Introduction
This article covers your MiniCam unboxing, safety guidance and physical installation.
Before proceeding with the installation and setup of your MiniCam, please ensure that you have read and understood the Installation and Safety Notes. Check that the package contents match those listed below.
What is in the box?
1 x MiniCam
1 x Universal mounting bracket
1 x Power cable
1 x Quick Start User Guide
INSTALLATION & SAFETY NOTES
Your included quick start guide includes a list of safety instructions you should read - you can expand this section to review them again:
Expand to view safety notes
Expand to view safety notes
Read, follow, and retain for future reference all of the following safety instructions. Heed all warnings on the device and in this guide before operating the unit.
All deployments of a MiniCam should ensure the following:
Never deploy on unstable poles, brackets, surfaces or walls
Weight and windage figures should never exceed installation limits
The MiniCam installation bracket should always be secured vertically with two band clamps
The MiniCam installation bracket has been designed for use on a pole or column only
A previously dropped, or damaged, unit must not be redeployed
The Minicam must never be deployed within explosive zones
The Minicam must never be deployed within 0.5m of a powered transmitter and/or receiver antenna
The following precautions must be taken to avoid damage to the MiniCam:
Installation should be made by a qualified service person and should conform to all the local codes of practice
Installation and/or handling during a lightning storm is prohibited
Installation while wet is prohibited
Employ suitable mains filtering, especially if the location has a high incidence of lightning strikes
Ensure the MiniCam is connected to the installation system earth, the external ground connection should always be used
Avoid exposing the MiniCam to mechanical shocks
All dust caps should be securely tightened before deployment
Important Safety Instructions
Only use OEM approved accessories
Only operate within stated temperature range
Do not dispose of in a fire
Do not attempt to disassemble
If the MiniCam is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the safety protection provided by the MiniCam maybe impaired
There are no user serviceable parts. To prevent electric shock or fire hazard, do not attempt to open the MiniCam
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the MiniCam has been damaged in any way that it no longer operates normally
Do not allow children to play with the device
Product Handling
Always treat your MiniCam and its accessories with care and keep it in a clean and dust-free place
The camera dome should never be directly handled to avoid scratches and fingerprints, cotton gloves are recommended when touching the dome is unavoidable
Do not expose your MiniCam or its accessories to open flames or lit tobacco products
Do not drop or throw or your MiniCam or its accessories
Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or aerosols to clean the MiniCam or its accessories
Do not paint your MiniCam or its accessories
Please check local regulations for disposal of electronic products
Keep your device clear of debris and other environmental contaminants at any time. Do not cover the device with anything. This may lead to overheating of the device and cause fire
To avoid mechanical damage, it is advised to transport the device in an impact-proof package
Electrical Usage
MiniCam is a Class 1 device, it relies on its enclosure being effectively earthed for safety
Installers should always ensure the earth connection is reliable and safe
MiniCam has an external earth point on its enclosure, this should be bonded to system earth whenever possible
The external supply should always be fused, a 2 Amp fuse is recommended
MiniCam is suitable for OCV CAT II installations only
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Do not touch the exposed metal contacts
RF Energy
All wireless data transferring devices produce interference that may affect other devices which are placed nearby
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures
Antenna
Do not unnecessarily touch the RF antenna dome.
Limiting exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields
To ensure compliance with RF exposure guidelines the MiniCam must be used with a minimum of 20 cm separation from the body
Environmental usage
The MiniCam has been designed for use in outdoor environments. It can operate in temperatures from -10˚C to +45˚C
Explosive environments and fire
Petrol stations and explosive atmospheres
The MiniCam is not to be used in locations with potentially explosive atmospheres, all posted signs to turn off wireless devices must be obeyed
Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres include but are not limited to; fuelling areas, below decks on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, areas where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust, or metal powders.
The MiniCam is not to be used in a blasting area or in areas posted turn off “two-way radios” or “electronic devices” to avoid interfering with blasting operations.
A fire risk assessment should always be carried out before deployment.
WARNING: Failure to observe these precautions will invalidate the warranty.
Pole Installation Overview
Safe working practises should always be followed when working at height, work should only ever be undertaken by trained and qualified personnel.
The MiniCam is equipped with a universal mounting bracket that allows it to be installed on a column (e.g. a lamp post) in a vertical position. Since these types of deployments can typically involve significant heights, always be sure to take adequate precautions to avoid personal injury. Ground-level exclusion zones are always recommended when reasonably practicable.
Always ensure surfaces are safe to work on and that the column can support the weight (7 kg) and additional wind loading (0.8 m2) of the MiniCam. The supplied bracket should be used with column diameters between 50mm to 300mm.
General installation recommendations
Surge arrestors should be included in the mains power line, particularly when deployed in regions with high lightning activity. The surge arresters should be located as close as possible to the MiniCam.
