If you have a Liftmaster garage door that says MyQ and WiFi on it already (like the opener below), then you are ready to connect your opener to your WiFi network and then add it to either ADT Control or Alarm.com (depending on which app you have).
If you changed your WiFi and now your Liftmaster Garage Door Opener is not connected to WiFi you will want to follow these steps to reconnect it.
If your Liftmaster Garage Door Opener only says MyQ on it (and not Wi-Fi), then you need to install a Liftmaster Gateway before you can add it to your app. And if your garage door opener does not have the MyQ or the WiFi logo then you will need to add the Button and the Gateway before adding them to your alarm app.
You will want to make sure the Wi-Fi Signal strength is sufficient by looking at your phones signal strength.
How to Connect the Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener to the Wi-Fi Network (only for openers that say Wi-Fi on them)
Put the opener into Wi-Fi Setup mode by pressing and releasing the yellow Learn button on the garage door opener two to three times. The garage door opener will beep once and a blue light will start flashing. You then have 20 minutes to complete the process.
On a mobile device or laptop connect to the Wi-Fi network called “MyQ…)
Go to the website setup.myqdevice.com. Follow the prompts to connect the garage door to the Wi-Fi network. You might need to select “Erase Wi-Fi” on the set up before being able to scan for a new network. Do not download the MyQ app when it mentions it. You will use your ADT Control or Alarm.com app to control it.
Make sure you have Garage Door Control and Liftmaster Integration enabled on your account.
Your alarm service provider will then need to enter the serial number from your garage door opener or gateway. You might be able to add it yourself if you can go to settings, devices, automation devices click Liftmaster installation.
Tips and troubleshooting:
1. If you have already registered with the MyQ app you will need to delete it first and then you add it to your ADT Control or Alarm.com app.
2, Try opening and closing the door if you are having and troubles. Sometimes the cycle helps it validate the process.
3. If there is no Wi-Fi in the garage or it is weak,
a. Go to setup.myqdevice.com and select Erase Wi-Fi. It can also be erased by pressing and holding the balck adjustment button until three beeps are heard. (around 6 seconds)
b. Move the wireless router closer to the garage or purchase a Wi-Fi Range Extender and then try to reconnect.
If you have a Liftmaster Security+2.0 gate operator you can add a MyQ gateway and control it as well. Press the learn button twice on the primary operator and it will pair with the gateway.
You may have already discovered that most Z-wave light switches (like this one) require a neutral wire for them to work. (This is usually the white wire that might be in the back with a connector on it) A standard light switch does not need power constantly because it does not communicate back to the main system. But Z-wave light switches typically require that you dig the bundle of white neutrals that is tucked in the back of your light switch box out and connect it to your new smart light switch. If you discover that you do not have one, then what do you do?
Here are 3 simple suggestions of what you can do to automate lighting without a neutral wire.
1. Get a smart light bulb. This is by far the easiest option. If you are looking to control a lamp, or a light fixture, or even several lights, just replace them with z-wave light bulbs and then you can control them anytime and put them on a schedule. (You will have to leave the switch on at all times though since they need permanent power so they can stay in communication with your smart security system. Just put your system in learn mode and then turn the power on and turn the bulb off and on and it will detect it and allow you to start using it with your system.
2. Get an easy install z-wave light switch. These mount directly on top of your existing light switch so anyone can install them and there is no wiring involved. Just take off your light switch cover plate and put this on top of your switch. It has a learn in button on the back you can push once your system is in learn mode.
3. Install a Lutron light switch and gateway. This is a little more complicated solution but it does not require a neutral and it integrates with Alarm.com and ADT Control. You just need to first add a gateway and then you can add light switches that communicate to the gateway. You can then add the gateway to one of the apps above.
I hope these three tips to help you automate your lighting are helpful. Please let us know if they have helped you if you have any tips to add, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
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If you plan on having a home automation system in which you control lighting, home theater, audio, shades, cameras, etc., you may have wondered what security system is the best choice for integration. This depends primarily on the home automation platform you have chosen.
If you are installing a Control4 system you have several options. You can use the all-in-one Qolsys Panel or DSC Neo Panel if you want the latest technology that connects the security system via IP. The Qolsys system does not need any additional parts for this integration, but the DSC Neo system does need to have one of the IP Communicators. (Ip Communicator or Dual-Path Cell and IP Communicator).
