Qolsys IQ2 Panel Switch from Brinks

Support
1

Potential New Surety client looking for some info on switching original Safemart/Livewatch IQ2 system to Surety. Currently with Brinks and can’t wait to leave.

  • I’ve been getting messages from Brinks about needing a communicator upgrade. I’m guessing I still have a 3G cellular module and a 4G is required? During the switchover to Brinks, they lost the info that I’ve always been a DIY customer and they refuse to upgrade the panel without one of their “technicians” coming to the house to upgrade the panel.
    Does Surety have the upgraded communicator available?

  • I need to go through the 30-day cancellation with Brinks to get them to release the module. I checked on Surety’s website for the IMEI number and it is registered. If the upgraded communicator (in previous question) is available, would I still need to have them release the current and outdated module to start service with Surety?

-Is my understanding correct that when Alarm.com releases the modulator I’ll have to cancel/deactivate my current Alarm.com account?

  • Does Surety have any updates and/or patches available for the IQ2 panel? My panel shows no updates or patches in the past 6 years.

Thanks for any help and guidance navigating the switch-over. Looking forward to working with a common-sense company that “gets it”!

Best,
Jeff

2

The IQ Panel 2 does not have a modular cell communicator. It is built into the board and non-replaceable.

Certain older models had a firmware upgrade long ago to bring their communicator up to parity with 4G networks. It was always 4G capable, but on a small number of early models they needed an update to continue working properly.

The dealer should be able to trigger the update through Alarm.com as long as your panel is connected via Wifi. This is a unique update only the dealer can send. I don’t believe any local update version contains the files.

General firmware is otherwise updated using the panel. You can find an instruction page for all the firmware releases and how to apply them here:

In this case there are no replaceable communicators. The current account would need to be cancelled first, but you may have trouble reactivating that cell communicator if they never sent the communicator update. It would be worth it to ask them to check if that communicator update is available.

3

Hi Jason. Thanks so much for your reply!
However, after I wrote the original post, I got a sinking feeling about the info I gave you.
My bad, I have the original QS-9004-VRZ IQ panel, not the IQ2. Forgive my stupid…it’s been 7 years since I installed it at our current home. I don’t feel like a total idiot, though…this is my 4th installed alarm system. Two of them were the Qolsys IQ panels.
Does that change anything in your earlier reply that you gave me under the inaccurate impression it was an IQ2 panel, vs. the actual QS-9004-VRZ panel?
Thank you,
Jeff

4

The generation 1 Qolsys panel has a built in 3G module, which was sunset some time ago. You would not be able to use the generation 1 Qolsys panel with new service through Surety, the panel would need to be replaced with a panel that has a 4G LTE cellular module.

The IQ Panel 4 IQP4001 works with 319.5MHz sensors and has a built in Verizon cellular Module (4G LTE). It would be a suitable replacement.

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More information on the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 can be found here:

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Hi again, Surety. For some reason, I was never notified that there were new responses for my post from last month. Anyhow, thank you for the replies, info, and recommendations. I was able to go through the painful phone call with Br**ks to receive and sign the 30-day cancellation notice yesterday. I am planning on purchasing the IQ4 panel along with some other accessories from you…along with subscribing to one of Surety’s plans. Again, I appreciate the replies and great info. I also apologize for inadvertently misleading you originally that I had the IQ2 when I had the earlier original version. Thanks again!
Jeff

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We’re happy to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

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I received my new IQ4 system yesterday! I have a couple of logistics questions. While I’m waiting for the 30-day cancellation from Brinks and related Alarm.com account, am I able to set up a new Alarm.com account through Surety for the new IQ4 system? The old system with Brinks & on my current Alarm.com account is Gen 1 IQ panel.
Also, from what I’ve read (Tyler’s March2020 post titled “Backup and Restore Process for Qolsys Brand Panels”), it appears that my current legacy sensors (319.5) connected to the Gen 1 IQ panel will have to be deleted and then individually added to the new IQ4 system? Not a problem, just want to make sure I’m not adding extra work for myself.
Thanks!
Jeff

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Yes, you can set up the new system and account before the old one is canceled because you’re doing it with a new panel.

You don’t have to delete 319.5 MHz sensors from the old panel. You can add them to the new panel while they’re still on the old panel. But yes, you have to add them one by one to the new panel.

