Alarm Grid has learned of technical difficulties between certain PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. These issues affect the PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor and the PG9933 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Sensor when used on an IQ2+ System running PowerG Version 80.17.

Due to this issue, any DSC PowerG PG9914 Wireless Motion Sensor manufactured before August 23, 2018 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. This includes any PG9914 running firmware V3.0.5 or V3.0.7. Also, if the first four (4) digits of the Serial Number are less than "3618", then the device is affected.

Below are some pictures of a PG9914 that will not work with an IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Version 80.17:

Additionally, any DSC PowerG PG9933 Carbon Monoxide Sensor manufactured before March 26, 2019 will not work with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus running PowerG Firmware Version 80.17. Any PG9933 manufactured after this date will include a sticker indicating compatibility with the IQ Panel 2 Plus.

If you want to check the PowerG Firmware for your IQ Panel 2 Plus, you can do so from the panel. Start from the main screen. Press the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter the Installer Code (default 1111) > About > PowerG. You should check the Radio Firmware Version.

If you have any questions about these incompatibilities, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We're happy to announce that a new product is now available on our site. Introducing the Honeywell 5819S Wireless Shock Sensor and Transmitter. This device is great for any Honeywell or 2GIG user looking for a reliable shock sensor to monitor a door or window for forced entry.

The 5819S offers many great features that help to make it one of the premier wireless shock sensors on the market today. The device is omni-directional, meaning that it can be mounted from any position for reliable performance. This is very useful if you need to mount the sensor horizontally to fit it next to the bottom pane of a double-hung window. Please note that the sensor should not be mounted on the glass itself. The sensor offers four (4) distinct sensitivity levels for use as a shock sensor.

For detection range, the 5819S covers about 10 to 12 feet total. This is roughly a five (5) to six (6) foot radius from the sensor. The exact coverage area can differ due to the mounting surface. For shock detection, you will want to have the sensor programmed using Loop 1. The sensor has three loops in total. The other two (2) loops allow the programmed zone to function strictly as either a wireless contact or as a wireless transmitter for hardwired contacts. Loop 2 is for a contact, and Loop 3 is for a transmitter.

Loop 1 includes the option to have the programmed zone function as both a shock sensor and a wireless contact. This is enabled by setting DIP Switch 4 to ON. If you set DIP Switch 4 to OFF, then Loop 1 will function strictly as a shock sensor. You can also program the sensor to multiple zones using different Loop Numbers if desired. The sensor operates at 345 MHz, and it includes a small magnet for use as a door and window contact. The sensors operates at 345 MHz. LED lights assist with shock sensor testing.

The Honeywell 5819S is available for purchase now on the Alarm Grid site. If you have any questions about this sensor, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com.

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are now selling encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. Each kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus with built-in LTE communicator, two (2) IQ DW MINI-S Encrypted Contacts, a single IQ Motion-S Encrypted Motion Sensor, a transformer and a power cable.

Last week, we announced that we are now offering IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits that feature the Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts. While these are excellent door and window sensors, they do not offer encrypted communication. Users who want added security will want to use encrypted sensors whenever possible.

The encrypted sensors included with the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits use rolling code encryption. When these sensors are enrolled with compatible encrypted systems, they become synced with the panel. This allows a rolling code to be established. Only the panel and that exact sensor will know what the next rolling code transmission will be.

Currently, we are offering two versions of the encrypted IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits. There is an AT&T LTE option and a Verizon LTE option. Both kits are listed below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon LTE Encrypted 2-1 Kit

The version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus included in these kits is compatible with the Qolsys S-Line Sensors that use this rolling code encryption. Additionally, it is also compatible with the PowerG Sensors that use 128-bit AES encryption. Both the PowerG Sensors and the Qolsys S-Line Sensors are nearly immune to wireless takeover attacks.

Encrypted sensors like these are perfect for users who want protection against possible hacking attempts. The included system is also backwards compatible with non-encrypted 319.5 MHz sensors. This includes the legacy Qolsys and Interlogix/GE Sensors. Each encrypted Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kit listed on our site comes pre-packaged by Qolsys. As a result, we cannot make substitutions for these kits.

