Category: Wireless Security Products

M2M Services and Alula Have Merged!

M2M Services and Alula have merged forces to best cater to the smart security market.

Announcing the merger of M2M Services, an award-winning provider of universal alarm panel communicators, connectivity, and interactive services, with Alula, a leader in smart security and Internet of Things (IoT).

Operating under the name M2M Services, the combined entity will leverage the strengths of both companies. The merger marks a significant achievement in the industry, creating a company with unrivaled products and services that cater to the ever-evolving demands of the smart security market and the professionals, such as GeoArm, who serve it.

Significant points of the M2M/Alula consolidation:

  1. Expanded Product Portfolio: The updated enterprise will provide a comprehensive selection of intelligent security solutions, incorporating advanced hardware, services, and cloud-driven technologies. Clients will benefit from a more diverse range of products, specifically designed to cater to their individual security requirements.
  2. Enhanced R&D Capabilities: Through the consolidation of research and development assets, the fresh M2M Services will hasten the speed of advancement, generating novel technologies that propel the industry ahead and augment the total user experience.
  3. Unparalleled Proficiency:  The fresh M2M Services unites a group of seasoned professionals and industry stalwarts from both firms. This collective knowledge will empower the company to tackle market obstacles and accurately predict upcoming trends.
  4. Client-Focused Strategy: Both M2M and Alula are united in their dedication to outstanding customer service. As a combined organization, they will maintain their focus on customer happiness, providing prompt assistance and customized solutions to cater to specific requirements.

About Alula?

Alula’s acclaimed security, automation, and fire solutions are specifically designed for today’s independent security dealers and integration experts. Alula provides comprehensive alarm and interactive services, a mobile application, dealer portal, wireless security/smart system, universal communicators, translators, cameras, sensors, and more. Alula’s objective is to offer unique security, automation, and smart property solutions that assist professional alarm dealers and integrators in expanding their business more lucratively. For additional details about purchasing Alula products and services, visit https://www.geoarm.com/alula.html.

About M2M Services?

M2M Services is committed to hastening the widespread acceptance of smart security globally via universal and cost-effective IoT solutions. The firm develops straightforward, inventive, and reliable technology that aids alarm companies in delivering smart security to all homes and businesses worldwide. The company functions in over 50 countries across six continents, catering to more than 10,000 businesses and influencing the everyday lives of millions of end-users. For additional details about purchasing M2M products and services, visit https://www.geoarm.com/m2m.html.

Brilliant Smart Home Hub Integrates with Resideo Total Connect 2.0 and Much More!

The Brilliant Smart Home Hubs work with Just About Everything in the Integrated Home Tech.

The Brilliant Resideo BHA120USWH all-in-one smart home control panel have just been released for sale at GeoArm.

When adding the Brilliant Control Hub it instantaneously transforms any property, especially those with a Total Connect 2.0 security system, by simply replacing the light switch with a Brilliant touchscreen panel.

Brilliant Controls include an all-in-one mobile friendly app that provide the end user with complete control of the home or business from anywhere. These Brilliant smart panels can also be installed as secondary controllers with any Resideo ProSeries, VISTA, LYNX and Lyric Controller security system. Brilliant works with Resideo, Honeywell Home, Ring, Google Nest, Sonos, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Siri, Samsung SmartThings, Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, August, Philips Hue, Genie, Overhead Door, Somfy, and many other top smart home brands.

The Brilliant Panels are designed to be installed in place of any standard 1, 2, 3 or 4-gang light switch panel with neutral and ground wires (fits any 1 to 4-gang electrical boxes).

The Brilliant Panel makes it easy to control your security, automation and video around the home.

GeoArm releases the Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 Outdoor Security Camera

The all-new Resideo iPCAM-WOC2 Total Connect HD Outdoor Camera is available for purchase!

The Resideo iPCAM-WOC2 is the next generation of outdoor video surveillance cameras that allows end-users to capture crisp, clear video of events and activities using the Honeywell Total Connect 2.0 app. The iPCAM-WIC2 camera is ideal for monitoring your home, business or public facilities.

For outdoor applications, the new iPCAM-WOC2 offers up to 1080p at 30 frames per second, wide angle view and up to four detection zones. With the simple QR code-based setup, the iPCAM-WOC2 camera is faster and easier to install to the wireless network or access point. Wireless communications utilizes the 802.11b/g, and a Bluetooth capable device will be required for setup. The iPCAM-WOC2 includes the power supply, power supply adapter, microSD Card, quick installation guide and mounting kit.

