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Image Sensor is in malfunction or loss of supervision

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A Malfunction or Loss of Supervision trouble condition on an Image Sensor indicates the sensor is having trouble communicating with the control panel.

The following table lists possible causes for an Image Sensor malfunction: 

Possible cause Additional information 
No signal transmission

Lack of signal transmission is the most likely cause but can be difficult to diagnose. This may be occurring if the sensor is only 30 feet from the panel but keeps going into malfunction.

This can be caused by RF signal "reflections" off of metal, HVAC, ductwork, cabinets, mirrors, steel doors, refrigerator, etc. A reflected signal can reach the panel and cancel out or block the signal going directly from the sensor to the panel
Distance

Verify the panel's receiver type:

  • SAW Receiver (older, larger in size sensors): 500 feet Open Air Range
  • Crystal Receiver (most newer sensors, thin design): 2500-3500 feet Open Air Range

Note: Many panel manufacturers offer RF repeaters that can extend the panel's range. Please contact the panel manufacturer for technical specifications and compatibility.
Impedance

An object may be blocking the frequency transmission between the sensor and the panel.

Examples: Metal, Chickenwire, Foil, Mirrors, TVs, HVAC Systems, Refrigerators
RF interference

Interference is unlikely but can be caused by:

  • Devices communicating on the 319.5 MHz band
  • RF Harmonics
  • Close proximity to a high-power cell tower transmitting at 900 MHz
  • RF interference/noise in the 300 MHz range
Drained battery

After sensor batteries have lost all charge, the sensor may go into a malfunction state.

Note: Sensors with a low, but not fully drained battery display a low battery message.

How to resolve:

  1. Verify the sensor is installed well within range from the panel, and/or try relocating the Image Sensor closer to the panel.
  2. Verify the panel and Image Sensor are not separated by anything that could cause interference. Move items that could cause interference or move the Image Sensor to a different location. 
  3. Verify the battery voltage. Replace the batteries, as they may be depleted. For more information about changing the batteries for Image Sensors, see Image Sensor - Battery Replacement. 
  4. Power cycle the Image Sensor.
  5. Power cycle the panel. Verify the connections for the module that communicates with the Image Sensor (i.e., transceiver, daughterboard, cellular module) are secure.

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