Qolsys IQ Panel 4

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is a next-generation security system offered by Qolsys. It runs on the Qualcomm MSM8953 chipset with an 8-core processor. The base OS is Android 9. This innovative system features an 8MP camera, a powerful speaker array, a new and improved mounting base, and much more.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 takes all the things users love about the IQ Panel 2 Plus and builds upon them. It also offers solutions for some of the issues the IQ Panel 2 Plus faced. For example, the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus were difficult to get closed once opened. With the new SmartMount installation system offered on the IQ Panel 4, this process is much improved. They have retained the option for a barrel-connected transformer. But for those who will run their own wire for power, the positive and negative terminals, where the transformer wire connects to the panel are actually on the mounting plate, rather than on the inside of the panel. If you have installed a thermostat recently, you will be familiar with this type of connector. The plate gets mounted to the wall with the transformer wires connected to the terminals, and when the panel snaps into place, two (2) pins on the panel side slide into the base, powering the panel on once the transformer is plugged in. There is never a need to open the panel.

A kickstand is no longer included with the system. A simple kickstand is available separately or the user can choose to go with the IQ Base. The IQ Base is a wedge-shaped desk-mount option with three (3) built-in subwoofers. When the panel, with its four (4) 4-Watt speakers, gets paired with the IQ Base, it provides great sound. This will be an attractive option for those who choose to use the system as a Bluetooth speaker. You may be thinking to yourself that the idea of using a security system as a Bluetooth speaker is silly, but the sound from this panel is actually very good. It might change your mind.

When it comes to sensor support, the IQ Panel 4 is compatible with the same devices as the IQ Panel 2 Plus. Each panel will support PowerG 915MHz long-range sensors plus one legacy RF frequency. Once again, there will be a total of six (6) different options. A 345MHz option to support legacy Honeywell and 2GIG RF devices. A 433MHz option to support legacy DSC RF devices. And a 319.5MHz option to support legacy Qolsys and Interlogix (sometimes known as GE) RF devices. For each of these "flavors" there will be a Verizon version and an AT&T version. This panel is perfect for users who want to replace an existing alarm panel that used one of the legacy frequencies. It allows users to bring their older, but still working, legacy RF devices to the new panel. But it still provides a great update in features, and support for newer technology sensors as the older sensors become obsolete.

For automation, the IQ Panel 4 sports a Z-Wave 700-Series chip. Referred to as Z-Wave Plus V2, this is the latest in Z-Wave technology. As always, newer Z-Wave controllers are backward compatible with older Z-Wave devices. Meaning that if you have existing Z-Wave, or Z-Wave Plus (500-Series) devices already installed, they will still work with the IQ Panel 4. But when the time comes to buy new Z-Wave devices, look for devices that will support the new Z-Wave Plus V2 (700-Series) protocol. This will provide you with the best range, and battery life for each of your devices. Z-Wave Plus V2 devices consume 64% less power than devices using the older technology. This means batteries in these devices can last up to ten (10) years! Also, Z-Wave Plus V2 devices can send a signal up to 250% farther than devices using Z-Wave Plus. This translates into up to 200 feet per hop. Devices that use 700-Series Z-Wave chips provide better signal security using the S2 protocol. You can read all about Z-Wave Plus V2 in this post.

The IQ Panel 4 comes in black or white. The IQ Base offers coordinating colors with light grey to go with white panels, and charcoal grey to go with black panels. Bluetooth disarm returns in the IQ Panel 4. Up to five (5) Bluetooth disarm devices are supported. The 8MP front-facing camera offers a tilt adjustment that is accessed at the top edge of the panel using a screwdriver. This allows the user to dial in the perfect angle for disarm and peek-in photos. Through software upgrades, it may be possible in the future to carry on a live conversation between an Alarm.com app user, and a user at the panel. With the excellent base hardware offered in the IQ Panel 4, there's no end to the possibilities.

Built-in WIFI and an AT&T or Verizon cellular communicator comes included inside the IQ Panel 4. This allows connectivity with the Alarm.com servers. The SD card slot has been removed. Photo slideshow and local firmware updates will now occur using the panel's Access Point mode. The built-in glass break detector has returned. But with an update from two (2) microphones on the IQ Panel 2 Plus to three (3) microphones on the IQ Panel 4, this feature is more accurate. Two (2) microphones are front-facing, one (1) is rear-facing, allowing the panel to determine which direction sounds are coming from. This will improve the accuracy of the built-in glass break detector. With the speakers and microphones, 2-way voice sound quality is also improved.