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EdgeVis MiniCam hardware installation guide
EdgeVis MiniCam hardware installation guide

This document explains how to physically prepare the EdgeVis MiniCam, ready for configuration.

Updated over a week ago

Introduction

Before proceeding with the installation and setup of your EdgeVis MiniCam, please ensure that you have read and understood the Safety Instructions. Check that the package contents match that listed below, refer to the installation notes on the next page and consult the Quick Start Guide that was supplied with your unit for step-by-step instructions on preparing hardware and software components.

To operate the EdgeVis MiniCam you will need to set up, or have access to, the following architecture:

To proceed you must have access to an EdgeVis Server, with an account created for the encoder to use. If you do not have an EdgeVis Server available refer to EdgeVis Server Quick Start Guide which will walk through the steps required to install the server and create the necessary accounts required to proceed.

A note on naming: This guide occasionally refers to the EdgeVis MiniCam device as an encoder – this is how EdgeVis Server refers to all video recording/transmission devices.

What is in the box?

1x EdgeVis MiniCam, supplied with universal mounting bracket

1x Power cable

1x Quick Start User Guide

How do I configure the EdgeVis MiniCam?

After the introduction, there are three sections in this document that help you to configure your EdgeVis MiniCam:

Section 1 Basic operations

Section 2 Configuring communications

Section 3 Next steps…

Appendix A Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions

Appendix B Connector Specifications

Appendix C Installation Recommendations

Appendix D Approved Accessories

Appendix E Compliance Statement

INSTALLATION & 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 & SAFETY NOTES

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 exclusions zones are always recommended when reasonably practicable.

Always ensure surfaces are safe to work on and that the column can support the weight (7Kg) and additional wind loading (0.8m2) of the encoder. The supplied bracket should be used with column diameters between 50mm to 300mm.

Before installation: configure and test the EdgeVis MiniCam

Encoder Installation Steps

1

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 Appendix D.

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 manufacturers recommendations for tightening torque.

2

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 accidental drop.

Recommend lanyard and Maillon are detailed in Appendix D.

3

Slide the EdgeVis MiniCam down on to the universal mounting bracket. Follow the image as a guide.

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.

4

Ensure the EdgeVis MiniCam is secured in place and cannot be pushed upwards on the mounting bracket.

5

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.

6

Attach power and ensure the Green Power LED illuminates.

7

If the lanyard has only been used for safety during installation – remove it now.

8

Installation complete.

Section 1- Basic operations of the unit

The EdgeVis MiniCam includes features to support real-time streaming, camera PTZ control, internal edge-based recording, advanced analytics based alarms and wireless communications. This section covers operations and connectivity for supported operating modes.

Device Connectors

All of the EdgeVis MiniCam connectors are accessed from the box section.

Back Box LHS Connector Layout

1

Antenna Dome

2

Nano SIM Connector

3

USB 2.0 Type A Socket

Back Box RHS Connector Layout

4

Mains power connector

Powering the Encoder and switching it on/off

The EdgeVis MiniCam is powered using the AC mains lead. Ensure you are connecting the correct input voltage.

  • The EdgeVis MiniCam is powered using a standard mains 90-240V AC power source. The power cord is terminated by a standard AC mains plug.

The unit is powered up automatically when connected to a power supply.

LED Status indicators

The LED under the back box indicates power on.

Default communications port IP Addresses

For ease of deployment each connection method on the EdgeVis MiniCam is pre-configured with a static IP address:

Port

Default IP Address

Subnet mask

Wi-Fi

192.168.100.1

255.255.255.0

USB Ethernet
(not supplied)

192.168.20.1

255.255.255.0

Storage medium

The EdgeVis MiniCam records to an internal non-removable storage device.


Updating the software on the unit

Once notified of a new software release by Digital Barriers, updates are available for download from our Download Center for installation onto the device.

There are two ways to update the firmware – locally using a USB keypen, or remotely using EdgeVis Server.

  • To update remotely, upload the new firmware to the Firmware page within the EdgeVis Server web interface and then, from the Encoder’s status and diagnostics page, select Upgrade Firmware from the menu on the right-hand side.