The MiniCam should be grounded using a separate earth conductor to a building ground or grounded electrode.
All cables should be routed in metal grounded conduits.
Supporting structures should have lightning rods installed.
Installation structures should also be grounded using electrodes.
The MiniCam has a windage area of 0.8m2.
The MiniCam has a typical noise level of ~37.6dB, measured at 15cm.
Have you configured your MiniCam yet?
Before physically installing your MiniCam you should have configured your MiniCam and tested that you can view the video and control the camera!
Installation Steps
Ensure there is enough clearance from other items on or around the column before installing the MiniCam.
Ensure the column is structurally sound and capable of carrying the MiniCam. Heavily rusted or leaning columns should be avoided.
Remove the universal mounting bracket from the rear of the MiniCam by loosening the retaining screws. Attach the bracket to the column using heavy-duty stainless-steel hose clamps (not included). Recommended clamps are detailed in approved accessories.
Ensure the clamps and mounting bracket are secure before continuing. It is critical that two hose clamps have been used, and that they have been adequately tightened, a calibrated torque wrench should always be used. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tightening torque.
While installing, the MiniCam should be tethered using the lanyard eyelet. The lanyard should be secured to a safe point and will arrest the MiniCam’s fall in case of an accidental drop.
Recommended lanyard and Maillon are detailed in approved accessories.
Slide the MiniCam down onto the universal mounting bracket.
Fix the unit in place using the retaining screws, the recommended tightening torque is 0.5Nm. The screws are then locked using the nut, which is tightened against the MiniCam body, the recommended tightening torque is 0.5Nm.
Ensure the MiniCam is secured in place and cannot be pushed upwards on the mounting bracket.
A padlock, security chain or rope (not supplied) should be installed through the lugs at the rear of the back box as an added security measure.
Attach power and ensure the Green Power LED illuminates.
If the lanyard has only been used for safety during installation – remove it now.
MiniCam connectors
All of the MiniCam connectors are accessed from the box section.
Antenna Dome
Nano SIM Connector
USB 2.0 Type A Socket
4. Mains power connector
LED Status indicator
The green LED under the back box indicates that the MiniCam is powered on.
Wiring up your MiniCam
Your physical set up will depend on your use case so you'll need to consider the following questions/points:
If you follow this section your MiniCam should be wired up and ready for configuration by the end...
Are you connecting to your server over a 4G cellular network?
The MiniCam has an inbuilt modem for 3G/4G connection which uses a mobile nano-size SIM card.
Is your device supplied with a SIM card?
It will be automatically configured and ready for use - you can skip the rest of this section, and your device will automatically connect to the service once powered.
To insert a SIM card, locate the SIM card connector on the unit back box. The dust cap should be removed, and the SIM card inserted. The SIM card contacts should face upwards with the chamfered edge first when inserted:
Note SIM Card Orientation: Contacts up, chamfered corner first. SIM card clicks into place when inserted correctly. SIM Card will eject when pushed.
The dust cap should be replaced once the SIM card is loaded, it should be firmly tightened to ensure a watertight seal.
Your device should auto-detect most consumer SIM cards settings, but for more commercial/unusual SIM cards you may have to manually enter your SIM cards settings later.
To eject a SIM card, press the SIM card and it will be ejected from the unit.
What LAN ports should I connect?
Your MiniCam does not come with a LAN port, but supports the use of a USB to Ethernet adapter (not supplied) - this can make configuring your MiniCam simpler.
Using a USB to Ethernet adapter outdoors on a deployed unit is not recommended as it is not weatherproof, and use beyond short-term configuration will invalidate your warranty.
Are you connecting to a Wi-Fi network?
Your MiniCam has a built-in Wi-Fi antenna, so there are no physical steps required to prepare your MiniCam for use with Wi-Fi.
You will provide the appropriate connection details during the MiniCam first run steps.
What should I use for recording storage?
Your MiniCam has an internal recording disk that will be used for recording.
How do I power the MiniCam on/off?
The MiniCam is powered using the supplied AC mains lead (which is terminated by a standard AC mains plug).
Ensure you are connecting the correct input voltage.
The MiniCam is powered using a standard mains 90-240V AC power source.
The MiniCam is powered up automatically when connected to a power supply.
First run wizard
Once powered, your device will automatically attempt to connect to the server.
Log into the web app and wait on the Notifications screen. If your device's default network settings match your configuration your device should appear online after a few minutes and be ready for configuration. If this is the case you'll receive a notification:
From here you'll be able to perform the first run wizard.
If your device has not appeared after 5-10 minutes, you may need to log in locally to configure your network settings using local access mode. This will start up automatically after 5 minutes to help assist with your connection issue - here's how to connect to your device and access its web interface.
Cleaning your MiniCam
The camera dome should only be cleaned with a diluted detergent solution. This should be applied sparingly to the dome and dried with a lint free microfiber cloth.