PNI V550 User manual

Operation Manual
V550/V600 DIGITALVehicleCompass

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONGRATULATIONS............................................................................................... 1
Compass Features ......................................................................................... 1-2
DISPLAY AND BUTTONS...................................................................................... 3-5
STEP I - INSTALLING (REPLACING) THE BATTERIES .......................................... 6
STEP 2- MOUNTING THE COMPASS .................................................................. 7-8
Mounting Guidelines.......................................................................................... 7
Mounting the Compass................................................................................... 7-8
STEP 3 - CALIBRATING THE COMPASS ...........................................................9-11
When to Calibrate.............................................................................................. 9
Calibration Guidelines ....................................................................................... 9
Calibrating Model V550 ................................................................................ 9-10
Calibrating Model V600 .............................................................................. 10-12
Car Mode Calibration (V600 only) ...................................................... 10-11

Hand Mode Calibration (V600 only) ...................................................11-12
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES ........................................13-15
Clock Feature .................................................................................................. 13
Bearing Point Feature...................................................................................... 14
Trip Timer Feature ........................................................................................... 14
Alarm Clock Feature........................................................................................ 15
BACKLIGHT INFORMATION AND PROGRAMMING ............................................ 16
Backlight Auto Shut-off .................................................................................... 16
Changing the Auto Shut-off Value.................................................................... 16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................ 17-20
SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT.......................................................................21-22
WARRANTY INFORMATION............................................................................. 23-24
TABLE OF CONTENTS

You have acquired one of the most
sophisticated compasses available for use
in a vehicle. This unit incorporates pat-
ented magnetic sensor technology that
was developed for the United States Mil-
itary to give you the most accurate elec-
tronic compass headings.
Compass Features:
• Works in Any Vehicle: accurate in
cars, trucks, SUVs, or RVs.
• Removable Compass Unit: easily
slides off from its holding bracket to
be used outside the vehicle as an alarm
clock or to prevent theft.
• Adjustable Holding Bracket: easily
mounts to any windshield with heavy-
duty suction cups (included).
• Handheld Mode (Model V600 only):
The V600 model can also be used as
a handheld compass in a horizontal
position without the need to recalibrate
everytime the compass is removed
from the vehicle.
• Easy to Read Display: compass head-
ing is displayed with 16 cardinal points
(N, NNE, etc.) and 1° numeric digits.
• Electronic Calibration: just press a
button and perform two circles. Cal-
1
CONGRATULATIONS!

ibration doesn’t have to be repeated
until the batteries are removed or the
compass is mounted elsewhere.
• Bright Backlight: illuminates the LCD
for easy viewing day or night.
• Digital Clock: displays in 12-hour or
24-hour time format.
• Alarm Clock: compass can be used as
an alarm clock.
• Trip Timer: includes a timer that counts
up in hours, minutes and seconds.
• Bearing Point: stores and displays one
bearing point into memory.
• “Smart” Auto Shut-Off: shuts off auto-
matically (to clock mode) to save bat-
tery power when no magnetic eld
change is detected for approximately
10 minutes.
• Magnetic Distortion Message: alerts
you when magnetic interference from
outside sources is affecting the accu-
racy of the compass.
• Low Power Requirements: operates on
2 AAA batteries (included) for over
200 hours, depending on backlight
usage.
• Wide Temperature Range: -14°F to
140°F operating temperature; -40°F to
160°F storage temperature.
2
COMPASS FEATURES

DISPLAY AND BUTTONS
3
DISTORTION
[1] LCD Display
Showing:
a. Compass
Heading
Mode
[5] Alarm
Bell
Icon
Numeric
Heading
[2] ADVANCE
Button
[4] Distortion
Message
[3] LIGHT
Button
Cardinal Point
Heading
PM
b. Clock
Mode or
Off Mode
c. Bearing
Mode
d. Timer
Mode
AM
e. Alarm
Mode

