6  Camera Installation

The following chapter provides general setup instruction and installation tips for security cameras.

6.1  Installation Tips

General camera installation tips that apply to all camera models. Please review before selecting a permanent mounting location for your cameras.
  • Pre-configure the cameras before permanent installation. Plan where you will route the wiring for the camera and where you will aim the camera.
  • Place your camera close to the area of interest. The best position is 10ft/3m above ground, angled 15° down.
  • Point the camera where there is the least amount of obstructions (e.g., tree branches).
  • Mount the camera where the lens is away from direct and intense sunlight.
  • Plan your cable wiring so that it does not interfere with power lines or telephone lines.
  • Secure cabling so that it is not exposed or easily cut.
  • Mount the camera in an area that is visible, but out of reach.
  • Avoid pointing the camera at a glass window to see outside. This may result in a bright white ring in the night vision image, as the light from the night vision LEDs may reflect off the glass.
  • Adjust the camera angle so that it covers an area with high traffic.
  • In "high-risk" locations, have multiple cameras point in the same area. This provides camera redundancy if a vandal attempts to damage one of your cameras.
  • For outdoor rated cameras, installation in a sheltered location is recommended to ensure the camera lens remains clear of rainwater and other precipitation.

6.2  Installing Cameras

  1. Mount the cameras to the desired mounting surface according to the instructions that came with the cameras (visit for the most up-to-date documentation). Choose a firm mounting surface that can support the full weight of the camera.
  2. Adjust the camera stand to ensure that the camera has a satisfactory view of the area you would like to monitor. Stand configuration depends on the mounting surface you have chosen (see below for suggested stand configurations).
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    Wall Mount
    Ceiling Mount

6.3  Connecting Camera Extension Cables

The extension cable must be a single stretch of cable between the recorder and camera. You cannot connect multiple extension cables to each other. For all extension cable options, including maximum extension cable length, refer to your camera’s documentation at .
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  1. Connect the male power connector on the BNC extension cable to the female power connector on the camera. Connect the BNC connector to the camera.
  2. Connect the female power connector on the BNC extension cable to the power adapter.
  3. Connect the BNC connector to one of the Video Input ports on the rear panel of the recorder.
  4. Plug the camera power adapter to a power outlet.