Just an update on this for you guys. I’ve been told by people who know things: DSC plans to announce and start selling Qolsys IQ2 with PowerG after ISC West 2018.
I’ve heard a rumor, but we are awaiting official announcement. It will be exciting to have access to PowerG options on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2.
New product available next week:
https://qolsys.com/iq-panel-2-plus/
Leaves a couple of open questions. Is the IQ Panel 2+ compatible with existing image sensors like the QZ2103-840? Is there any way to upgrade an IQ Panel 2? And can you upgrade if you already have the CARD-IS? I’m wondering if we’ll basically have to choose between PowerG and image sensors, or if it’s possible to have both.
A similar thread is found here regarding the new panel options and possible upgrades of existing panels.
And can you upgrade if you already have the CARD-IS? I’m wondering if we’ll basically have to choose between PowerG and image sensors, or if it’s possible to have both.
That’s a good question, Qolsys support has not confirmed if cards will be available by themselves (their firmware bulletin states they will be though) but I’m not sure if it would replace the existing radio card or if it will take up a new slot, effectively forcing out the Card-IS. I’ve sent this question to Qolsys, will report back here when they give an answer.
But the other question is even if I buy an IQ Panel 2+, is there a way to make it work with existing image sensors? Or are there PowerG image sensors? Or are image sensors effectively being deprecated?
Alright, I am told this is definitive by Qolsys as of 8/22/2018:
The mention of daughtercards in existing panels in the firmware bulletin was referencing Beta customers and does not intend to mean that cards will be available. A separate article by a third party stated the same but Qolsys said it was incorrect.
They have chosen to offer Power G support only in the new IQ Panel 2+
The Power G card takes up the slot and antenna which would have been used for Image Sensors, so using Power G currently precludes image sensor usage. You cannot use Power G and Image Sensors at the same time
of course we cannot say whether changes in the future might happen, but as of now the above is what Qolsys has provided.
Well happy 1 year thread anniversary everyone! Just a quick observation. I suspect the reason why the IQ Panel 2Plus doesn’t support simultaneous image sensor and PowerG operation may have more to do with how the panel does image sensing today. Jason, you might want to check your information from Qolsys because there should be enough radio card slots available. The panel has four slots, with three card slots currently populated (i) 319.5 legacy/S-Line encrypted, (ii) Z-Wave Plus and (iii) 900 MHz ADC image sensor, leaving one spare for PowerG.
The reason why both may not be possible is that current image sensors from ADC operate in the same frequency band as PowerG and so despite both PowerG and the ADC sensors using spread spectrum technology there may be too much interference between them to operate optimally. PowerG does support image sensors shown here on the DSC site but ADC may not support them via the Qolsys panel at this time. Just my theory though.
I think it unlikely that image sensor/video verification will be deprecated by Qolsys. The trend in the alarm industry is for more rather than less verification of alarms due to the large number of false alarms. In fact in San Jose, where Qolsys is based, the San Jose PD will not respond to an alarm unless it is either audibly or visually verified as needing a response.
Most DIY alarm systems today with visual verification rely on the home owner to do verification using a solution like ADC. For several reasons I think this is very sub-optimal versus a central monitoring service performing this function although I hadn’t found a CMS willing to do this last time I looked. (i) The home owner may not have access to cell service to verify, either due to poor reception or because they are out of range or say on a flight. (ii) If they are in range what happens when the call comes in while driving for example, talk about distracted driving. (iii) Even if the home owner is ideally situated to take the call then they still have to call the PD to respond which is likely to be much slower than a CMS. Using 911 also ties the call to the cell phone location not the home so that may cause confusion and dispatch to the wrong location.
Still optimistically looking/hoping for video verification by CMS for DIY alarm systems.
Jason, you might want to check your information from Qolsys because there should be enough radio card slots available
The direct statement from Qolsys: “PowerG does preclude Image Sensor capability since they share the same antenna and slot on the board.” You cannot use both Image Sensors and Power G at this time because they must use the same board slot.
PowerG does support image sensors shown here on the DSC site but ADC may not support them via the Qolsys panel at this time. Just my theory though.
To clarify, that is not an Image Sensor. The Alarm.com Image Sensor is an Alarm.com product. That sensor is functionally similar but is a Power G sensor and does not currently function with ADC Image Sensor service. See this thread for more info.
I’m told by Qolsys that the PG9934P does take a single image which is available on the Qolsys Panel, but it is not yet compatible with ADC service and the Qolsys panel cannot upload it.
Still optimistically looking/hoping for video verification by CMS for DIY alarm systems.
Stay tuned, as we expect this on the horizon.
I saw this on the Qolsys Facebook page when someone asked if existing IQ2 panels will be upgradable to work with PowerG.
Great question! The PowerG cards we have are going to be installed in new IQ Panel 2 Plus panels, however, there may be options in the future to purchase a PowerG card and install it in an existing IQ Panel 2 to receive the additional features associated with PowerG. For now, we hope you've upgraded to the newest 2.2.1 software and are enjoying those features!
