Introduction
This article covers your MiniCam 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 MiniCam, please ensure that you have read and understood the Installation and Safety Notes. Check that the package contents match those listed below.
This guide refers to the EdgeVis MiniCam device as an encoder – this is how we refer to all video recording/transmission devices.
What is in the box?
1 x EdgeVis 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 encoder and in this guide before operating the unit.
All deployments of an EdgeVis MiniCam should ensure the following:
Never deploy on unstable poles, brackets, surfaces or walls
Weight and windage figures should never exceed installation limits
The EdgeVis MiniCam installation bracket should always be secured vertically with two band clamps
The EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis Minicam must never be deployed within explosive zones
The EdgeVis 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 encoder:
Installation should be made by a qualified service person and should conform to all the local codes of practise
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 encoder is connected to the installation system earth, the external ground connection should always be used
Avoid exposing the encoder 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 encoder is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the safety protection provided by the encoder maybe impaired
There are no user serviceable parts. To prevent electric shock or fire hazard, do not attempt to open the encoder
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis MiniCam or its accessories to open flames or lit tobacco products
Do not drop or throw or your EdgeVis MiniCam or its accessories
Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or aerosols to clean the EdgeVis MiniCam or its accessories
Do not paint your EdgeVis 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
EdgeVis 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
EdgeVis 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
EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis MiniCam must be used with a minimum of 20 cm separation from the body
Environmental usage
The EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis 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 encoder. 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 EdgeVis MiniCam.
The EdgeVis 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 encoder.
Ensure the column is structurally sound and capable of carrying the encoder. Heavily rusted or leaning columns should be avoided.
Remove the universal mounting bracket from the rear of the EdgeVis 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 EdgeVis MiniCam should be tethered using the lanyard eyelet. The lanyard should be secured to a safe point and will arrest the EdgeVis MiniCam’s fall in case of an accidental drop.
Recommended lanyard and Maillon are detailed in approved accessories.
Slide the EdgeVis 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 encoder body, the recommended tightening torque is 0.5Nm.
Ensure the EdgeVis 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 encoder is powered on.
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?
The encoder has an inbuilt modem for 3G/4G connection which uses a mobile nano-size SIM card.
Despite the ultra-efficient bandwidth video codec, the MiniCam 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.
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.
You will provide the appropriate SIM details during the encoder set up steps.
To eject a SIM card, press the SIM card and it will be ejected from the unit.
What LAN ports should I connect?
Your encoder does not come with a LAN port, but supports the use of a USB to Ethernet adapter (not supplied) - this can make configuring your encoder 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 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 the encoder set up steps
What should I use for recording storage?
Your MiniCam has an internal recording disk that will be used for recording.
Do you need live GPS position reporting from your encoder?
Yes, GPS location services are supported via the 4G modem. The built-in antenna also acts as a GPS antenna, so no additional equipment is required to use GPS.
How do I power the encoder 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 EdgeVis MiniCam is powered using a standard mains 90-240V AC power source.
The encoder is powered up automatically when connected to a power supply.
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.
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.