I am currently a Surety customer with a Concord 4 panel, we are in the process of replacing all the windows and I am losing my wired connections. So seems it’s time to replace the discontinued Concord for something new.
I currently have 16 zones set up, all hard-wired.
4 - Door zones.
8 - Window zones.
2 - Motion detector zones.
1 - Fire Detector zone.
1 - Sump pump sensor.
I would like to keep 7 of these wired zones (4 door, 2 motion, 1 sump pump).
Are wired sensors universal?
I need to convert the 8 window zones to wireless.
I obviously need a sensor for every window that opens, but what do I do with windows that do not open? Is that the glass break sensors?
Based on the age of the system, I assume the fire/smoke detectors need to be replaced, so since I don’t see wired options would install new wireless options.
I have 2 wired control keypads. I would want to keep 2 keypads, but I assume I will need new ones that are compatible with the new system.
There are 2 sirens (one internal, one external) that I know about.
There is an external light also.
Looking at the Qolsys IQ system, but see there are 3 different options. I’m guessing the IQ Pro due to the mixed wired vs wireless, but would like some suggestions/direction.
What other things do I need to consider in this process? I guarantee I will have follow-up questions, but let’s start the conversation here.
There is a few different paths you can take. You could use the IQ Pro panel that has the built in hardwired zones and use the IQ Remote PowerG as remote keypads.
Yes, most hardwired sensor could be used with the security system. A hardwired sensor just closes the loop when the window is closed ad the security panel is just monitoring the loop.
Most of these are normally open sensors and there are very few special sensors that can’t be used with just any panel but if you buy a bundle from amazon you most likely will be okay
If the window is fixed and cant be opened, then a glass break is a great way to get you covered. A glass protects your home when the system is armed to both away and stay. If you add a motion detector instead in that area, you will only get protection when the system is armed to away.
Fire safety devices are recommended to be replaced every 10 years. While we do not sell hardwired smoke detectors, you could buy some from a different distributor and use them with the system.
Here is a list of compatible 2-wire smoke detectors for both sysems
Both of these options have the option to add sirens and an external light that works when the system is armed.
Is there any special benefit you can think of on 1 combination over the other? IQ Pro vs IQ Panel 4?
Are both the Panel 4 and the PowerG remote battery-powered or hard-wired? Since I have two hard-wired keypads already.
Are glass break sensors per window, or are the “area” devices? If area, what is the detection range? For the wireless magnetic window devices, do they only detect if the window itself is “opened” or also detect if the window gets broken but not opened? Basically do I need glass break detectors for windows that “open” also?
Is there a service life for motion detectors? I.e. should I be replacing them also?
Regarding window sensors. There seem to be 4 options:
PowerG Wireless Door/Window Sensor
IQ Mini Door/Window Sensor
PowerG Combination Door/Window Shock Sensor
IQ Mini Door/Window Extended Sensor
Other than size/shape and cost. Is there a good comparison guide or explanation somewhere of what the difference between the 4 are?
Finally, since I have 0 existing wireless devices. 319.5 vs 345?
Thank you in advance for all your help. Seems no one locally wants to touch a system they don’t monitor anymore, so I’m gonna be doing this all myself.
People like that the 8 hardwired zones are built into the panel instead of having to add a device to add hardwired zones. The IQ Panel 4 does have a built in Camera for disarming pictures, alarm recording, and peek in pictures.
The IQ PowerG remote communicates via wireless communication but can be powered using existing wires to allow installation where current keypads exist as long as they aren’t long runs.
They monitor an area. It depends if its wall mounted or ceiling mounted and the angle as well. Here is the installation manual for the PG9922 Glass break sensor with more information on mounting
The PowerG wireless window/door sensor and the IQ Mini window/door sensor are practically the same but communicate using different frequency.
The IQ Mini extended also has one input for an external hardwired sensor switch
The PG9935 PowerG Shock Sensor comes with both the reed sensor for both open/close and shock notifications with the panel.
If you use any of the IQ Mini sensors, you will need the 319.5 Radio version of the panel.
Do you have more information on the powering part? I have the IQ Pro arriving tomorrow, the IQ Remote arrived today. The Concord 4 in place has 12v output to the two existing keypads.
The IQ remote says only use the included transformer. But can it actually be wired to the existing 12v lines that are already there? Prefer not to have a large transformer and power cord danging out of the keypad for the rest of time.
The concord 4 will need to be removed and replaced with the IQ Pro.
The IQ Remote also uses 12V DC but does require 1 Amp which the Concord 4 or the IQ Pro will not be able to provide. This is why it is always recommended to use the included power supply.
The link below may help but you will need to cut off the barrel connector end from the provided wire and splice it where the keypad will be installed and use B-Connectors.
When using 18 gauge wire, you can go up to 98 feet. When using 22 gauge wire you can go 22 feet. If you double up the existing wires like in the link above, you may be able to go about 79 feet from the keypad to the transformer
That worked. Thank you. Powered both. Now just gotta wait for the main box to arrive.
Question about the IQ Remotes. All I’ve done it plug them in to make sure the power works. My WiFi SSID’s are hidden. I tried hitting the Advanced WiFi Settings button at the bottom of the WiFi scan screen and nothing happens. Any thoughts?
IR Remote PowerG is recommended to be ran on PowerG with power management enabled since this will allow it to last over 24 hours on it’s back up battery.
When on Wi-Fi, it will last around 6 hours on its backup battery. You will also need to be sure you have something to power up you Wi-Fi equipment during a power outage so all your keypads still work.
It should be giving you an option to allow you to manually enter in your Wi-Fi SSID and password. If i doesn’t, maybe a master reset may be needed.
