Total Connect 2.0 Posts

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

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

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

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

You may recall last week we covered the supported web browsers for Alarm.com. Now we're doing the same thing, but with Total Connect 2.0. Resideo says you should use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or Opera, or Microsoft Internet Explorer IE11 or lower to access TC2.

If you have a monitored Honeywell or Resideo Security System, then you should make sure that access to Total Connect 2.0 is included with your monitoring plan so that you can take advantage of all its excellent features. By accessing TC2 through a compatible web browser or through the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App, you can arm & disarm your security system, check its current status, control your associated smart home automation devices, view the live feed for your Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras, and so much more.

Resideo puts out a list of recommended and supported web browsers to help ensure that all of their users have the best experience possible. Their interactive platform has been tested using these web browsers, and Resideo feels confident in recommending them to access their services. Any web browser not included in their list is not guaranteed to provide the same consistent function and performance as a recommended browser.

Much like what we said for the Alarm.com supported web browsers, you really shouldn't run into any issues, provided that you are using the latest version of a reputable web browser. In fact, Resideo lists all of the same supported web browsers as Alarm.com, these being Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge, plus the extra addition of the Opera Web Browser, which was absent from Alarm.com's list. So if you're one of the many fine people who uses the Opera Web Browser, and you want to use it with Total Connect 2.0, then you're in luck!

Resideo makes a special note regarding the older Internet Explorer (IE) web browser. According to Resideo, any IE Browser through version 11 (IE11 or lower) should also support Total Connect 2.0 just fine. So don't worry if you happen to be on your grandpa's computer, and he happens to have Internet Explorer as the only browser. As long as it's up to IE11 you will be okay. As for the other web browsers, you should just make sure they're on their latest versions as a precautionary measure. But honestly, it's unlikely that anything bad will happen, as long as you have been keeping up with updates at least somewhat regularly.

If you want a list of officially recommended browsers for TC2, then we have it here:

• Google Chrome (Latest Version)
• Mozilla Firefox (Latest Version)
• Apple Safari (Latest Version)
• Microsoft Edge (Latest Version)
• Opera (Latest Version)
• Internet Explorer (IE11 or older)

Are you thrilled that you can access TC2 through your Opera web browser? You're gonna go try it right now, aren't you? And while you're at it, why not leave a comment down below with your favorite web browser? Or you could share your thoughts on Total Connect 2.0 and how you use it to make your life more convenient. We would love to hear from you, so please don't be shy! And as always, stay tuned for more security system news coming soon!

Update! - We have heard that the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 may make a return in the near future! Please see this post for more information.

Alarm Grid has learned that Resideo has discontinued their popular outdoor camera, the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1. The camera can no longer be purchased from Alarm Grid. This leaves Total Connect 2.0 users with no true option for an outdoor camera. There is no timeline for a replacement model.

The Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1, also known as the Lyric OC1, was best-known for its 1080p recording capability and its ability to withstand the harshness of an outdoor environment. Existing models should still work very well, and you should not encounter any issues when attempting to pair a used model, provided that the camera is not already associated with an existing Total Connect 2.0 account. But unfortunately, the IPCAM-WOC1 is no longer available for purchase, and you are unlikely to find a new model anywhere else. If you do decide to purchase a used model, then just make sure that the camera is no longer associated with an active TC2 account.

It's a bit surprising to see Resideo drop this camera, as it had been their only available outdoor security camera. The closest available device is the Honeywell SkyBell Doorbell Camera, which is great for monitoring the area around a door. But other than that, the only other current Total Connect 2.0 Cameras are the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 and the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2, both of which are for indoor use only.

We have heard a rumor that Resideo is planning to release a new outdoor camera before the end of the year, but we have not heard anything definitive, and no timeline is in place. We hope that is the case, as the sooner a new outdoor camera is available, the better. One option if you are still exploring your choices for an alarm system is to get one that supports Alarm.com, as that platform supports some great outdoor cameras, including the ADC-V723 and the ADC-VC736. Remember that you will need a monitoring plan that supports video surveillance to use those cameras. An Alarm Grid Platinum Plan or an Alarm Grid Video-Only Plan are both viable options.

