Technology Posts

If you are a regular reader of the Alarm Grid Blog, then you have likely heard us joke about the current paltry selection of Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras from Resideo (formerly Honeywell). But what if Resideo were to revamp their camera lineup? Today, we speculate what could be possible.

First, let's look at the currently available TC2 IP Cameras. There are two (2). We have the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 and the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2. Both are indoor cameras, with the IPCAM-WIC1 being a "budget" 720p camera, and the IPCAM-WIC2 as the premium 1080p camera offering. There isn't anything inherently wrong with these cameras, and the IPCAM-WIC2 is actually quite nice. However, since the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 was discontinued, there is no outdoor camera for the lineup, and if you compare this selection with the Alarm.com Camera Lineup, quite frankly, Resideo should feel embarrassed.

But it doesn't necessarily have to be this way! Not only have we heard grumblings about some new cameras coming out of the Resideo pipeline, we're also happy to do our very own speculating. So let's play pretend for this blog post, and imagine what might be possible from Resideo and Honeywell Home.

With the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS positioned as one of the leading next generation security panels, just imagine what could be possible if it had a robust and complete camera lineup to accompany it. Actually, you don't have to imagine, because we're going to do it for you. Right here, right now, we're going to drop some ideas and speculation about what Resideo could be cooking up. Who knows, maybe we'll see some of these thoughts become reality at ISC West 2021 next month.

We would want these cameras to look sleek and impressive. They should be easy to pair with your Total Connect 2.0 account. How about QR code pairing through the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App? That would be quick and easy. WPS pairing for WIFI connectivity would likely be possible, but there should also be more secure Access Point (AP) mode pairing for greater security. We wouldn't be too disappointed if WPS pairing were dropped entirely, just as long as there were an efficient and simple process for network connectivity. Maybe they could do something where you connect an initial camera to the network, then other cameras could connect with that "Master Camera" and automatically pair with the network? There would be some security kinks to iron out there, but that sounds quick, easy and simple, which is optimal for end-users. And actually, if you were to use a power over ethernet setup, then you wouldn't even need WIFI connectivity.

Here's a quick and easy idea that consumers will love - a simple color option for each camera. Release each camera in the classic white coloring option, as when you think of security cameras, you usually think of white. But what about also a jet black color option? The black-colored cameras would be well-hidden in the darkness of night and catch intruders off-guard. Why hasn't this been done yet? Plus, consumers love fun choices like this. It's simple, sure, but black-colored security cameras would be a major market hit. Speaking of night time, we would want these cameras to have IR night vision capabilities for recording in the dark. We wouldn't expect anything less from these top-of-the-line cameras.

How would you go about viewing these camera feeds? Well obviously you would be able to access them remotely through the Total Connect 2.0 platform. You could use the website or mobile app. We also know that there would be connectivity through the PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel, and the PROWLTOUCH Keypad. For the most part, that would probably be enough. But let's get creative here. What if you put an HDMI or other type of port on each camera, and then you could connect a loose monitor just to get a quick peak at the camera's feed while you are installing the devices in the field? Maybe that's packing too many features into a tight space, but at the same time, why not?

Speaking of, we have to wonder how the cameras would receive power. You could do what Alarm.com does. They have a "residential" lineup of cameras that uses simple, yet effective, plug-in transformers. They're quick and dirty, but they get the job done. Then there's also a "commercial" lineup that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). We'll give you the best of both worlds here and just say that each camera should have both options available. Bundle a transformer, and release a universal "extension cable" for those who need a long wire run. But at the same time, allow a user to lose that transformer and just run an ethernet cable for both network and power connectivity. More choice, more options, more power.

And also, why not battery power? Allow a camera to run off AA batteries or CR123A batteries, and make something truly wire-free. Battery power is only becoming more impressive as technology grows and changes. This could also be a backup power option during electrical outages. Maybe you could do something where the camera pairs with the PROA7PLUS like a sensor, and then it uses its cellular connection (via the PROLTE-A or PROLTE-V) to remain connected to the network even if the internet is down? This might be a bit unrealistic at the present time, but hey, we can dream right?

This post wouldn't be complete without talking about some camera types. We will start simple. There would have to be a universal go-to and basic indoor model. The equivalent of the ADC-V523 (for those familiar with Alarm.com Cameras). This would be a versatile device that you could use in pretty much any indoor installation. And if there's an indoor model, then there would also have to be an outdoor model, ala the ADC-V723. And why not have a budget model, aka the ADC-V515. Maybe tone down some of the features and give an affordable option. There could even be a budget outdoor camera, the fictitious ADC-V715, which doesn't even exist... yet.

Would Resideo and Honeywell Home release their own version of the ADC-V622-WELL? Sure, why not. Actually, Honeywell has definitely attempted a "social camera tower" device before. We do like the idea. An interactive camera with a call button and two-way voice. It's creative and unique, and it could absolutely be a hit. Imagine pressing the camera call button and then getting an alert on the panel or via push notification from Total Connect 2.0. This is an excellent option for those taking care of sick relatives, or aging family members.

We would like to see some dome camera options. Dome cameras are easy to hide, and they offer some excellent installation opportunities. How about a small dome camera like the ADC-V821, and a big dome camera like the ADC-VC826. Maybe the big dome camera would get a boost in specs and capabilities, like pan/tilt and possibly even zoom, to take advantage of the larger size. Resideo Dome Cameras and Honeywell Home Dome Cameras for residential and commercial applications alike. And they would certainly be suitable for outdoor use as well. The dome design practically screams "Install Me Outside Please!", and we don't see why not.

Lastly, we want to go out with a BANG! here. You know the ADC-VC836 Turret Camera? Well imagine a design like that, but then you can go into Total Connect 2.0 to remotely control the turret camera's position like a robot. A remote control camera, kinda like a stationary drone. Wait, a Drone! Resideo Drone Camera and Honeywell Home Drone Camera! Why not just release a Resideo Drone or a Honeywell Home Drone? Pair it with your Total Connect 2.0 account, select the Drone Camera, and then use your phone or computer as a controller for it. Take flight and scope out your home or business with your drone camera. An outdoor model could charge using solar power. Fly around and capture all of the activity recorded. Not only would you get amazing coverage, it would be COOL.

We can just imagine spending hours flying our TC2 Drone Camera. If privacy concerns are a thing, you could set the camera to only record footage while it is within the assigned property address. We're strictly talking for monitoring your own property. Still, the possibilities of flying a mini TC2 drone around a 3-story house or multistory company office would be pretty neat. Imagine the drone riding in the elevator and then surprising your co-worker as the door opens! Two-way voice capabilities would allow you to communicate through your drone in real-time. Again, we know a drone might a bit scary and open up some unnecessary espionage opportunities. But this is too cool not to at least imagine and dream about.

None of the ideas or topics discussed in this blog are known to exist, and this is just purely conceptional imagination "what-if" at this point. The odds of Resideo actually showcasing a drone camera at ISC West 2021 are slim-to-zero. At some point, the camera fairy tales in this post became exactly that - fairy tales. That's not going to stop Alarm Grid from thinking about a day in the future where Resideo has an incredible lineup of security cameras, and we laugh the fact that at one time it was just the IPCAM-WIC1 and IPCAM-WIC2.

What can we expect out of Resideo as far as new cameras at ISC West 2021? Well a drone, or even a stationary turret camera ala an ADC-VC836-like design that you can actually use for 360-degreee control through Total Connect 2.0 is probably asking too much. Let's come back down to planet Earth for a second. It's fair to expect a new indoor and outdoor camera for use with Total Connect 2.0. Seriously, TC2 users deserve a better camera selection. And even if we saw some nice dome cameras for the platform, we would probably still be blown away. Resideo has to up their camera game. Why not give the public something impressive?

Can you dream big on some Resideo and Honeywell Home Camera ideas? Or has this writer lost his marbles? Leave your thoughts in a comment down below. What would you like to see out of a next generation of Honeywell IP Cameras? What's realistic, and what's a fun fantasy idea? We clearly crossed the line into the realm of fantasy in this post, but why not get a little creative once in awhile? Security is fun, don't ever forget that. Speaking of fun, stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security news and other content coming soon.

With ISC West 2021 quickly approaching, we thought it would be nice to take a quick look at various security manufacturers to speculate about what they might be presenting. Keep in mind, this is purely speculation. None of this is guaranteed, it's just our guess as what we might see.

Before you read about the various security and smart home automation offerings that we might see, make sure to check out our earlier post on the ISC West 2021 Health and Safety Guidelines, if you haven't already. Remember that this year's ISC West runs from Monday, July 19th through Wednesday, July 21st at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV. With that out of the way, let's begin discussing some manufacturers.

Resideo

Resideo will certainly want to showcase its new system, the PROA7PLUS. We would expect to see both the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS and the virtually identical Resideo PROA7PLUSC showcased prominently at ISC West 2021. You will also likely see its accompanying hardware, including the PROLTE-A and PROLTE-V Communicators, the PROTAKEOVER Legacy Receiver Module, and the PROSIX Series Encrypted Wireless Sensors. All of this aforementioned equipment is already available for purchase.

