What To Expect From Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Update 4.6.1
Posted By Julia RossQolsys IQ4 software version 4.6.1 is set to drop on June 9, and it's a BIG update. From support for PowerG+, including the new PowerG+/Z-Wave touchscreen door lock, to the all-new water tile, we're going to discuss what you can expect from this huge software update. Come, let's get into it!
The plan is for this software to be posted on June 9, 2025. That could change, but I would be surprised if it does. That doesn't mean that you'll be able to go to Menu > Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer or Dealer Code (1111, 2222 respectively, by default) > Upgrade Software > Upgrade Using Network and the panel will go out there and find 4.6.1 and install it.
When a new version is released, particularly a large one like this, it's usually only available by entering a Patch Tag at the panel, or by pushing it over-the-air through Alarm.com. This kind of slow rollout allows the update to be further vetted, making sure there are no previously unnoticed issues that need to be corrected. After the software has been out for a little while, it will be available for a blind upgrade, as described in the previous paragraph.
New Features in 4.6.1
Support for PowerG+ Devices and Features:
The following new PowerG+ sensors will be supported. This link has product images and links. The links below are for the specification sheets:
- PGP9303 - Vanishing Door/Window Sensor
- PGP9945E - Door/Window Sensor with Aux Input
- PGP9914 - Indoor PIR
- PGP9922 - Glass Break Sensor
- PGP9920 - Repeater
- PGP9934P - Indoor Cam PIR
- PGP9976 - Smoke Detector
- PGP9986 - Water Tile
- PGPIOX - PowerG+ Input/Output Module (PGM)
- PowerG+ 3-Way Switch and Dimmer
In addition to the list of newly supported devices, there are also features associated with PowerG+ that will only be supported in 4.6.1+. One such feature is Dealer Lockdown, which allows an alarm dealer to lock a PowerG+ sensor to their unique dealer code. This prevents another dealer from simply taking and reusing that sensor with a different panel. While this offers a significant level of control for traditional security companies, it doesn't really affect Alarm Grid customers.
Another addition for PowerG+ devices is battery level reporting to Alarm.com. This feature allows alarm dealers to view the battery status of all PowerG+ sensors on a system at a glance. This insight enables dealers to efficiently schedule service calls, replacing multiple low batteries in a single visit rather than making separate trips for each individual alert. This is a powerful operational benefit for traditional alarm companies, streamlining their maintenance processes.
Alarm Grid customers probably won't notice this feature, unless they're working with tech support on an issue for a PowerG sensor. Customers can always view battery status for compatible PowerG devices through the panel by going to "System Tests > PowerG Test" in the "Advanced Settings" menu. You can access this option using the Installer Code/Dealer Code/Master Code (1111, 2222, 1234, respectively, by default).
And finally, support for a maintenance warning for the new PGP9976 Smoke Detector is added in Software 4.6.1. Photoelectric smoke detectors have a sensing chamber with a photo sensor. Generally speaking, when smoke enters the chamber, it causes light to refract, hitting the photo sensor and causing an alarm. Over time, dust, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris can get into the sensing chamber, causing false alarms. The smoke detector can sense when this is happening and notify the panel, letting you know you need to clean the sensing chamber.
Additional New Features (Not Associated with PowerG+):
- Video Events to Panel: Analytic video event thumbnails, and annunciation of these events, can now be displayed on, and announced by, the IQ Panel 4 and IQ4 Hub. This means, based on your settings, you can receive an audible/visual notification with an image thumbnail directly on the panel. You'll be able to tell immediately if it's a person, a package drop-off, an animal, etc. based on the type of camera and the analytics rule configuration.
- Ambient Temperature Display: Now, the Dealer, Installer, or Admin user can select up to two (2) compatible PowerG/PowerG+ devices to show their ambient temperature on the Panel UI and Weather Clock.
- Silent Disarming: Now, when the system is armed Stay, users will see a "Silent Disarming" option on the panel UI. So, when you come home after working the night shift, you can enter and disarm without disturbing those who are still asleep.
- Mute Life-Safety Trouble Sounds: An option has been added to allow life-safety trouble sounds to be muted while the panel is in NightTime mode. Once the panel returns to regular operation, the trouble sounds will be annunciated.
- Support for Dark Mode on IQ Remote PG: Configurable per remote touchscreen. Hopefully, the option to have the panel and touchscreens follow Sunset/Sunrise and switch automatically will be in a future release.
- Adjust the order of Devices in the Lighting Screen: Users with a long list of automated lighting devices can now drag the most commonly used devices to the top of the list. This prevents having to scroll and search for them each time you want to control them manually.
- User Bypass Attribute: When creating a user code via the panel user interface, you can now select whether or not this user is allowed to bypass zones in order to arm. This feature requires that "Secure Arming" be enabled. Secure arming disables quick arming and requires a user code for every arming.
- Ecobee Thermostat Support: Ecobee thermostats that work with Alarm.com can now also be seen/controlled through the IQ panel UI.
This isn't everything included in this build, but it highlights what I believe are some of the more exciting additions. When the release notes become available, we'll post them to the site and update this post. There are a few bug fixes, and minor updates as well. The shade icon has been updated. The user interface for dimming lights has been improved. The Z-Wave firmware for the panel is updated from V7.15 to V7.18, improving performance for large networks.
This will be the base build for the new Qolsys IQ Panel 5 lineup, which will debut some time later in the year. Following the format set forth by the IQ4 lineup, there will be a Qolsys IQ5NS, IQ5 Hub, and IQ Panel 5, adhering to the "Good, Better, Best" philosophy. We'll have more on these new panels as information seeps out.