Panasonic Network Camera BB HCM527 BB HCM547 Installation Guide

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Installation Guide
Network Camera (PoE Ready)
• This manual is written for both the BB-HCM527 (Indoor Use Only) and the BB-HCM547 (Outdoor Ready). 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” and “CE”) are omitted from the following model numbers shown in this document, unless necessary.
BB-HCM527A, BB-HCM527CE, BB-HCM547A, BB-HCM547CE
Please read the included Important Information before proceeding.
Complete Operating Instructions and all other documentation can be found on the included CD-ROM.
Model No.BB-HCM527
BB-HCM547Indoor Use Only
Outdoor Ready
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.
BB-HCM527 Only
BB-HCM547 Only
2.You will need the following additional items to install and configure the camera. 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. For BB-HCM547: 
See the Mounting Guide.
Main Unit (1 pc.) Washer A (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG4F16VW
Used when securing the safety 
wire to the ceiling.Safety Wire (1 pc.)
Order No. PQME10080Z
Used to secure the camera when
 
mounting it.
Important Information (1 pc.)
Installation Guide (this document) (1 pc.)
Setup Guide (1 pc.)
Mounting Guide (1 pc.) [BB-HCM547 only]
Stand-alone SD Memory Card Recording 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.
Ceiling Mounting Cover (1 pc.)
Order No. PQKL10090Z1
Used when mounting the camera on 
a ceiling.Screw A (6 pcs.)
Order No. XTB4+20AFJ
Used to secure the ceiling plate 
(3 pcs.) and the safety wire (1 pc.) to 
the ceiling, and used to secure the 
ceiling plate and the camera 
(2 pcs.).Screw B (1 pc.)
Order No. XTB26+10GFJ
Used for connecting the safety wire 
to the camera.
Washer B (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG26D12VW
Used when securing the safety wire to the camera.Ceiling Plate (1 pc.)
Order No. PQMD10111Z
Used to secure the camera to the ceiling.
Ceiling Mounting 
Cover (1 pc.)
Order No. 
PNKV1021Z1 
Used when mounting 
the camera on a ceiling.Screw A (2 pcs.)
Order No. 
XTB4+20AVW
Used to secure the 
ceiling plate and the 
camera.Screw B (9 pcs.)
Order No. 
XYN3+C8VW
Used to secure the 
safety wire and the 
camera (1 pc.) and 
used to secure the 
ceiling plate and the 
inner cover (8 pcs.).Screw C (8 pcs.)
Order No. 
XTB4+35AVW
Used to secure the 
base cover 
(3 pcs.) and the camera 
(4 pcs.) to the ceiling, 
and used to secure the 
safety wire and the 
ceiling plate 
(1 pc.).
Washer B (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG3E10VW
Used when securing the safety wire 
to the camera.Ceiling Plate (1 pc.)
Order No. PNZMHCM527A
Used to secure the camera to 
the ceiling, and protect from 
water.Base Cover (1 pc.) 
Order No. PNZC2HCM527A
Used to secure the camera to 
the ceiling, and protect from 
water.
Inner Cover (1 pc.)
Order No. PNZC1HCM527A
Used to protect the camera from water.Form Strip (1 pc.)
Order No. PQHG10748Z
Used to protect the camera from 
water.Self Bonding tape (1 pc.)
Order No. PSHG1235Z
Used to protect the camera 
from water.
– a PC (see the system requirements in the Important Information document) – a LAN cable (CAT-5 straight cable)
–a router
© Panasonic System Networks Co., Ltd. 2008
PQQX16400YA   KK0608CM1020
Please read this document before using the product, and save this document for future 
reference. Panasonic Network Camera Website: 
http://panasonic.net/pcc/ipcam/
• 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.
•For BB-HCM547: The Mounting Guide explains how to mount or place the 
camera for regular use.• 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.
• The Stand-alone SD Memory Card Recording Guide describes how to 
record images to an SD memory card without using a PC.
• The camera illustrations in this document depict the BB-HCM547.
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. 
						

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Option
You can also connect the camera using the optional Panasonic BB-HCA3A, BB-HCA3CE or BB-HCA3E AC adaptor. The optional AC adaptor includes the
following items.
