Topics included in this article:
- Overview
- Compatible Devices
- Setup and Registration
- Bluetooth
- Hardware Installation
- Unregistering
- Troubleshooting
- Helpful Links
- Contact Support or Sales
Overview
The Rhombus D20 creates safer spaces with real-time entry point monitoring. The D20 sends timely alerts when access points are left open and connects to the nearest BLE-enabled rhombus device to provide real-time sensor data with synchronized video evidence to ensure proper building security.
Compatible Devices
Before registering a Rhombus sensor, you will need a Rhombus device that supports the Rhombus Sensor Network. You can confirm by visiting the device specs web page on the Rhombus Systems corporate site and looking for the following icon:
Below is a list of compatible BLE gateway devices:
- R120
- R2
- R170
- R200
- R230
- R520
- R600
- A100
- DR40
- E50
Setup and Registration
Battery Requirements
The D20 uses 1x ER14505 AA Lithium Battery, which should measure a nominal 3.6v.
Please Note: ER14505 batteries are exactly the same size and shape as traditional AA batteries, but they have a different voltage. DO NOT install normal (1.5v) AA batteries into the D20; ensure that ER14505 batteries are used.
Battery Life
Expected Battery Life: Up to 8 years with typical medium-heavy use.
Battery Installation
1. Remove the battery cover located on the back of D20 where it says "open."
2. Insert the included ER14505 AA Lithium Battery, ensuring the positive (+) terminal and negative (-) terminal are matched with the markings on the D20.
3. After installing the batteries correctly, close the battery cover.
Registration
1. Press the D20 button indicated in the below picture, and you should see a pulsating green light at the top of the sensor
Note: You should see a green light pulsing which means it is ready to register (as seen below). The sensor will stay in registration mode for 2 minutes before sleeping.
Note: The D20 housing has an indication symbol on the left-hand side to indicate where the magnet needs to be placed. Please take a look at the image below for an example.
2. Once the green dot is pulsing, open the Rhombus mobile app and navigate to "Register Devices" on the device page.
3. Select the D20(s) you want to register.
Note: You can confirm the correct device via the serial number displayed on the app matches the one on the back of the D20.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between devices over short distances.
BLE Range
For BLE connection with a compatible device, all Rhombus sensors can communicate via Bluetooth up to 300ft under ideal circumstances.
BLE range can be affected by different factors, including but not limited to:
- Obstacles: Physical obstacles such as walls, furniture, and other obstructions can weaken Bluetooth signals and reduce range.
- Environmental Conditions: Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic interference can affect the performance of the device.
- Interference: Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is also used by many other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and microwaves. Interference from these devices can degrade Bluetooth signals and reduce range.
BLE Signal Strength
BLE signal strength is referenced as RSSI, Received Signal Strength Indicator. A higher RSSI value like -10 (closer to 0) generally indicates a stronger signal, while a lower RSSI value, such as -85 (further from 0) indicates a weaker signal.
Signal strength can vary depending on factors such as distance, obstacles, interference, and the transmitting power of the Bluetooth devices involved. When evaluating BLE signal strength, it's important to consider these factors and ensure that the signal strength is sufficient for the intended application.
In both the web and mobile app, the signal strength will tell you how good the communication is between the sensor and paired Rhombus device.
Web Console | Mobile App |
Located in the second column of the devices tab sensor view. (Hover over this icon to display the RSSI value) | Located on the right side of the list view. |
D20 Sensing Range
For the D20, please review the following sensing range requirements for different mounting configurations:
The D20 has an approximate 20mm sensing range when the magnet is normal to the side face of the D20 containing the “magnet placement symbol”. | |
The D20 has an approximate 13mm sensing range when the magnet is normal to the top face of the D20. |
|
The D20 has an approximate 7mm sensing range when the magnet is normal to the side face of the D20 without any markings. |
Hardware Installation
1 a). Fix the mounting bracket to the desired surface using the 2 mounting screws provided (drywall anchors included if needed).
It is recommended that the bracket be attached to the top of the door frame (on the opening side) to prevent accidental removal.
1 b). OPTIONAL: The included mounting adhesive can be used to attach the mounting bracket if screws are not desired.
2. Insert the D20 into the mounting bracket as shown with the “magnet placement symbol” facing the door side.
3. Rotate the D20 clockwise about the mounting bracket until you hear a click.
4. Attach the magnet to the door using the mounting adhesive provided.
5. For best results, ensure marking on the magnet lines up with the D20 "magnet placement symbol." In this position, the magnet should be less than 20mm away from the D20 for accurate readings.
Mounting Positions
The D20’s magnetic sensing range allows for different mounting options to be possible. Sample mounting positions are shown below for reference, with the D20 attached to the frame while the magnet is attached to the door.