You could also install legacy systems that speak to the control panel through an RS232 connection, such as Honeywell Vista, Napco, DMP, or the DSC PowerSeries. These are tried and true systems but do not have the ability to add long-range, state-of-the-art PowerG wireless devices and may or may not offer the same level of security encryption and 2-way communication with your wireless security devices. If you go with a Honeywell Vista you will need the integration module that allows the RS232 or RS422 connection. If you install the DSC Powerseries Panel then you would need its integration module also. The Concord Panel is another legacy panel that can connect to all of these systems using its integration module, but it is out of circulation now so you would not want to install one new in a home.
Having your system fully integrated with Control4 means that your alarm panel controls will exist within the Control4 system. Your Control4 interface can include either an iOs or Android devices such as a mobile phone or tablet, that is accessible when you are on the same WiFi as the Control4 system. Additionally, for a fee of $100/year Control4 offers remote viewing and control from their 4Sight app. This allows you to get notifications and control your system when you are away from the home but still on a cellular or external data network.
If you are planning on using Elan for your home automation system you can integrate it with legacy systems, such as Honeywell Vista or DSC PowerSeries, or install a 2GIG panel (GC2 or GC3) that features an IP connection and 2GIG’s latest technology. Elan does not charge their customers for remote access and their app is free for users whether or not they are on the same WiFi network or outside of the home.
If you are going to be using Savant or Crestron as your home automation system, currently, these systems only integrate with legacy alarm panels through RS232, such as Honeywell Vista or DSC PowerSeries. Like Elan, neither Savant nor Crestron charges an annual fee for remote access and this is also offered for free when you download their app.
If it’s important to you that your alarm panel is connected to the primary control system then you have to stay within the above parameters and choose the appropriate panel for whatever control system you have. However, if it’s not important and you’re OK having a second app to control your alarm panel then you can utilize either alarm.com with DSC, 2GIG, and Qolsys, ADT Control with ADT, or TotalConnect with Honeywell. Both of these interfaces offer straight home automation but do not offer the ability to integrate with audio-video. Alarm.com is the clear industry leader in comparison with Honeywell TotalConnect, offering a superior user interface and many more industry partners that it integrates with.
One advantage of keeping the alarm system separate from the control system is that if there is a problem with the control system, then your alarm system remains independently active and apart from the primary control interface. Another advantage of keeping the alarm system separate is that you will have greater control and ability to add/delete users and change codes remotely. The control platforms mainly serve as means to notify the user of events or status and to integrate the alarm panel with the other home automation features in customized scenes that may involve the other components such as shades, temperature control, lighting, door stations and audio-visual components that are typically set up by the installer who programs the system.
Hopefully, this information can help you know which security system you should plan on installing with your control and automation system so that they can integrate together if you would like. If there are any questions we can help with please contact us.
If you look around your neighborhood, chances are you will see a handful of home security yard signs. Home security systems are a popular addition to homes for good reason. It is a fact that homes with monitored security systems are less likely to be targeted for a break-in. However, today’s home security systems deliver more than security. They let you talk to visitors and remotely turn on lights. With home security cameras, you can see who is in your backyard or check in on an elderly parent. Home security systems that include home automation devices can help reduce energy use, turn on sprinkler systems, and so much more.
When looking for the best, a local home security company or considering your security needs, consider these questions:
What does a basic home security system include?
While it varies, most basic home security systems include door and window contacts, a keypad, a mobile app; an audible alarm, a yard sign, and 24/7 alarm monitoring. These home security components help detect or prevent break-ins and are a base for a more comprehensive system.
What types of home security cameras or upgrades are available?
While a basic home security system can go a long way in helping protect areas of your home, there are many options available to increase the security of your home and family. Popular upgrades or additions to a basic security system include the following and help create a complete, secure smart home:
• Home security cameras
• A doorbell camera
• Smoke detection
• Carbon monoxide detection
• Water leak detection
• Glass break sensor
• Window and door sensors
• A smart thermostat
• Smart lighting
• Remote garage door control
• Smart or keyless locks
• Automated sprinkler systems
• Temperature sensors
• Panic button – medical alert pennant
• Integration with a sound system
Most homeowners choose to install these upgrades because they add convenience and peace of mind. Busy families enjoy the ability to control home automation devices via an app or check in to see that all is well. In our daily rushing around, the ability to remotely close a garage door, lock or unlock a door, turn lights on or see if a package was delivered is invaluable.
Should I install home security cameras?
Where are popular places to install the cameras?
Home security cameras are one of the most popular additions to a home security system. Homeowners enjoy checking in and seeing that all is well at home or reviewing video if something is amiss. Ideal placement for home security cameras includes the front porch, garage area, front gates, and around a swimming pool. Homeowners also like to install home security cameras near sensitive areas such as safes and back entries, or at vacation homes.
