SEM-DSC PowerSeries - Module LED Guide
Dual-Path SEM-DSC PowerSeries LEDs
The Alarm.com Module LEDs can be used to indicate communication errors, panel communication, network communication, and signal strength.
LED function
| LED | Function |
|---|---|
|
L1 |
General & Cellular Error LED L1 flashes 1 to 8 times in a four-second interval to indicate specific error conditions such as a network error, panel communication error, or radio error. |
| L2 |
Broadband & Panel communication LED L2 flashes every time the module communicates with the panel and flashes in patterns to indicate broadband troubles. |
| L3 |
Cell Radio LTE communication LED L3 flashes every time the cellular signal level is checked and when data packets are exchanged with Alarm.com and the LTE radio. |
| L4 |
LTE signal level LED L4 flashes zero to five times indicating the module signal strength, or toggles on/off when communicating with the Alarm.com servers. |
| L5 |
Z-Wave error LED L5 indicates Z-Wave states and errors. |
| L6 | Reserved for future use. |
| L7 | Reserved for future use. |
LED L1 (Red)
L1 flashes when an error is encountered. The number of flashes indicates the error number. If there are two or more errors at the same time, the errors flashes one after the other. The LED stays off for at least four seconds between errors.
Note: It may take up to 10 minutes before L1 detects and flashes an error code.
LED L1 error descriptions and solutions
| Number of flashes | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alarm.com module cannot communicate with the panel. Perform a power cycle on the panel. If the error persists, contact Alarm.com your technical support. |
| 2 then 4 | The Alarm.com module provisioning process could not be completed. If the error persists, power cycle the system, then contact Alarm.com your technical support. |
| 2 then 5 | The Alarm.com module provisioning process could not be completed because the module is currently roaming off the carrier’s primary network. |
| 3 | The Alarm.com module is trying to register on the cellular network. If it persists for more than a few minutes, the module is having problems registering. Check L4 for signal level. If signal level is lower than 2 bars, change the panel’s location or use a remote antenna option. If the signal is good, the module may be roaming on a network that does not partner with Alarm.com’s cellular providers. |
| 4 | The Alarm.com module is registered on the cellular network but could not connect with Alarm.com. Contact Alarm.com your technical support. |
| 5 | The radio portion of the module is not working correctly.
|
| 6 | This indicates an error only if it persists for more than a minute. Otherwise, it’s an indication that the module is resolving an unusual condition regarding communication with the cellular network. |
| 7 | The SEM is unable to access panel programming. Check panel wiring and installer code. |
| 8 | If this error persists, the account may have been set up incorrectly. Check that the serial number being used matches the serial number used to create the account. If the serial numbers are the same, contact Alarm.com your technical support. |
LED L2 (Yellow)
L2 flashes with every communication between the module and the panel and flashes in patterns to indicate broadband troubles. Normal pattern calls for a flash about every eight seconds.
The following table describes the error flashes on L2.
|
Number of Flashes |
Error and Solution |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flashes for each communication with the panel. |
|
2 |
The module is unable to establish a connection with the router. Verify the wiring and power cycle the module. If this error persists, power cycle the router. |
|
3 |
The module is unable to establish an internet communication. |
|
4 |
The module is unable to establish communication with Alarm.com. |
|
5 |
Alarm.com is unable to reach the module, likely due to a local firewall. |
LED L3 (Green or Yellow)
L3 flashes with every communication between the SEM 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 L2.
LED L4 (Green or Yellow)
L4 indicates the cellular signal level as a number of flashes (0 to 5 bars). The number of bars may not correspond to the number of bars shown on your cell phone. A level of 5 bars is obtained only in the strongest signal conditions. Signal level is updated every ten seconds if it fluctuates,
or every 30 seconds if it is fairly stable.
If LED L4 is continuously flashing, the module provisioning process is in progress. LED L4 begins flashing to indicate signal level as soon as the provisioning process is complete.
If LED L4 is not flashing, this means one of the following:
- The Alarm.com module is in PowerSave mode
- The Alarm.com module just powered up
- There is no cellular coverage in the area
In Connected mode, LED L4 toggles on and off.
Important: Alarm.com recommends a steady signal level of two or higher for proper operation of the SEM.
LED L5 (Yellow)
L5 indicates Z-Wave states and errors. If you can’t add a device to the network, try deleting the device and re-adding it to the network. Contact Alarm.com your technical support with additional issues.
The following table describes the Z-Wave LED status indicators number.
|
Number of flashes |
Device status or error |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Successful add node/remove node/replication (lasts 60 seconds) | After receiving this signal leave all devices by the LTE module for one minute. Locks must be left next to the module for four minutes. |
|
2 |
Delete Mode (lasts 120 seconds or until a device is deleted) | This mode can delete a Z-Wave 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. |
|
3 |
Add node attempt failed because node already in network (lasts 60 seconds) | The device that was attempted to be added to a network is already in a network and must be deleted before it can join a new network. |
|
4 |
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. |
| 5 | Replicate Mode | - |
|
6 |
Learn mode error (lasts 60 seconds) |
The device was not successfully added to the Z-Wave network. |
| 7 | No node info | - |
| 8 | 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 module yet. See above for instructions on how to add devices. |
Alarm.com module states (modes)
There are three Alarm.com module states (modes).
Idle Mode
In Idle mode, the AC power is up, the battery level is greater than 11.5 volts, and the SEM is not currently connected to the Alarm.com servers.
| L1 | Flashes errors, if any |
|---|---|
| L2 | Communication with panel |
| L3 | Communication with radio unit |
| L4 | Signal level (0 to 5 bars) |
| L5 | Flashes errors, if any |
PowerSave Mode
In PowerSave mode, the module just powered up, AC power is down, or battery level is less than 11.5 volts. The radio part of the SEM draws 10 mA in PowerSave mode. It is fully functional and goes into Connected mode as soon as a signal needs to be sent. Performing an Alarm.com phone test switches the module out of PowerSave mode and update the signal level reading.
| L1 | Inactive |
|---|---|
| L2 | Communication with panel |
| L3 | Same flashing pattern as L2 |
| L4 | Inactive |
| L5 | Inactive |
Connected Mode
In Connected mode, the SEM is connected to the Alarm.com servers and reported an alarm or other condition. The module stays in Connected mode for at least six minutes after the last message is exchanged.
| L1 | Flashes errors, if any |
|---|---|
| L2 | Communication with panel |
| L3 | Communication with Alarm.com |
| L4 | Alternates two seconds on, then two seconds off |
| L5 | Inactive |
Additional resources
For the full SEM-DSC PowerSeries installation guide, see:
- SEM-DSC PowerSeries Dual-Path (SEM210) - Installation Guide
- SEM-DSC PowerSeries Dual-Path (SEM300) - Installation Guide
For additional troubleshooting information for a Dual-Path SEM, see SEM-DSC PowerSeries has an empty sensor list or will not zone scan.