The ACTi Outdoor Dome is a robust and versatile hardware solution designed for comprehensive outdoor surveillance. This manual covers models Z94, Z95, Z97, Z98, Z710, Z714, and Z715, all of which are outdoor mini dome cameras equipped with Day/Night functionality, Adaptive IR, Superior WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), SLLS (Superior Low Light Sensitivity), and a fixed lens. These features collectively ensure high-quality video capture across various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to complete darkness, and in challenging environments with strong backlighting.
Function Description
The primary function of the ACTi Outdoor Dome camera is to provide reliable video surveillance in outdoor settings. Its core capabilities include:
- Video Capture: The cameras are designed to capture high-resolution video, with different models offering varying megapixel counts (2MP, 4MP, 5MP, 8MP) to suit diverse surveillance needs. The fixed lens ensures a consistent field of view, making these cameras suitable for monitoring specific areas.
- Day/Night Operation: Equipped with Day/Night functionality, the cameras automatically switch between color and monochrome modes based on ambient light levels. This ensures clear images around the clock.
- Adaptive IR: The Adaptive IR (Infrared) feature provides intelligent infrared illumination, adjusting the intensity of IR LEDs to prevent overexposure of close-up objects while ensuring sufficient lighting for distant ones. This is crucial for effective night vision without sacrificing image detail.
- Superior WDR: Superior WDR technology allows the camera to capture clear images in scenes with extreme variations in light and shadow. It balances bright and dark areas within the same frame, revealing details that would otherwise be lost in conventional cameras.
- SLLS: Superior Low Light Sensitivity enables the camera to produce high-quality color images even in very dim lighting conditions, extending the operational window for color surveillance before switching to monochrome IR mode.
- Network Connectivity: The cameras connect to a network via an Ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector, allowing for remote access, configuration, and video streaming. They support Power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying installation by delivering both power and data over a single cable. For non-PoE setups, a DC 12V input is available.
- Local Storage: Many models include a memory card slot, enabling local recording of video footage. This provides a backup solution or a primary recording method for standalone installations, ensuring that critical events are captured even if network connectivity is temporarily lost.
Usage Features
The ACTi Outdoor Dome cameras are designed for straightforward installation and flexible deployment, offering several features that enhance their usability:
- Mounting Options: The cameras support various mounting methods to accommodate different installation scenarios:
- Surface Mount: For direct installation on walls or ceilings without additional accessories.
- Gangbox Mount: Suitable for mounting on 4" Round or 4" Octagon Gangboxes, often requiring a separate Gangbox Converter.
- Wall Mount: For installations where the camera needs to face downwards from a wall, typically requiring an optional Wall Mount accessory.
- Pendant Mount: Ideal for high ceilings, using a straight tube to lower the camera, which necessitates an optional Pendant Mount with Mount Kit.
- Pole Mount: For installation on vertical poles, requiring an optional Pole Mount accessory set.
- Cable Management: The manual provides detailed instructions for routing cables, either through a hole in the mounting surface or along the surface via a side cable hole. This flexibility helps maintain a clean and secure installation.
- Waterproofing: For outdoor installations, the cameras come with a cable gland and instructions for waterproofing the Ethernet connection. This is critical for protecting the camera from environmental factors like rain and moisture, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Adjustable Viewing Angle and Orientation: After mounting, the camera's lens base can be adjusted to achieve the desired tilt angle and orientation, allowing installers to fine-tune the field of view for optimal surveillance coverage.
- Network Configuration: The cameras can be easily integrated into an existing network. They support DHCP for automatic IP address assignment, simplifying setup in networks with a DHCP server. Alternatively, users can manually assign IP addresses, with a default IP of 192.168.0.100 provided for initial access in standalone or non-DHCP environments.
- IP Utility Software: ACTi provides a dedicated "IP Utility" software tool that helps discover cameras on the network, list essential information (IP, MAC, serial numbers, firmware), and facilitate quick configuration of multiple devices simultaneously. This tool streamlines the setup process, especially for large deployments.
- Web-Based Access: The camera's live view and configuration settings are accessible via a standard web browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer). The "Web Configurator" interface allows users to manage all camera functions remotely, including video settings, network parameters, and security features.
- User Authentication: Secure access to the camera is ensured through a login page. Default credentials (admin/123456) are provided, and for Z710 and later models, users are prompted to change the administrator password upon first login, enforcing strong password policies (9 to 32 characters including digits, letters, and special characters).
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the ACTi Outdoor Dome camera involves simple procedures to ensure its longevity and optimal performance:
- Cleaning: The manual advises disconnecting the camera from the power supply before cleaning. This is a standard safety precaution to prevent electrical hazards.
- Servicing: Users are explicitly warned against attempting to service the device themselves, as opening covers may expose them to dangerous voltages. All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. This ensures that any repairs are performed safely and correctly, preserving the camera's integrity and warranty.
- Damage Requiring Service: Specific conditions that necessitate professional servicing are outlined, including damage to the power-supply cord or plug, liquid spills, objects falling into the product, direct exposure to rain or water, or abnormal operation. This guidance helps users identify when expert intervention is required.
- Safety Checks: After any service or repair, safety checks are recommended to confirm the camera's proper operating condition.
- Cable Protection: For outdoor installations, the importance of protecting cable connections from environmental factors is highlighted. While the camera's pre-installed network cable is resistant to various elements, additional waterproofing for other connections (like power adapters) using waterproof tape is crucial. ACTi explicitly states it is not responsible for damage caused by water entering cable connections, emphasizing the user's role in proper installation and protection.
- Firmware Updates: Although not explicitly detailed as a maintenance feature, the IP Utility's ability to display firmware versions and potentially facilitate firmware upgrades implies that software maintenance is supported, allowing the camera to benefit from performance improvements and new features over time.
- Reset Button: The presence of a reset button allows users to restore the camera to its default factory settings if needed, which can be a useful troubleshooting step for configuration issues.
In summary, the ACTi Outdoor Dome series offers a comprehensive surveillance solution with advanced imaging capabilities, flexible installation options, user-friendly network management tools, and clear guidelines for safe operation and maintenance, making it a reliable choice for various outdoor security applications.
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