Product overview 

The Image Sensor for 2GIG GC3 panels is a pet immune PIR (passive infrared) motion detector with a built-in camera. The sensor is designed to capture images during alarm or non-alarm events.

Users can also initiate image capture on-demand to Peek-In on their property. Images are stored locally and uploaded either automatically when motion is captured during alarm events or manually when requested by the user. Once uploaded, images are available for viewing on the Alarm.com Website or an Alarm.com smartphone app. The sensor is battery powered, all wireless and simple to install and operate. A system with a 2GIG Cell Radio Module connected to an Alarm.com account with service package subscription is required. For additional information on product features, functionality and service package options, visit the Alarm.com Partner Portal (www.alarm.com/dealer).

Highlighted features

• Battery operated
• Communicates wirelessly to the security control panel
• 35 feet by 40 feet detection coverage area
• Configurable PIR sensitivity and pet immunity settings
• Image: QVGA 320x240 pixels
• Color Images (except in night vision)
• Night vision image capture with infrared flash (black & white)
• Tamper detection, walk test mode, supervision

Service package requirement

Image capture features require a service package that includes one of the following Image Sensor add-ons:

• Images - Alarms: Includes upload of images from panel alarm events only.
• Images - Limited: Includes uploads of images from panel alarm events and disarm events. 
• Images - Plus: Includes upload of images from panel alarm events, disarm events, and non-alarm events. 

For additional information about Image Sensor add-ons, see What do the Image Sensor service packages include?. 

Hardware compatibility & requirements 

Security control panel	2GIG GC3 with firmware version 3.0.1+
Communication module	2GIG GC3 cell radio module
Required radio	2GIG-XCVR3-GC3
Available zones	One zone per Image Sensor installed (Up to 10 Image Sensors per system)

Hardware installation

Important: For smoothest installation, learn in one Image Sensor at a time. Insert batteries only after initiating learn mode at the panel.

Create Alarm.com Customer Account  

Using the 2GIG cellular radio module serial number, create an Alarm.com customer account on the Alarm. com Partner Portal (www.alarm.com/dealer) or MobileTech app with an Image Sensor capable service package.

Verify module installation 

Ensure that the communication module is connected and installed properly inside the control panel.

Verify XCVR3 installation

Verify the XCVR3 is connected properly to the control panel terminal blocks.

• Red – Smoke+
• Black – Common (GND)
• Green – RX
• White – TX

For more information on how to install the XCVR3, please reference the XCVR3 installation instructions included with the XCVR3.

Register module and test  

Power up the panel and initiate a cell phone test to ensure the communication module is properly installed and communicating with Alarm.com. 

Enroll Image Sensor using panel

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Tap System Settings.
3. Enter the installer code.
4. Tap Installer Toolbox.
5. Tap System Configuration.
6. Tap Wireless Zones.
7. Tap to select an unused zone.
8. For the Sensor type, tap to enter a sensor type. 
   • Recommended sensor types are:
     • 04- Interior Follower
     • 10- Interior w/ Delay
     • 23- No Response Type
9. For Equipment type, tap to select (2) Motion.
10. For Equipment code, tap to select 9999 Alarm.com Image Sensor.
11. For Image Sensor ID, tap Learn to put the panel into learn mode.
12. Power up the Image Sensor by inserting the batteries. Use a paper clip to hold the sensor’s reset button until the LED flashes rapidly for at least two seconds. It will take at least 10 seconds for this to occur. The reset button must be held for at least a full 10 seconds.
    
    Note: A one second fast blink may occur during the reset attempt. This signals that the sensor is not enrolled in a network.
     
13. For Equipment age, tap to select the equipment age (i.e., New or Existing). 
14. For Transmission delay, tap to select enabled or disabled. 
15. For Voice descriptor, tap to edit the voice descriptor if desired. 
16. For Sensor reports, tap to select enabled or disabled. (Enabled is recommended)
17. For Sensor supervised, tap to select enabled or disabled. (Enabled is recommended)
18. For Sensor chime, tap to select enabled or disabled . 
19. Continue to edit next sensor or tap Return to System Configuration and tap Save to save the changes and exit.
20. Perform a cell phone test to verify that the updated equipment list is sent to Alarm.com.

