AI Multicam Hub Installation Guide

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Written by Cynthia F.
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Requires one of the following licenses:

HW-MC-AIM4

The AI Multicam Hub (HW-MC-AIM4) is a complete camera visibility solution that detects risks around the vehicle, alerts drivers instantly, and accelerates incident resolution. It has four independent camera inputs with optional audio in addition to monitor support, making it an ideal solution for diverse 360 applications and use cases.

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Follow the steps below to complete a successful installation.

What You'll Need

Qty

Description

1

AI Multicam Hub

1

AI Multicam cable

2

Long cable ties for device mounting

4

Self-drilling screws (7mm head) for mounting

Additional Tools and Supplies Needed

  • T8 screwdriver

  • Wire strippers

  • Terminal crimper

  • Diagonal cutters

  • 7mm socket or nutdriver

  • Cable ties and wire loom

  • Multimeter

  • Splices, fuse taps, or other vehicle-compatible terminals

Install the AI Multicam Hub

  1. Prepare the vehicle and activate your AI Multicam Hub.

    1. Ensure your Vehicle Gateway (VG) is installed and activated, and activate the AI Multicam Hub.

      Follow the guided instructions in the Samsara Fleet App to complete activation, or go to cloud.samsara.com/activate or the regional Samsara cloud URL assigned to your organization (such as cloud.ca.samsara.com/activate or cloud.eu.samsara.com/activate).

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    2. Disconnect the vehicle battery before continuing with the installation.

  2. (Optional) Insert the Micro SD card.

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    Note

    The Micro SD card is not required for normal operation as the VG already has built-in persistent storage for video footage. However, adding a Micro SD card can enhance storage capacity in specific use cases, such as:

    • Prolonged operation without a network connection (for example vehicles out of coverage for extended periods)

    • Providing an extended local buffer before footage syncs to the cloud

    • Supporting retrieval of longer or higher-quality incident footage (for example for in-depth safety investigations or insurance claims)

    1. Open the SD card door on the device using a Torx T8 driver and insert the micro-SD card.

    2. Be careful not to lose the screws.

    3. Reinstall the SD card door using the original screws.

    4. Apply screw torque of 3.5 in-lb / 4 kgf-cm to properly seat and reinstall the O-ring when reinstalling the SD card door.

    Note

    If the micro SD card is not detected or cannot be formatted, double-check that it is a supported model. Avoid using consumer-grade cards not built for continuous write workloads or extreme temperature environments.

  3. Assign camera roles and verify trigger wire setup.

    For more information, see Set up Camera Roles for the AI Multicam Hub.

  4. Mount the AI Multicam Hub securely in the vehicle.

    1. Choose an installation location to install the AI Multicam Hub such as under a seat or behind the dash, away from light, heat, and water.

      Note

      The AI Multicam Hub is a water-resistant device. It can be installed outside of the sealed cab of the vehicle if required, although Samsara recommends installing away from sources of direct high-pressure water spray or areas exposed to harsh chemicals.

    2. To limit the risk of water ingress, install with the connectors facing down if possible.

    3. Secure with provided screws or cable ties. Avoid curved surfaces and face the logo outward.

      Be sure to leave space to access the connectors.

      If you want to use your own fasteners to mount the device, use an M4 or #8 screw.

  5. Connect the 18-pin connector on the AI Multicam cable to the AI Multicam Hub.

    1. Insert and twist-lock the 18-pin cable before connecting power or USB.

    2. Connect the power wire labeled battery 9-36V to an always-on battery power source. For ADR vehicles transporting dangerous goods, route the power wire behind the master battery switch. Use a fuse tap, ring terminal, or other secure means to connect the device to power.

      Warning

      Always connect the 9-36V power wire to an always-on power source such as a battery. Failure to do so will result in unreliable functioning of the AI Multicam device, including but not limited to loss of features such as parking mode and video retrievals.

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    3. Connect the ground wire to a low-resistance ground location in the vehicle.

    4. Plug the USB cable into the Vehicle Gateway.

      Warning

      Do not use a USB extension cable (such as CBL-CM-B3AU). This cable can prevent the Multicam system from functioning properly.

      Graphics_HW-CM-AHD4-9_2025-07-09.png

  6. Connect cameras and an optional monitor.

    1. Connect each 4-pin GX12 camera cable to the matching port.

      Graphics_HW-CM-AHD4-2_2025-06-09.png

    2. Crimp the display power and ground wires to your monitor's power and ground wires, then apply heat to the heat-shrink tubing on the splice.

      The AI Multicam Hub will provide power to the monitor and turn it off when the vehicle is turned off.

    3. Plug in the Display Out cable to your monitor's display input.

  7. Install and wire trigger signals.

    To enable AI features and automatically switch monitor views based on the driver's actions, the AI Multicam Hub must detect specific trigger signals from the vehicle. These signals tell the system when a turn signal, reverse gear, or ignition is active—helping the cameras activate at the right moment and reduce unnecessary alerts.

    1. Identify the trigger wires in your vehicle.

      Example trigger signals include the turn signal power wire for left/right side cameras and reverse light power for backup cameras.

      Important

      AI alerts activate only when the associated trigger is active. Do not tie camera trigger wires to always-on or ignition power, as this may overwhelm the driver with unnecessary alerts.

      Trigger wire color and location can vary by vehicle. Valid signals fall in the 5V–36V range. Use one or more of the following methods to locate them:

      • Consult the vehicle manufacturer.

      • Use the vehicle’s wiring diagram.

