4350 Executive Drive, Ste. 325 San Diego, CA 92121 +1-888-854-3312 www.micropower.com Helios™ Solar Wireless IP Surveillance System Installation Guide Version 5.12 © 2012 MicroPower Technologies, Inc.
Helios Installation Guide Table of Contents Contacting MicroPower Customer Support ................................................................................ 3 General Safety Precautions .......................................................................................................... 3 Package Contents ......................................................................................................................... 4 Installation Recommendations ......................................
Helios Installation Guide Contacting MicroPower Customer Support MicroPower’s customer support strategy is through best-in-class business partners including OEMs, distributors, systems integrators and systems vendors. If your MicroPower product was purchased directly from a MicroPower business partner, that partner is the first point of contact for technical support. If the business partner cannot resolve a problem, then the partner will contact MicroPower.
Helios Installation Guide Package Contents The MicroPower Solar Wireless Surveillance System consists of two major devices; the MPT2500 Series Solar Wireless IP Video Camera and the MPT2700 Series Intelligent Video Hub.
Helios Installation Guide System Overview MicroPower Technologies has developed a unique proprietary power and wireless technology called “TrustLinx™”, which enables the long-range wireless transmission of digital video while using only 10% of the electrical energy that most common wireless IP cameras consume. With this patented technology, the MicroPower wireless Video cameras can remain fully operational for up to five days in complete darkness, utilizing only the internal rechargeable batteries.
Helios Installation Guide video hub, may be transmitted via Ethernet through virtually any conventional broadband network technology (LAN, T1, ADSL modem, cable modem, cellular modem, mesh network, etc. to your chosen VMS solution) Installation Recommendations There are 5 major steps that are recommended for a successful installation. These are: 1. Site survey 2. System setup 3. Mounting the video hub and wireless camera(s), and solar panels 4. Adjusting the zoom/focus/iris of the camera 5.
Helios Installation Guide quality site survey, please refer to the MicroPower documentation titled “Site Survey Guidelines”. With unobstructed line-of-sight between the hub and camera antennas, the system can reliably transmit video up to 1/2 mile in distance. However, obstacles such as trees, buildings, fences, etc. will impact the wireless performance in terms of maximum transmission distance and data rate speeds.
Helios Installation Guide Keep in mind that the cameras include a powerful battery backup capable of operating the camera over (5) days in complete darkness. If the system is receiving light, but at levels that are below the “break even” point, operation time can potentially be extended for weeks before a camera is finally no longer be able to remain operational 24/7.
Helios Installation Guide II. System Setup The following steps are required when performing system setup and installation. 1. Connect the antennae to the video hub 2. Configure video hub to the desired IP address/network settings. 3. Reboot the hub system. 4. Add the camera(s) MAC address through the hub’s web interface. 5. Connect the camera antenna and camera power to test the each camera prior to mounting and installation. 6.
Helios Installation Guide A. Accessing the Intelligent Video Hub Accessing the video hub is similar to setting up a wireless router in your home, in that a web-based display is used to control the device. There are two basic methods for connecting to the video hub, with or without an Ethernet network switch. The most common method for systems which already have a pre-existing network in place is by addressing the video hub through a network switch.
Helios Installation Guide To configure the video hub, you will need to: 1. Connect video hub Antenna 2. Connect the AC power cable to the video hub and plug into a power source. 3. Power on the video hub by briefly pressing the power button on the rear of the unit. If the camera is powered on, make sure the wireless camera and video hub antennas are at least 25 feet away from each other. 4.
Helios Installation Guide 1. To communicate with the video hub, type the default IP address of the video hub into your web browser as though you were trying to visit a website. (For best results, use Firefox or Chrome). http://192.168.0.100 This is a temporary IP address which you will likely need to change via the system setup application. At this point, a login screen will appear. Type in admin for the username. The password is left blank. © 2012 MicroPower Technologies, Inc.
Helios Installation Guide 2. Begin configuration of the video hub by selecting the System Setup tab. This is the menu used to specify the final IP address, hostname, wideband channel, wideband bandwidth, narrowband channel number, narrowband channel power and time out period. The other variables (Wideband Channel, Demod Level, Narrowband Chan, Narrowband Pwr) are selectable, but generally should not need to be changed.
