Site Announcements Posts

Qolsys has released information regarding an issue affecting IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.4 and Firmware Version 2.5.5. The issue affects the Z-Wave Home Automation functionality for IQ2 Systems on those firmware versions. The issue can be fixed by upgrading the system to 2.6.0.

According to Qolsys TSB# 210511, which can be viewed here, Z-Wave devices paired with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System on Firmware Version 2.5.4 or Firmware Version 2.5.5 may occasionally buffer and repeatedly send the same command to the device every thirty (30) minutes. Although it's possible that any Z-Wave device could demonstrate this behavior, Qolsys says that it is most likely to affect the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Opener.

Fortunately, Qolsys also adds that the issue can be easily corrected by upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0. If you haven't already, make sure to upgrade to Firmware Version 2.6.0 so that all of your programmed Z-Wave devices work as intended. More information on IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.6.0, including what comes with the update and how to perform the update, can be found in this helpful blog post.

Alarm Grid will provide a future update if we learn anything more from Qolsys. But for now, it can be assumed that upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0 will resolve the issue. Remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more updates coming soon!

This is just a friendly reminder that the 3G and CDMA Sunsets are still on-track. The AT&T 3G Sunset occurs January 31, 2022, while the Verizon CDMA Sunset occurs December 31, 2022. Alarm Grid can help you take action and make a transition to newer LTE hardware, or make alternative plans.

The 3G and CDMA Sunsets go beyond the alarm industry. Older cellular technology is being shut down and will no longer work. This is being done to transition resources to newer and more advanced cellular technology that will provide more effective service for users. After the shutdown, only 5G and 4G LTE will remain active as major network bands. Once your alarm system is set up with LTE, you will have a trustworthy and reliable communication path for many years to come.

You may have to start thinking about the 3G or CDMA Sunset if you have an older alarm system that is still using a 3G or CDMA Communicator. By the time the Sunset occurs and the associated cellular network is shut down, you will either have upgraded to newer technology, or your hand will be forced and your system will no longer be monitored.

The following outcomes are possible for any user with a 3G or CDMA Communicator:

• Upgrade to a new alarm panel entirely, namely one that will support LTE, or a Honeywell Panel or Resideo Panel that is IP Only.
• Keep the existing alarm panel, and upgrade its 3G or CDMA Communicator to a new LTE Communicator that will allow it to stay monitored.
• Downgrade to IP-only monitoring service. This is not possible for any system that uses Alarm.com.
• Terminate all monitoring service for the panel. It can still be used as a local sounder, but it will not report signals.

Users with 3G and CDMA Communicators who do not take any action will be subject to that last option. Once the 3G or CDMA Network is shut down, the panel will lose network connectivity, unless it is a Honeywell Panel configured for internet connectivity. A system that loses all connectivity due to a permanent network shutdown can still be armed and disarmed, but it cannot send any signals to the central station, meaning that no help can be automatically dispatched. The system also won't send notifications to Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0, and the user won't be able to control their system remotely from one of those platforms. Also, the user will not be able to maintain an active Certificate of Alarm (CoA) for a discount on their homeowner's insurance. Only actively monitored systems are eligible for a CoA.

Many users aren't even aware that their systems have 3G or CDMA Communicators that need to be upgraded. There are ways to tell if your communicator needs to be upgraded, but it may be difficult for someone who isn't trained to tell. If you have an older security system that you think may be in need of a communicator upgrade, then we can help you. Reach out to our team at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to make sure that you are ready for the 3G or CDMA Sunset. Depending on your situation and the equipment, we will advise you to do one of the following.

• Upgrade to a panel that can support LTE Cellular.
• Upgrade the communicator for an existing panel to LTE Cellular.
• Certain Honeywell Panels can be downgraded to support IP-only so that you can stay monitored using the equipment you already have.

Do you have any questions about the 3G or CDMA Sunset? Maybe you have already upgraded, and you want to let us know about your experience? Or maybe you have been putting off upgrading and are waiting until the last minute? We would love for you to leave a comment down below to let us know how you are preparing for the 3G or CDMA Sunset in your home or business. This is a major event for the security industry, and it's happening very soon. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for more security news and updates on the 3G and CDMA Sunset, as we all transition to LTE.