  • To update locally, copy the update onto a USB flash drive and insert into the USB port on the EdgeVis MiniCam. The flash drive can be inserted into a running unit or before the unit is powered up. The update procedure will commence silently when the USB pen is detected, wait 30s to allow the encoder to find and install the firmware update. After the firmware is installed it is safe to remove the pen and the unit will automatically reboot.

WARNING: Performing a firmware update or otherwise accessing a unit after it has been deployed may require all of the equipment and precautions necessary to perform an installation.

If updating a deployed EdgeVis MiniCam using a USB flash drive follow all safety precautions for installing an encoder.

Section 2 - Configuring communications on the EdgeVis MiniCam

The EdgeVis MiniCam supports communications over Wi-Fi and Cellular. Refer to the article How do I configure the communications settings? for instructions on this step.

Connecting over a 3G/4G cellular network

A valid mobile nano-size SIM card is required in order to connect the EdgeVis MiniCam over a cellular communications bearer. The unit has an inbuilt modem for 3G/4G connection.

Despite the ultra-efficient bandwidth usage achieved by TVI, the EdgeVis 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 setup 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 chamfered edge first when inserted, see figure below for guidance. The dust cap should be replaced once the SIM card is loaded, it should be firmly tightened to ensure a watertight seal. To eject a SIM card, press the SIM card and it will be ejected from the unit. The network settings (for your Mobile Network Service Provider) are entered during device setup – details of which are covered in the article How do I configure the communications settings?



Note SIM Card Orientation: Contacts up, chamfered corner first. SIM card clicks into place when inserted correctly. SIM Card will eject when pushed.


Connecting over a Wi-Fi network

Details for the Wi-Fi connection must be entered during the device setup – details of which are covered in the article How do I configure the communications settings?

Connecting over a wired LAN connection

A USB to Ethernet dongle option is used to support the wired LAN connection. This is only recommended for configuration when accessing the local web configuration interface. As the USB to Ethernet dongle is not an IP rated solution, it should not be used for deployments.

Refer to the article How do I configure the communications settings? for configuration instructions.

Section 3 – Next Steps…

After unpacking the EdgeVis MiniCam, inserting a SIM card, and powering on, the next step is to perform the initial setup, where comms settings and server settings are configured.

Setting up the encoder

With the EdgeVis MiniCam unpacked and all of the physical setup complete it is time to set up the encoder so that it is available on the EdgeVis Server for viewing. Refer to the article How do I configure the communications settings? for further details.

Appendix A - Troubleshooting and FAQ

How many channels does the EdgeVis MiniCam support?

The EdgeVis MiniCam can record and transmit the built-in PTZ camera.

What level of recording and streaming performance is achievable?

Based on the processing power of the EdgeVis MiniCam, the unit can typically achieve 30 fps of 1080p quality recording whilst simultaneously streaming one 1080p quality video at up to 10 fps.

What recording functions does the EdgeVis MiniCam support?

The EdgeVis MiniCam can be set up to record continuously, which can be enabled/disabled remotely. Additionally, the Digital Barriers Safezone-2D video analytics can be used to trigger on-demand recording during a detection event.

What indicative recording times and streaming rates are achievable?

The EdgeVis MiniCam records the incoming video stream from the built-in camera (3 Mbps).

When only recording the internal camera the indicative recording durations are 15 days (500GB disk) or 30 days (1TB disk).

What bearers can the EdgeVis MiniCam use to transmit video to EdgeVis Server?

The EdgeVis MiniCam can use the internal cellular modem for efficient streaming over commercially available cellular networks or it can stream video over Wi-Fi. EdgeVis optimises its transmission to the characteristics of the bearer that is being used to maximise performance.

How does EdgeVis Server licensing work in relation to the EdgeVis MiniCam ?

The EdgeVis Server licensing model is based on the number of cameras connected to an encoder. An EdgeVis MiniCam unit therefore requires one encoder license.

Additionally, if using the Digital Barriers Safezone-2D video analytics capability then this requires the purchase and assignment of an additional licence extension – please contact your Digital Barriers sales person for further information.

