Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Image Sensor ADC-IS-221-LP - Installation Guide
Sep 29, 2025
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Alarm.com Image Sensor (IQ Panel 2) – Install, Program & Troubleshoot
Product summary: Pet-immune PIR motion detector with built-in camera. Captures images on motion during alarm/non-alarm events, or on-demand Peek-In. Images upload to Alarm.com for viewing in the app or website. Battery-powered, wireless, and simple to install. A compatible service package is required.
- Model: ADC-IS-221-LP (family)
- Coverage: 35 ft × 40 ft
- Image: QVGA 320×240, color (day) / IR B&W (night)
- PIR sensitivity: Normal (default), High, Low (pet ≤40 lb)
- Power: 2 × AA 1.5V (Energizer Ultimate Lithium recommended)
Service Package Requirements
Select a plan with an Image Sensor add-on before enrollment.
| Service add-on | Includes |
|---|---|
| Images – Alarms | Uploads from alarm events (incl. instant/panic; Armed Stay after init delay). Up to 5 motion events (2 images/event) during the pending-alarm window until Disarm or 5 minutes. |
| Images – Limited | All Alarms features + first motion event after Disarm from Armed Away. |
| Images – Plus | All Limited features + non-alarm uploads, on-demand Peek-In, and Daily View (within monthly quota). |
Hardware Compatibility
IQ Panel 2 + Image Sensor daughtercard required. Not all IQ Panel 2 units ship with the daughtercard; request one from Qolsys if needed. Up to 5 Image Sensors per system (1 zone per sensor).
Pre-Install Checks
- Create the Alarm.com account and select the plan (above). Register radio SN.
- Power the panel and run a communication test to the Alarm.com NOC.
- Run a Daughter Card Test: Settings → Advanced Settings → System Tests → Daughter Card Test → Run.
Enroll the Image Sensor (Local)
Pro tip: Learn in one sensor at a time. Insert batteries only after the panel is in Add Mode.
- IQ Panel 2 → Settings → Advanced Settings (installer) → Installation → Devices → Security Sensors → Auto Learn Sensor.
- Insert batteries. Within ~20s the panel prompts to add Image Sensor [X]; tap OK.
- Use defaults or customize:
- Sensor Type: Image Sensors
- Sensor Name: Image Sensor (must be unique)
- Chime: None
- Group: 17 – IS Away Instant Motion (can also use 15, 20, 25, 35)
- Voice Prompts: Off
- Tap Add New, then run another panel communication test to speed initialization.
- Keep panel & sensor powered while initialization completes (images unavailable until done).
Choose Location & Mounting
- Height: 8 ft recommended. Leave ≥3" clearance above for battery swaps.
- Angles: 6° (teeth up) for large areas; 18° (teeth down) for small rooms; 12° if mounting flush to wall.
- Center the target area (e.g., doorway) in the PIR/camera field of view.
- Verify RF near the intended location before mounting.
- Avoid false alarms: do not face heat sources/windows; avoid reflective surfaces for IR; indoor only; 60–110°F for pet immunity.
- Range tips: keep within ~100 ft if many walls/floors (open air up to 400 ft). Avoid metal/electronics; verify RF at panel.
RF Signal Strength & PIR Testing
- Minimum: 30% RF; Recommended: 40%+.
- Panel path: Settings → Advanced Settings → System Tests → Image Sensor Config → View (avg of last 5 reads).
- PIR test mode: Image Sensor Config → View → Sensor Tests → Start PIR Test (3 min, LED on trips; ~8s sleep between trips).
Request Test Images (No Quota Impact)
- Settings → Advanced Settings → System Tests → Image Sensor Config → View → Sensor Tests → Request Peek-In.
- View at the panel (Camera/Image → Image Sensor) or in the customer Image Gallery. These test images do not count against monthly quota.
- Also test night vision to avoid IR flash reflections/glare.
Programming Options
- PIR Sensitivity: Normal (default), High, Low (pet ≤40 lb). Can be set locally or remotely.
- LED: Off by default (except test mode). Can be enabled per sensor.
- Troubles: Tamper/low battery/malfunction always report (Alerts tab + Alarm.com).
Reset & Battery Replacement
- Reset: Paperclip into front hole → hold 10s (rapid blink) to clear network if not communicating. If communicating, delete from system first. 3s hold = power cycle.
- Batteries: Replace with 2 × AA 1.5V Energizer Ultimate Lithium for max life. If switching to/from alkaline, update battery type in Alarm.com for accurate reporting.
LED Troubleshooting (Status Reference)
| LED pattern | Status / Error | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solid 5s | Power-up | Boot sequence |
| Solid 5s | Join/Rejoin Network | After enroll or reconnect |
| Fast blink 5s | Searching for Network | Repeats up to 60s after power |
| Slow blink 5s | Attempting Rejoin | If adding to a new network, perform 10s reset first |
| Solid 3s per trip | Motion Test Mode | 3-minute window; ~8s sleep between trips |
| Fast blink 1s | Network Comm Problem | Not enrolled or cannot connect |
Troubleshooting Quick Fixes
- Not enrolling: Confirm batteries; exclude/clear old network (delete then 10s reset), then re-add.
- Non-responsive: Check RF, move closer, verify daughterboard antenna route, replace batteries.
- False motion: Heat/mirrors/windows? Re-aim and/or set Low sensitivity.
- Tamper: Return upright and wait 5 min or 3s power cycle.
- No images: Confirm plan add-on & rules; note first 4 hours after enrollment auto-uploads are disabled.
