ASSET Operation
Continued...
- Level the system (previous page)
- Align to South (previous page)
- Adjust tilt
- Take pictures
- Download pictures to computer and analyze
Adjust tilt.
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There are three detent positions for tilt: 0°, 22.5° and 45°. Select a tilt angle so that the camera will take a picture of the skyline. In most parts of America this will be 22.5°. If you are taking a 2-row picture set, such as a 7x2 or 9x2, then you will need to use the 22.5° setting for the first row and the 45° setting for the second row. Move your mouse over the animation to see the tilt positions.
Take pictures.
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For a faster analysis and to conserve memory space, you should adjust the camera setting to reduce picture file size. The M1063 camera allows settings between 1.2 Megapixels (small file size) and 10.1 Megapixels (large file size), but for optimal panoramas, use resolution settings with 4:3 ratio (1.2MP, 3.1MP, 5.0MP, 10.1 MP). The C310 camera allows settings from 1.1 Megapixels to 4.0 Megapixels. The C300 camera allows settings of "Good" (smaller file size) or "Best" (larger file size). A memory card may be added to increase the quantity and size of pictures that can be stored on your camera.
The first row of pictures should be taken in order from east to west and the second row from west to east. Remember to adjust the tilt to 45°, after the first row, if you are taking a 2-row picture set. The ASSET has a detent mechanism (total of 9 positions) which allows the head to rotate quickly and securely from position to position. Move your mouse over the animation to see the 7x1 rotation.
The best time of day to take pictures for a shading analysis is early morning and early evening. These times are prefered due to the fact that there will be less chance of camera glare (from the sun) affecting the quality of the photos. Also, for the same reason, the ideal weather conditions would be an overcast/cloudy day.
When taking pictures for a panorama with an M1063 camera, make sure you are not using the zoom function of your camera. Upon pressing the button, you will first hear a chime indicating the autofocus has been engaged, followed by a 'click' to indicates that a picture has been taken.
You may now proceed to rotate the head to the next position. (You may notice the compass needle deflect from its initial position as you rotate the M1063 camera - if the ASSET has been properly aligned to true south (Align to South), this will not affect your results.) If you are having a hard time hearing the 'click', the volume can be adjusted in the menu options, and the autofocus chime can be disabled to avoid confusion. Alternately, you can watch the number of pictures available count down on the LCD screen. If the screen is dark simply press the "OK" button on the back of the camera near the LCD screen to refresh it.
When taking pictures for a panorama with a C310 or C300 camera, it is typical/adequate to listen for a 'click'. This 'click' indicates that a picture has been taken and you may now proceed to rotate the head to the next position. If you are having a hard time hearing the 'click', you can watch the light near the eyepiece of the camera -- solid green light means ready for next picture, flashing green means still processing, and a red light means the camera is not ready or the memory is full. Alternately, you can watch the number of pictures available count down on the LCD screen. If the screen is dark simply press the "OK" button on the back of the camera near the LCD screen to refresh it.
Download pictures to computer and analyze.
The transfer process uses a USB interface, please consult your Kodak camera manual if you are having difficulty connecting it to your computer. You can use whatever software you prefer to download the pictures to your desktop. Most computers will recognize the camera once it is plugged in and turned on. If not, you may need to install the Kodak Easy Share software (included). If you rename the pictures, please ensure that it still retains some type of number sequence in the file name, such as "pic1.jpg, pic2.jpg, etc...
Shading Analysis
The analysis is performed by the ASSET Software (included with your ASSET). The details of how to install, and run the software are found in the software section of this manual.