Note that the sensing range will vary based on the chosen mounting position (see “Sensing Range”).
Roll-up Door Setup
The D20 features a built-in accelerometer that can be used with roll-up doors. When setting up, place the sensor on the roll-up door with the notch facing downward toward the ground when the door is closed. When the door is open, ensure the sensor is positioned sideways or at an angle. It's important to note that the magnet is not required for this setup and should be omitted from the mounting process if using the sensor in this manner.
In roll-up door mode, the D20 sensor detects changes in orientation from the magnet sensor mark facing down to the Rhombus logo facing down, rather than relying on the presence of a magnet as in normal operation mode. This setup means that doors designed in a castle door style, where the D20's orientation remains constant while the door moves up and down, are incompatible.
Additionally, the vertical placement of the D20 sensor on the roll-up door affects how far into the rollup action the sensor will register the door as open or closed. Placing the D20 at the very bottom of the roll-up door means it won't register as open until the door is fully rolled up around the bend. Conversely, positioning the D20 at the top of the vertical portion of the roll-up door when closed allows it to detect the door opening sooner, as less of the door needs to retract to change the D20's orientation.
Open Door:
Closed Door:
Coiling Door Setup (3rd Party)
The D20 sensor can be used for a coiling roll-up door. However, this setup will require the implementation of several third-party components. Some of the materials used in this setup are not made by Rhombus; therefore, we cannot guarantee technical support for this setup.
Note: This setup does not use the included sensor magnet for the D20.
1. Mount the D20 to the door frame. The D20 can be mounted using fasteners or an adhesive. We recommend mounting with fasteners as they allow for future adjustments. However, in this example, we mounted a 90° bracket to the frame and adhered the D20 to the bracket using Gorilla Glue caulk.
2. Position the rectangular neodymium magnet just below the door fold to prevent damage when the door is coiled. You may use your preferred magnet, but the magnet used in this example can be found here: Strong Neodymium Rectangular Magnet.
Note: Before permanently mounting the magnet to the door, ensure the magnet mounting position properly registers the open/closed status in the Rhombus Console.
Unregistering
You can unregister sensors from the phone app. You must be logged into the organization of the sensor(s) you want to unregister.
Note: To unregister the sensors, a BLE-compatible device must be connected to the network and be within range of the sensor. Sensors must be unregistered before the Rhombus gateway device is unregistered.
1. Navigate to the Rhombus App "Devices" page.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click "Utilities."
3. Click on "Unregister Sensors."
4. Select the sensor(s) you want to unregister and complete the process.
Troubleshooting
Ensure a BLE Gateway is present when connecting a sensor. Please see the list of compatible devices that can be used as a gateway.
LED Indicators
Pulsing Green | D20 Waiting to be registered. |
LED Off | D20 is registered and operating normally or is not receiving power. If the D20 shows as offline in the console, press the Rhombus logo button to verify functionality. If the LED does not turn on, the device may need new batteries. |
Pulsing Red | Hard Reset required (remove and re-install battery). Contact Support if issue persists. |
Solid Red | Hardware Error (Contact Support). |
Troubleshooting Steps
Problem | Troubleshooting Steps |
The sensor is online, and the door is closed. However, the Rhombus console shows the door as open. | When in the closed position, please ensure that the sensor is within the reading range of the magnet (1 to 1.5cm). Ensure that the marking on the side of the door sensor (indicating the location of its magnet sensor) faces the magnet when the door is in the closed position. |
The sensor is online; however, it does not register door-open events. | Ensure that the door sensor is attached to the door frame, and the magnet is attached to the door itself. If this is reversed, the door sensor may have an additional wall to send data through when the door is in the open position, depending on the building layout. |
The mobile app crashes when attempting to register the sensor. | Update mobile app or uninstall and reinstall the app. Ensure no other devices are connected to BLE on the phone when attempting to register. |
The sensor is showing offline intermittently. |
Ensure the batteries are properly inserted. A sensor placed very far away from a BLE gateway or with sources of interference in its line of sight may exhibit this issue. |
The sensor’s reported battery life percentage in the console drops suddenly. | The reported battery life of a sensor may dip significantly for a short amount of time immediately post-bootup (when the batteries are installed). This is normal, and the reported battery life should return to normal within an hour or two. |
When trying to register a BLE sensor via the mobile app, the sensor is not present in the list of found sensors. |
First, confirm that the sensor is powered on and in the registration mode, typically indicated by a slow-blinking LED. If the sensor is powered and awaiting registration but doesn't appear in the list, try closing the mobile app entirely. This process may vary depending on the phone model. Once the app is closed, relaunch it and check if the sensor is now detected. If the issue persists, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the mobile app to ensure proper functionality. |
For any additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact support.
Helpful Links
Contact Support or Sales
Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.
Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.
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