The sensor is now learned into the panel. After enrollment, be sure to keep the sensor and panel powered so the sensor can complete an initialization process with Alarm.com. This process will take several minutes. Images cannot be captured until initialization is complete.

To verify that the initialization process is complete using the panel: 

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Tap System Settings.
3. Enter the installer code.
4. Tap Installer Toolbox.
5. Tap System Configuration. 
6. Tap Image Sensors. 
7. Tap to select the Image Sensor to verify.
8. Verify Rules is showing as Synced.

Choose sensor location and mount

1. Determine sensor mounting location based on the installation scenario and criteria noted in the mounting guidelines. 
   • For best image capture, the target capture areas should be centered in the frame. (e.g., If the customer wants to capture people coming through door, the doorway should be centered in camera/PIR view.)
2. Verify RF communication prior to mounting.
   • To verify RF signal strength, tamper sensor and place near mounting location. Activate PIR for two minutes.
   • The sensor signal strength can be found in the control panel. 
3. Determine desired mounting angle for customer scenario; attach mounting arm to sensor-back and re-attach sensor to sensor-back. The mounting arm attaches to the back of the sensor enabling the sensor angle to vary based on the application.
   • To obtain the full 35’ x 40’ coverage area, mount the sensor at a 6˚ downward angle. This corresponds to a teeth up orientation of the mounting arm.  For most smaller areas in residential installations, mount the arm with the teeth down for a deeper angle (18˚). Secure the back of the sensor to the mounting arm with the provided screw.  If the camera is mounted perpendicular to the wall, mount the sensor without the mounting arm/bracket directly on the wall, at a 12° angle. 
     
     
      
4. Choose applicable mounting bracket for customer scenario.
   • The sensor hardware packet contains two mounting brackets for different mounting scenarios. Use the provided large screws and anchors to attach the bracket to the wall.
     
     
      
   • Mark location of bracket holes on mounting surface at a height of eight feet for maximum coverage area.
   • Leave at least three inches of clearance above the sensor to allow for battery replacement without uninstalling the mounting bracket.
5. Place sensor with arm on mounting bracket.
   • Adjust the horizontal positioning of the sensor to point towards the desired coverage area. To adjust positioning, lift the mounting arm at least 1/3 of the way off the bracket and rotate the arm.

6. Secure the mounting arm location by sliding lock pin into the hole. Use the washer and remaining small screw to secure the lock pin by screwing upwards through the bottom of the hole in the mounting bracket.
   
   Note: To make it easier to adjust PIR/camera field of view, complete this step after horizontal sensor positioning is finalized.
   
   

Complete PIR testing

Verify that PIR coverage adequately covers area by performing a walk test. For more information about performing a walk test, see Programming.

Verify that the sensor signal strength is strong while mounted. The sensor performs best when the signal strength is above 40%. The signal strength must be greater than 30% for sensor to function properly. Signal strength can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions and interference, so be sure that the signal is consistently in range.

To verify signal strength using the 2GIG GC3:

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Tap System settings.
3. Enter the installer code.
4. Tap Installer Toolbox.
5. Tap System Configurations. 
6. Tap Image Sensor. 
7. For the Image Sensor, view the Signal Strength.

Test image capture

To conserve the customer’s monthly image upload quota, automatic alarm uploads are disabled for the first four hours after any new sensor (Image Sensor or other) is installed into the system. Installers can verify sensor positioning and test image captures on installed sensors via a dedicated installer test mobile site, without having to access the customer’s account or deducting from the customer’s monthly upload quota. If possible, installers should also test night vision captures to ensure sensor infrared flash is not reflecting off surfaces and washing out images.

Installer test images do not count against the customer's monthly image upload limit. 