      • Inspect the fuse box or electrical distribution box for signal access.

      • Trace wiring from the lights (for example a turn signal or reverse light) to find the source.

    2. Match the trigger wire to the correct camera port.

    3. Splice the trigger wires into the vehicle’s signal wires.

      1. Cut the original wire, and use heat-shrink insulated butt splices to connect the device’s trigger wire to the vehicle’s source.

      2. Secure the splice with cable ties to prevent strain.

      3. Add an inline fuse if appropriate (especially for circuits without existing protection).

    4. (Optional) Connect the ignition trigger.

      This improves AI Multicam boot-up time. If left unconnected, the camera will power on using the VG (Vehicle Gateway) signal instead.

  8. Reconnect power and check LED indicators.

    1. Reconnect the vehicle battery.

    2. Power the vehicle and verify LED behavior on the AI Multicam Hub.

      • Solid green: Powered on and recording

      • Solid red: Powered on, but no cameras detected

      • Blinking red: Rebooting

      • Solid yellow: Powered on, but not connected to a VG

      • Blinking yellow: Powered on, connected to a VG and at least one camera detected, but not recording (including when the vehicle is not on a trip)

  9. (Optional) Finalize the installation in the Samsara Fleet App.

    1. Use the Take Picture tool to validate camera connections.

    2. To test VRU detection with turn signal and reverse inputs, engage turn signals and validate the triggered view switches on the in cab monitor.

Set up Camera Roles for the AI Multicam Hub

Using roles, you can define how AI Multicams are designated based on placement and trigger behavior—before they're installed. This flexibility is especially valuable in environments like school transportation, where interior camera coverage is prioritized differently than in standard fleet configurations. You can configure individual vehicles or apply settings to groups of up to 20 vehicles at a time, directly from the Samsara dashboard. This ensures consistent setup and streamlines pre-installation planning.

Important

This configuration must be done before cameras are physically installed.

  • Samsara Default: Standard factory roles.

  • Org-Specific Default: Custom default settings designed for your fleet type.

  • Custom Vehicle Settings: Tailored per-vehicle roles.

Set Up Multi-Camera Install Configuration for a Single Vehicle

  1. Go to the Overview page in the Samsara dashboard.

  2. Select the vehicle you want to configure.

  3. Click Settings in the top right corner.

  4. Scroll to find the Multi-Camera Install Configuration section.

  5. Redesignate the camera roles based on your planned camera placements and trigger attachments.

    Choose between Samsara default settings, org-specific defaults (for example for K-12 interior use), or fully customized roles.

Apply a Multi-Camera Configuration to Multiple Vehicles

  1. Select the Settings icon ( gear icon ) at the bottom of your Fleet menu to view dashboard settings.

  2. In Devices, select Configuration > Cameras, and then click Edit Individual Vehicles.

  3. Select vehicles you want to edit and then click Edit Settings.

    Note

    The VGs must be installed in the vehicle.

  4. Scroll to find the Multi-Camera Install Configuration section.

  5. Choose between Samsara default settings, org-specific defaults (for example for K-12 interior use), or fully customized roles.

Important Safety and Use Information

This installation guide contains typical information specific to products manufactured at the time of its publication. The contents of this guide do not constitute a warranty and are for reference only. Consult applicable local laws and ordinances to determine any installation restrictions. It is the installer’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws, and ordinances and rights to privacy in your jurisdiction when installing this hardware.

Do not attempt to repair this product, use any third-party replacement parts with this product, or otherwise modify this product, except in accordance with product manuals or as otherwise instructed by Samsara. Failure to do so may cause property damage, lead to physical injury, or void your product warranty.

Any installation not in accordance with the instructions in the installation guide or otherwise in the Documentation or use of this product other than as described by the relevant IP rating or recommended operating conditions may result in unexpected downtime, system failure, physical injury or property damage, including water damage. Failure to follow these directions could result in serious injury or death.

This hardware and any associated software may not be compatible with third party products and/or services and may interfere with the operations of or void warranties for such third party products and/or services.

Do not install or adjust hardware while driving or operating the vehicle. Do not install this hardware in a location that could interfere with the driver’s visibility or operation of vehicle controls. Do not install this hardware on or near airbag panels or within the working range of an airbag. Do not install hardware while the vehicle is unsecured. Do not install hardware while the vehicle is turned on unless instructed to turn on the vehicle by the installation guide. Do not use hardware if seal is damaged.

Do not install this hardware on or near flammable or otherwise hazardous materials. This hardware may burst if placed near flammable or other hazardous materials, creating a risk of fire, burn, shock, or other serious injury.

This product includes capacitors, which may present a potential fire, explosion, electric shock, or burn hazard. Do not touch or come into close proximity to any capacitors within this hardware.

Please always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely, comply with all traffic laws, and observe the road and driving conditions at all times. Do not rely on the product to alert the driver of safety hazards or to prevent collisions. The hardware and associated software may not work as intended depending on road conditions, other vehicles, weather, and other factors.

Keep this hardware between -4°F and 140°F (-20°C and 60°C). Failure to keep this hardware in the specified temperature range may result in safety risks.

Failure to follow mounting instructions may create risk of physical injury or property damage from falling objects. If mounting the hardware to a building wall, check for wiring or plumbing before drilling any holes.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with ISED Canada license-exempt RSS standards. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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This symbol on the product(s) and / or accompanying documents means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery and recycling, please take this product(s) to designated collection points where it will be accepted free of charge.

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