As for new products, we would be surprised if we didn't see Resideo releasing a new lineup of security cameras, perhaps under the Honeywell Home brand. With the Honeywell IPCAM-OC1 Outdoor Camera being discontinued, the selection of Total Connect 2.0 Cameras is pretty weak compared to the selection of Alarm.com Cameras. As such, a user getting security cameras as part of their system is more likely to choose an Alarm.com System than a Resideo System that is being used with Total Connect 2.0. We're sure Resideo wants to change that, so it would be disappointing if we don't see some new Resideo Cameras.

Lastly, we have heard rumors of a new hardwired system that would essentially replace the Honeywell VISTA Series. This lineup of wired panels is rumored to be named the Honeywell Home PROH8PLUS, and it would be a fully hybrid system able to support both hardwired sensors and wireless sensors, possibly using the PROTAKEOVER Module Legacy Receiver. While there's nothing inherently wrong with VISTA Alarm Panels, we might see Resideo updating their technology a bit, and bringing the hardwired selection lineup to the next level.

Nortek & 2GIG

From what we can tell, Nortek is very pleased with their 2GIG Edge Security System, and it's a fair bet that that 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel will be the main highlight of the 2GIG and Nortek Booth at ISC West 2021. And it's rightfully so, as the Edge is a highly advanced alarm panel with great features like facial recognition and Bluetooth disarming. What remains to be seen if Nortek will decide to roll-out a lineup of 2GIG Edge-exclusive encrypted sensors, perhaps to break away from the existing 2GIG eSeries Sensors that work with the Edge and the older GC2e and GC3e. However, we haven't actually heard anything about new 2GIG Edge Sensors, so that is just pure speculation. That being said, you can bet on 2GIG to heavily feature the 2GIG Edge Alarm System in their booth. If you haven't seen it an action yet, then ISC West 2021 figures to be a great opportunity. The 2GIG Edge and its accessories are currently available for purchase from Alarm Grid.

Qolsys

Qolsys has been secretly working away on some new alarm panels, and we figure ISC West 2021 to be right opportunity for Qolsys to unveil them to the public. The company needs to make a big splash to keep up with household names like Honeywell Home and 2GIG. We can expect to see the new Qolsys Budget Panel, the Qolsys IQ Hub, which we have been expecting for quite some time.

This may also be the chance for Qolsys to unveil their big new flagship alarm panel, the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. We are expecting the IQ Panel 4 to be a tremendous juggernaut in the home security industry, as the new alarm system will boast a Snapdragon Chipset running Android 9 Software, and come complete with an 8MP front-facing camera, all-new lifestyle automation pages, and oodles of great features. There's a chance Qolsys might be secretive and keep the IQ Panel 4 tucked away, but we would be pretty sad if we don't get to see it at ISC West 2021. We are hopeful that the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, Qolsys IQ Hub, and Qolsys IQ Router will be made available later this year.

DSC

Digital Security Controls (DSC) has been at the forefront of Canadian Home and Commercial Security for years. But now that both DSC and Qolsys are under the Johnson Controls banner, we may see considerably less of the DSC brand out in the limelight. As security systems are being made "sexier" and flashier to fit-in with a modern home, a bulky wired alarm system like the DSC PowerSeries NEO just isn't suitable for most residential applications. We don't expect DSC to be completely absent from ISC West 2021, but don't be surprised if Johnson Controls is putting Qolsys out on center stage, while DSC may remain more in the background as more of a commercial security option. The PowerSeries NEO and the existing DSC Iotega are both candidates to be featured in ISC West 2021. We have not yet received any word on possible "new" DSC equipment that may be featured.

Alarm.com

Alarm.com always has a prominent showing at ISC West, and we don't expect this year to be any different. However, we aren't really sure what to expect from Alarm.com, if anything new. It's possible that Alarm.com might try to make ISC West 2021 more of a quiet showing. It's likely that the Alarm.com Smart House will return, allowing users to interact with the latest smart home automation and video surveillance offerings from Alarm.com. The ADC platform strives to be a leader in terms of home automation, and they will likely use this ISC West to showcase their complete array of offerings and how their equipment can be used together to create a complete smart home. We are also regularly pleased with all the Alarm.com Video Camera offerings, so it's fair to expect their cameras to make an appearance. We aren't necessarily expecting any new cameras, but we definitely anticipate seeing great devices like the ADC-V523, ADC,V622-WELL, ADC-V723, and ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera.

Z-Wave Alliance

You can always bet on seeing the Z-Wave Alliance tucked away in the back corners of the ISC West Showroom Floor. Z-Wave wireless communication has secured itself as the leading protocol in smart home automation, and it continues to dominate for good reason. ISC West 2021, figures to be a huge opportunity for Z-Wave 700-Series Technology to really present itself to the public and showcase its rich capabilities. Z-Wave 700-Series, also being called Z-Wave Plus V2, promised extended wireless range, and a longer battery life of at least ten (10) years. Z-Wave Plus V2 sensors are also required to be built on the Z-Wave S2 Security Protocol, thereby making them more secure than most Z-Wave 500-Series devices.

Of course, the Alarm Grid team will be returning to ISC West 2021, ready to post about the latest security offerings from all the major brands. Be sure to keep-up with the Alarm Grid Blog if you can't make it to ISC West 2021 yourself. We will let you know the latest news for Resideo, Honeywell Home, 2GIG, Qolsys, and more as we attend the event in Las Vegas, NV. Stay tuned for more ISC West 2021, especially as we get closer to the even on July 19th through July 21st. We're super excited, so get ready for more content coming soon.

Alarm Grid is offering new Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs) for Honeywell VISTA P-Series Alarm Panels. The ADC-SEM300-VT-AT (AT&T LTE & IP) and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ (Verizon LTE & IP) are both available now. They provide reliable alarm monitoring and Z-Wave Plus capabilities.

If you aren't familiar with Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEMs), they are basically cellular communicators that allow hardwired alarm panels to connect with the Alarm.com servers. The reason why SEMs for Honeywell VISTA Systems are so interesting is because normally these Honeywell-manufactured Alarm Panels are used in conjunction with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers and the Total Connect 2.0 Security Notification and Automation Platform. With an SEM, you can take control of your Honeywell VISTA Alarm Panel and instead have it communicate with the Alarm.com servers and the Alarm.com platform. Alarm Grid customers can choose from a variety of alarm monitoring plans to use with SEMs, including our Gold and Platinum Level Plans (Self & Full) and our Cellular-Only Plan. You can learn more about all our monitoring plans in this comprehensive blog post.

When you break-down what Alarm.com offers versus Total Connect 2.0, both platforms are remarkably similar. However, there are some cases where a user may prefer to go with Alarm.com over Total Connect 2.0. The biggest reason why we can think of is that the user wants to take advantage of the robust selection of Alarm.com Security Cameras. If you compare the selection of Alarm.com Cameras versus the Total Connect 2.0 Camera Selection, then it's clear that Alarm.com is (at least for now) the hands-down winner. Even if you aren't using security cameras in your setup, maybe you want a better integration with the Alarm.com Smart Water Valve, or maybe there's an Alarm.com Demand Response Program in your area that you want to take advantage of. In any case, if you have a VISTA P-Series Panel (e.g. VISTA-10P, VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P, VISTA-21iP, VISTA-21iPLTE), then an Alarm.com SEM will give you the option of using their services instead of AlarmNet and TC2.

When you compare the new "300-Series" SEMs with the previous VISTA SEMs, the ADC-SEM210-VT-AT and the ADC-SEM210-VT-VZ, the new ones have a couple of advantages. For one, the new 300-Series SEMs utilize much lower power consumption at just 230mA. The new modules also have the ability to be used without an external power supply, which was required with the older modules. In the setup without an external power supply, all of the power is supplied from the panel. However, you can still use an external power supply with the new SEMs if you do not have 230mA available from your panel. Also, the new 300-Series SEMs have new externally-facing LED status lights that are easier to read when needed.

Just like the prior editions, the new ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ offer ultra-reliable connectivity across both an LTE cellular network and internet service using a wired ethernet connection. In addition, the new SEMs also return with Z-Wave Plus functionality, thereby allowing you to build a robust and complete smart home network around your security system. If you have been wanting to setup smart devices around your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System for use around the Alarm.com Security and Automation Platform, then these new SEM devices are perfect for the job at-hand. They are available right now and ready for use with Alarm Grid!

Do you have any thoughts about the new Alarm.com 300-Series SEMs, the ADC-SEM300-VT-AT and ADC-SEM300-VT-VZ? Would you consider switching over your Honeywell VISTA System to the Alarm.com Platform from Total Connect 2.0? Or maybe you're already happy with using your VISTA System with its current LTE cellular communicator? Let us know your thoughts in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. We always make sure to cover new product releases and the latest security system news, so make sure to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog for more great content coming soon!

Alarm Grid has learned that Alarm.com now supports Ecobee WIFI Thermostats. Users can integrate Ecobee devices with their Alarm.com accounts for operation through the Alarm.com website and mobile app. The Ecobee Thermostat integration can be added to any Alarm.com account using the website.

According to Alarm.com, the Ecobee SmartThermostat, the Ecobee4 Thermostat, and the Ecobee3 Lite Thermostat are all eligible for the integration. Users who set up the integration will be able to control their Ecobee WIFI Thermostats alongside their other automation and security devices in the Alarm.com website and/or mobile app. If you are an Alarm.com user, and you already have a compatible Ecobee device, or you are thinking about getting one, then now is a great time to get started!

