How Do I Program Z Wave Devices To A Qolsys IQ Panel 4?

You can add a Z-Wave device to the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 by clearing the device from the network, putting the system into its Z-Wave enrollment mode, and finally activating the inclusion function on the Z-Wave device. The settings for the Z-Wave device can then be adjusted as needed.

The IQ Panel 4 has a built-in dual-band WIFI module. In addition, either a Verizon or AT&T LTE Cellular Communicator is permanently installed on the main board. It has a 7" capacitive multi-touch touchscreen and supports 128 zones and 242 users with one (1) Dealer Code, one (1) Installer Code, and 240 users with the role of Master, User, Guest, or Duress applied to each.

For automation, the IQ Panel 4 has a Z-Wave 700-Series chip, referred to as Z-Wave Plus V2. As always, newer Z-Wave controllers are backward compatible with older Z-Wave devices. Meaning that if you have existing Z-Wave, or Z-Wave Plus (500-Series) devices already installed, they should still work with the IQ Panel 4, although mixing older and newer devices on the same network comes with some drawbacks.

With the 700-Series Z-Wave Plus V2 controller built-in, up to 137 Z-Wave, Z-Wave Plus, and Z-Wave Plus V2 devices can be integrated with the system, including Lights, Locks, Thermostats, Water Valves, and Relays. When installing new Z-Wave devices, choose devices with the latest Z-Wave version that is supported by the controller whenever possible. Doing so will provide the best possible experience for the user. Older and newer Z-Wave devices can be mixed on the same network, as long as the user is aware of the limitations that will come with such a setup.

Follow the steps below to add a Z-Wave device to the Qolsys IQ Panel 4.

1. Clear the device. All Z-Wave devices should be cleared from the network before being added. This will help to ensure that they function properly. To clear a Z-Wave device from the IQ Panel 4, start by pressing the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Then choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code or Dealer Code (defaults are 1111 or 2222 respectively) > Installation > Devices > Z-Wave Devices > Clear Device. The panel will now be in its exclusion mode for clearing.

To clear the Z-Wave device, activate the device's inclusion function while the panel is in its exclusion mode. Many Z-Wave devices have a button for this purpose. But others may need a different type of action performed. Check the manual for the Z-Wave device for more information. When clearing multiple devices, always start with the furthest device out and work your way in toward the panel. This will ensure you don't affect a device's path to communicate with the controller. At times, you may still need to bring the Z-Wave device close to the IQ Panel 4 in order for the command to go through successfully. The panel will display a message once the device has been successfully cleared. Click "OK" to continue.

2. Include the device. After clearing the device, press the "Add Device" button on the IQ Panel 4. Then press "Include". This will put the panel in its inclusion mode. Then activate the inclusion function on the Z-Wave device. This could be the same action that was completed in Step 1, but see the device's manual for specifics. Remember, the Z-Wave device may need to be brought closer to the panel to complete this step. The panel will display a message once it has recognized a new device.

3. Configure the settings. The panel will then allow you to configure any relevant settings for the Z-Wave device. This usually includes naming the device for easy recognition later. Press "Add" when finished. This will add the device to the Z-Wave network. If you are finished adding devices, press the picture of the house at the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.

4. Test the device. If not already completed, install the Z-Wave device, making sure that it is within range of the Z-Wave mesh network. Note: If you have to bring the device closer to enroll, after installing it in its final location, you should perform a rediscover network action. This allows the IQ4 to remap the entire Z-Wave network and ensure proper communication with all devices. Next, return to the IQ Panel 4 home screen. Swipe left on the main screen until you reach a menu with the particular type of Z-Wave device (e.g. lights, locks, etc.) you've added. Then locate the specific device you enrolled and named earlier. Click on it to make sure that the device responds properly.