Total Connect 2.0 Posts

Hi DIYers! We have exciting news today, as Honeywell has completed the spin-off of its security divisions into a brand-new company, Resideo. Although Resideo has a license agreement to use the Honeywell Home brandname for the next 40 years, we expect the name to soon transition to Resideo.

As for customers, we do not expect any major changes. Anyone who logs into Total Connect 2.0 will need to accept a new End User License Agreement (EULA). It is fairly standard, and it includes basically everything a user would expect to agree to when using a service like TC2. If you do not accept the agreement, then you will be unable to use the TC2 service. However, please feel free to read through the EULA when you have an opportunity. From what we can tell, it is no different from the EULA that customers agreed to when using TC2 from Honeywell.

As for now, all of the Honeywell equipment will retain its current name. But this could change in the coming months. Honeywell actually went through a similar situation back in 2000 when it purchased Pittway and its subsidiary of Ademco. Shortly after this, all of the Ademco equipment was rebranded as Honeywell. This included the Ademco VISTA Series, which became the Honeywell VISTA Series that is still being sold today. So it's very possible that the Honeywell Panels and Honeywell Sensors could soon be sold under the Resideo banner. We expect more information to be made available in the near future.

If you have any questions about this spin-off, please send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at 888-818-7728 during normal business hours, which are from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

We have received news that Honeywell's AlarmNet servers are temporarily down. During the outage, Total Connect 2.0 will be down. The outage is also causing some alarm signals to not reach the central station. We apologize for any issues or inconveniences that this may cause for users.

This is unprecedented in our history as an alarm company. We have never seen a partner fail to send signals through to a central station. We're relying on Honeywell to fix the servers quickly to make sure that your family is protected. At the moment, this error is affecting anyone who uses Honeywell's services (which is any company that monitors Honeywell equipment). We will be updating you about the situation as we hear more from the service provider.

We expect service to return shortly. Alarm Grid will update when more info is available.

UPDATE: AS OF 1PM EST, IT APPEARS THAT ALARMNET360 IS UP, ALONG WITH THE TC2 WEBSITE. WE HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED OFFICIAL WORD FROM HONEYWELL THAT SERVICES HAVE BEEN RESTORED.

UPDATE: AT 10:30PM EST, YESTERDAY, WE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM HONEYWELL INDICATING THE ISSUES SHOULD BE RESOLVED:

"At 11:42 am Eastern time today, the AlarmNet network experienced a disruption of services that impacted the operations of AlarmNet, AlarmNet 360 & Total Connect services. During this period, all transmitted signals were queued (not lost) and began to be transmitted as the services were restored. This may have caused a spike in AlarmNet signals during the recovery period. In addition, during this period, AlarmNet 360 was not available and consumers were unable to use their Total Connect apps for remote services.

We have been monitoring the services since the recovery began at 12:42 and are comfortable that AlarmNet, AlarmNet 360 and Total Connect are fully operational.

AlarmNet signaling services, AlarmNet 360 and Total Connect are the foundation of our security solutions and we will continue to strive for 100% reliability. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and your customers."

If you own a Lyric system and have not already done so, please read this important update regarding AlarmNet360 changes that affect your panel. It may be time for an update!

We have heard from Honeywell that some Lyric OC1 Cameras, also known as the IPCAM-WOC1, are experiencing temporary difficulties. Fortunately, no other Total Connect IP Cameras are experiencing any problems or issues at this time. Honeywell says that they expect to fix the problem shortly.

According to Honeywell, the problem is affecting newly activated Lyric OC1 Cameras. These cameras are currently failing to steam live video. However, the cameras are still successfully enrolling with TC2 and notifying users about any motion that is detected. We expect the issue to be resolved in the near future.

Alarm Grid apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause for our customers. If you have any questions about this issue, please reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Update: Honeywell has informed us that the problem has been resolved. If you enrolled a new Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 yesterday and it's not streaming through Total Connect 2.0, first delete the camera from your TC2 account. Then press and hold the reset button on the camera to restore it to factory defaults. Then re-register the camera with TC2. It should now stream video properly.

Hi DIYers! We have received news from Honeywell that Total Connect 2.0 has been updated to Version 2.5.2. This version brings a few new features that should make things more convenient for end users. The update includes improvements to user syncing and the ability to add new users in bulk.

