DSC Impassa - LED Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting LED details
Status LEDs indicate network and module status. The following image shows the location of the status LEDs on a HSPA/CDMA module.
Note: The LEDs face the panel wall when it is installed as shown in the following images. To see the LEDs, either take the module out or look into the hole from the back of the panel as outlined in the following image of the panel back.
LED functions
The following table describes the LED functions.
|
LED |
Function |
|---|---|
|
L1 |
Error LED. Flashes one to eight times in an 8-second interval to indicate specific errors. For errors and common fixes, see LED L1 (red). |
|
L2 |
Panel Communication and Z-Wave status messages. Flashes every time the module communicates with the panel and flashes in patterns to indicate Z-Wave status. For more information, see LED L2 (yellow). |
|
L3 |
HSPA/CDMA Communication. Flashes every time the HSPA/CDMA signal level is checked and when packets are exchanged with Alarm.com. For more information, see LED L3 (yellow). |
|
L4 |
HSPA/CDMA Signal Level. Flashes zero to five times to indicate signal strength, or toggles on/off slowly when communicating with Alarm.com servers. For more information, see LED L4 (green). |
|
L5 |
Z-Wave Error LED. For more information on Z-Wave errors, see LED L5 (yellow). |
LED L1 (red)
L1 flashes when there is an error. The number of flashes indicates the error number. If there are two or more errors at the same time, the errors will flash one after the other. The LED will stay off for at least 4 seconds between errors.
Note: It may take up to 10 minutes before L1 detects and flashes an error code.
The following table shows the errors indicated by the number of flashes on L1 (red) and common solutions.
|
Number of flashes |
Error and solution |
|---|---|
|
1 |
The module cannot communicate with the panel.
|
| 2 |
The SIM card is missing. The SIM card holder can be found on the module. Verify that the SIM card holder is closed securely and that there is a SIM card in the holder. |
| 3 |
The module is trying to register on the cellular network. If it persists for more than a few minutes, the module is having problems registering with the cellular network.
|
| 4 |
The module is registered on the cellular network but cannot connect with Alarm.com.
|
| 5 |
Radio portion of the module is not working correctly.
|
| 6 | This is an error only if it persists for more than a minute. Otherwise, it’s just an indication that the module is fixing an unusual condition regarding communication with the HSPA/CDMA network. |
| 7 | The module is not compatible with this panel type. Please insert a compatible module. |
| 8 | If it persists, the account may have been set up incorrectly. Contact Alarm.com your technical support. You will be asked to verify the serial number of the module. |
LED L2 (yellow)
L2 flashes with every communication between the module and the panel. Normal pattern calls for a series of quick flashes every 2 seconds in Idle Mode or 4 seconds in PowerSave Mode. It also occasionally flashes in patterns to indicate Z-Wave status.
The following table describes various possibilities of what status or error the number of flashes on L2 indicates.
| LED 2 | Device status or error | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
4-blink |
Add Mode (lasts 120 seconds or until a device is added). |
This mode can add a device to the local Z-Wave network. Devices cannot be added to a network if they are already a part of a network. |
|
2-blink |
Delete Mode (lasts 120 seconds or until a device is deleted). |
This mode can delete a device from a Z-Wave network. A device can only be in one network at a time and must receive a delete command before it can be learned into a new network. |
|
Solid |
Successful add node/remove node/replication (lasts 60 seconds). |
After receiving this signal, leave all devices by the HSPA/CDMA module for one minute. Locks must be left next to the module for four minutes. |
|
Solid with one blink |
Add node attempt failed because node already in network (lasts 60 seconds). |
The device is already in a network and must be deleted before it can join a new network. |
LED L3 (yellow)
L3 flashes with every communication between the module and its radio unit in Idle Mode, and with every communication with Alarm.com in Connected Mode. In PowerSave Mode, this LED flashes in unison with LED 2.
LED L4 (green)
L4 indicates the HSPA/CDMA signal level as a number of flashes (zero to five bars). The number of bars may not correspond to the bars shown on your cell phone. A level of five bars is obtained only in the strongest signal conditions.
The signal level is updated every 10 seconds if it fluctuates, or every 30 seconds if it is fairly stable.
If L4 is not flashing it indicates one of the following states:
- The module is in Powersave Mode
- The module just powered up
- There is no HSPA/CDMA coverage in the area. Alarm.com recommends a steady signal level of 2 or higher for proper operation of the module.
In Connected Mode, the LED toggles on and off.
LED L5 (yellow)
L5 indicates Z-Wave a status or error. The following table describes various possibilities of what status or error the number of flashes on L5 indicates.
|
LED 5 |
Device status or error |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
2-blink |
No other nodes are in the network (lasts until a device is added to the network). |
No devices have been added that can be controlled by the HSPA/CDMA module yet. See above for instructions on how to add devices. |
|
5-blink |
Learn mode error (lasts 60 seconds). |
Learn mode error (lasts 60 seconds). |
|
6-blink |
No Home ID present (lasts until the module connects to Alarm.com and is configured). |
When the HSPA/CDMA module first connects to Alarm.com it is configured with a necessary unique network ID. |
Troubleshooting: Module status information
Module status information for verifying and troubleshooting module connection status or errors can be found through the Interactive Services menus on the Impassa. Go to the Interactive Services → HSPA/CDMA Module Status menu.
