I recently closed on a previously owned DR Horton home. It came with all the stuff included in the security package with Safe Haven. Obviously they want a pricey 3 year contract to come in and update the equipment. From what I understand, since I don’t have any of the codes for the IQ 2 panel installed, it’s basically a brick that controls the front door lock, patio light, and thermostat locally. I don’t think there is any way I can access it. So my question is, if I buy a new IQ 4 panel, how hard is it to remove the previous panel and install the new one? It’s mounted to the wall and wired in. I’m not that handy but I’m trying to get better. Is this something I can easily do or is it better to hire an installer?
The default codes for Qolsys panels are:
Dealer 2222 (Can Access Programming, Highest Level)
Installer 1111 (Can Access Programming)
Master User 1234 (Cannot program, can Arm/Disarm)
One of these codes is needed to run a Cellular Communication Test. This test is necessary to pair the panel to Alarm.com service.
if I buy a new IQ 4 panel, how hard is it to remove the previous panel and install the new one? It’s mounted to the wall and wired in. I’m not that handy but I’m trying to get better. Is this something I can easily do or is it better to hire an installer?
Its relatively simple. The IQ Panel 2 is connected to a 5.5V or 7V power supply. There is a cable that runs from the panel through the wall to the power supply. To swap panels you would:
- Disarm the IQ Panel 2
- Power down the IQ Panel 2 (Settings > Advanced Settings > Power Down) If no code, just go to step 3.
- Unplug the power supply from the wall outlet
- Open the panel and disconnect the internal battery.
- Disconnect the wire from the power supply at the panel.
- Tape the wire to the wall so as not to loose it behind the wall, it can most likely be re-used.
- Remove the back plate from the wall. Its held on by a few screws.
- Replace back plate with the one from the IQ Panel 4
- Connect the power supply wire to the IQ Panel 4
- Plug in the internal battery on the IQ Panel 4, close up the panel
- Using the 7V power supply from the IQ Panel 4 connect the wires to it
- Power panel on.
The IQ Panel 4 must use the included 7V power supply that it comes with. You can swap out the power supply, but likely use the existing cable run. You can find power specifications for the IQ Panel 4 in the installation manual on page 12
You can find a short video on how to attach/remove the IQ Panel 2 from the back plate.
I’ve tried hundreds of different possible codes that I’ve found online, including those. They must have all been changed since nothing has worked so far. Once I connect a new panel I should be able to easily reconnect all the devices right?
Programming on the Qolsys panels is pretty easy. You can find a variety of programming guides below:
Do you know which model of the IQ Panel 2 you have? There are a few different varieties. The part number on the back of the unit would tell you for sure.
I’m not sure, I haven’t opened it up yet, but it seemed like the previous owners only had a few z-wave devices connected to it anyways.
Depending on the IQ Panel 2 it is compatible with 319.5MHz sensors and Z-Wave devices.
If it is an IQ Panel 2+ it could be compatible with additional devices. Just depends on the part number in use. Knowing the part number of the panel helps us better recommend which IQ Panel 4 to replace it with.