Is a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Z-Wave Compatible?

Yes, a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is compatible with Z-Wave. The system features an integrated Z-Wave Plus controller for operating Z-Wave home automation devices. The panel will support up to 119 different Z-Wave devices. They can be controlled from the panel itself or through Alarm.com.

Z-Wave refers to a type of wireless communication protocol, that is most commonly used for home automation devices. What makes a Z-Wave device unique is that it can be controlled wirelessly. A Z-Wave controller will send wireless signals to the Z-Wave device so that it can be operated. Since the IQ Panel 2 includes a Z-Wave Plus controller, the system can be used to control Z-Wave devices. The system will support up to 80 lights, 6 door locks, 6 thermostats, 6 garage doors and 21 "other" devices, for a total of 119 different Z-Wave devices.

Most Z-Wave control can be done directly from the IQ Panel 2 itself. When doing this, the IQ Panel 2 will send a command signal to the Z-Wave device so that it can function. The current status of the Z-Wave device will also be displayed on the system. And if the user has an IQ Remote external touchscreen keypad, they can maintain multiple on-site access points for their Z-Wave devices. Up to 3 different IQ Remote devices can be programmed with the IQ Panel 2, for a total of 4 different on-site access points.

A user can also access Alarm.com to control their Z-Wave devices. This can be done using a web browser or from the Alarm.com Mobile App. When doing this, Alarm.com will send a command signal to the Z-Wave controller in the IQ Panel 2, which will then relay the signal to the actual Z-Wave device. The Alarm.com Mobile App is particularly useful, since it allows users to control their Z-Wave devices from virtually anywhere.

Alarm.com can also be used to set up rules and scenes for Z-Wave devices. This will allow the devices to activate automatically based on a schedule or with certain pre-determined system events. For example, a user might have their Z-Wave lights and thermostats turn off at 8:00am when they leave for work and then automatically turn back on when they return home at 6:00pm. Or a user might have the lights turn on when they walk into a room and activate a motion sensor. This feature can be very cool to show off to others, and it can help a user save money on their energy bills.

Update: There has since been a firmware update to the IQ2 that allows it to support up to ten (10) garage door controllers.