How to install your Solar Cam 2K Dual (2-Cam Kit)

The Solar Cam 2K Dual (2-Cam Kit) comes with one CentralHub^TM and two solar cameras, one system that powers, protects, and connects your home. This article provides step-by-step instructions to help you install as needed.

Install Your Camera

Charge the Battery

The battery comes partially charged. We recommend fully charging the battery before mounting. A full charge can take up to 6 hours.

Note:

1. Peel off the film from the camera before use.
2. Check the battery status on the Tapo app after setup.
3. The camera may not power up after falling. Plug in the USB charger to power it on again.
4. Keep the ports firmly covered when not in use to ensure waterproof and dustproof performance.
5. Do not tear off the silicone part by force as it may affect the waterproof and dustproof performance.
6. Charge the battery using the included USB cable. Some third-party cables may cause slow or failed charging.
7. When you plug in the USB charger, the LED should blink amber quickly for 3 seconds. If not, make sure the power is running and check your connection.

Solar Panel Mounting Tips

The position and tilt angle of the solar panel greatly affect solar efficiency.

1. Choose a location where the solar panel receives the most sunlight throughout the year. Regularly wipe the panel to remove dust and debris.
2. Position the panel south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere or north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere. The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35° ~ 45°.

Camera Mounting Tips

1. Avoid placing behind windows or glass. Both windows and glass can block the motion sensor of your camera, preventing motion detection.
2. Choose your mounting location. Proper camera mounting will prevent issues such as frequent false alerts.

• Avoid pointing the camera directly at swaying trees.
• Avoid pointing the camera at high-traffic areas unless that is the desired monitoring location.
• Avoid pointing the camera directly at streetlights or sunlight.

3. Do not place the camera upside down.
4. For optimal results, keep the motion sensor level, tilt the camera’s wide-angle lens down to about 15°, and tilt the telephoto lens down to about 20°.

5. Mounting your camera at an angle so movement crosses the lens’s field of view will provide more accurate motion and AI detection.

Note: Do not mount facing the direction of movement.

6. For optimal detection performance, mount the camera 8 ft (2.5 m) above ground.

Note: You can adjust the sensitivity in Camera Settings > Detection > Wake-Up Sensitivity.

Option 1: Integrated Mounting

1. Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill four holes according to the template.

2. Insert anchors into the holes and use the screws to affix the bracket over the anchors.

3. Slide the camera onto the camera bracket until it clicks into place.

4. Slide the solar panel onto the solar panel bracket until it clicks into place.

5. Insert the connector into the camera’s charging port until it is snug to begin charging.

6. (1) Loosen the adjustable screw, tilt the solar panel to the desired angle, and then retighten the screw.

(2) Tilt the wide-angle lens down to about 15° and the telephoto lens down to about 20°.

Option 2: Individual Mounting

Before you start, separate the camera bracket and the solar panel bracket by unscrewing the two bracket screws.

Mount the Camera (Wall / Eave)

1. Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill four holes (Wall Mount) or two holes (Eave Mount) according to the template.

2. Insert anchors into the holes and use the screws to affix the camera bracket over the anchors.

3. Slide the camera onto the camera bracket until it clicks into place.

4. Tilt the wide-angle lens down to about 15° and the telephoto lens down to about 20°.

Mount the Camera (Pole)

1. Mount the bracket on the pole using two pole-mounting loops (loop width ≤ 0.47 in./ 12 mm).

2. Slide the camera onto the camera bracket until it clicks into place.

3. Tilt the wide-angle lens down to about 15° and the telephoto lens down to about 20°.

Mount the Solar Panel

1. Apply the mounting template sticker to a solid and level wall surface. Drill three holes according to the template.

2. Insert anchors into the holes and use the screws to affix the solar panel bracket over the anchors.

3. Slide the solar panel to the solar panel bracket until it clicks into place.

4. Loosen the adjustable screw, tilt the solar panel to the desired angle, and then retighten the screw.

5. Install the decorative base cover onto the solar panel bracket.

6. Insert the connector into the camera’s charging port until it is snug to begin charging.

If the power cable is too short...

Use the provided extension cable. Insert the connector into the extension cable until snug, then connect to your camera.

If the power cable is too long

Use the provided cable zip tie to bundle up the excess cable. Once tightened, the zip tie cannot be easily adjusted. To release the tie, you will need to cut it.

(Optional) Expand Your CentralHub^TM Local Storage

The smart CentralHub^TM comes with 16 GB of built-in local storage, and you can also install an extra HDD/SSD drive (2.5’’) to expand the local storage.

Before You Start

1. Back up all the data on your hard drive before installation as Tapo may need to format your hard drive.
2. The CentralHub^TM must be powered off when you install or remove a hard drive.

Install Your Hard Drive

1. Push down the lid to remove it. The symbol shows where you should press.

2. Loosen the screw and pull out the hard drive bracket.

3. Place the hard drive into the bracket with the front side up. Secure it in place with screws.

4. Insert the bracket back into the CentralHub^TM. Secure it with the screw, then replace the lid.

Note: Initialize the hard drive in the Tapo app.