Have you tried using the IPCAM-WOC1? Are you surprised that Resideo discontinued the camera? What would you like to see in a new outdoor camera from Resideo? Share your thoughts down below in the comments. Maybe we'll write a "wish-list" blog of what we hope Resideo puts into a new outdoor security camera. Stay tuned for more alarm system and security camera news and information from Alarm Grid coming soon!

Total Connect 2.0 users may have recently noticed some Push Notifications showing that certain events originated from "[External] ApiGee". This is the result of an integration that Resideo is configuring. These alerts usually originate from a third-party integration.

Resideo, also known as Honeywell Home, is constantly working to improve the user's Total Connect 2.0 experience. They're working in the background to implement suggested improvements provided by both customers and alarm dealers. ApiGee appears to be one of those integrations. We don't have any details about what expanded features this may include, but the work they are doing in the backend has caused a few odd Push Notifications to be generated.

In most cases, we've seen these push notifications associated with using Alexa in conjunction with the Total Connect 2.0 skill. You probably noticed if you are using Alexa to access and control your system that when you enabled the TC2 Skill you had to provide your Total Connect 2.0 Login and Password. This creates what's called a server-to-server integration. Once the skill is enabled and proper login credentials have been entered, you'll see an option to enable the skill for the alarm panel and automation devices and then the skill is ready to go. If you have multiple locations being used with a single TC2 login you'll only be able to select one location to access using this particular Alexa account.

When you ask Alexa, for example, "Alexa, ask Total Connect 2 what the status of my alarm system is." The server at Amazon uses the credentials you provided at the time you set up the skill to actually log into Total Connect 2.0 and query the system status. This, of course, happens very quickly. Currently, this log-in appears to sometimes be viewed as a user logging in and is therefore triggering a push notification. This will only happen if you have Administration type notifications enabled. Administration notifications include Login, Logout, Login Instlr-Read Only, and so on. However, rather than Alexa's access being logged as the person whose credentials were used for the integration, it is instead being logged as [External] ApiGee.

At the time of this writing, March 3, 2021 at around 6:00 pm, it appears the issue with push notifications may have been resolved. We attempted to cause one of these notifications so that we could obtain a screenshot, but we were unable to do so. It appears that in the Activity screen if you select the icon to Show Admin Logs at the top, you will still be able to see these events being logged. The Admin Logs is the screenshot shown at the top of this post. It's probable that these events are meant to show up here, but were never meant to produce a push notification. Hopefully, this relatively minor issue has been resolved, and whatever this new feature may be, it will be available soon.

One product that we have yet to discuss in great detail is the Honeywell Home PROINDMV Indoor Motion Viewer. This is a very promising accessory for PROA7PLUS users, especially those who are looking for a more affordable alternative to Honeywell IP Cameras and true video surveillance service.

If you are familiar with image sensors, then the Honeywell PROINDMV Indoor Motion Viewer is exactly that, plus a bit more. It is part of the Honeywell Home PROSIX Lineup of wireless sensors, so perhaps PROSIXINDMV would have been a more appropriate name. But nomenclature aside, this is a very handy and useful sensor for anyone with a PROA7PLUS Alarm System, especially if your monitoring plan doesn’t include video surveillance, and you are looking to keep your monitoring costs down.

You can think of the PROINDMV as a PIR motion detection sensor, combined with a video camera. It should basically be treated as an interior motion. If its PIR sensor is triggered while the PROA7PLUS System is Armed Away or Armed Night with the PROINDMV listed as active, the system will go into alarm, and the PROINDMV Camera automatically produces either a 10-second video clip or a still-motion image. The clip or image is made available at the PROA7PLUS Panel under the Camera Log, and it can also be seen on Total Connect 2.0. We expect that an update allowing the image or video clip to be automatically forwarded to the central station will be made available sometime in the not-too-distant future. The PROINDMV will also produce an image or video clip if its PIR is tripped during the Entry Delay Period, but in that case, the image or video clip will be held, and only sent out if the system isn’t disarmed in time and ultimately enters alarm.