At this time, we do not have kits for the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus or the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want either of those systems, you will have to purchase all the components individually. The only encrypted sensors that can be used with those systems are the PowerG Sensors. Both systems include a transformer and a prepared cable for providing power.

We are sure that many customers will love these new encrypted kits! If you have any questions please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F to speak to one of our alarm system planners. We look forward to helping you design the perfect system for your home!

Hi DIYers! We are excited to announce that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with support for legacy 319.5 MHz sensors and PowerG sensors is now available for just $399.99. This is significantly reduced from the previous price-tag of more than $500. Now is a great time to buy an IQ Panel 2 Plus!

The IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the most advanced wireless all-in-one security systems on the market today. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, and it serves as a fully functional Z-Wave Plus controller. It also offers advanced features like Bluetooth disarming, live streaming with Alarm.com Cameras, facial recognition, partitioning and more. This version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports both PowerG sensors and legacy 319.5 MHz sensors from Qolsys and Interlogix/GE. It is available in both Verizon LTE and AT&T LTE options. Both 319.5 MHz versions have been reduced in price to $399.99 effective as of now.

Please note that this price reduction only affects the 319.5 MHz versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The 345 MHz versions (legacy Honeywell and legacy 2GIG) and the 433 MHz versions (legacy DSC) have retained their original pricing. These versions are also available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE variants. You can find those panels with the following links:

• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz Verizon LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz AT&T LTE
• IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz Verizon LTE

We would also like to announce that the original IQ Panel 2 has been discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase, effective immediately. As a result, all of the Alarm Grid System Kits that included the original IQ Panel 2 have been updated to offer the IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System instead. At this time, we are only offering kits with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you want the 345 MHz or 433 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need to purchase the system individually.

Each IQ Panel 2 Plus System Kit includes a brand-new IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz System, Versa-GE Door and Window Contacts (3 or 10 depending on the kit), a single Qolsys IQ Motion-S Sensor, a power cable, a plug-in transformer, and a built-in LTE communicator (AT&T or Verizon). You can find these kits in the links below:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus AT&T 10-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 3-1 Kit
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon 10-1 Kit

If you have any questions about the IQ Panel 2 Plus, please reach out to us. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com, and we will respond back as soon as possible. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Great news DIYers! The Total Connect 2.0 Service used with Honeywell and Resideo Alarm Panels now supports If This, Then That, otherwise known as IFTTT. This is huge for TC2, as a plethora of new integrations and features are now possible! TC2 users can visit this page to get started.

As you may know, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform used with Resideo Alarm Systems. The service can be used with any compatible panel that has an AlarmNet Cellular or IP Communicator installed and activated. Once a user has a Total Connect 2.0 account, they can access the platform through the Total Connect 2.0 website or through a mobile app on their Android or iOS device.

Accessing TC2 allows an end user to perform various system functions. These functions include Arming and Disarming their system, checking current system status, controlling connected Z-Wave smart home devices, viewing connected Resideo IP Cameras and more. The end user will need an active monitoring plan that includes access to the TC2 platform. Users who are not currently monitored should check out our monitoring page for more information about alarm monitoring service.

It was already possible to use Total Connect 2.0 to trigger security system and Z-Wave actions based around certain predetermined events and time schedules. But IFTTT support adds a world of new possibilities. Thanks to IFTTT, end users can now quickly and easily integrate peripherals like Lutron Smart Lights, Sonos Speakers, Phillips Hue Lights, Roomba devices, Rachio Sprinklers, MyQ Garage Doors, Somfy Blinds and more.

IFTTT works by using Triggers and Actions. Basically when a certain "Trigger" occurs, an "Action" will follow. Currently, IFTTT only allows TC2 "Triggers" caused by changing the arming status of your system, or an alarm event on your system. We are hopeful that IFTTT will allow specific sensor triggers sometime in the future. Additionally, IFTTT can be used to create Triggers based on date & time or a predetermined schedule. The Action that follows a Trigger could be something like telling your Sonos Sound System to start playing music, your Lutron Lights to all turn off, or your Rachio Sprinkler System to start watering the grass.

What's great about IFTTT is that it is ultra-customizable and offers nearly any possible combination of connected devices and responses. You can have multiple Actions corresponding to the same Trigger, or multiple Triggers to cause the same Action. And despite being extremely intricate in terms of possible combinations, creating individual commands in IFTTT is actually quite easy. We are sure that end users will love this new integration and the ease of use that it provides.

