Total Connect 2.0 Posts

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!

Hi DIYers! Today we have great news regarding Total Connect 2.0. Honeywell has updated the website version of Total Connect 2.0, and they are also planning to update both the iOS and Android mobile app versions in the near future. Let's dive in and take a closer look at these changes!

On the website version of TC2, there is now a "Refresh Status" button under the "Locations" tab. Previously, this feature was only available for the mobile app versions of TC2. Pressing this button will send a "refresh status" signal between Total Connect and the alarm panel to help users determine if their panel is currently connected with the service. If the panel has recently lost its connection or has reconnected to the network, the Refresh Status button will allow users to confirm the current condition. This can be useful for making sure that the panel is currently communicating properly with Total Connect 2.0.

Total Connect will also soon be adding an option to use a fan icon in association with any Z-Wave smart home devices. This will be the recommended icon for any Z-Wave fans that may be used with the Total Connect 2.0 service.

Honeywell will also soon enable Total Connect 2.0 desktop notifications for the Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. In order to receive desktop notifications, the user must enable notifications from their web browser, and they must have email notifications enabled for their TC2 profile. Desktop notifications will only be sent while the web browser is open. Honeywell is also working on enabling notifications for the Safari Browser as well.

As for the mobile app versions, users will soon be able to conveniently access the TC2 Amazon Alexa Skill from the main settings menu. New users will also see a special Amazon Alexa Welcome screen upon first opening the app.

The Android version of the TC2 Mobile App will soon provide support for Total Connect Comfort and RedLINK Connected Thermostats. Users will be able to control these devices right from the TC2 Android Mobile App.

A new button will soon be added to the login screen for users to launch an option to login through face-recognition or fingerprint ID. The iOS app version will support both face-recognition and touch ID, depending upon which version of iOS is being used. The Android app version will only support fingerprint ID, at least initially. These features will be very useful for users who lost their password, have their password cleared or who have experienced a failed face-recognition or touch ID attempt.

Hi DIYers! Did you know that you can control Z-Wave smart home devices right from your Android or iOS device by using Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com? In fact, this is how most users control their smart home devices, because it is super convenient. Let's take a closer look at this feature.

One of the biggest benefits of smart home devices is their ability to be controlled remotely. Whether you're across the street or across the globe, you can have Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com send a command to your system to operate your Z-Wave devices. This is possible both for individual Z-Wave devices, such as door locks, thermostats and lights, as well as entire scenes.

The process for controlling Z-Wave devices is very easy across both platforms, but the steps do differ slightly. If you are using Total Connect 2.0, simply click the "Automation" tab from the main screen. You will then be able to control any individual home automation devices, as well as any programmed scenes. Remember, Total Connect is used exclusively with Honeywell Systems.

If have a system from a different manufacturer, like 2GIG or Qolsys, then you most likely have access to the Alarm.com service. Once you login to your Alarm.com account, you should see menu from the main screen for controlling various scenes. You can also press the menu button at the top to control individual smart home devices by type. We definitely recommend setting up some smart scenes for easy access!

If you don't already have a monitoring plan that includes home automation control, now is a great time to get started. Please check out our monitoring page for more information. All of our Silver, Gold and Platinum level plans (full and self) include this functionality. We hope that you'll enjoy using home automation to make your life easier just as much as we do!

Honeywell has now made it possible for users to integrate a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0. A user can now access their Total Connect 2.0 account to operate their Chamberlain Controller. The garage door controller must be integrated with TC2 for this to work.

The integration process is completed through Total Connect 2.0. Before you can set up your garage door controller, you must have the feature enabled by your alarm monitoring company. Alarm Grid customers should contact us by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com to have the feature enabled. Please note that you must have a Silver, Gold or Platinum Level Monitoring Plan (full or self, with automation) to receive Chamberlain support. Alarm Grid will not approve the feature for Self-Bronze customers.

For a complete guide to setting up a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0, please see this document. The steps outlined below provide a brief overview of the set up process.

Once your Total Connect 2.0 account is approved for Chamberlain Service, you can proceed with integrating your garage door controller with TC2. Start by downloading the MyQ App to your iOS or Android device. The app is available for free download in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Next, connect your MyQ garage motor to your local WIFI network. Some motors have an integrated gateway, while others require a separate internet gateway, like the 828LM. Once the motor is connected to internet, you can use the MyQ app to setup a MyQ account. You will use that login to integrate garage door control between MyQ and Total Connect 2.0.

