So I’ve been running the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 for a little bit and I’ve got a couple of sensors that keep disconnecting from the system. It looks like it is a signal strength issue and to be fair these sensors are located the furthest away from the panel.
Seems like I may need a repeater and I’ve seen the recommendations for the RE524X from Resolution Products. Will that device would work with the IQ Panel 2 and the S-Line sensors?
If not, is there another solution? And is this the best option to solve the signal strength issue for sensors that seem to be too far away from the panel?
Will that device would work with the IQ Panel 2 and the S-Line sensors?
If not, is there another solution?
There is no repeater currently for S-Line sensors. As they are encrypted the 524X will not be able to relay their signal.
The 524X would work with non-encrypted sensors, so one option would be to replace the problem sensors with non-encrypted models. IQ S-Line sensors transmit both encrypted and unencrypted signals, you can program the panel to listen to the unencrypted signal instead.
The only other option for S-line sensors would be closer proximity to the panel, if moving the panel is an option.
One other quick question. Does the IQ Remote do anything to extend the range?
No, the IQ Remote does not contain a sensor radio. The only way to improve signal for an S-line sensor currently would be to move the panel closer.
Another future option would be to swap the sensors for Power G sensors along with the optional power g daughtercard which is upcoming. Those sensors have a longer range and encryption.
Can you provide any more information about this Power G option? Is there an expected release date?
There is no specific details yet. UL certification was completed recently and new panels with Power G compatibility will be shipping this summer sometime we are told.
The daughtercard itself will likely be available around the same time, but I am not sure if it is mutually exclusive with the 319.5 card. We will check with Qolsys for more info.
What are the risks/drawbacks of replacing the Qolsys S-line sensors with a non-encrypted sensor and the 524X?
You would be using some sensors which do not have encryption.
Is there anything to worry about if mixing sensors in a system (different manufacturers, encrypted and non-encrypted, Power G and S-line, etc?)
In general, no.
From above, we’re checking if there is any exclusivity to the radio daughtercards for 319.5 and Power G. Will update here.
It sounds like this is an evolution in the Qolsys line. First unencrypted sensors --> S Line --> Power G.
I installed a daughtercard to be able to use Motion Sensors with Image Capture. That likely wouldn’t have any impact on my ability to install this daughtercard, would it?
It sounds like this is an evolution in the Qolsys line. First unencrypted sensors –> S Line –> Power G.
I installed a daughtercard to be able to use Motion Sensors with Image Capture. That likely wouldn’t have any impact on my ability to install this daughtercard, would it
Unfortunately the news I am hearing currently is that there are no plans to sell the daughtercard individually, and that there will be a few versions of the panel with Power G.
Essentially, Power G compatibility will require a new panel we are told at this time.
Unfortunate about Power G requiring a whole new panel. Hopefully they offer to retrofit existing panels or allow users to install a Power G daughter card.
In the meantime, are there any sensors (motion detector, recessed, d/w from another manufacturer, etc) with known better range than the IQ Mini D/W sensors? Are the full size sensors stronger? My basement window is losing connection with the panel regularly, but I need to secure that as it’s an emergency escape route for the basement in case of fire. Since this window is out of sight, I’m not concerned about concealment or appearance. The IQ Mini D/W is sometimes connected and then randomly losing signal strength and disconnects.
In the meantime, are there any sensors (motion detector, recessed, d/w from another manufacturer, etc) with known better range than the IQ Mini D/W sensors? Are the full size sensors stronger?
Different sensors will have negligible range differences. The larger sensors however will typically have larger antennae which are set further off the door, so in cases of environmental attenuation at the sensor location, a larger sensor may indeed see some improvement in signal.
So I am still having trouble with a couple of sensors that are at the furthest point from my panel and I am getting ready to order the RE524X and a couple of the RE101 sensors. I was reading through the instructions and also watched your video. I’ve got a couple of few questions though.
Using the RE101’s it would just be a repeater, correct?
In the instructions I don’t see a setting for the Qolsys panel or RE101 sensors but I am assuming I would use the Interlogix settings for the sensor/panel types?
