Releasing the all-new Qolsys IQ Panel 4 touchscreen alarm controller with built-in Alarm.com cellular LTE radio, Bluetooth, Front Camera, PowerG, Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Plus wireless receivers by Johnson Controls International (aka “Tyco”).
GeoArm, a pioneer in the DIY security market, has released the much anticipated Qolsys IQ Panel 4 wireless touchscreen alarm controller. This all-new control panel can be remotely controlled by the end user via the Alarm.com app, which integrates smart automation and video surveillance, for a highly customized small business and home security solution.
An elegant 7″ HD touchscreen is the focal point for the IQ Panel 4 that contains an upgraded 8-megapixel front loaded camera, with a 120° wide-angle lens, that makes use of Flex-Tilt to adjust the camera angle for peek in and alarm videos. “We are excited to be one of the first DIY alarm companies to offer the next generation of the IQ Panel in North America,” says Joe Rosenthal, President of GeoArm. Some other noteworthy IQ Panel 4 product features include; Bluetooth disarming, a built-in glass break detector, photo frame, live view/answer, and disarm photos/videos functionality.
With an improved range on every wireless radio, the IQ Panel 4 incorporates not only a Z-Wave Plus 700-Series and PowerG encrypted receiver, but also comes with either a 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz or 433 MHz legacy receiver. By having backwards legacy frequency compatibility, the user is able to salvage and re-use existing 2GIG, DSC, Honeywell Home or GE Interlogix wireless alarm sensors. “DIYers can swap out their older panel, use existing wireless sensors, and seamlessly make the upgrade to the smarter IQ4 security platform in minutes,” says Rafael Alvarez, Technology Manager of GeoArm. Much like its predecessor the IQ Panel 2 Plus, which was launched in 2018, the IQ Panel 4 has evolved into a simple do-it-yourself installation that does not require a professional.
The IQ Panel 4 is much more than just security, it is a complete smart alarm system running the fastest 8-core Qualcomm IoT processor yet. The all-in-one panel comes equipped with a fully redundant dual-path Alarm.com communicator, that is designed to send signals over Wi-Fi and/or cellular AT&T/Telus/Verizon LTE radio networks. For remote monitoring of the home or business, the IQ Panel 4 blends with the Alarm.com interactive app to offer all of its award-winning services throughout the United States and Canada.
QuadSound speakers are built into every panel for the purpose of delivering the best in audio. Better yet, user’s can also connect the panel to the IQ Base table stand subwoofer to enhance the music streaming over Bluetooth experience. By focusing on adding the most cutting-edge IoT solutions available, Qolsys and its newly manufactured IQ Panel 4 differentiates itself as the premium smart security system in 2022 and beyond.
Backlog of shipping containers is directly impacting the security industry.
As many of you have probably experienced or heard about, there is currently a backlog of container ships in most US Ports; this backlog is causing a delay in the regular supply chain that leads security products to customers.
So you may ask yourself, how exactly has this happened? Well, there are a few reasons why supply chains have been stressed across a plethora of industries, thus resulting in product availability delays. Over the past two decades over 90% of the world’s global trade has been shipped by sea and with 70% via shipping containers. Simply stated, shipping products by sea has been the most cost effect means for sending goods abroad.
The United States has continued to increase the outsourcing of the production of goods to foreign countries, mostly for economic reasons which has resulted in a supreme reliance on importing goods, instead of producing them at home, in today’s global commerce. As well, US companies have also increasingly relied on JIT “just-in-time” inventory systems to order their goods at the last moment, rather than stocking the items on their shelfs, which has resulted in lower inventory levels.
Together with, during the past two decades the shipping business has not been too profitable, meaning little investment has been put into building new ships. To make matter worse here in the US, our railroad companies have also been cutting costs and reducing their headcounts which has created the perfect storm for the shipping logistics crisis that we find ourselves in today.
The global semiconductor shortage is affecting the availability of security related parts.
Many industries including the security industry are also experiencing a global semiconductor chip shortage too. The sudden lockdown from the coronavirus created a ripple effect, where suppliers were unable to meet the growing demands for the silicon microchips that power today’s security system electronics. The remote work from home environment along with cloud infrastructure amplified and prioritized the sales of gaming gadgets, phones and several other electronic devices. And, the remaining stock of chips left available was insufficient to catch up to the pent-up demand in a slew of industries, including the security industry.