Helios Installation Guide Typically, the new hub IP address should correspond to the IP address within the subnet of your VMS network (the first three sets of numbers match). For example, should some of your network devices be assigned an IP address similar to: 192.168.100.2, 192.168.100.5 or 192.168.100.10, then a viable Hub IP address could be 192.168.100.150 or perhaps 192.168.100.8. This allows other devices within your local network, including the NVR, to communicate with each other.
Helios Installation Guide C. Add/Remove Cameras This is the menu used to add or remove cameras that are associated with the specific hub that is being configured. 1. Select Tab labeled Add/Remove Camera. 2. Select option to “Add New”. A pop-up window for the MAC address of the camera is displayed. Add the MAC Address that is printed on the sticker of the wireless camera. The sticker is located both on the inside and the outside of the camera enclosure. Press OK when the MAC address is entered. 1.
Helios Installation Guide wireless camera is shipped from the factory, the battery is disconnected from the battery camera to ensure it remains fully charged. When the battery is connected to the camera, an LED indicator light (on the left side while peering inside the camera) should glow red when the battery is connected. 4. If you wish to do an initial camera focus / zoom adjustment, you can leave the camera open. Otherwise, close the camera housing then lock the safety latch.
Helios Installation Guide D. Camera Settings The tab, “Camera Settings” is used to customize each wireless camera associated with the paired video hub. 1. Select tab labeled Camera Settings. Variables for the Camera Settings beyond the MAC address are: Variable Description MAC WB Power Camera MAC Address Power settings for the Wideband signal Data bandwidth of the individual cameras Frame rate desired. Specifies whether the video is an inverted image or not.
Helios Installation Guide E. Align Mode The last button, “Align”, is a special function for determining the best antenna alignment and signal quality between the video hub and wireless camera. The web interface allows the user to see the narrowband and wideband wireless performance for each individual camera. This mode is especially useful while performing the installation, optimizing the camera, video hub, and determining antenna location and adjustment for the best performance for each camera.
Helios Installation Guide The meters are defined as you move left to right; top to bottom: • • • • • • • NB Signal (cam) = (915 MHz) signal strength received by the camera NB Signal (hub) = (915 MHz) signal strength received by the video hub NB Quality (cam) = (915 MHz) signal quality received by the camera NB Quality (hub) (915 MHz) signal quality received by the video hub WB Signal = (2.4 GHz) signal strength WB Noise = (2.4 GHz) noise level WB Quality = (2.
Helios Installation Guide Signal Strength Expectations Overall Goal: Adjust the antenna such that the narrowband and wideband signal strength and quality levels are as high as possible. Narrowband strength acceptable ranges are -15 to -70. -15 is better, higher strength signal than -70 (closer to zero). The values of the NB signal strength received by the camera and video hub are typically expected to be approximately the same value. Narrowband quality values above 35 should yield an acceptable operation.
Helios Installation Guide If the Demod value is set to 36 Mbps, then acceptable wideband signal strength values can range from -40 to -65. If the Demod value is set to 24 Mbps, (for a weaker signal strength), then acceptable values are -40 to -70. IMPORTANT: BEFORE LEAVING THE ANTENNA ALIGNMENT SCREEN, YOU MUST SELECT STOP. IF STOP IS NOT PERFORMED, THE CAMERA AND VIDEO HUB MAY REMAIN IN “ALIGNMENT MODE” AND NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Helios Installation Guide F. Hub Interface When the video hub is shipped from the factory, the standard default mode hub interface to the VMS system is set to “Native Mode”. The Native mode provides HTTP over TCP as the primary interface to a VMS generic driver. For some VMS systems, it is more appropriate to use the alternate mode called: “emulation mode”. We have guides written to help setup the camera system for most of the major VMS systems.
Helios Installation Guide 5) Once all the IP address(es) have been entered, select Apply. 6) Reboot the hub by moving to the Hub Status Tab, and selecting the Reboot Hub button. Reboot Hub G. Live View The tab, “Camera Info”, is used as a diagnostic tab for MicroPower technical support and for observing live video to test the connection.
Helios Installation Guide This should display a live video screen of the camera. This display can be used to focus the camera when the camera is mounted in its final position. H. Battery Status Additional Status codes are available in the tab where the camera MAC address is displayed. The two primary status codes are: • • Battery Status Camera Status Battery Status provides an indication whether the solar charging system is charging or discharging.
Helios Installation Guide Camera Status provides an indication whether the camera state is associated, lost or asleep. When the camera is “asleep”, this indicates the voltage on the battery is too low to maintain full time operation. (once the camera has charged enough, full time operation will resume) If the camera indicates “Lost” the hub is unable to communicate with the camera, and it not aware of camera’s current status. “Associated” is the standard normal operational status.
