A few months back we had a power outage. When power was restored, the panel was unresponsive. Per this support forum, there was nothing that could be done remotely, so I was stuck without a system until I could get back to the house. Between weather, holidays, and other issues, I could not get to the location. (Fortunately, I have a separate Ecobee thermostat connection that hopefully saved me from burst pipes when the propane ran out).
Finally able to get back to the location next week. The question is - what do I need to do to get the panel connected and start monitoring services again?
In the original thread, a possible software update was mentioned as necessary to get things running again. In my experience, the Qolsys panel never acknowledges that an update exists. My previous monitoring service would always have to walk me through a manual update process.
It seems odd that that a power outage can kill both the wifi and cell connections. How can I tell if they are still working?
Finally, are there any reliable alternatives to this Qolsys panel? I’m open to switching if there is something compatible with my current sensors but can withstand a simple power outage (which are frequent in the area). I have the same Qolsys system in three homes and all are incredibly frustrating to deal with (or unreliable, like the one at my remote location).
It seems odd that that a power outage can kill both the wifi and cell connections. How can I tell if they are still working?
This isn’t normal, but the effect of a power outage can trigger an issue in older firmware versions of the IQ Panel 2. The fix for this is in firmware versions 2.7.1+ It is a rare but known issue that causes the radios to be unable to reconnect after a disconnect.
Updating firmware via SD card will resolve that particular issue.
If your panel was damaged by a power surge/lightning strike this would not help, but that’s unlikely.
are there any reliable alternatives to this Qolsys panel?
As the above post suggests, the IQ Panel 4 has been solid. We recommend Qolsys panels overall.
It looks like you were using a 345Mhz version of the panel is that right? If you have 345Mhz sensors you could reuse them with a 345Mhz version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 or a 2GIG Edge panel as well.
Thanks for the info. I have downloaded the upgrade files and placed them on a micro SD. Hopefully this update will get the system working when I get there next week.
I’m hopeful the problem is the software bug. My cameras, video recorders, thermostats, and server are all up. and running. If there was a surge, I’m sure at least one of those other systems would be affected.
Yes, I am using the 345Mhz panel. My sensors are a mix of older 345 devices and PowerG. Does the 2GIG Edge panel work with both? I’ll have to take a look at that. I can no longer trust a Qolsys device.
Assuming I get the panel working again, what’s the process for setting up service again? I know about the website (IMEI number, select service, checkout) signup. What I mean is what happens after that? I seem to recall the system has to be “tested.” Is that done via a voice call? Online? Can it be done 24/7 or are there specific days/hours? I’d just like to plan ahead and be prepared. Last thing I want it to have to wait another month or two because I was missing a piece of information.
My sensors are a mix of older 345 devices and PowerG. Does the 2GIG Edge panel work with both?
No, PowerG sensors are not supported on the 2GIG Edge. It only supports 345Mhz sensors. The Qolsys IQ Panel 4 would be recommended.
Assuming I get the panel working again, what’s the process for setting up service again? I know about the website (IMEI number, select service, checkout) signup. What I mean is what happens after that?
Activation is a step by step process on our website. The important bits to have are the IMEI of the panel and one of the access codes so you can access settings and run a cell communication test.
You can do that with the master user code or the installer code.
Get started at the link below, purchase your plan, complete the activation steps.
Then you can test your system via the guide below:
I do have all the codes and know how to check a system on my own.
From the link you sent me, it looks like all but one step in the process is done online or at the panel with no third-party interaction. The only step that mentions someone else is the “Test Operator Response.”
Can you confirm that is the case and the entire process is available 24/7?
I ask because monitoring companies I have used in the past require the setup/test process be done with a rep on the phone, and is only available during normal business hours. Without that person on the phone, the account cannot be fully activated.
Happy to help! Just to clarify it may not be outwardly obvious if signaling is resolved by the firmware update until you have an active Alarm.com account the panel can connect to. The cell test option on the panel will only be successful once the account is activated.
