M1 Setup, Walkthrough, and Troubleshooting – Rhombus Support

Topics included this article:

Overview
Prerequisites
Compatible Devices
Setup and Registration
Bluetooth
- BLE Range
- BLE Signal Strength
Hardware Installation
Unregistering
Troubleshooting
Helpful Links
Contact Support or Sales

Overview

The Rhombus M1 motion sensor can detect movement within its vicinity without relying on visual data from cameras. It covers 5m (15 feet) with a 90° FoV, covering up to 200 sq ft in ideal conditions.

Prerequisites

Before registering an M1, you must to be signed into the Rhombus mobile app (Android or iOS), and in range of a BLE enabled device that is registered to your Rhombus Console.

Compatible Devices

Before registering a Rhombus sensor, must have a Rhombus device that supports the Rhombus Sensor Network. Confirm compatibility by visiting the device specs page on rhombus.com.

Below is a list of compatible BLE gateway devices:

R120
R2
R170
R200
R230
R360S
R410
R520
R540
R545
R600
A100
DR40*
E50

Note: Although the DR40 supports BLE, it is not designed to serve as a dedicated BLE gateway. Since BLE resources are shared with badge-in functionality, connectivity to BLE devices may be inconsistent.

Setup and Registration

Battery Requirements

The M1 uses one CR123A lithium battery that should measure a nominal 3v.

Battery Life

Expected Battery Life: Up to 2 years with typical medium-heavy use.

Battery Installation

1. Place a flathead tool into the slit on the bottom of the M1 sensor.

2. Use the flat head to pry open the M1 sensor in a downward motion to open the back of the sensor.

3. Replace the battery and then slide the backing into place.

Registration

1. Pull the battery tab from the sensor.

Note: Pulling the battery tab will automatically put the sensor in registration mode, so step 2 is not necessary if you plan to register the sensor after removing the battery pull tab.

2. Insert the included tool or a paper clip in the hole at the bottom of the M1 sensor to activate it for registration.

Note: A pulsing green LED indicates the sensor is ready to register (as seen below). The sensor will stay in registration mode for 2 minutes before returning to sleep.

3. Once the green LED is pulsing, open the Rhombus mobile app and tap "Register Devices" on the device page.

3. Select the M1(s) you want to register.

Note: You can confirm the correct device by comparing the serial number displayed on the app to the one on the back of the M1.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between devices over short distances.

BLE Range

Under ideal circumstances, all Rhombus sensors can communicate via Bluetooth up to 300ft with a compatible Rhombus BLE enabled device.

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, such as 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 Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). 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.

The signal strength in both the web and mobile app tells you how well the communication is between the sensor and paired Rhombus device.

Hardware Installation

The M1 sensor can be wall-mounted with the included adhesive or screws. For softer wall materials, anchors are recommended.

It should be mounted so that people move across its 90-degree horizontal field of view.

Unregistering

Sensors can only be unregistered from the mobile app. You must be logged into the organization of the sensor(s) you want to unregister.

Note: In order 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. Open the Rhombus mobile app, tap "Menu" in the bottom right corner, and tap "Utilities."

2. Tap "Unregister Sensors."

3. Select the sensor(s) you want to unregister and complete the flow.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Troubleshooting Steps
The mobile app crashes when attempting to register the sensor.	Update the mobile app or uninstall and reinstall it. Ensure no other devices are connected to BLE on the phone when attempting to register.
When registering a BLE sensor via the mobile app, the sensor is not present in the list of discovered sensors.	First, confirm the sensor is powered on and in the registration mode, typically indicated by a slow-blinking LED. If the sensor is powered on and awaiting registration but doesn't appear in the list, close 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.
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.
The motion sensor does not accurately report occupancy within a room.	The motion sensor range is ~5m with a 90-degree field of view. If the room is larger than this or the sensor is positioned so that it misses some of the room, it may reduce the reporting accuracy.
The motion sensor initially detects room occupancy but reports that it is vacant before the occupant leaves.	Ensure the sensor is placed strategically to cover the entire room. Movement may be detected when someone enters, but then they move into an unmonitored area. Note: A seated person may not trigger the motion sensor.

Helpful Links

Creating and Assigning Alert Policies

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.

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.