The PROINDMV will only capture an image or video clip if it is triggered while the system is Armed Away or Armed Night, or in an Entry Delay Period. At this time, there is no way to request a manual “peek-in” like you can for Honeywell IP Cameras. However, we are hopeful that this feature will be made available in a later update. Anyone with access to Total Connect 2.0 can use at least one (1) PROINDMV. And if your TC2 account includes automation (Alarm Grid Silver Plan or higher), then you will be able to add up to eight (8) PROINVMD devices. Only the ten (10) newest clips or images are available, and they are automatically deleted after thirty (30) days. Images and clips can be sent via IP (WIFI) or cellular.

Overall, we think the Honeywell Home PROINDMV is a great product if you aren’t quite ready to make the leap to full video surveillance with Honeywell IP Cameras and an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan. The video camera records in 10 frames per second (FPS), so it isn’t anything too fancy. But it’s certainly good enough for verifying alarms and identifying suspects in a true break-in event. The PIR sensor covers more than 39 feet by 54 feet, with a 90° detection angle, making it suitable for large rooms in your home or business It even offers Pet Immunity for small animals weighing up to 80 lbs, provided that you follow the mounting guidelines. It will be nice for Resideo to finish making all the features available, as the lack of a “peek-in” is sorely missed. We also eagerly await the ability for clips and images to be automatically forwarded to the central station, as that is very important for alarm verification in certain jurisdictions.

You can purchase the Honeywell Home PROINDMV right now from the Alarm Grid website. Remember, this device only works with the PROA7PLUS ProSeries 7” All-In-One Panel from Resideo and Honeywell Home. We will be sure to keep you updated on this blog as new features for the PROINDMV are made available. We’re sure that Resideo has some great ideas in mind for this device, and looks to be promising sensor. If you have any questions about the PROINDMV Motion Viewer, or if you are interested in alarm monitoring services for access to TC2 so that you can get started with your own PROINDMV, send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We’re here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

One feature that we really haven't discussed in great detail before is Geo-Fencing. This is a service that you can use to get a reminder to arm your alarm system if you forgot to do so whenever your designated smartphone device is determined to have exited a pre-configured "Geo-Fence" area.

Both Total Connect 2.0 (TC2) and Alarm.com (ADC) offer their own Geo-Fencing services. We will discuss the details for each platform later in this post. But for now, let's talk about some of the basics of Geo-Fencing. The first thing to understand is that a Geo-Fence established for an alarm system is an area surrounding the system. In theory, the system should be at the center of the Geo-Fence, and it extends out in a circular pattern. In other words, a Geo-Fence consists of the location of the security system, plus a certain radius outward. The actual location and size (radius) of the Geo-Fence is set by the end user.

If you enable optional Geo-Fencing services for Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, then the platform will use your smartphone for GPS tracking. The idea is that if your phone is located inside of the Geo-Fence, then you must also be inside of the Geo-Fence, and you are likely inside the building where your system is used. But if your phone is taken outside the Geo-Fence, then it's fair to assume that you have left the building, and you should have armed your system. If TC2 or ADC determines that your phone is not inside the Geo-Fence, and your system is not armed, then you can receive a reminder to arm your system remotely using the TC2 or ADC Mobile App. This can be really useful for anyone who may have forgotten to arm their system when they are going to be away for the day, or even longer.

Now that we have discussed the basics of Geo-Fencing, let's dive a little deeper and explain how the service differs between TC2 and ADC. We won't cover full details in this post, but this should serve as a quick guide for setting up the feature. First for Total Connect 2.0, Geo-Fencing Arming Reminders are sent in the form of Push Notifications. Therefore, you must have Push Notifications enabled on your smartphone device before you can set up the feature. Each Location on your Total Connect 2.0 account can have its own Geo-Fence. By default, a Geo-Fence is one (1) mile in size. You can make the Geo-Fence smaller or larger when you configure it, but creating a Geo-Fence of less than 1 mile in size is not recommended.

