Navtech Systems CamNav User manual

Operating
Manual

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Contents
Getting Started . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction to CamNav capabilities . . . . 3
Introduction to GPS . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction to GIS . . . . . . . . 3
Installation of PC Program . . . . . . . 3
Encoding . . . . . . . . . 4
Set-up. . . . . . . . . . 4
Positioning of GPS Antenna . . . . . . 4
Power Supply . . . . . . . . 4
Use of Microphone Adapter . . . . . . 4
Operation . . . . . . . . 4
Decoding . . . . . . . . . 5
Set-up. . . . . . . . . . 5
Operation . . . . . . . . . 5
Low Battery Indicator . . . . . . . 5
Technical Specification . . . . . . 6

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Getting Started
Introduction to CamNav capabilities
CamNav is a simple-to-use device that allows camcorder users to ‘tag’ their video footage
with GPS data (see below) including time and geographic location anywhere in the world.
The same unit is used to decode the information for viewing via a variety of methods.
CamNav comes with a simple program that displays the co-ordinates of the image on a
PC screen (cables supplied) but also integrates with many off-the-shelf or downloadable
mapping software programs as well as our high specification and versatile GIS package
(see below), which allows the video image and the co-ordinates to be viewed side by side
on the same PC screen, the system also includes a frame grab facility.
Introduction to GPS
The GPS (Global Position System) program is run by the US Department of Defense and
is made available for civilian use. The system consists of 24 satellites in orbit around the
Earth, whose orbits are such that from any point on the planet at any time at least three
and usually more satellites are visible 24 hours a day in an unobstructed view of the sky.
These satellites permanently broadcast a signal, which allows a receiver on the ground to
ascertain its position on the planet to an accuracy of around 10 metres.
Introduction to GIS
Geographical Information Systems – a development of computer technology related to
data based geographical information, which may be accessed by a variety of methods
such as position, postcodes, demographic details etc. Several developers such as
Blueglen, ArcView, Mapinfo, Autoroute and similar programs are available which operate
on Windows, Apple and other platforms provide a comprehensive geographical database.
Installation of PC Program
If you are using the CamNav Mapper program please refer to the installation and
operation instructions provided with the program. If you are using the ‘CamNav Display’
program provided follow the instructions below for installation.
Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. Click the ‘Start’ button on the Windows menu
and select ‘Run…’. Type X:\setup.exe, where X is the letter of the CD-ROM drive. The
program will install from here.

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Encoding
Set-up
If using an external power supply attach it to socket A indicated on the unit.
Connect the GPS antenna to socket B indicated on the unit.
Connect the phono/mic’ lead to the signal phono on the CamNav (socket C) and the 3mm
jack plug into the camcorder microphone socket.
Set the Encode/Decode selector switch to ‘Encode’ as indicated (switch set toward the
data connector).
Switch on the CamNav and observe the three LED indicators. The red LED will flash at
approx 1 second intervals followed by the orange LED at a lower rate.
When the green LED flashes constantly at 1-second intervals the GPS receiver has a
position fix and recording can commence.
Positioning of GPS Antenna
The GPS antenna should be positioned with as clear a view of the sky as possible. A lock
cannot be achieved if the antenna is used indoors or in too built up an area. The antenna
can move but consideration to the ‘open sky’ requirement should be maintained.
Power Supply
CamNav runs from either its internal battery or an external supply. The internal battery is
of type PP3 (9Volts-500 mAh), Duracell Ultra or similar is recommended. An external
supply must be a dc supply, such as a 12 Volts dc (car supply) with a 15 Volts maximum.
The power supply specified above should be connected after all other connections are
made.
Use of Microphone Adapter
CamNav uses one channel of a stereo audio track to record the GPS data, thus ensuring
that the data and images are synchronized. Should you wish to record onto the spare
channel whilst encoding, you will need to use a microphone adapter which combines the
left and right hand stereo channels of the mic plug from two mono sockets.
Operation
Ensure the camcorder has a tape inserted, and the camera settings are as required. Start
the recorder running. The recording will now have the GPS data recorded onto the sound
track.
Ensure that the GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky and that any objects, which may
cut off the satellite signals, do not obscure it. Note, operation indoors, in buildings tunnels
etc., will not provide position fixes - indicated by the green LED not flashing.

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Decoding
Set-up
If using an external power supply attach it to socket A indicated on the unit.
Connect a phono-to-phono lead from the camcorder audio (LH) output into the phono
input of the CamNav (socket C).
Set the Encode /Decode switch to Decode (switch set toward the phono socket)
Switch on the CamNav and start the camcorder playback.
Note the LEDs are flashing similarly to the encode mode – Red at once per second and
the orange at a lesser rate. The green LED should be off in decode.
GPS data is now output from pin 2 of the data connector (Com = Pin 5). By connecting
the serial lead (supplied) to the PC serial input port, the data may be observed on any PC
through the “CamNav.exe” display program supplied on the CD. Note that the program
must be installed to run. See ‘Installation’ above.
If a video card is available on the PC, the video from the camcorder may be displayed on
a window from this device alongside the data display using “CamNav.exe”.
Alternatively, by using CamNav-Mapper the position and picture may be simultaneously
plotted on the moving map by following the instructions for this comprehensive mapping
software package.
If a suitable mapping package has been installed on the PC, this can read the GPS
information being supplied via the serial port.
Operation
Ensure that the correct tape is inserted in the camcorder and commence playback.
Low Battery Indicator
Should the output from the internal battery fall below 6 volts, the LEDs will flash on and off
simultaneously at ½ second intervals. When this occurs the battery should be replaced as
soon as possible or an external supply connected.

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Technical Specification
System Bi-phase data modulation 4800 baud NMEA 0183/ASCII data messages
GPS 12 channel all in view, fully dynamic GPS receiver
Accuracy Better than 15 metres RMS unaided, 3 metres DGPS.
Power 9 volts PP3 battery (500mAH), 4 hours continuous use
Size 145 x 82 x 32 – robust extruded aluminium case
Data output RS232 NMEA 0183 as input from GPS receiver.
GPS data - real time
1 PPS from internal GPS receiver – real time
NMEA 0183 messages:- $GPGGA, $GPRMC, $GPZDA
Connections Modulated data input/output - Phono (RCA jack)
RS232 output, GPS data, 1PPS, etc - 9 way “D” socket
2.1mm - DC power jack
Monitoring GPS fix/1PPS
Sync Lock
Bit lock
Serial data 9 Way D socket (for DCE modem type connections)
Pin #
1= DCD 1 = Encode, 0 = Decode 6= DSR 1 PPS from internal GPS receiver
2= TX o/p GPS data - RS232 o/p 7= RTS link to CTS - pin 8
3= RX i/p Ext GPS or DGPS (RTCM) 8= CTS link to RTS - pin 7
4= DTR 1 = Ext’ GPS data i/p 9= RI “1” (~9 v) link to pin 4 for ext’ GPS
5= 0 volts Common return input/output SCR Shell/Jack screw = 0 volts

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Sulby, Near Welford
Northamptonshire
NN6 6EZ
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.navtechsystems.co.uk
Navtech Systems Limited