Training Posts

Alarm Grid is here with another video recap! We only have three (3) new videos this time, but we promise they're good ones. They feature Jarrett and Joe. The Alarm Grid boys are ready to help you get the most out of your security system. Let's check out the newest Alarm Grid videos!

Installing the Honeywell Home 6290W

Joe gives a big and friendly wave before teaching you how to install the Honeywell Home 6290W Keypad. The Honeywell Home 6290W is a touchscreen keypad for Honeywell VISTA Security Systems. It offers a crisp and modern design, and it makes operating the system very easy. You will appreciate its 7-inch full-color touchscreen that is back lit for use at night. The keypad connects with the panel using a 4-wire connection. Remember to power down the panel before installing!

Properly Testing a PowerG CO Detector

Joe waves again before teaching you how to test a PowerG Carbon Monoxide Sensor. Making sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly is very important. An outbreak of CO gas can be lethal if it isn't detected quickly. The gas is odorless and tasteless, and it kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. In order to properly test a PowerG CO Detector, you will need to use canned CO gas. Joe shows this by putting the sensor inside a baggie and applying the gas.

Pet Immune Motion Sensors

Cat owner and cherished Alarm Grid security system technician Jarrett talks about pet immune motion detection sensors. These motion sensors work by not looking in the areas close to the ground where small animals walk. Instead, they will only detect a human walking upright. These sensors must not be mounted towards furniture or stairwells. Pets can climb upon these objects to get in the sensor's field of view. If this happens, a pet can still activate the sensor. Also remember to check the weight limit for the pet immune motion sensor!

Hi DIYers! We're here with our usual video recap. This time we have videos featuring Jorge and Joe. We hope that you find these instructional videos helpful in using your security system. Our dedicated video team has been hard at work putting together these videos. Let's check them out!

Programming an Encore FF345 with an L5210

Jorge shows you how to program the Encore FireFighter FF345 with a Honeywell L5210 Security System. The FF345 is a listening module that activates upon hearing the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector or the Temporal 4 sound of an activated carbon monoxide detector. The device is commonly used with high-voltage or conventional life-safety sensors that otherwise couldn't integrate with a security system. Any sensor that produces a Temporal 3 or Temporal 4 sound can be used with this device.

Connecting a LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door to a Honeywell Alarm System

Joe explains how you can use a LiftMaster MyQ Garage Door Controller with the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive monitoring and automation platform that is commonly used with Honeywell Security Systems. By pairing your MyQ WIFI Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0, you can open and close your garage door from pretty much anywhere using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App. You can also get text alerts from TC2 regarding any garage door activity. However, you cannot use a MyQ Garage Door Controller with TC2 smart scenes.

IQ Panel 2 vs IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm Systems

Jorge explains how the main difference between the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is the sensors that they support. The original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can only use 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes Qolsys S-Line Sensors. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can use 915 MHz DSC PowerG Sensors, plus one of three different legacy sensor frequencies. You can choose between legacy sensor support for 319.5 MHz sensors, 345 MHz sensors, and 433 MHz sensors.

Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 w/o Monitoring

Jorge explains that while it is technically possible to use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 without alarm monitoring service, it is not recommended. By not monitoring the system, you will not be able to receive text and/or email alerts from Alarm.com regarding system activity. You will also be unable to receive automatic emergency dispatch from a central monitoring station in the event of an alarm. But you can still use the system as a local noisemaker and as a Z-Wave hub without monitoring.

Activating the Chime on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Jorge teaches you about the chime settings on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. A chime is a pleasant sound that lets you know when a sensor has been faulted. This sound is much quieter than a siren or an alarm. It's just a quick way to let you know that some activity has occurred. On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2, you can enable or disable chimes across the entire system. You can also set individual chimes for each zone. You can choose from a selection of different chimes for each zone.

Hi DIYers! We have a relatively simple tip for you today. That is to not arm your system using your Installer Code. You should only arm your system with your Master Code or a standard user code. While arming your system with your Installer Code is usually possible, you shouldn't do it!

Many security systems will ask you for a code when you go to arm the system. This is so that the system can keep track of which user armed the system. Please note that some alarm systems can be set up to arm without a code. This is sometimes referred to as a "Quick Arm" setting. But in general practice, you will enter a code every time you arm at the panel.

