Is Your Scout Motion Detection Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
The motion sensor is a core component of your Scout security system, acting as a crucial line of defence against intruders. If you suspect your motion sensor isn't working correctly, it's essential to address the problem immediately to ensure your home remains protected.
This guide will walk you through the common reasons why a Scout motion sensor might not be working and provide clear, actionable steps to resolve the issue.
### Initial Diagnostic Steps
Let's start with the most common and easily fixable causes. Work through these steps first before moving on to more complex troubleshooting.
- Check the System's Status: Your motion sensor will only trigger an alarm or send an alert when the system is armed (e.g., in 'Away' mode). If the system is disarmed, the sensor is effectively inactive. Ensure your system is armed before testing.
- Verify Battery Power: A dead or low battery is the number one reason for a sensor to stop working. Check the battery status for your motion sensor within the Scout app. If it's low or dead, replace it with a new, high-quality battery of the correct type.
- Confirm Sensor Placement: The sensor needs a clear line of sight to the area it's monitoring.
- Ensure there are no large objects, like furniture or curtains, blocking its view.
- The ideal placement is in a corner, high on the wall (around 2.3 metres), angled downwards to cover the room's entry points.
- Avoid pointing it directly at windows or heat sources (like radiators or fireplaces), as rapid changes in light or temperature can affect its performance.
Deeper Troubleshooting: Settings and Connectivity
If the basics are all in order, the next step is to look at the sensor's settings and its connection to the Scout Hub.
### Sensitivity and App Settings
Within the Scout mobile app, you have control over how your sensor behaves.
- Check Device Status: In the app, look at the list of your sensors. Does the motion sensor show a normal, 'online' status? If it shows an error or 'offline' status, it indicates a communication problem.
- Adjust Sensitivity: Some sensors may have sensitivity settings within the app. If you feel it's not picking up movement, you could try increasing the sensitivity level. Conversely, if you're getting false alarms, decreasing it may help.
- Review Mode Settings: Double-check the settings for your different security modes ('Home', 'Away', etc.). Ensure the motion sensor is configured to be active in the modes you expect it to be.
### Testing and Re-Pairing the Sensor
A systematic test can confirm whether the sensor is functioning correctly.
- Enter Test Mode: Put your Scout system into its test mode. This allows you to trigger sensors without setting off a full alarm.
- Trigger the Sensor: Walk in front of the motion sensor. The sensor itself may have an LED that flashes when it detects motion. The Hub should also announce that the sensor has been triggered.
- Check the App: The app's activity log should show a 'motion detected' event from that specific sensor.
If the sensor does not respond during the test, it may have lost its wireless connection to the Hub.
- Re-Pair the Sensor: As a final step, try removing the sensor from your system through the app. Once it's removed, follow the standard procedure to add or 'pair' it again. This process forces the sensor and the Hub to establish a fresh connection and can resolve many persistent communication issues.
By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose and fix the vast majority of problems with a non-responsive Scout motion sensor, restoring your peace of mind.