Panasonic BL C101 BL-C121 Installation Guide

							Installation Guide
Network Camera
Model No.BL-C101(Wired Type)
BL-C121(Wireless/Wired Type)
This manual is written for both the BL-C101 (Wired Type) and BL-C121 (Wireless/Wired Type). Available features and operations vary slightly 
depending on the model. You can confirm the model no. of your camera by checking the model no. printed on the front of the camera.
Model number suffixes (“A”, “CE”, and “E”) are omitted from the following model numbers shown in this document, unless necessary.
BL-C101A, BL-C101CE, BL-C101E, BL-C121A, BL-C121CE, BL-C121E
Please read the included Important Information before proceeding.
Complete Operating Instructions and all other documentation can be found on the included CD-ROM.
• This document (Installation Guide) explains how to physically connect the camera to the power supply and network, as well how to mount or place the 
camera for regular use.
•The Setup Guide describes how to set up the camera so that it can be accessed using a PC.
• Refer to the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM for details regarding the camera’s features.
• Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM if you have any problems configuring or using the camera.
Abbreviations
• UPnP is the abbreviation for “Universal Plug and Play”.
• The Network Camera is referred to as “the camera” in this document.
• The Setup CD-ROM is referred to as “the CD-ROM” in this document.
Installation Procedure Overview
The following is an overview of the steps required to install and setup the camera. All steps are explained in this document unless otherwise noted.
Preparation
1.Confirm the following items are included in the camera’s packaging.
2.You will need the following additional items to install and configure the camera.
– a PC (see the system requirements in the Important Information document)
–For BL-C101: 2 LAN cables (CAT-5 straight cable)
For BL-C121: a LAN cable (CAT-5 straight cable)
– a router Preparation
Confirm that you have all the 
items required for installation.
Camera Diagram
Make sure you know the names 
of the camera’s physical 
features.
Connections
Connecting the camera to your 
network and to the power outlet.
Setup
Setting up the camera 
(described in the included Setup 
Guide). This involves configuring 
the camera so that it can be 
accessed from a PC.
Mounting
Mounting or placing the camera.
Main Unit (1 pc.)
The appearance of your 
camera depends on which 
model you have purchased.Screw A BL-C101 (6 pcs.)/BL-C121 
(4 pcs.)
Order No. XTB4+20AFJ
Used for wall mounting the camera.Washer S (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG26D12VW
Used when securing the safety 
wire to the camera.
AC Adaptor (1 pc.)
Order No. PQLV206Y
Cord Length: About 3 m 
(9 feet 10 inches)
BL-C101A/BL-C121AScrew B (1 pc.)
Order No. XTB26+10GFJ
Used for securing the safety wire to 
the camera.Washer L (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG4F16VW
Used when securing the safety 
wire to the wall.
Order No. PQLV216CE1Z
Cord Length: About 3 m 
(9 feet 10 inches)
BL-C101CE/BL-C101E/BL-
C121CE/BL-C121ESafety Wire (1 pc.)
Order No. PQME10080Z
Used to secure the camera when wall 
mounting it.Flexible Stand (1 pc.)
Order No. PNKL1008Z
Used to attach the camera to the 
wall.
AC Cord (1pc. for BL-
C101CE/BL-C101E/BL-
C121CE/BL-C121E)
Order No. PFJA02A006Z
Cord Length: About 1.8 m 
(5 feet 11 inches)
BL-C101CE/BL-C121CEImportant Information (1 pc.)
Installation Guide
(this document) (1 pc.)
Setup Guide (1 pc.)Setup CD-ROM (1 pc.)
Order No. PNQC1048Z
Contains the Setup Program 
needed to configure the camera, 
as well as the camera’s 
documentation.*
*See the included Important Information 
for a description of each document.
Order No. PSJA1106Z
Cord Length: About 1.8 m 
(5 feet 11 inches)
BL-C101E/BL-C121EBL-C101 Only
BL-C101 BL-C121
© Panasonic System Networks Co., Ltd. 2008
PNQX1566XA   KK0908CM2020
Please read this document before using the product, and save this document for future 
reference. Panasonic Network Camera Website:
http://panasonic.net/pcc/products/netwkcam/
Indoor Use Only
Power Transfer Unit (1 pc.)
Order No. PNWP3C160A
Used to power the camera. 
						

							2
Camera Diagrams
*1 See 1.1 Understanding the Camera Indicator in the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM for indicator meaning.
Connections
Connect the camera to your router and to the power outlet as described below.
• Before proceeding, confirm that your PC is connected to your router and can access the Internet. Also confirm that your router’s UPnP™ feature is 
enabled. (Most routers have UPnP™ turned off by default.) Refer to the operating instructions included with your router or to the Panasonic Network 
Camera website (http://panasonic.net/pcc/support/netwkcam/) for more information.
BL-C101
• Use a LAN cable that is no more than 30 m (98 feet 5 inches) long to connect the camera and the power transfer unit.
