving around the global chip shortage, this is one of a handful of products that we know is currently in stock. But you had better hurry, because supplies are extremely limited. Once the units we have in stock are gone, we will likely have to wait for the full product release before we can offer any more.

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We've actually heard this before. In December of 2020, we reported that Alarm.com would begin phasing out support for Edge Legacy in February of 2021, with support for that browser ending in April. However, apparently, those plans were thwarted and the new deadline is now on the horizon.

So, what is Edge Legacy, anyway? Well, when Windows 10 first launched back in 2015, Edge Legacy, then called Microsoft Edge was a part of that browser package in the same way that Internet Explorer had always been a part of the prior Windows releases. The original Edge was a HTML-based browser that Microsoft hoped would change the game for them, however, it was universally panned. I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Hated it!"

In January, 2020, Microsoft re-launched Microsoft Edge. This new version is built on Chromium, which is an open-source browser platform that was originally launched by Google, and serves as the backbone of Google Chrome as well as Opera, and Vivaldi. Since it's open-source, anyone can take it and make what they want with it.

Now that Microsoft has "embraced" Chromium, all modern browsers use open-source base platforms. Also, the use of Chromium means that the new Edge works with Chrome extensions. One of the big changes with Microsoft Edge is that it gets updated regularly and automatically, as opposed to updates being rolled out bundled with Windows updates. Microsoft stopped supporting Edge Legacy as of March 9, 2021.

So, back to Alarm.com and their announcement. Beginning Monday November 1, 2021, if a user logs into Alarm.com using either the Edge Legacy or the Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) browser, they will receive a pop-up message suggesting that they switch to a more up-to-date browser. They will continue to be able to log in using the current browser for the next two (2) months. After two (2) months, January 1, 2022, Edge Legacy and IE11 will no longer be supported for use with Alarm.com.

It is suggested that users choose Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge (the newest version) when accessing Alarm.com. Any of these compatible browsers on the most current version should provide a good, quality user experience when using Alarm.com. If you're not sure whether you have the Edge Legacy browser, or the Microsoft Edge browser, you can see the difference in the logos below.


So, what do you think about this announcement? Will it affect you or anyone you know? Some users, those that are resistant to change, may run into some issues with this. If you happen to be the technical support friend or relative everyone calls when they have a problem, you may hear about it. Let us know what you think in the comments below. We enjoy a robust dialogue with our customers!

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The new ADC-V724 is the first camera from Alarm.com to offer 2-Way Audio in addition to 1080p HDR video, and IR night vision. With the integrated mic and speaker, you could easily have some fun with the neighborhood trick-or treaters while still protecting your property from vandals.

We all know that house in the neighborhood where the owners go all-out for Halloween. In some cases, it's like a haunted house attraction where, instead of having to pay to get in, you get candy if you're brave enough to get to the door. The Alarm.com ADC-V724 could help you make your house the one everybody's talking about this year!

Don't get me wrong, this camera is great all year. It just happens that it's being released at this time of year, which is fortuitous. Because, maybe you're not that house, maybe you're the other house. The one where the inhabitants turn all the lights off and pretend not to be home because they forgot to buy candy. Maybe you're in for some tricks because you don't have any treats. Well, the ADC-V724 has you covered there too. With one of these installed, you can sit inside and watch your property. If anyone shows up to play tricks, you can politely tell them through the camera that they should skip your house.

The ADC-V724 has an improved mount over previous versions of Alarm.com cameras, for better long-term stability. It also has an easier to reach Micro SD card slot, in the event you want to take advantage of the Onboard Recording feature. The minimum capacity for a Micro SD card is 32GB, maximum is 512 GB. No Micro SD card is included with the camera. It also allows you to take advantage of the full suite of Alarm.com Video Analytics, which is a powerful tool for eliminating unwarranted video captures. The ADC-V724 offers High Dynamic Range (HDR) for better light/dark contrast in low-light environments, and can work with either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI. With the built-in microphone, audio is included in recorded clips. When it comes to providing evidence to the police, audio is often just as important to them as video evidence, so this is a great added feature.

The speaker and Micro SD card slot can be seen in this image:


What do you think about the Alarm.com ADC-V724? Are you in the market for new indoor/outdoor cameras? Will you be going all-out for Halloween, are you the house with no candy, or somewhere in-between? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like to see us cover in our blog, you can let us know that as well. See you next time, until then as always, stay safe!


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