Installation Advice

Mobile surveillance can provide both protection and peace of mind.

Since surveillance has been specially developed for transportation agencies, it has moved beyond basic safety applications. Today mobile surveillance is used for investigation of crime, driver and safety training, liability protection, crime prevention and much more.

Mobile surveillance can be a valuable tool, but like any tool, it is more effective if it is used correctly. Placement of cameras in any vehicle is crucial to its purpose and ultimate performance.

Forward-facing cameras are primarily used to capture traffic and pedestrians in front of the bus. These cameras usually hang from the front bulkhead, but due to bus design, it is sometimes necessary to mount the camera facing up on the dashboard.

As with all camera placements, there are some factors to consider:

a clear view
non-interference with the driver`s field of view
non-interference with opening panels or bus peripherals, such a fans

A clear view can usually be obtained when the camera is placed close to the windshield, away from the side and resting wiper blades; however, the camera should be in the wiper field. If a driver requires the wipers to see, so will a camera.

The camera lens will determine the camera`s field of view: Seon typically recommends a 3.6 mm with this application. As a rule of thumb, traffic lights and pedestrians should be visible when stopped at an intersection.

Rear-facing cameras are used to capture what is happening on the bus. Camera locations for a rear facing camera will depend on how many cameras you have chosen for your system.

If there is only one, and a 6 mm lens is being used, Seon recommends that it is mounted high to capture as much of the forward seating area as possible. If a mid-cabin camera is to be used in conjunction with the front, then a longer lens can be used for greater flexibility. If the rear-facing camera is mounted to the front bulkhead, it should not be placed so that any of the bulkhead blocks its view.

Factors to consider:

Some unions do not permit drivers` faces to be recorded, so Seon recommends a test subject sit in the driver`s seat while determining location and adjustment.
Signs in most buses are standard; in the case of transit vehicles, illuminated scrolling and even LCD signs are becoming more popular.
If you choose to mount a camera to a bulkhead behind the driver, make sure rear passengers can still see these signs clearly. You don`t want to create a situation where a passenger misses a stop due to a blocked sign.

Front-entrance cameras are typically a short lens camera placed above the driver to capture people`s faces as they enter the bus. Aside from the rear-facing camera, the most popular camera for both transit and school bus is the front-entrance camera. It is also placed to capture any incidents of interference with the operator.

Factors to consider:

If a precise view is required, Seon recommends mounting the camera when the system is operational, and the location can be viewed on a monitor.
Some establishments require a view over the driver`s shoulder, catching the driver`s right arm but not the driver`s face, while still having a clear view of the door.
If obtaining a precise view is determined to be too challenging with a wedge-style camera, Seon recommends going to our dome style, which can adjust to a more precise field of view.

Infrared illuminators are a popular partner for a front-entrance camera as a tool to help it to see in low-light conditions. Seon recommends that if a stand-alone illuminator is used, it be adjusted at night for optimum performance. Never place an IR illuminator shining directly into a camera lens, as it may overexpose the image.

Mid-doors - public transit vehicles typically have mid-doors, which in the past were usually used to offload only. However, with the introduction of fare-paid bus shelters, it has become more common to use these doors as an entrance. Since it is impossible for the driver to have a clear view of a passenger stepping on or off, having a camera on these doors has become very important.

The best location to mount this camera will depend on individual needs.

Factors to consider:

If only the door is required, then the camera could be fitted with a 3.6 mm lens and mounted directly in front of the door.
If a door and rear seating section is required, Seon recommends moving to a 2.9 mm lens and mounting the camera off center.
There are occasions where buses are equipped with luggage racks that greatly impede the camera view. In these cases, Seon recommends a dome camera mounted to the ceiling.

Exterior cameras can serve two functions: they can capture people approaching or leaving the bus, and they can capture traffic to the side of the bus. Owners who decide on one exterior camera seem to prefer a camera mounted above the front-entrance door and angled to capture the side door as well. This setup can be very beneficial in fighting liability complaints. This camera is usually requested with a narrow lens, but it can be shortened depending on bus length. Mounting this camera requires a little effort due to the fact that holes will be drilled into the bus.

Factors to consider:

Water can intrude into any unsealed holes, so it is crucial that everything be sealed. Seon recommends that an outdoor silicone be used to fill all holes before screws are set to mount the camera.
After the final camera adjustment, it is recommended that a thin bead of silicone be used around any joined surfaces of the camera, including where it is mounted. This will ensure a tight seal and long-term reliable operation.

Digital Video Recorder locations

There is no standard requirement as to where a DVR lockbox housing can be mounted. It will vary with each customer. It is important to consider accessibility and protection from interference. There are some basic rules that are strongly suggested.
Lockboxes, where possible, should be kept away from passenger areas. Although they are steel and very strong, they are not infallible. Despite their strength, they should never be kicked or walked on. Lockboxes also have a key cylinder that could be vandalized.

Standard lockboxes are vented on the sides for cooling, so they are not waterproof. The majority of bus owners wash bus floors with a hose; therefore, it is not recommended to have a DVR where this takes place.

Another reason to avoid the passenger compartment is the DVR cables that protrude from the box. Any cord, cable or wire can be vandalized if not protected. If a lockbox has to be placed in a passenger compartment, it is recommended to run any exposed cable through Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) or equivalent.

The preferred placement for any installation is inside a cabinet, but this is not always possible. There are other options, such as behind the driver or under the driver's seat, and there may be room behind a panel or bulkhead.

Other factors to consider:

• Wherever you choose to mount the DVRs, avoid mounting over heating ducts, and remember to mount solidly either vertically (like a toaster) or flat (like a VCR).

• Serviceability is another consideration when planning an installation. It is most likely that a lockbox will only be opened to retrieve a hard drive or cassette. In the event the unit requires factory service, the unit will have to slide out of the box, and you will need enough room to do so. Avoid mounting other equipment in this path, as it will need to be removed to access the DVR.

Seon is always able to provide specific advice for your individual situation. The knowledge our sales staff and installation affiliates can be an invaluable resource when designing your system. Whether working with you during the order stage or during an on-site installation, Seon will help you create the best system to meet your mobile surveillance needs.