[1] LCD Display: The compass has
various LCD display modes:
a. Compass Heading Mode - displays
heading information in cardinal points
(N, NNE, NE, etc.) and numeric digits
(325°, 326°, etc.).
b. Clock Mode - used to set and display
the clock in a 12-hour or 24-hour
format. Clock mode is also equiva-
lent to shut-off mode.
c. Bearing Mode - used to store and
display bearing point information.
d. Timer Mode - used to set and start
trip timer feature.
e. Alarm Mode - used to set and view
alarm clock settings.
[2] ADVANCE Button:
Used to turn the unit on, to step through
the various compass modes, to toggle
between various options in programming
mode, and to begin and end calibration.
[3] LIGHT Button:
Used to turn the backlight on or off,
to enter backlight programming, and to
select an option or value in program-
ming mode.
4
DISPLAY AND BUTTONS

DISPLAYS AND BUTTONS
5
[4] “DISTORTION” Message:
The compass detects when outside mag-
netic interference is compromising com-
pass accuracy by displaying the word
“DISTORTION” on the LCD. Distortion
occurs when there has been a signicant
change in the surrounding magnetic
elds, such as when you are driving
underneath an overpass or over a bridge.
[5] Alarm Bell Icon:
Indicates if the alarm feature is enabled
(icon showing) or disabled (icon not
showing).
Note:
The V600 model also displays a “ CAr ” or
“ HAnd ” message for the rst 10 seconds of
Compass Heading Mode. This indicates
which calibration settings the compass is
using: car mode or hand mode (i.e verti-
cal or horizontal position). These mes-
sages do not appear with model V550.
Important Note:
When in “off mode”, your compass dis-
plays the clock, not a blank screen. This
is normal and consumes minimal battery
power. To turn the power back on, press
any button.

The compass uses two “AAA” size bat-
teries.
Installing the Batteries:
1. Remove the compass from its bracket.
2. Slide open the battery cover on the
back of the compass housing.
3. Install the two batteries, noting the
polarity as shown inside the battery
compartment. Replace the battery
cover. The compass will go through a
self-test pattern until the clock starts.
Notes:
• If nothing happens, or if the display
becomes “stuck” with characters,
remove the batteries, wait approxi-
mately 1 minute, and then reinsert the
batteries.
• Every time the batteries are removed
or replaced, you must calibrate the
compass and reset all features (clock,
alarm, bearing point, etc.).
• The compass has an auto-shut off fea-
ture. When no magnetic eld change
is detected for 10 minutes, the com-
pass automatically switches to clock
mode (off mode). To turn the power
back on, press any button.
STEP 1 - INSTALLING (REPLACING) THE BATTERIES
6

Mounting Guidelines:
• The compass should be mounted on
the windshield.
• Choose a place on the windshield that
will not obstruct the view of the driver
and is within reach so the buttons can
be easily pushed.
• For maximum accuracy, the compass
should be mounted at least 5 inches
away from strong stereo speakers.
• Once installed, the face of the com-
pass must be pointing towards the rear
of the vehicle. The compass can be
adjusted up or down, up to 20° from
road level and still remain accurate. If
it is adjusted more than 20°, the head-
ing information may not be accurate.
Mounting the Compass:
1. Install the suction cups (included) onto
the base of the holding bracket by t-
ting them into their holes.
2. Adjust the angle of the holding bracket
so that the face of the compass is
pointing towards the rear of the vehi-
cle. Loosen the screw on the holding
bracket stem by a quarter turn. Make
STEP 2 - MOUNTING THE COMPASS
7

8
your up and down adjustments, then
tighten the screw.
3. Press the holding bracket base rmly
against the windshield, until the suc-
tion cups securely take hold (clean sur-
face of windshield and suction cups, if
necessary).
4. Readjust the angle of the holding
bracket, if necessary.
Feature: The compass easily slides
out of its holding bracket without
having to remove the bracket mecha-
nism. This is useful if you want to
use the compass outside of the vehicle
as an alarm clock or to avoid theft of
the compass. Removing the compass
without disrupting the bracket mecha-
nism eliminates the need for recalibra-
tion, since the unit will be repositioned
in its holding bracket the same way as
when originally calibrated.
The V600 model allows the compass to
be used outside the vehicle as a hand-
held compass in a horizontal position.
You are now ready to calibrate your
compass.
STEP 2 - MOUNTING THE COMPASS

