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Cisco Meraki Documentation

MV53X Installation Guide

This guide describes how to install and configure the Cisco Meraki MV53X, a smart camera that integrates with the Meraki dashboard. It covers the overview, powering, preparing dashboard, and step-by-step installation instructions for the MV53X camera.

Overview 

The Cisco Meraki MV53X is the first varifocal bullet camera in the third-generation smart camera lineup, eliminates the need for complex and expensive servers or video recorders traditionally required for surveillance systems. By removing these limitations, it simplifies video surveillance deployments and provides enhanced analytics.

Datasheet: MV53X Datasheet

Box Contents 

A single camera box contains:

  • One camera hardware 
  • One mount template 
  • Two set screws
  • Four plate screws
  • Six screws and wall anchors
  • One M2.5 torx key
  • One M5 torx key
  • One S-hook

MV53X Box Contents.png

Powering the MV53X

The MV53X features a 1000BASE-TX Ethernet port with 802.3at PoE+ and requires 30W of power to run. Route the Ethernet cable from an active port on a PoE switch or PoE injector.

Note: The MV53X requires 30W of dedicated power to support its processing capabilities and infrared (IR) load.  

Supported Cable Diameter

The MV53X is compatible with cables that have a diameter ranging from 5.4 mm to 6.9 mm. Using cables (A smaller or larger cable) outside this range will compromise the waterproof seal and may result in hardware damage, which is not covered under warranty.

MV53X-Supported-Cable-Diameter.png

Pre-Install Preparation   

Complete the following steps before performing an on-site installation.

Configure Your Network in Dashboard  

This section provides a brief overview of the steps to add an MV53X to your network. For detailed instructions on creating, configuring, and managing Meraki Camera networks, refer to the online documentation (https://documentation.meraki.com/MV).

  1. Log in to the Meraki dashboard at http://dashboard.meraki.com. If you are a first-time user, create a new account.
  2. Find the existing network where you intend to add the cameras. If needed, create a new network.
  3. Add your cameras to the network using either your Meraki order number (located on your invoice) or the serial number of each camera (in the format Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx, found on the bottom of the unit).
  4. Confirm that the camera is listed under Cameras > Monitor > Cameras in the dashboard.

Check and Configure Firewall Settings   

If a firewall is in place, it must permit outgoing connections on specific ports to designated IP addresses. To obtain the most up-to-date list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your organization is available on the Firewall Configuration page

DNS Configuration   

Each MV53X will generates a unique domain name to enable secure direct streaming functionality. These domain names resolve an A record for the private IP address of the camera. Any public recursive DNS server will resolve this domain.

For utilizing an on site DNS server,  allow *.devices.meraki.direct or configure a conditional forwarder to prevent local domains from being appended to *.devices.meraki.direct. Forward these domain requests to Google Public DNS for resolution. 

Assigning IP Addresses    

Currently, the MV53X does not support static IP address assignment. To ensure proper operation, MV53X units must be connected to a subnet configured for DHCP with sufficient available DHCP addresses.

Install Instructions  

Upon opening the camera, you will find that it is equipped with a protective lens cover. It is recommended to remove this lens cap once the installation process is complete. This ensures that the camera operates optimally and provides clear visuals.

Placement Guidelines 

The MV53X camera offers four mounting options, which are outlined below:

Wall or ceiling Mount

  • No additional accessories are required.

Pole (with accessory) Mount

Junction Box Mount

Corner Mount

Mounting Instructions 

Upon unboxing the camera unit, you will find a metal plate at the base of the camera.

To prepare it for mounting, rotate this plate counter-clockwise to detach it from the camera body. This plate will then need to be secured to a wall or another compatible mounting surface. For precise alignment, use the provided template to mark the locations of any necessary pilot holes before drilling.

 

1. MV53X Mounting Instructions Metal Plate 1.png

2. MV53X Mounting Instructions Metal Plate 2.png

 

 Rotate the baseplate of the camera counter-clockwise in order to separate the camera body from the second plate. 

  • You have to use the included M5 wrench to rotate this plate.

3.MX53X Mounting instructions - Rotation of the second plate.png

Use the provided S-hook to hang the camera and guide the cable through the central hole if routing it through a wall or into a junction box. Alternatively, you can remove the cable guard located at the bottom of the camera base and push the pigtail through that opening. 

Now, install the waterproof cable gland on the Ethernet cable. Follow the instructions outlined earlier in this guide or refer to the image below to ensure you take proper precautions and prevent any risk of water damage to the unit.

4. and 5. MX53X Mounting instructions - Install the waterproof cable.png

On the bottom of the camera base, there are two slots designed for the metal pegs of the base-plate to fit into.

After completing this step, twist the base to lock it onto the mounting plate. If you are not pushing the pigtail through the center of the mounting plate, ensure the grommet on the pigtail is passed through the cable guard.

Use the 4 screw holes and included screws to affix the base of the camera to the mounting plate. 

6. MX53X Mounting instructions - affix the base of the camera to the mounting plate.png

You can now attach the camera base plate to the wall-mounted plate. Once attached, hand-tighten the plate to stabilize the camera.

7. MX53X Mounting instructions - attach the camera.png

Position the camera so that the top of the base is aligned, then use the ball joint to adjust the camera's orientation(view/angle). Ensure that the camera's opening is directed towards the desired view and  the hood is correctly positioned at the top.

8. MX53X Mounting instructions - fix your field of view-angle.png

Tighten the top of the base clockwise after confirming the position. 

9. MX53X Mounting instructions - Tighten the top of the base.png

Tighten this even further by using the M5 and M2.5 torx keys provided around the joint and the top of the base. Finally, remove the protective lens cap.

10. MX53X Mounting instructions - Tighten this even further.png

 

11. MX53X Mounting instructions - remove the protective lens cap.png

LED Indicator 

The various status conditions of an MV are indicated by the following colors and patterns:

  • Rainbow (solid, rotating through colors) - MV is booting up
  • Flashing Blue - MV is searching for WiFi network(s)
  • Flashing Green - MV is upgrading or initializing for the first time
  • Solid Green - MV is connected via Ethernet
  • Solid Violet - MV has audio recording enabled
  • Solid Amber - MV has a network issue and cannot talk to dashboard
  • Solid Red - Power connection is below <7.8V

MV53X - LED Indicator.png

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