UniFi Surveillance
Setup guide for the UniFi Protect system covering the prize display area.
System Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|
| Console | UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max) |
| Power | UACC-PoE+-USBC adapter |
| Cameras | 1-2 UniFi cameras |
| Network | Wired connection from fairgrounds |
| Remote Access | unifi.ui.com, UniFi app, Protect app |
What You’ll Need
Equipment
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|
| UCG-Max | 1 | Running UniFi Protect |
| UACC-PoE+-USBC | 1 | Powers console, provides 1 PoE port |
| UniFi Camera | 1–2 | PoE via UCG-Max or separate injector |
| PoE Injector | 0–1 | Only needed for 2nd camera |
| UPS / Battery Backup | 1 | Prevents recording gaps during power blips |
| Item | Notes |
|---|
| Mount hardware | Depends on venue mounting options |
Materials / Consumables
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|
| Ethernet cables | 2–3 | For network uplink and cameras |
| Power strip | 1 | For UPS and equipment |
| Extension cord | 1 | If needed for location |
Setup
- Position console near prize booth (secure, ventilated)
- Connect UPS to wall power
- Connect console to UPS and fairgrounds network (Ethernet)
- Mount cameras with view of prize display area
- Camera 1: Ethernet to UCG-Max PoE port
- Camera 2 (if used): Ethernet to PoE injector, injector to UCG-Max LAN
- Verify cameras appear in Protect, set to continuous recording
Remote Access
| Method | Best For |
|---|
| unifi.ui.com | Web browser access |
| UniFi app | Device management |
| Protect app | Live view and playback |
Account Setup
Each person who needs camera access must create a UniFi account and be invited to the console:
- Create a UniFi account at ui.com
- Accept the system invitation from the UCG-Max console admin (sent via email)
- Enable MFA using the UniFi Verify mobile app:
- Install UniFi Verify (iOS) or from Google Play (Android)
- Go to account security settings at ui.com
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Scan the QR code with UniFi Verify
User Accounts
Managed locally on UCG-Max (Google Workspace LDAP not available on Nonprofits plan).
| Group | Access Level |
|---|
it-chairs@hamcation.com | Super Admin |
hamcation-chairs@hamcation.com | View Only |
Create accounts under Settings > Admins & Users before the event. Use View Only for anyone who just needs to watch cameras. Store credentials in 1Password.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|
| Camera offline | Check Ethernet/PoE, power cycle camera |
| Console not accessible | Check UPS, network connection |
| Recording not working | Check storage space, verify recording enabled |
| Poor video quality | Clean lens, adjust settings |