ashtech MobileMapper 10 User manual

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MobileMapper 10
Getting Started Guide

Table of Contents
First-Time Use .................................................................................... 1
Unpacking ..................................................................................... 1
Inserting the Battery Into the Receiver.............................................. 1
Turning the Receiver On.................................................................. 2
Using the AC Adapter to Charge the Battery ...................................... 3
Adjusting Backlight Level and Idle Time ........................................... 4
Power Management......................................................................... 4
Setting Time & Date ....................................................................... 5
Regional Settings ........................................................................... 5
Locking the Screen and the Keypad.................................................. 5
How to Hold the Receiver ................................................................ 6
Using the Quick Toolbar .................................................................. 6
Switching the Receiver Manually to Suspend Mode............................ 7
Turning the Receiver Off ................................................................. 7
Receiver Description............................................................................ 8
Front View ..................................................................................... 8
Power Key .................................................................................. 8
Windows key............................................................................... 8
Display Screen............................................................................ 8
Scroll / Enter keys ....................................................................... 8
Function keys ............................................................................. 8
Microphone ................................................................................ 9
Built-in GPS Antenna .................................................................. 9
Earpiece..................................................................................... 9
Rear View ...................................................................................... 9
External GPS Antenna Input......................................................... 9
Loudspeaker ............................................................................... 9
Camera Lens............................................................................... 9
Back Strap ................................................................................. 9
Battery Compartment ................................................................ 10
Bottom View................................................................................. 10
GNSS Toolbox................................................................................... 11
GNSS Settings ............................................................................. 11
GNSS Status................................................................................ 11
Reset .......................................................................................... 12
About .......................................................................................... 12
Advanced Features ............................................................................ 13
Power Modes................................................................................ 13
Internal Battery ............................................................................ 13
Monitoring the Battery Discharging Status ................................... 13
Battery Charging Scenarios ........................................................ 14
Using the Camera ......................................................................... 15
Taking a Picture........................................................................ 15
Renaming a Picture................................................................... 15
Rotating a Picture ..................................................................... 15

Cropping a Picture..................................................................... 15
Auto-correcting a Picture ........................................................... 16
Deleting a Picture ..................................................................... 16
Changing Picture Settings .......................................................... 16
Making a Video............................................................................. 16
Setting the Duration of a Video Film............................................ 16
Starting a Video ........................................................................ 17
Ending a Video.......................................................................... 17
Playing Back a Video ................................................................. 17
Renaming a Video ..................................................................... 18
Deleting a Video........................................................................ 18
Voice Setting................................................................................18
Platform Specifications ...................................................................... 19
GNSS Characteristics .................................................................... 19
Accuracy Specifications ................................................................ 19
Processor ..................................................................................... 19
Operating System ......................................................................... 19
Communication ............................................................................ 19
Physical Characteristics................................................................. 20
User Interface .............................................................................. 20
Memory ...................................................................................... 20
Environmental Characteristics ........................................................ 20
Power Requirements ..................................................................... 20
Multimedia & Sensors ................................................................... 20
Standard Accessories .................................................................... 20

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First-Time Use
Unpacking Open the receiver box and unpack the following items:
• Receiver
• Battery
• Universal AC adapter
•USBcable
• Back strap
•Lanyard
•Stylus
Inserting the
Battery Into the
Receiver
Follow the instructions below:
• Turn over the receiver.
• Using a coin, rotate the two screws to open the trap door:
turn the left-hand one clockwise by a quarter turn, and the
right-hand one anticlockwise, also by a quarter turn.
• Pull the trap door open.
• Insert the battery as shown. Orientate the battery so that
its electric contacts can come into contact with those in
the battery compartment. Insert the upper part of the
battery first, as shown, then push the battery in.
• Put the trap door back into place by first inserting the two
lugs located at the bottom of the trap door.