I get the feeling because their supply of the PowerG cards is somewhat limited at the moment they are only including it in new panels, but perhaps when the supply catches up with the demand they will make the PowerG daughter card available for purchase separately. Is there any details of the IQ2+ panel being different in any way than the original IQ2 other than the inclusion of the PowerG daughter card?
With the back and forth regarding the separate Power G daughter card leading up to the announcement of the Plus panel, that could be possible. Unfortunately, we would not have an ETA regarding any separate Power G card for the “Standard” IQ Panel 2.
Other than the inclusion of the daughter card for the Power G (and/or radio for 345MHz) the “Standard” and the Plus IQ Panel 2 would be identical. They use the same platform and firmware.
That’s great to hear Tyler! That means those of us with the non Plus version will continue to get firmware updates for the foreseeable future 
Been researching what’s the best door/window sensor for the IQ Panel 2+. When I upgrade, I want to move to all encrypted sensors over time.
Seems like it’s the new PowerG PG9303 vs the Qolsys S-Line QS1135-840.
The PG9303 just made it through FCC approval, don’t see it available anywhere yet, and the QS1135 has been out for a while.
The PQ9303 uses one CR2450 battery, the QS1135 uses two CR2032’s. Thinking the QS1135 will be cheaper at first.
The PG9303 with PowerG seems like better technology, but I wonder if it really makes that big of a difference in a regular consumer house hold. The PG9303 also has no restrictions listed in the Qolsys compatibility PDF, while the older PG9975 had that signal test restriction for now.
Also, it looks like firmware 2.3 is out, with some new stuff, including support for the new PowerG sensors.
The PG9303 with PowerG seems like better technology, but I wonder if it really makes that big of a difference in a regular consumer house hold.
It depends on your use case. For a normal home application either the S-Line or Power G would be good options. S-line will be a little less expensive and still offers encryption, yes.
If you need the extra range, go Power G.
Yeah, I need to decide. Just wasn’t sure if the signal hopping of PowerG was that important.I kinda like having the extended battery of the QS1135 but that PG9303 might be just as long, if not longer.
Yeah, I need to decide. Just wasn’t sure if the signal hopping of PowerG was that important.I kinda like having the extended battery of the QS1135 but that PG9303 might be just as long, if not longer.
Power G is objectively more secure, but Qolsys S-Line offers premium value security at a price that matches other non-encrypted sensors.
Battery life is always an estimate based on normal expected use, but you should see roughly similar battery life out of either sensor. Power G specifically uses adaptive transmission power, so battery drain will be commensurate to the demands placed on the sensor in terms of usage and range.
Encouraging to see support for the PowerG PIR Sensors with Image Capture on the Qolsys IQ2+ panel is apparently improving based on the following from 2.3.0 release notes.
“Improved integration with the PowerG PIR CAM (PG9934P or PG9944) so that the Panel now captures 10
images from the PIR CAM during an alarm event and stitches them together into a video that is stored locally on the panel. 1 static Alarm Photo from the PIR CAM is also sent to Alarm.com”
Still optimistically hoping for someone to actually offer central monitoring with visual verification of alarms for DIYers using this system.
Still optimistically hoping for someone to actually offer central monitoring with visual verification of alarms for DIYers using this system.
Stay tuned! (That is a planned feature)
Stay tuned! (That is a planned feature)
I am currently evaluating options to replace some of my 2Gig PIRs as I install my new Qolsys IQ2+…and this is appealing. Any timelines on when something new around this is coming?
I’ve been looking at the PG9984P or the PG9914 before reading this piece of news, but the PG9934P should truly solve the pet immunity problem with visual verification. Any experience with the PG9984P or PG9914 while we are on the subject of PowerG?
I am currently evaluating options to replace some of my 2Gig PIRs as I install my new Qolsys IQ2+…and this is appealing. Any timelines on when something new around this is coming?
We do not have any ETA as of yet, but we will be announcing on the forum.
I’ve been looking at the PG9984P or the PG9914 before reading this piece of news, but the PG9934P should truly solve the pet immunity problem with visual verification. Any experience with the PG9984P or PG9914 while we are on the subject of PowerG?
The PIR + Microwave PG9984P is more commercial focused and has a smaller pet immunity level, though it can very effectively reduce false alarms by requiring both sensors to trip.
In most circumstances the PG9914 will be just fine for residential application.
I have recently diy installed a Qolsys panel 2 with PowerG. Which of the PowerG DSC image sensor Pirs is best, most compatible and reliable? I see favorable mention here of the PG9934, but also see that the Pg9974 is suggested as an outdoor unit on p 153 of the qolsys iq panel manual. I do have a need for outdoor motions on covered porches.
I realize the Pg9944 is an outdoor camera Pir that will work, but it is rather expensive comparatively. So i ask for thoughts and opinions here. Many thanks.
The models Pg9944 and Pg9974, have different functionality which should be considered when employing one vs the other.
The PG9944 is not just an outdoor PIR, but includes a still image camera and advanced false trigger reduction tech which may not be needed in all circumstances.
The PG9974 is not an outdoor PIR, is not described as one, and does not have the operating temp range to support it, that may be a mistake in the manual. The PG9994 would be an alternative outdoor motion detector (without the integrated still image cam)