The process for configuring a Geo-Fence on TC2 differs a bit between iOS and Android. For iOS, you must enable Push Notifications by logging into the app and choosing More (the 3 horizontal dots) > Settings (wrench & screwdriver) > Notifications. Make sure the Push Notifications toggle is green for ON. Then you must also enable Location Services for TC2 in your iOS device settings. To do this, choose the Settings App on your iOS device, followed by Privacy (the hand), and then Location Services (the arrow). Make sure Locations Services is enabled for your device, and also scroll down to the TC2 App, and adjust its setting to Always.

For TC2 on Android, login to the App, and choose the three (3) horizontal bars, also known as the Menu button. Then choose Settings (the Gear), followed by Geofence. You will be asked to choose a Location if there are multiple Locations on your account. Set the option for Geofence Arming Reminders to On (blue for enabled). You can then press Edit Geofence to adjust the location and the size (radius) of the Geo-Fence. Enter your address in the field at the top of the screen to choose the location, and touch and drag the blue dot to set the radius. Press Save at the bottom of the screen, followed by OK when finished. You will also need to adjust the Android device settings. In the phone's Settings Menu (usually a Gear icon), find Location settings (it may be under Connections or Personal, depending on your Android device), and make sure that Location is ON (toggle blue). You should set Location Method to High Accuracy. Do not choose options like "Battery Saving" or "Tablet Only", as they do not work as well. You should also not choose options for WIFI Scanning or Bluetooth Scanning. Lastly, enable the feature for the TC2 App. If you see a shortcut labeled TC2, then click on it. You may need to look within the Apps Section or the Apps Manager. Find TC2, and then select Permissions. Make sure that Location is Enabled (toggle blue). Finally, go to the Battery Settings for the device (may be under Device Maintenance), and set Power Saving Mode to OFF. You must allow the TC2 App to run in the background, and it should never be allowed to sleep.

Meanwhile, Alarm.com also offers their own version of Geo-Fencing, which they refer to as Geo-Services. In their nomenclature, your smartphone is referred to as a Geo-Device. You must designate your smartphone as the Geo-Device within the Alarm.com Mobile App on that device. You can use an Android Phone (Android OS 4.2+), an iOS iPhone (iOS 9.0+), or a Windows OS Phone (Windows OS 8.1+) for this job. To enable your phone as an Alarm.com Geo-Device, login to the Alarm.com App on that device, choose the three (3) horizontal bars (Menu Button), followed by Geo-Services, and then toggle the switch orange to enable. You may be asked to give permission, in which case select Turn On.

The actual process for building a Geo-Fence is done through the Alarm.com Website, not through the Geo-Device itself. Hop on your computer, and login to Alarm.com through the website. Choose Settings > Geo-Services > +Add a Fence. You can enter a specific address in the "Move Fence Location To" field. Enter a name in the "Fence Name" field, and adjust the Geo-Fence radius by dragging the anchors on the map overlay. Alternatively, you can also enter the desired radius (in miles) in the "Radius" field. The minimum size for the Geo-Fence is one (1) mile, and the maximum size for US users is 100 miles. Remember to click Save when finished adjusting the Geo-Fence. In addition to Arming Reminders, Alarm.com Geo-Services can also be used for Thermostat Override, Pausing Video Recordings, and Automating Light Rules.

These are merely the basics for Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com Geo-Fencing services. If you have any questions about Geo-Fencing for TC2 or ADC, please do not hesitate to email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are thrilled to announce that new Alarm Grid System Kits featuring the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS System are now available! We have twelve (12) kits in total, split into four (4) main categories, with options available for users in most situations. They're ready for your home or business!

