I am thinking of upgrading to the new Panel 2. Can the config be migrated or do I need to manually add the sensors to the new panel?
If you are switching from the Qolsys IQ Panel to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, a Panel Swap can be requested.
Transferring Users and Sensor Programming is possible via a Panel Swap, however Z-Wave and Image Sensor settings cannot be backed up and transferred, these would have to be learned in to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Additionally, before requesting a backup, any Image Sensors learned into the Qolsys panel would need to be removed from panel programming first before the swap process can begin.
If you have service through suretyDIY and want to perform a panel swap, please send your request to us via our Secure Message Tool. Be sure to include the IQ Panel 2’s Cellular Module number in your secure message. Once the secure message has been received, you will receive follow up instructions regarding the swap process.
Please note, the panel swap process can only be initiated during normal business hours.
Has Qolsys overcome this shortcoming with Z-Wave yet? I suspect with the encrypted z-wave devices I can understand it, but upgrading a panel become a huge project, relearn all the sensors, recreate all your rules and schedules on alarm.com and so on. Part of me misses the days of my hardwired set up where the panel lasted 20 years, the life cycle on these panels today is getting shorter and shorter.
Z-wave is not able to be included in backup and restore commands through Alarm.com.
That is a shame Qolsys has not come up with some way to copy the config. Apple and Google have figured our how to make device upgrades seamless, Qolsys needs to do the same. Every few years when I debate a new panel I dread the swap, I always revisit if I stay Qolsys or go a different path. I wound up staying last time, but as the competition heats up I have second thoughts.
There is some light for that particular tunnel if it is a deciding factor for you. The newest Alarm.com manufactured modules with integrated Z-wave radios can have their Z-wave device list backed up and restored. This is new on those modules (newest SEMS, Concord, NX, DSC NEO, etc., however this is not available on 2GIG or Qolsys systems yet.
It is possible it will be in the future, as it seems ADC is indeed moving that way.
Currently it is not possible to backup and restore the Z-wave network on Qolsys or 2GIG
Excellent news. I am out of my current contract in January 2023 and was thinking of replacing my IQPanel 2+ at that time when I switch services, so I will need to see where things are then. I will say while generally happy with Qolsys I am very disappointed in how infrequent the security updates have been, seeing it is running an old version of Android becomes very concerning, especially for a security product.