Ecobee says that their smart thermostat devices help users save up to 26% on their heating and cooling costs. The company offers a nice selection of ENERGY STAR certified thermostats, as well as their own suite of smart home automation products. Not only does Ecobee work to help customers save money on heating and cooling costs, but they also strive to create a more sustainable world as part of their dedicated efforts.

One interesting thing about Ecobee is that the company has a long-standing relationship with an Alarm.com subsidiary called EnergyHub. Since 2015, Ecobee and EnergyHub have worked together on more than 40 special programs designed to deliver grid management services to utilities and wholesale market operators. Thus, it's no surprise that Ecobee and Alarm.com have come together to create this new partnership.

Any Alarm.com user with a compatible Ecobee Thermostat can get started with the integration by setting it up through the Alarm.com website. Simply be sure the Thermostats or the Lights & Thermostats service package is enabled on your account. Then, login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, choose Settings on the left-hand side, followed by Manage Devices, then press the blue "Add Device" button in the upper-right, pick Thermostat, and then select the option for Ecobee. From there, just follow the on-screen instructions to complete the integration!

If you have any thoughts about the new Ecobee integration for Alarm.com, or if you want to share your experience with Ecobee Thermostat devices in general, then please leave a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. Also, if you're excited about this new integration and what it can offer, then please let us know. It's great to see Alarm.com continuing to expand their smart home automation and energy-saving ecosystem. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security and automation news coming soon.

Being in the alarm industry, we get to test out some of the newest security systems first-hand. Today, we will briefly discuss three juggernauts in the DIY security realm - the 2GIG Edge, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS, and explain why they can all succeed.

Whenever you have multiple companies all putting their best offerings forward to compete in the same field, there is usually the expectation that there will be at least one winner, but also at least one loser. However, in this playing field of three wireless alarm panels, it really appears as though each company has put its best offering forward and presented something distinctly unique that can stand out and succeed in this competitive industry. Simply put, all three of these systems are winners. It was rough getting here at times. There were some mistakes and growing pains along the way. Some were really bad. We can definitely say that it took some perseverance, but we reached a point where our three most prominent security system manufacturers - 2GIG, Qolsys, and Honeywell Home - have all hit their strides. It really is a fantastic sight to behold.

Today, we're not doing an in-depth compare and contrast of these three great systems, nor are we going to provide a definitive "ranking" of these systems. Maybe that can happen another time. What we are going to give you today is just a look at one (1) feature or capability for each system that is not possible for the other two. That is a major reason why we believe all three of these systems will thrive - they each offer something that you aren't going to find or be able to achieve with their biggest competitors. In other words, each system we're discussing today has an important competitive advantage that should keep it relevant for quite some time. Also, note that we're focusing on the positive aspects today. This isn't a wish list, and we're also not going to pick apart these systems to point out any minor flaws or shortcomings. This is just a chance for us to talk about something we like about each system and why we think it's a benefit. Anyway, let's get started. Here is why the 2GIG Edge, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS can all win.

2GIG Edge - Facial Recognition Arming/Disarming

Our impression of the 2GIG Edge is that Nortek really wanted to bring the alarm industry to the future. The system is loaded with advanced features and functions that certainly work to turn heads and bring the wow factor. None of those features more so than the panel's facial recognition arming and disarming capability. Sure, the IQ Panel 2 Plus also has its own facial recognition capabilities, but their system just generates an email from Alarm.com letting you know that the panel didn't recognize the face the last time someone disarmed. Only with the 2GIG Edge can you have the front panel camera scan your face and automatically arm or disarm the system, all without needing to enter a code. Facial recognition arming comes in handy if the Quick Arm feature (Q113) is disabled in order to provide arming/disarming logs. By default, this feature is enabled, which means that the system can be armed simply by pressing the Arm Stay or Arm Away button. This is convenient, but in some circumstances, such as for a business, you may want to know which user is arming and disarming your system, as well as when the system is being armed and disarmed.

The facial recognition feature of the 2GIG Edge differs from the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus in another way. With the Qolsys panel, all of the heavy lifting is done by Alarm.com. The facial profile and recognition processing all occur on the Alarm.com servers. With the 2GIG Edge, the user's facial profile is stored locally on the panel, and facial recognition processing also takes place locally. This means your facial biometric information stays safe within your own network and is never sent out into the cloud. If you're concerned about keeping your facial biometric information private, then this is very important!

On top of that, the feature works shockingly well and consistently when set up properly, and unless you have an identical twin or a doppelganger hanging around, it's not a security risk in any way. This is the kind of feature that you brag about to your friends, as it's actually cool. Plus, once you get used to it and learn how to position your face just right, the feature is super convenient as well. Being able to arm or disarm your system while your hands are full is something you will absolutely appreciate at some point or another. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to futurize their alarm systems. Well, the 2GIg Edge has done exactly that with its facial recognition feature. We recommend checking our prior blog post dedicated to 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition to learn more.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus - PowerG Sensor Range

As the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is the oldest security system on this list, features that were once exclusive and unique have since been replicated by their competition. That being said, one area where the IQ2+ still reigns supreme is in the wireless range of its PowerG Sensors. With a range of approximately 2,000 feet when used with the IQ2+, you just can't go wrong. Sure, that listed range is assuming a best-case scenario in an open-air environment, with no large metal objects or other obstacles around to cause interference. Still, it blows the other manufacturers out of the water. While we haven't done any of our own testing (that may be a fun experiment for a future blog), the reports we hear from customers seem to indicate that PowerG Sensors on the IQ2+ do indeed offer a noticeably longer transmitting range than what can be achieved with the other panels on this list. We have heard multiple stories of users who have managed to get PowerG Sensors to work in areas such as warehouses and storage facilities where wireless sensors were thought to be completely unviable. If that wasn't enough, there is also the DSC PG9920 PowerG Repeater, which boosts the theoretical maximum wireless range to a distance of up to 4,000 feet!

While all of this doesn't really matter much for most users, as most users don't really need a sensor to work from 2,000+ feet away, the users who do benefit from the extended wireless range find it to be a complete game-changer. Just imagine, an installation that was once only possible with a super complex hardwired polling loop panel can now be achieved wirelessly with the IQ Panel 2 Plus! Not to mention that the PowerG Sensors offer some of the very best protection we have seen, with 128-bit AES encryption and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Technology. We're a bit surprised other manufacturers haven't followed suit and offered something comparable to PowerG. It's not to say that their alternative sensor offerings (e.g. Resideo PROSIX and SiX Series Sensors, 2GIG eSeries Sensors) aren't good devices in their own right, but the DSC PowerG Sensors are still at the top of the food chain... at least for now. As a result, there are still occasional installations where our only option is to recommend the IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG Sensors. It's totally cool though, as the IQ2+ remains a great panel that is loaded with tremendous features.

Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS - IP-Only Monitoring Option

We have an honorable mention with the PROA7PLUS. Namely, it's the only one of these three systems with replaceable components, meaning that you won't need to replace the entire panel if something like its WIFI & Z-Wave card or its added cellular communicator becomes damaged. While replaceable components are nice to have, they don't necessarily sell panels like the ability to monitor across internet protocol (IP) only. Although we love getting customers on our Gold Plan, and we can talk about the benefits of cellular monitoring until we're blue in the face, the fact remains that there are some customers who just want reliable monitoring service at a low price. We see it all the time - a customer just wants no-frills monitoring service to get a homeowner's insurance discount and to provide a basic layer of protection over their household. To them, the extra cost associated with cellular or dual-path monitoring isn't worth the benefit of their system staying monitored during internet outages. All we can do is try to give these customers what they want - an alarm panel that will allow them to keep their monitoring costs down. That is what they get with the PROA7PLUS, as it is the only one of these three systems that supports IP-only monitoring.

Technically, it's not the doing of the panel that makes IP-only monitoring possible, but rather it's the monitoring platform. The other panels on this list connect with Alarm.com, which mandates that cellular connectivity is set up on all their accounts. The PROA7PLUS on the other hand doesn't use Alarm.com, but rather it uses AlarmNet and Total Connect 2.0. For the most part, Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 are relatively equal, but in a rare area of difference, TC2 allows for IP-only service, while ADC requires a cellular connection. The result is that when a customer comes to us wanting low-cost monitoring, after we explain the benefits of cellular, and they still want IP-only anyway, we go ahead with recommending the PROA7PLUS. That's not a bad thing either, as the system is super sleek, and it offers an incredible mix of great features and reliable performance. Though when it comes to the area where the PROA7PLUS stands out the most, it's the system's ability to be set up for IP-only alarm monitoring service. Unless Alarm.com drops its cellular requirement, or 2GIG and/or Qolsys team-up with another monitoring platform, Resideo and the PROA7PLUS will continue to dominate this market segment. There will always be people wanting monitoring service at the lowest possible price, even if it means giving up cellular connectivity. Luckily for those frugal folks, they have an excellent panel that gives them that option in the PROA7PLUS. That alone gives the PROA7PLUS plenty of opportunity to succeed. Also, just to be clear, a user can always add a cellular communicator to a PROA7PLUS and upgrade to cellular monitoring later on. We have many customers who want to start out on a low-cost plan and then upgrade to a more expensive plan later. That's perfectly understandable, and the PROA7PLUS makes that option possible.