Total Connect 2.0 users can now sync users in all locations at once with the press of a single Button. There is now a button on any Users List page that can sync all of the users in a single location or for all locations. Simply press the button next to the choice of location to complete the sync.

Total Connect 2.0 also now offers a pre-configured template for download that allows users to add multiple users to a single account all at once. This ability to bulk-create new users should make things easier when a user is setting up a new Total Connect account for multiple users. Please note that bulk-adding multiple users can only be accomplished from the Total Connect 2.0 website, and it cannot be done from the Mobile App.

To start, click Users on the left hand, followed by Add New User. Then choose the option "Add Multiple Users".

Then download the template file, and open it in Microsoft Excel or another compatible spreadsheet program.

Next, you will enter in the appropriate info for the new users. Each Column (A thru H) will list a different setting that will correspond to each new user. Columns A, B and C will use free-form text, while Columns D, E, F and G will use drop-down options. Column H requires a valid Email Address.

The settings include First Name, Last Name, User Name, User Type, Notification Language, Time Format, Prompt For User Code and Email. Please note that the "Prompt For User Code" option should be set to "True" if you want Total Connect 2.0 to require the entry of the user's four-digit user code before a command will go through. Setting it to "False" will allow the user to control the system through Total Connect 2.0 (both App and Website) without having to provide their four-digit code.

Once finished, save the file. Then either drag the file to the "Drag Template File Here" area or press the "Select File" button.

From there, the user-creation process will proceed for each user listed in the spreadsheet. You will need to set each user's Access and provide a unique four-digit code. Once you have finished, press the "Create User" button in the lower-right corner. The user will receive a welcome email at the email address provided.

Please note that the Version 2.5.2 Update has presented some confusion for TC2 users. Upon logging into Total Connect 2.0, users have been presented with an update screen that outlines the new features explained above. We have heard reports of some users being unable to get past this screen. To avoid this issue, there is a blue "Continue" button at the very bottom that will allow the user to continue to the main TC2 page. The user needs to scroll to the bottom of the window, NOT the bottom of the update section. They can then click the button to move forward.

If you have any questions about these new features or the Version 2.5.2 update, please do not hesitate to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you own a Lyric system and have not already done so, please read this important update regarding AlarmNet360 changes that affect your panel. It may be time for an update!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the Honeywell Lyric C1. This is an affordable and effective security camera that makes for a solid addition to any home. It is very easy to set up, and it offers 720P HD streaming in real time. Overall, the C1 is a great camera for basic indoor use.

The Honeywell Lyric C1 is part of the Honeywell Lyric HD Camera Series. These are are the latest cameras designed for use with Honeywell's Total Connect 2.0 interactive service platform. They are great for anyone with a Honeywell Panel and access to Total Connect who wants to get started with security cameras. Although the name "Lyric" implies that these cameras are designed for use with the Honeywell Lyric Controller, they also make great additions for the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels and Honeywell VISTA Series Panels. The user just needs access to Total Connect 2.0 and an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance.

Although there is no way to view the live feed for the camera right from the panel, a user can access the live feed from Total Connect 2.0. This includes both the website version and the mobile app version for Android and iOS devices. The mobile app functionality is particularly impressive, as the user can pull up their Android or Apple smartphone and view the live feed for their Lyric C1 from virtually anywhere in the world! This is ideal for a person to get a quick view of their home while they are away.

Out of the Honeywell Lyric HD Cameras, which also includes the 1080P Lyric C2 and the outdoor Lyric OC1, the Lyric C1 represents the most affordable option. It is a 720P HD camera designed for indoor use. While it can be mounted to a wall, it can also be conveniently rested on a table or a desk. As a result, no tools are needed to install this camera. The user just needs to pair it with their Total Connect account. This simple process is outlined in this helpful FAQ.

Some features for the Lyric C1 include its 135° viewing angle and its night vision range of 16.5 feet. It is best-suited for small to medium sized rooms where it will be able to pick up any activity that occurs in dark settings. Many self-monitored users will set up the device near a smoke detector so that they can see if there truly is a fire in their home before contacting the fire department. It can also be useful for determining it an intruder is really present after a motion sensor has been triggered. Indeed, there are many fantastic possibilities from this simple, yet effective camera.