We expect to release new content in the near future to help users get started with IFTTT for TC2. This will likely include all-new FAQs and videos designed to walk users through the process of creating new Triggers and Actions for use with their Resideo Alarm Systems and their connected smart devices. Stay tuned for more content coming soon!

For now, if you want to learn more about IFTTT and how it can be used with TC2, the best way is to reach out to us. We recommend sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com with your question or concern. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as quickly as possible. If you prefer to call us, you can do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you learn all about IFTTT.

Hi DIYers! We would like to announce that we are now offering high-quality alarm system wiring and cabling from Genesis. This wiring and cabling is perfect for nearly all types of alarm system applications. If you have a hardwired system or sensors, this is great wiring to have around!

Alarm wiring is needed whenever you add a new hardwired sensor, keypad, siren or other accessory to your alarm system. Cabling is also used for providing power to the panel through the plug-in transformer and backup battery. When you go and make hardware changes to your wired system, you will almost certainly need some wiring around. It is good to have on-hand whether you plan on setting up a brand-new system or whether you plan to make changes to your current one.

Both DIY users and professional installers can benefit from high-quality wiring. And that is exactly what Alarm Grid is offering with the Genesis Wiring. Genesis is owned and operated by Resideo (formerly Honeywell), a company already known for its top-of-the-line security systems. You can count on Genesis to provide excellent wiring that will allow your hardwired alarm system equipment to work effectively and reliably. It is great for wiring alarm systems from nearly any maker or manufacturer.

Alarm Grid is offering 18-gauge and 22-gauge wiring options. 18 AWG is slightly thicker than 22 AWG, and it is better-suited for longer wire runs and higher current draws. We recommend the use of 18-gauge wire, as it offers an ideal balance of maximum wire run length and general flexibility. But if the user doesn't have to worry about long wire runs, then they might want to use the thinner 22-gauge wire for greater flexibility.

All of the cabling featured on our site consists of stranded copper. This type of wire is perfect for DIY users, as it can be cut, spliced and bent without easily being damaged. DIY users who try to work with solid core wiring are likely to damage the cabling and experience major issues when they go to wire their systems. We strongly recommend the use of stranded wiring for all alarm system equipment. This is true whether you're setting up your own DIY system or you are a professional installer.

The wiring we are offering is available in 2-conductor and 4-conductor options. A cable that is 2-conductor will have two inner wires, while 4-conductor cable will have four inner wires. The type to use will depend on the connections you need to make. Remember that you can double-up and use two separate 2-conductor wires to complete 4-wire connections, but you lose the convenience of having four different color wires when you choose this option. And you can always leave two of the inner wires for a 4-conductor cable disconnected when completing a 2-wire connection. But for neatness, you should consider your needs appropriately and choose the conductor option that works best for your needs. All our wire sizes are available in 500-foot and 1,000-foot rolls.

We offer the following wiring products at this time:

• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 18-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 2-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 500 Feet
• Genesis 22-Gauge, 4-Conductor Wire, 1,000 Feet

If you have any questions about our wiring products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. Our support technicians and security system planners are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. We can also help you determine the perfect type of wiring if you aren't sure exactly what you need. We look forward to hearing from you so that we can help you plan your system!

Hi DIYers! We have some fun news for you today. Alarm Grid will soon begin offering tiny and cute Alarm Grid Stickers. These are great for putting on your refrigerator, on your laptop or computer or just placing around the house. You will love the upcoming Alarm Grid Little Stickers!

As you may know, Alarm Grid already offers window stickers for indoor use and weatherproof outdoor stickers. Our swag lineup also includes the Famous Alarm Grid Yard Signs. These are great for showing the world that your home or business is monitored with Alarm Grid. But we received word from many customers that they wanted something smaller and easier to put everywhere. That is why we decided to offer little stickers as well.

Each mini sticker has a strong adhesive backside or frontside that should last indefinitely when properly applied. These stickers are high-quality enough to survive the elements when used outside. This makes them perfect for placing on mailboxes, windows, vehicles and more. We will offer our stickers in packs of one (1), five (5) and ten (10). Each sticker is in the shape of an octagon - that's eight (8) sides - and features the Famous Alarm Grid Blue. You also get our logo, phone number and website for quick reference.