Hey Alarm Grid Blog Readers, just a quick update. We wanted to let you know that we (finally) got our 2GIG Edge set up in the video room, and we will have some new videos covering the panel coming out soon. If you have been waiting to see the Edge in action, the time is coming soon!

We have a small amount of content already available for the Edge. We got up FAQs covering the processes for resetting the Installer Code, resetting the Master Code, and factory resetting the system, and we're sure that we'll have some more FAQs uploaded real soon, along with videos to accompany them.

If you have any requests for the 2GIG Edge, leave them in a comment down below, and you might just see it become reality. Or if you don't let us know what you want to see, then we'll just go and decide for you! Either way, we are planning some great content coming soon. And if you haven't seen our blog about 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then go and check that out. Like I said, it's a real quick post today, but we figured it was okay to get the hype train rolling. Get ready for Edge videos and content coming soon!

Update February 2024: We Won! For now, at least. LOL. It has been confirmed by Resideo and now a customer, that the weather is now working. This is on the older style Tuxedo Touch WIFI keypads. We have been fighting this fight to keep the weather going on these keypads. It took a while for Resideo to resolve this, and we appreciate everyone's input and patience. So go and enjoy it while you can.

Update November 2023: After daylight savings time ended on 11/5/2023, we received multiple reports of the weather no longer updating. We have reported this to Resideo and they are looking into the issue. We will continue to provide the most accurate up to date information we have. We appreciate your patience in this matter.

Update Christmas 2022: It appears the weather stopped updating on Tuxedo keypads once again around Christmas, 2022. However, it appears that as of January 3, 2023, it is back up and working again. This feature has been hit or miss for a while now, and officially, it's not supposed to be working on the legacy Tux keypads. The last official word from Resideo was in September, 2021, where they said the older style Tux keypads would no longer support weather and only the newer Tuxedo keypads would. You can read that notice here.

Newer style Tuxedo Keypad:

Older Style Tuxedo Touch WIFI:

Update April 2022: Per Resideo, though this feature seems to be working again, it is not officially fixed until we receive a new Technical Bulletin from them saying that it is. For now, if your keypad is not displaying the weather, refresh the weather on the forecast page. Do this by pressing the refresh button in the lower-left corner of the forecast screen.

Update December 2021: In late December, Resideo announced that the weather display feature had been fixed and is now available on Tuxedo Touch WIFI, VAM, and original Tuxedo Touch keypads. Hopefully, this will be the end of the Weather Feature Saga, once and for all!

There is an issue affecting all versions of the Honeywell and Resideo Tuxedo Keypads and VISTA Automation Modules (VAMs). This is a server issue causing the displayed weather forecast to not update. Resideo has not provided an ETA for a fix. Alarm Grid will update when more info is made available.

Update: Alarm Grid has learned that the issue is only affecting old style Tuxedo Touch Keypads, including the Tuxedo Touch WIFI and the original Tuxedo Touch with ethernet connectivity, as well as Honeywell VAM devices when accessed through a web browser. The issue is NOT affecting newer Honeywell Home Tuxedo and Resideo Tuxedo Keypads, as was initially reported. Keep in mind that these new-style Tuxedo Keypads may only update weather once per day, so the displayed last update time might still seem off. But if you click the refresh button in the bottom-left corner of the weather display screen, then it will still update. As the issue is relatively minor and only affecting old style devices, it's possible that Resideo may put off applying a fix for a while. Again, we promise to provide an update if any new information is made available. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the issue.

Qolsys has released the long-awaited Firmware Version 2.6.0. This will be the base version for the Qolsys IQ Hub and will allow users to configure the new IQ WIFI Mesh Router from the touchscreen of the IQ Panel 2. These are only a couple of the new features. This is truly an exciting update!

We've been talking about the Qolsys IQ Hub, well, forever, it seems. But honestly, it's been "coming soon" for over a year now. We are so glad that the wait is almost over. The Qolsys IQ Hub will truly be a DIY dream. Qolsys has taken a "see no green" approach to this panel, meaning there is no reason to open the panel fully, so you should never see the green printed circuit board (PCB). It won't even have screw terminals! The battery will be easily end-user replaceable with a minimum of "deconstruction" to the alarm panel itself. Some of the best features of the IQ Panel 2/2+ will be available in this new panel, such as Bluetooth disarming, and Alarm.com Camera Streaming at the panel.

