R540/R545 Camera Setup

Topics included in this article:

• Overview
• Prerequisites
• Waterproofing
• Connecting the Camera
• Mounting Guide
  • Compatible Accessories
• Registration Methods
  • Mobile App
  • Web Console
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

Overview

The R540 and R545 are the next gen models of the R500 and R510 bullet cameras, respectively. This article covers how to set up and register your Rhombus R540 or R545 camera. It includes required equipment, waterproofing steps to protect your device, instructions for connecting power and network, and basic mounting guidance. If you have an R500 or R510, review the R500/R510 article for setup instructions.

Prerequisites

Before you can register a Rhombus camera, you will need: 

• 802.3at compliant injector or switch
• Rhombus Console account
• Mobile phone with downloaded Rhombus App (Android or iOS)
• Camera connected to network and power (PoE+)

Waterproofing

Following the waterproofing guidelines is essential to ensure your product is covered under our End User License Agreement and Hardware Warranty. Failure to complete the waterproofing steps as outlined in the product manual may void your warranty and limit our liability for related damages. For more information, refer to our EULA.

Use the included accessories to waterproof the cable connection, installing them as shown below. Ensure that the O-ring is in place (and not twisted) between the pigtail and the housing, and lock the housing and pigtail together with a quarter-turn. It's best to use an Ethernet cable without a boot or strain relief, to fit easily within the housing.

If mounting the camera outdoors, the cable path should contain a drip loop to prevent water ingress unless routed through a mounting surface or junction box.

For more information on drip loops and preventing water damage, visit our Preventing Water Damage article. 

Connecting the Camera

The R540/R545 should be powered by a PoE 802.3at (also referred to as PoE+) compliant source. Ensure the cable has been properly waterproofed before powering on. To complete registration, a camera requires power and should be connected to a local network that has internet access.

Connect the PoE cable to the camera. Verify the camera is receiving power and a network connection via the LED indicators on the pigtail attached to the camera.

• Ensure the switch has power.
• Configure the network to comply with Rhombus requirements. Reference our Network Setup Guide for more details on network configuration.
• Connect the camera to an 802.3at compliant PoE+ switch or injector for power and ethernet. The camera will automatically boot up, and you can begin the registration process.

Mounting Guide

1. Use the camera as a mounting template to pre-drill holes into the desired mounting surface. Fasten the device to the surface using the included mounting screws. Follow waterproofing steps to avoid water damage to the cable. 

2. The camera viewing angle can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the side of the base arm. Adjust the arm as needed and tighten the arm screws to lock the camera in place.

3. If mounting the device outdoors, ensure the cable exits downward to prevent water ingress unless routed through a mounting surface or conduit box.

Compatible Accessories

The R540 and R545 are compatible with select Rhombus accessories to support various installation options. For a full list of compatible accessories, visit the R540 and R545 product pages on the Rhombus website.

Registration Methods

The device can be registered once it is powered up and connected to the internet. Ensure the camera has the correct LED status that indicates it is ready for registration.

A full explanation of all LED statuses can be found here.

If the camera does not auto-register when brought online, you can register a camera from the Rhombus Mobile App or via the Rhombus Web Console.

Mobile App

App Download: Android or iOS

1. Log in to the app, tap "Menu" in the bottom right corner, then tap "Register Devices." This will launch the registration wizard, which will guide you through the registration process step by step.

2. Tap "Register via QR Code."

3. Select the location where you'd like the camera to be registered. If you haven't created a location within your console yet, tap "Add New Location" at the bottom of this page.

Note: If you can't find the appropriate location, filter the results by tapping the "filter" button in the top right. Learn more about managing locations here. 

4. Select Ethernet for the camera connection type. 

5. The last screen will display a QR code. Once the camera has powered on, show the QR code to it (a few inches from the lens is good).

Note: If you do not hear a click, try moving the phone toward and away from the camera.

Web Console

1. To register a camera from the web console, navigate to the "Devices" tab, and click "Register Camera."

If this is the first camera you are registering, you'll need to add a location first, either during this wizard or by selecting the Locations tab and choosing "Add Location."

2. When the registration window populates, the first prompt asks you to enter your mobile number to receive a link to download the mobile app. If you would prefer to register via the web console, you can ignore this first step, and click "Next" at the bottom right.

3. Select the location where this camera will be registered, and click "Next."

4. Select Ethernet for the camera connection type. 

5. Select which roles will have access to these devices. You can choose between no access, view-only access, or full management permissions.

6. Select a policy to assign to these cameras, and click "Next." (If you would prefer to have different policies applied to multiple cameras, leave the policy selection blank.)

7. The final screen will display the QR Registration Code. Show this QR Code to any camera that is powered and connected to the internet, and it will register accordingly.

Note: If you do not hear a click, try moving the phone toward and away from the camera.

Helpful Links

• Connecting a Rhombus Camera
• Network Setup Guide
• Device LED Statuses
• Preventing Water Damage
• Camera Bandwidth
• Managing Locations
• R500/R510 Camera Setup

Contact Support or Sales

Have more questions? Contact Rhombus Support at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 2 or support@rhombus.com.

Interested in learning more? Contact Rhombus Sales at +1 (877) 746-6797 option 1 or sales@rhombus.com.