UPDATE:

As of Firmware Version 3.591.92.0, the Honeywell Home PRO Series panels all support local programming through the keypad. You can read full details about this exciting firmware update here.

If you aren't familiar with the PROA7PLUS, then we strongly recommend reviewing this introduction post and buying guide, as it will really help you get acquainted with the latest Resideo Security System. For this post, we mainly want to focus on the new kits, so that is what we will do.

Potential buyers should keep in mind that the PROA7PLUS does NOT support local end user programming at this time, though we have received word from Resideo that the feature is coming. And while we do not have a firm answer on Apple HomeKit compatibility, we suspect that HomeKit support will be coming later down the pipeline. Remember that the Honeywell Lyric and its system kits DO support local end user programming and Apple HomeKit, so that can be a really good alternative if you don't want to wait for Resideo to get their system ready.

With that out of the way, here are the kits! Like we said earlier, there are four (4) distinct categories, with three (3) system kit options in each category. Basically, in each category, you are choosing an IP-only option OR a dual-path IP & LTE cellular option with either AT&T OR Verizon. Find the category that makes the most sense for you, and then choose - IP-only, Dual-Path AT&T & IP, or Dual-Path Verizon & IP.

Remember that if you go dual-path, you will need a monitoring plan with cellular connectivity, such as an Alarm Grid Gold or Platinum Level Plan (Self or Full). We always recommend the use of cellular backup, as it is the only way to keep your system connected for monitoring service in the event of an internet outage. But whether you ultimately go with IP-only or dual-path is up to you. As a reference, the cellular communicator options for the PROA7PLUS are the PROLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the PROLTE-V (Verizon LTE). And make sure that your monitoring plan includes access to Total Connect 2.0 if you want to control the PROA7PLUS System remotely from your phone or a web browser!

The first category we have is our 3-1 PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, three (3) PROSIXMINI2 Door and Window Sensors, one (1) PROSIXPIR Motion Sensor, and a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great for smaller homes and apartments where only a few sensors are needed.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031 - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 Base Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031A - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 AT&T Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS031V - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 3-1 Verizon Kit: System, 3 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable

Next, we have our 10-1 PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, ten (10) PROSIXMINI2 Door and Window Sensors, one (1) PROSIXPIR Motion Sensor, and a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great for larger homes and businesses where many sensors are needed.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101 - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 Base Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101A - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 AT&T Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS101V - PROA7PLUS Encrypted 10-1 Verizon Kit: System, 10 D/W Contacts, 1 Motion, Communicator, LT-Cable

Then, we have our Wired Upgrade PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, a PROSIXC2W Wired to Wireless Converter, and two (2) Honeywell LT-Cables. These are great if you are upgrading to the PROA7PLUS from a wired alarm system, and you want to keep using your existing hardwired sensors.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKE - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade Base Kit: System, Converter Module, Two (2) LT-Cables
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKEA - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade AT&T Kit: System, Converter Module, Communicator, Two (2) LT-Cables
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSW0TAKEV - PROA7PLUS Wired Upgrade Verizon Kit: System, Converter Module, Communicator, Two (2) LT-Cables

Last, we have our Wireless Upgrade PROA7PLUS Kits. These include the PROA7PLUS System, a PROTAKEOVER Legacy RF Receiver Module, an a Honeywell LT-Cable. These are great if you are upgrading to the PROA7PLUS from a wireless alarm system, and you want to keep using your existing compatible wireless sensors.

• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKE - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade Base Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKEA - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade AT&T Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, Communicator, LT-Cable
• Honeywell Home PROA7PLUSWLTAKEV - PROA7PLUS Wireless Upgrade Verizon Kit: System, Legacy RF Receiver, Communicator, LT-Cable

Like always, if you have any questions about compatibility, or if you are interested in signing-up for new monitoring service, then please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We are here to help you from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get started with your new PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel!

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that the Honeywell LTEM-XA and Honeywell LTEM-XV are now available! These are both brand-new cellular communicators for VISTA Systems. They follow the same installation process as the LTE-XA and LTE-XV, which are being phased out in favor of these new models.