The Installer Code is a rather unique code on a security system. This code is used primarily for entering into programming and changing system settings. However, this code can also be used to disarm the system if it was the code used to arm it. If you used a different code to arm your system, then the Installer Code cannot disarm. Therefore, as long as you do not use your Installer Code to arm, nobody will be able to use that same code to disarm.

This is important, because we always recommend keeping your Installer Code at its default setting. This is so that you do not become locked out of programming later on. If you lose or forget the default Installer Code, you can always look it up later. You won't be able to do this if you change the Installer Code from the default.

For reference, most systems use a standard Installer Code that is set by the manufacturer. We have the standard Installer Codes for five of the most common system manufacturers listed below:

• Qolsys Systems: 1111
• Honeywell Systems: 4112
• 2GIG Systems: 1561
• Interlogix Systems: 4321
• DSC Systems: 5555

The problem with arming with your Installer Code is that an intruder will be able to disarm with that same code. And if you keep the Installer Code at its default, then there is a good chance that an intruder will also know that code. Default Installer Codes are not a big secret, and a savvy intruder will easily be able to disarm the system in that situation.

Instead of arming with your Installer Code, make sure to arm with your Master Code or a standard user code. And for the record you should absolutely change your Master Code from the default. Choose a code that is not easy to guess and only you would know. Remember, anyone who knows this code will be able to disarm your system and gain access to your home or business!

Are you not sure if you are arming and disarming with your Installer Code? Many users actually use their Installer Codes every single day, not knowing that they are putting themselves, their property, and those around them at serious risk. The easiest way to find out if the code you are using is your Installer Code is to try and enter programming.

Try the following methods on your system, and see if the code gets you into programming. If it does, then that code is your Installer Code.

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus: Click the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Choose Settings, followed by Advanced Settings. Enter the code. If you see the option for "Installation" in the upper-left, then you have entered the Installer Code or the Dealer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm!
  
• Honeywell Lyric Controller: Choose Security, followed by Tools. Enter the code. If you see the option for "Program" in the upper-left, then you have entered the Installer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm!
• Honeywell LYNX Touch: Choose Security, followed by More, then Tools. Enter the code. If you see the option for "Program" in the upper-left, them you have entered the Installer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm!
• Honeywell VISTA: Enter the [4-Digit Code] + [800] in your keypad. If you see "Installer Code 20" or "20", then the 4-digit code you used is your Installer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm! You can then exit programming by entering [*99].
• 2GIG GC3e or 2GIG GC3: Click the 2GIG logo in the upper-right. Enter the code. If you get taken to a new menu, then you have entered the Installer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm!
• 2GIG GC2e or 2GIG GC2: Click the 2GIG logo in the bottom-right. Enter the code. If you get taken to a new menu, then you have entered the Installer Code. Don't use that code to arm and disarm!

If you have any questions about using your security system or if you want more helpful security tips, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap. Sadly, our video team took a break a couple weeks ago, so there was no recap last week. But they came back strong last week with seven (7) new videos! The Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Jorge, and Joe are all back. Let's check out the videos!

Cellular Communicators That Work With a Honeywell VISTA 20P

Our always helpful alarm technician Jarrett explains which cellular communicators work with a Honeywell VISTA 20P. The system needs an added alarm monitoring communicator to connect with the AlarmNet360 servers and Total Connect 2.0. If you decide to get a cellular communicator, then you must make sure that your monitoring plan supports cellular service. It is strongly recommended that you get an LTE cellular communicator for the system. These include the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE), the Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP).

Deciding Whether to Use 2-Wire or 4-Wire Smoke Detectors

Joe smiles and waves as he helps you make the decision of whether to use 2-wire smoke detectors or 4-wire smoke detectors with your hardwired security system. Most users will choose 2-wire smoke detectors because they can be used without extra equipment. But the downside is that 2-wire smoke detectors can only be used with a designated smoke detector reset zone, such as Zone 1 on a Honeywell VISTA Panel. A 4-wire smoke detector can be used on any hardwired zone, but you will need extra equipment, including a power supply and relay.

Reasons Why the Wired Alarm Contact on a Door May Not Work

Joe gives another big wave as he provides various reasons why a hardwired door and window contact sensor may not be working properly. A common reason for this is that the magnet is not properly aligned with the sensor. This causes the reed switch inside the sensor to remain open, even when the door or window is closed. Properly aligning the magnet with the sensor will fix this issue. Another possibility is that the wire leading from the sensor to the panel may be damaged or cut. In that case, you would need to re-wire the sensor.