At Alert 360, we offer a free mobile app, making it easy to view video or receive alerts and video clips based on personal preference. Our trained security consultants will also conduct a security evaluation to help determine the best security camera placement for your family’s needs.
Is the home security system monitored by a professional alarm monitoring center?
Is the security alarm monitoring center in the United States?
When researching local home security providers, check if they provide their own alarm monitoring or if they pay a third-party monitoring provider and where the center is located. DIY security systems might be a quick fix but do not offer the assurance that someone is there to help even if you cannot get to the phone or cannot keep a constant eye on your security alerts. At Alert 360, we are proud to provide a U.S.-based, UL listed alarm monitoring center that is Five Diamond designated and offers an average alarm response time of under 20 seconds.
Bonus: Most home insurance companies offer a discount on your premium if you have a monitored security system.
Can I receive a discount on my homeowner’s insurance premium if I have a home security system?
Typically, yes! As we shared above, most home insurance providers offer a discount on your home insurance premiums if you have a monitored home security system. This discount helps the security system pay for itself!
At Alert 360, we provide our customers with an Insurance Verification Certificate as proof that they have a system that qualifies for a discount.
What are some common and popular home security devices?
In the past, common home security devices included door and window contacts for intrusion detection. However, now, some of the most popular home security services are home security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart locks, and mobile app control of security devices. Learn more about our “Top 10 Most Requested Home Security Devices”.
Does the company offer online support?
Local companies with a national presence often offer multi-levels of support. Support would include a local branch, phone support from a national center with sophisticated tech support, and a comprehensive website, with online help.
Are other protective devices available, such as carbon monoxide, water leak and smoke detection?
You will want to ensure that the home security company you choose can offer security and home automation devices that meet your family’s changing needs through the years. You will also want to know you are working with a company that can provide multi-levels of home security protection including alerting you to carbon monoxide, water leaks and smoke or fire. A company that also offers 24/7 alarm monitoring can alert you to these dangers even if you are not home or cannot get to a phone. Early detection of these dangers can save lives and thousands of dollars in damage or complete loss of your home.
Does the company also offer home automation devices and services?
Top-rated, leading home security companies often include home automation devices that integrate with home security to make your home smarter and safer. Home automation solutions help busy families more easily manage things at home, increase security, and save money. Popular home automation solutions allow homeowners to remotely adjust the temperature, turn lights on or off, lock doors, turn on sprinkler or sound systems and so much more. When combined with home security devices, home automation products alleviate worry. You will know whether you left a garage door open or a door unlocked and be able to take quick action to secure your home if needed.
What does a monitored security system provide that DIY security cameras do not?
There are many up-and-coming tech companies that advertise the latest security services or easy-to-install security cameras. Often, these companies are not backed by experienced support or reputable technology vendors. Or, maybe they are startup companies and have difficulties maintaining financial backing to provide ongoing support or service. These smaller, online companies also most likely will not provide support with installation or if you want to integrate your cameras with other security devices.
Look closely at the costs and benefits of a DIY camera or security system vs. working with an experienced, local provider. Consider if support, professional monitoring, and a discount on your insurance premium are important to you. Another benefit of working with a professional installer is the ease in integrating security or home automation components. A full-service security company also provides the ability to control all your devices easily with one app.
When searching for a company to trust with your security, you’ll want to choose a top-rated, local company and ask the following questions:
• Does the home security company have a local branch?
• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the company perform background checks on employees?
• Does the company offer an insurance deductible reimbursement program?
• Does the company offer a move program?
• What is the security company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Choosing the best, local home security company does not have to be hard. Learning what security devices will best meet your family’s needs is easy with professional help and experience on your side. Alert 360 offers nearly 50 years of experience providing professional installation of home and business security systems, along with award-winning, 24/7 alarm monitoring. To learn more about your home security options and answers to the above questions, visit Alert360.com or find a local security branch near you.
We have coast to coast office locations. If you would like a free security review or quote, click here!
If you have a Firelite commercial fire panel that is made by Fire Lite, chances are that you have some issues and questions about it.
How do you test the FireLite Panel?
If you have a 50 Point or 128 Point Addressable FireLite Panel then you should have a keypad that looks like this on the front. All you need to do to run a test is to first, let your central station know to put the account on test so the fire department is not dispatched. Second, push the drill button for 2 seconds. When you are ready to quiet the alarm, push the Alarm silence button. Lastly, push the reset button to power cycle and clear the alarm.
What does Telco Line 1 mean?