What separates the LTEM-XA and the LTEM-XV from their predecessors is that they connect with the advanced LTE Cat M1 networks. These networks allow for stronger security and more effective signal penetration than other LTE cellular networks. The LTEM-XA receives service from the AT&T, while the LTEM-XV is covered by Verizon. As usual, the decision to go with one over the other has nothing to do with your personal phone, and it will have no impact on the cost of your monitoring service.

It should be noted that the older LTE-XA and LTE-XV will still continue to work as intended. Anyone using one of these modules does not need to upgrade to a newer model or replace their existing equipment. In fact, there is very little reason to do so if your system is working as intended. You can confirm that your communicator is receiving a strong cellular signal by checking the Signal LED on the front of the module. A solid green light indicates a strong signal. It's also worth mentioning that the LTE-XA and LTE-XV will continue to remain available for purchase while stock remains of these products. However, there is little reason to buy them, as the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV are now the recommended models.

One other important note about the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV is that they offer cellular connectivity only. These are not dual-path communicators, and they do not provide internet connectivity. This is not a huge concern, as LTE Cat M1 service is plenty fast and extremely reliable on its own. But if you do want a dual-path option for your Honeywell VISTA System, then the Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP) are still readily available. Just remember that the LTE-IA and the LTE-IV only use "standard" LTE connectivity, as opposed to the LTE Cat M1 service offered by the LTE-XA and LTE-XV. It is currently unknown if Resideo will eventually release dual-path communicators that utilize LTE Cat M1 connectivity. Like always, we promise to keep you informed about any updates.

The function of the LTEM-XA and LTE-XV remains largely the same from other AlarmNet Communicators. By installing and activating one of these modules, your Honeywell VISTA Security System will be able to communicate with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers across a fast and reliable LTE Cat M1 cellular network. If your alarm panel supports Total Connect 2.0, then you will be able to take advantage of that great service as well, provided that access to the TC2 platform is included in your monitoring plan. Remember that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System must have PROM Chip Version of 9.12 or higher to support Total Connect 2.0. We sell PROM Chip Upgrades for the 15P and for the 20P if you need them. Please also refer to this FAQ on identifying and replacing PROM Chips.

While the 15P and 20P are most likely going to be the most commonly used systems with the LTEM-XA and LTEM-XV, you can technically use these communicators with any Honeywell VISTA System that supports ECP mode. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding system compatibility. You are also welcome to contact us if you are interested in starting new monitoring service. Our team is happy to help you get started. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you recall last week, we put out our 2020 holiday buying guide for smart home automation. Today, we wanted to focus on a very small aspect of that buying guide and explore some quick possibilities on how your can use some smart automated plug-in modules around the holiday season.

Plug-in modules couldn't be more convenient. You simply plug one into your standard outlet, enroll it with your smart home network (we like Z-Wave Plus), and connect the device(s) you want to control. And just like that, you can take virtually any connected device, and turn it into a smart device. The possibilities around the holiday season are particularly cool.

But before we get into some creative ways to use your plug-in modules, let's take a look at a few of our favorites. You should recall all of these from our buying guide if you read through that, but it never hurts to reintroduce them.

• Linear PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Appliance Module
• Resideo Z5SWPID Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Smart Switch
• Qolsys IQ Smart Plug Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Module

And we also want to give an extra special shout-out to the Resideo Z5SWPIO Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Plug-In Switch. Unlike the other three plug-in modules mentioned here, the Resideo Z5SWPIO is the only one that can be used OUTDOORS. This can certainly come in handy around the holiday season with lighting displays set up outside for the world to see. We can imagine many of you out there will want to bring smart automation to the holiday lights you've worked so hard on. You may as well do things right with an outdoor smart plug-in switch!

