Hello - i am moving into a new home and would like to set up a security system. Based on the reviews, I’d like the IQ4 panel. Which door/window sensors should I pick? What else do I need to pick? How do I get cameras installed?
You can get started with a new IQ Panel 4 here:
Commonly users try to cover all access doors and first floor windows, and build out the system from there. Some users opt to install motion detectors to cover intrusion over large areas, rather than individual sensors on windows.
Consider glass break detection and whether or not you want monitored life safety devices; smoke detectors and CO detectors.
The standard IQ Panel 4 is compatible with 319.5Mhz IQ S-Line and PowerG sensors. You can mix and match as needed. Generally I recommend PowerG sensors.
S-Line sensors are encrypted sensors operating on the 319.5MHz spectrum. They have an operating range of around 600 ft open air.
PowerG sensors operate at 900 MHz frequency and use 128-bit AES encryption. They offer Multichannel, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology which allows the transmission to hop between wireless frequency channels, allowing for enhanced encryption. They also have a much farther operating range of 2000 ft or so open air. They have adaptive battery usage, so if they do not need the extra range they can save on battery life.
Surety users install their own equipment. We sell some Alarm.com cameras in our store. You can use any Alarm.com compatible camera listed here however:
Thank you. What is the benefit of using alarm.com supported cameras vs Nest/Ring cameras? Is Alarm.com monitoring my video feed?
Also, you mentioned motion sensors to cover areas with a lot of windows vs window sensor. At night when the “Stay” alarm is set, will the motion sensors operate?
What is the benefit of using alarm.com supported cameras vs Nest/Ring cameras? Is Alarm.com monitoring my video feed?
It does open up options for video verification and AI deterrence through Alarm.com. Video verification is an option on our Protect and Complete plan which you can set up to allow professional monitoring operators to check your camera feeds during an alarm event to verify whether it is a true break in. Many jurisdictsions are adopting verification requirements prior to dispatching police. Using Alarm.com cameras integrates your video surveillance with your alarm system controls, so all of your security is in one app. You can create recording rules using Alarm.com AI analytics, and rules based on alarm system activity.
Also, you mentioned motion sensors to cover areas with a lot of windows vs window sensor. At night when the “Stay” alarm is set, will the motion sensors operate?
When you arm Stay, motion detectors are not armed. You can instead use Night arming mode on IQ Panel 4 firmware 4.4.1+ to arm all zones except motion detectors designated as night zones. This lets you arm some motion detectors, but not all of them, if there are some you may activate in the middle of the night.
To use Night mode arming you would need a Night mode zone type programmed for one of your motion detectors.
Night zones will be bypassed in night arming, but other Interior Followers will be enabled.
For motion detectors you want to have added as Night zones, that sensor’s programming would just need to have Sensor group 21 selected.
This is under Settings > Advanced Settings > enter installer code > Installation > Devices > Security Sensors > Edit Sensor.
In addition to AI Deterrence and video verification, you can have cameras record and send you clips specifically when alarm system events occur such as a door opening or the panel being disarmed. Having them on the same system enabled some useful recording rules.
Not yet but hopefully soon.