Putting a 5834-4 Into High Security Mode

Three cheers for Joe, as he explains how to put a Honeywell 5834-4 Key Fob into its high-security mode. This key fob can be set for a low-security mode or a high-security mode. When the key fob is in high-security mode, the device is essentially "synced" with the system and using rolling-code encrypted communication. This makes it significantly more difficult for a savvy intruder to try and tamper with the device. The 5834-4 will use a green LED in its low-security mode, while it will use a red LED in its high-security mode.

Enrolling a PowerG CO Detector to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe graces us with a fourth video, as he shows how to enroll a PowerG CO Detector with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Adding carbon monoxide sensors to your security system is important. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that kills hundreds of people every year in the United States. Most of these deaths occur during the winter months when heaters are commonly used in homes. A faulty heater can lead to a CO outbreak. However, CO deaths can also occur due to other factors, such as accidentally leaving a vehicle running in an enclosed garage.

Learning the DSC PG9939 Key Fob to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge is here to show us how to enroll a DSC PG9939 Key Fob with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This key fob can be auto-enrolled like pretty much any other compatible sensor for the system. This is done by putting the system into its auto-enrollment mode and then activating the device to transmit a signal. You will need to choose a Sensor Group for the key fob. The most common Sensor Group to choose is 1 - Mobile Intrusion. The DSC PG9939 features four (4) buttons that you can use to control the IQ Panel 2 Plus System.

Finding the Serial Number on a Honeywell Key Fob

Jorge is the master of key fobs, as he shows you how to find the Serial Number for a Honeywell Key Fob. The Serial Number is used for enrolling the key fob with the system. The best way to enroll a Honeywell Key Fob with a system is to auto-enroll it. If you manually enter the Serial Number, there is a chance that you might make a mistake. Auto-enrolling will prevent this. It also ensures that the key fob can communicate the with panel properly. Once you auto-enroll the key fob, the Serial Number will automatically appear on the screen.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're presenting our own guide for installing the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This system is very easy to use, and it can be installed by virtually anyone using nothing more than a screwdriver! This is the perfect security system for your home, office, or apartment!

Most of the information presented in this post can be found in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 DIY Installation Manual. You are free to follow along with that manual, which can be found here. We also have three (3) videos that we will include along the way. Feel free to follow along with those as well. All of this information applies to both the original IQ Panel 2 and the newer IQ Panel 2 Plus. With that out of the way, let's get started!

The first thing you will want to do is power on the system. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus comes with everything you need to get started. Once you have opened up the box, you should locate the panel, the power supply transformer, the power wire, the panel back cover, and the table stand. You will also want to have a screwdriver on hand.

Start by connecting the spade lugs of the power cable to the transformer. The IQ Panel 2 Plus uses DC power, so you must make sure to follow polarity. That means connecting the positive (+) wire and negative (-) wire accordingly. The positive and negative ends on the IQ Panel 2 power cable are marked for this purpose. The positive (+) wire has grey dashes and ends in a red spade connector. The negative (-) wire is solid white without grey dashes and ends in a black spade connector. Make sure that the wires are connected with the proper terminals on the transformer. You can see the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals marked on the transformer. The connection should be nice and snug, but not overly tight.

From there, you can connect the other end of the power cable to the IQ Panel 2 Plus System. There is a simple barrel connection for this purpose. The transformer can then be plugged into a wall outlet. When applying the panel back cover, make sure to run both the power cable and the thin RF receiver cable out from the indentation on the back cover. The back cover should snap nicely into place. The convenient table stand can be installed by putting it into the keyhole slots on the back of the panel and then sliding up. You can power on the system by pressing and holding the side power button until the system LED remains lit.

After the system powers on and boots up, you will be greeted by the Setup Wizard. It is recommended that you go through the Setup Wizard, as it will walk you through the entire setup process. Note that some steps of the Wizard will require you to activate the system for monitoring service. This involves registering the panel's built-in cellular communicator with Alarm.com. This is optional for initial set up. You can always register the cellular communicator with Alarm.com later.

Remember that activating the system is something you will definitely want to do before too long, as that is the only way for it to send out signals to you and/or a central station. Remember that you will need to provide the IMEI Number for the system in order for your monitoring company to activate the cellular communicator. This can be found on a sticker on the back of the panel. It will also be shown as you move through the Wizard.

