Alarm.com SEM - DIY Installation

Alarm.com has really outdone themselves this time with the ADC-SEM100-LTE /ADC-SEM100-CDMA cellular communicators by making DIY installations a breeze. These modules are also known as the Alarm.com System Enhancement Modules (SEM). Previous to this module if you had a Honeywell Vista 10p, 15p, 20p or 21ip you would have to use Honeywell Total Connect services to control your system remotely with text and email notifications. Sure there have been other companies such as IP-DATA-TEL and Telular to make universal cellular communicators that allow for basic arm/disarm and notifications but, if you wanted to add z-wave home automation devices you would have to purchase an additional module for that to work. Alarm.com has gone above and beyond by including the Z-Wave radio inside the SEM module this saves the customer time on their DIY installation and money by not having to purchase a tuxedo touch keypad or a Vista Automation Module(VAM). The only one thing that this module is not able to handle is Alarm.com image sensors. If this is the case and you're looking for a video solution try Alarm.com IP-Cameras. The last major benefit of the SEM cellular communicator's is the fact that it can take over existing Honeywell Vista 10p systems as long as they are from 2005 and above. Once you have activated your SEM cellular communicator make sure to activate some sort of Alarm.com interactive alarm monitoring services. This will allow for GEOARM to remotely access your Vista security system remotely to assist you with Tech Support and programming. The Alarm.com System enhancement module is perfect for DIY installations.

Honeywell Lyric Security System Impressions by AlarmClub

The Honeywell Lyric Security System is not just another all-in-one system, it's part of a new wireless connected platform that was announced almost two years ago at CES in January 2015. With Honeywell's full release of Lyric this opens the door for DIY home security and installations.

While Honeywell took most of 2015 to continue development they began their beta testing program around October which is where they select a few home security companies to test the functionality of the system. During the beta testing program, these companies send their feedback to Honeywell and they work the kinks out before releasing the system. AlarmClub was one of the first to receive a beta panel and was very honored to participate in the testing process.

Honeywell took a different approach than usual by releasing the Lyric platform in two stages. The first wave was only to Lyric Certified dealers such as AlarmClub that went through an intensive course explaining and interacting with all of its features. The second wave which occurred a few months ago was a full release to all security companies across the United States and Canada.

With Lyric being fully released to the public this opens the door for DIY “do-it-yourself” installation’s which is becoming the most popular way to obtain security in homes or businesses. Since Lyric was announced in 2015 there have been more inquiries and pre-orders over any other security system ever. Below you will find all of the key benefits that have been discovered after beta testing the Lyric system.

The new wireless platform has five key components; the Lyric Controller (LCP500-L), a new line of encrypted SiX-Series security sensors, integrations with the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi thermostat, DBCAM) and integrations with Apple HomeKit.

The Lyric Controller is the main alarm control panel for both security and home automation. This is where all the magic happens such as programming security sensors, arming/disarming, programming Z-Wave home automation devices and changing system settings. The Lyric System is compatible with previous Honeywell 5800-Series wireless sensors except for bi-directional devices such as the 5800WAVE wireless siren and 5828/5828V wireless keypads. This allows end users to reuse existing devices and upgrade to the new Lyric platform in a much more cost-effective way.

The looks similar to previous alarm control panels such as L5210 and L7000 systems but, it's NOT. Honeywell has made some major upgrades to the Lyric Security System such as

Internalizing the Wi-Fi and Z-Wave radios into the controller and adding a dedicated cellular communicator slot on the side of the control panel where end users can simply install one of the new AT&T, Verizon or Rodgers communicators. These cellular communicators can be replaced at any time to increase flexibility in communication providers.

Batch programming - While Programming SiX Series wireless sensors into the Lyric Security System instead of having to individually learn in their serial numbers to connect simply activate and assign all of the serial numbers by pulling the battery tabs out of the new security sensors. Batch programming is only available with the newer Honeywell Six-Series sensors and not with previous 5800 series sensors such as 5816 contacts, 5800PIR motion sensors or 5834-4 wireless key fobs.

Smart Scenes - This is one of the best additions to Lyric because it consolidates older Honeywell LYNX programming modes called "scenes and rules" into what is now called smart scenes. Once a Z-Wave home automation device is learned into the controller locate the smart scenes button to enable that device into a smart scene which tells that sensor how and when to act.

GeoFencing - With activation of Honeywell Total Connect and a Second-Generation Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi thermostat its possible to set up a Geofence which is where a perimeter distance is set around a location and anytime one crosses in or out of the set Geofence the Lyric System can simultaneously trigger groups of security and automating devices.

Built-in Camera - The Lyric Security System has added a built-in 2-megapixel security camera on the controller, so that when the security system has disarmed a notification with photo can be sent as a text message and/or email notification directly to smart devices. For this feature to work either DIY or professional must be present.

Built-in microphone - The Honeywell Lyric Controller can now receive voice commands to control Z-Wave automation smart scenes and other features with the use of the built-in microphone. There are three basic commands the Lyric alarm control panel will understand Hello Lyric, Hello Lyric home, and OK Lyric.

All in all, the Honeywell Lyric is the perfect home security system for DIYers. AlarmClub has provided end users with an array of  Page and all of the product installation manuals.

Honeywell Lyric Security System How-To-Videos

Honeywell Lyric Security System Frequently Asked Questions

Honeywell Lyric Controller Product Manuals

AlarmClub Support Center

Honeywell LYNX Touch L5210 Wireless Security Panel

Hey everyone GEOARM Security presents the new Honeywell LYNX Touch L5210 wireless security panel. The system hosts a 4.3 inch high definition touch screen display with words and icons that are very large which makes it easy for you to manipulate the menu driven navigation system. The system has 2 plastic button keys – which makes it simple to find the home screen and emergency functions. With the activation of GEOARM’S Total Connect 2.0 with these panels there are some awesome add-on features such as emergency tornado warnings and traffic alerts. The L5210 touchscreen will allow you to view up to one camera on the actual display as long as you have the L5100 WIFI CARD attached. The supported cameras are as follows ipcam-wo, ipcam-wi2 and the ACU “analog converter unit”.  If you only wish to view the camera from your smart device than any of the L5210 wireless kits that support total connect 2.0 will work wonderfully with your supported cameras! The L5210 has a high level of functionality with z-wave Technology. This means you can control and automate your, lights, locks, sirens, thermostats, garage doors and water valves from the actual panel itself or while using the Honeywell total connect 2.0 applications. Don’t forget to activate APL or advanced protection logic commonly known as smash proof  “this feature can only be added if you have the internet, cellular or dual path panels".