• The AC adaptor, the AC adaptor cord, and the AC cord are not splash resistant, and are intended for indoor use only. The AC adaptor, the AC adaptor cord, 
and the AC cord must be waterproofed for outside use.
Camera Diagram
Connections
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/ipcam/) for more information.
Connect the camera to your router and the power outlet as described below.
Connect the camera to your PoE hub using a LAN cable (Cat-5 straight cable) as described below.BB-HCA3A: BB-HCM527A/BB-HCM547A
AC Adaptor (1 pc.)
Cord Length: 
About 3 m 
(9 feet 10 inches)AC Cord (1 pc.)
Cord Length: 
About 1.8 m
(5 feet 11 inches)
BB-HCA3CE (2 pin AC cord): BB-HCM527CE/BB-HCM547CE BB-HCA3E (3 pin AC cord): BB-HCM527CE/BB-HCM547CE
AC Adaptor (1 pc.)
Cord Length: 
About 3 m 
(9 feet 10 inches)AC Cord (1 pc.)
Cord Length: 
About 1.8 m
(5 feet 11 inches)AC Adaptor (1 pc.)
Cord Length:
About 3 m
(9 feet 10 inches)AC Cord (1 pc.)
Cord Length: 
About 1.8 m
(5 feet 11 inches)
Front View Rear View Side View
A
B
C
DMicrophone
Indicator*1
Lens
Lens coverE
F
G
H
I
 
J
K
L
MLAN port
VIDEO OUT terminal
AUDIO OUT terminal
MIC terminal
Serial number and MAC address 
label
Safety wire hole
Cable hook
DC IN jack
External I/O interfaceN
O
P
QFUNCTION button/indicator
RESTART button
FACTORY DEFAULT RESET 
button
SD memory card slot
*1 See 1.1 Understanding the Camera Indicator in the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM for indicator meaning.
When connecting the camera using the AC adaptor (Optional)
• If using an AC adaptor, use only the optional Panasonic AC adaptor.
1Connect the LAN cable to the camera and the router.
2Connect the AC adaptor cord to the DC IN jack.
3Connect the AC cord to the AC adaptor, then plug the AC 
cord into the power outlet.
• The lens will pan and tilt when the camera is turned on.
• Confirm that the indicator lights green after about 
1 minute. If the indicator does not light 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.
• When the lens pans or tilts, a sound can be heard from 
the camera. This is normal.
When connecting the camera using PoE (Power over Ethernet) 
1Connect a LAN cable to the camera and to the PoE hub.
• Your PoE hub must be connected to the router. Refer to the operating 
instructions included with the PoE hub for connection instructions.
• The lens will pan and tilt when the camera is turned on.
2Connect a LAN cable to a LAN port of the PoE hub and to a LAN port of the 
router.
• Confirm that the indicator lights green after about 1 minute. If the 
indicator does not light green, see 1.2 Camera Indicator Issues in the 
Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM.
• When the lens pans or tilts, a sound can be heard from the camera. 
This is normal.
• Use a 4-pair UTP/STP cable.
• Do not use a relay connector or a hub between the camera and the PoE 
hub. These devices may disturb the data or electricity transmission.
• If the PoE hub has indicators, the indicator lights as shown in the table 
below.
Indicator Description
LINK
Turns on when the data is transmitted from the camera.
PoETurns on when the electricity is supplied to the camera.
• If the PoE hub is turned off or power supply is temporarily cut off by the disconnection of the LAN cable, it may take time for the PoE hub’s indicators 
to light.
• The indicator display differs depending on manufacturers, refer to the manuals of the PoE hub.
A
B
C
D
L
M K EFGH
IJNO P
Q
To the 
power 
outletLAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable)
Router
PC AC adaptor AC cord
Modem
Internet
Green
PoE hub PoE indicator
LINK indicatorTo the power 
supply
PC Modem
Internet LAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable)
Router
Green 
						

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The camera’s external I/O interface allows you to connect 2 devices (such as sensors, motion detectors, etc.) 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).
The external I/O interface has 6 terminals.
