MV84X Installation Guide

Configure Your Network in the Dashboard 

The following is a brief overview of the steps required to add an MV84X camera to your network. For detailed instructions about creating, configuring and managing the Meraki Camera networks, refer to the MV - Smart Cameras documentation.

• Login to http://dashboard.meraki.com. If this is your first time, create a new account.
• Find the network to which you plan to add your cameras or create a new network.
• Add your cameras to your network. You will need your Meraki order number (found on your invoice) or the serial number of each camera, which looks like Qxxx-xxxx-xxxx and is found on the unit label.
• Verify that the camera is now listed under Cameras > Monitor > Cameras.

Check and Configure Firewall Settings 

If a firewall is in place, it must allow outgoing connections on particular ports to IP addresses. The most current list of outbound ports and IP addresses for your organization can be found under Help > Firewall Info on the dashboard. 

DNS Configuration Best Practices for LAN Streaming

Each camera will generate a unique domain name for secured 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.

If utilizing an on-site DNS server, please allow *.devices.meraki.direct or configure a conditional forwarder so that local domains are not appended to *.devices.meraki.direct and that these domain requests are forwarded to Google public DNS. 

Assigning IP Addresses  

Currently, the MV84X camera does not support static IP assignment. MV84X units must be added to a subnet that uses DHCP and has a pool of available DHCP addresses to operate correctly.

Step 1: Loosen the Dome Housing Screws

• Using the provided T10 torx security-bit screwdriver, locate the eight (8) perimeter screws around the MV84X dome housing.

  • Loosen each screw to about 50%—AVOID removing them completely. This will allow the lifting or removal of the dome cover without losing the screws. 

• Ensure the screws remain securely in their slots so they don’t fall out during the following steps.

Step 2: Rotate and Remove the Dome Cover

• After partially loosening the eight perimeter screws in Step 1, gently rotate the dome cover in the direction indicated by the arrow.

• The dome will disengage when the arrows on the dome and the base plate aligns.

• Carefully lift the dome cover away from the rest of the housing.

Tip: If the dome doesn’t move freely, ensure each screw is loosened enough to allow rotation, but not too loose that it detaches from the base.

Step 3: Lift the Dome Housing

• After rotating the dome in Step 2, carefully lift the dome housing straight up, as shown by the green arrows.

• The dome is secured to the camera using a cable. Place the dome on the side while keeping the cable attached.

• Verify that the internal assemblies (imagers, lenses, etc) remain secure and unobstructed.

Step 4: Unlock and Rotate the Camera Base

• On the camera base plate, you’ll see a small button, gently press to unlock the camera from the base plate. 

• Turn the camera assembly in the direction of the green arrow to completely disengage the camera from the base plate.

Step 5: Detach the Mounting Plate

• After completing the previous unlock/rotation step (Step 4), ensure the base is in the “unlock” position.

• Separate the mounting plate (the large circular piece) away from the main camera assembly, as indicated by the upward arrows.

• Place the mounting plate aside safely. 

Step 6: Remove or Disassemble the Cable Gland

• Locate C-Socket Nut on the camera base, this contains the cable gland assembly.

• Unscrew the C-socket nut from the base of the camera. Use the provided wrench as needed.

• Remove the seal basket (also known as a compression or seal ring) and the rubber gasket.

Step 7: Mount the Plate and Route the Cable

• Prepare the Cable Opening

  • Ensure the hole in the ceiling or wall is large enough for your cable and connectors (e.g., RJ45 plug).

  • If using anchors, insert them into pre-drilled holes in the ceiling or wall.

• Feed the Cable

  • Pull the cable through the hole, lining it up with the center opening of the mounting plate.

  • Confirm that you have enough slack on the camera side to attach or adjust the cable later. Note that at approximately 20cm of cable is needed for proper installation after the camera is locked into its mounting plate. 

• Align the Mounting Plate

  • Position the mounting plate against the ceiling or wall so the screw holes line up with the anchors (or pre-drilled holes).

• Secure with Screws

  • Insert the appropriate screws (e.g., M5x30) through the mounting plate into the anchors or backing surface.

