Hello, apologize in advance for long email but I have been researching some DYI upgrades (SimpliSafe, Cove, Abode) on Reddit and saw a post that led me here. In any case I have been looking to upgrade my old Honeywell system. I recently had new windows installed and due really digging the new look chose to not have them drill / accommodate the older plunger style sensors. Thus have a number of sensors, wireless, that I am looking to add - 7 in total. After my existing provider quoted me $700 to add, I told him to go you know where and started my search. Thus again, stumbled upon this side off of Reddit. In any case, as the title mentioned I have a Honeywell Vista 20 that I need to add 7 wireless sensors (6 window & 1 slider). System currently has 2 motion sensors, 2 wired door sensors and 4 wireless door sensors that are still functional. Along with the exterior siren and 2 keypads. Beyond the new wireless sensors that I want to add, I am also looking to add some new functionality such as remote monitoring / arming (smartphone), newer touch display, video and home automation, flood monitoring, etc (most home automation to be added later down the road). So my search has me interested in the Qolsys IQ Panel 2+. Originally I thought this was not offered on this site but did find a post with this:
Is this the correct version that I could use to upgrade my system? If so, what cellular service is this specific one providing? I was under the impression all Qolsys panels required cellular monitoring but don’t see any listing as to what service this one happens to be using. Do you offer the correct version for Honeywell integration? Also which are the best sensors to be expanding my system with? During my specific research for the Qolsys I’ve seen both the Versa-2GIG & the DSC PG9303 recommended. I believe the DSC is the better version?
Overall looking for some advice on what I would require for a successful upgrade. I am also looking to switch my monitor service over, so any recommendations on minimum plan recommended here would help as well.
Again, sorry for the long email. Searched, but didn’t see a Sales phone number to speak to someone directly and work thru some of these items.
Are your existing motion sensors wired or wireless?
By default we use the Verizon version of the panel but if you would prefer the AT&T version we have that as well. Just say so in your order notes and we’ll send the AT&T one. It’s the same price.
Since the panel supports both PowerG and 2GIG/Honeywell sensors, you can expand the system with either. Yes, PowerG sensors are better. They have a longer range, encryption, and better battery life. 2GIG/Honeywell sensors are a little lower cost. We don’t currently sell PowerG sensors but we will soon.
The best plan for you will depend on what you need. You can see our plans here. Don’t worry about picking the perfect plan. They are month to month (no contract) and you can easily change plans any time you want. If you want security, home automation, and video then Surety Complete is your best bet.
Fire away with more questions if you have them. That’s what we’re here for.
Thanks for the reply and confirming that it’s the correct unit. To answer your question, my motion sensors are currently wired. They seem to be working fine and have good range (although honestly nothing to compare it against) thus figured to continue to use along with the other items I mentioned. Beyond the initial panel can you let me know what else I would need to purchase to integrate.
Was also browsing your site and I don’t see the Versa or the DSC sensors. Are the Qolsys sensors just as good?
Trying to gauge what my complete package is so to speak. Will say, that I am pretty impressed with how low your plans are and the fact that there is no contract requirement. Probably go with the Surety Alarm for now until I add the cameras and garage. In any case, if you can point out any additional items needed that would be great.
Last question, what’s the warranty of the devices / sensors? More concerned over the panel as that’s the most expensive piece. Standard 1 yr? Just don’t see it listed thus asking.
Since you only have 2 existing Honeywell wireless sensors and 4 wired, I recommend getting the regular IQ Panel 2+ instead of the Honeywell compatible one and replacing your existing wireless sensors.
In order to keep using the wired sensors and siren you would need a wired “takeover module”. With the regular IQ Panel 2+ you can use the Hardwire 16-F which will support your 4 existing wired sensors and your siren.
For your additional wireless sensors you want you can use S-Line encrypted sensors such as the IQ Mini.
We do sell 2GIG sensors but I really think your best bet is to use the regular IQ Panel 2+ since you have more existing wired sensors than wireless. The DSC sensors you mentioned are the PowerG sensors we will be adding to the website soon. S-Line and PowerG sensors are both encrypted.
The IQ Panel 2+ has a 1 year warranty. It’s supposed to say that on the page but, you’re right, it doesn’t. I’ll let the IT people know. Thanks!
Thanks Roy. I couple of more questions if I may. Is there any downfall with still going with the Honeywell compatible unit? I am leaning towards going with the PowerG sensors so from what I can see I only give up Sline sensor compatibility but still retain Honeywell and PowerG. Is everything else the same? Additionally could I go with a cheaper takeover unit such as the Honeywell 5800cw? I know you don’t have that here but am finding some cheap prices for it elsewhere. I think long term I will end up replacing some of the older devices with newer wireless ones so think I think this module may end up being throw away in a few months. Lastly, do you know about when you will have the PowerG devices available on your site?
There is no big downfall. The Honeywell compatible version is fine, especially if you plan to use PowerG going forward.
The Honeywell version of the IQ2+ costs $32 more than the regular IQ2+. 2 new IQ Minis sensors would be $38 so you’re only saving $6 by going with the Honeywell compatible panel but missing out on S-Line encryption.