The good news is that we anticipate both crises to come to an end soon. Shipping routes now have alternative locations, like Florida, which are offering to carry more of the load, and semiconductor manufacturer’s, like Qualcomm, have stated that they expect the chip manufacturing shortage to be resolved by the second quarter of 2022. So, if you are one of the many who are experiencing delays in receiving your parts order, you are not alone. Here at GeoArm, we are monitoring the two shipping crises described in this article on a day-to-day basis and keeping track of the out-of-stock items. So that when these parts do become available again for distribution, our customers will be first in line to receive them.
The all-new Alarm.com WiFi 1080p touchless video doorbell camera is now available in two more additional aesthetically pleasing colors (silver and bronze finish) at GeoArm Security.
The Alarm.com touchless doorbell contains a built-in integrated camera, PIR motion sensor, digital microphone and speaker. It is the next-generation video doorbell camera and the latest installment in the Design Studio Series product line, has an expansive 150° vertical Field of View (FOV), allowing you to monitor the entire doorway area. With Two-Way Audio and a full portrait viewing in the app, the doorbell makes it easier than ever to see and speak with visitors.
Plus, this Alarm.com video doorbell uses video analytics to minimize false-positive motion detection and to enable rapid detection of people, so you receive alerts even if visitors don’t ring the bell. With the doorbell installed our do-it-yourselfer’s will always know who is at the front door of their home. It enables homeowners the ability to answer the door and speak to visitors via two-way audio, right from the Alarm.com interactive monitoring app.
Please note, the Customer app must be version 4.14+ to view video from the Alarm.com touchless video doorbell. An Apple or Android device is required for use of the Alarm.com app. The AC or DC transformer or doorbell chime does not come included and needs to purchased separately.
The original Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 touchless video doorbell in a white color finish by GeoArm.
The Alarm.com ADC-V724 is a outdoor, 1080p high definition, wifi security camera with two-way audio that is designed specifically to work with the Alarm.com video service has been released by GeoArm!
The ADC-V724 outdoor security camera allows for proactive deterrence of unwanted activity on a customer’s property. With powerful video analytics from Alarm.com, the ADC-V724 can detect and alert customers to people and animals active around their homes or businesses. Additionally, the ADC-V724 comes with two-way audio giving DIY customers the power to discourage unwanted visitors. Plus, thanks to onboard recording with smart view the end user can locally record encrypted video onto a microSD (sold separately) and view footage from anywhere.
Product Features:
Two-Way Audio to hear and speak with visitors
1080p HD video surveillance
117° field of view
Microphone and speaker
Video Analytics for smarter detection and alerts
Onboard Recording with Smart View for continuous, local, encrypted recordings
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
IR night vision
IP66
Audio included in recorded clips for additional awareness
Improved mount for long-term stability
Easier access to microSD card door
Works with the Alarm.com Customer Website and Customer app
Get FREE ground shipping on all orders over $200 at GeoArm Security in the continental United States. We listened to some of our harshest online critics and updated our policy for the best DIY shopping experience.
GeoArm partners with Affirm to offer customers “Buy Now, Pay Later” services.
We are excited to announce our new partnership with Affirm, a leading “Buy Now, Pay Later” consumer financial provider in the United States.
Now shoppers can now finance purchases over 3, 6 or 12 months to buy their favorite security system in monthly installments on GeoArm’s website. With Affirm there are no late fees and no compounding interest of any kind. By removing the upfront costs, GeoArm and Affirm are disrupting the traditional security market by making the choice easy for DIY customers with flexible BNPL payments minus the gimmicks.
By selecting Affirm on GeoArm checkout, you can pay over time for your favorite wireless security system brands such as; 2GIG, Alarm.com, Qolsys, Resideo and more!
The Qolys IQ Panel 2 Plus Wireless Security System Review by GeoArm Security.
The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus wireless security system has a large easy-to-use 7″ HD touchscreen interface with built-in 5MP front camera and multiple wireless radios including; Alarm.com Verizon or AT&T Cellular LTE, WiFi, Z-Wave Plus, Bluetooth BLE Touchless Disarming, Built-in Glassbreak Sensor, PowerG and the new S-Line radio.
The panel serves as the brains of your security system and with it you can control lights, locks, thermostats, security and much more. It ships with the Qolsys 2.2 software, which encompasses several new features like Easy Install Wizard, Live View, the ability to view Alarm.com video cameras on the screen, and Live Answer.
