Product summary 

The Image Sensor 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 when motion is detected. 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 smart phone app. The sensor is battery powered, all wireless, and simple to install and operate. A subscription to an Alarm.com service package is required.

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 

Panel	Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with the Image Sensor daughtercard installed Important: Verify that the Image Sensor daughtercard is installed in the panel. Not all IQ Panel 2s are shipped with the Image Sensor daughtercard installed. If an IQ Panel 2 is not shipped with the Image Sensor daughtercard installed, a request must be made directly to Qolsys to get one added.
Available zones	One zone per Image Sensor installed. Up to five Image Sensors may be added per system.

Hardware installation 

Create Alarm.com customer account 

Select service package (including Image Sensor add-on) and register the radio serial number on the Partner Portal.

Registration test

Power the panel and initiate a comm test to ensure the radio is communicating with the Alarm.com NOC. For information about how to send a comm test, see Send a communication test from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. 

Daughtercard test

Before enrolling any Image Sensors, first run a daughter card test to ensure the daughtercard is properly installed and functioning. 

To perform a daughter card test:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Advanced Settings.
3. Enter the installer code (default is 1-1-1-1).
4. Tap Systems Tests.
5. Tap Daughter Card Test.
6. Next to Image Sensor, tap Run. The test can take up to a minute before giving the test result.

Enroll sensor in panel 

Image Sensors can be enrolled remotely using the Partner Portal or MobileTech app, or locally using the panel. For information about enrolling Image Sensors remotely, see Enroll an Image Sensor on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. 

To enroll the Image Sensor locally on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2:

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

1. Begin with the batteries removed from the sensor.
2. Put the panel into add mode.
   1. Tap Settings.
   2. Tap Advanced Settings.
   3.  Enter the installer code. 
   4. Tap Installation.
   5. Tap Devices.
   6. Tap Security Sensors.
   7. Tap Auto Learn Sensor.
3. Once on the Auto Learn page, insert the batteries into the sensor.
4. Wait approximately 20 seconds for the control panel screen to display: Image Sensor [X] is requesting to be added in your list. Do you want to continue?  The LED on the sensor turns solid for about 5 seconds once the sensor is detected.
5. Tap OK.
6. In the following screen, select the sensor type, sensor name, chime type, sensor group, and voice prompt settings.
   • The following are the default settings for each: 
     • Sensor Type ~ Image Sensors
     • Sensor Name ~ Image Sensor
       
       Important: Make sure the Image Sensor name is unique to that Image Sensor. The Image Sensor cannot enroll successfully if the new Image Sensor has the same name as an Image Sensor that is already enrolled on the panel.
        
     • Chime Type ~ None
     • Sensor Group ~ 17-IS-Away-Instant Motion
     • Voice Prompts ~ Off
7. Once complete, tap Add New. 
8. Perform another panel communications test to be sure that Alarm.com receives the updated device equipment list. This speeds up the sensor initialization process. 
9. After enrollment, be sure to keep the sensor and panel powered so the sensor can complete an initialization process with the Alarm.com Network Operations Center. This process takes several minutes. Images cannot be captured until initialization is complete.
10. The sensor is now learned into the panel. Sensors are enrolled in group 17 by default. Image Sensors may be enrolled in groups 15, 17, 20, 25 or 35.
    • To change the sensor group after the sensor is enrolled using the control panel:
    1. Tap Settings.
    2. Tap Advanced Settings. 
    3. Enter the installer code. 
    4. Tap Installation.
    5. Tap Devices. 
    6. Tap Security Sensors.
    7. Tap Edit Sensors. 
    8. Tap to select the Image Sensor to configure.
    9. Using the Sensor Group dropdown menu, select the desired group.     

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 and verify RF coverage

Verify that PIR coverage adequately covers area by performing a walk test. For more information, 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 Qolsys IQ Panel 2: 

1. Tap Settings. 
2. Tap Advanced Settings. 
3. Enter installer code. 
4. Tap System Tests. 
5. Tap Image Sensor Config. 
6. Tap View to navigate to the Image Sensor's status information. 
7. Verify the RF signal strength that is listed following Signal Strength. This signal strength reading represents an average of the last 5 signal readings reported to the daughterboard.

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 directly on the panel 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.

To request test images from the panel:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Tap Advanced Settings. 
3. Enter installer code. 
4. Tap System Tests.
5. Tap Image Sensor Config.
6. Tap to select View for the Image Sensor in test.
7. Tap Sensor Tests.
8. Tap Request Peek-In. An image is requested from the sensor and sent to the control panel for viewing.
   • To view the test image on the control panel:
     1. Navigate to the Camera/Image screen.
     2. Tap Image Sensor to view the requested test images. 
   • The test image also displays in the customer’s Image Gallery on the Customer Website or app. These images do not count against the customer’s monthly upload quota.

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 in the control panel via the Security Sensors menu. Additional programming options available for configuring and testing include the following. 

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.

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 three minutes after a sensor is enrolled in a network, the sensor enters PIR test mode and the sensor LED illuminates for three seconds upon each motion activation (at most, every eight seconds). For additional testing time, put the sensor into test mode via the control panel or by tampering the sensor.

To enter the 3 minute test mode using the IQ Panel 2: 

1. Tap Settings. 
2. Tap Advanced Settings. 
3. Enter the installer code. 
4. Tap System Tests. 
5. Tap Image Sensor Config. 
6. Tap View for the Image Sensor to test. 
7. Tap Sensor Tests. 
8. Tap Start PIR Test. The screen displays a confirmation to indicate the test mode command has been sent. 

Note: It may take up to 30 seconds for test mode to take effect after requesting the PIR test at the panel.

Tamper and malfunction reports

By default, trouble conditions (malfunction, tamper & low battery) are displayed in the Alerts tab under the Status icon from the homepage of the IQ panel. Trouble conditions are always reported to the Alarm.com Customer Website and customers receive tamper/low battery/malfunction notifications if they are subscribed, regardless of the panel setting.

A built-in accelerometer detects movement or repositioning of the Image Sensor and initiates a tamper whenever a change in sensor orientation is detected. Reporting takes place even if the sensor back plate remains in place. The tamper is automatically cleared after the sensor has been 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 on motion activations (at most every three 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

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

Z-Wave compatibility

All IQ Panel 2s are compatible with both the Image Sensor and Z-Wave devices. No additional hardware is needed. Note that the IQ Panel 2 must have an Image Sensor daughter card installed to work with the Image Sensor.

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.

​Camera LED is blinking ​

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-IS-221-LP
Qolsys part number	QS9201-1230-84092
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 life	Approximately 3 years for lithium batteries. Battery life varies by use case depending on certain factors such as weak signal strength and 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 signal	Configurable (4, 12, or 24 hours)
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)