How Do I Run a Sensor Test on the IQ5 NS Security System?

To run a sensor test on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and navigate to System Tests, then Sensor Test. Trip each sensor to check its signal strength and packet count against the noise floor, and use the graph icon for a live view. The panel has no screen, so this is all in the app.

What the Sensor Test Does

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) includes a Sensor Test that shows the actual dBm signal strength of each sensor and graphs sensor events against the ambient noise floor of your environment. It also shows the traditional packet count. Together these tell you how strongly and reliably each sensor is communicating with the panel.

The Sensor Test opens a summary of every sensor paired to the panel, listing the average dBm level, the last event's dBm level, and how many packets were received. Selecting the graph icon next to a sensor shows that sensor's signal strength graphed in real time. Running this test is the best way to catch a weak or unreliable sensor on your security system before it causes a missed signal or a false trouble.

Before You Begin

Because the IQ5 NS has no screen, its System Tests are reached through the IQ Installer app rather than on the panel. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app first. It helps to know which sensor is which ahead of time, since you will be walking around to open doors and windows or trigger motions to test them.

Run the Sensor Test

1. Open the IQ Installer app. Open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device and make sure it is connected to your IQ5 NS.
   
   Open the IQ Installer app connected to your IQ5 NS.
2. Navigate to System Tests. In the app, go to the System Tests menu to open the list of diagnostic tests.
   
   Navigate to System Tests in the app.
3. Select Sensor Test. Select Sensor Test to open the summary of every paired sensor, with its average dBm, last event dBm, and packet count.
   
   Select Sensor Test to open the summary.
4. Trip each sensor and review the readings. Walk to each sensor and activate it, such as opening a door or window or triggering a motion. Watch its dBm level and packet count update in the app. Select the graph icon next to a sensor to see its signal strength graphed in real time against the noise floor.
   
   Trip each sensor and watch its dBm and packet count.

Tips

For a healthy sensor, the manufacturer recommends a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 7 dB, so you want the sensor's signal comfortably above the noise floor. You can view the Real Time Noise Floor from the Sensor Test settings; lower noise floor dBm means less interference on that frequency. If a sensor reads weak or drops packets, try moving it closer to the panel, repositioning it away from metal or thick walls, or adding a wireless repeater to strengthen the connection.

Running a sensor test on the IQ5 NS confirms every sensor is communicating strongly and reliably. For help reading your sensor test results or improving a weak signal on your IQ5 NS, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We are here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com, call us at 888-818-7728, or visit our website and chat with a live support agent.