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• Then push the door against the receiver case and rotate
the two screws back in their initial positions to seal the
battery compartment.
Turning the
Receiver On
• Press the Power key [1] for a couple of seconds until you
feel a vibration in your hand, then release the key.
Let the receiver run its boot sequence. Wait until the
screen displays the Windows Mobile Home screen.
The operating system used in the receiver is Microsoft
Windows Mobile Professional version 6.5. For more
information on how to use the different applications, you
can visit the Microsoft web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/help/v6-5/
Basics.aspx
Depending on how long your product was stored in its
package before being shipped to you, the remaining power in
the battery may be too low to allow the receiver to operate for
your entire working session. For this reason, the first thing to
do is to check the battery charge status:
• Press the Windows key [2]
• Using the stylus or your finger, tap successively on the
following function icons on the screen: Settings, System
and Power (you need to drag the stylus upward on the
screen to scroll down to the Power icon
• The Power function shows the status of the battery. If the
remaining power is greater than 50%, then you can use
the receiver without having to charge the battery first (with
50% of remaining charge, you can use the receiver for
several hours). Skip the next section and go to Adjusting
Backlight Level and Idle Time on page 4.
If it less, Ashtech recommends you first charge the battery
as explained in Using the AC Adapter to Charge the
Battery on page 3.
[1]
[1]
[2]
[2]

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Using the AC
Adapter to Charge
the Battery
Follow the instructions below.
• Prepare the AC adapter:
– Remove the protective cover [1] by pushing the button
then sliding the cover forward.
– Choose the plug that fits your country’s AC outlet
standard (see [2]) and slide it into the AC adapter [3}.
(A “click” must be heard when fully inserted.)
• Take the USB cable provided [4]. Connect the end fitted
with a standard USB connector to the AC adapter.
Connect the other end (fitted with a mini-USB connector)
to the bottom side of the receiver (open the flap [5] first).
• Connect the AC adapter to an electric outlet. The receiver
screen lights up and an icon shows up indicating that the
battery is being charged.
• Let the AC adapter charge the battery. To read the battery
charging status, refer to the instructions in Turning the
Receiver On on page 2. You may not wait until the battery
is fully charged if you are in a rush, but you should make
[1] [2] [3]
[4]
[4]
[4]
[3][3]
[5]

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sure the battery charge status is at least 50% before
taking your receiver for a field job.
• When you are done with the charging of the battery,
disconnect the USB cable from the receiver, put the AC
adapter safe away and proceed to the next step.
Adjusting
Backlight Level
and Idle Time
Backlight Level: The screen backlight may be adjusted to
match the ambient light for optimized visibility. You don’t
need the same level of screen backlight in dark areas than in
hot sun.
Backlight Idle Time: One way of saving the battery is to avoid
those periods of time during which the screen backlight is
unnecessarily on. As the receiver automatically counts the
time during which neither the keypad nor the touch screen is
active, you can set the receiver to turn off the backlight
automatically after a certain idle time.
Follow the instructions below to set these two parameters:
• Press the Windows key and tap successively on Settings,
System and Backlight.
• Tap on the Battery Power tab.
• Drag the cursor to the right or left to set the screen
backlight to the desired level (between Dark and Bright).
The resulting brightness is obtained when you release the
cursor.
• Tick the Turn off backlight if device... check box and then
choose the idle time before the backlight is turned off
(10 seconds, 30 seconds or 1 to 5 minutes)
Note that the backlight level and idle time can be set to
different values for when the receiver is operated from an
external power source instead of its internal battery. You
can make these settings after tapping on the External
Power tab.
•TapOK to save all your changes and return to the previous
screen.
Power
Management
A better way of saving the battery is to allow the receiver to
switch automatically to Suspend mode after a certain period
of inactivity.

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• Press the Windows key and tap successively on Settings,
System and Power.
• Tap on the Advanced tab. This tab allows you to ask for the
receiver to switch automatically to Suspend mode if it
stays idle for the period of time you choose. You may
choose a different setting depending on whether the
receiver is powered from the internal battery or from an
external power source.
•TapOK to save the settings and return to the previous
screen.
Setting Time & Date
• Press the Windows key and tap successively on
Settings,and Clock & Alarms.
•OntheTime tab, select your time zone and then enter the
local date and time.
•TapOK to save your settings.
Regional Settings
It’s a good idea to customize your receiver so that it complies
with a number of local preferences, such as country’s
currency, decimal point representation, time and date
formats, etc.
• Press the Windows key and tap successively on Settings,
System and Regional Settings.
•OntheRegion tab, select your country.
• Use the other tabs to set your local settings:
– Number format
– Currency choice
– Time and date formats
•TapOK to save the settings and return to the Today screen.
Locking the
Screen and the
Keypad
At some stage in your work, you may need to lock the receiver
to make sure no user intervention from the screen or keypad
can affect the work in progress.
• Press the Windows key.