The Lyric C1 is available for purchase from Alarm Grid right now. Get started with video surveillance or expand upon your current camera lineup with this affordable, yet surprisingly robust, home security camera!

Hi DIYers! We would like to announce that the Honeywell LTE-XA AT&T LTE Communicator for Honeywell VISTA Alarm Systems is now available for purchase on our website. This is the perfect solution for Honeywell VISTA users who are unable to get reliable Verizon LTE service in their area.

Alarm Grid already offers the LTE-XV for connecting a VISTA Panel to the Verizon LTE Network. But now, the LTE-XA Communicator presents users with an alternative option for getting their system monitored. This is very important for VISTA users who live in areas where Verizon service isn't the best. Now they will have the option of connecting with the AT&T LTE Network instead.

As an LTE communicator, the LTE-XA will provide fast transmission speeds and highly consistent communication with the AlarmNet360 servers. This communicator also allows the system to function with the Total Connect 2.0 service. A user can access this platform to arm and disarm their system, check the current status of sensors, control Z-Wave smart home devices and more. Please note that an appropriate alarm monitoring plan is needed.

Alarm Grid also offers the LTEXA-TC2 Upgrade Kit. This kit includes both the LTE-XA Communicator and the latest VISTA 15P and 20P PROM Chips for supporting the module. Any VISTA System that is not running firmware revision 9.12 or higher needs a PROM chip upgrade in order to be used with the Total Connect 2.0 service. With this kit, the system will receive the necessary upgrade, and it will obtain fast and reliable LTE communication from AT&T.

It is important to mention that there is currently no way to get dual-path (IP and cellular) communication on a VISTA System using LTE communication. Although dual-path is always the preferred option, a standalone LTE cellular radio will still provide consistent and reliable monitoring service for the user. And the user will receive the benefit of having the system remain monitored even as older cellular networks are slowly phased out. With LTE, a user is taking steps to future-proof their system.

Both the standalone LTE-XA Radio and the upgrade kit with PROM Chips are available now. Get your VISTA System connected for top-quality alarm monitoring services!

Imagine you and your family are away from home. An intruder decides to take this opportunity to forcefully enter your house. But luckily, they trigger a contact, a motion sensor or a glass break sensor, and an immediate alarm is sent to a central station. They flee the scene immediately.

At first glance, this might seem like a favorable situation. The intruder left your property immediately, the police arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and any property damage was minimized. But now there is a criminal on the loose, and the police don't necessarily have any leads for identifying the individual. That is where home security cameras can greatly assist with a police investigation. Even just one camera can mean the difference between a successful arrest and an unsolved crime.

A home security camera is exactly what it sounds like. It is a camera that captures footage inside the home for security purposes. Sure, you might capture some cute and heartwarming moments of your family on your security camera from time to time. But their real purpose is to keep you and your loved ones safe. In the previous scenario, a single camera could have provided police with a detailed physical description of the intruder. This can eventually lead to the arrest and conviction of the guilty party. Thanks to your camera, the police managed to take a dangerous criminal off the street, and your area is now safer as a result.

The modern security cameras of today don't feature the grainy, black & white footage of older models. New cameras from Alarm.com and Honeywell capture video in full-color, HD quality. With these cameras, you'll be able to see any unwanted intruder in exceptional detail. This will make it easier for the police to identify the intruder later. Most modern security cameras also used infrared (IR) night vision to detect criminals in the darkest of environments. There are event specially designed low-light cameras created for this purpose. And outdoor security cameras can capture footage that specifically occurs outside your home.

But there's another important reason to get security cameras for your home. Not every bad guy breaks into the home. As scary as it sounds, many burglars, vandals and even sex criminals works right under the nose of the homeowner. They can operate under the guise of a repair person or a cleaner or any trusted individual. Once inside, they can rob you of your belongings or perform disgusting acts that can leave you speechless. Just a few days ago, a "repairman" in Los Angeles was caught on a home security camera sniffing a young girl's underwear while he was "working". Just imagine how many of these crimes go undetected in homes due to a lack of security cameras!