As I understand the unit “locks” after 30 days. Does this just lock the sensor and panel types? If I want to add additional sensors for the unit to repeat in the future I can do this, correct?
I read the instruction on your site but also read through some install info elsewhere and I was a little confused on whether the RE524X actually gets enrolled into the panel if it is only being used as a repeater. Can you clarify this process?
Using the RE101’s it would just be a repeater, correct? In the instructions I don’t see a setting for the Qolsys panel or RE101 sensors but I am assuming I would use the Interlogix settings for the sensor/panel types?
Yes, you would just set both the Sensors and the Panel dials to GE.
As I understand the unit “locks” after 30 days. Does this just lock the sensor and panel types? If I want to add additional sensors for the unit to repeat in the future I can do this, correct?
The RE524X locks the Dial selections and sensor configuration after 30 days, but yes, new sensors can be added later after the lock.
I read the instruction on your site but also read through some install info elsewhere and I was a little confused on whether the RE524X actually gets enrolled into the panel if it is only being used as a repeater. Can you clarify this process?
Yes, you learn the translator into the panel and then learn sensors through the translator. You can find a copy of the installation manual which details the process here.
Unlike prior models you are still learning sensors through the RE524X, not just plug and play.
For Qolsys:
“Translator enrollment:
Enter Learn Sensor mode.
At the Trip Sensor prompt: Trip the translator’s cover
tamper to enroll the translator into the panel.
Select Group 13 instant perimeter Sensor enrollment:
Enter Learn Sensor mode.
At the Trip Sensor prompt: Tamper each sensor to enroll
it. If the sensor does not have a tamper switch trip the
sensor with translator cover open to enroll it.
• For the first 24 hours after power-up, all Interlogix
sensor trips will transmit a temporary tamper for
enrollment if the translator cover is open.
Set up the sensor for the desired behavior.”
Trying to understand the enrollment process a little more as I did not do the initial set up on the system I have.
When I enroll the RE524X into the IQ Panel 2 should the sensor type be a “Door/Window”? I see there is an options for a translator, but then I can’t choose the “Group 13 Instant Perimeter”.
I’m thinking of adding a RE109 glass break sensor to the RE524X - does the sensor setting chosen for the actual repeater make a difference with this?
When I enroll the RE524X into the IQ Panel 2 should the sensor type be a “Door/Window”? I see there is an options for a translator, but then I can’t choose the “Group 13 Instant Perimeter”.
I’m thinking of adding a RE109 glass break sensor to the RE524X – does the sensor setting chosen for the actual repeater make a difference with this?
How the translator itself is programmed as far as Sensor Group goes does not impact how the sensors that are learned through it react I believe, but there is actually only one sensor group option (13) if you select translator.
On the IQ Panel 2 you would select Wireless Translator and (13) Translator. Group 13 reacts the same way regardless of the sensor type, the label just changes.
Jason, if you were installing a new system in large home of your own that required a repeater to connect to distant sensors, would you select non-encrypted sensors or pay double for encrypted sensors? (I realize they might not list for double just what if you actually had to pay double?)
Also, I read that smoke detectors can’t repeat at all is that correct?
Also, I read that smoke detectors can’t repeat at all is that correct?
Correct. Life Safety devices are not assisted generally by translators/repeaters.
Jason, if you were installing a new system in large home of your own that required a repeater to connect to distant sensors, would you select non-encrypted sensors or pay double for encrypted sensors?
Installing a new system, if I needed to consider range I would choose the IQ Panel 2 Plus and use Power G sensors every time.
Power G sensors would require no repeater, have a huge effective range, and you would not need to worry about range issues with Smoke devices not being repeated.
Thanks again for all your accurate and helpful information.
I found out that the range between the Qolsys panel and the PowerG sensors is limited --something about the Qolsys antenna. Only the DSC panel is able to attain the full range capability (advertised as 2 kilometers open air) of the PowerG sensors.
Yes, the effective two way transmission range on the IQ Panel 2 is less than the DSC panel for Power G, but that limited range is still about 4 times the effective range of other sensors, meaning still twice the range of a system using a repeater, and that added range is omni-directional.