The message "Protected By Alarm Grid" is synonymous with top-quality alarm monitoring service. Any intruder who sees this sticker will know not to mess with your home or business!

And just how small are the Alarm Grid Little Stickers? Well we figured it was best to just show you. We found a penny around the office and used it for size-comparison. Check it out:

Now you're probably wondering when you can get your hands on these adorable stickers. We're sure that you want to share them with your friends, family and colleagues. We understand. Unfortunately, you have to wait. But we promise the stickers will be available soon, and we will very quickly let you know when you can buy them.

For now, the best thing you can do is email support@alarmgrid.com. Let our alarm system support technicians and security planners know that you want your Alarm Grid Little Stickers. We are rushing to get them up as soon as possible, but it doesn't hurt to remind us of the sheer urgency in making these stickers available to you, the Alarm Grid Nation. We promise that these stickers will be worth the wait!

Update: And just like that our mini stickers are now available! We have mini indoor window stickers with an adhesive front:

• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini indoor Stickers, 10-Pack

And we also have mini outdoor stickers with an adhesive back:

• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 10-Pack

Are you enjoying ISC West 2019 DIYers? We actually missed part of the Resideo booth yesterday, and we're playing catch-up to keep you up to date! We have learned that the Tuxedo Touch Keypad for Honeywell VISTA Systems has received a redesign. The new menus look super sleek and fresh!

Most owners of the current Tuxedo Touch Keypad love the device's performance, but they aren't thrilled with the look of the menus. Resideo is seeking to fix that with the Tuxedo Touch redesign. This makeover represents the third generation of Tuxedo Touch Keypads, and we believe that end users will absolutely love the new appearance.

The redesigned Tuxedo Touch serves the same purpose as the current model. It is a touchscreen keypad that is used to control a Honeywell VISTA System. The keypad wires-in directly with the main control panel to draw power and communicate as needed. By accessing the keypad, user can arm and disarm their system, control individual Z-Wave devices and perform smart automation scenes. We confirmed with Resideo that the updated Tuxedo Touch will support Z-Wave Plus 500 Series technology.

Resideo also updated their Honeywell 6280 Touchscreen Keypad. The new model is the Honeywell 6290, and it also offers a fresh new look. The 6290 will be basically the same as the updated Tuxedo Touch, except it won't have Z-Wave functionality. Nevertheless, it should provide a quick and easy access point for VISTA System users.

We have also confirmed that a user will be able to enter the IP address for the new Tuxedo Touch and 6290 Keypads into a web browser to control their system as if they were at the keypad itself. Just like the current models, the web browser will need to be on a device that is connected with the same local WIFI network to gain access. A great option if you want to conveniently add an additional keypad is to use the web browser on a tablet and then just mount the tablet to the wall.

Both the third generation Tuxedo Touch and 6290 Keypads will use WIFI to connect to a network. Unlike the older models, a hardwired ethernet option will not be available. This shouldn't cause too many issues though, as most users prefer the convenience of a WIFI connection anyway.

Thanks for staying with Alarm Grid for the latest ISC West 2019 updates. We will have more posts coming soon!

Welcome to Day 2 of ISC West 2019 DIYers! We just got a great look at the Interlogix booth. The company really impressed us with what they have in the pipeline. In particular, their new Simon XTi-5i and Simon XTX Alarm Systems should be a great match for budget-conscious consumers.

The Simon XTi-5i and Simon XTX both provide support for up to 80 wireless zones. These systems can both interface with the upcoming lineup of encrypted Interlogix Sensors. Additionally, they are also backwards compatible with the company's existing 319.5 MHz sensors, as well as those from Qolsys. Interlogix states that the encrypted sensors should provide a wireless range of up to 1,600 feet in open air.

Modeled after the current Simon XTi-5, the new Simon XTi-5i features a 5-inch touchscreen. End users will also be able to customize the appearance of the menus with various color options. The touchscreen controls feel similar to the company's current offerings. If you have used an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 before, then you know what to expect. The system also offers voice annunciation and chime functionality for announcing system status changes. Please note that the name on the display reads "Simon XTi-5 V2". However, we confirmed with Interlogix that the new system is indeed called the Simon XTi-5i.