What Do You Think?

We mean it when we say that the Edge, IQ Panel 2 Plus, and PROA7PLUS are all fantastic alarm panels. We might do a ranking someday, but to us, they are all winners. The choice really comes down to your unique needs. If the convenience of arming or disarming using your face is most important, go with the Edge. If you need the extended wireless range of PowerG, go with the IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want low-cost IP-only monitoring, go with the PROA7PLUS. Each panel has its own advantage. There are also many other talking points that we simply don't have time to get to today. However, you can start your own discussion in the comments below! We would love to hear your thoughts, opinions, viewpoints, and personal experiences. If you have used or tested out any of these panels, then we would love to know about it. Also, our comments section is a great place to ask questions. Maybe we have something that we didn't cover that you would like to learn more about? Our team of experts are happy to help you. Leave a comment below, and we will be sure to reply. Plus, don't forget to stay tuned to our blog for more security news and discussions coming soon!

Fans of the video game franchise Super Smash Bros. are accustomed to the seemingly never-ending stream of rumors and speculation from fans. One of the hottest rumors right now is that Crash Bandicoot may soon be making his series debut. To Alarm.com though, "Crash & Smash" is nothing new.

If you aren't familiar with Super Smash Bros. and/or the speculation that Crash might soon "join" Smash, then let us take a quick second to get you up to speed. Super Smash Bros. is a video game franchise produced by Nintendo. It takes characters from many different series and pits them up against each other in combat. The newest entry in the series is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) for the Nintendo Switch. Although SSBU first became available back in late 2018, Nintendo has offered several downloadable updates since the game's initial release. The updates provide bonus content, such as new characters to play as, and new stages to battle on. More recently, there has been a widespread rumor that Crash Bandicoot, the main character of his own self-titled video game series, will be added as a playable SSBU character in a future update. Many gamers have been getting excited for the possibility of "Crash In Smash", though it is still only a rumor for now.

While seeing the beloved Crash Bandicoot CRASH the Super Smash Bros. party would be a total blast, another company has been offering their own take on "Crash & Smash" for many years now. This company is a lot closer to home for Alarm Grid, as they're actually one of our most favorite security notification and automation platforms. It's none other than Alarm.com!

As you may have guessed, the Alarm.com version of "Crash & Smash" has nothing to do with video games, Crash Bandicoot, or Super Smash Brothers. We're sorry to disappoint you! Regardless, Crash & Smash is still an important feature that provides an extra layer of protection for your monitored home or business. The fact also remains that Alarm.com has been offering Crash & Smash technology since long before any serious "Crash In Smash" rumors began circulating the internet. Consider Alarm.com to be the pioneers of Crash & Smash, while Nintendo is simply playing catchup!

Silliness and wordplay aside, we're going to take the time to talk about Crash & Smash for Alarm.com, including how it works and why it is important. We actually put out a post two years ago on that very subject. Please go check it out if you haven't already seen it. That aside, we're still happy to provide a refresher.

Crash & Smash refers to special technology that helps ensure that a user and/or the central station are properly alerted in the event that an intruder destroys an alarm system and/or its alarm monitoring communicator, during the entry delay or communicator delay period. Without Crash & Smash logic, this could leave the system in a state where it is unable to send signals and communicate the alarm. Not only is Crash & Smash protection crucial in worst-case scenarios with the most persistent and destructive intruders, it also provides end-users with the safety and peace of mind that they deserve.

To understand Crash & Smash for Alarm.com, you must first understand Entry Delay periods and communicator delay periods and how they work. In simplest terms, an Entry Delay refers to a countdown timer that goes into effect after an Entry/Exit Zone (i.e. a door used for coming and going, like a front door or garage door) is faulted, or activated, while the security system is armed. The Entry Delay timer gives the user an opportunity to prove to the system that they are an authorized individual, and not an intruder breaking in. A communicator delay period actually prevents the system from communicating an alarm signal for a designated period of time after the panel begins signaling that an alarm has occurred. Many systems have this type of delay enabled by default as a false alarm reduction feature.

The most common way for a user to prove to a security system that they are an authorized individual is to enter a predetermined secret code that has been set up with the system. An authorized user will know the code, and they will be able to quickly enter it and disarm the system before the Entry Delay period expires. Meanwhile, an intruder who doesn't know the code would be highly unlikely to guess it during this relatively short countdown timer. The probable outcome then is that the timer would expire before a valid code is provided. Once that happens, the system will go into alarm. Assuming that the system is monitored, and no communication delay has been programmed, alerts would be sent to the central station and/or the end-user directly, depending upon the user's monitoring plan.

Some of the newest and most advanced alarm panels available today allow users to verify authorization using other methods besides classic code entry. For example, the 2GIG Edge uses facial recognition technology, and the panel's front camera can scan and identify the user's unique "facial biometrics", thus making it possible to verify authorization without entering a code. In any case, the general principle of an Entry Delay remains the same. A user must verify their authorization with the system within a short period of time, or else an alarm will occur.

Crash & Smash protection addresses the possibility that the security system, or more specifically, the system's communicator, could be destroyed during the Entry Delay period. An uninformed intruder might think that if they destroy the alarm system before the Entry Delay period expires and the system goes into alarm that no alarm signal will be sent out, and the security system will fail. That is not the case with Crash & Smash Protection!

Something else happens when your Alarm.com Security System goes into an Entry Delay countdown. In addition to initiating a countdown timer, the system also transmits an "Entry Delay signal" to the Alarm.com servers. This happens the very instant that the system goes into its Entry Delay mode. Alarm.com then waits patiently for a few minutes, knowing that the system should logically follow-up with either a disarm signal from the user verifying their authorization, OR an alarm signal from the Entry Delay countdown and/or the communication delay expiring and authorization not being verified. If Alarm.com does not receive any follow-up signal from the system, then it concludes that the system must have been destroyed, and it triggers a Crash & Smash event. Alarm.com will then immediately notify the central station and/or the end-user directly, depending on their monitoring plan.

Virtually all Alarm.com Communicators manufactured in 2008 and later support Crash & Smash technology. If you don't have Alarm.com, but you instead have a Honeywell or Resideo Security System that uses AlarmNet with Total Connect 2.0, then don't worry! AlarmNet has a very similar feature called Advanced Protection Logic (APL) that operates in largely the same manner as Crash & Smash. One difference though is that AlarmNet cannot notify users directly regarding an APL event. Instead, APL can only be used to alert the central station. This means that APL is unavailable to any AlarmNet Total Connect 2.0 user with a self-monitoring plan. You must have central station monitoring service to use APL with Total Connect 2.0.

In conclusion, only Nintendo can put the Crash in Smash. However, they're super late to the party, as the Crash & Smash feature from Alarm.com has been keeping homes safe for years. While having Crash & Smash on your security system might not give you the same adrenaline rush as using Crash Bandicoot to beat-up fellow video game mascots, but let the record show - Alarm.com brought us Crash & Smash BEFORE it was cool!

Do you have any thoughts or questions about Crash & Smash from Alarm.com? Leave them in a comment down below. Or you can let us know what you think about the possibility of Crash Bandicoot appearing in Super Smash Bros. We're security system experts, not gaming experts, so we probably won't be able to help you out much with that. Still, we would love to hear what you have to say. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system content coming soon!

We're back with another video recap! And this is a rather special video recap, because I have a guest joining me this time! It's someone you have never seen in Alarm Grid videos before, and we hope to have this person back and doing more videos soon. Five (5) new videos await! Let's go!

Alarm com Mobile App: Setting Up Multi System Access

I show you how you can set up multiple system access in Alarm.com. With this feature, you can access Alarm.com using a single username and password to control multiple security systems. There will be a dropdown menu in Alarm.com that you can use to navigate between the different systems linked with your account. This feature is excellent if you own multiple properties, or if you're a business owner with multiple locations. Now you can control all your systems from a single login!

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Master Code

In her triumphant Alarm Grid video debut, Aja shows you how to reset the Master Code on a 2GIG Edge Security System. The Master Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for arming and disarming and changing Master-level settings. The code should almost always be changed for security purposes. To change the Master Code, you can access the Users Menu and manually change the code. Additionally, if you perform a Factory Default of the Users Settings, then the Master Code will revert back to its default of 1111.

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Installer Code

I teach you how to reset the Installer Code on your 2GIG Edge Alarm System. The Installer Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for getting into deep-level programming. We recommend keeping the Installer Code at its default of 1561 so that you do not become locked out of programming. Keeping the Installer Code at the 1561 default does not represent a security risk because you cannot disarm the system with the Installer Code. If you ever forget the default code, you can always look it up later.

2GIG Edge: Factory Resetting

I show you how to factory reset your 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel. In order to perform a factory reset, also called a factory default, you need the system's Installer Code. This is because you must access the Installer Toolbox on the panel. Inside the Installer Toolbox is the Restore Defaults Menu. You can choose from multiple types of defaults to perform. The options include Sensors & Zones, Console, Users, Z-Wave Network, IP Cameras. You cannot "undo" a default after one has been performed.