Note: If the installer needs to continue testing beyond the 4 hour window, disable alarm auto-uploads first from the Alarm.com Partner Portal or the image uploads will be deducted from the customer’s monthly quota.

To test images using the MobileTech app: 

1. Log into the MobileTech app, or www.alarm.com/MobileTech using your Alarm.com partner credentials. 
2. Find the customer account. 
3. Tap Equipment. 
4. Tap Image Sensors. 
5. Tap Image Testing. 
6. For privacy reasons, a local comm (phone) test must be performed prior to requesting an image through MobileTech.
   • A comm (phone) test must have been performed within the past five minutes to gain access to this section of MobileTech. 
7. After a few minutes, tap Continue. 
8. To request a peek-in image, tap Request Image Upload for the Image Sensor to test. 
9. To request a peek-in on the next motion, tap Request Motion Image Upload for the Image Sensor to test. 
10. After a few minutes, refresh the page to view the image on MobileTech. These images also display in the customer's Image Gallery on the Customer Website or app. 

PIR lens and camera coverage diagrams 

As indicated in Figure 2, the camera coverage area is narrower than the PIR coverage area. When installing, mount sensor where subjects are likely to be centered in or across PIR and camera field of view.

Mounting guidelines 

Before permanently mounting the Image Sensor, evaluate potential locations and consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance and false alarm protection:

• Range- Is the location close enough to the security panel to ensure adequate signal strength?
• False alarm immunity- Is installation location false alarm prone? Reduce the risk of motion-triggered false alarms by making sure the location is free of vibration and the device does not face a local heat source, window, or areas with high pet activity. Verify the area is free of elevated surfaces where pets may climb.
• Capture orientation- Is the location ideally suited for detecting motion and capturing images when there is an intruder or activity? Consider where the subject is likely to enter the area and whether or not they are facing the sensor.
• Lighting conditions- How good is the artificial and natural light? Does daytime and nighttime lighting conditions ensure adequate image quality?

Additional considerations for Image Sensor mounting

• If possible, locate sensor within 100 feet of the panel especially if there are many walls between the sensor and panel, or if the panel and sensor are located on different floors. While the transmitter may have an open air range of 400 feet, installation site conditions can reduce range considerably.
• Avoid facing the sensor toward or close to areas that may affect communication such as metallic objects or electronics likely to produce interference. Verify sensor RF communication at the panel, even if within the recommended distance.
• For optimal detection capabilities, mount the sensor where someone is most likely to walk across the sensor coverage area as opposed to directly towards the sensor.
• By default, the Image Sensor is set to Normal sensitivity. A more sensitive motion profile (i.e., High sensitivity) and a less sensitive profile providing pet immunity for pets up to 40 lbs (i.e., Low) can be selected at the control panel or through the Alarm.com Partner Portal.
• The Image Sensor is designed for indoor use only and should not be installed outdoors. For proper operation in pet immune applications, the room should be kept between 60° and 110° F.
• To maximize night vision image quality, do not orient sensor towards surfaces that create a glare when infrared flash occurs. Avoid orienting the sensor such that the ceiling or adjacent walls are in the camera field of view.
• The sensor must be mounted on a flat wall surface free of vibrations. Do not set the Image Sensor on a shelf.

Programming

The Image Sensor is enrolled into the control panel via the System Configuration.

PIR sensitivity settings

By default, the Image Sensor is configured with a standard motion sensitivity profile Normal. The sensor can also be set to a more sensitive motion profile (i.e., High) and a less sensitive profile with pet immunity for pets up to 40 lbs (i.e., Low). The sensitivity can be configured through the control panel or remotely on Alarm.com. For information about setting the PIR Sensitivity Settings remotely, see Change Image Sensor sensitivity.

Note: Using the high sensitivity profile increases the risk of false alarms, especially if the sensor is facing windows or sources of heat. When mounting the sensor near windows or heat sources use caution and select the Low PIR sensitivity setting.