Color video can be monitored through your Mobile App and Total Connect remote services account. Up to 8 cameras can be used per location. Add to existing Legacy Cameras for support of up to 14 cameras per location. If using less than 8 new generation cameras, you may not increase the number of legacy cameras. The same goes for a legacy camera, if the less than 6 is being used, additional New generation cameras may not be increased.

The built-in SD card ensures backup storage in the event of an internet outage and offers the option for 7-day or 30-day video storage. Night vision for low-light environments, digital zoom capabilities and flexible mounting options provide peace of mind.

Please take note, the Resideo iPCAM-WOC2 security camera is not visible on the Lynx or Lyric touchscreen control panels, and is only visible utilizing the Total Connect 2.0 app.

Product Features:

  • Integrate with success – Works with proven winner Honeywell Total Connect Remote Services and Lyric and ProSeries security and home control systems.
  • Fast and easy installation – QR code installation with compact hardware and multiple mounting options – ceiling or tabletop.
  • Expansive memory – Cloud Video Storage – 7 day or 30 day per 8 cameras, per location, per month**. Local Storage – up to 64 GB, 8 GB included. (Provides backup storage in the event of Internet outage.)
  • Stay connected – Enhanced Wi-Fi® connectivity and range with 802.11n.
  • See near and far, light or dark – Wide angle views and sharper night vision with up to 1080p HD resolution.

A Global Chip Shortage Continues to Disrupt the Security Industry

In addition to chip shortages, a backlog of shipping containers are further complicating the operational flow of the security industry through 2022.

As many of you have probably experienced or heard about, there is currently a backlog of container ships in most US Ports; this backlog is causing a delay in the regular supply chain that leads security products to customers.

So you may ask yourself, how exactly has this happened? Well, there are a few reasons why supply chains have been stressed across a plethora of industries, thus resulting in product availability delays. Over the past two decades over 90% of the world’s global trade has been shipped by sea and with 70% via shipping containers. Simply stated, shipping products by sea has been the most cost effect means for sending goods abroad.

The United States has continued to increase the outsourcing of the production of goods to foreign countries, mostly for economic reasons which has resulted in a supreme reliance on importing goods, instead of producing them at home, in today’s global commerce. As well, US companies have also increasingly relied on JIT “just-in-time” inventory systems to order their goods at the last moment, rather than stocking the items on their shelfs, which has resulted in lower inventory levels.

Together with, during the past two decades the shipping business has not been too profitable, meaning little investment has been put into building new ships. To make matter worse here in the US, our railroad companies have also been cutting costs and reducing their headcounts which has created the perfect storm for the shipping logistics crisis that we find ourselves in today.

The global semiconductor shortage is reducing the availability of security related parts.


Many industries including the security industry are also experiencing a global semiconductor chip shortage too. The sudden lockdown from the coronavirus created a ripple effect, where suppliers were unable to meet the growing demands for the silicon microchips that power today’s security system electronics. The remote work from home environment along with cloud infrastructure amplified and prioritized the sales of gaming gadgets, phones and several other electronic devices. And, the remaining stock of chips left available was insufficient to catch up to the pent-up demand in a slew of industries, including the security industry.


The good news is that we anticipate both crises to come to an end soon. Shipping routes now have alternative locations, like Florida, which are offering to carry more of the load, and semiconductor manufacturer’s, like Qualcomm, have stated that they expect the chip manufacturing shortage to begin resolving itself by the third quarter of 2022. So, if you are one of the many who are experiencing delays in receiving your parts order, you are not alone. Here at GeoArm, we are monitoring the two shipping crises described in this article on a day-to-day basis and keeping track of the out-of-stock items. So that when these parts do become available again for distribution, our customers will be first in line to receive them.

Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Detector Review

The Honeywell Lyric SiXPIR is an encrypted wireless motion sensor with mounting hardware and is intended for use with the Lyric Controller and systems that support’s SiX™ series sensors. The Lyric SiXPIR can be programmed and enrolled into the Honeywell Lyric Controller in a very quickly. Once enrolled, the Lyric SiXPIR sensor cannot be used with another security system until it is removed from the current controller because of its Lyric Lock feature. Each SiXPIR has a unique MAC number located on the sticker on the unit.