But across the board, the name of the game here is scheduling. If you want to have your lights turn ON and OFF automatically on a set schedule, then Z-Wave Plus plug-in modules are the way to go. Sure, you could rely on traditional timers and relays, but this makes things so much easier! And assuming you have your plug-in modules set up with your monitored security system, then all of this can be conveniently done through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All you need to do is build a smart scene that sets a time for your devices to turn ON, and another for them to turn OFF later on. It's that simple.

Now, let's think about what you can include in these scenes. We'll start simple. How about your Christmas tree? Turn it into a Z-Wave Plus Christmas tree! This can be very nice if you are away from home for the holidays. By having your Christmas tree turn ON and OFF automatically, you can make it appear like someone is home, even if not a creature is stirring. If you have some other electronic holiday gear, then there's a great chance that it can be included in this setup as well.

If you really want to make things extra special, then get that Resideo Z5SWPIO Outdoor Module we talked about earlier, and use it to put your home's entire holiday lighting display on a schedule! Even if you're away seeking warmer weather, you can still have the best holiday display on the block. With Z-Wave Plus technology, you can ensure that your home lights up the cul-de-sac at night, and then safely powers down once morning arrives. You can even set specific scenes for sunset and sunrise to make scheduling a bit more customized.

And you don't even have to stop with the lights. If you have one of those giant inflatable outdoor snowman, then put that on your plug-in module too. As long as you don't exceed the load limit, then you're good to go! A few plug-in modules will really allow you to get wild. And it's all super easy to set up! If you have any questions about automation, then forward them over to support@alarmgrid.com, and we'll be happy to help. Our team is here from 9am to 8pm ET M-F to answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our video team had a decent time last week, as five (5) new videos were released. This time, the videos feature myself and Jarrett. As always, we hope that you find them to be helpful, informative, and interesting. Remember, we make these videos to help you! Let's check out the videos.

Finding the Date Code On the FF345

I show you how to find the date code on the Encore FF345. The FF345 is a listening module for smoke detectors and CO detectors that alerts the system upon hearing the unique sound of an activated smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor. The device is designed to be used with 2GIG Panels and Honeywell Panels. However, FF345 units from a certain batch had an error that prevented them from working with Honeywell Systems. Checking the date code is useful for determining if your unit is affected.

Cameras that Work w/ the Lyric and Total Connect

Jarrett explains which security cameras are compatible with the Honeywell Lyric and the Total Connect 2.0 platform. The only cameras that can work with TC2 are Honeywell IP Cameras. Of these cameras, only the legacy models that are no longer sold are able to interface with the Lyric for live-streaming on the panel. None of the current Honeywell HD Cameras can be streamed on the Lyric. One important note about the legacy IP cameras from Honeywell is that they had to be online to receive a critical firmware update to continue being used to this day.

The Lyric Built-In Camera Disarm Pictures Cannot be Used With HomeKit

Jarrett explains how the disarm photos that are taken using the front camera on the Honeywell Lyric will not appear on the Apple HomeKit platform. While there is a nice integration between the Lyric and HomeKit, it is only used for automation purposes and a very limited selection of security functions. Disarm photos are considered to be a security function, and they will not appear in HomeKit. The only platform that allows you to view disarm photos taken by the Lyric is Total Connect 2.0.

Night Stay On Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

I explain how there is no Night Stay option for a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Night Stay is a special type of Arm Stay. Normally, when you Arm Stay, interior zones are automatically bypassed. But when you Night Stay, motion sensors that are designated for Arm Night will remain active, instead of being bypassed. The feature is available on most Honeywell Panels, but it is not supported on the IQ2+. But there is an okay workaround for the IQ2+ that involves using specific Sensor Groups for programmed motion sensors that you want to remain active when Arming Stay.

Number of Zones On a Hardwired System Cannot be Increased

I explain why the number of zones on a hardwired alarm panel cannot be increased. The maximum number of zones that a system can support is built into its logic, and it cannot be increased. For a wired panel, only the on-board zones are initially accessible. You will need to add one or more wired expansion modules and/or a wireless receiver to open up the other zones. This will allow sensors to connect with the zones and interface with the system.