BL-C121
BL-C101 BL-C121
Front View Rear View Front View Rear View
A
B
CIndicator*1
Lens
MicrophoneD
E
F
G
HFACTORY DEFAULT 
RESET button
Serial number label
Stand/Tripod Mounting 
Hole
External INPUT 
interface
DATA/POWER INA
B
CIndicator*1
Lens
MicrophoneD
E
F
G
H
I
J
KFACTORY DEFAULT 
RESET button
WIRELESS/WIRED 
switch
LAN port
Serial number label
Stand/Tripod Mounting 
Hole
External I/O interface
DC IN jack
Hook for AC adaptor 
cord
1Connect the LAN cable to the 
camera and the power transfer 
unit.
2Connect the LAN cable to the 
router and the power transfer unit.
3Connect the AC adaptor to the power 
transfer unit and plug the AC adaptor 
into the power outlet.
• Confirm that the indicator turns 
green after about 1 minute. If it does 
not turn green, see 1.2 Camera 
Indicator Issues in the 
Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-
ROM.
• When you operate the camera, the 
power outlet should be near the 
camera and easily accessible.
• Use only specified Panasonic AC 
adaptor (Order No. PQLV206Y for 
BL-C101A, PQLV216CE1Z for BL-
C101CE, BL-C101E).
• The camera may become warm. 
This is normal.
1Confirm that the WIRELESS/WIRED switch 
on the side of the camera is set to WIRED.
2Connect the LAN cable to the camera and 
the router.
3Connect the AC adaptor cord to the DC IN 
jack.
4Plug the AC adaptor into the power outlet.
• Confirm that the indicator turns green 
after about 1 minute. If it does not turn 
green, see 1.2 Camera Indicator Issues in 
the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-
ROM.
• When you operate the camera, the power 
outlet should be near the camera and 
easily accessible.
• Use only specified Panasonic AC adaptor 
(Order No. PQLV206Y for BL-C121A, 
PQLV216CE1Z for BL-C121CE, BL-
C121E).
• The camera may become warm. This is 
normal.
After the camera’s indicator turns green, you may set up the camera. Continue by following the procedure described 
in the included Setup Guide.
• If the indicator does not turn green, see 1.2 Camera Indicator Issues in the Troubleshooting Guide on the included CD-ROM.
A
B
CE
F
G D
HA
B
CD
E
FG
H
I
J
K
LAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable)
LAN cable Power transfer unit
AC adaptor
Router
Modem
Internet
PC
Green
WAN
4321 LAN
Router
Internet
Modem
PCLAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable) WIRELESS/WIRED switch
AC adaptor
Green To the power 
outlet
(For BL-
C101CE/
BL-C101E 
use an AC cord)
To the power 
outlet
(For BL-
C121CE/BL-
C121E use an 
AC cord) 
						

							3
The camera’s external I/O interface allows you to connect a device, such as a sensor or motion detector, that can be used to trigger the camera’s image 
buffering and transferring features (see Section 2 Using Triggers to Buffer and Transfer Images in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM), as well as 
the detection notification sound feature (see Section 1.2.7 Detection Notification Sound in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM).
For BL-C121: Notes About Wireless Communication
The radio wave range may decrease depending on the surrounding environment or existence of obstacles. If obstacles such as the following are placed 
between a camera and a router, radio waves will weaken. Therefore, even if the distance between the camera and router is short, the frame rate may 
decrease or images may not be displayed.
• A metallic door or shutter
• A wall with an insulation material that contains aluminum foil
• A wall made of tin
• A wall made of concrete, stone or brick
• Fireproof glass
• Several walls separated by open space
• A steel shelf
In the example below, wireless communication between the camera and the wireless router is impaired due to steel doors or reinforced concrete walls 
between the camera and the wireless router.
Connecting External I/O interface
BL-C101Circuit Diagram Example
Caution
• The external I/O interface is not capable of connecting directly to 
devices that require large amounts of current. In some cases, a 
custom interface circuit (customer-provided) may have to be used. 
Serious damage to the camera may result if a device that exceeds 
its electrical capability is connected to the external I/O interface.
• Low voltage/current circuits and high voltage/current circuits are 
used in the camera circuit. All wiring should be performed by a 
qualified electrician. Incorrect wiring could damage the camera and 
cause a fatal electric shock.
• External devices connected to the camera’s output terminals cannot 
be controlled in the event of a network error or failure. Keep this in 
mind when connecting door locks, heat-emitting devices, or other 
devices that may be dangerous if they cannot be controlled. (BL-
C121 only) BL-C121
Terminal Description
IN1GND terminal.
2External sensor input. The camera can be triggered by either an open 
circuit or a GND short-circuit.
OUT
BL-C121 
only3External device control output. Allows you to control an external device 
using the output buttons in the camera’s operation bar (for example, 
turning a light on or off).
• This terminal’s behavior can be changed (see 7.4 Controlling the 
External Output Terminal (BL-C121 Only) in the Operating Instructions 
on the CD-ROM).
• This terminal is an open collector circuit. The maximum drawing 
current is the same as terminal 4. Do not exceed the voltage of 
terminal 4.
4DC power output terminal.