We're not telling you to be afraid of every person you let into your home. There are plenty of trustworthy and honest people left in this world. But in today's day and age, you can never be too sure. As extreme as it sounds, it is absolutely critical that you know exactly what goes on in your home. Home security cameras are the best way to do this. And with advances in technology, these cameras are easier to use and install than ever before. In fact, many can even be rested on a table, no installation needed!

When used with an alarm system and an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can even view the live footage for your security cameras from virtually anywhere in the world at any time. And even if you don't ever catch an intruder breaking-in or a creep repairman going through the belongings of your family, nothing beats the peace of mind of being able to see exactly what is going on inside your home while you are away.

Alarm Grid offers a wide selection of security cameras designed for use with the Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com services. All that's needed to get started is a Platinum Level Alarm Monitoring Plan. Protect your home and your loved ones with a security camera setup from Alarm Grid.

Alarm Grid has received news from Honeywell that the iOS version of the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App has recently been updated. This update brings a few new changes to the end user experience. Please note that these changes only apply to the iOS version of TC2, and not the Android version.

With the update, it is now possible to enable the Total Connect 2.0 Alexa Skill for Amazon Alexa devices directly from the Total Connect 2.0 iOS Mobile App. Previously, this had to be done through the Alexa App. This will make it more convenient for users who are setting up an Alexa device to work with TC2.

Face identification and touch identification are now both available options for logging into the TC2 iOS Mobile App. The respective option must be enabled from within the settings menu of the app. Many users will prefer this login option over having to enter in their TC2 password.

The Locations Menu now displays the current security status for all of the locations associated with the user's Total Connect account. This will make it easier for a user to get quick information regarding the status of any particular system.

Honeywell also says that this update will offer various stability improvements and bug fixes. Overall, this update should provide a more pleasing experience for end users. If you have any questions about this update, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Hi DIYers! We've received news from Honeywell that Total Connect 2.0 has been updated. While this is not a major update, there are a couple of new features that may improve the experience for end users. The update primarily concerns TC2 notifications and partitions for VISTA Systems.

Under the Notifications tab, notifications are now auto-grouped into different subcategories. This will make it easier for users to quickly sort through notifications. Sorting notifications can also be accomplished by using the filter button located in the upper right corner. Pressing the filter button gives the user many different filtering options.

As for the Partitions Feature, users with multiple locations can now select the number of locations displayed from the main screen of Total Connect 2.0. This can help with screen loading and make it easier to view the desired location:

Finally, Honeywell has corrected an issue that prevented VISTA users from adding new users to TC2 after replacing the panel's cellular communicator. Now, all VISTA users should be able to add new users to TC2 successfully.

If you have any questions about this update, please feel free to reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am thru 8pm EST Monday thru Friday.

Hey there DIYers! As you probably know by now, we're huge fans of Z-Wave smart home devices. Nothing beats being able to control the devices in your home remotely and having them activate based on a schedule or with system events. This is one of the best perks of owning an alarm system.

Many newer alarm systems come with a built-in Z-Wave controller for operating Z-Wave devices. But what if you have an older Honeywell VISTA System that you are perfectly happy with? How would you add Z-Wave functionality to your system. Sure, you could always purchase a Honeywell Tuxedo Touch Keypad. But that add-on is expensive, and many users are absolutely content with using a normal touch-button keypad. Fortunately, there's another way, with the Honeywell VAM.

The Honeywell VAM, or VISTA Automation Module, is an advanced user interface device that allows a Honeywell VISTA System to work with Z-Wave smart home devices. This includes Z-Wave lights, locks, thermostats and more. But please note that the VAM is only a standard Z-Wave controller, not a Z-Wave Plus controller. Z-Wave Plus devices can still be used with the VAM, but they will only have the range of non-plus Z-Wave devices.

The devices can be controlled through a web browser by connecting with the VAM itself. But most users will operate the devices through Total Connect 2.0. This can also be done through a web browser, but it also is possible to do remotely using the Total Connect Mobile App on Android and iOS devices. Remember, the VISTA will need either an IP or cellular communicator, and the user will need a monitoring plan that includes access to Total Connect and remote Z-Wave control capabilities to do this.

Overall, using a VAM represents an ideal solution for VISTA users who want to use Z-Wave devices without paying several hundred for a Tuxedo Touch Keypad. The Honeywell VAM is available on the Alarm Grid site. Get one for your VISTA System and start using Z-Wave devices today!