If you have a Telco Line 1 error on your screen it means that the fire panel is trying to dial out and there is not a working phone line. You probably need to add a new Fire LTE Cell Communicator. (That is better than getting two landline phone lines with the phone company usually, but you could also activate two landline phone lines)
What does NAC 1 Open mean?
NAC stands for Notification Appliance Circuit and is used for the fire horns, strobes, bells, chimes, and speakers to notify occupants and the fire department of an alarm. There is usually a circuit that could include several notifying devices and if one of them is bad or missing it could show an open circuit for that NAC. The 50 point panel can handle up to 2.5Amps per NAC and should have an EOL (end of line) resistor that is 4.7K.
What candela strobes are needed?
NFPA 72 outlines which candela is needed in different size rooms. 115 is the minimum needed outdoors.
What back up battery do I need?
Most fire alarm systems need to be able to run the alarm for 5 minutes on the battery and the system has to be able to function for 24 hours if the power is out. Typically a battery like this one is used. They should be replaced around every 4 years.
What is the best way to test my smoke detectors?
It is recommended that you use a can of smoke to test the smoke detectors.
What is the difference between an alarm, supervisory, and a trouble?
An alarm event has the highest priority since it occurs when a smoke detector, heat detector, pull station, water flow sensor, or another device is tripped causing the system to go off and notify people to evacuate the building. A Supervisory event is when a device has been tampered with and needs attention, but will not sound the fire alarm to evacuate. A trouble means that something is wrong, but not an alarm or a supervised event. Troubles could be a ground fault, broken wire, or even a bad battery.
What is a ground fault?
A ground fault occurs when a wire in a circuit touches ground. This could be any wires connecting to the panel and usually requires that each circuit is removed one at a time to see which one is causing the ground fault. Then it can be necessary to see if the ground fault is in the middle or end of the line.
How often do the smoke detectors need replacing?
Residential smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Commercial smoke detectors need to be inspected and tested once a year or more to ensure that they are working properly.
What is the programming code?
If you need to make some changes to your Firelite panels programming you will want to make sure you know what you are doing, but the default code is usually 00000000 for Master Level and 11111111 for Maintenance level. You will need to push the Menu/Enter key first. Then you will want to reference options in the programming guide for more information.
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If you are looking to get a camera system soon there are some tips you need to know first. These 8 tips will help you start off on the right foot and know what to expect.
Will the Camera be able to read license plates? Expecting every camera to be able to read license plates and facial features from any distance is unreasonable and you will likely be disappointed. Every camera has a specific purpose. If you want to see your front yard with a wide-angle lens you will need a certain camera for that. If you want to read license plates then you will want to get a license plate capturing camera. But it is not likely you will be able to capture a license plate number and your entire front yard from the same camera. If you do, two separate cameras will be necessary (However, a 4K camera would come the closest to accomplishing both). Essentially most people decide against upgrading to having a license plate camera, they just want to see their front yard.
Can each camera turn and rotate? Most cameras are fixed to observe one location at a designated magnification; they don’t move or zoom in. But, of course, you can spend a little more and get a camera that has a motorized zoom capability. In addition, you can spend even more and get what is called a Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera (PTZ Camera), but they are usually pretty expensive and reserved more for school campuses and hospitals. It usually makes more sense to get a few fixed cameras instead of getting a PTZ camera on your house or for your small business. There are some that are less expensive, and if you really want one, get one. Everyone will be jealous of your ability to rotate and zoom in on anything near and far. But, is envy your objective?
Can each camera be wireless? It is very common that people think that we can install all of their cameras wirelessly. Though there have been some improvements and advancements, wireless cameras are and will always be inferior to hard-wired cameras. Because of this 90% of cameras that people have are hard-wired; they are way more dependable. Ask around or look online and you will see poor reviews for cameras that run solely on batteries. We have a hard enough time keeping our cell phones charged, let alone having to take a camera down and charge it every other day. Thus, be prepared for your installation technician to either have to run a wire to a power outlet or to run a cat5/cat6 wire to your router location. If you want to have cameras on multiple buildings we will have to solve this problem by connecting all the buildings to the same network, using WiFi from each building, or installing a local recorder in each building. If you are thinking you want a camera on a pole, it is best to run a wire from the router or recorder to the top of the pole.
Can you zoom in and make the image clearer? Thanks to Hollywood there are still people out there that think we will be able to zoom in on a low-resolution image and the software will magically refocus and gain resolution or pixels that never existed! Image enhancement software is a myth. Zooming in on images only makes them more pixelated and lowers the resolution. The higher the resolution you have the more likely you will be able to have the ability to zoom and still have an ok image. But even zooming in on a 4K camera image can only go so far before the image starts to look fuzzy and over-pixelated as well.
