Pentax O-GPS1 GPS Unit
Features In-Depth (II)
We're not done yet- the O-GPS1 has several more features that we have yet to mention!
Destination Manager
The Destination Manager allows you to save destinations to an SD card for backup, load destinations from a card or delete single or multiple destinations. The system allows up to three files each with 40 destinations, thereby giving 120 destinations in total.
It is possible to create/edit these data files on an SD card using a computer to include any destination. For complete details the Japanese Pentax site (English section) has a complete explanation at:
http://www.pentax.jp/english/products/o-gps1/simplenavigation02.html
Loading Destinations from the Card
Choosing 'Load' provides a choice of up to three files to load into the camera. After selecting the file and pressing the 'OK' button the destinations in that file are then loaded into the camera for navigation use.
Saving Destinations to the card
Choosing 'Save' brings up the Save to card menu.
You can choose 1 of three locations to save destination data. Choosing one of the 'slots' brings up the custom naming menu.
You can then edit the name for this backup file. Choosing 'Finish' brings up the 'Save' menu.
Choosing the 'Save' command then saves the file to the SD card.
Deleting Destinations
Choosing the 'Delete Destination' option brings up a selection menu of all the destinations. You can select one or multiple destinations. Pressing the delete button then deletes these destinations.
Astrotracer
The Astrotracer function is one of the 'neatest' functions of the O-GPS1 unit. It will allow a K-5 or K-r to 'track' stars and other astronomical objects for up to 5 minutes to avoid the 'star trail' issue with normal timed photographs.
The feature works by slowly moving the camera sensor in sync with the earth's motion, basically it provides the camera with a simple equatorial mount, much used by astrophotographers and astronomers.
The Astrotracer menu item will only be available when the camera is set to 'bulb' mode. When setting the camera into 'bulb' it's also advisable to set the 'mirror up' function or the 2 second 'self timer' to avoid vibration caused by the mirror moving. In addition, a cable release or wireless remote control will make astrophotography with this unit easier.
Precise Calibration
This is an additional calibration procedure that must be carried out before the Astrotracer can be used. It is performed in the same way as the Electronic Compass calibration.
Maximum Trace Duration
This value is set by the O-GPS1 unit and is the maximum amount of time that it will function in tracking objects. According to the manual, this value is based on:
- focal length of the lens
- shooting location
- direction that the camera is facing
Timed Exposure
The 'Timed Exposure' tickbox indicates whether you wish to use the GPS unit to expose the image using the 'Exposure Time Preset' item.
Exposure Time Preset
This value is user set to indicate the length of the exposure using the Astrotracer function. You cannot set this value to greater than the Maximum Trace Duration value.
Once everything is set the 'Start Shooting' item is selected and the following display appears:
Pressing the shutter button or otherwise releasing the shutter at this point will activate the Astrotracer functiion and the camera sensor will track for the indicated length of time.
At this point your star photo will be complete.
