Installation Support

Installing an OxBlue webcam is quick and easy. The key is advance preparation in selecting the right location and preparing a reliable power source.

The OxBlue webcam is ready to go right of the box, so when you’ve completed the advance prep steps, all you do is tighten a few screws (or bolts) to mount it and plug in power. A blue light comes on at the base of the webcam and it starts transmitting images automatically every 15 minutes. You can begin viewing them on your OxBlue project website about 30 minutes later.

Advance preparation

Mounting options – pole or side of adjacent building
Selecting a location

Webcam faces north if possible
Mounted higher than the topped-out height of the project
Locate on a diagonal to get best view of the building
Correct distance from building for best field of view
Prior to installation - plug in power on the ground and test
Prepare power source
Install webcam and plug in power
Start viewing images

Mounting Options

The webcam can be mounted on a telephone pole, a wooden or metal pole or to an existing adjacent building. There are two basic types of mounts: wall mounts for buildings and pole mounts for poles. If using a pole smaller than 6” diameter, we recommend installing support beams or guy wires to reduce motion from the wind.

Selecting a Location

The camera should be positioned to the southern side of the building if possible. This will maximize the lighting and provide the best images. West or East of the project is OK, and North is acceptable, but you may have to fine-tune to avoid shadows and less-than-optimal image quality. Avoid views where the sun comes into the camera’s field of view, as this may damage the camera.

The camera should be installed at an elevation higher than the roof or parapet elevation for viewing the roof and mechanical installation. It is recommended that the camera be aimed slightly under the horizon to maximize its ability to work in low and high light conditions. This will determine the height required for the webcam.

Locate the camera at a diagonal position to the corner of the building. This allows the camera to view two sides of the building and typically provides for a better photo and more information to the user than a straight on shot.

The ideal distance from the building to the camera is the closest distance which still allows the camera to cover the entire target area. Whether that be the building, the site, or some other desired target. Approximate minimum recommended camera distances for viewing the building and a twenty-five (25) foot perimeter area around it are as follows: A. For a position diagonal to the corner of the building: 60' B. For a position perpendicular to the short side of the building: 95' C. For a position perpendicular to the long side of the building: 180'

Prior to Installation

Unpack webcam from box
Plug webcam into a power source (120v, jobsite trailer or office) for testing prior to installation
Call OxBlue to confirm that webcam is connected and transmitting images
Testing typically takes about 30 minutes
Unplug webcam – you’re ready for final installation

Prepare Power Source

Problems with the power supply account for roughly 98% of our service calls. In other words, 98% of the time when a webcam is not working, it’s a problem with the power. Therefore it’s wise to pre-plan your power supply to the webcam. The ideal scenario is to have power running to the base of the pole or nearby the wall mount, and a resetting breaker switch at that point. That way, when you plug the webcam’s power cord into the local power supply you have a convenient way to reset the breaker if there’s a break in power.

Install webcam, align and plug in power

If you’re using a pole mount you’ll need to have a man-lift available. The final installation is simple – tighten the three screws on the band clamps (metal straps with built-in screws) until they’re tight around the pole. Then tighten down the two screws that connect the webcam unit to the pole mount.

Visually sight the webcam, moving it with your hands, so that it’s pointing at the center of the project. Due to the wide field of view of the lens, it’s likely that this is all that’s needed to have the proper field of view. Plug in the webcam’s power cord to the power supply. A blue light at the base of the webcam comes on, indicating it is receiving power. If needed, you can call OxBlue tech support to have our technicians review the image in real time and suggest minor adjustments to get the field of view correct. From there you can begin viewing images by logging into your project website.