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duffy_4's profile

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 10:24 AM

Keypad shows entry sensor being off-line but it is working

At my daughter's house the keypad is showing a sensor as not communicating to the base but it actually seems to be working. When we open the door that is showing the entry sensor problem, the base chimes. When we set the alarm system on "home" to test, and open the door, the system immediately starts the entry period.

Any suggestions as to why this is happening and how to resolve?

Captain

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6.2K Messages

3 years ago

@duffy_4 this is usually a sign of a weak connection, either distance, weak battery or inteference caussing the issue. Quickest way to initially resolve: remove the sensor from the base, and then re-add. Should be okay then. If it repeats, I would call SS to walk through throuble shooting or discuss here in the forums.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Hi duffy_4,

I was also going to suggest removing and re-adding that sensor. But also could there be another Entry Sensor that came with the system, that might have just been mis-named?

For example, if there was a sensor that you (or your daughter) decided not to use, you'd want to remove it from your system. Simply taking out the battery will result in the system generating an error, since it's always expecting that sensor to check in.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

38 Messages

Well I definitely remove sensors using the keypad or web portal and do not remove a battery. Because SimpliSafe does not send a pending alarm we had to relocate the base which has been challenging to find a spot well hidden; but we did. There are now three sensors that seem to come and go; a basement window, an entry door and one on a fridge. The fridge is a garage fridge so that one is only used as a silent alert to let parents know when door is opened since it contains mostly beer. The other two sensors are all within 100 feet and all interior. So with the stated design/perfect distance of 800 feet of the sensors as I recall and assuming attenuation from the house, the sensors' signals should be plenty strong to the base. I run mini UHF transmitters at my house (again issue at daughter's house) that output at 10mw and there is no issue from my basement to anywhere in my house and out to the street (300 ft distance). I believe the sensors have to be about the same power given they use similar chips. There are no metal walls in daughter's house. I guess the important thing is even though the keypad shows the sensors off-line, they still seem to be triggering the base when opened. Even the sensor on the fridge in the garage is sending a secret alert to the parent's phones.

Oh, Johnny, nothing is misnamed.

Captain

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6.2K Messages

3 years ago

@Johnny M you do it all, including windows? Seriously, you cover the forums well, but do miss the added support from the Social Team.  I take it you are human, and occasionally take a day off for vacation or get sick; if you are off, will the forums still be covered? Hope so.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

Hey Captain,

The "social media" username was a shared login (so sometimes it was me!). I've decided it makes more sense for us to log in as ourselves, so we can bring a more personal touch. If I'm ever on vacation, you can expect one of my teammates around to pick up the slack.

- Johnny M.
SimpliSafe Home Security

Captain

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6.2K Messages

3 years ago

@ Johnny M definitely like the approach. The personal touch always goes a long way. Now that we know you are not being held hostage chained to your desk and the SS lords let you out for vacation days we all can sleep better! :-)
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