Qolsys IQ Remote
IQ Panel 2 remote touchscreen keypad
This product is not sold by Alarm Grid at this time. As an alternative, we recommend:
Description
Important Note: Now that the IQ Remote has been discontinued, if you have an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus panel that is working with an IQ-Remote that stops working, the IQ Remote PowerG is NOT compatible with either version of the IQ Panel 2. You will need to either replace the panel with an IQ Panel 4 or IQ4 Hub (not IQ4 NS, it is not compatible) and then purchase an IQ Remote PowerG, find a working IQ-Remote somewhere, or continue to use the IQ Panel 2 without a secondary touchscreen keypad. Another alternative would be to add the PowerG Wired to Wireless converter, and then use a compatible wired keypad connected through that module.
Important Note: Prior to adding the IQ Remote to any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 plus, be sure the panel is on the latest available firmware version. Failure to update the IQ 2 or IQ2 plus prior to adding the IQ Remote may result in the remote keypad becoming unusable. Read this post for details.
The IQ Remote allows users an additional way to arm and disarm the panel without relying on the smartphone app or manually selecting an action on the IQ Panel 2 itself. The remote also offers features that aren’t available on the app such as chimes, emergency panics, and a siren. The IQ Remote requires firmware revision 2.1.0 or higher on the IQ2 control panel. Failure to update the firmware to 2.1.0+ on the IQ2 before pairing the IQ remote will damage the keypad and require replacement. Alarm.com offers over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates for the IQ2 so remember to ask your alarm company before pairing this device to your control panel.
Just like with the IQ Panel device, the remote device's software automatically upgrades as soon as updates are available. The device is easy to use and can be used in any part of the house or building that is protected by the IQ Panel 2. This remote is a “must-have” and offers added security and control for any user of the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2+.
The newest version of this product features a built-in 5MP camera that is in the top center of the unit. This matches the IQ Panel 2 itself, which has a built-in camera in the same location. The original IQ Remote featured a built-in camera, but it was located in the upper right corner of the unit.
The Slideshow Digital Picture Frame feature has been removed in the initial release of this product. Unlike the first generation IQ Remote, this unit does not have a MicroSD card slot, to allow a user to load pictures. It's possible this feature may be added back in with later firmware releases. If this occurs, the IQ Remote will receive its images from the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or 2+ Plus via WIFI.
Benefits of Owning an IQ Remote
If you already use the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2+ on a daily basis and control all the settings from your smartphone and have even enabled the Bluetooth to disarm your system, you may wonder why you might benefit from owning an IQ Remote.
Do you live in a big house, own a large office building, or just want to feel added security and control in your bedroom or a different part of your home? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, an IQ Remote might be a great investment. Better yet, you can connect up to 3 remotes to the IQ Panel 2 or 2+ device.
Placing a secondary tablet in the master bedroom or in another part of your work complex can make checking your security and controlling your thermostat or lights that much easier. Maybe your smartphone isn’t handy, or you don’t want to walk to where the main panel is located.
Sometimes your phone goes missing, or you are too tired to go downstairs and activate your IQ Panel, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little added security and a backup device?
A Closer Look at the IQ Remote
The IQ Remote does all the things that the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2+ does as it’s directly connected to the panel through the WIFI and the built-in router. This connection remains private and secure. The remote mirrors some of the same alerts as the main panel, such as chimes, to indicate that a door or window is open or that someone is at the door.
Like the IQ Panel, the remote has an emergency panic option which is easily accessible from the home screen. This feature can be lifesaving and come in handy if you have been injured and need medical attention or have become trapped in an area of your home due to a fire. You can select the appropriate type of help (i.e., police or fire) and get assistance immediately.
Similar to your IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2+, the IQ remote is easy to navigate through finger touches, swipes and scrolling. Swipe down to access settings and swipe left to dismiss a page (or go back). Your message center, which is much like the “mail” icon on your smartphone has tutorials, contact information, and messages/alerts/alarms.
The IQ Remote allows specific users, such as the Master, to maintain control of specific settings to ensure security and peak performance.
IQ Remote Specifications
The seven-inch LCD touchscreen is nearly identical to the IQ Panel device, which makes it easy and convenient to use since you won't waste time trying to figure out how it works. The dimensions are 4.25" H x 7.5" W x .33" D and the power supply has an Input 100-240VAC 0.3A, Output 5V 2000mA. Primary power for the IQ Remote is provided from a convenient plug-in transformer with a fixed cable length. Connect the cable into the small port on the back of the IQ Remote, and plug the transformer end into a standard wall outlet. Like the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2+, it is a “tool-less” design, which makes it more portable and easy to use immediately.
One serious drawback of the Qolsys IQ Remote is that its rechargeable battery is non-replaceable. This battery is what allows the IQ Remote Keypad to remain powered on when there is an electrical outage or if the transformer comes unplugged from the outlet or is disconnected from the keypad. Like any rechargeable battery, the one on the Qolsys IQ Remote has a limited useful life, and it will one day lose its ability to store a charge. According to Qolsys, the battery should last for "quite some time", with most estimates suggesting a useful life of about 10 years. But once the battery does fail, then it's a serious problem, because you cannot swap it out with a fresh one. You either have to live with a Qolsys IQ Remote Keypad that constantly shows low battery trouble and will power down immediately upon being unplugged or the power going out, or you have to replace the entire keypad. While most aspects of the IQ Remote are quite good, this is a very unfortunate downside, and it's something that you should be aware of if you decide to purchase this device.
Connecting the Remote to WiFi
The remote pairs with the IQ Panel over a secure WIFI network and must be connected to the same network as the panel before it can be added to the system; you will be prompted to enable and connect to the WIFI network upon intial power up of the IQ Remote. For full instructions on how to set up the Qolsys IQ Remote, read the instructions here.
Brand: Qolsys