You can connect an external microphone and external speaker to the camera to use the Listen and Talk features, respectively. For information about these 
features, see 1.2.11 Audio Features in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM. You can also connect a TV or other video device (NTSC or PAL format) to the 
camera to monitor or record camera images. Connect the devices as shown below.
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.
Read the following information after setting up the camera according to the procedure described in the Setup Guide.
Connecting External Sensors
Circuit 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.
Terminal Description
GGND terminal.
1External sensor input 1. The camera can be triggered by either an open 
circuit or a GND short-circuit.
GGND terminal.
2External sensor input 2. The camera can be triggered by either an open 
circuit or a GND short-circuit.
3External 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 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 the 
terminal 4.
4DC power output terminal.
• 10.5–13 V DC
• Maximum load drive is 100 mA.
Note
• Do not push strongly on the external I/O interface with the pointed object. 
The external I/O interface may get stuck into the unit, and you may not be 
able to use it. 
Connecting Audio/video Devices
Note
• Analog video output is disabled by default. See 7.5 Controlling the Analog 
Video Output Signal in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM for more 
information.
• If you use an external microphone, excessive cable length or a poor quality 
cable can cause degradation in audio quality.
• The microphone cable should be no longer than 7 m (23 feet).
• Use a speaker with a built-in amplifier. The speaker connects to the camera with a 
stereo audio cable similar to that used by your PC. The output signal is mono.
• Make sure the camera and speaker are turned off when connecting or 
disconnecting the speaker cable, otherwise noise may be heard from the 
speaker.
• The external microphone input does not correspond to a line level. Audio may 
be distorted when the line level is input. Audio distortion will be solved if you 
insert the following circuits. Under no circumstance should high-level audio, 
such as from a speaker, be connected to this input terminal. Doing so is likely 
to damage the camera.
External I/O interface
Light
Door Sensor 1 (Alarm 1) Door Sensor 2 (Alarm 2)Relay Camera
12 V*
2 3 4
G
1
G
*DC 10.5 V–13 V
Speaker cable
(   3.5 mm stereo mini plug)
Microphone cable
(   3.5 mm mini plug)
(   3.5 mm mini plug)
To  T V
To speaker
To microphone Video cable For microphone (Plug-in power +3.3 V)
For speaker (Output impedance 560    line level)
For TV
Camera
Microphone InputAudio Line 
Out Capacitor Resistor
1   F
33 K 
						

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For BB-HCM527: Mounting the Camera
Important Information Regarding Camera Mounting
Please read the following information before mounting the camera. Consult an 
authorized dealer for mounting.
For BB-HCM547: See the Mounting Guide.
Caution
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera on a 
ceiling to prevent the camera from falling.
Note
• The camera is intended for indoor use only and should not be mounted 
outdoors.
• Use screws that are appropriate for the material of ceiling.
• The included screws are for use with wooden ceilings only.
• To ensure that camera images are displayed properly, mount the camera to 
a flat horizontal surface.
• The ceiling mounting cover must be removed in order to insert or remove 
the SD memory card.
• The camera’s MAC address and serial number are printed on the bottom of 
the camera and are needed in order for camera configuration and 
maintenance. Make a note of both of them before mounting the camera.
• Mounting and cabling instructions described in this document follow 
generally accepted guidelines suitable for residential installations. In some 
areas, commercial and industrial installations are regulated by local or state 
ordinances. For such installations, contact your local building department or 
building inspector for more details.
• Camera images can be viewed in relatively dark areas, however, image 
quality decreases when viewing dark images. We recommend using 
supplemental lighting for best results.
• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or halogen light may damage the 
camera’s image sensor. Mount the camera appropriately.
• When mounting the camera, make sure to wrap the AC adaptor cord (if 
used) around the hooks as shown to ensure secure connections.
• Do not directly touch the lens cover. Clean the lens cover with a dry and soft 
cloth if necessary.
Mounting Reference Diagram (Bottom View)
Mounting the Camera
1.Secure the safety wire to the camera using screw B (included) and 
washer B (included).
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera on a 
ceiling to prevent the camera from falling.
2.Secure the ceiling plate to the ceiling using screws A (included).
• You will need to remove the ceiling plate later.
• Make sure there is at least 110 mm (4 5/16 inches) of space, with no 
obstacles, from the center of the plate.