If you go with the Honeywell version you can use the 2GIG Super Switch as your takeover module. It would work with the sensors but not with your siren so you would have to run a wire to the panel for the siren. Does the Honeywell 5800C2W work with the siren?
It’s really whatever you prefer. We’ll support you whichever path you choose.
Thanks guys, you are both being super helpful. To be totally transparent here, I am on a budget for this upgrade. Trying not to be penny wise and pound foolish but I have 3 other home upgrades going on at the moment and unfortunately none of them are done yet due to Covid. Thus have to keep this around $500ish for now since don’t have final spend costs for my other initiatives.
Anyway putting all the different options in a spreadsheet to review, so please bear with me. In regards to the take over board, I think the Honeywell supports the siren but not sure. I will investigate. However question if you know of the Qolsys take over, is there a difference in the older models? Shopping around for this popped up with some with different part numbers. From what I can see quickly, they appear to be the same but just prior years models. Would that be accurate? I am seeing these about half the price of the current model so I would grab it if confirmed to provide same functionality. I assume Qolsys would support my siren? I had already been looking at the wireless one but that would have to wait for a little while.
However question if you know of the Qolsys take over, is there a difference in the older models?
Do you mean using a Hardwire 16 rather than a Hardwire 16F?
Yes there would be a couple differences. The older Hardwire 16 would not support any wired smoke detector zones, and it would not support RF triggering of the siren. That just means that you would need to have a wire running between the IQ Panel 2+ and the Hardwire 16 in order to trigger the siren properly.
I assume Qolsys would support my siren?
I looked above but didn’t see it, what is the model number of the siren? We would need that to provide specifics and confirm compatibility. The Hardwire 16 supports sirens max 500ma.
From what I can see quickly, they appear to be the same but just prior years models. Would that be accurate?
I will have to get back to you later on the model of my current siren. In regards to the different Qolsys take over panels, I have come across these two units
QS-7121-840
QS-7131-840
I know that the latest is QS-7133-840, however I do not know the differences between these.
The QS-7121-840 is the original Hardwire 16. This is an unencrypted version with no smoke or RF siren triggering.
The QS-7131-840 is the Hardwire 16S. This is an encrypted version with no smoke or RF siren triggering.
QS-71330=-840 is the Hardwire 16F. This is an encrypted version that supports specific two-wire smoke detectors and RF siren triggering. The newest units by default use 4.7 kohm resistors (included)
Thanks Jason this helps. Sounds like I need the latest if I want to use my current siren. I also confirmed that the Honeywell version does not support the siren, so the Qolsys appears to be my best option.
It’s still important to check the model of the siren, some require too much current to work with the Hardwire 16F.
Note that all of the Hardwire 16 versions can trigger sirens, the 16F is the only one with the capability to do it without a wire between the panel and Hardwire 16. It just requires a low current draw siren.
Ok, I think I’ll have to call my alarm company in the morning. I can’t find any marking on the horn and I don’t have a detailed install sheet, only user manuals. This system was installed over 20 years ago. Was upgraded to the Vista 20 in 2007 but the siren never changed. It’s been mounted to the home since. I doubt anyone can guess what it is based on these pictures but posting in the rare event you can.
If you intend to use the power supply built in to the Hardwire 16-F then the maximum is 500mA at 12 VDC. Any siren you buy will have those ratings listed. Most outdoor sirens will be higher power than that.
You can use a higher power siren if you provide your own power supply. In that case the maximum is 60 VDC and 1A.
If your existing siren works you can probably use your existing panel as the power supply and just use the siren relay on the 16-F to control it. Do you know if your existing siren still works?
Yes, the siren definitely works as I accidentally set off the alarm last week. Based what I read on the inside door panel, I too believe its an amesco but couldn’t find a similar one in my search. However again, this is about 20 yrs old so am sure they changed them up by now.
Ok, again, thank you for all your help thus far. I think I am pretty close to pulling the trigger. Some final questions. Based on what I have shared thus far, pretty simple to wire up? Also I assume that I can hardwire the IQ2+ panel with the same wire that currently feeding my panel? I have a Honeywell 6160 & 6160RF Keypad. I know I can’t use the spare once I upgrade which is fine.
Note, I just found the original paper work of the install. It doesn’t state the make or model of the siren but does say 30 Watt external siren if that helps. Regardless I guess I can test and see how it goes.
Lastly, am I correct in understanding that both the Surety Alarm and Home include professional / human monitoring?
If it’s an Amseco SSX-52 then at 748mA it would be too big to use the Hardwire 16-F built-in power but you would be OK running it through the Hardwire 16-F siren relay which is rated for 1A.
In general, I don’t consider hardwire takeover modules pretty easy to wire up. It all depends on how comfortable you are with low voltage wiring. All I can promise is that we will help you along the way.
You might be able to use the existing keypad wire to power the IQ2+. It depends on the wiring. Do you know what gauge it is? Or how long it is?
The $19 and $22 dollar prices include professional monitoring. You can opt-out of professional monitoring if you want and save $5.