The Simon XTX is a touch pad alarm panel with a small LCD display. The numbers light up when they are available, which will help DIY users in navigating the menus. The panel's side features a bright LED light bar that changes color based on the current system status. Just like it's big brother the XTi-5i, the XTX offers 80 zones, as well as voice and chime support. Overall, it looks like a solid option for users who want a simple, affordable alarm system.

Both the Simon XTi-5i and the Simon XTX will utilize Z-Wave Plus technology that is provided through an Alarm.com Cellular Radio. Interlogix was also eager to show-off their new command buttons. These buttons can be easily mounted with double-sided foam tape, which is perfect for self-installations. Each individual button can perform up to three unique smart scenes, which are selected based on how long you hold the button.

The new panels will also support the upcoming Simon 5" TouchScreen V2 Keypad. This keypad offers easy to navigate menus and a bright and vibrant customizable display. Up to four keypads can be added to either a Simon XTi-5i or a Simon XTX.

Overall, we are very pleased with the new offerings from Interlogix. We will keep you posted with more information from ISC West 2019 soon. Stay posted!

More ISC West excitement DIYers! Our team just checked out the Nortek and 2GIG booth at ISC West 2019. We can certainly say there were many intriguing new 2GIG products to look at. Nortek went all out this year, as the company has some great new systems and sensors coming in the pipeline!

The key word for 2GIG this year is "Encryption". The company is planning to release their new GC2e System this May and their new GC3e System this July. These systems are modeled after the existing GC2 and GC3 Systems respectively. The exact release dates are still up in the air, but 2GIG is confident that they will both hit the market by the aforementioned months.

The "e" in these names stands for encryption. 2GIG will finally offer systems that support encrypted sensors. The GC2e and GC3e will both support the company's brand-new lineup of encrypted "eSeries" devices that will stop hackers dead in their tracks. Although 2GIG is somewhat late to the party in adding encrypted sensors, this is still a huge addition to their lineup.

The new eSeries Sensors are designed exclusively for use with the GC2e and GC3e Systems, and they will not be backwards compatible with the current GC2 and GC3 models. However, you will be able to use current non-encrypted 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors and the legacy Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors with the GC2e and GC3e Systems.

The GC2e System is the standard, more-affordable option of the two new panels. Modeled after the current Go!Control GC2, the new GC2e Panel offers a larger 5-inch touchscreen display and a slightly re-tooled designed. We tested this panel, and we were particularly impressed with the overall design and satisfying touch controls. It also offers Z-Wave Plus technology.

Meanwhile, the GC3e System offers everything available for the GC2e, plus a little bit extra. The panel adds WIFI connectivity, which is unavailable for the GC2e. The Smart Areas feature from the original GC3 is also being carried over to the GC3e, as the system will be capable of supporting up to four "Smart Area" partitions. Finally, GC3e users will appreciate the panel's 7-inch touchscreen display and its touched up design. Just like the GC2e, the GC3e also supports Z-Wave Plus devices.

It should be noted that there were no new keypads announced for either system. However, the systems will be able to support the existing models for their older counterparts. In other words, the GC2e will support the 2GIG TS1 Keypad, while the GC3e will support the 2GIG SP1 Keypad. Both will support the 2GIG PAD1-345 Touch Button Keypad.

We would also like to briefly touch upon new sensors, some of which are already available on our site. Just last week, the 2GIG STVGRL1-345 Stove and Grill Guard, the 2GIG GNGRD1-345 Gun Trigger Lock, the 2GIG DW30 Outdoor Sensor and the 2GIG F1-345 Personal Safety Pendant were all made available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site.

And it wouldn't be ISC West without some new sensors! We were particularly excited by the new 2GIG Water Leak Detector and the 2GIG Bypass Door and Window Sensor. The water leak detector has a useful design that should help it detect leaks more accurately than standard flood sensors. Meanwhile, the 2GIG Bypass Door and Window Sensor can be conveniently bypassed by pressing a button right on its front!

We plan on taking a closer look at the new 2GIG offerings later during ISC West 2019. Until then, stay tuned for more information from ISC West 2019 and Alarm Grid!