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• In the task bar at the bottom of the screen, tap on the
padlock icon (see screen below). As a result, the touch
screen and keypad are made inactive.
• To unlock the touch screen and keypad, just drag the on-
screen slide button either to the left or right. This will take
you back to the Home screen.
How to Hold the
Receiver
Tracking satellites with your receiver requires that you use the
receiver outdoor and hold it in an appropriate manner.
The receiver will have the best view of the sky when you hold
it at an angle of around 45 degrees from horizontal and not
too close to your body.
You can check that your receiver is tracking enough satellites
by running the GNSS Toolbox, and more particularly the
GNSS Status function (see GNSS Status on page 11). When
enough satellites are tracked, you can start using your
receiver and run your application software.
Using the Quick
Toolbar
Windows Mobile offers a quick toolbar allowing you to quickly
access frequently used functions (zoom, connectivity, phone,
sound volume, battery power and clock).
• Tap on the title bar at the top of the screen. The quick
toolbar appears just underneath.
• Run the desired function by just tapping on the
corresponding icon. This runs the requested function and
simultaneously closes the quick toolbar.
The zoom function enlarges the screen content, which
means only part of the screen is shown at a time, and so

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you should drag the stylus over the screen to scroll through
the whole data displayed.
To return to 1:1 zoom, just tap on the title bar again to re-
open the quick toolbar, and then tap on the zoom function
again.
Switching the
Receiver Manually
to Suspend Mode
Switching the receiver to Suspend mode is the right thing to
do when you need to make a short pause in your work and you
want to save the operating time of your battery.
In Suspend mode, the receiver uses a minimum of energy:
the screen content and backlight is off. The receiver however
continues to track satellites and the use context is saved.
To switch to Suspend mode, just press briefly on the Power
button [1]. The receiver screen is turned off instantly.
To wake up the receiver, just press briefly the same button
again. This will instantly switch the screen back on and
restore the use context in which the receiver was before
entering the Suspend mode.
Turning the
Receiver Off
After you have finished your work, turn off your receiver by
holding the Power button [1] pressed until a Warning
message is displayed on the screen asking you to confirm the
power-off request. Tap Yes. The receiver will shut down in the
next couple of seconds after a duo-tone sound has been
heard.

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Receiver Description
Front View Power Key
Use the Power key [1] to turn on or off the receiver.
To turn on the receiver, press the Power key [1] until you can
feel a vibration in your hand, meaning the receiver has started
a power-on procedure. You can then release the key.
To turn off the receiver press the Power key [1] until a sound
is heard and a warning message pops up on the screen asking
you to confirm the power shutdown request. Tap Yes on the
screen. A two-tone sound can then be heard just before the
receiver shuts down.
Windows key
The Windows key [2] is used to give immediate and
unconditional access to the Windows Start menu.
Display Screen
The display screen [3] is a 3.5-inch, QVGA, 256-color (18-bit
RGB) touch screen (240 x 320 pixels).
Scroll / Enter keys
The Enter button [4] is used to accept highlighted input and
initiate various functions.
The Scroll button [5] is the ring around the Enter button. It
is used to move the cursor on the screen, from one data field
to the next on a parameter screen, from one option to another
in a menu, from one geographical location to another on a
map screen.
Function keys
The receiver is fitted with four function keys [6]. The specific
function of each of them is given in the table below.
[8]
[3]
[9]
[1] [7] [4] [5] [2] [6]
Button Function
The keypadincludes twoof these buttons, one on the right, the other
on the left.
Each of them is a convenient alternative to tapping on the functions
appearing just above in the task bar at the bottom of the screen (e.g.
Notifications, Contacts, Menu, Log, etc.).
Use this button to enlarge the map displayed on the screen (zoom in).
Use this button to reduce the map displayed on the screen (zoom out).

