User Manual for the Self Levelling Mount

type SLM9

SLM9-UM-1.2

Delta-T Devices Ltd

Notices Copyright All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Delta-T Devices Ltd. Under the law, copying includes translation into another language. Copyright © 2012 Delta-T Devices Limited. Design Changes Delta-T Devices reserves the right to change the designs and specifications of its products at any time without prior notice. Author: Nick Webb.

User Manual Version: 1.2 Sep 2012

Tel: +44 1638 742922 Delta-T Devices Ltd Fax: +44 1638 743155 130 Low Road, Burwell email: [email protected] Cambridge CB25 0EJ [email protected] UK web: www.delta-t.co.uk Contents

Introduction 4 Features 4 Overview 5 Instructions 6 Assembly Instructions 6 Complete Systems supplied by Delta-T 6 Quick Summary of Operation 6 Assembly of HemiView System Parts 7

Using the Canon EOS 60D 11 Taking Hemiphotos 11 Image Size and Compression 11 Camera Settings 12 12 Taking the Picture 16 Use of Canon Remote Controls 18 Downloading Images to a PC 18 Trouble Shooting 18 Image Alignment in HemiView 19

Setting the Lens Equation in HemiView 20

Warranty and Service 21 Terms and Conditions of Sale 21 Service, Repairs and Spares 22 Technical Support 22 Contact Details: 22

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  3

Introduction

Features The self-levelling mount SLM9 is intended for use with either a or a monopod. It helps keep a camera and aligned to the horizon and North. This is necessary when taking hemispherical photos for use with Delta-T’s HemiView canopy analysis software. The SLM9 is designed for use with the Canon 60D digital SLR camera with a Sigma EX DC 4.5mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens. For ease of use, the mount is equipped with the following features: • Bubble level and adjustable levelling weights • Compass for North/South alignment, viewable from above or below • Markers used to align hemispherical photos in HemiView, illuminated by the camera flashgun • Optional rugged carrying case • Optional monopod or tripod

Image capture, Optional rugged, waterproof processing and carrying case analysis in the field is possible via a ruggedised notebook or tablet PC (not included)

4  Features SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Overview

North Bubble Sigma South Gimbals marker level EXDC lens marker

Flash Fibre optics Canon Compass Tripod adapter light pipe EOS 60D

Mounting the camera Levelling adjustments

1) Locate pin 2) Tighten bolt Balance weights

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  5

Instructions

Assembly Instructions

Complete Systems supplied by Delta-T Complete HemiView systems supplied by Delta-T come with camera, memory card, lens, assembly and self-levelling mount pre-assembled. Charge up and insert the camera battery. Mount the self-levelling mount to a camera tripod or monopod. The system is now assembled. See also Assembly of HemiView System Parts on page 7

Quick Summary of Operation 1. Mount system on a tripod or monopod. 2. Orient it to North using the compass. 3. Level it using the bubble level and balance weights. 4. Select appropriate camera settings. 5. Avoid camera wobble using the self-timer, or a remote control (not supplied), or a laptop PC running the Canon EOS Utility image capture software. 6. Use the live preview and review options in the camera, or on a PC, to check the image is OK. 7. Replace the cover after use. 8. Open, review, annotate, classify and sort images on your PC in Canon ZoomBrowser software, as required. 9. Process and analyse selected images in the HemiView software on your PC.

For step 9 refer also to the HemiView User Manual and online help.

6  Assembly Instructions SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Assembly of HemiView System Parts

1. If you have a tripod, attach the SLM9 Self Levelling Mount to the tripod for stability, using the tripod socket in its base. 2. Attach the Sigma EX DC fisheye lens to a Canon EOS 60D camera as described in the camera and lens manuals. 3. Charge and install the camera battery as described in the camera manual. 4. Fit a memory card as described in the camera manual. 5. Set the lens to Manual and focus ring to Infinity as described in the camera and lens manuals. 6. Release the built-in flash (p. 129 of the EOS60D Manual) and slide the SLM9 flash adapter clip over it.

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  7

7. Attach the camera base to the self levelling mount

8. Remove all (i.e.both parts) of the lens cap

9. When attaching the camera, ensure that the gold line on the lens is parallel to the surface of the inner gimbal ring.

10. Push the two alignment marker fibre optic cables into the holes in the flash adapter.

8  Quick Summary of Operation SLM9 User Manual v1.2 11. Adjust the balance weights so Levelling adjustments that the bubble indicator is within the central circle of the bubble level. Tighten the thumbscrews to lock the weights (1) and/or (2) in position. 3

1 2

Unlock & slide weights (1) and/or (2)

Adjust both gimbal screws (3) together to move the inner ring

3 Further adjustment in the East- West direction can be made by adjusting both of the inner gimbal screws (3) together. 2 1 3

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  9

12. Rotate the mount to point North.

NORTH

13. Re-check the mount is level whenever you change the balance of the camera, e.g. change the battery or flashcard, or reposition the monitor.