Helios Installation Guide III. Mounting the video hub’s External Antenna For professional, reliable installations, the video hub should use the external antenna supplied with the unit. The MicroPower external antenna kit comes complete with a low loss RF cable, 2:1 splitter and a directional antenna. For optimal results, the height of the external antenna should be mounted above any pedestrians, vehicle traffic, trees, or obstacles that may block line-of-sight between the video hub and wireless camera(s).
Helios Installation Guide Directional Antenna Specifications The directional antenna can be mounted vertically, or in a horizontal (flat) position. We find better performance by mounting all the antennas flat, where they are less likely to be moved by the wind. However the antennas are mounted, it is very important that all the antennas be oriented IN THE SAME ORIENTATION. (Either all horizontal, or all vertical) Each antenna should be connected directly to the camera / hub, one antenna per device.
Helios Installation Guide © 2012 MicroPower Technologies, Inc.
Helios Installation Guide IV. Mounting the Camera When mounting the camera, it should be placed in an area which receives an adequate amount of direct sunlight throughout the day. Ideally the camera should be placed on the south side of the mounting location, and pointed in the desired direction. Next best choices are mounting to the east or west sides, with a North facing mount orientation considered last. This practice will maximize the benefit of the built-in solar panels.
Helios Installation Guide V. Mounting the Auxiliary Solar Panel The auxiliary solar panel is included with the camera, and is designed to augment the built-in solar charging system of the MicroPower wireless cameras. It offers greater flexibility with the placement of the camera, and enables reliable operation in install locations that may have lower light levels such as: North facing cameras, or northern climates where snow and ice may impact the longterm operation of solar powered devices.
Helios Installation Guide How to Mount the Auxiliary Solar Panel: The solar panel mounting bracket is extremely versatile, and is designed to be used with stainless steel hose clamps, “U” bolts, or screws to firmly secure the panel to the desired mounting surface. Always be sure that the panel is firmly secured against weather events such as high winds, ice, snow, etc.
Helios Installation Guide VI. Adjusting the Camera Image Focal Length (zoom) Lock Focus Lock Focus Adjustment Ring Focal Length (zoom) Adjustment Iris Lock/adjustment Camera Lens Close-up View 1. While viewing the camera image through the Video Management System (VMS) camera image window, adjustments can be made to the camera’s zoom, iris or focus. 2. Open the camera housing using the safety latch at the rear of the unit. The camera imager is located just behind the glass housing window. 2.
Helios Installation Guide VII. Configure the Video Management Software (VMS) MicroPower Technologies has tested the video hub and Solar wireless cameras with most of the various major VMS systems, and has developed communication interfaces to almost all of them using either a RTSP over UDP (unicast), HTTP over TCP/IP interface or the Axis emulation interface.
Helios Installation Guide REGULATORY AND LICENSING INFORMATION This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Helios Installation Guide MicroPower Technologies END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT for IP SECURITY SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY This End User Software License Agreement (this "EULA") is a legal agreement between you, the individual or entity that has agreed to pay for the rights granted herein ("Licensee"), and MicroPower Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MPT”). This EULA governs Licensee's possession and use of the Software and the Documentation (each as defined below).
Helios Installation Guide under this EULA and independently may protect their rights in the Software and the Documentation in the event of any infringement or breach of this EULA. 4. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that the Software and the Documentation have been licensed to Licensee pursuant to the terms and conditions of this EULA, and that the Software and the Documentation have not been sold to Licensee.
Helios Installation Guide 8. USE OF LICENSEE INFORMATION. With respect to any information Licensee provides to MPT in connection with the Software or the Documentation, MPT may use such information for any purpose without restriction, including, without limitation, for product support and development purposes, provided that MPT will not use such information in a form that identifies Licensee. 9. TERM AND TERMINATION. 9.1. General.
Helios Installation Guide “technical data or information related or pertaining to commercial items or processes” developed at private expense for purposes of DFARS 227.7102-1 and 227.7102 2 and the restrictions set forth therein, and this EULA shall be deemed to be the license described in such regulations.
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Helios Installation Guide 7. If, as a consequence of a court judgment or allegation of patent infringement or for any other reason (not limited to patent issues), conditions are imposed on you (whether by court order, agreement or otherwise) that contradict the conditions of this License, they do not excuse you from the conditions of this License.
