Zigbee support for IQ2 Panel?

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1

Noticed there is an option to turn on Zigbee support (and another format) on the latest firmware update for the IQ2 panel (to version 2.5.0). It says its “BETA” I could be wrong, but I believe ZigBee operates at 2.4 GHz (remembering Tyler’s post about the the 3 major formats video tutorial), so I would assume its simply a software activation since most IQ2 Panels have a WiFi card?

I think this is a good thing, l would imagine in the future, leave Z-wave for the security devices (which IMHO is more secure), and other devices can be Zigbee.

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I don’t have much info on that at the moment but I will be happy to look into it.

I believe ZigBee operates at 2.4 GHz

There are a couple Zigbee radio frequencies. It also uses a ~900mhz band which was used previously for Alarm.com Image Sensors on the IQ Panel. 2.4 Zigbee has never been used on an Alarm.com compatible panel.

I think this is a good thing, l would imagine in the future, leave Z-wave for the security devices (which IMHO is more secure), and other devices can be Zigbee.

Z-wave is not used for any security sensors. Z-wave is used for automation devices only.

In general, Z-wave is not nearly as good at handling security devices because large networks of battery operated Z-wave devices require a lot of repeaters to be reliable, unplugging an appliance module may render your door sensor useless, for example. That’s a big reason why alarm panels do not use them.

RF Protocols like S-Line and Power G have extreme range and reliability comparatively, along with sensor-panel communication which is independent of any other devices.

3

The Zigbee BETA found in Dealer installation is a software update that is preparing future Zigbee support which would require a Zigbee daughter card to actually use. No ETA on any of that yet.

4

thanks for the information. The future is looking bright with all this cross platform support.

5

Any update on this?

I also found the dealer install manual for software version 2.5.0 which references being able to control Zigbee home automation devices with a daughter card installed.

Here’s the link: https://products.z-wavealliance.org/ProductManual/File?folder=&filename=product_documents/3821/IQ%20Panel%20Installation%20Manual%202.5.0%20FINAL.pdf

If you search that PDF for “Zigbee”, you’ll see the part where they talk about using it for Home Automation — and I think this is the same document that the OP was referencing.

6

I don’t have any news on this as far as an ETA at this time. The daughtercard wouldn’t be sold normally through distribution during a beta test period.