Are you looking for a blog post about setting up and controlling your Paradox MG5050 Security System Remotely via an app or Browser? If so, you’re in the right place! There is an add-on device you can purchase online called Paradox IP150+ which is a communication module that allows you to remotely control (activate, decativate) and monitor (get reports, see status) your security system over a LAN or the internet using a web browser or a home automation platform like Insight Gold or Home Assistant.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of setting up the Paradox IP150+ so you can control your alarm system from a web browser or view the states of your alarm sensors via Insight Gold. It’s important to note that the IP150+ module should only be configured by someone who is technically competent to do such task like a network admin. If you need more information on module configuration, consult the IP150+ Reference and Installation Manual.
With the Paradox IP150, you can have peace of mind knowing that your security system is accessible remotely and can be controlled at your fingertips, you can even get notification when you are out and about. Let’s get started on setting up this essential device for your security system!
Step 1: Getting things ready
Before moving to the next steps make sure you have the following items ready
- You will need to have Paradox IP150+ and this is widely available online, I live in New Zealand so this device is only sold by installers and there is a hefty price tag that comes along with it, usually they sell it at NZ$225.00 upwards so I have to source it in eBay to save some money. I got one from eBay which costs way much cheaper even with the shipping fee, I saved NZ$100.00 in doing so
- Make sure you have extra ports in your Router, if not you will need to grab a PoE switch
- You will need the System Master Password for your alarm system otherwise you will be restricted to do many things as a lot of the menu items on the site for configuration will be disabled.
If this is installed by an installer and if you continue below and find that the menu items are locked like the one above then your installer will have the System Master Password. It is your right to get this information as this is your alarm. I had issues with this before and they were charging me to give the password, as mentioned this is your property so you have the right to get that password.
Installers might use the same System Master Password for all of their installs so might be hesitant to give that to you, don’t worry because if the IP150+ is already plugged in they can reset this System Master Password remotely so no technicians are needed to go to your property.
- Finally you will need to make sure that your Alarm System is compatible with Paradox IP150+, for me I have a MG5050 but it is also compatible with EVO Series, Spectra SP Series, and MG5000 and MG5075. Take note article is based on MG5050 and haven’t tried it in other compatible security systems. To see what model you are using, check the motherboard and its on the top left corner.
Step 2: Connecting the Paradox IP150+ to your Paradox Alarm Board
Now that you have all your pre-requisites on hand let get started with setting up your Paradox IP150+ Internet Module. The first step is to connect it to your Paradox Alarm Board. You can do this by using the supplied cable that comes with the module.
Begin by plugging in the smaller of the two plugs into the ‘Panel’ port of the Paradox IP150. Then, plug the larger plug into the ‘Serial’ port of your Paradox alarm system board. It’s essential to make sure that the correct ports are used, and the cables are securely connected to avoid any connectivity issues.
Once you’ve connected the Paradox IP150+ to your alarm board, you’re ready to move on to the next step, which involves configuring the module for remote access.
Step 3: Connecting the Paradox IP150+ to your wired Local Area Network (LAN)
Once you have successfully connected the Paradox IP150+ to your Paradox Alarm Board, the next step is to connect the module to your wired Local Area Network (LAN).
The Paradox IP150+ is equipped with a LAN/Ethernet port, so you’ll need to run an Ethernet cable from your router or switch to the cabinet that houses your alarm system control panel. In my case, I used a PoE Switch that is plugged to my Router then plugged the Paradox IP150+ to the PoE switch.
Now clip the Paradox IP150+ on the top of your Alarm System Housing, it has a built in clip that is low profile so you can still close the cabinet properly.
Connecting your Paradox IP150+ to a wired LAN will enable you to access your security system remotely through any web browser or through any app such as Insight Gold.
Now that you have successfully connected your Paradox IP150+ to your wired LAN, you’re ready to proceed to the next step, which involves configuring the module’s settings to enable remote access.
Step 4: Finding the IP address of your Paradox IP150+
After connecting your Paradox IP150+ to your wired Local Area Network, the next step is to find its IP address. The IP address is what you’ll use to access the module’s web interface and configure the settings.
There are a few different ways to find the IP address of your Paradox IP150+. One way is to review all the devices connected to your network in your router’s DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) table and look for the Paradox IP150+. This method requires access to your router’s administrative panel.
Alternatively, you can download an app from your phone that scan your network for connected devices. This app will help you quickly identify the new IP address assigned to your Paradox IP150+.
Once you have identified the IP address of your Paradox IP150+, copy and paste it into your web browser’s address bar to access the module’s web interface. From here, you can begin to configure the module’s settings and enable remote access to your Paradox security system.
Step 5: Connecting to the Paradox IP150+ Internet Module
Once you have identified the IP address of your Paradox IP150, the next step is to connect to the module by entering the IP address into a web browser. This will load a login screen that requires you to enter your Panel user code and Module password.
The Panel user code is the PIN number that you normally use to arm and disarm your alarm system via the keypad. The Module password is the default password, which is “paradox”. You will be prompted to change this password after your first login. This is where you will use the System Master password so you have an unrestricted access to the Alarm Systems Configuration.
In some cases, you may also be required to provide your Paradox DNS Site ID. This information is provided by your installer, but it is not always necessary. The Site ID is typically only required if you are connecting to the Insight Gold App, which is an optional feature that allows you to remotely control your Paradox security system.
Once you have successfully logged in to the Paradox IP150+ module, make a note of the Module password and Panel user code, you will need these credentials later.
Step 6: The Paradox IP150+ Web Interface
Once you have connected to the Paradox IP150+ module, you will be taken to its web interface. The interface is straightforward to navigate and use, with a menu on the left-hand side and the content on the right.
You can test whether everything is working correctly by checking whether the status of your sensors changes (for example, if your front door is open, it will be highlighted in green), and by arming or disarming your alarm using the ‘Action buttons’ menu on the System Status screen. Menu is quite straighforward and simple and is arrange on what configuration item you want to modify.
One important thing to note is that if you plan to link your Paradox IP150+ to Insight Gold, you must log out of the web interface before connecting to Home Assistant. The Paradox IP150+ only permits one connection at a time, so if you have the web interface open, it will reject any connection attempts from Insight Gold and vice versa.
Step 7: Set Up Insight Gold
Download Insight Gold from App Store or Google Play
Follow the instructions documented frrm the Paradox Site or in case that site cease to exist, I downloaded it here as well -> Insite Gold Complete User Guide v1.9 End User
Now you can control your alarm system remotely.