You will do several things as you go through the Setup Wizard. You will connect the system to a WIFI network, run an initial check for the system, add sensors, perform an initial sensor test, set up the built-in panel glass break sensor, add Z-Wave home automation devices, pair your phone for automatic Bluetooth disarming, pair secondary IQ Remote Keypads, and add system users. Remember that you will want to have a good idea of Sensor Groups when enrolling sensors. You can learn all about the IQ Panel 2 Sensor Groups in this helpful FAQ.

The last thing you will want to do is install your sensors. We only focused on door and window contacts and motion sensors, but many of the same principles apply across any sensor type. What's great about wireless sensors that are used with the IQ Panel 2 Plus is that they can be mounted without drilling holes into the wall or using any power tools. You can safely mount and secure these sensors using double-sided foam tape. Most wireless sensors come with their own double-sided tape for this purpose, or you can buy some off our site!

There are a few general tips when mounting these sensors. When mounting door and window contacts, you should have the magnet on the moving structure of the door or window, and the sensor itself on the door or window frame. Make sure the magnet is aligned with any indication marker shown on the sensor. Also remember to keep the magnet spacing gap in mind. Most Qolsys Door and Window Sensors allow for a magnet spacing gap of up to 0.75 inches.

As for motion sensors, you should have them mounted flat on a wall or corner-mounted. But keep in mind that only a flat-mount will allow you to install without drilling any holes. The motion sensor should be nice and level, and it should be installed at a height between 6 and 8 feet. Qolsys recommends 7.5 feet, which provides the best possible results. The motion sensor should not be facing any windows, vents, or air ducts. It should also not be facing any nearby furniture or stairwells if you have pets!

Most importantly, remember to test ALL your sensors after the final installation!

And that wraps up our Part 1 Guide for installing and using the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Look forward to Part 2 coming soon! If you have any questions about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus or our monitoring service, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're here with the Alarm Grid video recap covering October 21st thru 25th. We have eight (8) new videos this time. These videos proudly feature the Alarm Grid boys Jarrett, Joe, and Jorge. We hope you're ready to learn more about security systems! Let's check out the videos!

Issues Disabling Auto-Stay Arming for a Vista-128BPT

Joe talks about issues regarding Auto-Stay Arming on a VISTA-128BPT running firmware version 10.0. This firmware version has an error where Auto-Stay Arming is not automatically disabled when arming from Total Connect 2.0. This can cause issues if you Arm Away from Total Connect 2.0 and you aren't around to fault an Entry/Exit Zone during the Exit Delay countdown. When this happens, Auto-Stay Arming will go into effect for any zone where the feature is enabled.

Connecting The Lyric Alarm System to Alexa

Jorge explains how you can connect the Resideo Lyric Security System with Amazon Alexa for spoken voice commands. In order to do this, the Lyric Alarm System must be paired with the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Any voice commands for the Lyric System sent through Alexa will pass through Total Connect 2.0 before being forwarded to the panel. You can use Alexa voice commands through TC2 to arm the system, check current status, and control smart home devices.

Why Your Vista-128BPT is Armed Stay After Choosing Arm Away from TC2

Joe explains why you might find that your VISTA-128BPT Security System has Armed Stay even though you have selected Arm Away on Total Connect 2.0. This is due to the error on Firmware Version 10.0, were the TC2 platform doesn't know to automatically ignore Auto-Stay Arming settings if they are enabled. You can overcome this issue by upgrading to Firmware Version 10.4, or by manually disabling Auto-Stay Arming for every zone on the VISTA-128BPT Alarm System.

The Honeywell Lyric Security System Will Allow for Different User Codes

Jorge explains how you can set up multiple user codes on a Honeywell Lyric Alarm Panel. You need to provide a valid code to perform various system functions such as arming and disarming. Additionally, the Master Code and Installer Code both have special privileges on the system as well. The Installer Code is particularly important, as it is needed for programming the system. However, you can only disarm using the Installer Code if it was the code used to arm originally.

Using More Than One SkyBell With Total Connect 2.0

Jarrett explains how you cannot use more than one (1) SkyBell device with a Total Connect 2.0 account. If you want to use a second SkyBell Video Doorbell, then you will need a second Total Connect 2.0 account. Alarm Grid customers can add one (1) SkyBell to any Total Connect 2.0 account, even if their plan does not technically include video surveillance. We offer a special Video-Only Plan, which is perfect if you already have an alarm monitoring plan, but you are needing a second account to add a second SkyBell device.

