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📷 Set up a camera and connect it to the Merlin Cloud dashboard

Set up a supported IP camera, link it to a Merlin Cloud Hub (Raspberry Pi), and confirm live analytics on the Merlin Cloud dashboard.

Written by Leo
Updated over 7 months ago

Before you start

Make sure you have:

  • A Merlin Cloud account with a location created.

  • A supported IP camera that provides an RTSP stream.

  • A Merlin Cloud Hub: Raspberry Pi with power, microSD, and internet.

  • Camera serial number and Hub serial number.

  • Wi‑Fi name and password or an Ethernet drop at the camera’s location.

  • Access to the camera’s admin app or web panel per the camera manual.

  • Optional: admin access to the site router to see connected devices.

Tip: Follow the manufacturer manual in the camera box for the first‑time power‑on steps. Place and aim the camera where you want analytics to run.

Step 1: Connect the camera to the network

  1. Install the camera app: Download the manufacturer’s app from the App Store or Google Play. If you are using Merlin camera hardware, install cloudSEE Int'l Pro.

  2. Open the app and set your region: Select your location or region, then create an account or sign in.

  3. Reset the camera: Long press the main button on the camera until you hear a reset prompt or see the status indicator confirm the reset.

  4. Add the camera: In the app, tap Add Device and choose AP Config (access point configuration).

  5. Join the camera’s Wi‑Fi: When prompted, go to your phone’s Wi‑Fi settings and connect to the camera’s temporary Wi‑Fi network. Internet access is not required while connected to this network.

  6. Return to the app: Go back to the app and select your site’s Wi‑Fi network. Enter the Wi‑Fi password to provision the camera onto your network.

  1. Complete the link: The app will connect the camera to your Wi‑Fi and link it to the relevant website for your model. Keep the camera and phone close to the router until the connection succeeds.

  2. Verify: After the app shows the camera online, confirm you can see a live preview in the app. Then place the camera at its final location.

Notes: If AP configuration fails, double‑check the Wi‑Fi password, use a 2.4 GHz network if available, move closer to the router, and temporarily disable VPN. You can record the camera’s device ID or serial number for later steps.

Step 2: Add your Hub and camera in the Merlin Cloud dashboard

  1. Sign in to the Merlin Cloud dashboard.

  2. Go to Devices and add your Hub using its serial number.

  3. Add your Camera using its serial number.

  4. Link the Camera to the Hub and select the Location where it sits.

You can add devices first, then complete the stream configuration in the next steps.

Step 3: Install the Merlin Cloud Hub Client on the Hub (Raspberry Pi)

The Hub Client handles secure streaming from the site to Merlin Cloud.

  1. Connect the Hub to the same network as the camera.

  2. Open a terminal on the Hub or SSH in from your laptop.

  3. Run the approved installer for the Merlin Cloud Hub Client。

# Example placeholder - use the installer provided by Merlin Cloud # Replace with your actual command or script name sudo bash install-hub-client.sh

The installer sets up required libraries and services so deployment is fast.

Step 4: Retrieve the camera’s RTSP URL

You will need the RTSP URL to stream frames to Merlin Cloud. Use one of the options below.

Option A: From the camera admin panel

  • Look for RTSP, Stream, or ONVIF settings. Copy the full RTSP URL including credentials and path.

    • Typical patterns:

      • rtsp://<user>:<pass>@<camera-ip>:554/stream1

      • rtsp://<user>:<pass>@<camera-ip>:8554/h264
        Refer to the camera manual for exact paths.

Option B: Using the Hub Client helper

  • The Hub Client includes a helper script that can discover streams on the LAN.

# Example placeholder - actual script name may differ python3 rtsp.py

  • The script lists detected cameras and their RTSP links. Copy the correct URL for your camera.

If the RTSP URL contains special characters, URL‑encode them or create a user with a simple password for streaming.

Step 5: Configure the Hub Client

Update the Hub Client configuration with the IDs you created in the dashboard and the RTSP URL you just collected.

Create or edit your Hub Client config file, then add the following fields:

# Example: merlin-hub-config.yaml cameraId: "<your-camera-id-from-dashboard>" locationId: "<your-location-id-from-dashboard>" rtspUrl: "rtsp://user:[email protected]:554/stream1"

Save the file.

NOTE: the "camera_id" and "location_id" can be extracted from the merlin cloud dashboard.

Step 6: Start the client and verify

Start or restart the Hub Client so it begins sending frames to the server.

Once the client is running:

  1. Open the Merlin Cloud dashboard and go to Devices or Cameras.

  2. The camera status changes to Online and a live preview appears.

  3. Analytics populate when frames are processed on the server.

If you do not see frames, check the Troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting

Cannot find the RTSP URL

  • Confirm the camera model supports RTSP.

  • Enable ONVIF and RTSP in the camera settings if available.

  • Try the manufacturer’s default RTSP paths from the manual.

  • Use the Hub Client helper script to discover streams.

Camera shows Offline in the dashboard

  • Verify the Hub is powered and online on the same network as the camera.

  • Confirm the RTSP URL works in a local player such as VLC on your laptop.

  • Check credentials in the RTSP URL. Test with a simple user and password.

  • Ensure the camera and Hub can communicate across VLANs if used.

  • Make sure the config file has the correct cameraId and locationId.

Stream starts then drops

  • Improve signal quality or switch to Ethernet if on Wi‑Fi.

  • Reduce camera bitrate or resolution in the camera settings.

  • Reserve IP addresses for both camera and Hub.

Permission or authentication errors

  • Create a read‑only user on the camera specifically for RTSP streaming.

  • Avoid special characters in usernames and passwords where possible.

Nothing appears in Analytics

  • Wait a few moments after the stream goes Online.

  • Verify the camera view covers the intended area with adequate light.

FAQ

Which cameras are supported
Any IP camera that exposes a stable RTSP stream is generally compatible. For best results, enable H.264 and a constant bitrate.

How many cameras can a single Hub support
Capacity depends on stream resolution, bitrate, and site bandwidth. Start with one or two cameras per Hub, then scale based on performance.

Do I need the camera’s mobile app after setup
Use it for first‑time setup and maintenance. Daily monitoring and analytics happen in Merlin Cloud.

Is Ethernet required
Wi‑Fi works if the signal is strong and stable. Ethernet or PoE is recommended for reliability.

Next steps

  • Create zones and alerts in the Merlin Cloud dashboard.

  • Add more cameras by repeating the steps above.

  • Contact Merlin Cloud Support if you need the latest Hub Client installer or assistance with RTSP discovery.

Field checklist

  • Camera is powered and shows a live preview in the camera app.

  • Hub is online on the same network as the camera.

  • Camera and Hub are added in the dashboard and linked to the correct location.

  • RTSP URL is confirmed and saved in the Hub Client config.

  • Hub Client is running and the camera shows Online with frames arriving.

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