Applies to: RWIS Installation
Purpose: Properly mount RWIS cameras, sensors, and solar panels on a pole or post to ensure stable operation and accurate data capture.
Recommended Mounting Surface
The ideal mounting surface is:
✅ Steel or metal pole (circular) — Best option
⚠️ Wooden or square posts — Acceptable but less ideal
Metal poles provide better stability and reduce movement caused by wind or vibration.
Mounting on Wooden or Square Posts
If installing on wood:
You may skip straps and brackets
Use lag bolts directly into the wood for easier installation
If using straps on wooden posts:
Tighten carefully
Wood flex can cause strap bolts to break
Avoid over-tightening
Square posts require extra attention because they create gaps and slack compared to round poles.
Mounting Procedure
Step 1 — Attach Mounting Straps
Insert bolts through strap brackets
Wrap straps around pole/post
Connect ends securely
Tighten using:
Impact driver
Drill
Socket wrench
Ensure the mount is secure with minimal movement.
Cable Management (Very Important)
Proper wire management prevents damage and system failures.
Correct Practice
Bundle excess cable neatly
Secure with zip ties
Attach cables directly to mounting straps or pole
Minimize wire movement
Incorrect Practice
Loose hanging wires
Wrapping wires around pole without securing
Excess slack
Movement from wind can damage connectors over time.
Camera Mounting and Alignment
The camera mount uses a ball pivot bracket, allowing flexible positioning.
You can mount the bracket:
Sideways
Upright
Inverted orientation (depending on need)
Important:
The camera must be tightened firmly
Ensure alignment remains stable after adjustment
Sensor Positioning
For systems with environmental sensors:
Ensure sensors extend outside the bracket
Do not mount sensors too deep inside housing
Position sensors to allow proper airflow exposure
Solar Panel Connection
For single-camera systems:
Connect the solar panel to the correct power port
Ensure panel faces sunlight direction
Avoid shading whenever possible
Infrared Pavement Temperature Sensor Alignment
If equipped with an infrared pavement temperature sensor:
Angle is adjustable up to approximately 30 degrees
Ensure sensor is pointed at:
Pavement surface only
Avoid:
Curbs
Grass
Obstacles
Sidewalk edges
Proper alignment ensures accurate temperature readings.
Local System Testing
After mounting, perform a local connection test.
Connect to Camera Wi-Fi
Connect to network:
Cameo
Open browser and go to:
192.168.4.1
This opens the device interface.
Verify Solar Charging
Check voltage reading:
Normal solar charging: 13–14 volts
Cover panel → voltage drops
Expose to sunlight → voltage rises
This confirms solar panel is working.
Camera Testing
You can test the camera directly:
Click Snapshot
Wait 30–45 seconds
Verify image appears
If needed:
Adjust camera angle
Take another snapshot
Repeat until satisfied
Sensor Testing
You can also:
Refresh temperature data
Verify sensor readings
Default emissivity is typically:
0.70
Do not change unless instructed.
Final Enclosure Check
Before closing the control box:
Ensure wires are positioned properly
Confirm no cables are pinched
Carefully close the enclosure
Do NOT force the lid closed
Pinched wires are a common installation failure.
Final Checklist
Before leaving site:
Mount secure and stable
Camera aligned correctly
Solar panel connected and charging
Sensors positioned correctly
Wires secured with zip ties
Local testing completed
Snapshot verified
Enclosure closed without pinching wires
Best Practices
Use metal poles whenever possible
Minimize cable movement
Test before finalizing installation
Confirm solar charging in sunlight
Double-check camera alignment