Why A Legacy IPCAM Won't Work With Total Connect 2.0

Jarrett explains an issue that you might encounter when trying to use a legacy Total Connect 2.0 IP Camera with the TC2 platform. The older legacy TC2 IP Cameras have default software that is not compatible with the new HTML5 version of TC2. Resideo pushed down an update to these cameras to make them compatible with the new HTML5 platform. But any legacy TC2 IP Cameras that weren't connected at the time were unable to receive the update. Those cameras can no longer be used with TC2.

How a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Behaves When the Internet Goes Down

Jorge explains what happens when a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System loses its internet connection. When this happens, the system will remain connected with Alarm.com using its built-in LTE cellular communicator. All versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus have an integrated cellular communicator for this exact purpose. You can choose from AT&T LTE or Verizon LTE. We recommend going with the service that works best in your area, regardless of which one you use for your personal phone.

Resetting A Qolsys IQ Panel 2 to Factory Defaults

Jorge covers the process for factory resetting a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. This is done using the Dealer Code, which is 2222 by default. By performing a factory reset and restoring the system to factory default settings, several things will happen. Any programming settings will be restored to their default. All programmed sensors will be deleted. All Z-Wave devices will be cleared. All user codes will be deleted, with the exception of default codes. If you changed the Master, Installer, or Dealer Codes, they will all be reset to their default.

Hi DIYers! We're back with another video recap, this time covering the newest videos that were posted last Thursday and Friday. Our video team put up six (6) videos this past week, with Joe, Jarrett, and Jorge all having two (2) videos. Let's take a look at the newest Alarm Grid videos!

Adding a Siren to a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System

Joe is enthusiastic as he teaches you how to add a hardwired siren to a Honeywell VISTA Security System. Adding a siren is important for making sure that all building occupants are alerted to an intrusion or fire. Luckily, the VISTA Systems make it very easy to add a siren, as you can just connect it to panel terminals 3 & 4. You can also daisy-chain multiple sirens together. Just make sure you do not exceed the power limit of 2A.

Changing the Date and Time on a Honeywell VISTA System

Joe shows you the very exciting task of changing the date and time on your Honeywell VISTA Security System. This is something that you will normally do when setting the panel up for the first time. You will also need to do it when Daylight Savings Time occurs, as the panel cannot update the time on its own. Powering down the panel completely at any time will remove the date and time settings and require you to readjust. You should use an Alphanumeric Keypad for this job.

Dual-path Monitoring and the VISTA-21iP

Jarrett, the nice young man you all love so much, talks about dual-path monitoring options for the VISTA-21iP System. Although the VISTA-21iP has a built-in IP communicator, you cannot simply add a cellular communicator to achieve dual-path connectivity. Instead, you must disable the internal IP communicator and add either a Honeywell LTE-IV (Verizon LTE & IP) or a Honeywell LTE-IA (AT&T LTE & IP) for dual-path service. Remember that the new VISTA-21iPLTE System supports plug-in LTE communicators for enabling dual-path functionality.

Using the Honeywell L7000 With SmartThings

Jorge shows off his automation expertise by teaching you how to pair a Honeywell L7000 System with Samsung SmartThings. In order to complete this integration, the L7000 must have a Honeywell L5100-ZWAVE module installed. We recommend pairing all your Z-Wave devices with your SmartThings Hub before adding the L7000 as a secondary controller. Any Z-Wave device that is paired with the L7000 should be excluded from the network and then paired with SmartThings. This will ensure the best possible results when the integration is complete.

Using the Honeywell L5210 With SmartThings

Jorge continues to impress by explaining how the Honeywell L5210 System can be used with Samsung SmartThings. This is done by setting the L5210 up as a secondary Z-Wave controller for your SmartThings Hub. Any Z-Wave device that is paired with your SmartThings Hub will be pushed over to the L7000. This will let you control them both from the panel and from SmartThings. Any Z-Wave Plus device that is used in this configuration will retain its Z-Wave Plus functionality, as it is still ultimately paired with the SmartThings Hub.