A couple of things have been removed though. It will not have a built-in camera, nor will it offer 2-way voice capability. The IQ Hub is meant to be a slightly less expensive alternative to the IQ Panel 2 or 2 Plus, and to the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 that we should be seeing later this year. Initially, the IQ Hub will support PowerG Wireless Sensors, but later, there will be 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz options available. Each IQ Hub is intended to support only one (1) RF frequency.

You might be saying, "I thought this was a blog about Firmware Version 2.6.0?" Well, it is. But the fact that we have Firmware Version 2.6.0 available now means that the full release of the Qolsys IQ Hub won't be far behind. The Qolsys IQ Hub is scheduled for a Q2 2021 release. Aside from all the new features and improvements for the IQ Panel 2 Plus itself, another exciting capability that is added in this firmware release is the ability to control and configure the new Qolsys IQ Router through the IQ Panel 2 or 2 Plus Touchscreen.

The Qolsys IQ Router is also slated for release in Q2 of 2021. This is a mesh router system that will support up to eight (8) nodes, and both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. What's great about this product is that it allows a user to create a WIFI subnet inside their regular network. Any devices that use WIFI can be attached to the network, not just security devices, and multiple nodes (up to 8) can be added to strengthen the mesh network. If you change internet providers or even just internet equipment, you simply unplug the IQ Router from the existing router, plug it into the new router, and all of the WIFI devices will remain connected to the WIFI sub-network without having to reconfigure any of them. These are two upcoming products associated with the release of Firmware Version 2.6.0 that we're really looking forward to.

Below you'll find some of the additional new features supported on Firmware Version 2.6.0:

New Features:

• Support for DSC hardwire keypads (HS2LCD, HS2ICN) via the CORBUS on the PowerG Hardwire to Wireless Translator (PG9WLSHW8) with Firmware V 1.1. Also added new PGM system triggers for Police, Fire, Aux & CO emergency.
• Support for DSC NEO Wire-Free Keypads HS2LCDWFx, HS2LCDWFxENG.
• Support for new V4 PowerG Daughter Card.
• Panel now supports remote Z-Wave Smart Start integration from Alarm.com.
• This update includes the critical firmware2 fix that resolves an issue where certain panels would automatically reboot with previous firmware applied.

Fixes & Improvements

• Added a setting to allow the panel to send 1 or 10 images taken by PowerG Image Sensor Cameras (PG9934P, PG9944, NEXT CAM, PG2, NEXT CAM K9-85 PG2, BW-IRC, BW-IPC, TOWER CAM PG2, BW-ODC) during an alarm event to Alarm.com. Previously, ten (10) images were stored locally at the panel, but only the first image was sent to Alarm.com.
• Added a setting allowing alarm dealers to select a specific time for Communication Tests to be sent to the monitoring station. If no selection is made, the time will be randomized.
• Added a setting for detection direction on PG9902 Outdoor Curtain PIR. Users can choose left to right, right to left, or both.
• Added the ability to disable PowerG activation LED on devices that have one in order to conserve battery.
• Added Partition support for EN Grade 2 Panels.
• Improved 700-Series Z-Wave performance on UK & EU Panels.
• Bluetooth Disarm now available for UK & EU Panels.
• Added language support for Spanish (Spain), French (France), Finnish, and Polish.
• Added support for European date format: DD.MM.YYYY.
• Improved cellular strength matching between Panel and Alarm.com for Latin America.
• Silent and Audible Panics now report separate CID codes to central station.
• Duress Alarm and Silent Police Panic can now be dismissed from Alarm.com.
• Improvements to PowerG Wireless keypad functionality (WS9LCDWFx).
• Keyfob arming now follows the Auto-Bypass setting on the panel.
• Duress codes from KP-140 & KP-141 now transmit to Alarm.com.
• Corrected an issue where a PG9905 Temperature Sensor would send double alarms for the same event.
• Fixed an issue related to virtual device integration on the panel, which includes Liftmaster Garage Door control from the panel UI, and Solar Integration from Alarm.com. See TSB 201026 for additional details.