Calibration allows the compass to separate
the earth’s eld from the magnetic elds
generated by your vehicle, and therefore
provides accurate heading information.
When to Calibrate:
• When the compass is used for the rst
time in a vehicle (or in handheld mode
for Model V600 only).
• When the compass is used in a different
location other than where previously cal-
ibrated.
• When the magnetic “DISTORTION” mes-
sage is continuously displayed.
• When the batteries are removed or
replaced.
Calibration Guidelines:
Before you begin calibration, the compass
must be mounted on the windshield in the
location where it will be used in the vehicle.
The backlight must also be off.
Calibrating compass Model V550:
1. Press the ADVANCE button until the
compass heading is displayed (Note: If
the “CAL” message ashes immediately
after you press the ADVANCE button,
proceed to step 3).
2. Press and hold for 2 seconds both the
ADVANCE and LIGHT buttons until the
STEP 3 - CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
9

10
“CAL” message ashes.
3. Press the ADVANCE button.- The “WAIT”
message will display for a second, then
the “TURN TWICE” message will ash.
4. Turn your vehicle in two circles on a
level surface. The size of the circles does
not matter and they do not need to be per-
fect circles. However, they must be com-
pleted in the same direction and must
take at least 15 seconds per circle to com-
plete.
5. Press the ADVANCE button. Calibration
is now complete and the compass head-
ing should be displayed.
Calibrating compass Model V600:
Model V600 stores two calibration settings,
one for use when the unit is mounted verti-
cally inside the vehicle in its bracket (Car
Mode), the other for use outside the vehicle
in a horizontal position (Hand Mode). This
feature allows you to use the compass in
two different magnetic eld environments
(inside or outside) without having to cali-
brate everytime you switch from one envi-
ronment to the other.
Car Mode Calibration (V600):
1. Press the ADVANCE button until the
compass heading is displayed. If the
STEP 3 - CALIBRATING THE COMPASS

“HAnd” message shows instead of the
“CAr” message, press and hold for 2 sec-
onds the ADVANCE button to switch
from HAnd” to “CAr” mode.
2. Press and hold for 2 seconds both the the
ADVANCE and LIGHT buttons until the
“CAL” message ashes.
3. Press the ADVANCE button - The “WAIT”
message will display for a second, then
the “TURN TWICE” message will ash.
4. Turn your vehicle in 2 circles on a level
surface. The size of the circles does not
matter and they do not need to be per-
fect circles. However, they must be com-
pleted in the same direction and must
take at least 15 seconds per circle to com-
plete.
5. Press the ADVANCE button. Calibration
is now complete and the compass head-
ing should be displayed. The “CAr” mes-
sage will also show for approximately 10
seconds, indicating that you are in car
calibration mode.
Hand Mode Calibration (V600):
After car mode is calibrated you can then
calibrate hand mode. The rst time the V600
goes into handheld mode it needs to be cali-
brated. The compass will store this separate
calibration for hand mode, and will use it in
the future.
STEP 3 - CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
11

Note: For this mode the compass should be
layed horizontal or layed at in the hand.
1. Press the ADVANCE button until the
compass heading is displayed. If the
“CAr” message shows instead of the
“HAnd” message, press and hold for 2
seconds the ADVANCE button to switch
from “CAr” to “HAnd” mode.
2. Press and hold for 2 seconds both the
ADVANCE and LIGHT buttons until the
“CAL” message ashes.
3. Press the ADVANCE button - The “WAIT”
message will ash for a second, then the
“TURN TWICE” message will ash.
4. Rotate the compass 2 complete rotations,
taking at least 15 seconds per rotation.
5. Press the ADVANCE button -- Calibra-
tion is now complete and the compass
heading should be displayed. The “HAnd”
message will also show for approxi-
mately 10 seconds, indicating that you
are in hand calibration mode.
Feature: Pressing the LIGHT button
during programming cancels the calibration
process without disrupting your previous
calibration settings. However, if no previ-
ous calibration is stored, pressing the light
button will not cancel calibration.
STEP 3 - CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
12

SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
13
Clock Feature:
The compass displays time in either stan-
dard time format or military time format
(12-hour clock format or 24-hour clock
format). The default time format is stan-
dard time.
Setting the clock:
1. Press the ADVANCE button until the
clock is displayed (you must be in
clock mode in order to set the clock).
2. Press and hold the ADVANCE button
for 2 seconds. The default number
“12” will ash.
3. Press the ADVANCE button to toggle
between the 12 and 24 hour formats,
then press the LIGHT button to set the
desired hour format.
The clock appears with the hour digits
ashing.
5. Press the ADVANCE button to change
the ashing hour digits, then press the
LIGHT button to set the desired hour.
6. Press the ADVANCE button to change
the ashing rst digit of the minutes,
then press the LIGHT button to set the
desired digit.

7. Press the ADVANCE button to change
the ashing second digit of the min-
utes, then press the LIGHT button to
set the desired digit.
8. Press the ADVANCE button to set
the ashing seconds, then press the
LIGHT button to set the seconds to
“00.”
9. Press the ADVANCE button to toggle
between A or P (AM or PM), then
press the LIGHT button to set A
or P (This step is not required if
you have selected the 24-hour format).
The clock is now set
Bearing Point Feature:
The bearing point feature allows the
compass to store one heading to be used
as a reference point.
1. Press the ADVANCE button until
bearing mode is selected. “00” should
be shown before any headings are
entered.
2. Press and hold the ADVANCE button
for 2 seconds. After the tone, the cur-
rent compass direction is stored as the
bearing. Repeat to enter new bearing.
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
14

Trip Timer Feature:
The compass features a standard timer
that counts up in hours, minutes, and
seconds. It can be started and stopped
any number of times. A tone will sound
with each start and stop of the timer.
1. Press the ADVANCE button until
timer mode is displayed. Timer should
start at “00:00:00”.
2. Press and hold the ADVANCE button
for 2 seconds to start timer.
3. Press and hold the ADVANCE button
for 2 seconds to pause timer.
4. To reset timer, press and hold the
ADVANCE button for 4 seconds.
Alarm Clock Feature:
The compass can be used as an alarm
clock. You must be in alarm mode to set
the alarm.
Setting the Alarm:
1. Press the ADVANCE button until
alarm mode is selected (display should
show “AL 12:00am” if rst time being
set).
2. Press and hold the ADVANCE button
for 2 seconds. The hour digits will
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
15

16
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
then ash (“12” if rst time being
set).
3. Press the ADVANCE button to change
hour. Display will show “am” or “pm”
according to what hour is shown.
4. Press the LIGHT button to set the
desired hour.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select the min-
utes.
6. After minutes are selected and the
LIGHT button is pressed, the alarm is
set and the alarm bell icon will appear
on the LCD screen. The alarm bell
icon means the alarm is enabled.
Enabling and Disabling the Alarm:
1. Press the ADVANCE button until
alarm mode is selected.
2. Press and hold for 2 seconds both the
ADVANCE and LIGHT buttons until
you hear a conrming beep and the
bell icon appears or disappears.

The compass uses an electro-lumines-
cent backlight to illuminate the display,
making it visible at night. Pressing the
LIGHT button turns the backlight on or
off. The backlight has a programmable
auto shut-off feature, which shuts the
backlight off after it has been on for a
specied period of time.
Backlight Auto Shut-off:
The compass has a programmable auto
shut-off for the backlight. The default auto
shut-off value is 10 seconds, but 30 sec-
onds can also be selected. Auto shut-off
can also be disabled completely by select-
ing 00 seconds. This means the backlight
will stay on continuously until the LIGHT
button is pressed again, or when the vehi-
cle is parked and no magnetic eld change
is detected for ten minutes.
Changing the Auto Shut-Off Value:
1. Press and hold the LIGHT button for 2
seconds and the default value 10 (or last
selected value) will appear and ash.
2. Press the ADVANCE button to select
the desired value of 10, 30, or 00 sec-
onds.
3. Press and hold the LIGHT button for 2
seconds to select the value. The clock
display will appear.
BACKLIGHT INFORMATION AND PROGRAMMING
17