Live Answer give DIYer’s the ability to answer their Alarm.com video doorbell from the IQ Panel 2 Plus inside the property, such as the Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 touchless video doorbell. Live Answer will also work with Live View cameras that have voice capability, such as the Alarm.com ADC-V515 indoor security camera. With Alarm.com’s video monitoring solutions in place you can view and respond through the interactive app, and you can also see who is at the front door by just looking at the IQ Panel 2 Plus touchscreen.
The Qolys IQ Panel 2 Plus is Powered by Alarm.com and GeoArm Security.
Dual SRF: The IQ Panel 2 Plus QS9201-1208-840 simultaneously supports two radio security frequencies. Dual SRF featuring PowerG and 319.5 MHz (legacy Interlogix/S-Line) allows DIYer’s to retain installed sensors while adding and upgrading as needed with PowerG, the industry’s most robust sensor line to address common range and functionality demands. For instances when life safety devices are already installed, the IQ Panel 2 Plus will allow DIYer’s to retain these devices without incurring the cost, install time and maintenance of third party translators. Dual SRF featuring PowerG is designed to address the millions of legacy Interlogix systems installed while reducing costs associated with upgrading to the next generation security and IoT platforms.
PowerG: The IQ Panel 2 Plus includes PowerG, the revolutionary 2-way wireless communication technology with an unprecedented line-up of features designed to decrease operational costs for dealers while providing ultimate reliability for end users. Multichannel, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology enables the system to hop between wireless frequency channels to ensure the seamless transmission of secure communications between the devices and the control panel. Adaptive Transmission Power translates into up to eight years of battery life for the system’s devices and peripherals, reducing battery-replacement incurred costs. High transmission ranges allow for devices to reliably communicate 4 times further than legacy wireless protocols, reducing the cost of installing additional repeaters to service larger premises. 128 bit AES encryption offers exceptionally high level of protection against analysis tools and digital attacks.
Front Camera: The IQ Panel comes with a built-in front camera that captures photos in a variety of situations. When the panel is disarmed manually, the camera takes a photograph and saves it in the “ARM/DISARM” section. These photos are accompanied by the username of the individual who’s code was used, the date, and the time. When someone attempts to access your panel settings with an invalid code, the camera takes a photograph and saves it in the “SETTINGS” section. These photos are accompanied by the date and time. When the alarm is triggered, the camera takes a photograph and saves it in the “ALARMS” section. When the alarm is triggered, the camera will record up to a 4 minute video clip. This video is stored locally on the panel only. Using a Micro SD Card you can select individual photos or videos and save them on it.
Light Control: You can add up to 80 Z-Wave lights, lamp modules, or lightbulbs to the IQ Panel 2 Plus panel. This will allow you to control your lights (e.g. turn on/off, adjust the dimmer) locally on the panel and also from your Alarm.com mobile app.
Lock Control: You can add up to 6 Z-Wave locks to the IQ Panel 2 Plus panel. This will allow you to control your locks (e.g. lock/unlock doors individually or all at once) locally on the panel and also from your Alarm.com mobile app.
Thermostat Control: You can add up to 6 thermostats to the IQ Panel 2 Plus panel. This will allow you to control the temperature (e.g. turn up, turn down or change mode) locally on the panel and also from your Alarm.com mobile app.
Garage Door: You can add up to 10 Z-Wave overhead garage door controllers to the IQ Panel 2 Plus panel. This will allow you to control the garage door (e.g. open/close it) locally on the panel and also from your Alarm.com mobile app.
Live View: Streaming live camera feeds on the IQ Panel 2 Plus is a Qolsys exclusive in the Alarm.com ecosystem. “Live View” allows supported Alarm.com indoor and outdoor WiFi cameras to be viewed on the IQ Panel 2 Plus 7″ HD resolution touchscreen. With a wide range of available Alarm.com video devices, DIYer’s can become even more connected to their smart homes or businesses. The supported Alarm.com smart security cameras include: ADC-V515, ADC-V523, ADC-V622-WELL, ADC-V723, ADC-V821, ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826 and ADC-VC836.
Live Answer: An industry first, “Live Answer” streams the supported Skybell or Alarm.com Video Doorbell direct to the IQ Panel 2 Plus high-definition touchscreen. This innovative feature replicates the mobile app experience enabling users to answer the video doorbell, remote door lock/unlock, while continuing to provide doorbell call and motion notifications sent to your smart device. The supported Alarm.com video doorbell cameras include: ADC-VDB101, ADC-VDB102, ADC-VDB105, ADC-VDB106 and ADC-VDB770.
