PNI V550 User manual

V550
V600
OPERATION MANUAL
DIGITALVEHICLECOMPASS
PNIC V550 Manual PN80-0231-0002-RevA.indd8/8/2001, 4:18 PM1

Making Ordinary Products Extraordinary
PNIC V550 Manual PN80-0231-0002-RevA.indd8/8/2001, 4:18 PM2-3

Congratulations............................................................................................................................1
Compass Features.......................................................................................................................2
Display And Buttons.................................................................................................................. 3
Step 1 – Installing (Replacing) The Batteries............................................................................6
Step 2– Mounting The Compass................................................................................................7
Mounting Guidelines.............................................................................................................. 7
Mounting The Compass..........................................................................................................7
Step 3 – Calibrating The Compass.............................................................................................9
When To Calibrate...................................................................................................................9
Calibration Guidelines............................................................................................................ 9
Calibrating Model V550......................................................................................................... 9
Calibrating Model V600........................................................................................................10
Car Mode Calibration (V600 Only)......................................................................................11
Hand Mode Calibration (V600 Only).................................................................................. 11
CONTENTS
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Setting And Using The Compass Features..............................................................................
Clock Feature....................................................................................................................... 14
Bearing Point Feature........................................................................................................... 15
Trip Timer Feature................................................................................................................ 16
Alarm Clock Feature............................................................................................................. 16
Backlight Information And Programming........................................................................... 18
Backlight Auto Shut-off.........................................................................................................18
Changing The Auto Shut-off Value.......................................................................................18
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................... 19
Service And Replacement.........................................................................................................24
Warranty Information............................................................................................................. 26
CONTENTS
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14 You have purchased one of the most
sophisticated compasses available for use in
a vehicle. This unit incorporates patented
magnetic sensor technology that was
developed for the United States Military
to give you the most accurate electronic
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 heading
is displayed with 16 cardinal points (N,
NNE, etc.) and 1° numeric digits.
• Electronic Calibration: just press a button
and perform two circles. Calibration
doesn’t have to be repeated until the
CONGRATULATIONS!
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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 battery
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 accuracy of the
compass.
• Low Power Requirements: operates on
2 AAA batteries (included) for over 200
hours, depending on backlight usage.
• Wide Temperature Range: 0°F to 140°F
operating temperature; -40°F to 160°F
storage temperature.
COMPASS FEATURES
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DISPLAY AND BUTTONS
DISTORTION
[1] LCD Display
Showing:
a. Compass
Heading
Mode
[5] Alarm
Bell
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
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[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 equivalent 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 programming mode.
[4] “DISTORTION” Message:
The compass detects when outside magnetic
DISPLAY AND BUTTONS
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CONTENTS
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interference is compromising compass
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 vertical
or horizontal position). These messages do
not appear with model V550.
Important Note:
When in “off mode”, your compass displays
the clock, not a blank screen. This is normal
and consumes minimal battery power. To
turn the power back on, press any button.
DISPLAY AND BUTTONS
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The compass uses two “AAA” size batteries.
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 approximately 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 feature.
When no magnetic eld change is detected
for 10 minutes, the compass automatically
switches to clock mode (off mode). To turn
the power back on, press the ADVANCE
button.
STEP 1 – INSTALLING (REPLACING) THE BATTERIES
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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.
• The compass can be tilted up or down a
maximum of 20° from road level and still
maintain accuracy. If tilted more than
20°, the heading information may not be
accurate (see illustration next page).
Mounting the Compass:
1. Install the suction cups (included) onto
the base of the holding bracket by tting
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 vehicle. Loosen
the screw on the holding bracket stem by
a quarter turn. Make your up and down
adjustments, then tighten the screw.
3. Press the holding bracket base rmly
against the windshield, until the suction
STEP 2 – MOUNTING THE COMPASS
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cups securely take hold (clean surface
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 mechanism. This is useful if
you want to use the compass outside of the
vehicle as an alarm clock or to avoid theft.
Removing the compass without disrupting
the bracket mechanism eliminates the need
for recalibration, 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 handheld
compass in a horizontal position.
You are now ready to calibrate your
compass.
STEP 2 – MOUNTING THE COMPASS
20° maximum up tilt
20° maximum down tilt
Dashboard
Windshield
Windshield Installation
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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
calibrated.
• When the magnetic “DISTORTION”
message 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,
STEP 3 – CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
Windshield Installation
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proceed to step 3).
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 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 perfect
circles. However, they must be completed
in the same direction and must take at
least 15 seconds per circle to complete.
5. Press the ADVANCE button. Calibration
is now complete and the compass heading
should be displayed.
Calibrating compass Model V600:
Model V600 stores two calibration settings,
one for use when the unit is mounted
vertically 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 calibrate every time you switch
from one environment to the other.
STEP 3 – CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
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Car Mode Calibration (V600):
1. Press the ADVANCE button until the
compass heading is displayed. If the
“HAnd” message shows instead of the
“CAr” message, press and hold for 2
seconds 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 perfect
circles. However, they must be completed
in the same direction and must take at
least 15 seconds per circle to complete.
5. Press the ADVANCE button. Calibration
is now complete and the compass heading
should be displayed. The “CAr” message
will also show for approximately 10
seconds, indicating that you are in car
calibration mode.
STEP 3 – CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
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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 calibrated. The compass will store this
separate calibration for hand mode, and
will use it in the future.
Note: For this mode the compass should be
horizontal or 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. Calibration
is now complete, and the compass
heading should be displayed. The
STEP 3 – CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
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“HAnd” message will also show for
approximately 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 previous calibration
is stored, pressing the light button will not
cancel calibration.
STEP 3 – CALIBRATING THE COMPASS
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Clock Feature:
The compass displays time in either
standard time format or military time
format (12-hour clock format or 24-hour
clock format). The default time format is
standard 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.
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
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7. Press the ADVANCE button to change
the ashing second digit of the minutes,
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 (a.m. or p.m.), 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 current
compass direction is stored as the bearing.
Repeat to enter new bearing.
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
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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 selected and ashing
“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 set for the rst time).
2. Press and hold the ADVANCE button for
2 seconds. The hour digits will then ash
(“12” if set for the rst time).
SETTING AND USING THE COMPASS FEATURES
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