2GIG Edge: Adding a User Code

I show you how to set up an additional user code on the 2GIG Edge Security Panel. The 2GIG Edge supports up to 100 different user codes. With this feature, you can give everyone who uses the system regularly their very own personalized user code. When you set up a code, you will be asked to provide the numeric code that will be used for disarming the system. If you have slots open for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition using personalized Facial Biometrics, then you can also set up those features when you create the new user.

Welcome to our PROA7PLUS Cheatsheet! This document will cover various procedures and information associated with the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS, Honeywell Home PROA7, Resideo PROA7PLUSC, and Resideo PROA7C. First, we'll cover a preface, and then we'll dive deep into various system processes.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Wiring
• Local Alarm Mode
• Arming the System
• Adding a Zone
• Deleting a Zone
• Adding a Z-Wave Device
• Deleting a Z-Wave Device
• Changing the Master Code
• Adding a User
• Deleting a User
• Bluetooth Disarming
• Partitions
• Advanced Settings
• Miscellaneous Settings
• Total Connect 2.0
• Conclusion

Preface

The PROA7PLUS, along with its variants, represents the latest alarm panel from Honeywell Home and Resideo. Sometimes referred to as the ProSeries 7" All-In-One Systems, these are wireless all-in-one panels that connect with AlarmNet for alarm monitoring service. They can also be set up for use with the Total Connect 2.0 interactive platform, provided that access to the service is included in the user's alarm monitoring plan. Since AlarmNet supports IP-only alarm monitoring, cellular-only alarm monitoring, and dual-path alarm monitoring with both IP and cellular, you can technically use the PROA7PLUS and its variants with any alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. To learn more about the Alarm Grid Monitoring Plans, please review this helpful post.

It should be mentioned that end-user programming for the ProSeries Panels is not available as of May 2021. The feature is currently in beta development and only available to those in the alarm industry. That is how we are able to provide information on how end-user programming looks and how it works. It is expected that the feature will be made available to the general public via a firmware update in the very near future. But please note that if your ProSeries System has not yet been updated to the firmware version that supports end-user programming, then the feature will not be available on your panel.

Right out of the box, the ProSeries Panels can support all of the Honeywell Home PROSIX Series Sensors and the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors that were originally built for use with the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. It is important to note that once you pair a SiX Series Sensor with a ProSeries Panel, it will receive a firmware update and can never be reverted back to be used with a Lyric again. Once it goes to ProSeries Panel, it can never go back. The ProSeries Panels each have (127) zones available for the encrypted PROSIX and SiX Series Sensors.

Legacy sensor support is also available for the ProSeries Panels. If you add a Honeywell Home PROTAKEOVER Module to the panel, then you can pair sensors from one (1) of five (5) possible legacy frequency. The legacy frequency you decide to use is selected via an adjustable dial on the PROTAKEOVER Module. The available options include Honeywell 5800 Sensors (but not 2GIG), 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors (but not Honeywell), 319.5 MHz Sensors (Qolsys, Interlogix, GE), 433 MHz Sensors (DSC), and Bosch Sensors. You can only add one (1) PROTAKEOVER Module to a ProSeries Panel, so only one (1) legacy frequency can be used with the system at any given time. Up to (123) legacy zones are available on the ProSeries Panels. When combined with the encrypted zones for PROSIX and SiX Sensors, a maximum total of (250) zones are available on one of these systems.

One key characteristic of the PROA7PLUS is that the system is split into four (4) different variants, based on two (2) deciding factors, with each factor having two (2) options. First, you must decide whether you want the PLUS version or the BASE version. Most users ultimately go with the PLUS version, as the BASE version is more limited and requires an added communicator to get the system monitored. Second, you must decide whether you want the Honeywell Home version for residential use or the Resideo version for commercial use. Unlike the first decision, this second one really comes down to personal preference, and it won't really affect the performance of the system in any way.

	PLUS Versions	BASE Versions
Honeywell Home Versions	Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS	Honeywell Home PROA7
Resideo Versions	Resideo PROA7PLUSC	Resideo PROA7C

PLUS vs. BASE

Most users who buy a ProSeries System opt for a PLUS Model. There are a few differences to be discussed between the PLUS Models and the BASE Models. A PLUS Model comes with a Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW Module already built-in for WIFI and Z-Wave Plus support. A BASE Model does not have this, but you can add one separately. If you only want WIFI support, and you don't care about Z-Wave Plus for home automation, then there is also a Honeywell Home PROWIFI that provides WIFI, but no Z-Wave Plus. Honeywell has chosen to go with a very modular design, so that users don't have to pay for features they may never intend to use.

A PLUS Model can be set up for IP-only monitoring (WIFI) right out of the box. You only need to add a cellular communicator if you want to set up a PLUS Model for dual-path monitoring with both IP and cellular. Conversely, a BASE Model cannot be set up for alarm monitoring right out of the box, as it does not have a built-in communicator. You must add an IP communicator and/or a cellular communicator to get the system monitored. If, for example, you want cellular-only monitoring, it may make sense for you to buy the BASE Model, and a cellular communicator, but only if you don't want any of the other features that are supported only on the PLUS Model. We'll cover those features in just a bit.

For reference, the IP communicators are WIFI modules that support wireless WIFI connectivity, and they cannot be used for wired ethernet connectivity. The options include the Honeywell Home PROWIFI, which adds WIFI only, and the Honeywell Home PROWIFIZW, which adds both WIFI and Z-Wave Plus. As of May 2021, only LTE modules are available for cellular connectivity. The options include the Honeywell Home PROLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell Home PROLTE-V (Verizon LTE). It's possible that a 5G cellular module might be released for the system someday, but that is not an option now.

There are two (2) other big differences between the PLUS Models and the BASE Models. One, a PLUS Model has a built-in camera for taking disarm photos on the system, while a BASE Model does not have an integrated camera. There is no way to add a panel camera to a BASE Model, so this will always be a feature you miss out on if you decide to get a BASE Model. Two, a PLUS Model supports Bluetooth LE connectivity for automatic Bluetooth disarming, while a BASE Model does not support Bluetooth. There is no way to add Bluetooth connectivity to a BASE Model, so again, this will be a feature you miss out on if you opt for a Base Model.

Honeywell Home vs. Resideo

Unlike the PLUS vs. BASE debate, the Honeywell Home vs. Resideo decision is more of a personal preference decision. The difference here is that the Honeywell Home Models say "Honeywell Home" across the front, while the Resideo Models say "Resideo" across the front. Other than that, they are exactly the same. Technically speaking, the Honeywell Home Models are intended for residential use, while the Resideo Models are intended for commercial or industrial use. But there is actually nothing stopping you from using a Resideo Model inside a home, or a Honeywell Home Model inside a business. For more information on the subject, we recommend checking out this blog we wrote on the subject.

General System Information

Below is some of the general information for the Honeywell Home and Resideo ProSeries Panels:

• Panel Type: Wireless All-In-One
• Voltage Input: 9VDC, 2.5A Transformer (Included - P/N 300-10260)
• Backup Battery: 24 Hour Rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.6/4.2V, 5200mAH (Included - P/N 300-11186)
  
• Total Zones: 250 Security Protection Zones
• PROSIX and SiX Series Zones: 127 Zones
• Legacy RF Support: 123 Zones, 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz, or Bosch (with added takeover module)
  
• Legacy RF Notes: Uni-Directional Only; Requires PROTAKEOVER Module
  
• KeyFob Slots: 32 (ProSix & SiX Fobs)
• User Codes: 96 (Master Code Hardcoded to Slot 1)
  
• Partitions: 4
  
• Automation: Z-Wave Plus (Automatically Included with PLUS Models Only)
• Z-Wave Device Limit: 78 (Automatically Included with for PLUS Models)
  
• Compatible Keypads: Resideo PROSIXLCDKP, Resideo PROWLTOUCH (Requires PROWIFIZW or PROWIFI)
  
• Maximum Keypads: 8 per Partition
  
• Event Log: 4,000 Events
• Other Features: WIFI. The following features are supported on the PLUS Model only: Integrated Camera, Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, Wiselink (PROINDMV & PROOUTMV)
  
• Package Contents: Panel, PROWIFIZW Module (installed, PLUS Models Only), Transformer (9VDC, 2.5A), Backup Battery, Manuals, Mounting Hardware w/ Wall Plate
• Dimensions: 5.75"L x 7.875"W x 1.0"D
  
• Mounting Options: Wall Mount or Desk Mount (Sold Separately)
• Default Master Code: 1234 (should change for security purposes)
• Default Installer Code: 4112 (recommended to keep at default)

Wiring

The ProSeries Alarm Panels include a transformer for powering on the system, but a user must supply their own wiring. The use of a prepared wire, such as a Honeywell LT-Cable is advised. However, traditional wiring is perfectly suitable. You should use a wire gauge between 16-gauge and 22-gauge. If you decide to use traditional wiring that you have prepared yourself, then please observe the following strict wire limits:

Local Alarm Mode

Local Alarm Mode is used when the system needs to be set up and tested, but it's not yet registered with the AlarmNet server. The PROA7PLUS is meant to be monitored in some fashion. If Local Alarm Mode is not enabled, then as soon as the panel powers up, it reaches out to the AlarmNet360 server in an attempt to register and retrieve its communicator programming. If an account does not yet exist on the server for the panel, it will return a communicator error which will not clear until registration occurs. When Local Alarm Mode is enabled, the communicator for the panel is disabled, and this process of attempting to register does not occur. Therefore, no communicator error will be displayed. To enable or disable Local Alarm Mode, select the Menu Icon from the bottom-center of the home screen, then scroll down to Tools. Enter the Installer Code (Default is 4112) when prompted for a code, then select Local Alarm Mode. The feature is toggled ON or OFF from this screen. Bear in mind, when this setting is changed the panel will reboot, and this process can take several minutes.

