Can I Use Motions with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Yes, you can use motions with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. A wireless motion sensor can be used if it operates at a wireless frequency that is compatible with the daughterboard installed in the system. Hardwired motion sensors will require a compatible wired to wireless converter for the system.

Most users of the IQ Panel 2 use wireless motions with their system. This is because wireless sensors can readily interface with the system, and they are easier to install. When choosing a wireless motion sensor for the IQ Panel 2, make sure that it is compatible with the system.

Sensor compatibility is determined by the daughterboard used with the IQ Panel 2 System. Each daughterboard has an integrated wireless receiver that is designed to accept signals at a particular wireless frequency. The standard daughterboard will make the system compatible with 319.5 MHz wireless motion sensors. This includes any motion sensor from Qolsys or Interlogix/GE. For a more complete list of compatible sensors, we advise reviewing this list.

However, 319.5 MHz sensors can only be used if the IQ Panel 2 is using its standard daughterboard. Qolsys also makes daughterboards for 345 MHz Sensors (legacy Honeywell 5800 Series and 2GIG Sensors), 433 MHz Sensors (legacy DSC Sensors) and 915 MHz (DSC PowerG Sensors). As long as the motion communicates at the compatible wireless frequency for the daughterboard, it will work. The daughterboard for your system is determined by which version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 that you purchased.

It is important to note that Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus daughterboards cannot be easily swapped out. The version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 you purchased will determine which sensors you can use. There is the original Qolsys IQ Panel 2, and there is a newer Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Every original non-plus IQ Panel 2 will have a single 319.5 MHz receiver for adding legacy Qolsys and Interlogix/GE Sensors, as well as Qolsys S-Line Sensors.

If you have a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then your system either has a 319.5 MHz daughtercard (Gold and White Box), a 345 MHz daughtercard (Silver and White Box), or a 433 MHz daughtercard (Red and White Box). In addition, every model of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, regardless of its legacy daughtercard version, will have a second daughtercard that is used for supporting the 915 MHz PowerG Sensors. These sensors are very highly regarded, as they offer a wireless range of up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air and utilize 128-bit AES encryption for security. The original non-plus IQ Panel 2 System can never support these PowerG Sensors.

As for hardwired motion sensors, they can be used with the IQ Panel 2 if a compatible wired to wireless converter is used. The hardwired motion will physically connect with the converter. The converter will then send a wireless signal to the panel on behalf of the hardwired sensor. Again, the converter will need to operate at a frequency that is compatible with the IQ Panel 2 daughterboard. For the standard 319.5 MHz daughterboard, a compatible wired to wireless converter is the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-S. For the 345 MHz daughterboard, the Honeywell 5800C2W is a great option.