Into each life, a little rain must fall. It's not all good news, although, this is more of an inconvenience than actual bad news. Because Firmware Version 2.6.0 also contains the important firmware2 fix, it must be downloaded and installed from the Qolsys Server. The server has some logic built-in that allows it to tell if the panel being updated requires the firmware2 fix, or not. For this reason, much like Firmware version 2.5.5, Qolsys is not making this firmware file available for download. This means that Alarm Grid can't host it on our site.

What this means for the end-user is that in order to get 2.6.0, your panel must have a WIFI connection. Once it does, you have two ways in which you can get the firmware. You can request it from your alarm dealer, and they can push the update to your panel from Alarm.com. This will be a free update. As long as your panel has WIFI 24/7, this is a simple and no-fuss way to get your panel updated. Just remember, if for some reason your panel loses WIFI, the update won't go through. Alarm.com will not allow the panel to be updated via a cellular-only connection. You can also follow the instructions below to request the update via Patch Tag.

If your panel happens to be in an area where there is no WIFI, maybe it's a hunting or fishing cabin, or a second home where WIFI is not readily available, then you may be able to use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot and fool the panel into thinking it's connected to WIFI. The amount of data in this file is about 250 MB according to Qolsys. Alternatively, you may be able to move the panel to a spot that has WIFI available just long enough to perform the upgrade. In a situation like this, you need to be in control of when the update begins, so in this case, you would want to use the "Patch Tag" method of updating. To do so, once your panel has a WIFI connection, do the following:

Follow these instructions after making sure your panel is on version 2.0.1 or higher. If the panel is on 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, the user must first update to 2.5.3 before running the update for 2.6.0:

• Touch the small gray bar in the center at the top of the Home screen on the panel.
• Touch “Settings”
• Touch “Advanced Settings”
• Enter a valid Installer or Dealer Code (defaults are 1111 and 2222 respectively)
• Touch “Upgrade Software”.
• Touch “Patch Tag” and enter: iqpanel2.6.0 then touch “OK”.
• Important: If you need to install 2.5.3 prior to this update, the Patch Tag for that version is: iqpanel2.5.3. Run that update before running the Patch Tag for 2.6.0.
• Touch “Upgrade Using Network”. If the panel is connected to WIFI, the system will begin downloading the update, it will be installed when the download completes. Once the update begins Do Not Touch The Screen! The update will take about five (5) minutes, and the panel will reboot as a part of the process. When the panel returns to the home screen and the Green LED at the right lights, the process has completed.

What do you think about the new Qolsys firmware, and the new products they have in the pipeline? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Is there a security topic you'd like to see us discuss? If so, leave a comment and we'll be happy to cover any security-related topics of interest. As always, we look forward to hearing from you!

We are glad to announce that we have some new content coming soon to Alarm Grid. We are making unboxing videos for some of our most popular system kits. The videos will hopefully clear up any confusion as to what exactly is included in a kit, while also providing a closer look at our systems.

One of the most common questions we receive from customers is what exactly comes in a given security system kit from Alarm Grid. We try to make it as clear as possible by listing the components in the product description and by having a "kit includes" section a bit further down the page. But our new unboxing videos will hopefully eliminate any confusion once and for all. You will be able to see the entire kit unboxed, and each product will be carefully and thoroughly explained. You will know exactly what you are getting with each kit, and understand why each included product is important.

This project is being led almost entirely by our video producer and editor, James. If you are a keen reader of the Alarm Grid blog, then you may recall him in our spicy chicken wing eating challenge. In all seriousness, this has been a huge undertaking for him. James usually stays behind the camera, and he has never really immersed himself in the exciting world of alarm system knowledge before this. It has been just as big of an undertaking for him to learn the systems as it has been for him to actually put the videos together! We gotta say, we're extremely proud of the work he has put out, and we're excited that we will be able to share more unboxing videos of his real soon.