The actual integration process is completed through Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App and the MyQ App. Start by opening Total Connect 2.0, and access the "Automation" section. Then press the "Manage Devices" button. Choose "Chamberlain/LiftMaster". Then choose "Setup New Garage Door" if your garage door controller is not yet set up with the MyQ App. Or choose "Add Existing Garage Door" if you have already set up your Chamberlain MyQ Controller with the MyQ App.

The screenshots below show the iOS version of the app, but the Android version is very similar:

If you choose "Setup New Garage Door", the MyQ App will open so that you can complete the MyQ Setup process. Otherwise, the process for integrating with TC2 will continue as normal. You may need to provide your MyQ login information to continue. Choose the garage door controller you want to use, and click "Save".

A warning message will appear to let you know that you are updating the list of garage doors that can be controlled from the app. This is normal, and you can press "OK" to continue. The update should go through successfully. Press "OK" to continue. You will then see the newly added garage door opener on your automation screen.

If you ever need to remove a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door, please review pages 5 & 6 of the the set up guide that is linked above. If you have any questions or trouble, please send us an email for further support.

As you may know, Honeywell recently enabled partition support for their Total Connect 2.0 interactive service. We've heard reports of some users having trouble getting started with this service. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, and partition support can be enabled with just a few steps.

Before getting started, make sure you have a compatible Honeywell VISTA Alarm System that supports multiple partitions. Also you must have at least one zone configured on a secondary partition. If your alarm system does not provide support for partitioning, then the option for enabling the partition feature will not show up on Total Connect.

Once you have confirmed that your alarm system supports partitions, you can proceed with enabling the feature on Total Connect 2.0. The process will work for new system users, as well as those who opted to enable the partition feature later. After it has been completed, you will be able to control system partitions from TC2 at any time.

When enabling partition support, you must be using the web browser version of Total Connect 2.0. It is not possible to enable partition support using the iOS or Android Mobile App versions of TC2. Once the feature is enabled, you can use the mobile app to control multiple partitions. But the initial set up must be done from the web browser version at TotalConnect2.com.

After you have logged into your Total Connect 2.0 account, click the "Locations" tab on the left. Then the blue "Sync Panel" button at the top. This will sync your panel with Total Connect 2.0. Wait a few moments for the syncing process to complete, and verify "Zone Sync Success" within the Events tab on the left. Then logout of your TC2 account, and log back in. Then, once again, click the locations tab. The following pop-up should appear:

Click the blue "Configure Now" button. Total Connect 2.0 will then walk you through the remainder of the process for enabling partition support. If you have any questions about this process or if you need further assistance, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com, and one of our technical specialists will reply shortly.

Alarm Grid has learned that Honeywell recently added a refresh button to Total Connect 2.0. This button is found inside the locations tab of Total Connect 2.0. While this may seem like a minor addition, it can help customers solve issues without having to contact their monitoring company.

Before this button was implemented, an end user would sometimes need to have a refresh signal sent to their Total Connect account by their alarm monitoring company. This refresh signal would then be forwarded from Total Connect to the panel. Now, end users can refresh their systems on their own through Total Connect 2.0.

This refresh signal is usually needed when an alarm or a trouble indication becomes "stuck" in the Total Connect 2.0 display. Total Connect may not recognize that the condition was actually cleared from the alarm panel itself. Sending a refresh signal will clear this problem. Being able to do this through Total Connect will be much more convenient and easier for end users.

The refresh button has many uses for Honeywell users. Some of the issues that can be solved using the refresh button include:

• Removing trouble conditions
• Clearing system alarms
• Restoring sensor faults

Any customer who encounters communication issues between Total Connect 2.0 and their Alarm system should try using the refresh button to see if that fixes the problem. To do this, simply login to your Total Connect account, navigate to the locations section, and click the refresh button. The refresh command should then be forwarded to the panel set up at that location. Please note that Total Connect 2.0 will not log the system refresh anywhere, and there is no way to view that the system has been refreshed from Total Connect. However, a user can tell that the refresh went through because the status in TC2 will match the status on the panel.

The refresh button is found within the locations section of TC2. This is true whether you are using the website, iOS or Android version. The screenshots below will help you locate the refresh button on iOS and Android devices.

For iOS Devices:

Start by clicking the "More" button in the bottom-right corner of the main screen.

Choose "My Location".

Then scroll down from the next screen, and hit "Refresh Status" at the bottom.

For Android devices:

From the main screen, press the menu icon (three horizontal bars) in the upper-left corner.

Choose "Settings".

Then "Locations".

Finally, "Refresh Status".