The Lyric SiXPIR has a 300-foot transmission range which is around 100 feet more than the previous 5800PIR so now you can place your motion sensor in those far away extra bedrooms from the Lyric Controller. SiXPIR has moved to a 2.4ghz operating frequency which provides you with a 128 bit fully encrypted signal to prevent intruders from jamming the RF signals. The Lyric SiXPIR has expanded its detection with a 40 foot x 56-foot detection pattern which has been designed to protect every size room. The SiXPIR has front and back tamper protection, to prevent anyone from tampering with the enclosure. There are LED indicators on the motion sensor for visual sensor notifications. If you have Total Connect services activated, you can also receive text and email notification anytime this occurs.

The Lyric Motion comes with a Panasonic CR12A Lithium battery that can last for 5 years with normal use. Once the Panasonic battery that comes with the SiXPIR has died you can replace it with One 3V lithium battery. Duracell DL123 and Duracell DL123a, Panasonic CR123A, Honeywell 466.

When installing a Honeywell SiXPIR motion sensor there are a few guidelines you should follow and look at if you are troubleshooting. The Lyric Motion sensor should be installed at a mounting height of 7’6″ either wall or corner mounted and allow a clear line-of-sight to all areas protected. Do not directly face a Lyric SiXPIR towards a window as traffic, window shades, or animals outside can set the motion detector off a cause false alarms. Avoid mounting a SixPIR in close proximity to moving machinery, fluorescent lights, and heating/cooling sources. Lastly, the Lyric SiXPIR is for use with pets no greater than 80lbs. In applications with pets mount the SiXPIR sensor with the center at 7.5 feet and where pets can’t come within 6 feet by climbing on furniture, stairs, or boxes. Before your permanently install a SiXPIR make sure that you run a Go/No Go test and determine if the pet immunity will work with your circumstance.

If possible it is always recommended to have at least one Honeywell SiXPIR motion sensor but, if you can’t use this there are other great options that will help solidify your home or business security system. Try to protect all of your door/windows by using one of the Honeywell SiXCT door/window contacts in the event an intruder opens an entry point and separates the magnet from the contact causing the Lyric Controller alarm to go off. Having door/window contacts is usually the most common method of security but, what if someone breaks into your location by breaking your glass door or window? If this is the case, we always recommend backing up your Lyric SiXCT contacts with a Honeywell SiXGB. The Lyric SiXGB works by detecting all UL listed glass break frequencies and sends the signal directly to the Lyric Controller as an alarm signal. A good combination of these devices will set your house apart from other homes especially when you have AlarmClub’s Alarm Monitoring Service that comes with Signs & Stickers as a deterrent.

Honeywell Lyric SiXPIR Frequently Asked Questions

Honeywell Lyric SiXPIR Product Reviews

Honeywell SiX-Series Encrypted Wireless Sensors

Honeywell SiX Technology

The Honeywell Lyric Security System has added a whole new product line of wireless sensors called SiX Series. The SiX line includes a suite of next-generation devices that include a SiXPIR, SiXCT contact, SiXSMOKE detector, SiXGB, two-way SiXFOB and wireless SiXSIREN with LED indicator lights. SiX devices provide key advantages over the previous Honeywell 5800 devices.

The most popular and important advancement to SiX Sensors is its secure encryption. These devices send their supervised signals back to a supported control panel such as the Honeywell Lyric Controller by introducing secure 128 bit encrypted AES signals for a higher level of security. This is accomplished with direct sequence, spread spectrum DSSS, two-way radio utilizing the 2.4GHz RF band. In the 2.4GHz frequency there are 16 channels available for SiX devices and when it registers with a supported alarm control panel, it will automatically determine which frequency channel the panel is operating on. This creates a fluctuation in the reporting signals which enables the encryption.

SiX devices allow for easier DIY installations and maintenance with its easy pull battery tabs, auto enrollment, and no touch adjustment capabilities. SiX is easier to maintain with its addition of the system health check feature. This feature lets the end users monitor their devices signal strength so they know the location of the sensors is sufficient, battery life so one can prepare themselves to replace batteries before they go into a trouble condition, sensor settings to make self-adjustments to the way sensors react.  All of these additions can also be remotely monitored and adjusted by Alarmclub if you are a monitored client.

Lastly, a feature called Lyric Lock has been introduced. Honeywell Lyric Lock works when a SiX device is programmed to a Lyric Controller it can only communicate with that dedicated system until it has been deprogrammed. This is one feature to be cautious about because alarm companies can remotely turn Lyric Lock on to prevent account takeovers by competitors or self-programming. AlarmClub never locks their customers out of the system programming and gives them the option to how they want sensors to be programmed with their systems.