To adjust the PIR sensitivity using the 2GIG GC3: 

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Tap System settings.
3. Enter the installer code.
4. Tap Installer Toolbox.
5. Tap System Configurations. 
6. Tap Image Sensor. 
7. Using the Sensitivity dropdown menu, select Low, Normal, or High. 

PIR activation and test mode

During normal operation, the PIR can be activated at most once every three minutes while the system is disarmed. There is a 30-second delay after powering before PIR detection is active. For the first 3 minutes after a sensor is enrolled in a network, the sensor will enter PIR test mode and the sensor LED illuminates for 3 seconds upon each motion activation (at most every 8 seconds). For additional testing time, put the sensor into test mode by tampering it.

Verify that PIR coverage adequately covers area in its mounting location by performing a walk test.

To test the PIR using the 2GIG GC3: 

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Tap System settings.
3. Enter the installer code.
4. Tap Installer Toolbox.
5. Tap Walk Test. 
6. Tap Sensor Test . 
7. Trigger the Image Sensor.

Tamper and malfunction reports 

Tamper and malfunction reports are issued at the control panel. If subscribed, the customer will also receive notifications from Alarm.com.

A built-in accelerometer detects movement or re-positioning of the Image Sensor and will initiate a tamper whenever a change in sensor orientation is detected. Reporting occurs even if the sensor back plate remains in place. The tamper automatically clears after the sensor is returned to the upright position and no movement has been detected for 5 minutes. A tamper can also be cleared by resetting the sensor.

Sensor LED 

By default, the image sensor LED does not illuminate when activated by motion unless the sensor is in test mode. The LED can be enabled via the Alarm.com Partner Portal for each Image Sensor on a customer’s account. When enabled, the LED illuminates for 3 seconds upon motion activations (at most every 3 minutes while disarmed).

Image capture settings

Capture settings are configured automatically for each sensor based upon the customer’s Image Sensor service package so it is important to subscribe the customer to a service package before enrolling the sensor. For more information, see What do the Image Sensor service packages include?. 

Service package add-on	Includes
Images - Alarms	Captures motion-activated images while the system is Armed Away to catch potential intruders before the alarm sounds. Continues to capture images until the system is Disarmed. Captures motion-activated images on an instant alarm (i.e., panic, etc.) or an alarm from Armed Stay after an initialization period (up to a 30 second delay). Automatically transmits up to 5 motion-activated image events (with 2 images per event) to Alarm.com and sends images to recipients as selected by the customer. Images are automatically selected for transmission, which begins when the panel issues an alarm locally (pending alarm) and ends when the panel is Disarmed, or after 5 minutes (whichever comes first).
Images - Limited	Includes all features of Images - Alarms Captures the first motion event after the panel is Disarmed from Armed-Away.
Images - Plus	Includes all features of Images - Limited Customers have the ability to request non-alarm images (e.g., entry delay or post-disarm) to be uploaded and sent to them up to their monthly upload quota. Customers can request property Peek-In images to be taken and sent to them right away or on the next motion activity up to their monthly upload quota. Customers can configure Daily View rules that automatically capture and upload the first motion event during a specific time period each day.

Image Sensor reset button

The sensor can only be cleared from its network using the reset button if it is currently not communicating with its network. If the sensor is still communicating with its network, clear the sensor by deleting it from the system it is enrolled in. 

To reset the Image Sensor:

1. Insert a paperclip into the hole on the front of the sensor to access the reset button.
2. Press and hold a full 10 seconds until the sensor LED flashes rapidly to reset the sensor and clear it from its network.
   
   Note: Pressing and holding for 3 seconds power cycles the Image Sensor.
   
   

The Image Sensor must be reset prior to enrolling in a new network.

Battery replacement

​When a sensor‘s batteries are low, the panel displays a low battery alert for the sensor (unless this trouble condition has been disabled for the panel display). Notifications are also issued through the Alarm.com platform if the customer has subscribed to this notification type.