Appendix B – Connector specifications for power cable

Connector details part

Description

Part Number

EdgeVis MiniCam Bulkhead Power Connector

Bulgin – Standard Series Buccaneer - PX0765/P

EdgeVis MiniCam Bulkhead Power Connector – Cable Mount Mating Part

Bulgin - Standard Series Buccaneer PX0731/S

Connector pins description

Pin

Description

L*

Live Connection (Brown)

N*

Neutral Connection (Blue)

E*

Earth/Ground Connection (Green/Yellow)

*See connector body for terminal assignment.

Appendix C –Installation and cleaning recommendations

The following section provides a series of installation recommendations for an outdoor EdgeVis MiniCam installation. Following these installation recommendations will offer improved protection against lightning and power line surges.

Cleaning Recommendations:

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.

General 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.

  • Installation structures should also be grounded using electrodes.

  • The EdgeVis MiniCam has a windage area of 0.8m2

  • The EdgeVis MiniCam has a typical noise level of ~37.6dB, measured at 15cm

Guidance Notes

  1. Supporting structures should have lightning rods installed.

  2. EdgeVis MiniCam should be grounded to the installation structures where possible, otherwise a conductor and grounding electrode should be used. The external grounding point should be used for this.

  3. A mains surge arrestor should be positioned as close as possible to EdgeVis MiniCam.

  4. Long exposed cables lengths should be avoided, ideally grounded metal conduits should be used to prevent exposed cable.

  5. Mains power connected, with fuse and RCD, in base of column.

  6. At the column base grounding electrodes should be used to earth the equipment and structures.

Appendix D – Approved accessories

Item

Description

Manufacturer

Part

1

Pole Clamps

JCS Hi-Torque Limited

Hi-Torque Stainless Steel Hose Clamps

2

Lanyard

Ergodyne

Standard Tool Lanyard, 11.3kg Capacity

3

Threaded chain link

s3i

5mm Maillon Rapide, RSL-050

4

In-Line Surge Suppressor Cable Assembly

Digital Barriers

1660-0535-0001: EdgeVis MiniCam External Surge Suppressor Cable Assy, 0.5 Meters, Rev A

5

Tinted Dome

Digital Barriers

SPB-PTZ73

6

Replacement Camera Dome

Digital Barriers

FC15-005650A

7

Flight Case

Digital Barriers

1350-0209-0001

8

USB LAN Adapter

Devices containing Asix AX88179 chipset should be used.

Devices known to contain this chipset include:

Anker AK-A7610011

Trendnet TU3-ETG

Trendnet TU3-ETG

Appendix E – Compliance statements

CE Compliance Statement

The EdgeVis MiniCam encoder complies with the following European Union Directives:

  • Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU

    • Standards: EN 301 489-1, EN 301 489-17, EN 301 489-52, EN 55032

    • Standards EN 300 328, EN 301 893, EN 301 908-1, EN 301 908-2, EN 301 908-13

  • Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

    • EN 62368-1

    • EN 62311

  • Council RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

  • Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

The EdgeVis MiniCam encoder may contain a radio module that has been FCC Approved for fixed and mobile applications (FCC ID: N7NMC7455 Contains transmitter module IC: 2417C-MC7455 where 2417C-MC73542417C-MC7355 is the module’s certification number). And module FCC ID: TX2-RTL8812BU.

FCC Warning: changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

To meet the FCC’s RF exposure rules and regulations:

  • The antenna(s) used with the EdgeVis MiniCam encoder must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20cm (8 inches) from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter

  • The antenna(s) used with the EdgeVis MiniCam encoder, including cable loss, must not exceed 6 dBi at 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1700 MHz and 1900 MHz; 9 dBi at 2500/2600 MHz; and 1 dBi at 2300 MHz, as defined in 2.1091 for satisfying RF exposure compliance

The EdgeVis MiniCam encoder shall only be used for fixed and mobile applications.

Standard Warranty Limitations

In addition to the exclusions stated in the standard Terms and Conditions of sale, the following also apply:

  • Any physical, or accidental, damage to the camera dome

  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom motors and slip rings are subject to wear and tear and can be warrantied for no more than one additional year under extended warranty terms and conditions

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