Can a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 be Self-Monitored?

Yes, a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can be self-monitored. In order to do this, the system must be set up with the Alarm.com interactive service. Alarm.com will send the user a text or email alert whenever there is a system event. To work with Alarm.com, the panel needs an active cellular connection.

Self-monitoring refers to a special type of alarm monitoring, in which the system is not connected with a central monitoring station. Instead, the end user will receive text and/or email alerts regarding any system events. From there, it is up to them to contact the authorities or any other type of help that is needed. Automatic emergency dispatch is not possible with self-monitoring. Many users prefer self-monitoring, since they feel confident in their ability to quickly respond to any system notifications that they receive.

When self-monitoring is used, the alarm system sends outbound alerts to an interactive service platform. The interactive service then forwards these alerts to the end user in the form of a text message or email. The user will receive these alerts, and they will contact emergency help if needed. In the case of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, the system will connect with the Alarm.com interactive service. So to use self-monitoring with the IQ Panel 2, the system must be connected with the Alarm.com service.

Alarm.com requires any connected system to maintain an active cellular connection. Luckily, the IQ Panel 2 System comes with a built-in cellular communicator for this purpose. Both AT&T and Verizon versions of the system are available, and the user should select whichever cellular network works better in their area. Cellular communication is also great for systems in general, since it is extremely reliable, and it offers speeds that are right on par with WIFI. In fact, most security experts view cellular connectivity to be the optimal communication path for an alarm system. In order to receive cellular service, the user will need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity. For Alarm Grid customers, these are the Gold and Platinum plans. There are self-monitoring versions of both these plans, appropriately named Self-Gold and Self-Platinum. We encourage customers to check out our monitoring page for more information.