R170 Camera Setup

Topics included in this article:

• Prerequisites
• Wiring the Camera
• Mounting Guide
  • Universal Drop Ceiling Mount
• Aiming the Lens
• Registration Methods
  • Mobile App
  • Web Console
• Helpful Links
• Contact Support or Sales

Prerequisites

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

• Rhombus Console Account
• Mobile phone with downloaded Rhombus App (Android or iOS)
• Camera connected to network and power

Note: The R170 is designed for indoor use only and does not include a waterproofing kit.

Wiring the Camera

Every Rhombus camera requires power and a network connection to register. The easiest method to achieve this is to use a Power over Ethernet (PoE) device. For more details on wiring, see our article on Wiring New Rhombus Cameras.

Mounting Guide

1. Remove the dome by unscrewing the two housing screws using a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Use the included round-head self-tapping screws to mount the camera base to the surface. When mounting to a softer material, use the included anchors.

3. Replace the dome and tighten the housing screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

Universal Drop Ceiling Mount

The universal drop ceiling mount allows all Rhombus dome and fisheye cameras (except the R360S*) to be mounted on drop ceiling T-bar grids. The included T-Bar clip allows for easy mounting to the standard 15/16" grid as well as the 9/16" grid. This section covers how to properly install the universal drop ceiling mount.

1. Locate the 1/4"-20 nut in the center tabs.

2. While holding the nut in place, thread the T-Bar clip through the nut until tight. 

3. Open the T-Bar clip all the way. 

Note: Depending on ceiling accessiblity, the next two steps can be performed in reverse order. 

4. Mount the universal ceiling mount to the T-Bar by twisting the clip onto the T-Bar and closing the clip.

5. Remove the camera dome to access the camera mounting holes. Using the screws included with the camera, screw the mounting screws into the holes corresponding to the camera mounting pattern found in table below.

6. Optionally, an additional screw can be inserted into the recessed hole to help reduce tampering with the camera. 

Note: Some trimming may be required to ensure ceiling tiles fit flush over the T-Bar clip when using a 9/16" T-Bar.

Aiming the Lens

The camera lens can be vertically angled 180 degrees and rotated 90 degrees.

Registration Methods

Once you have powered up your camera, it should auto-register to your account. Ensure the camera has the correct LED status that indicates it's ready to register. A full explanation of all LED statuses can be found here.

If the camera doesn't register automatically, it can be manually registered from the mobile app or via the 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. 

Note: The R170 does not have built-in Wi-Fi antennas and must be connected over Ethernet.

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, or try a different camera lens.

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
• Camera Bandwidth
• Managing Locations
• Device LED Statuses

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.