System Arming

Arming the security system puts it into a secured state. If activity is detected while the system is armed (e.g. a door/window being opened, movement being detected, etc.), then the system may go into immediate alarm or require that a user verify their identity with a valid code to prevent an alarm. Please note that this does not apply to 24-Hour Zones, which will trigger an immediate alarm when activated, even if the system is in a disarmed state. Common examples of 24-Hour Zones include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit doors.

To arm a ProSeries Panel, click the ARM button on the main screen. Then choose the arming type to arm the system. You can Arm Away or Arm Home, with Arm Home being the system's version of Arm Stay. The difference between these arming modes is that interior sensors are automatically bypassed (ignored) when you choose Arm Home. This allows anyone still inside the building to move around freely, without triggering a false alarm. But in Arm Away, interior sensors are active and able to cause alarms on the system. There should be nobody remaining inside the building after you have enabled Arm Away mode. Please note that at least one (1) Entry/Exit Zone must be faulted during the Exit Delay countdown when Arming Away, or else the system will revert to Arm Home mode instead. This is because the system will assume no one left after arming, and that the user must have meant to Arm Stay. This is known as Auto-Stay Arming, and it is a false alarm prevention feature.

Keep in mind that if multiple partitions are set up with the system, then you will be able to select which partition you want to control before you press the ARM button on the main screen. You can select any of the four (4) partitions that are enabled on the system. A partition dropdown selection option will only be shown if multiple partitions are configured on the system. If partitions have not yet been configured, and the system still only has a single partition, then this dropdown option will not be displayed. Partitions are covered in greater detail later in this cheatsheet.

A feature called Quick Arm is enabled by default, but can be disabled by partition, in each partition's settings. This affects what happens after selecting your preferred arming method (Home or Away). When this feature is enabled, the PROA7PLUS will not prompt for a user code to complete arming. This can save time when arming. This also allows anyone to be able to arm the alarm. A valid user code is still always required to disarm. This poses little to no risk, as long as you remember your user codes. When armed with Quick Arm, the panel's event log shows that it was armed by a generic user. Some choose to disable this feature because they prefer to know who exactly armed the system. When disabled, the actual user number will be logged as the user who armed the partition.

Another option called Arm Night will also be available if you have at least one motion sensor programmed on the system with the Arm Night feature enabled. Arm Night is a more secure version of Arm Home (Stay), in which any interior motion sensor with the Arm Night feature enabled will NOT be automatically bypassed. That is, if that sensor detects activity while in Arm Night mode, it will trigger a response (e.g. an alarm) on the system. Meanwhile, motion sensors that have Arm Night disabled will be bypassed and ignored by the system.

Also when arming the system, you can choose to enable or disable Entry Delay and Silent Exit. The default selection is to enable Entry Delay, and disable Silent Exit. If Entry Delay is disabled it will result in the system going into immediate alarm when an Entry/Exit Zone is faulted, as opposed to going into an Entry Delay countdown, during which the user can disarm the system before an alarm occurs. Silent Exit being enabled will result in the panel not producing any sounds as the Exit Delay countdown occurs. Please note that if Silent Exit is enabled, then the Exit Delay countdown timer will be automatically doubled for that arming session. This will give the user extra time to vacate the building, as there won't be any countdown timer reminding them that they need to exit immediately.

Please note that you can also arm the system via Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored and set up with the service.

System Disarming

Disarming the system takes it out of a secured state and puts it into a Disarmed mode, in which only 24-Hour Zones are able to trigger system alarms. You can only disarm the system while it is in an armed mode. Please note that if you have Armed Home or Armed Night, then an option for Quick Exit will be available. This feature allows a user inside a location that is Armed Home or Armed Night to briefly step outside, for instance, to take out the trash, or to retrieve something from their car. When you press Quick Exit, the system begins the normal Exit Delay countdown. During this time, any Entry/Exit door can be opened without causing an alarm. As long as the door is secured again before the countdown expires, the system will return to its prior arming state at the end of the countdown. This prevents the user from having to disarm, then arm again.

In Arm Away mode, the only available option is to Disarm.

To disarm the system, you must have a valid code. This can be a regular user code, or the Master Code. Click the Disarm button to pull-up a numeric digital keypad. Then enter the valid code into the digital keypad. The system will disarm. Don't forget that if you need to disarm a different partition than the one displayed on the screen, then you should first select that partition from the dropdown menu and provide a user code with authority for the selected partition. This dropdown menu will only be present if multiple partitions are set up on the system.

Please note that you can also disarm the system via Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored and set up with the service.

Adding a Zone

To add a zone to a ProSeries Panel, you must have access to end-user programming. Otherwise, all zone programming is completed remotely by your monitoring company. To access the system's auto-enrollment mode, start from the main screen and click the small menu button (three horizontal bars) at the bottom of the home screen, and then choose Tools, enter the Installer Code (default 4112), and then choose Programming, and then choose Peripherals, and then press the + button at the top of the screen to put the system into its auto-enrollment mode.

With the system in this mode, you can then fault (activate) a sensor to get it to auto-enroll. You will be taken to the Edit Sensor screen where you can configure the zone settings. The following programming fields are available:

• Sensor Type: Set automatically during auto-enrollment. This is the model of sensor that was enrolled (e.g. SIX-Contact, SIX-Motion, etc.)
• MAC: Set automatically during auto-enrollment. This serves as a Serial Number identifier for PROSIX and SiX Sensors. Please note that if you enroll a legacy sensor using the PROTAKEOVER Module, then this will instead be a Serial Number or a Sensor DL ID Field.
• Partition: Allows you to assign the sensor to a specific system partition. Only enabled partitions can be selected.
  
• Service (with grey background): Available on certain types of SiX and PROSIX Sensors. Allows you to add an additional (secondary) function for the sensor. An example is adding support for an external NC Contact that is wired into a PROSIXCT or SiXCT terminals when its primary function is the Reed Switch.
  
• Zone Number: Cannot be changed. Shows which Zone Number the sensor is being assigned. Remember that the system supports (127) encrypted PROSIX and SiX zones, plus (123) non-encrypted legacy zones, for a total of (250) zones.
• Service (with white background): Available on certain types of PROSIX and SiX Sensors. This allows you to set the primary function for the sensor. An example would be choosing between the Reed Switch function and the External Contact function on a PROSIXCT or SiXCT. If the Reed Switch is the primary function, the Contact Terminals would then be the secondary function.
  
• Zone Descriptors (1 & 2): Used for naming the zone. The ProSeries Panel will speak the Zone Descriptors, plus the Device Type, when the sensor is faulted. For example, if you have Zone Descriptor 1 set as "East", Zone Descriptor 2 set as "Door" and Device Type as Door, then the panel will speak "East Door Door" when the sensor is faulted. In this case, Zone Descriptor 2 is unnecessary. Please note that you do not technically need to provide any Zone Descriptors for the zone. You can leave one or both of the fields blank. Many users will just program Zone Descriptor 1 and leave Zone Descriptor 2 blank. If you leave both of them blank, then the zone will only be known as whatever is set for Device Type.
  
• Device Type: This is used to set the type of sensor you are adding (e.g. Door, Window, Flood, etc.) Along with the Zone Descriptors, the Device Type is spoken by the panel when voice annunciation is enabled and the sensor is faulted. Depending on the Device Type you choose, only certain types of Response Types will be available. If you want access to a certain Response Type that isn't available for the sensor's normal Device Type, then you may consider setting the Device Type to "Other", which will result in all Response Types being available. Please note that if you set the Device Type to "Other", then it will not be spoken when the sensor is faulted and voice annunciation is enabled. For example, if you had Zone Descriptor 1 set as "East" and Zone Descriptor 2 set as "Bedroom" and the Device Type set as "Other", then the panel would only speak "East Bedroom". Available Device Types include Door, Window, Garage Door, Other, Police, Environmental, Glassbreak, Flood, Medical, Motion Sensor, and Temperature.
• Response Type: This option determines what action the system will take when the sensor is faulted or activated. Depending on the Device Type you set, only certain Response Type options will be available. If you want to choose from every available Response Type, set the Device Type to "Other", and you will have a complete selection of possible Response Types. Available Response Types include: Not Used, Entry Exit 1, Entry Exit 2, Perimeter, Interior Follower, Day/Night, 24 Hour Silent, 24 Hour Audible, 24 Hour Auxiliary, Interior Delay, Monitor, Trouble, Arm Stay, Arm Away, Disarm, No Response, Silent Burglary, Garage, Garage Monitor, and Local Alarm.
• Supervised: Toggle ON or OFF. When Supervised is ON, the system will expect the sensor to check-in periodically to ensure that it is working properly. If Supervised is ON, and the sensor fails to check in (due to environment or range issues, the unit being powered down, or having a dead battery, or the device having been removed), then the system will display a trouble condition to alert the user.
• Alarm Report: Toggle ON or OFF. When Alarm Report is ON, the system will report to AlarmNet when the zone causes an alarm on the system. AlarmNet then forwards the signals to the user's Central Station. This is assuming that the system is being monitored. If Alarm Report is OFF, then no alarm signal will be sent out if the zone causes an alarm on the system. However, if Total Connect 2.0 is enabled for the user, an email or text notification can still be sent.
• Version: Cannot be changed. Shows the firmware version of the programmed sensor.
• Chime: This is the sound the panel will make when the sensor is faulted. Choose from a variety of Chime options, or set to Disabled to turn OFF the chime for the zone.
• Armed Night: Only available if a Device Type of Motion Sensor is selected. Toggle option for ON and OFF. If Armed Night is ON, then the sensor will remain active when the system is set to Armed Night mode, as opposed to being automatically bypassed as an interior sensor. Please note that you must have at least one programmed motion sensor with Armed Night turned ON in order for the Arm Night option to be selectable from the arming screen.
• Supervision Time: Cannot be adjusted from this screen. If a sensor fails to check in with the system for longer than this period of time, the system will put that sensor into a Trouble or Check condition. The panel is literally telling you to check on that sensor.