Monitoring Requirements for Using Total Connect 2.0

The ever-appreciated man of amazement Jarrett explains the monitoring requirements for accessing Total Connect 2.0. This interactive monitoring and automation platform is used exclusively with Honeywell and Resideo Security Systems and Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras. Any system used with this service must be connected with the AlarmNet360 Servers for monitoring service. This will require an alarm monitoring plan, such as one offered from Alarm Grid. Only Honeywell Systems set up for IP and/or cellular service can be used in this manner.

Hi DIYers! We're here to cover our video recap. Our video production team released four (4) new videos. Alarm Grid Team Members Jorge and Jarrett each had two (2) videos apiece. We are sure that these new videos will assist you with using your security system. Let's check them out!

Finding the Revision Number on the Honeywell L5210

Jarrett shows you how to find the Revision Number for a Honeywell L5210 System. This same process also applies to other Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems, including the Honeywell L7000. You might need to find the Revision Number for one of these systems to determine if a certain communicator will work with it or not. Newer version of the Honeywell L5100-WIFI Card, the Honeywell LTE-L57A (AT&T LTE) and theHoneywell LTE-L57V (Verizon LTE) all have minimum firmware revision requirements.

Adding a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 to My Local WIFI

Jorge explains the process for adding a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus to a local WIFI network. The IQ Panel 2 System has a built-in WIFI card for this purpose. The panel uses this WIFI card for communicating with Alarm.com. However, Alarm.com requires that the system's built-in cellular communicator is activated for monitoring service. As a result, Alarm Grid customers need a Gold or Platinum Level Plan if they want to use this panel for monitoring service. Since the IQ Panel 2 has both built-in WIFI and cellular, it is dual-path ready right out of the box.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and Partitioning

Jorge discusses partitioning for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This system can support up to four (4) partitions. The partitioning feature must be enabled from Installer Settings before it can be used. Once partitioning is enabled, each system zone can be assigned to one of the four partitions. Each partition can be Armed and Disarmed individually and assigned a different set of user codes. This is perfect for restricting access to only a certain portion of the security system for each user code.

DSC Wireless Sensors and the Lyric Panel?

Jarrett smiles as he tells you the unfortunate news that the Honeywell Lyric Controller cannot support DSC Wireless Sensors. The DSC Wireless Sensors come in two (2) different varieties. There are the 433 MHz non-encrypted DSC Sensors and the 915 MHz DSC PowerG Sensors, which utilize 128-bit AES encryption. The Lyric System does not have a wireless receiver capable of supporting either of these sensor types. But there is still some good news, as the Lyric can support 345 MHz Sensors from Honeywell and 2GIG and Honeywell SiX Series Sensors.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're giving a quick lesson on Response Types, also known as Sensor Groups. Every sensor used with your security system will have one. It is important that you get these settings correct so that your alarm system responds appropriately when a sensor is activated!

Starting with the basics, the Response Type is the setting that tells the system how to respond when the sensor is activated or faulted. Most Honeywell and 2GIG Systems refer to this as a Response Type. Other systems like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus refer to this setting as the Sensor Group. For the purpose of this post, we will generally use the terms interchangeably. Just know that when we are talking about Response Types, we also mean Sensor Groups.

When it comes to sensors for alarm systems, there are many types. Some common examples include door and window contacts, motion sensors, glass break sensors, shock sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, panic buttons, medical alert buttons, temperature sensors, and flood sensors, just to name a few. As a result, there are many Response Types as well. What you use for one sensor type is likely very different from what you would use for another, though there is some overlap from time to time.

Now, we're not going to cover each and every Response Type and Sensor Group here today. But what we will do is cover some general rules for Response Types so that you know a little bit more about them. If you do want some more extensive knowledge on Response Types or Sensor Groups, check the programming manual for your panel. We also have the following FAQs that you may want to check out:

• Response Types for the Lyric
• Response Types for the L5210 or L7000
• Sensor Groups for the IQ Panel 2

With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of the most basic and general Response Types you will encounter.

Entry/Exit: An Entry/Exit Zone is used for coming and going. This is almost always going to be a door that you use to enter and/or exit your home or business. When this zone is faulted while the system is Armed Away or Armed Stay, you will need to Disarm your system within a preset Entry Delay period, or else an alarm will occur. Additionally, if your system has Auto-Stay Arming enabled, then you will need to fault an Entry/Exit Zone during the Exit Delay countdown when Arming Away, or else the system will revert to Armed Stay instead.

