Introduction
The Camera-to-Cloud ("C2C") architecture enables you to add supported devices to your Arcules portal without needing a gateway.
To launch your device into the cloud:
Confirm you have the right equipment
Prepare your device in the Axis OS
Ensure your AXIS OS firmware is from 11.4 to 11.11.x
Install the Arcules C2C ACAP on your device
Claim your device in the Arcules Portal
Confirm you have the right equipment
You'll need the right camera, the right MicroSD card, and tools needed for installation. If you haven't installed a camera before, you can get help on the Axis website.
Use a supported Axis Camera-to-Cloud device
Please make sure your camera is a supported Axis model:
If your device isn't listed, you'll connect it to through a gateway to the Arcules cloud.
You can use the AXIS Product Selector to filter and compare Axis devices.
Use an AXIS MicroSD card
Different than Pure Cloud or Edge Gateway setups, video is recorded to the MicroSD card installed in your Axis camera.
Install the AXIS MicroSD in your device.
We recommend AXIS MicroSD cards for Arcules Camera-to-Cloud storage.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There's no need to change settings in the AXIS OS Storage tab, like mounting or formatting the MicroSD card or changing the retention time. The Arcules system will configure the card for you.
Prepare your device in the AXIS OS
You'll start preparing your device in the AXIS OS interface - not your Arcules portal.
Find your device on your network and access the AXIS OS interface
Enter your device’s IP address in your Chrome browser window.
How do I find my device's IP address?
You can use AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager
You can also use alternative methods like an ARP scan.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Record your device’s serial number (known as a MAC address) to use when you claim your device in the Arcules portal.
The serial number (MAC address) is available in AXIS IP Utility, AXIS Device Manager, on the box or back of your device, or in the Status tab in your AXIS OS interface.
Set the temporary password to "arcules" on "root" user
With a new or recently reset device, you'll be prompted to enter a password.
Please set the password for the “root” user to “arcules".
IMPORTANT NOTE: In newer firmware versions, you may be prompted to create an initial username. That username must be "root".
IMPORTANT NOTE: This step is essential for connecting to the Arcules portal - you must use the password "arcules" for the "root" user.
You'll only use this password temporarily until your Arcules C2C ACAP has been enabled.
Your Arcules system will change the "root" user's password after you have enabled the Arcules C2C ACAP.
This password is controlled and rotated by Arcules and inaccessible for security purposes.
In other words, you don't have to worry about the "root" user or password once you connect your device to the Arcules portal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You may see a warning that you are accessing the device over HTTP. This is temporary and data will be secure once connected to Arcules.
If you haven't yet, note your device serial (also known as a MAC address). You'll need it to add your camera to the Arcules portal.
Verify device firmware
Arcules Camera-to-Cloud requires firmware version 11.4 to 11.11.x. Confirm the status of your supported device here. Check your firmware under Device info in the Status tab.
If your firmware is:
lower than 11.4, download and install updated firmware
equal or higher than 11.4, skip to installing the C2C ACAP
Download and install updated firmware
Note: If you require to perform the firmware installation in multiple devices at the same time, please consider using the Axis Device Manager (ADM) application
Click "Upgrade firmware" to enter the Maintenance tab.
Click Upgrade next to "Do a firmware upgrade".
Download your latest supported firmware.
Select the firmware you previously downloaded, select a standard upgrade, and confirm the install.
The firmware installation may take some time - don't refresh your browser, unplug your device, or otherwise disrupt the install.
Install the Camera-to-Cloud ACAP on your device
Download the Arcules C2C ACAP
Click the Arcules C2C ACAP link here to download it to your computer.
Note: It does not matter what regional datacenter your Arcules system connects to.
Note: If you require to perform the installation of the C2C ACAP software in multiple devices at the same time, please consider using the Axis Device Manager (ADM) application
Install the Arcules C2C software ACAP
In your device’s AXIS OS interface, click on the Apps tab.
Make sure the "Allow root-privileged apps" toggle is on.
Click "+ Add App".
Drag or select the downloaded Arcules C2C ACAP.
The Arcules ACAP will install (typically in less than a minute) and display as an application in the AXIS OS interface.
The ACAP application is called Arcules Orchestration.
Enable the toggle next to the Arcules C2C ACAP to turn it on.
The Arcules C2C ACAP will configure your device to be ready to be claimed in your Arcules portal, including formatting your MicroSD card. Depending on the size and type of your card, it will take some time before your camera is ready to be claimed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once the Arcules C2C ACAP is finished formatting your MicroSD card, the temporary root password ("arcules") is automatically changed. You won't have access to the AXIS OS interface. (Power users will be able to access the AXIS OS later through a separate username.)
Claim your device in the Arcules Portal
Claiming your device adds it your Arcules organization and prevents it from being added to another one.
Login to your Arcules portal.
Make sure you have the desired Site and Location created for your device.
Navigate to the Devices pane and either "All Devices" or "Video."
Click the + button in the top right corner above the devices list.
Select “Add Device”.
Select “Cloud” for the camera connection type.
Enter your device serial number (known as a MAC address) in standard format. There's many ways to find your MAC address if you do not have it yet.
Select a Site and Location and press "ADD".
Behavior upon claiming
During claiming your device will not immediately appear in the devices list.
This may take up to five minutes.
Your device has likely already started recording at default 1080p resolution and ten frames per second.
Refresh your browser and find its name in your "All Devices" or "Video" list.
The device will begin in “OFFLINE” status for up to ten minutes.
Refresh your browser after waiting and look for the update to “ONLINE" status.
Success
Your device onboarding is complete! We knew you could do it.
Click on your device row to open its device drawer.
Review additional information and configure settings here in the device drawer.
Changing device settings
See the Camera-to-Cloud Device Settings article for more information.
Basic Settings: You can change your camera's name, along with its recording resolution and frame rate.
Recording resolution and frame rate options are based on your device's capabilities.
Live streaming is fixed at 1080p resolution and ten frames per second.
Advanced Settings: You can change more detailed settings to optimize video quality.
AXIS OS interface: Advanced technical users who want to configure aspects of your device not supported by the Arcules portal can access the AXIS OS interface.
See How to Access the AXIS OS article for directions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Direct AXIS OS access should be limited to experienced power users as some settings could cause device instability and lost video. See the Camera-to-Cloud Device Settings article for more information.
Additional notes
If you are experiencing onboarding issues do not factory default your device - reach out to Customer Care.
Don't remove the MicroSD card after the camera is claimed in your Arcules portal.
Removing the MicroSD card while recording risks corrupted data and lost recordings.
Once your device has been claimed in your Arcules portal, you won't have direct access to the AXIS OS interface.
The temporary root password ("arcules") has already been changed.
Power users will be able to access the AXIS OS later through a separate username.
Do not change the root password on your device in the AXIS OS interface - this will break your device's connection to your Arcules portal.