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Mcburn13's profile

Thursday, August 11th, 2022 10:53 PM

Sensors Disconnecting

I am having random sensors disconnect; typically the ones that disconnect are no more than 25 ft from base station and no brick or solid lead obstructions.  So far all I can do is open the door and window and then it connects again. Using the default battery in all sensors that came with unit.  Don't even get me started on cameras disconnecting and not really supporting 1080p properly or WPA2/WPA3 mixed encryption :-(

This post was created from this comment on different post

Official Response

Community Admin

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5.6K Messages

2 years ago

Hi @Mcburn13 ,

Our sensors connect directly to the Base Station via local low-frequency radio signal, rather than WiFi. From your description, it sounds like that signal is being interrupted by a source of interference.

That could be a physical obstruction that is literally getting in the way. So you'll want to think of what's between those sensors and the Base Station, and if possible, move the units to allow for more of a direct path.

Since you mention multiple sensors having trouble, the issue might actually be with the Base Station, so I would suggest moving that. If you have the Base inside a closet, hidden on wire shelving, or on top of a fridge, for example, that could be why the signal is having trouble.

Or the interference could be caused by another wireless signal that is drowning out SimpliSafe comms. Since the sensors use a very low frequency, you're looking for simpler devices, like remote controlled garage door openers, wireless weather stations, or some older models of baby monitor. Try shutting down potentially problematic devices one by one to test them.

Hopefully that all helps. If you haven't already, I would really suggest giving our Support team a call at 800-548-9508. We can take you through troubleshooting step by step.

(edited)

8 Messages

@davey_d​ I moved the base station to the kitchen out in the open and the sensors I "guess" have been better but there are none of the devices you mentioned.  The camera performance is beyond horrible, I changed the video to 720p which I had to ask "wow why do you sell 1080p cameras if they cannot perform?"  Dare not ask about 4k cameras... So now I am at a resolution that was popular around the year 2000 and all cameras drop or freeze.  Again, have gigabit internet, and all simplisafe devices are on their own network that supports the insecure WPA2 that your cameras require. Pretty close to returning everything this requires too much maintenance from the end user...

1 Message

I totally agree.  This system requires too much maintenance.  Every solution is to remove the sensor from the basestation, take out the battery, reinstall it and maybe delete the app and reinstall it.  So much for being able to leave home if I am always having to disconnect and reconnect sensors manually.  ALL of my sensors disconnected the other day and I had to do that for EVERY sensor.  BTW - all this started with the new external cameras that I added (which they have had me delete and re-add numerous times).  My time is more valuable - this system does NOT offer peace of mind.

2 Messages

I totally agree - I installed a new system with many sensors, and even the closest one - about 4ft from the base station - looses communication!

Bottom line is that I can't use the system and I'm thinking about returning everything for a refund and to go with someone more reliable!

1 Message

5 months ago

I don't have SimpliSafe cameras and yet do have the exact same problem. Random sensors are reported not responding and if I either wait several hours, they will reconnect on their own. Or if I open the door or window and wait a few seconds before closing again they reconnect. The frequency of this problem is increasing over time. Now once or twice a week. Switching sensors does nothing. Nor does moving the base station to a different location. All batteries were checked and test fine.

Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@jdwainwheeler​ If multiple sensors show an intermittent "Not Responding" error, this typically indicated an underlying issue with the placement of the Base Station. 

We recommend putting the Base Station in a centrally-located area. It should also be at least 3 feet off the ground on a non-dense material like wood or glass - placing the Base Station on a denser material could cause communication issues.

Also, the Base Station should be about 3-5 feet away from other devices that emit a wireless signal, like routers, TVs, or large appliances that are Wi-Fi enabled, as they can cause interference which disrupts the RF signal between the Base Station and sensors.

3 Messages

5 months ago

Simplisafe needs a more powerful base station. I have sensors disconnect on nearly a daily basis in my 2-story, 3400 SF home. It's annoying.

3 Messages

I also keep getting an error message that my CO2 sensor was tampered with. Weird. It hasn't been touched!

Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@doyelfam​ Since you notice multiple sensors disconnect, this could be due to the placement of the Base Station. The Base Station should be placed in a central area of your home, and on a wood or glass surface that's at least 3 feet off the ground. 

We also don't recommend putting the Base Station in a cupboard/closet, or placing it around other devices that emit a wireless signal, as that can create interference and make it harder for the Base Station to communicate to our sensors. 

Regarding your CO detector, do you also see a yellow light on the device? If so, this is a sign that the CO Detector may not be attached to its mounting bracket all the way and needs to be adjusted. If you visit this article in our Help Center, it provides steps to resolve this error message.

2 Messages

@emily_s I would agree if it is happening with the sensors the furthest away, but I experience the same thing with sensor just 4 ft away & this has nothing to do with placement!

1 Message

2 months ago

I am having the same issue and came here to look for a solution. I had just assumed that my house was too big/sprawling. Can a system have 2 base stations? 

Community Admin

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3.1K Messages

@sarahdea6​ Unfortunately a single system cannot have 2 Base Stations, it can only have one. But how many sensors of yours are disconnecting? Is it just one or multiple? And if it's multiple sensors, are they all located in the same area of your home?

It sounds like some type of interference is getting in the way between your Base Station and sensor(s). Interference can come from physical or wireless sources. Physical interference is caused by large, dense objects getting in the way of the Base Station and sensor(s.) I would look to see if there are any thick walls or heavy appliances between the devices, and if there are, move one of the devices so there is a more open path between them.

Wireless interference is caused by other wireless devices that are drowning out the signal of the SimpliSafe devices. This would be caused by more simple devices - like wireless weather stations, some baby monitors, or HAM radios. To see if wireless interference could be the cause, try turning off each wireless device one by one and see if your sensor(s) comes back online.

But if you are experiencing this issue with multiple sensors, this could be due to the Base Station's placement. In that case, I would try relocating it to a central area of your home. The Base Station should also be elevated at least 3 feet from the ground, and placed on a non-dense material like glass or wood; as putting it on a denser surface like a metal shelf or granite countertop can cause communication issues.

11 Messages

2 months ago

I had one sensor that was disconnecting randomly and it wasn’t that far from the base station compared to other sensors. If l opened the window it would reconnect, but it was getting annoying. 

l read on here about placing two or three adhesive strips under the sensor instead of one, and touch wood after 5 weeks now, I’ve had no issues. 

So a simple solution that might be worth a shot. 

Thanks

 Craig

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