• DC 8 V–10 V
• Maximum load is 100 mA.
Note
• If excessive force is used when disconnecting wires with pointed objects from 
the external I/O interface, terminals may become damaged or the interface may 
be pushed inside the camera body and become unusable.
External INPUT interface
Light
Door Sensor (Alarm) Relay Camera
9 V*
2 3 4
1
*DC 8 V–10 V
BL-C121 only
External I/O interface
Position the camera away from obstacles such as 
steel doors or reinforced concrete walls. Wireless antenna is built in the camera. 
						

							4
Mounting the Camera
• The camera illustrations in this document depict the BL-C121.
Caution
• Do not drive the screws into a soft material. Drive the screws into a 
secure area of the wall, such as a wall stud, otherwise the camera 
may fall and be damaged.
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera, to 
prevent the camera from falling.
Note
• Use screws that are appropriate for the material of the wall. 
• The included screws are for use with wooden walls only.
• The camera is intended for indoor use only and should not be 
mounted outdoors.
• To ensure that camera images are displayed properly, do not mount 
the camera on an incline. Mount the camera so that it is 
perpendicular to the floor. Do not mount the camera upside down.
Flexible Stand Mount
1.Loosen the position lock located on the rear side of the flexible stand.
2.Turn the mounting screw to attach the camera.
3.Adjust the angle, then fasten the position lock.
Tripod Mount
• Do not use a tripod screw with a thread of 6 mm (1/4 inch) or more. 
This may damage the stand/tripod mounting hole.
• The camera cannot be mounted depending on the shape of the 
camera platform.
Ceiling/Wall Mount
1.Secure the safety wire to the camera using screw B (included) and 
washer S (included).
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera, to prevent the 
camera from falling.
2.Connect a LAN cable to the camera.
• Insert the LAN cable until it clicks into to place.
3.Mount the flexible stand firmly to the ceiling or wall with screw A 
(included).
• Do not drive the screws into a soft material. Drive the screws into a secure area of the 
wall, such as a wall stud, otherwise the camera may fall and be damaged.
• Use screws that are suited for the type of material the camera is mounted to.
• Allow sufficient space between the ceiling or wall and the flexible stand to turn the 
position lock.
• Make sure the flexible stand is firmly mounted on a wall or ceiling stud (25 mm 
[1 inch] and greater) etc. When there is no stud, apply a board on the other side of the 
ceiling or wall to make sure the camera does not drop.
4.Loosen the position lock located on the rear side of the flexible stand, 
and turn the mounting screw to attach the camera.
5.Adjust the camera position and tighten the position lock.
6.Connect all necessary cables (AC adaptor, LAN, etc.) to the camera, 
dress the cables neatly, and secure with tape (customer-provided). 
7.Secure the safety wire to the ceiling or wall using screw A (included) 
and washer L (included).
• Leave some slack in the safety wire, as shown.
• Make sure the safety wire is firmly mounted on a wall or ceiling stud (25 mm [1 inch] 
and greater) etc. When there is no stud, apply a board on the other side of the ceiling 
or wall to make sure the camera does not drop.
When mounting on a mortar or concrete surface• Prepare anchors for 4 mm (3/16 inch) diameter screws for mounting.
1.Place the flexible stand on the ceiling or wall where you plan to mount 
the flexible stand and mark the points where you are going to make 
holes.
2.Make holes with an electric drill. Insert anchors (customer-provided) 
into the holes and use a hammer to make them flush with the wall.
• Mortar ceilings or walls break easily when drilling. Be careful of pieces of mortar 
which may become loose and fall.
3.Mount the flexible stand using the screws.
For BL-C101 Only: Connecting to the power transfer unit
8.Connect a LAN cable to the power transfer unit and to the switching 
hub, router, etc.
• The power transfer unit can be fixed in place with 2 pieces from screw A (included) 
(4 mm x 20 mm [3/16 inch x 13/16 inch]).
9.Connect a LAN cable from the camera to the power transfer unit.
10.Connect the AC adaptor to the power transfer unit and plug the other 
end into the power outlet.
• The camera will activate.
 N CeilingN Wall
Stand/tripod
mounting hole
Mounting screw
Position lock
Flexible stand
(customer-provided)Tripod
Stand/tripod
mounting hole
Safety wire
Washer S
Screw B
Screw A (3 pcs.)
At least 25 mm
(1 inch)
Allow sufficient space 
between the wall and 
the flexible stand
Screw AAt least 25 mm
(1 inch)
(3 pcs.)   Allow sufficient space 
between the ceiling  
and the flexible stand
 N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wall
 N Ceiling  N Wall
Stand/tripod
mounting holeMounting screwPosition lock
IndicatorStand/tripod
mounting hole
Mounting screwPosition lock
Position lock
Position lock
Tape
(customer-provided)
Tape
(customer-provided)
Screw A Washer LScrew A
Washer LSafety wire
Drill for concrete (in case of tile, use a drill for tile)
LAN Cable
To router
Hook for AC adaptor
To the power outlet
(For BL-C101CE/
BL-C101E 
use an AC cord)