Helpful Tip for Enrolling PowerG Sensors with IQ Panel 2 Plus

Hi DIYers! We've heard many reports that end users were having a tough time auto-enrolling their DSC PowerG Wireless Sensors with their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. After doing some of our own research, we've found that it is possible. In this quick and easy post, we will show you how.

PowerG Sensors are somewhat unique because they don't learn-in with an IQ Panel 2 Plus by removing a tamper cover or by faulting the sensor. Each PowerG device actually has an enrollment button that is used for enrollment. But even then, this button isn't just simply pressed and held. It has to be activated in a very specific manner for the sensor to learn in.

First, you must locate the enrollment button on the PowerG Sensor. The location of this button can vary greatly between different pieces of equipment. For a key fob or panic button, the enrollment button is usually one of the primary inputs. But another sensor may have its enrollment button on its main board or beneath the battery cover. We recommend referring to the sensor's Installation manual for more information on where this button is located.

The picture below shows the enrollment button on a DSC PG9944 Outdoor Image Sensor. Notice how it is underneath the back cover next to the batteries.

Please keep in mind that the location of this button will vary between different sensors. Once you have located the button, put the IQ Panel 2 Plus System into its auto-enrollment mode like you would for any other sensor. You can access this mode by pressing the small grey bar at the top of the screen and choosing Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Installation > Devices > Security Sensors > Auto Learn Sensor.

From there, press and hold the enrollment button on the sensor. An LED light on the sensor should appear and then disappear. Keep holding down the button, and do not let it go. After a brief moment, the LED light should appear a second time. Release the button while the light is still illuminated in this second cycle. If performed successfully, the sensor should transmit a signal to the IQ Panel 2 Plus. The system should recognize the signal and learn-in the sensor. You can then proceed to adjust the programming settings for the zone.

Please note that there are some PowerG Sensors that require three (3) LED light cycles for auto-enrollment. For these sensors, try holding down the enrollment button. An LED light should appear. Continue to hold the button. The light will go out, and then a rapidly blinking LED light will appear. Again, continue to hold. Then a third LED light will appear. Release the button when this third LED light cycle begins. The device should auto-enroll. An example of a PowerG Sensor that uses this third cycle enrollment process is the PowerG Flood Sensor. We recommend trying this three cycle process if the regular two cycle process does not work.

We have also encountered some PowerG Sensors that enroll during the first LED light cycle. If that is the case, press and hold the enrollment button until the first LED light appears. Then release the button with the LED light still illuminated. The device should auto-enroll. This is also something to try if you are having repeated trouble enrolling a PowerG Sensor. One sensor where we encountered this is the PowerG Curtain Motion Sensor. Again, a single LED cycle is something to try if you are experiencing repeated problems enrolling a new PowerG Sensor.

We feel this helpful tip should make it easier for end users to enroll their PowerG Sensors without additional assistance. Remember, this is only for Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems that have a PowerG daughtercard installed and operating properly. If you're a monitored customer with additional questions, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you!