Step 8: Position the Camera Body

• Hook the support cable on the camera assembly into the built-in clamp on the underside of the mounting plate (highlighted in the inset image).

• Guide the Ethernet cable through the opening in the camera assembly.

  • Ensure there is enough slack to comfortably reach the camera’s port without stressing the cable.

Step 9: Reattach the Camera Assembly

• Gently lift the camera assembly toward the mounting plate.

  • Keep the network cable centered so it isn’t pinched or twisted.

• Twist the camera assembly in the direction of “TO LOCK” marker to the mounting plate and align the arrow marks to lock the parts together.

• Ensure the plate and camera assembly seat flush against each other and against the ceiling.

• Ensure you have approximately 20cm of the network cable dropping down from the camera assembly so that it reaches the ethernet port.

• Double-check the cable’s path to ensure it is free of sharp edges and not compressed between the plate and the ceiling.

Step 10: Reassemble the Cable Gland

• Gather the top cap, compression ring, and bottom insert (the parts you removed earlier in Step 6).

• One by one, guide the components up the cable in the correct order:

  • The bottom rubber gasket.

  • The seal basket.

  • The threaded top cap.

• Reassemble the pieces together as shown in the image.

• Push the reassembled gland pieces into the camera’s port or housing opening (where the cable emerges).

• Screw the top cap into place using the wrench provided by rotating it clockwise.

Step 11: Power On and Verify Network Connection

• Align the RJ45 connector with the camera’s Ethernet port.

  • Push it in firmly until you hear or feel the latch click into place.

• Ensure the power source is Type 3 PoE++ (802.3bt).

• Look for an LED indicator to confirm the camera is powered.

• Wait for the camera to show online on the Meraki dashboard and ensure the video feed is viewable. 

Step 12: Adjust the Camera Angle and Orientation

• Once the live view is available, the lenses can now be correctly aimed as needed by following these steps: 

  • Move the camera imager vertically to capture more ceiling or floor as needed.

  • Rotate the lens horizontally on the 360 track to aim the lenses at the areas of interest. 

  • Adjust the lens assembly to straighten the image if the scene appears tilted.

  • Use the Meraki dashboard to Optical Zoom each imager if needed, if you want a narrower field of view. 

• Use the Meraki dashboard to verify the camera’s angle is correct.

• Make fine-tune adjustments until you have the optimal field of view.

Step 13: Replace the Desiccant Packets

• The MV84X ships with pre-installed desiccant packs to ensure the camera is moisture-free during transit and installation, these packs must be removed and replaced with a fresh set of desiccant packs provided in the box. 

• Remove the two desiccant packs and identify the designated spots inside the camera assembly where the desiccant packets should be placed.

• Find the two new desiccant packs and remove it from its silver colored protective pouch.

  • Handle the packets carefully; avoid tearing or puncturing them.

• Place two desiccant packets into the recommended slots or areas, as indicated by the arrows in the diagram.

Step 14: Reattach the Dome Cover

• Hold the dome cover (the large outer shell) and position it so the alignment markers match up with the camera assembly.

• You will see small arrows on the dome and camera base indicating the correct orientation.

• Ensure the dome edges are flush with the camera’s base, no gaps should be visible.

• Identify the eight (8) perimeter screws around the dome cover (the same ones loosened in earlier steps).

• Using the T10 torx security-bit screwdriver, turn each screw clockwise until it’s snug.

• Tighten them in a star or alternating pattern to ensure even pressure (e.g., top-left, then bottom-right, etc.). Avoid Over-Torquing.

• Stop once you feel moderate resistance as over-tightening can strip threads.

• Once fully tightened, the dome should be firmly in place, with no visible gaps.

Step 15: Attach the IR Shield

• Hold the Infrared (IR) shield below the camera dome, orienting it so the cutout matches the dome’s contours (Cisco logo).

• Slide or push the shield onto the dome until it seats snugly around the camera housing.

  • You should hear four clicks from the corner of the IR Shield. 

• The shield should fit flush against the dome edges, with minimal gaps for optimal IR reflection.

• If it doesn’t sit evenly, remove and realign.