Alarm.com Image Sensor
Installation Guide
2 Copyright © 2016 Alarm.com. All rights reserved.
Rev 3.5
b. Verify RF communication prior to mounting
- Verify RF signal strength through
Dealer Site (
www.alarm.com/dealer
) or the dealer installation mobile app,
MobileTech (www.alarm.com/MobileTech).
The sensor performs best when the signal strength is above 40%. The signal
strength must be greater than 30% for sensor to function properly.
Signal
strength can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions and interference, so
be
sure that the signal is consistently in range.
c.
Determine desired mounting angle
for customer scenario; attach mounting arm to
sensor-back and re-attach sensor to sensor-back. The mounting arm attaches to the
back of the sensor enabling the sensor angle to vary based on the application. To
obtain the full 35’ x 40’ coverage area, the sensor should be mount the sensor at a
6
˚
down
ward angle. This corresponds to a “teeth up” orientation of the mounting
arm. For most smaller areas in residential installations, mount the arm with the
“teeth down” for a deeper angle (18
˚
). Secure the back of the sensor to the mounting
arm with the provided screw. If the camera will be mounted
perpendicular to the wall, mount the sensor without the mounting arm/bracket di-
rectly on the wall, at a 12° angle.
Mounting Arm Orientation Attach Mounting Arm to Sensor-Back Attach Sensor to
(Top: Teeth Up, Bottom: Teeth Down) Sensor-Back
d.
Choose applicable mounting bracket
for customer scenario. The sensor
hardware packet contains 2 mounting brackets for different mounting scenarios.
Use the provided large screws and anchors to attach the bracket to the wall.
Flat Wall Mount
Corner Wall Mount
Mark location of bracket holes on mounting surface at a height of 8 feet for maximum
coverage area. (Leave at least 3 inches of clearance above the sensor to allow for
battery replacement without uninstalling the mounting bracket.)
e.
Place sensor with arm on mounting bracket.
Adjust the horizontal positioning of
the sensor to point towards the desired coverage area. To adjust positioning, lift the
mounting arm at least 1/3 of the way off the bracket and rotate the arm.
f.
Secure the mounting arm location
by sliding lock pin into the hole. Use the washer
and remaining small screw to secure the lock pin by screwing upwards through the
bottom of the hole in the mounting bracket.
(Note: To make it easier to adjust
PIR/camera field of view in step 10, complete this step after horizontal sensor
positioning is finalized.)
9. Complete PIR Testing & Verify RF Coverage
Verify that PIR coverage adequately covers area by performing a walk test. (See
“Pro-
gramming
” section for more details.) Verify that the sensor signal strength is strong
while mounted.
The signal strength must be above 30% for the sensor to function
properly.
10. Test Image Capture
To conserve the customer’s monthly image upload quota, automatic alarm uploads are
disabled for the first four hours after any new sensor (Image Sensor or other) is installed
into the system. Installers can verify sensor positioning and test image captures on
installed sensors via MobileTech
, without having to access the customer’s account or
deducting
from the customer’s monthly upload quota. If possible, installers should also
test night vision captures to ensure sensor infrared flash will not be reflecting off
surfaces and washing out images. While on-site, visit http://www.alarm.com/mobiletech
or search for "Alarm.com MobileTech" in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Before images can be captured, the Image Sensor must complete rules initialization
process
. Verify “Rules Confirmed” or re-send rules through Dealer Site or MobileTech.
In order to request images from the sensors, installers must perform a panel comm-test.
The images requested via MobileTech can be viewed from MobileTech and will also be
displayed in the customer’s
Image Gallery
on the Customer Website.
(Note: If the installer needs to continue testing beyond the 4 hour window, disable
alarm auto-uploads first from the Alarm.com Dealer Website or the image uploads will
be deducted from the customer’s monthly quota.)
PIR Lens and Camera Coverage Diagrams
Figure 1.Side View: PIR Lens Coverage
Figure 2.Top View: PIR Lens Coverage
As indicated in Figure 2, the camera coverage area is narrower than the PIR coverage
area. When installing, mount sensor where subjects are likely to be centered in or across
PIR and camera field of view.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Before permanently mounting the Image Sensor, evaluate potential locations and consider
the following factors to ensure optimal performance and false alarm protection:
Range
- Is the location close enough to the security panel to ensure adequate signal
strength?
False Alarm Immunity
- Is installation location false alarm prone? Reduce the risk of
motion-triggered false alarms by making sure the location is free of vibration and the
device does not face a local heat source, window, or areas with high pet activity. (Also,
make sure area is free of elevated surfaces where pets may climb.)
Capture Orientation
- Is the location ideally suited for detecting motion and capturing
images when there is an intruder or activity? Consider where the subject is likely to enter
the area and whether or not they will be facing the sensor.
Lighting Conditions
- How good is the artificial and natural light? Will daytime and
nighttime lighting conditions ensure adequate image quality?
If possible, locate sensor within 100 ft of the panel especially if there are many walls
between the sensor & panel, or if the panel and sensor are located on different floors.
While the transmitter may have an open air range of 400 ft, installation site conditions
can reduce range considerably.
Avoid facing the sensor toward or close to areas that may affect communication such
as metallic objects or electronics likely to produce interference. Verify sensor RF
communication at panel, even if within recommended distance.
For optimal detection capabilities, mount the sensor where someone will most likely
walk across the sensor coverage area as opposed to directly towards the sensor.
By default, the Image Sensor
is set to “Normal” sensitivity. A more sensitive motion
profile (“High”) and a less sensitive profile providing pet immunity for pets up to 40 lbs
(“Low”) can be selected at the control panel or through the Alarm.com Dealer Website.
The Image Sensor is designed for indoor use only and should not be installed outdoors.
For proper operation in pet immune applications, the room should be kept between 60°
and 110° F.
To maximize night vision image quality, do not orient sensor towards surfaces that will
create glare when infrared flash occurs. Avoid orienting the sensor such that the ceiling
or adjacent walls are in the camera field of view.
The sensor must be mounted on a flat wall surface (do not set on shelf) free of
vibrations.
Screw
s
Washer & Screw
Back Pin
8 ft.
(2.4m)
5.9 ft.
(1.6 m)
16.5 ft.
(4.7 m)
40 ft.
(12 m)
Camera
Angle
40 ft
20 ft
20 ft
0 ft
40 ft
50°
Camera
90°
