Can I Make a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 a Secondary Z-Wave Controller?

One very important note is that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 does not function properly as a secondary Z-Wave controller if the system is running Firmware Version 2.5.4. The system will successfully join the Z-Wave network, but it will not offer any ability to control the Z-Wave devices that have been pushed over to the IQ2 from the primary Z-Wave hub. Additionally, it will also not be possible to control these Z-Wave devices from Alarm.com. This makes the secondary Z-Wave function on the IQ Panel 2 essentially useless. Alarm Grid has confirmed this issue on Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.4. Earlier versions may also be affected. But it is unknown as to which firmware version first introduced this issue. As of January 2021, we have not received word from Qolsys on when, or if, this will be fixed.

Yes, you can make a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 a secondary Z-Wave controller. However, the system will lose its ability to receive remote Z-Wave commands from Alarm.com. The IQ Panel 2 Security System will only accept Z-Wave commands from Alarm.com if it is set up as the primary Z-Wave controller.

The IQ Panel 2 System includes a built-in Z-Wave Plus controller for operating Z-Wave smart home devices. Any Z-Wave smart home device can be controlled from the panel itself or using the Alarm.com interactive service. However, most users will want to have their IQ Panel 2 System set up as the primary Z-Wave controller so that it will work with Alarm.com. In other words, if the IQ Panel 2 is set up as a secondary Z-Wave controller, then only local Z-Wave operation will be possible with the system.

Z-Wave refers to a wireless communications protocol that allows certain devices to be operated remotely. A Z-Wave device can be enrolled with an IQ Panel 2 Alarm System so that it can be operated directly from the system. An end user can also access the Alarm.com interactive service to control any Z-Wave devices that have been programmed with the IQ Panel 2. The IQ Panel 2 System will need to be linked with the user's Alarm.com account for this to be possible.

Alarm.com can be accessed using a web browser or by using the Alarm.com Mobile App. By using the Alarm.com Mobile App, a user can establish rules and scenes for their Z-Wave devices. This will allow the Z-Wave devices to activate automatically based on a schedule or with certain system events. For example, a user might have their Z-Wave lights turn on and their Z-Wave thermostat activate when they walk into a room and trigger a motion sensor. If you want to get access to Alarm.com, please check our alarm monitoring page for more information.

Please note that we recommend clearing any Z-Wave devices paired with the IQ Panel 2 before trying to set up the system as a secondary controller. This will make the controller shift occur as smoothly as possible. When adding new Z-Wave devices, you will need to do so using your primary Z-Wave controller.

If you do decide that you want to make the IQ Panel 2 a secondary Z-Wave controller, complete the following steps:

1. Access Z-Wave Devices. Start from the main screen of your Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Click the small grey bar at the top. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > enter Installer Code (default is 1111) > Installation > Devices > Z-Wave Devices. You are now in the Z-Wave Devices menu.

2. Enable Advanced Z-Wave Settings. You will need to enable the Advanced Z-Wave Settings options so that you can make the IQ2 a secondary Z-Wave controller. Choose Z-Wave Settings. Then scroll to the bottom. Check the box next to "Advanced Z-Wave Settings". This will make the Advanced Z-Wave Settings options appear on the previous screen. Then press the return arrow in the bottom-left corner to return to the previous screen. If Advanced Z-Wave Settings were not enabled before, there will now be additional options available in the Z-Wave Settings menu.

3. Activate controller shift. Now that you have Advanced Z-Wave Settings enabled, you can begin the controller shift process. Click the Controller Shift button on the IQ Panel 2. The panel will begin looking for a primary controller to pair with.

4. Enroll the IQ2. With the IQ Panel 2 looking for a primary controller, tell the primary controller you want to begin looking for a secondary controller. This process will vary depending on the primary Z-Wave controller you are using. There is usually an option for "Add Controller" or something along those lines. The option is often found within an "Advanced Settings" menu. Once the primary controller recognizes the IQ Panel 2, you will get a message on the panel stating that the operation was successful.