Solmeta Geogagger N2 User manual

Geogagger N2
User Manual
Solmeta Technology Co., Ltd
Copyright ©2010 Solmeta Technology, Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

2
Contents
For your safety………… ……………………...……………..………….….3
Overview...........................................................................……..…….............4
Packing list...........................................................................…..………….....5
Product view.............................................................................………….…..6
Battery charging.......................................................................…………......7
How to use the Geotagger N2……................................................................8
Connect the Geotagger N2 to camera……………………..……………...….8
Compass calibration……………………….………………………………....9
Capture and record the location data………………………………………..11
Other operations ..............................................................................………13
Warranty................................................................................……………....14
Specification ...........................................................................……………...15

3
Safety Information
To prevent damage to the GPS unit or injury to yourself or to others, please read the following safety
instructions before using this equipment.
Do not disassemble
Touching the product‟s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the products should
be repaired only by a qualif ied technician. Any unauthorized disassembly or modification may void the
unit‟s warranty.
Keep the GPS unit dry
Do not immerse in or expose to water or handle with wet hands. Exposing the GPS unit to water could
result fire or electric shock.
Do not subject to high temperatures
The GPS unit can be damaged by exposure to fire or high temperatures. Do not leave the unit in areas
subject to extremely high temperatures. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the
casing or internal circuitry, causing fire.
Keep out of reach of children
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.
FCC/CE Compliance

4
Overview
Thank you for purchasing Solmeta Geotagger N2, a geotagging device that records the latitude, longitude,
altitude, heading, and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) with your photographs with Nikon D3x, D3s, D3,
D700, D300s, D300, D2/x/xs/Hs and D90, D5000 Cameras. The geotagging information is saved as
metadata with the image, and can be used in a variety of ways to add value to your photographs.
Unique features
Embedded the real time geographical information to the EXIF metadata of the digital photo.
Very high sensitivity, quick cold start.
Equipped with 2-axis electronic compass which can provide heading information to the digital photo
files. The compass can be calibrated.
Built-in rechargeable battery, doesn‟t consume the power of the camera, lasting up to 20 hours.
Automatically switch to Nikon camera for power source when the device is in low power.
"Auto" switch design, which allow the Geotagger N2 will turn on when the camera is turned on and will
turn off when the camera is turned off. Use-friendly.
Compatible of multi-model design, which allow you choose the appropriate data cable to match
different model camera .
CA300 cable for connection to Nikon D3x,D3s,D3, D700, D300s,D300, D200, D2/x/xs/Hs
CA90 cable for connection to Nikon D90
CA5000 cable for connection to Nikon D5000
“Indoors”geotagging, automatically tags the photo with the last location information when indoors or
loss of GPS signal.
Supports Flickr, panoramio, Locr, Picasa, etc.
Be sure to read this guide thoroughly before use.

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GPS receiver
Data cable (the cable below only one for package)
CA300 cable for connection to Nikon D3X,D3S,D3, D700, D300S,D300, D200, D2/x/xs/Hs
CA90 cable for connection to Nikon D90
CA5000 cable for connection to Nikon D5000
USB charging cable
Wired remote
Camera strap fastener
CD containing user manual and software utilities

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Product view
C
D
BA
E
F
APower switch
BStadtus LED
CCalibration button
DUSB Port
E Remote socket
F Camera strap fastener
Status LED
The N2 has a LED that changes color to signify different operating conditions.
LED COLOR
LED MODE
DESCRIPTION
GREEN
Flashing twice a second
The N2 is searching for GPS satellite
signals.
Steady
The N2 has obtained a signal lock
and is ready to record and geotag.

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RED
Flashing
The N2 is charging.
Low battery warning. N2 requires
charging.
NO TE:When in low battery and
connected to camera, the camera will
power the N2 automatically.
Steady
The N2 is in full charge.(N2 is in „on‟
position)
Orange
Flashing quickly
Compass calibration mode
Charging
1. Power off the Geotagger N2, then connect the device with a computer or an AC adaptor by the USB
charging cable. ( The Geotagger N2 can be charged using any 5V standard USB charger )
2. It takes around three hours to fully charge the Geotagger N2 .
3. The LED on the N2 will be red blinking during the charging, and will be steady when the device is in
full power.
NOTE
The built-in rechargeable battery cannot be replaced by users; it needs to be replaced by our
professional technician if it needs servicing.
A Au ut to o M Me et te er r o of ff f
Nikon added a new function to the D3x, D3s, D3, D700, D300s, D300 and D90, D5000. The new
function resolved a battery drain issue by allowing the user to select the metering system to stay On or
auto Off when GPS signals are received to reduce power consumption.
To access this function on your Nikon camera, please follow the step below:
Menu→Custom Settings Menu→(C) Timers/ AE Lock→c2 Auto meter- off delay

