DSC PG9938 Posts

Qolsys recently released a Technical Service Bulletin outlining an issue with the IQ2 and IQ2+ panels and PowerG sensors. In some cases, panels that have just installed either firmware version, or panels running these versions that are rebooted, may lose touch with existing PowerG sensors.

The problem, according to Qolsys, is the encryption key. In some rare cases, either during the reboot after the firmware update, or upon rebooting once the firmware update has been applied, the panel's encryption key can be set back to default. Once this occurs, any PowerG devices in the field that have been programmed into the panel will no longer be able to communicate successfully with the panel.

When this situation occurs, a previously working PowerG device will show status on the panel, and on Alarm.com if monitored, of "Not Networked". It may also show an "!" next to the zone's status on the panel's Home Screen. If this condition is allowed to continue for the full supervisory window of the sensor (24-hours for non-life safety sensors, 4-hours for life safety sensors by default) then each affected sensor will go into supervisory failure at the panel and will show a status of Malfunction when viewed through Alarm.com.

If you see this issue on your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 plus system, you'll need to delete ALL PowerG sensors from the panel, and then re-learn them from scratch. By doing so, a new encryption key will be created and shared with each PowerG device. Once this has been done, all devices should begin working normally again. PowerG devices should be reprogrammed from the panel, not from Alarm.com. This way, full functionality can be verified once programming is complete. It would be best to be sure the panel does not reboot again until the next firmware update, which will resolve this issue. Only PowerG devices are affected by this anomaly, any legacy RF devices using the 319.5MHz, 345MHz, or 433MHz frequencies, and any Z-Wave devices should not be affected by this issue.

If you haven't updated to 2.5.3 or 2.5.4 yet, it is recommended that you update locally at the panel, rather than through Alarm.com. You can find information on updating via Patch Tag or MicroSD card on our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware Update Page. Sadly, this won't necessarily prevent this issue from happening, but by being onsite at the time of the update, you'll be able to verify proper PowerG sensor functionality on each of your sensors as soon as the update has completed. According to Qolsys, firmware version 2.5.5 will be released in the near future, though an exact date has not been provided. This version will resolve the root cause of this encryption key issue. Any additional future updates will also include the necessary fix.

If you're interested in no-contract, low-cost monitoring, or if you're an Alarm Grid customer (present or future) with questions, you can reach us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check emails M - F from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Thanks for reading, stay safe!

You have likely heard us talking about the benefits of PowerG Sensors at one point or another. Today, we figured we would break down the benefits of these sensors and explain why we like them so much. Let's take an in-depth look at PowerG Sensors and all of their wonderful benefits.

PowerG Sensors were originally designed for the hardwired DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems. By adding a compatible transceiver unit to your PowerSeries NEO, the system will be able to support PowerG Sensors. Johnson Controls, which you may know as the parent company of DSC, took the technology associated with PowerG Sensors, and brought it over to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This move was not a major surprise, as Johnson Controls also had partial ownership over Qolsys at the time, and Johnson Controls has since bought out Qolsys entirely.

The addition of PowerG support for the IQ2 marked the beginning of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, which is how the system is still marketed and sold today. PowerG support is also available for the DSC Iotega, though that panel has largely flopped due to its lack of local end user programming. Today, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus represents the most popular panel for supporting PowerG. All versions and variants of the IQ Panel 2 Plus support PowerG Sensors, and their exceptional performance makes them the go-to choice for IQ2+ users who want equipment with the best versatility and protection.

Starting with the range, PowerG Sensors can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus when they are used in an open air environment. By open air environment, we are talking about a perfect setting with a direct line of sight, and no obstacles between the sensor and the alarm panel. Most homes and businesses do not provide the ideal, "open air" environment, as there are usually walls and metal appliances present. When you see us mention that 2,000 feet open air range, take that with a grain of salt, because in practice, the range is likely a bit less. But still, we can undoubtedly say that PowerG offers arguably the best wireless range in the security industry. Even if its nominal range isn't quite as far as its "open air range", it is still a very powerful signal that can help you overcome the range issues that other sensor lineups may experience. It is great for use in detached garages, barns, multi-building complexes, and even just large industrial buildings.

To make matters even better, there is also a PowerG Repeater, the PG9920. This device will effectively double the range of any PowerG Sensor and help you overcome range limitations caused by thick walls and other obstacles or signal disruptions. The repeater works by taking the signal sent out from any PowerG Sensor and sending it out a second time with just as much power and force as when it was first sent from the original sensor. By strategically placing the repeater, it's theoretically possible to double the useful wireless range of these sensors. That would mean that they can be used from up to 4,000 feet away from the IQ2+ in an open air environment. And if your building is particularly large, you may even have repeaters going away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus System in different directions, including up and down in building stories above or below.