Install Wizard: The Install Wizard included in the 2.2 software streamlines installation by taking an installer step-by-step through set up ensuring key functions and features are properly configured. The already fast and intuitive installation process is made even easier ensuring every install is consistent and follows best practices, resulting in a better install experience and reduced installation times and long-term support. The new user-friendly wizard will also further simplify DIY self-installations.
Partitions: The panel allows for up to 4 partitions to be programmed. Partitions allow for the creation of zone groups in a home or business so that users can arm some sections of the property while leaving others disarmed. Partitioning enables greater personalization and functionality while simplifying installation. Each partition controls its local zone status, alerts and notifications. Any area or zone that needs to be armed or disarmed separately from the rest of the structure can be turned into a partition.
Photo Frame: When your IQ Panel 2 Plus is not in use you can program the panel to turn into a customizable photo frame. Inside the panel’s settings you can choose whether you want photos or a weather clock or if you want the panel to turn itself off automatically in the evenings, and more.
Schedule Scenes: Allows you to control multiple devices with the click of a single button right from your IQ Panel 2 Plus touchscreen (Powered by Alarm.com). Each option is a multi-device command that coordinates different smart devices to accomplish a complete task.
User Types: You can add up to 242 users to the IQ Panel 2 Plus system, each with a custom name and access level that you allow. There are three levels you can program for staring with the top “master” level allows the user to access panel functions, camera and system settings. Next, the “user” level allows access to panel functions, camera, but NOT system settings. Lastly, the “guest” level is used to give arm and disarm access to those users who will use the panel on a temporary basis. By creating individual users, you can set up custom text notifications when they access or use your system, keeping you connected no matter where you are.
Wellness: Allows quick and easy access to the emergency panic for senior care directly on your IQ Panel 2 Plus touchscreen (Powered by Alarm.com). This “wellness” page replaces the Security and Arming page as the default, home page to simplify use and access to help. The check in and check out feature notifies you when assisted living caregivers arrive and leave so that you have the peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting the care they need and deserve.
As you all know United Technologies announced that Interlogix after all these years is closing their doors at the end of 2019. Alarm.com a few days later sent us a confirmation email that they would still provide Alarm.com compatible communications devices for monitoring abilities. In addition, Alarm.com announced it will continue to support the product lines for dealer tech support.
This is big news for anyone who has an Interlogix such as a Concord, NX Series or Simon security system. This news confirms that the Interlogix systems life span has been extended at least up until LTE cellular modules are phased out. After LTE cellular communicators are phased out well down the line we are not sure what will happen from there or what communication modules will support the monitoring of Interlogix!
What we do know is that end-users that have Interlogix will still be able to enjoy Alarm.com monitoring services, remote app control with the Alarm.com interactive app, Z-Wave home automation control, Amazon Alexa / Google Home / Apple Siri voice control and Alarm.com compatible IP security camera abilities for quite some time.
Here is an example email that Alarm.com is sending to its dealer’s.
United Technologies recently announced that they are winding down their Interlogix security business in the U.S. and Canada, but they will continue to manufacture and sell through the end of the year.
Alarm.com will continue to support all Interlogix panels currently installed, as well as all new installations going forward. Our services will continue to work seamlessly on the lineup of Interlogix panels we support, now and into the future. Also, we will continue to manufacture Interlogix LTE upgrade modules.
We’re excited to introduce the ADC-V723, our newest 1080p Outdoor WiFi Camera with High Dynamic Range!
The Alarm.com ADC-V723 security camera delivers enhanced capabilities based on feedback from our partners. Offered at a similar price point as the ADC-V722W, the new camera delivers outstanding performance with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for sharper image quality, improved Wi-Fi performance, a 33% wider field of view and a new industrial design with flexible mounting for easy installation.
The key features of the ADC-V723 include:
117° field of view
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
Waterproof & Dust-tight (IP66)
Rich Video Analytics for detecting people, vehicles & animals (Make sure to sign up for Alarm.com video analytics cloud storage plan)
Please Note: With the release of the ADC-V723, Alarm.com will soon discontinue the sale of the ADC-V722W. Assuming typical order quantities, this should happen late in the third quarter. We will continue to support the installation and troubleshooting of any remaining units you may have.
With all Alarm.com security cameras, end-users will need to activate an Alarm.com cloud storage Plan. By activating the Alarm.com security camera cloud storage plan end-users will be able to remotely view their cameras using their smart devices via Alarm.com application.