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How to use the Geotagger N2
Connect the Geotgagger N2 to a compatible camera
1. Turn the camera and the Geotagger N2 off.
2. Mount the Geotagger N2 onto the flash shoe or attach the N2 on the camera strap with the supplied strap
fastener. Connect the Geotagger N2 to the camera by the appropriate data cable ( The pictures below are
with different model Nikon camera)
A300 cable for connection to Nikon D3X,D3S,D3, D700, D300S,D300, D200, D2/x/xs/Hs
CA90 cable for connection to Nikon D90
CA5000 cable for connection to Nikon D5000
Slide the N2 onto the hot shoe The N2 connected to the Nikon D300
The N2 connected to the Nikon D90 The N2 connected to the Nikon D5000

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Attach the Geotagger N2 on the camera strap with the supplied strap fastener when the hot shoe is not
available.
Camera strap fastener
With 10-Pin remote terminal camera With D90 With D5000
Compass Calibration
The GeotaggerN2 is equipped with an electronic compass which provides heading information to the
camera.
IMPORTANT: When using the Geotagger N2 for the first time, a calibration is required. Repeat
these procedures each time you move the N2 and camera more than 100 miles or you are using the
different cameras.
Why calibrate?
The compass in the N2 is sensitive to nearby magnetic objects that could cause measuring error. To
compensate for this error it is sometime necessary to perform an calibration. (If the compass is accurate,
there is no need to perform the calibration)

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How to calibrate?
1. With the Geotagger N2 mounted on the hot shoe and the data cable connected with the camera, turn the
Geotagger N2 and the camera on.
2. Long press the calibration button for about 5 seconds until the LED turns orange, 2 seconds later the
LED orange will be off，then release the calibration button, the LED starts blinking orange.( The LED
orange is green and red alternately)
3. Rotate the camera clockwise slowly for two complete 360 circles/rotations. Keep it as horizontal as
you can. (See figure below )
4. After both rotating are complete, press the calibration button again to stop the calibration. The LED
will start blinking green.
Note:
Magnetic sensors are very sensitive to nearby magnetic objects , that can cause calibration errors and
misreading. Please keep the Geotagger N2 away from magnetic sources when perform a calibration.
If the compass is not accurate after the calibration, it should be reset. The procedure as below.
Long press the calibration button for eight seconds to restore factory default . During this process you
will see after two seconds the orange light turns on and after four seconds the orange light turns off and
after eighth second the orange light turns on again. You can then release the button to resore the factory
default.
For precise measurement headings, use professional devices.

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Capture and record the location data
1. With the Geotagger N2 connected to the camera, turn the N2 on. The LED on the N2 will light and
blink quickly, after a while will slow down and at last steady, that means the N2 is being fixed and
ready to supply the GPS data.
2. Turn the camera on, a GPS icon will be displayed in the control panel on top of the camera.
3. To view GPS data, select GPS > Position in the camera setup menu (this option is not available with D2X,
D2XS, D2HS, and D200 cameras). The current latitude, longitude, altitude, heading , and UTC will be
displayed as below.( A electronic compass is equipped the Geotagger N2 , which can supply the compass
heading to the photo file.)
4. Take pictures, GPS data and the heading will be recorded with each photograph.
( With the Geotagger N2 on “Auto”switch position, the geotagger N2 will turn on when the camera is
turned on and will turn off when the camera is turned off. Use-friendly, power saved.)
Note
To get a quick fix, please take the Geotagger N2 and your camera to an open outside space and stand
still.
If there is no blinking GPS icon in the control panel, check the connection, and make sure the switch is
in the correct position.