HSPA/CDMA module statuses
The following table outlines the potential module states. For more information on the referenced LED error pattern, see LED L1 (red).
|
Idle |
Most common state |
|---|---|
|
Roaming |
Roaming on partner network. |
| SIM Missing | The SIM card is missing. Same as 2 flashes on LED L1. |
| PowerSave Mode | AC Power is Down. |
| Registering… | The module is trying to register on the HSPA/CDMA network. Same as 3 flashes on LED L1. |
| Connection Error | The module is registered on the HSPA/CDMA network but cannot connect with Alarm.com. Same as 4 Flashes on LED L1. |
| Radio Error | The radio is not operating correctly. Same as 5 flashes on LED L1. |
| Server Error | If it persists, the account may have been set up incorrectly. Same as 8 flashes on LED L1. |
| Connected | Currently talking to Alarm.com Servers. |
| Connecting… | In the process of connecting to Alarm.com. |
| Updating… | Updating signal level. |
Keypad long presses
In addition, some of the information can be retrieved via long key presses from the keypad.
Press and hold the panel keys for 2 seconds to display the given information on the panel display. Most messages are displayed for less than 30 seconds but can be cut short by pressing [0] for 2 seconds. The following table outlines what occurs when the specified panel keys are held for 2 seconds.
| Number key | Panel display or result |
|---|---|
| 1 Key | 15-digit module serial number. This number is needed to create the Alarm.com customer account. |
| 2 Key | Module firmware version (e.g. 181a). |
| 3 Key | Initiate communication test. |
| 5 Key | Wireless signal strength level and module status or error, if any. The panel will display bars for the signal level (zero to five) and a number (2 to 31) followed by the Mode it is in. For more information, see HSPA/CDMA module statuses. |
| 6 Key | Battery voltage as read by the module, to two decimal places, and the AC power status (e.g. Battery: 6.79v, AC Power OK). |
| 8 Key | HSPA/CDMA frequency used by the module: High = 1900MHz, 2100MHz; Low = 850 MHz. The panel will specify either 3G or 2G depending on its coverage, but will always attempt to go to 3G coverage. |
Various module states or modes
The following sections are the four module states or modes.
Idle mode
AC power is OK and the module is not currently talking to Alarm.com.
- L1 - Flashes errors, if any.
- L2 - Communication with panel.
- L3 - Communication with radio unit.
- L4 - Signal level (zero to five bars).
- L5 – Flashes errors, if any.
PowerSave mode
The module just powered up, AC power is down, or AC power was recently restored and the battery is recharging. The module is fully functional and will go into Connected Mode as soon as a signal needs to be sent. Press and hold [5] for 2 seconds to switch the module into Idle Mode and update the signal level reading. The system will go into Idle Mode every 2 hours to check for any incoming messages.
- L1 - Inactive.
- L2 - Communication with panel.
- L3 - Same flashing pattern as L2.
- L4 - Inactive.
- L5 - Inactive.
Connected mode
The module is currently talking to Alarm.com. The module stays in Connected Mode for at least 4 minutes after reporting an event to Alarm.com, unless [5] is pressed and held for 10 seconds, which will cause the module to go back to Idle Mode.
- L1 - Flashes errors, if any.
- L2 - Communication with panel.
- L3 - Communication with Alarm.com.
- L4 - Alternates 2 seconds on, then 2 seconds off.
- L5 - Inactive.
Sleep mode
The panel is not connected to AC power, or there is an AC power failure, and the battery level is low. The module will connect to Alarm.com to send a signal, but will otherwise draw almost no power.
Note: If the HSPA/CDMA module is powered down for a short period of time, buffered messages from Alarm.com may be received when module power is restored.
Module installation
If the panel came with the module pre-installed then only a HSPA/CDMA phone test is required. Otherwise, Installation consists of inserting the module into the panel, attaching the antenna, connecting the ribbon cable from the module to the panel, attaching the battery cable connector to the module, and performing a HSPA/CDMA phone test at the panel.
Tools and supplies needed
The following tools and supplies are required:
- Small flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
- Screws (included)
- Antenna (included)
- 16 pin ribbon cable (included)
Module insertion and antenna installation
Note: Refer to this section only if the panel did not come pre-installed with the module.
- Before installing the module, disconnect the battery and AC power from the panel.
- Open the panel by removing the cover screw then inserting a small slotted screwdriver between the front and back covers and gently twisting to separate. The following image is the front view of the Impassa panel.
- The module compartment can be found behind the front panel that swings down, to the right of the battery compartment. The following image outlines the module compartment.
- Push antenna end into module connector to snap the antenna onto the module.
- Insert the module by angling the end of the module where the antenna is attached downwards, verify the edge of the module sits below the plastic tabs located at the top of the panel. Push the other end of the module downwards, until it sits below the plastic tab located at the bottom of the panel. The following image outlines where the plastic tabs are for the module.
- Place the antenna in the slotted space above the module.
- Connect the module to the panel via the 16 pin ribbon cable. The ribbon connector is located at the top of the module, near the antenna. On the panel, the ribbon connector is located directly across from the connector on the module.
Improving wireless signal strength
Important: As changes are made to the module location to improve signal strength, request updated signal readings to verify changes. To request an updated reading, press and hold [5] for 2 seconds.
Guidelines for optimal wireless signal strength:
- Install the module above ground level, as high up as possible within the structure.
- Install the module near or adjacent to an outside-facing wall of the structure.
- Do not install the module inside a metal structure or close to large metal objects or ducts.
- Upgrade the antenna. For more information about antennas, see What antenna should I order through Alarm.com?.
For further troubleshooting, contact Alarm.com CORE Technical Support.