I recently bought a home that was serviced by an alarm.com provider. I had them come out and give me an estimate. They say they dont sell the image sensors to go along with the concord 4 panel due to them having issues with the image sensor dropping signal from the concord 4 panel. Is this a common issue? they are trying to sell me a regular motion sensor for $120 each which i think is crazy if i can get an image sensor for $85. They also want a 3 year contract which mean surety is whom ill sign up with soon(once i finish my research on accessories).
Well, no, I have not heard of any overall issue. There are important considerations with Image Sensors that should be taken into account, though, that may cause confusion.
First, they should never be powered by anything other than the recommended energizer ultimate lithium batteries.
Second, and more importantly, an Image Sensor cannot simply replace any spot where you might want to install a 319 mhz or wired motion detector.
This is less of an issue with all-in-one panels since the module/transceiver is located in the main control touchscreen, typically on the first floor fairly centralized, and Image Sensor placement can be a bit more haphazard.
With a Concord, the Image Sensor receiver is in a daughterboard connected to the cell module. The cell module, while capable of being wired in a centralized location on a ground floor, is typically just mounted in the basement near the alarm panel can, resulting in a further distance and more materials through which an Image Sensor signal needs to travel. So signaling is affected by module placement and where you intend to install the Image Sensors.
excellent information…thanks!
So my alarm panel was installed in my coat closet on the first floor of the home. I have a basement, first floor and upstairs. home built in 2007 and i plan on putting a image sensor in the basement and living room on the first floor. Do you think id have range problems with the panel in the first floor coat closet? Also are you saying if i want to use the image sensor i would also need a regular motion detector?
Do you think id have range problems with the panel in the first floor coat closet?
As long as the module is installed outside of the metal panel can, you should have better luck in that spot than with the panel in the basement. The basement image sensor may have a lower signal, but that will depend on how far away and where it is installed.
Also are you saying if i want to use the image sensor i would also need a regular motion detector?
No, the image sensor functions as a PIR motion detector, the statement in the above post simply means that a regular wireless motion detector may have a further effective range. With the module and daughterboard on the first floor you will likely see fewer issues.