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To get the GPS data more accurate, we suggest holding the camera steady for a few minutes when the
N2 is just being fixed, that is especially important for the value of altitude.
Some of the Nikon camera has an “auto meter off” option that is also a power saving method. We
suggest adjusting it to 30 seconds or more to avoid missing the GPS data, or half press the shutter to
activate the GPS when taking a photo.
Heading/Compass for Nikon
0° - North
90° - East
180° - South
270° - West
For proper heading information, the Geotagger N2 should be mounted on the flash shoe of the
camera. it points to the same direction as the lens which is mounted on the camera. The Geotagger
N2 needs to stay in a horizontal position when measuring, otherwise there will be some deviation.
Camera GPS icon status
No GPS icon
Not connected to the camera
GPS icon blinking
Not fixed, signal searching
GPS icon displayed
GPS fixed

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Other operations
Remote Trigger / Shutter Release Pass-through
In order to make sure that Nikon DSLRs can work properly when the remote connecting socket is
occupied by Solmeta geotagger, the Geotagger N2 is designed with a 2.5mm remote pass –through. We
also provide a remote control in the package which enables you to use the remote trigger when the solmeta
geotagger is working .
“Indoors”Geotagging
One of the main features of the Geotagger N2 is its unique „indoor‟ GPS signal fixing ability. This feature
allows the device to continue to supply location information to the camera, even if signals from GPS
satellites are blocked. If you should enter a location, such as a building, where the roof blocks the signals
from the GPS satellites, the device memorizes the last location fix and sends this location to the camera for
each photograph taken until GPS signals are received again from the satellites and a new fix can be
obtained.
Once you leave the no/weak signal area, the device will automatically reacquire a GPS signal to obtain the
new, exact location.
If you are taking photographs “indoors”and do not want the last received signal to be recorded in your
photos, you can just switch the Geotagger N2 to “Off”.

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Warranty
Solmeta Technology Co.,Limited guarantees its product from manufacturing defects and workmanship
for a period of one-year from the date of original purchase. During the one-year warranty, Solmeta
Technology will repair or replace the product free of charge. Please keep your original invoice as proof
of purchase.
Customers who have products covered under the warranty are required to contact Solmeta Technology
by e-mail ( [e-mail]) for troubleshooting issues before returning the product.
Customers are responsible for shipping and insurance charges for returning the product to Solmeta
Technology.
Charges will be imposed for repairing product, which is out of warranty coverage or invalid
warranty.
The guarantee is not valid if defect is due to damage caused by incorrect use, poor maintenance or
if persons not authorized by Solmeta Technology havecarried out alterations or repairs.
For the device to be used correctly, the user should strictly adhere to all instructions included in the
user guide and should abstain from any actions or uses that are described as undesired or which
are warned against in the user guide.
Precautions for use
Do not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.
Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in or exposed to water.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or
leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation,
place the device in a carrying case or plastic bag before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.
Keep away from strong magnetic fields: Do not use or store this device in the vicinity of equipment that
generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields
produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could affect the product‟s internal circuitry.
A note on electronic devices: In extremely rare instances, a strong external static charge may cause the
device to stop functioning. Turn the camera off and disconnect and reconnect the Geotagger N2. In the
event of continued malfunction, contact your retailer or Solmeta-authorized service representative.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Solmeta Technology reserves
the right to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content without
obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements.

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Specifications
GPS
EL ECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
GPS Chipset
SiRF Star III
Frequency
L1, 1575.42 MHz
C/A Code
1.023 MHz chip rate
Channels
20 channel all-in-view tracking
Tracking sensitivity
-159dBm
ACCURACY
Position Horizontal
10 meters, 2D RMS
1-5 meters 2D RMS, SBAS corrected (WASS，EGNOS，MSAS)
Velocity
0.1m/sec.
Time
1 micro-second synchronized to GPS time
DATUM& PROTOCOL
Datum
WGS-84
GPS Protocol
NMEA 0138 ASCII
Baud Rate
4,800 bps
ACQUISITION RATE
Hot start
1 sec
Warm start
38 sec
Cold start
42 sec.
Reacquisition
0.1 sec.
DYNAMIC CONDITION
Acceleration Limit
Less than 4g
Altitude Limit
18,000 meters (60,000 feet) max
Velocity Limit
515 meters/sec. (1,000 knots) max
Jerk Limit
20 m/sec*3
EL ECTRONIC COMPASS
Magnetic Measuring scope
50A/m
Azimuth Range
0-359°
Accuracy
±5°
Resolution
3°
BATTERY
Battery
570mAh Li-ion
Operation Current
Low er than 60mA
Charging Current
300mA
Operating Conditions

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Operating temperature
-10°C－50°C(-2°F ~ 122°F)
Humidity
Operational up to 95% non-condensing
SIZE & WEIGHT
Dimension (L x W x H)
56 mm x 36mm x 19mm
Weight
40g