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the upgraded communicator (in previous question) is available, would I still need to have them release the current and outdated module to start service with Surety?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”!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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