Can I add more cameras later? The next mistake that customers can sometimes fall for is not having a big enough recorder. If you only want 4 cameras now and want to add a 5th camera later, you will need to replace your recorder. You should have just started with a recorder that can do 8 cameras. Experience has shown that you will always want more cameras than you initially think you need. So best to always have a little room for growth if possible.
Do cameras record continuously? If you have a camera that records to the “cloud,” most of them have a cool-down period. That means that they can only record a small clip of 30 seconds or so and then they might need 30 seconds to 5 minutes to process that clip before it is ready to record a new one. Only some camera systems are able to record non-stop but do not assume that all cloud-recording cameras will capture everything. They most likely will miss half of every minute!
Can the cameras send me a text notification? The last misconception that people have about security cameras is that they are all able to send you notifications. Most cameras DO have this ability, but they are really bad at it. This means that they will send you notifications every time the wind blows. So most of the time, if you want notifications you want to use a security system that has a door sensor or motion sensor. There are some newer cameras that are “smarter” than most that can do this though. They can tell the difference between a person, an animal, and a vehicle. But most cameras and camera systems cannot really send you authentic notifications.
Can the camera be hidden? There are such things as covert cameras, like smoke detectors or motion detectors that have a hidden camera inside, but they are usually lower quality than the more common dome and bullet cameras. I usually recommend not using those for this reason. It is usually better to have a camera that has a greater resolution, price, or features than have it hidden. But it can be done if it is a must.
Its hoped that these 8 tips on security cameras has helped with realistic expectations when you are ready do get a reliable estimate for a security camera system. When you are ready please give us a call and we can answer any additional questions and get an estimate to you in a matter of minutes.
Top-Rated home and business security company climbs again in the list of country’s largest home security providers list!
TULSA, Okla., June 08, 2020 – Alert 360, one of the nations’ largest providers of home and business security and automation, climbed to the No. 4 position among residential security companies on the 2020 SDM 100 list. Alert 360 held the No. 5 position on the 2019 SDM 100. The company also ranks No. 10 overall as a provider of both home and business security systems for 2020.
The annual SDM 100 Report ranks the top 100 U.S. companies that earn their revenues from the sale, installation, service and monitoring of electronic security systems to residential and non-residential customers.
“We are humbled and honored by the number of home and business owners who put their trust in us and provide consistent, positive reviews for our services,” said Richard Ginsburg, president and CEO, Alert 360. “We attribute our standing in the industry to the families and business owners we serve, our tremendously talented and dedicated team, and our successful dealer and vendor partnerships.
“With nearly 50 years of experience providing home and business security solutions, we work with amazing, global technology partners. These partners help us offer powerful security and smart devices, creating a better experience for our customers and boosting business for our dealer partners. We remain dedicated to providing leading home and business security technology and award-winning alarm monitoring, with a focus on outstanding customer service.”
Alert 360 also has been recognized as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company; a Five Diamond alarm monitoring provider; a “Best Home Security Provider,” and a “Best Places to Work” for four years straight.
Earlier this year, Alert 360 broke ground in Tulsa on a new go-to-market concept – the Alert 360 Retail Experience Center. The retail center will be a more robust version of Alert 360’s Mobile Experience Centers, which were launched in 2018 to demonstrate the benefits of today’s security and automation products to consumers. The Tulsa center will be the company’s first combined retail and branch location, which can be emulated across Alert 360’s national footprint.
Across the country, Alert 360 provides a comprehensive line of home security, business security, energy management, and home automation products and services. These services include home security cameras and video; smoke alarms; carbon monoxide detectors; glass break and motion sensors; flood protection; a mobile app; keyless entry; smart thermostats; remote garage door control; smart lighting; live video footage; recorded clips; indoor and outdoor cameras; doorbell cameras and more. Alert 360’s certified security technicians also offer professional installation or integration of smart home devices, such as sprinkler systems, sound systems, Amazon Echo and Google Home.
Founded in 1973, Alert 360 is one of the nation’s oldest-licensed alarm monitoring providers. Today, the company has a network of branches from coast to coast, providing local security services for its nearly quarter of a million home or business security customers. Find a local Alert 360 home and business security office here.
Find more ways to protect yourself, your family, and your home from door-to-door sales scams in one of these recent blogs:
With local home security offices from coast to coast, Alert 360 is in your neighborhood or a phone call away. We also offer a free, limited-touch home security evaluation and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