So far, only one unboxing video has been produced. Specifically, it's for the 3-1 Non-Encrypted Lyric Kit with AT&T LTE. The plan right now is for James to complete unboxing videos for all of the Honeywell Lyric System Kits first, before moving on to other systems later. Keep in mind that James is handling this project pretty much by himself, and there is a ton of work that goes into these. So don't expect these videos to just suddenly appear overnight. It's going to be a somewhat slow and lengthy process to really make it happen. But if you keep an eye on our Lyric Kits, you will undoubtedly be seeing some new product unboxing videos appearing on our website very soon.

For now, check out the debut video James put out, and let us know what you think in a comment below. Do you have anything in particular that you would like to see in future product unboxing videos? And also, what system do you think James should cover after he finishes up with the Lyric Kits? If there's anything you would like to see, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate. And as always, stay tuned to our blog for more news and updates coming very soon!

There is going to be scheduled maintenance occurring on Alarm.com tonight, specifically focusing on the Verizon infrastructure. The maintenance period will run from 12:00 am Midnight to 2:00 am Eastern Time. According to Alarm.com, no impact is expected with regard to monitoring service.

The purpose of the scheduled maintenance is to enhance platform stability and improve redundancy moving forward. We have heard reports that a small number of Alarm.com Verizon LTE Communicators have been experiencing some relatively minor technical issues. Alarm.com has been aware of these issues since at least last Saturday, and they have been actively working to troubleshoot affected units to prevent any disruptions in service. The scheduled maintenance tonight should fix these issues and help to ensure that all Alarm.com Verizon Communicators function as intended, with exceptional reliability.

During the scheduled maintenance period tonight, Alarm.com says that service outages are unlikely to occur. You should not experience any problems if your security system uses a Verizon Communicator for connecting with Alarm.com. However, Alarm.com is not ruling out the possibility, and they want to keep users informed, just in case. Remember that if you have an IP (WIFI or Ethernet) communication path set up, then that can serve as a valuable backup option tonight during the maintenance period. If your system is cellular only with Verizon connectivity, then just be careful if you need to arm your system tonight between 12:00 am Midnight and 2 am Eastern Time. Again, no issues should occur, but Alarm.com is performing due diligence by making the maintenance period known in advance.

Once again, all maintenance taking place is on the Verizon infrastructure for Alarm.com. Your monitoring service will not be affected in any way if your system uses a different carrier, such as AT&T, for connecting with Alarm.com, or if your system is set up with a different network, such as AlarmNet for Total Connect 2.0, or Telguard for HomeControl Flex. If your system does use Verizon connectivity for communicating with Alarm.com, then check and make sure your WIFI or Ethernet path is working as an important backup plan for tonight. If you have been using your system with cell-only on Verizon with ADC, but you have the option to add WIFI or Ethernet, now may be a good time to do so. Your system should still be fine, but, it never hurts to use redundancy when it is available. Stay tuned to our blog for more security system news and updates coming soon.

Note: If you are reading this after 2:00am on April 14th, or on any future date, then it is assumed that the scheduled maintenance has been concluded, and all Alarm.com Verizon Service should be operating as intended, now with improved infrastructure.

We're glad to say that Total Connect 2.0 has received a new update for its mobile app on Android and iOS. The new update is Version 6.7.1, and it is a worthwhile upgrade for all who use the TC2 Mobile App. You can download it right now from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

The biggest inclusion with Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App Version 6.7.1 is a bug fix that lets users pair up to (14) Total Connect IP Cameras with the platform, as Resideo had originally intended. This includes support for up to eight (8) HD Cameras and up to six (6) Legacy Cameras. Although TC2 users have long been promised the ability to use this number of IP cameras with the service, there was previously a bug that prevented users from pairing the full roster of eight (8) HD Cameras. TC2 Mobile App Version 6.7.1 has fixed this issue, and now users should have no issue setting up the maximum number of cameras for a single TC2 account. This news comes not long after we learned that Resideo discontinued their only existing outdoor camera, the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. We have not received any official word on the development of a new Resideo Outdoor Camera, but we have heard some rumblings that a new model may hit the market before the end of the year. Of course, we'll pass on any new discussions and/or rumors that we hear to you in the Alarm Grid Blog.

