Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Buying Guide

By Michael Goris

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is one of the most popular security systems available today. It offers some innovative features that complement alarm monitoring service, and it is very easy for new users to learn and master. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the IQ2+.

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The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is a wireless, all-in-one security panel with a 7-inch touchscreen display and an integrated 5 MP camera for taking disarm photos. The on-screen menus are easily swiped through, much in the same way that you would use a smartphone or a tablet. This is a sleek and modern security system that you will be proud to display inside your home or business. You can even set up the system to function as a digital picture frame for an added personalized touch.

This system goes above and beyond in terms of supported features. All Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems include 128 wireless zones for adding external sensors, integrated WIFI and cellular communication, Z-Wave Plus technology for home automation, automatic Bluetooth disarming, partitioning support, connectivity with Alarm.com, the ability to live-stream compatible Alarm.com Cameras, integrated glass break and motion detection, one-touch panic buttons, and more.

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Versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

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One of the first things you will likely notice when researching the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is that it is available in three (3) different frequencies and two (2) different cellular carriers. When you multiply 3 by 2, you get 6, which explains why there are six (6) different versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. So which version should you get?

Let's start with the frequency. This determines which types of wireless sensors can be used with the system. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is available in 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, and 433 MHz. Depending on the version you choose, different sensors will be compatible with your system. If you have older wireless sensors installed, then you would want to choose the version that will support your existing sensors. For reference, 319.5 MHz is usually associated with old Qolsys and Interlogix or GE Wireless Sensors, 345 MHz is usually associated with old Honeywell and 2GIG Wireless Sensors, and 433 MHz is usually associated with old DSC Wireless Sensors.

But let's say that you are starting from scratch and don't have any existing sensors, or maybe you are upgrading from a hardwired system and up until now you only use wired sensors, not wireless ones. If that is the case, then it really doesn't matter which frequency version you choose. You can simply build around that frequency and find new sensors from compatible product lineups. Most users in this situation will choose the 319.5 MHz version simply because it is the least expensive. The 345 MHz version is fairly popular in its own right, due to the sheer prevalence of Honeywell 5800 Sensors that use the frequency. The 433 MHz version is the least common because DSC 433 MHz sensors are used less frequently. If you are looking to bring over hardwired sensors to an IQ Panel 2 Plus, then the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is good for the 319.5 MHz version, and the Honeywell 5800C2W is good for the 345 MHz version.

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As a side note, all versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can also support DSC PowerG Sensors. These offer the best wireless range as well as encryption when compared with every other compatible wireless sensor for the system. Many users will just get the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus and use exclusively DSC PowerG Sensors. Of course, you can mix & match DSC PowerG Sensors with sensors that use whatever legacy frequency you are using (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz).

If you aren't sure which types of sensors to get, we have some of the most popular types listed below. You can find these sensors in virtually any frequency, so you can easily build around your IQ Panel 2 Plus. PowerG variants are available for all of these sensor types as well.

Door and Window Contacts - Alert the system to an open door or window.
Motion Sensors - Alert the system to movement in a specific area.
Glass Break Detectors - Alert the system to a smashed window or glass casing.
Smoke & Heat Detectors - Alert the system to a fire.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Alert the system to an outbreak of CO gas.
Flood Sensors - Alert the system to a water leak or a flood.
Temperature Sensors - Alert the system to unusual temperatures caused by a faulty HVAC system.

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As for cellular carrier, this determines which cellular company will facilitate the communication for your system. The IQ Panel 2 Plus relies on cellular service to connect with the Alarm.com servers. Per Alarm.com requirements, the system must have its cellular communicator registered and activated in order to be used for monitoring service. You will choose a system with either an AT&T communicator or a Verizon communicator. This makes absolutely no difference in terms of day-to-day operation of the system, nor will it have any impact on your monitoring bill. Just go with whichever cellular carrier works best in your area. If you aren't sure, check coverage maps to make that determination. Remember, this decision has nothing to do with the cell service for your phone. But if you happen to have AT&T or Verizon already and your phone works very reliably in the same place you intend on using the system, then there's a good chance that the corresponding company will provide great service for your new IQ Panel 2 Plus as well.

One very popular option for new IQ Panel 2 Plus users is to get a security system kit with bundled sensors. We have Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Kits in all three (3) frequency version and both cellular carrier versions. And each kit is available in both a 3-1 variant and a 10-1 variant. The 3-1 kits have three (3) door & window sensors and one (1) motion sensor. The 10-1 kits have ten (10) door & window sensors and one (1) motion sensor. Basically, if you want to monitor up to 3 doors and windows, then go with a 3-1 kit. If you want to monitor up to 10 doors and windows, then go with a 10-1 kit. Remember that you don't have to buy all your sensors all at once, and you can always add new ones later. Just keep the supported frequency of your system in mind.

We have four (4) very popular kits linked below. These are all for the 319.5 MHz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG Security Sensors. You can also go here to check out our other Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System Kits.

Activating an IQ Panel 2 Plus

Qolsys iq panel 2 verizon 7 security panel w slash z wave ready Once you have your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System in hand, you will want to get it activated as soon as possible. A security system can't really do much until it is monitored. There are many alarm companies that can support the IQ Panel 2 Plus, though we are hopeful you will choose to have your system monitored with us at Alarm Grid. We offer no-contract monitoring service that can be cancelled at the end of each monthly billing cycle, with no surprise fees. As cellular service is required for the IQ Panel 2 Plus, you will need to select one of our Gold or Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) or our $25 per month Cellular-Only Plan.

In most cases, your activation won't be performed right away. Instead, you will need to schedule an activation slot. This is done during our online sign-up process. While waiting for your scheduled activation, you can complete various tasks that are typically done prior to the activation. This includes powering the system, mounting the panel, programming sensors, and adjusting the system settings. We have a pair of guides specifically for the IQ Panel 2 Plus that cover these steps.

Make sure to complete these steps prior to your activation appointment as it will make activating your Qolsys IQ Pane 2 Plus as easy as possible. Remember that if you have any questions, you can email us at support@alarmgrid.com for further assistance. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!