Delta-T SLM2 User manual

Self Levelling Mount
Type SLM2

2slm2um1.doc 21/07/00 16:49
User Manual
SLM2-UM-01-1
Notes
Self Levelling Mount User manual Copyright 2000 Delta-T Devices Ltd
SLM2 – UM – 01 – 1 July 00
Author John Wood
Contact
Delta-T Devices Ltd
128 Low Rd, Burwell, Cambridge, CB5 0EJ UK
Tel [phone] (international [phone])

Fax [phone] (international [phone])
Web site: http://www.delta-t.co.uk
e-mail: [email protected]

Features
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Features
The self levelling mount (SLM2) is
intended for use with either a tripod or
a monopod, and is designed to help
keep a camera and fisheye lens
aligned to the horizon and North. This
is necessary for taking hemiphots for
use with Delta-T’s HemiView canopy
analysis software.
The SLM is designed for use with the
Nikon Coolpix 900 series digital
camera with hemispherical lens
attachment,.
For ease of use, the mount is equipped with the following features:-
•Bubble level with adjustable levelling weights
•Compass for North/South alignment, viewable from above or below
•Markers used to align Hemiphots in HemiView, illuminated by camera flashgun
•Lens protective cover
Fig 1. SLM2 with Lens/inner gimbals cover removed
Bubble Level
Compass
Alignment
markers
Inner gimbal
support screw

Assembly Instructions
6
Assembly Instructions
•Fix the SLM2 to a tripod for stability, using the ¼" UNC threaded hole in the base
of the outer support
•Insert the lens into the aluminium collar. Secure in place with the socket cap
screw using the 4mm hex driver supplied (Fig. 2). (If the lens has been supplied
as part of a system it will have been already fitted to the collar.
•Release the pressure on the inner gimbal’s support screws (Fig. 1). Do not
unscrew the inner gimbal supports completely
•Tip the inner carriage slightly (Fig 4) and slacken both socket cap screws of the
inner gimbal plate
•Tip the lens and collar assembly slightly and insert the assembly into the inner
gimbals
•Offer up the camera to the threaded end of the lens and secure the camera to the
lens by rotating the lens/collar assembly in its mounting (fig 3)
•Make sure the lens and horizon markers are aligned as shown in Fig 6.
•Secure the assembly by tipping the inner gimbals and tightening the exposed
socket caps (Fig 4)
•Tighten the inner gimbal support screws (Fig 1) until the assembly swings freely
but damps quickly. Do not overtighten the gimbal support screws
•Mount the alignment marker fibre optic over the camera flash unit using the
elasticated strap (Fig. 5)
•Level the mount by moving the levelling weights to the appropriate position (the
levelling may need further when batteries or flashcards are fitted or the camera
position is altered

Assembly Instructions
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Fig. 2 Fig. 3
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Nikon
Coolpix Lens

Instructions for Use
8
Instructions for Use
To operate
Remove the lens cover
Carefully level the mount using the balance weights and bubble level
Align the mount for North/South orientation using the built in compass by aligning the
red end of the needle between the marks on the compass housing. If you are using
the mount above your head, make sure you know roughly which way North is, as the
two ends of the needle look the same from below
Select an appropriate exposure setting
Set the camera self timer, press the shutter release and put the mount at the required
height. Keep the mount as level as possible, because even though the camera will be
level, parts of the mount can be visible when it is not level.
Replace lens cover to prevent dirt or damage to the lens.
Image alignment in HemiView
Align the horizon circle to the shoulders of the two alignment markers, with the
pointed marker at the magnetic north point, as shown below.

Tips for using the Nikon Coolpix 900 series cameras
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Tips for using the Nikon Coolpix 900 series cameras
Taking Hemiphots
•When taking Hemiphots, use M-REC (manual recording mode) and set the zoom
to widest, flash to anytime, and use fine image quality.
•The cameras are small and lightweight, but not particularly robust. Look after
them carefully, and make sure that all connector sockets are kept clean and dry.
•The batteries can run down very quickly, so always keep plenty of spares.
Downloading images to a PC
There are two ways of downloading images from the camera to a PC:
1. Use the supplied adapter to read the memory card in a PCMCIA slot. This is by
far the best method. The images can then be copied directly to hard disk or other
storage media using Windows Explorer. They can be opened directly from the
memory card in HemiView, but this is not recommended, because HemiView
does not store the images themselves, only information about them, so the images
will be lost when the memory card is removed.
2. Using the NikonView software supplied with the camera, and a serial cable from
the camera. Full instructions for doing this are supplied with the software, but the
following hints may be useful:
•Always power the camera from its mains adapter
•Downloading is very slow, and starts again every time you access the camera
drive, so copy all your images to your hard drive in one session, and work from
there.
•The NikonView software does not always follow Windows standards. In
particular, when viewing the camera as a drive within Windows Explorer,
Copy and Paste do not work as expected, though dragging and dropping files
from the camera drive to a hard disk folder does work.
•The NikonView software places copies of images in the
C:\Windows\temp\CamExp folder, and does not delete these afterwards. You
should manually delete these after a session, to prevent your disk filling up.
Appropriate conditions and settings for acquiring hemiphots are described in the
manual that accompanies HemiView software. If HemiView software was not
purchased with this SLM, copies of HemiView software manual can be purchased by
contacting Delta-T Devices Ltd at the address found on the front of this manual.