There isn't really much else in terms of new features that come with Total Connect 2.0 Android Version 6.7.1 and Total Connect 2.0 iOS Version 6.7.1. We know that not every Alarm Grid customer with access to Total Connect 2.0 has support for cameras, so this may not exactly be the most exciting update we have seen for TC2. The only Alarm Grid customers who can use Total Connect 2.0 Cameras are those with a Platinum Level Plan or a Video-Only Plan. If you don't fall into one of those categories, then it may be easy to shrug off this update. But still, Resideo also mentions that the Version 6.7.1 Update includes minor user interface (UI) enhancements, as well as improvements in security and stability, not to mention some general bug fixes. This makes the update recommended for all TC2 users who access the platform through the mobile app, including those who don't use cameras.

To download the update for free, check the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on whether you are an Android or iOS user. Those locations are also where you can download the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App for free, in case you have been restricting yourself to only using the website. Again, all TC2 users are advised to download the update at their earliest convenience. The improvements in UI, security, and stability make it a worthwhile update for all. If you are an Alarm Grid customer needing help installing the update, or if you are interested in starting a new monitoring subscrition for access to Total Connect 2.0 and Mobile App Version 6.7.1, then please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And also, why not leave a comment down below sharing your thoughts on the new Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App Update? We would love to hear what you have to say. Remember to keep reading the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

We have been made aware of a critical firmware issue affecting Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems manufactured between Week 35 of 2020 (or Week 37 for some factory codes) and Week 05 of 2021. The issue causes systems to automatically reboot at times. We apologize for any resulting inconvenience.

According to Qolsys, all IQ panel 2 Plus Systems manufactured with a Date Code of G035 to G105 AND J037 to J105 are affected. This can be seen in digits 6 thru 9 of the system's Serial Number (SN) on the product box, on the back of the system, and in the Hardware portion of the About Menu in Advanced Settings.

If your system is affected, then you can download a special firmware update to correct the problem. In order to download this corrective firmware, your system must be one of the affected models (see above), and you must have the panel on Software Version 2.4.2 or higher (check the About Menu). You may also want to check out our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update Page here if you need to update your system to 2.4.2 before running this patch.

If you meet the criteria, then you can perform the following steps to update the firmware:

1. Prepare IQ2+ System. Make sure your system meets the aforementioned criteria to receive the special update. In addition, have your system connected to WIFI. Your system should be plugged in for AC power, and it should not have a low battery.

Monitoring stations will eventually be able to push this upgrade over-the-air (OTA). If your system is in a location where WIFI is not available, the monitoring station should be able to push the update, but to do so via cellular data may incur a small fee. This will require that the panel is set up for monitoring service, including connectivity with Alarm.com.

2. Access Upgrade Software Menu. From the main system screen, swipe the small grey bar at the top, and choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software. You are in the Upgrade Software Menu.

3. Enter Patch Tag. Find the Patch Tag field. Click on it, and enter firmware2. Make sure you enter firmware2 exactly. Press OK to confirm.

4. Apply the update. Choose "Upgrade Using Network". The update should then begin. It should take around five (5) minutes to complete, though it can take a bit longer in some cases. Do not touch the system during the update. The system should reboot once complete.

5. Verify the update. You can verify the update by repeating Step 2, except this time choose About > Software, instead of "Upgrade Software". The build number should display 0210219_sp1 to indicate a successful update.

This update should fix and/or prevent your IQ2+ System from randomly rebooting if it was part of the batch with the critical firmware issue. We hope that this helps any affected users overcome issues with the IQ2+ Systems. Make sure to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid blog for the latest news regarding Qolsys, the IQ Panel 2, and any other important security system news!

We have learned that there is a new firmware update available for Alarm.com Honeywell VISTA SEM Communicators. Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61 is a free over-the-air (OTA) upgrade to ensure that SEM VISTA Panels running 187h or 187i firmware and 1.60 gateway firmware have the newest features.

In order to receive Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61, it must be pushed down manually by your alarm monitoring company. Your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System must be in a disarmed state in order for the update to go through. It is recommended that the system be kept in a disarmed state while the upgrade is completed. The entire process should take roughly 20 to 40 minutes. No action is needed while the update is being performed.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a Honeywell VISTA System using an Alarm.com SEM Communicator, then you should email us to request the update. The best email to contact us at is support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to use if you have a Honeywell VISTA Security System or any other alarm system that you are hoping to get monitored. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!