1. Carefully slide the front of the Image Sensor up off of the sensor's back.
   • The entire Image Sensor back and mounting arm does not need to be removed or dismounted. 
     
     
      
2. Replace the Image Sensor batteries with 2 AA 1.5v Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries to maximize battery life.
   • Using standard alkaline batteries greatly reduces the life of the batteries. 
     • If the battery type is switched between Ultimate Lithium and Alkaline, verify the battery type is also updated on Alarm.com. This ensures accurate low battery reporting. For more information about updating the battery type, see To update the battery information. 
     • The operation of the sensor with alkaline batteries has not been verified for compliance with UL standards.
3. Dispose of the used batteries according to the battery manufacturer's instruction or following local regulations.

Other feature compatibility

Two-Way Voice compatibility

Images cannot be transmitted while a Two-Way Voice call is in session. When the Image Sensor is installed on a system with Two-Way Voice over the cellular network, image transmission during an alarm maybe interrupted by the two-way session. Image transmission resumes once the call has terminated.

Troubleshooting

General troubleshooting steps

• Verify module signal strength: If the Alarm.com module is having a problem signaling, motion activations and image transmission may be delayed or cancelled.
• Verify Image Sensor RF signal strength: The signal strength must be above 30% for the sensor to function properly.
• Verify Images service package: Image capture functionality depends on the cus­tomer’s service package. Verify the proper Image Sensor add-on is selected; delete sensor and re-enroll.

Sensor not enrolling

• Verify sensor is receiving power: After inserting batteries, the sensor LED should illuminate or flash within 10 seconds.
• Verify sensor is not communicating with another network: If the sensor has been previously enrolled in a different system or daughterboard, delete the sensor from the system and hold the sensor reset button for 10 seconds to clear the sensor from the old network before attempting to enroll the sensor in a new network. The sensor cannot be cleared if it is currently communicating with its network. In this case, the sensor must be deleted from the system first through the control panel or remote command.

Sensor non-responsive 

• Verify range: Verify the Image Sensor's signal level. If the signal strength is low, move the non-responsive sensor closer to the control panel, verify signal strength, and see if communication resumes. If applicable, verify the Image Sensor daughterboard antenna is correctly routed as described in the installation pro­cedure.
• Replace batteries: Check the battery level in the panel's Image Sensor menu, and install fresh Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries if needed. 

False motion activations

• Check environmental elements: Heating or cooling elements may adversely affect sensor performance. Test sensor with and without these elements to determine inter­ference. Check if there are any reflective surfaces facing the device (e.g., mirror).
• Check sensor positioning: The sensor may not be properly positioned to capture the desired motion. Check horizontal positioning of sensor and re-mount as necessary.
• Check PIR sensitivity setting: Verify that the proper sensor motion profile has been selected through the setup menu or select a less sensitive profile.

Sensor tamper  

• The sensor detects changes in sensor orientation and can register a tamper regardless of the sensor-back being removed. A tamper is automatically cleared after the sensor has been returned to the upright position and has not detected any tamper activity for five minutes. With the sensor mounted, the tamper may also be cleared by holding the sensor reset button for three seconds to initiate a power cycle.

Images not captured

• Verify service package: Verify the account has the proper Image Sensor add-on. Images cannot be captured without an Image Sensor service package. For alarm functionality, add the Images - Alarms plan. For alarms and enhanced functionality, add the Images - Plus plan.
• Verify sensor rules: Verify the Image Sensor initialization process has been com­pleted. Verify rules have been confirmed in the Rules Confirmed column on the Partner Portal or MobileTech app. If not, resend Image Sensor rules. For more information about resending rules, see Image Sensor Rules Not Confirmed. 
• Enable auto uploads: During the first four hours after any sensor is enrolled onto the system, alarm images will not automatically be uploaded to Alarm.com. Automatic up­loads are automatically enabled after four hours. For more information about enabling uploads sooner, see Configure automatic Image Sensor uploads. If the camera LED is blinking, refer to the following chart for LED trouble diagnostics.

