Hey all:
I have an IQ4 panel and several smokes. One of the smokes has been dropping regularly, although it worked fine for several months. I changed the batteries, but it continues to drop. Attached is a pic. Any thoughts on the cause/solution?
Thanks as always.
Has there been any changes there like any new Wi-Fi routers, devices, or anything similar?
How far away is your smoke to your panel? How many walls are in-between?
Probably 50-60’. One pillar and 2 walls in between.
No changes.
Distance should be ok, what type of material is the sensor communicating through?
Most IQ Panel 4s have a white RF antenna. This should be routed out the back of the unit and into the wall (if wall mounted) and not touching any metal or wires inside the wall for optimum signaling.
What firmware is your system running? Navigate to Settings > Advanced Settings > About > Software.
I don’t know for sure what’s in the walls but it should just be studs and drywall. There is tile on one wall.
Here’s the firmware.
Can you check if your panel has the RF antenna?
Below is a guide on the best way to route it if you do have one. This can help improve signal range
There is no antenna. Just the power cable going into the wall.
Can you try changing the plane of the sensor’s wireless communication with the panel by rotating the sensor 90 degrees
Thank you
You mean mount the smoke on the wall instead of the ceiling?
No, there should be an antenna inside the smoke that communicated to the panel. Rotating the smoke but leaving it in the same spot can possibly help the sensor get better range.
Do you have other wireless devices in the same room or near that smoke?
Thank you
I don’t see how to remount it without lining up the arrows/marks on the sides. I don’t want to force it. I could remove the whole bracket and try reinstalling if you think I should.
No other wireless devices up there (except wifi).
Is the antenna something I can add to the unit?
Yes, you would need to remove and remount the device at a different angle.
There is no way to add an antenna if it does not come with it. You can try running some tests by bringing it closer to the panel and seeing if the smoke signal still drops. If it does not, then you can change to a PowerG Smoke and Heat Detector which has significantly better range.
Instead of fiddling with it I’m just going to buy the Power G smoke. Thanks for the recommendation!