But PowerG Sensors offer more than just an impressive wireless range. They are also known for their exceptional security. This is thanks to their military grade 128-bit AES encryption. To put this as simply as possible, the PowerG Sensor and the panel share a unique encryption key at the time of pairing. The sensor must provide this encryption key to the panel whenever it transmits a signal. Additionally, the panel must then provide a return response with the encryption key as verification in order for the command to go through. In the past, we have referred to this two-way communication process as a "digital handshake". Because of this encrypted pairing process, a PowerG Sensor actively knows whether or not it is currently paired with a panel. You may need to factory default a PowerG Sensor before you can pair it with a new system.

PowerG Sensors also take proactive measures against RF jamming. When a wireless sensor communicates with an alarm panel, it does so at a certain wireless radio frequency (RF). When we talk about RF jamming, we are referring to any malicious technique that prevents wireless signals from reaching their intended destination. This is accomplished by blocking the receiver with a stronger signal at the same wireless frequency as the device that is legitimately trying to communicate with it. When this is done on an alarm system, the system doesn't receive the incoming signals from faulted sensors, and no action is taken during a security breach or an unfavorable environmental condition. Early wireless sensors did not take this into account, and this made RF jamming an effective way to defeat an older wireless system.

The way that PowerG Sensors overcome RF jamming techniques is through a process called Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). This process involves splitting the RF bandwidth into multiple channels. Each independent channel represents a unique radio frequency for wireless communication to occur. The transmitter (the PowerG Sensor) and the receiver (the alarm panel) both agree on a set of channel hopping sequences that will take place. These sequences are encrypted and time-based for them to occur seamlessly. Since the transmitter and the receiver are both synchronized, they can switch between channels very rapidly. A potential intruder would never be able to re-tun an RF jamming device to keep up. In the case of the PowerG Sensors, the frequency hops occur between 912 MHz and 918 MHz. There are 50 different unique frequency channels that are used, and frequency switches occur 64 times per second. More information on FHSS is available here.

One other benefit of PowerG Sensors that we have never discussed previously is their Adaptive Transmission feature that helps them conserve battery life. This is why you will often see a PowerG Sensor with a very long expected battery life, sometimes more than ten (10) years). Adaptive Transmission involves two-way communication between the PowerG Sensor and the alarm panel. The alarm panel will tell the PowerG Sensor how well its signal is being received. The PowerG Sensor can then adapt its outgoing signal so that it reliably reaches the panel, without expending too much energy. The sensor and the panel regularly exchange this information so that the ideal amount of energy is always used in signal transmissions. This saves battery life in the long run.

We have also found that PowerG Sensors are extremely easy to enroll and they offer the reliable and effective performance that you should expect out of your security system. We wholeheartedly recommend them for use on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, as well as any other compatible alarm system. It is expected that the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub will also be able to utilize PowerG Sensors, so look forward to using PowerG Sensors on that panel once it is available.

For now, if you have any questions about PowerG Sensors or the systems that support them, or if you are interested in signing up for new alarm monitoring service, then please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We'll be available to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Are you looking for a reliable medical alert button for your elderly or mobility-challenged loved one? We have an answer with the Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant. This device will let your loved one live as independently as possible, while still being able to call for help when needed.

We know that having an elderly or mobility-challenged family member or loved one can present a tough dilemma. You want to respect their independence and privacy, but you also want to make sure that they can get help if you're not around. Medical alert buttons represent a good answer to this problem. Your loved one can continue to live on their own, but you will both know that help is available with the press of a button. We are sure that many users can get exactly the results they want with the IQ Fall Pendant.

The IQ Fall Pendant from Qolsys, which is also known as the QS1314-840, includes an attached 18-inch lanyard that is conveniently worn around the neck. Your family member or loved one can adjust the length of this lanyard so that it feels as comfortable as possible. Another convenience is the IP 45 water-resistant rating of the IQ Fall Pendant. This means that it can be safely brought in the bath or shower. Just make sure that it is not fully submerged for an extended period of time.

There are two (2) ways to activate the Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant. The standard method is to press and hold the center button. This button must be held down for a full half-second in order for it to activate. But the device also offers built-in fall detection using its integrated accelerometer. This way, if your family member or loved one experiences a fall and is unable to press the button, the device will still activate and alert the panel because of the rapid acceleration of the fall. As a safety precaution, you should instruct your loved one to always press and hold the center button after a fall. This is to make absolutely sure that the device activates when needed.