• Common Sensor Types: Door and Window Sensors for Entering/Exiting the Building

Interior: An Interior Zone refers to a sensor that can trigger an alarm while the system is Armed Away, but not while the system is Armed Stay. The idea here is that when your system is Armed Away, there should be nobody inside the building, and faulting an Interior Zone would mean there is a security breach. But when the system is Armed Stay, there is still someone inside the building, and you want them to be able to move around freely. A very common sub-type of an Interior Zone is an Interior Follower Zone. The "follower" portion of the name refers to the fact that the zone will not cause an alarm if the sensor is after (e.g. it follows) an Entry/Exit Zone. The reasoning is that you may need to fault an Interior Zone to get to your system and Disarm after faulting an Entry/Exit Zone.

• Common Sensor Types: Interior Motion Sensors, Interior Door and Window Sensors

Perimeter: A Perimeter Zone is a very secure sensor. If a Perimeter Zone is faulted while the system is Armed Away or Armed Stay, then an alarm will occur immediately. You should only assign a Perimeter Zone to a sensor that should absolutely never be faulted while the system is Armed. Perimeter Zones are commonly used for Window Sensors (unless you like to climb in through the window!), as well as Glass Break Sensors and Shock Sensors that indicate forced entry into the building. Some panels also have a similar Response Type called Day/Night. This Response Type is the same as Perimeter, except that a Day/Night Zone will also trigger a Trouble condition if the sensor is faulted while the system is Disarmed.

• Common Sensor Types: Window Sensors, Glass Break Sensors, Shock Sensors

24-Hour: A 24-Hour Zone is the most secure Zone Type available. This is a sensor that should never be activated, unless there is an emergency or something seriously wrong. There are many sub-categories of 24-Hour Zones, including 24-Hour Burglary, 24-Hour Fire, 24-Hour Carbon Monoxide, and 24-Hour Auxiliary. Since these are very secure zones, you will likely want to provide special instructions regarding these zones for the central monitoring station. This way, the operator will know how to respond when they see the alarm come through. For example, if you give your Flood Sensor a 24-Hour Auxiliary Response Type, you will want the operator to know that it isn't an emergency medical alarm! The 24-Hour Auxiliary Response Type is often used for both environmental sensors and medical sensors, so you will want to provide specification.

• Common Sensor Types: Smoke & Heat Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Sensors, Panic Buttons, Medical Alert Buttons, Flood Sensors, Temperature Sensors

Of course, this is just a small list of the available Response Types and Sensor Groups. But you will usually find Zone Types just like these no matter which panel you use. If you want to learn more about Response Types, you are welcome to send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email when we have an opportunity and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're here for our video recap. We only have three (3) new videos this week, but they all follow a theme. They all feature Joe discussing the PowerG Smoke Detectors. You can use them with any PowerG compatible panel, and they offer one-go-all-go technology! They are nice devices!

Additionally, if you haven't seen our blog about the new DSC PG9936 Smoke and Heat Detector, make sure you take a look. Now, onto the videos!

Properly Testing a PowerG Smoke Detector

Joe shows you how to test a PowerG Smoke Detector. This is something you should do regularly, and you may have to perform this test to get a certificate of alarm (CoA). The PowerG Smoke Detectors have a test button so you can easily test transmissions with the panel. If you want to test the device for smoke detection, then you will need canned smoke. Make sure to put your system on test mode before testing!

Enrolling a PowerG Smoke Detector In a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Joe shows you how to enroll a PowerG Smoke Detector with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. All versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus include a PowerG daughtercard for supporting PowerG Sensors. PowerG Smoke Detectors can be auto-enrolled with an IQ Panel 2 Plus System by putting the panel into its auto-enrollment mode and then holding down the device's enrollment button until the LED light remains steady. However, the new PG9936 can be auto-enrolled by powering the device on while the panel is in enrollment mode.

Factory Defaulting a PowerG Sensor

Joe shows you how to factory default a PowerG Smoke Detector. These same steps apply to almost any PowerG Sensor. The PowerG devices use 128-bit AES encryption in all their wireless communication. This requires linking the PowerG Sensor with a compatible panel. When you delete the sensor from the panel, the sensor will still think that it is enrolled with the panel. You need to perform a factory default on the PowerG Sensor so that it knows that it is no longer enrolled.