Purpose
This article outlines the steps to install the VR25 CV (Cooler Vision) Express Kit onto an existing cooler.
The VR25 is the version of the CV Express that's used in Mexico.
In this article you will:
- Mount the VR25 CV Express kit to the cooler.
- Ensure proper wiring/camera placement.
- Install/ensure proper functionality of the locking system.
- Ensure proper wiring/functionality of the router.
- Apply the QR code.
- Initialize the system, and ensure overall system functionality.
Process
The VR25 CV Express kit includes the mounting housing plate with a pre-installed PC and router, four cameras, and a lock system. The installation of this kit will take about 60 to 90 minutes.
Before heading to the installation site, please review the contents of the kit and the necessary tools listed in the Tools section.
If the local network is to be used at a location, please provide the location's local IT with the Network Requirements to ensure that no ports are blocked.
For any further questions regarding set up outside of installation please refer to the article, CV Express - Operator Guide.
Tools Provided
Tools Not Provided
Preliminary Steps
Removing Screws from Housing
- Remove the two flat-head screws located at the bottom of the housing, using a flat head screwdriver.
Removing Housing Lid
- Slide the lid away from the flat head screw holes and then lift to remove it. The PC and router should now be exposed along with other components.
- Set the lid and screws aside for reinstallation later.
Installing the Mounting Plate
Position the Plate
- Place the mounting plate on the top-left corner at the back of the cooler when facing it.
- Align the mounting plate so that the flanges (bent edges) on the top and left side sit flush against the cooler’s surface. This ensures a secure and level installation.
Secure the Plate
- Using a drill with a Phillips head bit and the included (#10) self-drilling screws, secure the plate in place. 2 screws will be on each side of the mounting plate.
- Ensure the plate is firmly fixed and level and that all screws on each side are properly installed for optimal stability.
Using the Correct Passthrough Hole Location
Identify Cable Passthrough
Caution: Measure the passthrough hole on the mounting plate and its position inside the cooler to avoid damage. Some coolers may have three layers to drill through.
Since the evaporator unit is at the top, use the lower hole on the mounting plate, and account for any channels, lighting, or wires.
Drill the Passthrough Hole
- Remove any shelving or obstructions before drilling to avoid damage. Ensure to use the appropriate PPE (i.e. safety glasses) before drilling.
- Drill through the selected hole location, using the step drill bit and extension. Be sure to drill through all walls of the cooler.
- Remove debris from the bottom of the cooler after drilling.
- Use a filing tool to smooth out any sharp edges around the newly drilled hole. This precaution will help avoid injuries and protect any cables that are threaded through.
Installing Cameras Inside the Cooler
Assessing the Cooler
- To install the two cameras in the upper corners, replacing the mounting brackets is required. The kit should come with two optional brackets along with a drill template.
- Begin by removing the two screws from 2 of the cameras. This will enable the detach of the mounting bracket. Set the screws aside to install the new bracket.
- Align the included optional bracket with the screw holes, ensuring a proper fit, and secure it using both original screws.
- Begin by using the drill template to insert two screws in each corner of the inside wall of the cooler. Be careful not to drill the screws all the way in; this will create space for the camera to slide into the new bracket's mounting points. Once the camera is positioned correctly, tighten the screws as necessary.
Positioning the Cameras
- Ensure there is enough clearance between camera and shelving. After checking for clearance remove shelving for installation as needed.
- Install one camera in each corner inside the cooler with cables facing the back.
- Ensure the bottom cameras have at least 3 inches of clearance from bottom shelving.
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Position each camera as close to the door opening as possible without obstructing the door from closing.
Securing the Cameras
- Secure the cameras using a drill and the included screws. Ensure they are flush in the corners. There should be 4 screws per camera.
- Confirm each camera is firmly in place and properly aligned.
Routing Camera USB Cables
Route, Secure, and Adjust Cables Along Cooler Edges
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Route the USB cable along the corners and edges of the cooler. Each camera will need to be done individually.
- Use the corners as a guide to keep the cables aligned along the vertical and horizontal edges.
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Secure each cable in place using cable clips as it is routed. Fasten the clips along the edges, ensuring the cables remain tidy and fixed in position.
- Gradually adjust the slack by pulling the cables taut along the edges.