• Do not drive the screws into a soft material. Drive the screws into a 
secure, 25 mm (1 inch) thick area of the ceiling, such as a crossbeam, 
otherwise the camera may fall. If there is no crossbeam, place a board 
on the other side of the ceiling to make sure the camera is securely 
mounted.3.If you plan to run the cables above the ceiling, make a 30 mm 
(1 3/16 inches) hole in the ceiling, as shown. Run all necessary cables 
(AC adaptor, LAN, audio/video, etc.) through the hole.
• Make a φ 30 mm (1 3/16 inches) hole where is 50 mm (1 15/16 inches) 
away from the center in the plate.
4.Loosen the screws slightly, turn the ceiling plate counter-clockwise, then 
remove the ceiling plate.
5.Align the two round protrusions on the camera and the holes on the 
ceiling plate, turn the screws A (included) to attach the ceiling plate firmly, 
and then pass the safety wire through the ceiling plate, as shown. Make 
sure you do not scratch the lens cover when performing this procedure.
6.Connect all necessary cables (AC adaptor, LAN, audio/video, etc.).
7.Secure the ceiling plate to the ceiling again (using the screws A from 
step 2), turn the ceiling plate clockwise, then tighten the screws firmly.
• The camera should be mounted so that the arrow on the ceiling plate 
faces the front of the camera.
8.Pass the safety wire through the ceiling mounting cover as shown. Attach 
the ceiling mounting cover by first aligning the “ ” mark on the camera and 
cover, then turn the cover clockwise until the “ ” mark on the camera and 
the “ ” mark on the cover are aligned as shown.
• Be careful not to nip the cable etc.
• When removing the ceiling mounting cover, move it in the 
counterclockwise direction. Adjust both “ ” and let down the main unit. 
• If you did not make a hole in the ceiling for the cables, remove the tab 
on the ceiling mounting cover and pass the cables through the opening 
as shown. The tab is divided into 3 sections; use a tool to cut and 
remove the sections of the tab as needed depending on the number of 
cables used.
9.Secure the safety wire to the ceiling behind the camera using screw A 
(included) and washer A (included).
• Secure the safety wire to the ceiling about 110 mm (4 5/16 inches) from 
the center of the ceiling plate.
• Do not drive the screw into a soft material. Drive the screw into a 
secure, 25 mm (1 inch) thick area of the ceiling, such as a crossbeam, 
otherwise the camera may fall. If there is no crossbeam, place a board 
on the other side of the ceiling to make sure the camera is securely 
mounted.
When mounting the camera on a concrete or mortar ceiling
1.Place the ceiling plate against the ceiling 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 push them inside the holes with a hammer.
• Mortar ceilings break easily when drilling. Be careful of pieces of mortar 
which may become loose and fall.
3.Mount the camera by following the instructions on this page.
Cable hook
Camera Direction
Ceiling Plate
Necessary Installation 
Range
Hole for wiring cables
50 mm
(1 15/16 inches)30 mm
(1 3/16 inches)
R 110 mm
(4 5/16 inches)
Screw B
(Length: 10 mm [3/8 inches], Body diameter: 2.6 mm [1/8 inches])
Washer B
(Inside diameter: 2.6 mm [1/8 inches])
Safety wire
Safety wire hole
Keep more than 110 mm (4 5/16 inches) 
off the wall or other obstacles. 110 mm
(4 5/16 inches)  Camera direction
Screws A (3 pcs.)
(Length: 20 mm [13/16 inches],
Body diameter: 4.0 mm [3/16 inches])
Hole for cables    30 mm (1 3/16 inches)
50 mm
(1 15/16 inches)
Fit the two holes in place. Screws A (2 pcs.) (Length: 20 mm [13/16 inches],
Body diameter: 4.0 mm [3/16 inches])
Screws A (3 pcs.)(Length: 20 mm [13/16 inches],
Body diameter: 4.0 mm [3/16 inches])
Screw A 
(Length: 20 mm [13/16 inches],
Body diameter: 4.0 mm [3/16 inches]) Washer A (Inside diameter: 4.0 mm [3/16 inches])
Drill for concrete (in case of tile, use a drill for tile)