The IQ Fall Pendant is a 319.5 MHz medical alert button that was specifically created with the 319.5 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus in mind. But you can really use it with any 319.5 MHz alarm system. This includes the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the Interlogix Alarm Panels. If you have a Resideo Lyric Security Panel or a 2GIG Panel, then you might consider using the 2GIG F1-345, which also offers automatic fall detection. If you have a different 345 MHz system, such as Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel, then the Honeywell 5802WXT is a strong option. Although the 5802WXT doesn't offer fall detection, it is still a reliable medical alert button. And if you have a PowerG-compatible system, then the DSC PG9938 is a strong choice as well.

Regardless of which sensor you choose, you will want to make sure that you have central station monitoring service to accompany the device. This is the only way to ensure that your loved one receives the help that they need during alarm events. A central station monitoring plan will connect your alarm system with a round-the-clock, 24/7 monitoring station for emergency help whenever an alarm occurs. If your loved one triggers an auxiliary medical alarm by activating their help button, a trained dispatcher will know to send help immediately. You can learn more about alarm monitoring by checking our monitoring page.

If you have any questions about the Qolsys IQ Fall Pendant or any of our wireless medical alert buttons, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us for questions is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We make sure to check our email often, and we will reply back to your email at our earliest convenience. Another option is to call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Our planning department will be happy to help you determine the best medical alert button for your needs. And remember that we offer free technical support for all our monitored customers. We look forward to hearing from you!

When most people think of a home alarm system, they picture burglary protection. They might also think of fire protection through the use of connected smoke sensors. But medical monitoring is also a big part of alarm monitoring. This can help the elderly and disabled live more independently

There is a unique challenge that comes with configuring an alarm system for use by a person who is elderly or disabled. The goal is to respect their dignity and privacy, while also ensuring that they will be properly taken care of in the event of an accident. Using a home security system is one of the best ways to achieve this delicate balance. This is largely because of the great features an alarm system offers. Some of these features include the ability for the user to request help, the ability for their loved ones to monitor them and their caretakers, and the overall ease-of-use of these systems.

The type of sensors and equipment that is used with a medical alert alarm system will be slightly different from a standard security system. Sure, you can still have regular security sensors, such as door and window contacts and motion detectors. You will probably also want to set up some life-safety sensors as well. But you will need to add some key devices so that the system achieves medical functionality as well. The key accessor in this care is often a panic switch.

A panic switch is a button that a user can press in the event of a medical emergency. This could be due to a bad fall or a stroke. These devices can certainly mean the difference between life and death in certain situations. Each minute of waiting for help reduces a person's chances of surviving. By keeping a convenient medical alert button on their person at all times, they will be able to call for help quickly in the event that something goes wrong. And when they are doing okay, they will still be able to maintain their privacy.

Many panic switches are wearable, and they can be conveniently kept on the user's person at all times. This is very helpful in the event that the accident occurs in a location where they couldn't otherwise reach the phone or call out to anyone else. Some are even water-resistant so that they can be brought into the bath or shower. Of course, any wireless panic button you use will need to communicate at a wireless frequency that is compatible with the alarm system that is being used. Some of the best personal panic switch available include the Honeywell 5802WXT-2 Dual Button Medical Alert, the Interlogix TX-4200-01-1 Wireless Personal Panic Device and the DSC PG9938 PowerG Wireless Panic Key.

Another great option is to install security cameras. These devices are used for more than just detecting criminal activity. They are also excellent for keeping an eye on your loved ones. This way, you can discretely check-in at any time and make sure they are doing alright. If they are unresponsive or in danger, you can call 911 immediately so that they get the help they need. One of the best aspects of security cameras is the fact that they can be accessed from essentially anywhere. This is possible using the mobile app for an interactive service on an Android or iOS device, including a smart phone. Two of the most popular interactive services available are Total Connect 2.0 and Alarm.com.

Finally, you should make sure that your loved ones and their caretakers know how to use the security system. Not knowing how to use the panel should never be an excuse for not being able to seek out help if it is needed. Make sure your loved one and their caretaker remember a valid user code that they can use to get in and out if needed. If remembering a code is a problem, you can provide them with a personal key fob for arming and disarming. These devices are great because they can often double as a panic switch. You can even assign a key fob to a guest user code to limit the access that a caretaker has to the property when they are off-duty. The Honeywell 5834-4 is a great key fob for this purpose.

Also make sure that your loved one knows how to activate their personal panic switch in the event of an emergency. There are many cases where elderly or disabled are unable to seek help because they don't know or forget how their medical alert button works. If you are afraid that your loved one might activate the button accidentally, you can ask a central monitoring station to try and call you or your loved one first before sending out automatic emergency medical dispatch. Taking just a few moments to review the proper operation of a key fob can be very important for keeping your loved one safe and sound.

Keep your loved one safe with a medical alert home security system from Alarm Grid. We are proud to help many people live more independent and fulfilling lives. If you have any questions, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also invite you to check out our monitoring page for more information about our services.