- Ensure the cables are snug and aligned with the cooler’s corners for a clean appearance.
- Remove any leftover slack by gently pulling the cables through the back of the cooler.
Feed Cables through Passthrough Hole
- Feed all camera USB cables through the drilled hole, from the inside of the cooler to the outside.
- Straighten cables to avoid knots.
Connecting Camera USBs to PC
Connect USB Cables
- Plug all camera USB cables into the PC USB ports inside the housing.
- Ensure each connection is secure and fully inserted.
Bundle and Organize Cables
- Gather all cables together to remove slack and organize them neatly.
- Zip tie the cables into a bundle.
- Feed a zip tie through the loop hole on the mounting plate and secure the bundle in place.
Seal the Passthrough Hole
- Roll approximately half of the HVAC putty into a cylinder shape.
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Insert and pack the putty into the passthrough hole, ensuring a tight seal. Putty will self dry when exposed to the air.
Installing the Locking Mechanism
Installing the Striker
Measure and Mark Location
- Measure the total length of the cooler’s door to find its midpoint. Adjust striker based on the door’s handle placement as needed (ex: below or above handle).
- Mark or note the midpoint on the opening side of the cooler’s door—this is where the striker will be installed.
Attach the Striker Bracket
- Level and align the striker bracket on the door where previously marked.
Since the cooler door and the cooler are not the same width, a required shim is included to make up for the width difference.. The shim should be installed underneath the bracket.
- Secure the striker bracket on the door using the self-drilling screws that came with the lock body and a drill with a Philips bit. The bracket should be almost flush with the inside of the door’s edge, giving a little space for the bracket cover to be installed.
Install Bracket Cover
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Place the bracket cover over the striker bracket and hand tighten the included screws to secure. The two screw holes on the cover should align with the two screw holes on the bracket.
- The bracket cover that's installed with the shim will look like the image below:
Installing the Latch
Prepare the Latch
- Remove the cover plate from the latch start by gently lifting it off.
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If there are push pins, remove those first. The screws taped to the lock housing, will be used to reattach the cover plate using the holes once installed.
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Open the jaws of the latch using the flip/latch mechanism.
Align and Install the Latch
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Align the latch with the striker and push it in place. The jaws should latch on to the striker once aligned and pushed into place.
- Use the included leveler to ensure proper alignment.
Secure the Latch
- Secure the latch using 4 of the included self-drilling screws into the holes on the sides of the plate.
- Test the latch and lock by closing the door as if it was in use. If the alignment and leveling are satisfactory, proceed to the next step.
- Add a 5th self-drilling screw in the middle for additional stability (this spot does not have a pre-drilled hole).
Connect Power and USB
- Plug in the USB and power cables into the lock housing.
- Confirm the cables are securely seated and connected.
Attach the Cover
- Use the supplied screws to attach the cover to the lock housing. There are 2 holes on each side of the housing.
Installing the Cable Cover
Measure and Cut Cable Cover
- Measure the length required for the cable cover along the side of the cooler.
- Cut the cable cover to the appropriate length.
Route and Secure Cables
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Open the channel clip of the cable cover.
- Route the cables inside the channel.
- Remove the adhesive tape backing from the cable cover.
- Level the cable cover along the side of the cooler for a straight alignment.
- Press the cable cover firmly against the cooler to adhere it.
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Close the channel clip to secure the cables inside the cover.
Router
The VR25 CV Express kit uses the Teltonika router. The router will be mounted inside the CVE Box.
If using a hardwired connection for internet connectivity, then connect the ethernet to the router by plugging it into the WAN port.
Position the Dome Antenna atop the cooler and securely hand-tighten the two coax aux antenna connectors to their corresponding Mobile OR Cellular Antenna connectors on the router.
Final Steps
Apply the QR code
For instructions on printing and applying the QR code template, please reference the article CV Express - Operator Guide.
Clean and Close Up
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Plug power in and give everything a few minutes to power up.
- Test QR and ensure everything is working properly.
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All wires and cables entering the CVE Box must be routed downward toward the designated notch. This ensures they are not pinched when the cover is closed.
- Align the CVE box plate by positioning the top notches first then slide down. Ensure not cables are pinched all around.
- Secure the plate by screwing in the bottom screws that were previously removed.