Is a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Zigbee Compatible?

Yes, a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is Zigbee compatible. However, its Zigbee functionality is extremely limited. An IQ Card-IS Zigbee daughtercard can be added to the system so that it can support Zigbee Image Sensors. But no other Zigbee devices will be able to be used with the IQ Panel 2.

The purpose of adding an IQ Card-IS to an IQ Panel 2 System is to allow image sensors to be used with the system. An image sensor consists of a camera and a PIR motion sensor. The camera will take a picture whenever the motion sensor is activated. The corresponding image will immediately be sent to Alarm.com, and the user will receive a notification that the picture is available for viewing. The user will then be able to access Alarm.com to view the stored image. The most notable image sensor used with the IQ Panel 2 is the Qolsys QZ8103-840 Image Sensor. This image sensor uses Zigbee wireless communication to communicate with the IQ Panel 2.

But a major limitation of the IQ Card-IS module is that it will take up the PowerG daughtercard slot for the system. If the user has an IQ Panel 2 Plus System with a PowerG daughtercard installed, they would not be able to use image sensors unless they remove the PowerG daughtercard first. Only by removing the PowerG daughtercard can the IQ Card-IS module be installed. In other words, an IQ Panel 2 user must make the choice between using image sensors and using PowerG sensors.

Additionally, the IQ Card-IS will not allow other Zigbee devices, such as lights and thermostats, to be used with the system. The IQ Card-IS is strictly for Zigbee Image Sensors. If a user wants to use smart home devices with the IQ Panel 2 System, they will be better off using Z-Wave devices instead. Every IQ Panel 2 System comes with a built-in Z-Wave controller for this purpose. Z-Wave devices are very easy to enroll and set up with the IQ Panel 2.