Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Verizon LTE, DSC Compatible

One of the best security panels on the market today is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This is a wireless all-in-one panel that provides reliable alarm monitoring for a home or business. This version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus supports DSC PowerG 915 MHz Sensors and legacy DSC 433 MHz Sensors.

There are many reasons why the IQ Panel 2 Plus is considered to be one of the leading alarm systems that is currently available. One of the biggest selling points is its ability to work with the ultra-powerful PowerG Sensors. These 915 MHz wireless sensors can be used from a maximum distance of 2,000 feet away from the panel in open air. If that's not enough, a wireless repeater can be added to increase the max distance to 4,000 feet. These sensors also utilize 128-bit AES encryption for added protection and security. We have found that the PowerG Sensors are some of the best in the entire industry.

This IQ Panel 2 Plus model also includes a 433 MHz daughtercard that allows the system to support legacy DSC 433 MHz Sensors. This is great for users with existing 433 MHz sensors who want to integrate these devices into their newer security system. For users with existing sensors that operate at a different frequency, Qolsys also offers versions of this system with support for 319.5 MHz Qolsys and Interlogix/GE Sensors and support for 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series and 2GIG Sensors. Please note that the system supports a total of up to 128 wireless zones.

Another great feature of the IQ Panel 2 Plus is the built-in cellular communicator. This version comes with a Verizon LTE Communicator. There is also a version of this system that comes with an AT&T LTE Communicator. Whether a user should get the Verizon LTE or AT&T LTE version has nothing to do with their regular cellular service. The user should get the commmunicator for whichever service works better in their area. Both cellular radios will allow the system to work with the Alarm.com interactive service platform. This service can be accessed by the user at any time to arm and disarm their system, control Z-Wave smart home devices, check the current system status and more. These actions can be performed from a web browser or remotely through the Alarm.com Mobile App. In addition to the cellular communicator, the system also includes an integrated WIFI card. This gives it dual-path functionality right out of the box. All the user needs is an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular communication.

Speaking of Z-Wave control, Qolsys has included a Z-Wave Plus controller in the IQ Panel 2 Plus. Z-Wave Plus is the 5th generation of Z-Wave, and it provides a further range than the classic Z-Wave protocol. Classic Z-Wave devices can also be used with the system, but they won't experience the extended range of Z-Wave Plus. Remember, you can extend the range of Z-Wave devices by having the signal "hop" through other Z-Wave devices and establishing a strong interconnected mesh network. Up to four hops can be used with a single Z-Wave device. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can support up to a total of 232 Z-Wave classic and/or Z-Wave Plus devices. These smart home devices can be controlled both from Alarm.com and from the panel itself.

Qolsys also improved the function of the IQ Panel 2 Plus for use with Alarm.com Security Cameras. This system allows users to view the live feed for the cameras directly from the panel itself. The system's 7-inch HD display screen is excellent for this purpose. If the camera supports two-way audio, the user will be able to have a real-time conversation with whoever is standing in front of the camera. Qolsys has also added compatibility with the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras so that users can see who is at their door by checking their IQ Panel 2 Plus System. Of course, users can also do this through the Alarm.com service.

Other features for the IQ Panel 2 Plus are its easy installation wizard setup, a built-in 5MP camera, an integrated glass break sensor and a responsive full-color touchscreen. Users also appreciate the system's sleek and modern design that fits-in well with almost any decor. Overall, this is a tremendous system for any new user looking to get started with one of the best wireless alarm panels available.

Note: The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus has a smaller antenna than the DSC PowerSeries Neo Panels. As a result, it can only support DSC PowerG 915 MHz Sensors from a maximum distance of 2,000 feet away in open air. This is considerably shorter than the maximum open air range of 2 kilometers when these sensors are used with a DSC PowerSeries Neo System. Please keep this in mind when planning a security system. If you need to extend the range, a wireless repeater can be used.

Note: Firmware update 2.3.0 or higher is required to use the PowerG Image Sensor with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. The PowerG Image Sensor will store 10 images locally on the IQ Panel 2 Plus when activated. It will also send a single image to Alarm.com for remote viewing. No additional hardware is needed to use the PowerG Image Sensor, just the firmware update. Qolsys also offers their own Alarm.com Image Sensor. Both the PowerG Image Sensor and the Qolsys Image Sensor can be purchased separately. In order to use the Qolsys Image Sensor, a user will also need the appropriate image sensor daughtercard. This image sensor daughtercard uses the same antenna slot as the PowerG daughtercard. As a result, it is not feasible to use both PowerG Sensors and Qolsys Image Sensors on an IQ Panel 2 System at the same time. Any user who wants to use PowerG Sensors should obtain a PowerG Image Sensor instead of a Qolsys Image Sensor. If a user does not want to use PowerG Sensors, they are better off getting an original IQ Panel 2. There's no reason to pay extra for PowerG compatibility if the PowerG daughtercard is just going to be removed. Keep in mind though that the original IQ Panel 2 will only be able to support 319.5 MHz sensors.

Note: The IQ Panel 2 Plus supports up to 152 total Z-Wave devices for local Z-Wave control. There is also a smaller limit for different types of Z-Wave devices. The individual limit for each Z-Wave device type must be manually increased within Installer/Dealer Level Programming. Please also note that Alarm.com has its own smaller limit of 122 total Z-Wave devices for remote operation and use with smart scenes. More information on Alarm.com Z-Wave limits can be found in this FAQ.

The breakdown for the maximum allowed of each device type for local control, is shown in the table below. If you want more information on adjusting IQ2+ Z-Wave device limits, please check this other FAQ.

Note: Please see the following table for the complete device limits for the IQ Panel 2 Plus: