Introduction
This article covers your encoder unboxing, safety guidance and physical installation. Once you've covered the contents of this document you should return to the Getting started with your encoder article on how to set it up.
Before proceeding with the installation and setup of your EdgeVis Video Router, please ensure that you have read and understood the Safety Notes. Check that the package contents match those listed below.
This guide refers to the EdgeVis Video Router device as an encoder – this is how we refer to all video recording/transmission devices.
What is in the box?
1 x Encoder
1 x Universal mounting bracket
1 x AC/DC power adapter, with cable
1 x Quick Start User Guide
2 x Cellular antennae
Not included:
GPS Antenna (see approved encoder accessories for further details)
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 encoder and in this guide before operating the unit.
All deployments of an EdgeVis Video Router unit should ensure that the device is not mounted:
Within explosive zones
Within 0.5m of a powered transmitter and/or receiver antenna
Within the engine bay/compartment of a vehicle
Within 1m of a vehicle fuel fill point (direct line of sight)
Near heat sources or in direct sunlight
The following precautions must be taken to avoid damage to the unit:
DO NOT CONNECT DIRECTLY TO THE MAINS SUPPLY
Only ever use the external power supply provided with the product. If the external power supply needs replaced, only ever use a power supply from the manufacturer
Employ suitable mains filtering if voltage spikes are likely
Unplug the EdgeVis Video Router during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time
Do not reverse the polarity of the DC power supply. It will cause irreparable damage to the EdgeVis Video Router
Do not modify the unit, it may violate the regulatory compliance and may induce safety hazards
The mains power cord must be connected to a socket-outlet with an earthing connection
Important Safety Instructions
Read the Safety Information section in the Hardware Installation Guide.
Only use approved accessories.
Avoid contact with liquid, keep dry. Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Avoid extreme temperatures.
Do not block the fan exhaust.
Do not dispose of in a fire.
Do not attempt to disassemble.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment maybe impaired.
There are no user serviceable parts. To prevent electric shock or fire hazard, do not remove cover.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the encoder has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the encoder, the encoder has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Product Handling
Always treat your EdgeVis Video Router and its accessories with care and keep it in a clean, dust-free place.
Do not expose your EdgeVis Video Router or its accessories to open flames or lit tobacco products.
Do not expose your EdgeVis Video Router or its accessories to liquid, moisture or high humidity.
Do not drop or throw or your EdgeVis Video Router or its accessories.
Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or aerosols to clean the EdgeVis Video Router or its accessories.
Do not paint your EdgeVis Video Router or its accessories.
Please check local regulations for the disposal of electronic products.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Do not touch the SIM card’s metal connectors.
Medical
This device may interfere with the operation of some pacemakers, hearing aids or other medical devices. To reduce risk, maintain a separation distance at least 20cm between the device and the medical device. Refer to the medical device for additional information.
Battery
The device contains a small Lithium coin cell battery. Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
RF Energy
Antenna
Do not unnecessarily touch the RF antenna.Limiting exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields
To ensure compliance with RF exposure guidelines the EdgeVis Video Router must be used with a minimum of 20 cm separation from the body.
Environmental usage
The EdgeVis Video Router has been designed for use in indoor environments. It can operate in temperatures from 0˚C to +35˚C.
Explosive environments and fire
Petrol stations and explosive atmospheres
The EdgeVis Video Router 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 powdersBlasting Caps and Areas
The EdgeVis Video Router 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
Hot Temperatures
The EdgeVis Video Router has an active cooling fan, the exhaust vents will expel hot air. Do not block or touch the exhaust.
Encoder connectors
All of the EdgeVis Video Router connectors are easily accessed, see below for details.
Rear view
Primary Cellular RF Connector
SIM Card Connector
Diversity Cellular RF Connector
DC Power
LAN1 Ethernet Port
USB Ports
LAN2 Ethernet Port
Front View
8. USB Ports
Wiring up your encoder
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 encoder should be wired up and ready for configuration by the end...
Are you connecting to your server over a 4G cellular network?
Theis encoder has an inbuilt modem for 3G/4G connection which uses a mobile micro-size SIM card.
Despite the ultra-efficient bandwidth video codec, the EdgeVis Video Router is considered a heavy data use product on cellular networks. It is recommended that an unlimited data plan (or if unavailable, a heavy consumption data plan) is set up with your Mobile Network Service Provider.
Step 1: Insert the SIM card
To insert a SIM card, locate the SIM card connector on the encoder's rear face. The SIM card contacts should face upwards with the chamfered edge first when inserted, see figure below for guidance.
To eject a SIM card, press the SIM card and it will be ejected from the unit.
Step 2: Attach the antenna
There should be two cellular antennae supplied with the encoder - these should be screwed in securely to the encoder, at either side of the SIM slot.
What LAN ports should I connect?
Your encoder comes with two LAN ports (and supports the use of a USB to Ethernet adapter as well). It is recommended to use the following convention:
Are you using the same LAN-based network for your internet connection and your cameras?
Plug a network cable into LAN1 (next to the blue USB sockets) that is also connected to your network providing a network connection/camera access.
Are you using 4G for your internet connection and connecting to your camera(s) on a local LAN network?
Plug a network cable into LAN1 (next to the blue USB sockets) that is on the same network as your cameras.
Are you two different LAN networks - one with your internet connection, and the other which contains your cameras?
Plug a network cable into LAN1 (next to the blue USB sockets) that provides your internet connection.
Plug a network cable into LAN2 that provides access to your camera's network.
Are you connecting to a Wi-Fi network?
Your encoder has a built-in Wi-Fi antenna, so there are no physical steps required to prepare your encoder for use with Wi-Fi.
You will provide the appropriate connection details during encoder set up.
What should I use for recording storage?
Your encoder has an internal recording disk that would normally be used for recording to. However you can also add an external USB storage device that can be used to extend or replace your internal recording.
Approved USB storage disks should be used with the blue USB ports as these are USB 3.0 ports and are recommended for best performance.
Do you need live GPS position reporting from your encoder?
Yes, GPS location services are supported via the 4G modem - this requires a GPS antenna to be purchased (see approved encoder accessories for futher details).
Do you want to mount the encoder using the universal bracket?
The included bracket can be used to mount the unit. The following diagram illustrates how the bracket should be mounted first (in this example using VESA mounts on a monitor), the mounting screws attached to the unit, then the unit slid down onto the mount.
How do I power the encoder on/off?
To power the unit on connect the output cable from the AC/DC adapter to the DC input connector on the front panel of the EdgeVis Video Router and connect the AC/DC adapter to the mains power outlet.
While the encoder has a power switch on the front you should not use it - simply supply power to the encoder when you are using the device, then remove power when finished.
Next steps...
Now your encoder is wired up and powered up it is ready for configuration - you should return to the Getting started with your encoder article for further guidance on how to set it up.