Image Sensor red status LED activity reference ​

Refer to the following chart for the Image Sensor's red status LED trouble diagnostics: 

LED pattern	Device status or error	Duration of LED pattern
Solid for 5 Seconds	Sensor Power- Up	Approximately first 5 seconds after powering.
Solid for 5 Seconds	Sensor Joins or Rejoins Network	First 5 seconds after sensor joins a new network (during enroll process) or rejoins its existing network.
Fast Blink for 5 Seconds at a Time	Searching for Network to Join	Repeats pattern for up to 60 seconds after powering until the sensor enrolls in a network.
Slow Blink for 5 Seconds at a Time	Attempting to Rejoin Network	Repeats pattern for up to 60 seconds after power cycle until the sensor reconnects to its network. Note: This means the sensor has already been enrolled into a network and is trying to connect to it. If attempting to enroll sensor in a new network, hold reset button for a full 10 seconds (until LED blinks rapidly) to clear the old network before adding to new network.
Solid for 3 Seconds at a Time	Motion Test Mode	Repeats for each motion activation during the 3 minutes after sensor joins network, has been tampered, or is placed in PIR test mode. Note: In test mode, there is an 8 second “sleep” timeout between motion trips.
Fast Blink for 1 Second at a Time	Network Communication Problem	Pattern begins after 60 seconds of searching for (and unsuccessfully joining) a network and repeats until RF communication is restored. Pattern persists as long as the sensor is not enrolled in a network or cannot connect to current network.

​Technical specifications

Alarm.com model number	ADC-IS220-NT-B2
2GIG part number	2GIG-IMAGE2
Power source	Optimal: 2 AA 1.5v Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries. Acceptable: 2 AA 1.5v alkaline batteries (battery life may be reduced significantly).
Expected battery lift	Approximately 3 years for lithium batteries. Battery life varies by use case depending on certain factors such as frequency of motion activations, image captures, and IR flashes.
Voltage thresholds	With lithium batteries, low battery alerts are issued at 3.05V. The sensor cannot operate when the voltage reads below 1.95V.
Operating temperature range	32° to 110°F for non-pet applications, 60° to 110°F for pet applications. Alkaline batteries are not suitable for temperatures below 50° F.
Weight	3.1 oz. (with batteries, without mounting accessories)
Dimensions	3.1’’ h x 1.8’’ w  x 2.3’’ d
Supervisory interval	1 hour
Wireless signal range	Greater than 400 feet open air
Color	White
Recommended mounting height	8 feet
Recommended mounting angle	6° for large coverage area and rooms greater than 30 ft (“teeth up” on mounting arm); 18° for rooms less than 30 ft (“teeth down” on mounting arm)
Motion profiles and sensor range	Normal (up to 30 ft, default), High (up to 35 ft), Low (up to 25 ft)

Limited warranty

This Nortek Security & Control product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship of two years. This warranty extends only to wholesale customers who buy direct from Nortek Security & Control LLC or through Nortek Security & Control LLC’s normal distribution channels. Nortek Security & Control LLC does not warrant this product to consumers. Consumers should inquire from their selling dealer as to the nature of the dealer’s warranty, if any.

There are no obligations or liabilities on the part of Nortek Security & Control LLC for consequential damages arising out of or in connection with use or performance of this product or other indirect damages with respect to loss of property, revenue, or profit, or cost of removal, installation, or reinstallation. All implied warranties for functionality, are valid only until the warranty expires. This Nortek Security & Control LLC Warranty all other warranties expressed or implied.

All products returned for warranty service require a Return Authorization Number (RA#). Contact Returns at 1-855-546-3351 for an RA# and other important details.

For technical support in the USA and Canada:

• Dial  855‐2GIG‐TECH (855‐244‐4832)
• Email [email protected]
• Visit www.2GIG.com

For technical support outside of the USA and Canada, contact your regional distributor.

FCC regulations

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different form that which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference.

FCC ID: YL6-143IS221     IC: 9111A-143IS221