iDogCam - Installations

iDogCam Installation Support

Please read through the information below to help guide you through the installation process.

Pre-Installation Checklist    Camera Placement    Weatherproofing Your Camera    Mounting a Camera    Connecting a Premium System    Connecting a Cloud System    Installation Tips    Additional Resources / Downloads   

Pre-Installation Checklist:

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Ethernet cables of various lengths
    • Soild copper
    • NOT CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum)
    • CMR flame resistant
    • CAT5E or CAT6
  • PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch
  • Network router
  • Screwdrivers and drill set
  • Conduit, if applicable
    • Exterior Runs
    • Indoor, if desired
  • Junction boxes - use on all outdoor/high moisture areas
  • Cable management supplies (labels, ties, etc.)
  • Ladder or step stool for higher installations
  • Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, etc.)

Site Assessment:

  • Evaluate indoor vs. outdoor installation areas; consider weather exposure for outdoor locations.
  • Determine best camera positions for optimal coverage.
  • If using wifi cameras assess network availability and strength in chosen locations.
  • Determine if any camera is over 250 feet from the switches (if so contact us).
  • Ensure proximity to network connections (and power sources if using wifi cameras).
  • Consider accessibility for maintenance and adjustments.





Camera Placement:

Strategic camera placement is pivotal. By carefully selecting camera locations and angles, you can provide pet parents with clear, unobstructed views of their pets.

Location Selection:

  • Choose locations that avoid shooting into direct sunlight to prevent glare and overheating.
  • Position cameras to maximize field of view.
  • Typically corners provide the best viewing.
  • Avoid placing cameras in areas where views may be obstructed.
  • Consider privacy and aesthetic factors, ensuring cameras blend with the environment.
  • If a camera needs to be placed in the middle of a wall, consider a wider angle camera.

Angle and Height Recommendations:

  • Angle cameras to capture the entirety of important areas, like pet beds or play zones.
  • Adjust the height to avoid blind spots.
  • In yards, position cameras to include as much space as possible, excluding non-relevant areas.

Good Suite Camera Angles:

Bad Suite Camera Angles:

Good vs Bad Yard Placement:







Weatherproofing Your Camera:

While the camera may be weatherproof, it is required to weatherproof the network connections for outdoor installations. This involves protecting equipment from environmental elements like rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Proper weatherproofing extends the lifespan of cameras and maintains network integrity, ensuring uninterrupted viewing and connectivity. This process requires selecting the right materials and techniques to shield cameras and connections. Below are a step by step guides on weatherproofing an IP camera.



Indoor Cameras - Network Cable Seal:

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Outdoor Cameras - Junction Box Installation:

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Mounting a Camera:

To mount a camera, first select an optimal location as determined by your site assessment. Use a level to accurately mark the drilling points. Then, drill holes at these points and securely insert wall plugs/anchors. Finally, attach the camera and carefully adjust its angle for the best possible coverage. Below is a video guide for our standard provided camera.









Connecting a Premium System:

First things first; DON’T BE AFRAID TO CALL 424-229-2146 Ext. 0 with any question!
We would rather have multiple 5–10 minute calls than an extended trouble shooting session.

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Connecting a Cloud System:

First things first; DON’T BE AFRAID TO CALL 424-229-2146 Ext. 0 with any question!
We would rather have multiple 5–10 minute calls than an extended trouble shooting session.

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Installation Tips!

Call 424-229-2146 Ext. 0 if in doubt. We would rather have multiple 5–10 minute calls than an extended trouble shooting session.

Setup the server monitor and hard drives first. Then connect the PoE switch. Before hanging any camera in its final location TEST it!

You can do this by plugging the camera into the switch with the short blue cable that came in the box. If all items are connected the camera will appear in the monitor after a minute or two. This will verify the camera is good and not damaged from transit. It will also prove that once hung if it does not appear within a minute or two that you have a cable issue. This will add a little time to your install; but will save you a headache.

If you don’t test the camera before installation and it does not appear you have to take it down use the short the blue cable and plug it into the switch figure which is the problem (camera or cable) fix it then go back and hang again. The extra time to test is better than the headache of running up and down the ladder and uninstalling/reinstalling the camera. We know from experience.

Label the cables and/or the PoE switch. We also included a blank excel form you can also fill in for what camera is plugged into what port. Save the form for future trouble shooting.

When possible plug camera 1 into port 1 of the PoE switch camera 2 into port 2 and so on …







Additional Resources / Downloads





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