R170 Camera Setup

In this article, we will go over the registration process for the R170.

• Prerequisites
• Connecting the Camera
• Mounting on Wall or Ceiling
• Aiming the lens
• Registration Methods
  • Mobile App
  • Web Console

Prerequisites

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

• Rhombus Console Account
• Mobile Phone with downloaded Rhombus App (Android or iOS)
• Camera connected to network and power
• Locate the provided waterproofing kit (to learn more on installation, please reference this article)

Connecting the Camera

The camera needs power and a network connection in order to be registered. The easiest method to achieve this is to use a Power over Ethernet device, but for remote deployments, a solar + cellular setup is also possible. Please see this article for specifics. Below are notes around connecting the camera:

• The camera is only to be connected to PoE networks without routing to outside plants
• If powered by a power adapter, the adapter should be properly grounded
• The product will be installed indoors without exposure to water or moisture
• Please contact Rhombus certified dealers for power adapters

Mounting on a Wall or Ceiling

Below are the steps for mounting the camera on a wall or ceiling

• Open dome by unscrewing two housing screws with Philips driver
• Use two included round head self-tapping screws to mount base to surface
• Use two included anchors when mounting to softer materials
• Replace dome and tighten two housing screws with Philips driver 

Aiming the lens

The lens can be vertically maneuvered around 180 degrees and the lens rotated around 90 degrees. Below is a video demonstrating this:

Registration Methods

Once you have powered up your camera (instructions to wire a camera), registering a new camera is fast and simple. Make sure that the camera has the correct LED status that indicates it's ready to be registered. A full explanation of all LED statuses can be found here.

You can register a camera either from a mobile app (download links below) or via the web.  

Mobile App

App Download: Android or iOS

1. Log in to the app and click "Register Devices" from the home screen. That will launch the registration wizard which will guide you step by step through the registration process. 

2. Select the preferred registration method: QR Code or Bluetooth

Note: you can register more than one R170 at once via bluetooth. It's recommended that you register at least one Bluetooth-enabled camera before you register a sensor device like the T1, E1, or D1. 

3. Add the location you want to assign the R170 to. If you haven't already, you'll need to add a location first either during this wizard, or you can go to the Locations tab and choose "Add Location".  

Note: If you don't see the location you are looking for, filter the results by clicking the 'filter' button a the top right. You can read more about Managing Locations here. 

4. Select the camera connection type: Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Note: The R170 does not have built-in wifi antennas, so a Wi-Fi connection must use an adapter. For more connection information, please click here. If a wifi connection is desired, please ensure the network name and password match both case and spelling, or the camera will not connect. 

Ethernet Connection

Wifi Connection

5. The last screen will display a QR code which you can then show one or more cameras. Display the QR code to the camera (a few inches from the lens is good). When you hear an audible click and the red IR LED's flash, you'll know the camera has accepted the QR code.

Note: This step is not needed if registered via BLE

Bluetooth Registration

If registering via Bluetooth you will come to this screen. Toggle the radio slider for the corresponding camera serial number:

After the camera powers up, you can show the QR code to the camera when the LED is flashing blue.  At this point, show the QR code on the phone to the camera (generally a few inches away is fine). 

You'll know when the camera has accepted the QR code when you hear a "click" sound and then the LED will change from flashing blue to flashing green. Once complete with registering, the camera will have a solid blue LED. This generally takes 1-2 minutes.   

If for some reason it doesn't get to solid blue, then it could be there is a network issue. Try unplugging the camera and going through the above steps again.  If for some reason it still doesn't work and you're using WiFi, ensure your WiFi network supports the following requirements which are listed at the bottom of this article. If you're using Ethernet, try plugging a laptop into the Ethernet to ensure it can connect to the internet.

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

Web Console

To register a camera from the web, go to the Camera tab and select "Register Cameras". 

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

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.