When you are finished adjusting the zone settings, choose either Save or Save & Add Another to save the change. If you choose Save, then you will be taken to the Peripherals List. If you choose Save & Add Another, then you will be taken back to the Add a Peripheral Screen so you can enroll another sensor. You can edit the zone settings later by selecting the sensor within the Peripherals List.

Deleting a Zone

If you need to delete an existing zone, start from the main screen of the system, and click the menu button (three horizontal bars) at the bottom of the screen. Then choose Tools, and enter the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Then choose Programming, followed by Peripherals. This will access the Peripherals List. Find the zone you want to delete and check the box on the right-hand side. If you are deleting multiple zones, then check the box for each zone you want to delete. With all the necessary boxes checked, click the black "Delete" button in the upper-right corner. The system will ask you to confirm. Choose Delete on the right-hand side to confirm that you want to delete the sensor(s).

Adding a Z-Wave Device

You can only add a Z-Wave device if there is a PROWIFIZW Module inside of the ProSeries Panel. The PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC have this module included out of the box, but it must be added separately to the PROA7 and PROA7C. When you add a Z-Wave device to the system it can then be controlled both locally at the panel and remotely from Total Connect 2.0 if the system is monitored with a plan that includes automation services. You can also include Z-Wave devices with smart scenes so that they activate automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events.

To add a Z-Wave device, start from the main screen of the system, choose the menu button at the bottom (the three horizontal bars), followed by Tools. Enter the Installer Code for the system (default 4112). Choose Programming, and then Z-Wave Peripherals. It is advised that you clear (Exclude) the device from the panel first to wipe out any residual Z-Wave network data. You can do this even if the Z-Wave device in question is not enrolled with a Z-Wave controller. Many Z-Wave devices will have residual Z-Wave network data left over from the factory, so "excluding" first is almost always a good idea. Choose Exclusion Mode to put the panel into a mode for clearing Z-Wave devices. Then activate the inclusion/exclusion function on your Z-Wave device. There may be a button on the Z-Wave device for this purpose, or you may need to enter a specific programming code. Refer to the manual for your Z-Wave device for more information. The panel should show a device as excluded. Press done after the device has been excluded. Then choose Inclusion Mode to put the panel into a mode for adding Z-Wave devices. Activate the inclusion/exclusion function for the Z-Wave device again. This may be the same function you used when clearing the device from the network. The panel should show that a Z-Wave device was added. Press the done button when finished.

Deleting a Z-Wave Device

Deleting a Z-Wave device will clear it from the network so that it is no longer paired with the ProSeries Panel. You can then pair the Z-Wave device with a new Z-Wave network. Please note that deleting a Z-Wave device may also be referred to as clearing the device or excluding the device. Z-Wave devices are typically cleared from the network before pairing to ensure that any remaining Z-Wave network data is properly wiped out.

To delete a Z-Wave device, begin from the home screen of the panel, select the menu button at the bottom (the three horizontal bars), and then press Tools. Provide the Installer code for the system (default 4112). Select Programming, and then Z-Wave Peripherals. Choose Exclusion Mode to put the system into a mode for clearing Z-Wave devices. From there, activate the Inclusion/Exclusion function on the Z-Wave device. This process will vary depending upon the Z-Wave device in question. It may have an inclusion/exclusion button, or there may be a different process. Check the manual for the Z-Wave device to find out for sure. The panel should show that a device has been cleared from the network.

Changing the Master Code

A ProSeries Panel will have a default Master Code of 1234. You will want to change this code for security purposes. Choose a different code that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for someone else to guess. To begin, start from the main screen of the panel. Click the menu button (the three horizontal bars), and then choose Settings. Select User Management. Then provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) for the system. This will allow you to access the Users Menu.

Click on the Master option from within the user list. This will take you to the Master User settings screen. Find the field for pin, and click the pencil icon on the right-hand side of that field. You will be asked to provide a new pin. Be sure the 4-digit code you enter is unique within the system. Enter the desired pin code. Then confirm that pin code by entering it a second time. Then press Save in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to enter the Master Pin to save. You should enter the EXISTING Master Code at the screen. If you are changing the code from the default of 1234, then you will enter in that 1234 default, and not the new code that you changed the Master Code to. After you enter the existing Master Code, the change will be saved and applied. The Installer Code can be used to get into this programming area, but it cannot be used in the final step, the existing Master Code must be known in order to change it.

Adding a User

There are (96) user slots available on the ProSeries Panels. When you add a new user code, you will be able to use that code for arming and disarming. To get started, click the Menu button (the three horizontal bars) at the bottom on the home screen of the panel, and then choose Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) to gain access to User Management. Click the + icon in the upper-right corner to begin adding a user. You will then provide a name for the user. After you save the name, you will be taken to a settings screen for that user. Make sure to provide and confirm a pin code for the user. Then at the bottom, you will need to set which partition(s) the user has access to. Make sure to set the partition access, or else the user code will not have any authority. In fact, the system will not let you add a code until you have set both a pin code and access authority. You can also set options for Bluetooth Disarming and Z-Wave Lock Control at this time, or you can save that for later. When you are finished, press Add in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to provide a pin to confirm the adding of the new user. Enter in the system's Master Code (default 1234). The Installer Code will not work for this. The new user will be added to the Users List. If you click on the user name, then you can edit its settings.

Deleting a User

After you delete a user, that code will no longer be able to disarm the system. To delete a code, you must access the User Management Menu. Begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom of the screen. Choose Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112) to gain access. You will enter the User Management Menu. Find the user that you want to delete, and click the checkmark box on the right-hand side of that user. You can also delete multiple users at once by checking the box for every user you want to delete. Once you have selected the user(s), press the Delete button in the upper-right corner. You will be asked to provide the Master Code to confirm deletion. After entering the code, the user(s) you had selected will be deleted. Those user slots will be opened and available for assigning new codes.

Bluetooth Disarming

Automatic Bluetooth Disarming will allow the system to disarm from Armed Away mode automatically upon detecting a paired Bluetooth-compatible phone. Up to six (6) Bluetooth-compatible phones can be set up with this feature. Each of the 6 phones must be associated with a different user. The Master User can also be set up with a Bluetooth Phone for automatic disarming. A phone will only be able to disarm the system if it is removed from the area before the system is fully armed. If the Exit Delay countdown expires and the phone is still detected in the area, then it will be disabled and ignored for that arming session and unable to disarm the system. This prevents the system from disarming immediately due to someone forgetting their phone and accidentally leaving it behind. The feature will go into effect, and the system will immediately disarm upon the user faulting an Entry/Exit Zone with the phone properly connected across Bluetooth. You must set up the feature before it can be used. The feature is completely optional, and it can be turned OFF at any time.

You set up the Bluetooth Disarming feature within the User Management Menu. Begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom of the screen. Click Settings, followed by User Management. Provide either the Master Code (default 1234) or the Installer Code (default 4112). Click on the user you want to set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming. Then choose the field for Disarm With Bluetooth. At this time, you should activate Bluetooth pairing mode for the phone that is being paired. Press the blue Pair button in the top-right corner of the ProSeries Panel. On the phone, find the ProSeries Panel and click on it. The panel and the phone will both display pairing messages and a pairing key. Click pair on both devices to complete the pairing process. When you back out to the user settings screen, make sure to press Save in the upper-right corner. If you are saving the Master User, then you will be asked to provide its code for confirmation.

