DSC Impassa - Signaling Troubleshooting Guide
Use the following troubleshooting if the DSC Impassa panel is having trouble connecting to Alarm.com using a cellular connection.
Note: To ensure a stable connection, the panel should read a signal strength of at least 15 and successfully complete a communication test. For more information about how to find the signal strength for the DSC Impassa, see Find the signal strength of a DSC Impassa.
Prior to installation
- Create the Alarm.com account for the radio at least 24 hours before going to the installation site.
- Run a communication test prior to going to the installation site and verify it is successful.
- Leave the panel connected long enough to allow the battery to reach its full charge.
During the installation
- Run a communication test from the installation location. Verify by trying a few more times. If it does not work initially, unplug the module (AC and then batteries), wait for 30 seconds, and plug it back again (batteries and then AC).
Note: It is not necessary to install the panel near the main entrance. The panel can be installed in the area with the best signal strength and then install a keypad or touchscreen by the entrance. - If the signal strength from the initial test location is not satisfactory or if the communication test fails, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Troubleshooting
Follow these troubleshooting steps until signal strength is satisfactory and stable. Continue troubleshooting until the communication tests go through several times successfully.
- Move the panel closer to a window or to a room near the exterior of the premises and try to complete a communication test. Press and hold [5] for 4 seconds to see the signal strength at that particular location.
- If it seems like the panel only connects to the Alarm.com platform when it is by the window or wall near the exterior, attempt step 2.
- If the communication test fails, proceed to step 2.
- Replace the antenna with either a 6-foot or 18-foot antenna. For more information about which antenna to use, see What antenna options are available with Alarm.com modules?.
- These types of antennas do not necessarily provide more gain than regular antennas, but their long cable provides the possibility of extending the antenna to an area with good signaling. A good example of this is when the panel shows the best signal strength when close to the ceiling but it is not possible to install the panel there. With one of the long cable antennas, it is possible to install the panel somewhere else and extend the antenna to the ceiling.
Note: It is recommended to always go to the installation site with one of these antennas.
- These types of antennas do not necessarily provide more gain than regular antennas, but their long cable provides the possibility of extending the antenna to an area with good signaling. A good example of this is when the panel shows the best signal strength when close to the ceiling but it is not possible to install the panel there. With one of the long cable antennas, it is possible to install the panel somewhere else and extend the antenna to the ceiling.
- In certain cases where it appears that the issue is related to the network as opposed to signaling, Alarm.com CORE Technical Support can escalate the problem to the carrier. However, in most cases, satisfactory signaling should be able to be achieved by following the basic troubleshooting steps.