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Microphone
A microphone is used by the voice recorder. Keep the small
aperture [7] clear when recording a vocal comment.
Built-in GPS Antenna
The receiver incorporates a built-in GPS antenna [8]. The
receiver should be held properly to optimize satellite
reception.
Earpiece
As a multi-media device, the receiver includes an earpiece
[9], which can be used by any voice-based software
application.
Rear View
External GPS Antenna Input
Use this input [10] to connect an external GPS antenna to the
receiver. When an external antenna is connected, the built-in
GPS antenna is automatically disconnected from the receiver
input.
The antenna input connector is protected by a rubber flap.
Although a waterproof coaxial connector is used, Ashtech
recommends you keep the flap close when no external
antenna is used.
Loudspeaker
As a multi-media device, the receiver includes a high-quality
loudspeaker [11], which can be used by any voice-based
software application.
Camera Lens
Keep the camera lens [12] clear when taking pictures or
recording videos.
Back Strap
The back strap provided may be attached to the back of the
receiver through two threaded holes [13] and [14] and the
two recesses located at the bottom of the receiver (see
Bottom View below).
The back strap may also accommodate the stylus, which can
also be attached to the leather strip of the back strap using
the lanyard provided.
Using the back strap allows you to hold the receiver and the
stylus around your forearm while keeping your hand free for
some other tasks.
[10]
[17]
[12]
[11]
[15] [16]
[13] [14]

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Battery Compartment
The receiver makes use of a rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack.
Loosen the quarter-turn screws [15] [16] using a coin to
access the battery compartment [17]. The two screws use
opposite directions of rotation for opening and closing the
trap door.
The battery compartment can also accommodate a SIM card
[18] and a micro SD card [19].
When putting back the trap door, insert the bottom first, push
the trap door against the back of the receiver and seal the
battery compartment by fully rotating the two screws in the
opposite direction.
Information on battery charging: see ??.
Bottom View
The bottom view provides access to a standard mini-USB
connector [20]. You first need to open the protective rubber
flap [21], using a finger nail or a sharp and rigid tip to pull
the flap from its left-hand side.
The mini-USB port is used to connect the receiver to the AC
adapter, for a fast battery charging cycle, or to a computer for
file transfer through Microsoft ActiveSync. In both cases, you
need to use the USB cable provided.
Information on battery charging: see ??.
The bottom part of the receiver also accommodates a Reset
button [22], which is accessible after you have opened the
rubber flap [21].
The bottom view also shows the two recesses [23] in which
the back strap [24] can be anchored.
[19][18]
[22] [21][20]
[23]
[23]
[24]

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GNSS Toolbox
GNSS Toolbox is used to control and monitor important
functions in your receiver. These are listed and detailed
below.
•GNSS Settings: Constellations and frequencies used in the
receiver.
•GNSS Status: Views GNSS reception monitoring screens.
•Reset: Resets the receiver.
•About: Provides the software version of GNSS Toolbox.
GNSS Settings
•OpentheGNSS Toolbox and tap on GNSS Settings. This
opens a new window where you can make the following
settings:
–Tracking mode: Only the “GPS L1” option is available,
which means the receiver can only operate from the L1
signal of the GPS constellation.
–Use SBAS check box: Check this box to enable SBAS
reception, clear it otherwise.
–Elevation mask: Any satellite seen from the receiver with
an elevation angle less than the specified elevation
mask will be rejected. “5 degrees” is the default and
recommended value for this parameter.
•TapOK to confirm your choices and return to the GNSS
Toolbox window.
GNSS Status •OpentheGNSS Toolbox and tap on GNSS Status.