Partitions

If you are unfamiliar with security system partitions in general, please read this FAQ. Basically, partitions allow you to "section-off" your alarm system so that certain sections (partitions) of the system can be armed or disarmed, while the other sections (partitions) remain in their current armed or disarmed state. Up to four (4) partitions can be configured on a ProSeries Panel. By default, only the first partition is enabled. Partition 2, Partition 3, and Partition 4 will only be used and in effect after they have been added. You need to first access the partition settings menu. Begin from the main screen of the ProSeries Panel. Click the three (3) horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Then choose Tools, and enter the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Click Programming, followed by Partitions. The list of enabled partitions will be shown on the screen. To add a new partition, click the + icon in the upper-right. You will then be able to configure various settings for the partition. These are mostly arming settings that you should configure as needed based upon how the system is being used. You want to set Entry/Exit Delays to proper settings so that no false alarms occur on the system. When you are finished, press Save in the top-right. If you ever need to delete a partition, you can access the Partitions Menu, click on the checkmark box on the right-hand side of any partition that is being deleted to select it, and then press Delete in the top-right. Please note that you cannot delete the main Partition, which is Partition 1.

Whenever you are at the main screen of the system, you can set which partition you want to control. There will be a dropdown menu you can click on to choose a different partition to switch to. Whenever you go to switch partitions, you must provide a code with access to that partition. You can also provide the Master Code which has global authority and access to any system partition. Note that only enabled partitions will be present.

Advanced Settings

The Advanced Settings Menu is a programming menu that includes sub-categories for Communicator, System, and Reporter. Many of these options are fairly complex, and it is suggested that you not change them unless instructed by your monitoring provider, or you are formally trained in alarm systems and you know what you are doing. To access this menu, begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Press the Tools option. Provide the system's Installer Code (default 4112). Choose Programming. Then choose Advanced Settings. You will then be in the Advanced Settings Menu to make system changes. Once finished, press the Save button in the top-right to save any changes you have made.

Miscellaneous Settings

This section will very briefly cover other settings that haven't been covered earlier in this cheatsheet. This includes setting the WIFI network for the panel. To access the Settings Menu, begin from the main screen of the system. Click the three horizontal bars menu button at the bottom. Then choose Settings. You will have options for WI-FI, User Management, and Secondary Keypad. You may be asked to provide the Master Code (default 1234) or Installer Code (default 4112) before configuring these settings.

Please note that you can also configure settings for Backlight Timeout, Voice, Chime, Brightness, Volume, and Screen Cleaning right from the main screen. Just click or drag down the bar from the top of the system's home screen to access the primary settings. No access code is needed!

Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 is the interactive security notification and automation platform used with the ProSeries Alarm Panels. You can access Total Connect 2.0 remotely using a web browser or by using the free Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App that you can download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Your system must have some type of monthly monitoring plan to be used with Total Connect 2.0. Your monitoring company will help you get started with the Total Connect 2.0 service, usually by sending you a Total Connect 2.0 activation email after you are activated for alarm monitoring service. You will need to create a username and password for logging into Total Connect 2.0. For Alarm Grid customers, your username will typically be the email address associated with the monitored account. You can use Total Connect 2.0 to arm and disarm the system, check its current status, control programmed Z-Wave devices, and more!

Conclusion

We hope that you found this Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS Cheatsheet to be useful! We want you to get the very most out of your Resideo Alarm System. And keep in mind that this post may be updated in the future to include new information. It's very likely that Resideo will be updating the ProSeries Panels in the future to include new features and functions, and we will make sure to provide you with the resources you need to take advantage of whatever is offered. Also, if there's anything else that YOU would like to see included in this cheatsheet, please leave a comment down below, and we just might add it in. This is a living, breathing document, and we will likely update it as we learn more. And stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more great content 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.

We're back with more 2GIG Edge content today. First, if you haven't already seen our post about setting up 2GIG Edge Facial Recognition, then make sure to go check that out. We really want each new Edge user to get the most out of their system. But today's topic is Automatic Bluetooth Disarming.

Whether you prefer to call it Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth LE, or whatever, it's a pretty cool feature for the new 2GIG Edge Alarm System. It's actually pretty similar to what Qolsys offers on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. I personally found the 2GIG Edge Bluetooth Disarming feature a little bit easier to set up, though I will admit that I also found the options associated with the feature to be a bit lacking. And by that I mean, there aren't really any options for the feature, other than turning it ON or OFF, or as 2GIG likes to call it, ACTIVE or INACTIVE.

You should also keep in mind that only a maximum of five (5) phones can be set up with the feature, and you can only have one (1) phone paired per user. If you want to have the maximum 5 phones set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, then they will need to be set up with 5 different users. And we also want to mention that the feature can only be used when the system is Armed Away. It won't work when the system is Armed Stay. But all of that aside, we'll just have a fairly quick post today, I'm just going to give you a quick rundown of setting up the feature and putting it into action.

First, to get started setting up 2GIG Edge Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, you need to access the Users Menu. Start from the main screen of the 2GIG Edge Panel. Click the small Settings Icon (the gear) in the bottom-right corner. Then enter in the Master Code (default 1111, but usually changed) or the Installer Code (default 1561, not usually changed), or use Facial Recognition if you have the feature set up for the Master User. Once inside, choose Users to access the Users Menu.

In the Users Menu, find the user you want to set up Automatic Bluetooth Disarming for. You can do it for the Master User or any other valid user. You cannot set it up for the Installer Code, which makes sense because the Installer Code cannot disarm the system. And you cannot configure it for the Duress Code either, as that would certainly lead to countless false alarms, which we obviously don't want. But in any case, decide on a user that CAN be set up for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, and click the pencil icon next to the name to access the edit screen for that user.

As you go down the list, you will see options for Display Name, Access Code, Facial Recognition, Bluetooth Disarming, and User Number. Obviously, the one we want is Bluetooth Disarming. And when you click that, you will be taken to the Bluetooth Disarming Edit Screen for the user you selected.

At this time, you should turn ON your phone's Bluetooth feature. You will very shortly be putting the panel into a scanning mode where it can find pairable Bluetooth devices. Remember that you can only pair certain Bluetooth devices, namely smartphones. You won't be able to pair something like a tablet or a laptop. Again, this makes sense based on how the feature is used.

When you are ready, click the blue PAIR button on the right-hand side. Then press the green Scan button on the following screen. The Edge will begin scanning for a pairable Bluetooth device. If everything was done correctly on the Edge, and your phone is in its Bluetooth pairing mode, then it should appear. In our example, the Bluetooth device is called VELVET.

You should also notice a Bluetooth pairing request on your smartphone.

Once you click the Pair button on your phone, you will get the notification on the panel. Press the green Pair Device button to complete the process.

And that's pretty much it! You can make the feature ACTIVE or INACTIVE within the settings menu for the assigned user. When active, the feature will always be in effect. However, there is one exception. If the panel detects that the phone is still present when the system officially becomes armed - in other words, immediately after the Exit Delay has expired - then that phone will be barred from activating the feature for the current arming session. This is designed intentionally to prevent the panel from being accidentally disarmed prematurely because of a forgotten or left-behind phone. If you realize you forgot your phone before you left, then don't expect that phone to be able to activate the feature and disarm the system. But, the feature can still be activated by a different phone, as long as that phone was properly programmed and it was outside of wireless Bluetooth range of the panel when the Exit Delay expired. One other note is that the phone must be disconnected from the 2GIG Edge for ten (10) full seconds to prevent being barred from activating the feature for that arming session.

As we mentioned earlier, a maximum of five (5) users on the 2GIG Edge can be set up with the Automatic Bluetooth Disarming feature, and each user can only have one (1) paired phone. The feature will only work in Arm Away mode. It will not work when the system is Armed Stay. Activating the feature is quite simple. Your phone should automatically connect with the Edge once it gets into Bluetooth range. But the system won't actually go and automatically disarm until you activate a delay period by faulting an Entry/Exit Zone, or in other words, opening a door used for coming and going, such as a front door, back door, or garage door. For the feature to work properly, the phone must "connect" with the panel before the Entry Delay is triggered. And with the phone already connected, the system should disarm immediately upon activating the Entry/Exit Zone.

There is a timer so that the feature won't activate right away. This is to prevent you from accidentally activating the feature while you are still nearby after already arming the system. This timer is five (5) minutes. In other words, 5 minutes after you arm your system, once the system detects the paired Bluetooth device, if the system is in its Entry Delay window, it will disarm. It's super convenient, and it's good to see that 2GIG accounted for the possibility of a forgotten phone so that it does not create a security risk. But it is a bit questionable that there's no way to change or adjust the 5-minute timer. Maybe 2GIG can make this an adjustable setting in a future update? We would sure appreciate that!

When actually using the feature, it is advised that you check and make sure that the Bluetooth on your phone is reconnected before faulting the Entry/Exit Zone and activating the Entry Delay Period. If it's not reconnected to Bluetooth, then the feature will not work, and the system will not disarm automatically. We also want to say that to prevent false alarms, you should always be prepared for the possibility that the feature may fail. Be prepared to disarm with a valid code if needed. It's true that you can also disarm with Facial Recognition if that is set up, but you should always be prepared for the worst. Out of the three - Bluetooth, Facial Recognition, and classic code entry - classic code entry is still the most dependable. But we can also say that when testing the Bluetooth Disarming feature at Alarm Grid, it worked flawlessly.

Have you gotten to try out 2GIG Bluetooth Disarming yet? What do you think of the feature? Leave your thoughts in a comment down below. And stay tuned for more security system content on the Alarm Grid blog coming soon!!