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Awesome! Thank you so much for the speedy reply and great info! It and you are sure appreciated. Have a great Friday.
Jeff

1 Like
11

Does Surety sell just the mounting base including the lock nut for the ADC-V724X camera? After I installed the camera I went to adjust the camera and although the lock nut tighted up very easy, loosening it caused it to cross-thread and now I can loosen or tighten it. I understand cross threading, btw. After a quick Surety and Internet search, I’ve come up empty. Thanks.
Jeff

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Correction…although you probably got it…I can NOT loosen or tighten the lock nut on the camera base.
Jeff

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We do not offer that part as it is not sold separately by Alarm.com

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I am in the same boat as you ! – Im finally leaving BRINKS and Surety looks like the best option. I have the Qolsys iQ 3or4?? and the screen shakes and jumps. Im considering the iQ4 HUB. Please elaborate on the " 30 day cancel period " ?? I am not aware of that. My plan expires in JAN 2026 with BRINKS. i am considering both Brinks and Surety side by side. Your Thoughts ???

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and the screen shakes and jumps. Im considering the iQ4 HUB.

Do you know what the model number of your panel is? There are a few different versions of the IQ 4 Hub from Qolsys. We can help point you in the right direction for which panel is compatible with the sensors you are using.

16

i currently have the Q ---- iq4 panel. Regardless of the # number I am considering dropping BRINKS and
going with the iQ Hub

My main questions ?
1 - Will it support the standard Qolsys Motion Cams that are about 3-5 years old??
2 - Will the iQ Hub that you sell — will it jump right into the place of my current panel
and still accept and view pics on this Motion cams. Can I still do a peak in ??
All while signing up for the basic alarm plan.
8****** I have NO intentions of doing a smart home at all! No smart bulbs locks therms- – NOTHING.
I want the budget package with the NEW iQ4 Hub and want it to work with All of my existing motion cams & door sensors.
Please sepcify a package where I can continue as I am a flip over to you guys. Please Itemize and specify specifics.
88 I WILL NOT HAVE ANY WIFI with this sytem at all !!! *****
This is the very reason I may stay with BRINKS… I never used wifi ***** ONLY THE ATT LTE Chip Only.
This has worked for me and always will. Please verify that your system / Plan will work fine with NO WIFI and just the cellular chip

Looking forward to hearing from you

17

I want the budget package with the NEW iQ4 Hub and want it to work with All of my existing motion cams & door sensors.

There are a variety of IQ 4 Hubs that work with a variety of wireless sensor communication types, either DSC PowerG, 319.5Mhz (Qolsys/GE), 345MHz (2GIG / Honeywell), or 433MHz (DSC).

Before I can recommend a specific hub, I’ll need the part number for your current alarm panel, or the part number of the sensors you are referencing.

If you dont have a part number for the panel or sensors being referenced, feel free to attach a photo here, or send it to us via Private Message through your Surety login to keep it off the public forum.

Will it support the standard Qolsys Motion Cams that are about 3-5 years old??

Are you referencing the Image Sensors from Qolsys/Alarm.com? Do you have a part number or can you provide a clear image of the device being referenced?

Is this device here the one you are referencing?

The IQ 4 Hub does not support that older Qolsys/Alarm.com Image Sensor.

They do support the PowerG Motion Sensor with Integrated Camera, the PG9934P, so long as it is the IQ Hub with PowerG card.

  • Will the iQ Hub that you sell — will it jump right into the place of my current panel
    and still accept and view pics on this Motion cams.

Is your current panel wall mounted? The IQ 4 Hub would fit on the wall where your current Qolsys panel is. The IQ 4 Hub must use the power supply that it comes with so you would need to swap that out. The existing cable run may be able to be re-used so long as it meets the specifications listed on page 11 of the manual here.

Can I still do a peak in ?? All while signing up for the basic alarm plan.

The Surety Alarm service plan supports Images for Alarms and Disarms only. Peek-ins are not supported and require the Surety Home plan.

I WILL NOT HAVE ANY WIFI with this sytem at all !!! *****
This is the very reason I may stay with BRINKS… I never used wifi ***** ONLY THE ATT LTE Chip Only.

Alarm.com uses 4G LTE cellular as the primary means of communication. The IQ 4 Hub has both 4G LTE and Wi-Fi built in and the use of Wi-Fi is covered in all security plans through Surety,. While we do recommend setting up Wi-Fi for dual-path communication, you do not have to use Wi-Fi if you don’t want to.