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The default Position tab shows the latitude, longitude and
altitude of the current position, as computed by the
receiver, as well the number of satellites used and the
current PDOP value.
If SBAS is used, the screen also shows the position status
(DGPS) and the age of corrections.
The unit used to express the current altitude (meters or
feet) depends on the region (language and country) you
selected in Start, Settings, System, Regional Settings.
• The Satellites tab displays a polar diagram showing the
locations in the sky of the tracked satellites. Different
colors are used to display the numbers of the visible
satellites:
– Yellow characters: GPS satellites used
– Grey characters: Visible SBAS satellites. Also rejected
GPS satellites, because unhealthy or under the
elevation mask.
• The Signal tab shows the signal level for each of the
tracked satellites:
– Dark blue bars for all GPS satellites used
– Red bars for all SBAS satellites used
– Grey bars for all tracked, but not used, GPS satellites
GPS satellites are numbered from 1 to 32 and SBAS
satellites from 120 to 138.
Reset •OpentheGNSS Toolbox and tap on Reset. A message then
asks you if you want to reset the receiver now. Use this
option only if you think the receiver is not working
properly.
Using this function results in a cold reset of the receiver.
Through a cold reset, all the GNSS settings, including
almanac data, are cleared making it necessary for you to
restore each of them manually. A few minutes are needed
after a cold reset before the receiver is back to work.
Using the Reset function is recommended when only the
GNSS Toolbox (and not other field software) is running on
the platform.
About This function provides the software version of GNSS Toolbox,
followed by the Ashtech legal line.

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Advanced Features
Power Modes The receiver has three power modes:
•Shutdown: The receiver is off.
•On: The receiver is fully powered
•Suspend: In this mode, the screen content and backlight
are turned off to save power. Satellite reception is
maintained and the use context is saved. When quitting
the Suspend mode, the use context is restored instantly.
Typically this mode is used in the field to allow a quick
restart after a pause.
The receiver can also enter the Suspend mode
automatically in case of a very low battery after dismissing
successively the two “low battery” alerts, or after an idle
time that you can set through a press on the Windows key,
and selecting Settings, Power( Advancedtab) (See also Power
Management on page 4).
Internal Battery Monitoring the Battery Discharging Status
The receiver will continuously inform you of the current status
of the battery through an icon located in the Windows Mobile
title bar (on the right). The different shapes of this icon
indicate the current discharging status, as listed below:
At any time you can read more in detail the battery status by
pressing the Windows key and then selecting Settings, System,
Power (see screen example).
When the remaining power drops below 10% of full charge
(orange area), you will see the message “Main Battery Low”
prompting you to replace or recharge the battery. Tap Dismiss
in the task bar. You should consider replacing the battery for
Icon Meaning
Battery high: Remaining power ranges between approximately 75
and 100% of full charge.
Approx. 50-75% remaining
Approx 25-50% remaining
Approx. 10-25% remaining
Battery low: Remaining power is less than 5%.
Receiver powered from external source (AC adapter, computer via
USB line)

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a fresh one but you may still continue to use the receiver for
a while.
With only about 5% of remaining power (red area), a new
message will pop up: “Main Battery Very Low”. Tap Dismiss in
the task bar to continue using the receiver. Ashtech however
recommends that you turn off the receiver and replace the
battery.
With only about 1% of remaining power, the receiver will
switch off, meaning the battery is no longer charged enough
to ensure proper operation of the receiver. Ashtech
recommends you do not go that far in the use of the internal
battery as there is a risk of losing part of your field data.
In case of long-time storage, remember Li-Ion batteries must
always be recharged regularly, about every six months. This is
to prevent irreversible damage of the batteries.
Battery Charging Scenarios
The battery can be be charged in two different ways:
• From the power line, through the AC adapter and USB
cable provided. This configuration offers fast battery
charging, with around 700 mA of DC charging current.
• From an office computer connected to the receiver
through a USB line, using the same USB cable provided.
According to the USB 2.0 specification, the DC current
delivered will be limited to 500 mA, which means it will
take longer to charge the battery from a computer’s USB
port than from the AC adapter.
You can ask the receiver not to allow the charging of the
battery through the USB port when this port is connected
to a computer. To do this:
– Press the Windows key
– Select Settings, System,Power
– Clear the option: When equipment opens and links to PC,
do not carry out battery charging
–TapOK.

