The Alarm.com Image Sensor communicates over a radio frequency (RF) to the Image Sensor daughterboard.  For proper operation, the Image Sensor requires a minimum of 30% signal strength. Over 40% is recommended.

While there are no repeaters to increase Image Sensor RF range, there are a few steps for troubleshooting signal strength and performance. This guide applies to Image Sensor version 2 and version 2.2 models (i.e., ADC-IS-200 and ADC-IS-221).

RF signal strength   

The Image Sensor signal strength reading can be verified using the Alarm.com Partner Portal and MobileTech app.

To verify RF signal strength using the Partner Portal:  

1. Log into the Partner Portal.
2. Find the customer account.
3. Click Equipment. 
4. Click Image Sensors.
5. The Image Sensor List table shows the signal strength as last reported by the daughterboard in the Signal Strength column. This signal strength reading represents an average of the last 5 signal readings reported to the daughterboard. 
6. Click Request Latest Info to retrieve the most updated information from the system. 
7. To request a real-time signal strength reading from the Image Sensor:
   1. Click Image Sensor Signal Strength History. 
   2. Click Request Signal Strength from System.
      
      Note: The reading may take a few minutes to come back, but will be an instant reading from the sensor on its current signal strength. This command is useful for verifying signal strength while determining the best mounting location for the sensor.

To verify RF signal strength using the MobileTech app: 

1. Log into the MobileTech app.
2. Find the customer account.
3. Tap Equipment. 
4. Tap Image Sensors.
5. Tap the down arrow on the Image Sensor to verify. The signal strength appears in Signaling. 
6. Tap Request Latest Info to retrieve the most updated information from the system. 
7. To request a real-time signal strength reading from the Image Sensor:
   1. Tap View/Request Signal Strength. 
   2. Tap Request Signal Strength from System.
      
      Note: The reading may take a few minutes to come back, but will be an instant reading from the sensor on its current signal strength. This command is useful for verifying signal strength while determining the best mounting location for the sensor.

To verify signal strength using the Qolsys 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 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.

Standard Image Sensor troubleshooting 

Range

Open-air range is 400 feet. However, due to most applications of Image Sensors being in homes or buildings with walls, furniture, and other obstructions, this can drastically decrease. Always check for metallic objects and electronics that may interfere with RF Communication. If the Image Sensor is experiencing a loss of supervision, see Image Sensor is in malfunction or loss of supervision. 

Power 

Using high-quality Lithium batteries will not only maximize the battery life of an Image Sensor, but ensure peak performance for keeping the sensor connected to the panel. For more information about Image Sensor batteries, see Image Sensor - Battery Replacement.