How Do I Connect My Qolsys IQ Panel 4 with Monitoring?

To monitor the IQ Panel 4, choose an authorized Alarm.com service provider, like Alarm Grid. The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 comes with both a dual-band WIFI and an LTE Cellular module pre-installed. It can only communicate through Alarm.com. A user can choose either self or central station monitoring.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is an innovative panel that features an 8-core processor. It has a 7" capacitive glass, multi-touch, color display. It is available in two (2) colors, black or white. It comes with built-in Z-Wave Plus V2, Bluetooth, Dual-Band WIFI, PowerG, and LTE Cellular modules. You may opt for either a Verizon or AT&T LTE cellular communicator. In addition to the panel color and the cellular carrier, users can choose either a 345 MHz Honeywell or 2GIG compatible, 319.5 MHz Qolsys or Interlogix GE compatible, or 433 MHz legacy DSC compatible model. These legacy receivers support older wireless sensors that are already installed and still work. The IQ Panel 4 uses Alarm.com interactive remote services. Alarm.com requires the monitored panel to have an activated cellular connection.

To connect your IQ Panel 4 with monitoring follow these steps:

1. Choose a plan. It is first important to understand, what is a monitored alarm system? Once you understand the basics of monitoring, you can choose what type of monitored system is best for you. Alarm Grid's monitoring plans can be either a self-monitored plan, or a central station monitored plan. In every case, all monitoring plans will use Alarm.com to transport signals. There is no right or wrong answer here, choose the option that best serves your needs. Alarm.com requires cellular communication, so for Alarm Grid customers a Gold (Self or Full), or a Platinum (Self or Full) level plan is required. The Platinum level plans support the use of Alarm.com cameras. For those who are looking for a no-frills, straightforward central station monitoring plan, we also offer Cellular Alarm Monitoring.

When deciding on a plan, it is important to note, that many home insurance companies will offer a discount on your home insurance policy if you have a verified central station monitored plan. Many will require you to submit a Certificate of Alarm (CoA). See our article to learn how to request a CoA if you are an Alarm Grid customer with a full Central Station plan. Many times this discount may more than make up for the difference in plan pricing. Please contact your home insurer to inquire about specific details and discount amounts.

2. Sign up for service. After weighing all the options and deciding on a plan, this step will get the ball rolling, so to speak. When signing up for Alarm Grid service, under the plan of your choice, click the "Sign Up" button. This step will prompt for an address and credit card payment information. Your card will not be charged until your service is activated. The IQ Panel 4 qualifies for Alarm Grid's automated activation service. This is a very simple process for self-monitored plans. This means as long as you enter all the information correctly during sign up, and your panel is powered up and ready, then your account will automatically be activated and you will be up and running soon after signing up.

One of the most important pieces of information you will be providing is the system's IMEI number. This is found on the box your system came in, or on the very back of the backplate. The part of the panel that would sit against the wall if mounted. If the panel has already been mounted, then you can find the IMEI number through the panel's menu. This is done by touching the small grey bar at the top of the home screen. Choose Settings, then Advanced Settings. You will now need to provide a valid user code. You can enter the Master Code (default 1234), Installer Code (default 1111), or Dealer Code (default 2222). Choose the About menu, then tap on Cellular. If necessary, scroll down in the sub-menu until the IMEI is displayed.

3. Set an appointment. If you choose a full central station monitored plan, then you will be offered the option to set an appointment. Choose a time slot that best fits your schedule. Then be sure to make a reminder on your phone, so you will be ready for the appointment. For self-monitored plans, the appointment is optional and usually not necessary. If you need a little more assistance getting the system up and running, then you can set an appointment time.

4. Activate the system. For those self-monitoring sign-ups that do not need extra assistance, a team member will finalize the setup at our end and send you an email to wrap up the activation. For full-monitoring customers, portions of the activation process may be automated, but we'll still need to speak with you to be sure all of the central station information is entered correctly, and to test your system to be sure it is communicating successfully. Activation appointments are allotted one (1) hour. This is usually enough time to get the monitoring configuration completed. If you need more than one (1) hour, your activator will determine the next steps and whether another appointment is necessary.

No matter which monitoring option you choose for your monitoring plan, once activated you will gain access to Alarm.com. Alarm.com is a premier interactive service. It allows users to control their alarm system, not just locally, but also remotely. It provides local and remote access to automation devices, cameras (when Platinum plan is selected), and to the panel itself. You can manage users and set up email, push, and text notifications to alert you when various panel events occur. Alarm.com can be accessed via an app on a mobile device or a web browser on a computer. The Alarm.com mobile app is available in the iOS and Android app stores. On a computer, navigate to alarm.com to log into the website.