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Add generic IP camera

This page covers the steps for adding a generic IP camera. For general prerequisites, MFD network setup, and recommended stream settings, see Add camera.

Overview

BRNKL supports video feeds from most IP cameras that provide a stable RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) stream.

BRNKL only supports video streams encoded in H.264. H.265 is not supported.

Not all cameras and encoders fully follow H.264 standards. We cannot guarantee that a camera or encoder will work with BRNKL unless it appears as a supported make and model in our documentation.

Install camera

  1. Mount the camera according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. Connect the camera to the vessel's IP network. Wireless cameras may work, but hardwired Ethernet is recommended for reliability.

  3. Ensure the camera is powered on during configuration.

Prepare camera

Find camera IP address

If BRNKL is connected via USB Ethernet adapter

  1. Open BRNKL Device Manager > Settings > Cameras.

  2. Click + Add Camera.

  3. From Available Cameras, find the camera and make note of its IP address.

If BRNKL is connected via VLAN in a router

  • Check the router's device list for the camera's IP address, or

  • Connect a laptop or smartphone directly to the camera's network and run an IP scanning tool such as LAN Scanner or Advanced IP Scanner.

Log in to the camera

  1. Enter the camera's IP address into a web browser.

  2. Use the manufacturer's default username and password (refer to the camera's manual).

  3. Change the default password if prompted.

Configure stream settings

  1. Navigate to the camera's video or stream settings in its web interface.

  2. Enable or confirm that RTSP streaming is active.

  3. Apply the recommended stream settings — see Add camera for the full list. Stream protocol should be set to RTSP.

Find the camera's RTSP URL — this is usually documented in the camera's user manual or can be found via a quick search. URLs typically follow this format:

rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/stream1

Assign a static IP address

  1. In the camera's web interface, go to Network > Network Setting.

  2. Set IP Type to Static.

  3. Save and apply the settings.

Add camera to BRNKL Device Manager

  1. Open BRNKL Device Manager > Settings > Cameras.

  2. Click + Add Camera, then select + RTSP URL.

  3. Enter the RTSP URL using the format from the camera's documentation.

  4. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., Engine Room, Cockpit) and click Add.

Troubleshooting

  • Camera not streaming video — verify the camera and BRNKL are on the same network or subnet, double-check the RTSP URL format, and try the feed in VLC Media Player using its Open Network Stream tool to confirm the camera is producing video.

  • Video not streaming smoothly — reduce the bitrate in the camera settings, and use wired Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi where possible.