Installation Guide

1. Plan the Camera Location

In order to get the best performance out of your Abode Cam 2, it is vital to understand how it works, and with knowledge, position it in the best location.

​How it works: The Abode Cam 2 operates on pixel change to the field of view, meaning any change to pixels in the field of view may trigger a ‘Motion Event’. If you position the camera to cover a large viewable area, items such as trees moving in the breeze, shadows, and reflections can all cause the required amount of pixels to change, resulting in a Motion Event. See below to ‘Clip Recording’ for a detailed explanation of the process.

For a clip recording base camera setup, it is recommend keep the monitored field of view as clear as possible from ‘pixel change’ as possible - i.e. avoiding trees and bushes, or shadowy areas.

If your field of view does include items like the above, aim to utilize to the Detection Zone feature to reduce as much as possible areas that do not need to be monitored.

For example, a camera positioned from the front of a residence may be overlooking the front path, along with garden shrubs, and the road. Setting the Detection zone to focus only on a section of the path will allow the camera to only trigger when pixels in that zone are broken, and avoid other influences.

​Photo example: In the photo below, there are a number of bushes that would be susceptible to wind, resulting in lots of pixel change (red arrows). To eliminate this, and only monitor the key area of the path, a Detection Zone is set (blue box). Only when pixel change is reported in that box will a ‘Motion Event’ commence.

Constant movement in the camera's detectable area can result in missed Motion Events, due to the clip recording process listed below.

If you find the area you are wanting to review does contain a lot of pixel changes and movement, you should strongly consider moving to the 24/7 recording option rather than clip recording.

2. Plan Cable Path

Before installing, plan an ideal cable path. It’s recommended to mount the camera out of direct sunlight and under a shelter for the best image quality. Leave enough length to install and adjust the camera angle.

3. Install Mount Screw (if using the built-in mount)

If mounting the camera on a wall or ceiling you may use the included mount screw. Use a 1/16" (2mm) drill bit to drill a pilot hole for the screw. Install the screw into the pilot hole using a Philips screw driver, leaving just enough of the screw head exposed to firmly slide the camera mount over.

​For drywall or masonry installation

See the included wall anchor and a 7/32" (5.5mm) drill bit to drill a pilot hole. Gently hammer the wall anchor into the pilot hole. Install the screw into the wall anchor hole using a Philips screw driver, leaving just enough of the screw head exposed to firmly slide the camera mount over.

4. Mount Camera

Using the locating wall hook on the back of the camera mount, slide the camera over the exposed screw head. If the camera is loose, or if the camera does not slide over the screw, use a screwdriver to adjust the screw in or out as needed. The USB cable can be routed though the opening on the camera mount, and down the notch on the back of mount.