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Using the Camera Taking a Picture
• Press the Windows key and tap Pictures & Videos. This
opens the “My Pictures” folder in which you can see the
list of existing images and videos. The first item in the list
is the Camera, the tool you will now be using to take
pictures. The light-blue background means the camera is
currently selected.
•TapCamera, or press the Enter button, to turn on the
camera. Wait a couple of seconds until the center of the
window displays the viewfinder of the camera.
• Now use the receiver as a camera. Look at the viewfinder
to frame the picture you want to take.
• When you are ready, stay as still as possible and press the
Enter button to take the picture. When you hear the click
of the camera, stay still for another two seconds until the
screen displays the picture you have just taken.
•TapOK to come back to the viewfinder, then tap anywhere
on the screen to re-activate the task bar a the bottom of
the screen.
•TapOK to turn off the camera and close the window. The
picture you have taken is now visible in the “My Pictures”
folder.
Renaming a Picture
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap on the desired
picture. This opens a new window showing the picture.
•TapMenu and Properties.
• Rename the file and tap OK.
Rotating a Picture
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap on the desired
picture (or tap on View in the task bar). This opens a new
window showing the picture.
•TapMenu and Edit.
•TapRotate in the task bar. This rotates the image 90°
clockwise. Repeat the operation until the image has the
right orientation.
•TapOK to save the image.
Cropping a Picture
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap on the desired
picture (or tap on View in the task bar). This opens a new
window showing the picture.

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•TapMenu and Edit.
•TapMenu again and select Crop.
• As instructed, drag a rectangle on the picture representing
what the final image should be like, then tap inside the
rectangle to complete the crop operation. If you’re not
happy with the result, you can always come back to the
initial image by selecting Menu and Revert to Saved.
•TapOK to save the picture.
Auto-correcting a Picture
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap on the desired
picture (or tap on View in the task bar). This opens a new
window showing the picture.
•TapMenu and Edit.
•TapMenu again and select Auto Correct. This refines the
picture’s brightness, contrast and colors.
•TapOK to save the picture.
Deleting a Picture
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap and hold the
desired picture.
• Select Delete in the context-sensitive menu.
•TapYes to confirm file deletion.
Changing Picture Settings
• Press the Windows key and tap Pictures & Videos. This
opens the “My Pictures” folder.
•TapCamera to turn on the camera. Wait a couple of
seconds until the center of the window displays the
viewfinder of the camera.
• Tap on the screen to re-activate the task bar, tap Menu,
then Resolution. Choose one of the dimensions available
(expressed in pixels). The resolution setting impacts the
quality and size of the picture you take.
•TapMenu, then Mode. Choose between Normal (one picture
taken), Burst (five pictures taken at a one-second interval
once you have pressed Enter) and Timer (picture taken 5
seconds after pressing Enter).
Making a Video Setting the Duration of a Video Film
• Press the Windows key and tap Pictures & Videos. This
opens the “My Pictures” folder in which you can see the
list of existing images and videos.
•TapMenu, Tools and then Options.

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• Tap on the Video tab.
• Tap within the Time limit for videos. field and select one of
the options below:
–No limit: Choose this option to be able to film a video
over an unlimited period of time.
–15 seconds: Choose this option to limit the duration of
every video you’ll film to 15 seconds.
–30 seconds: Choose this option to limit the duration of
every video you’ll film to 30 seconds.
•TapOK to accept the changes and close the Options
window.
Starting a Video
•TapCamera to turn on the camera. Wait a couple of
seconds until the center of the window displays the
viewfinder of the camera.
• When you are ready to film, tap Menu and then Video.
• Press the Enter button to start filming.
Ending a Video
• Depending on the video settings, the video camera will
stop filming as explained below:
– With a preset time limit (15 or 30 seconds), the video
camera will stop filming automatically and close the
video file after this time has elapsed. A down counter
under the viewfinder will keep you informed of the
remaining time as you film.
– With no time limit, the video camera will film
indefinitely. A counter under the viewfinder will tell
you the current duration of the video. To stop filming
and close the video file, press the Enter button again.
• At the end of the video shooting, the viewfinder freezes
while the end of the video is being processed.
• When the spinning hourglass disappears, tap OK to turn
off the camera and close the window. The video file you
have created is now listed in the “My Pictures” folder.
Playing Back a Video
• With the “My Pictures” folder open, tap on the desired
video file. This will automatically launch the Windows
Media player.
• Tap to close Windows Media player and return to the
“My Pictures” folder.