Also check the lens alignment (see 9 above) if the camera receives a knock.

10  Quick Summary of Operation SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Using the Canon EOS 60D Camera

This is a great camera with great software. So spend some time familiarising yourself with it. The software manuals are available as PDF files on the Canon CD. These may be also downloaded from the Canon website.

Taking Hemiphotos The Canon EOS 60D is a very capable camera, giving you a lot of control over the settings. This does mean that getting the right settings can be complicated. It is well worth taking some time to learn how the camera works before using it in the field. The following notes will point you towards the appropriate sections of the camera manual. Page numbers refer to current English version of the Canon manual.

Image Size and Compression There is a trade-off between image quality and the number of images you can store on a memory card, but HemiView work usually demands the best available resolution. Using the largest image size at 5184 x 3456 a typical hemi-photo may occupy 25 MB if saved to file in the native Canon RAW format, which would allow you about 100 shots on a 4GB card. Lower image quality and/or image compression will increase the number of images you can store. Saving as a JPEG will give you about 490 shots. Do a trial comparison on your site to see if the image quality makes any

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  11

significant difference. Note that HemiView does not directly accept the native Canon RAW image file format, but you can convert it to a bitmap on your PC using the Canon software provided.. See also the EOS 60D manual, page 85.

Camera Settings The optimum setting depends on the nature of the picture. We recommend the following as a starting point for new users (see Canon 60D Manual, Image Settings p. 59 onwards).

Setting Canon 60D User Manual Sigma Lens Manual * Note 1 Camera mode Manual p. 118 Image Quality p. 84 AEB 0 p. 121 White Balance Daylight *Note 2 p.96 Evaluative p. 119 Picture Style F Faithful p. 90 – 91 Flash Mode M Manual p. 135 -136 Exposure and Tv, 1/80s - see this

speed SLM9 manual *Note 1: Manually focus the lens to infinity, unless under a very low canopy. *Note 2: Varying this to find the best contrast between sky and canopy. Saving Settings You may fine tune your settings and save the configuration on the camera, using the camera controls. You can also configure it from your PC using the Canon software. See also the Canon 60D User Manual and EOS software manuals

Exposure Getting the exposure right can have a significant effect on how easy it is to classify an image in HemiView, and on the accuracy results. Aim to have areas of sky at the top end of the brightness range, and areas of canopy at the lower end. Check this on your image by looking at the brightness histograms. On the Camera, select to play back the image onto the LCD monitor and toggle the INFO button to display image information, including a histogram. (It may be easier to inspect histograms on your PC using the Canon EOS software) 12  Taking Hemiphotos SLM9 User Manual v1.2 If the image is over-exposed, the sky areas will have a tendency to spread in the final image. Under-exposure is less of a problem, but will reduce the amount of visual detail of the canopy. The camera’s automatic exposure will tend to adjust the exposure too much for very open and very closed canopies. We suggest two approaches to dealing with this.

1 Manual Exposure

• Select the Tv: Shutter Priority AE exposure mode (Camera Manual p. 114). Set the to, say,1/80 second to minimise camera shake. Note the exposure values under a section of canopy with about 50% sky visible. Use the smallest hole size possible (i.e. largest f/number) to give the greatest in focus. • Set the camera to manual exposure, and set the shutter speed and aperture to these values. • Having decided on an exposure setting, (as in 1 above) press the <> button to lock the exposure. All the hemi-photos you now take will be at the same exposure setting. • Use this exposure setting for all your hemiphotos, as long as lighting conditions remain the same. The exposure meter will indicate over- exposure for open canopy, and under-exposure in closed canopies.

2 Auto Exposure

• Set the camera to Program AE (Auto Exposure) mode P. • For more open canopies, over-expose using the setting, up to the full +2.0EV for very open canopies.1 • For more closed canopies, under-expose, up to the full -2.0EV for mostly closed canopies. • If you have sufficient memory, try exposure bracketing to take photos with higher and lower exposures. Choose the image that gives the clearest canopy edges. Note: In the Canon 60D you have to disable the flash for AEB auto exposure bracketing to work, so the N-S markers will not light up. This is not such a problem because the North indicator is always at 9 o’clock in the image. You can auto-exposure bracket (AEB) and white balance bracket simultaneously, taking 9 shots. See pages 100 &122 of the Canon 60D User Manual.

1 This seems wrong at first. Why would you do you want to make a light picture lighter and a dark picture darker? The reason is that in auto-exposure mode the camera will compensate, darken a picture of all bright sky, and brighten a picture of an all dark canopy. That is why it is better to work in fixed, manual exposure mode if you can – but that option depends on the light being stable – which, of course, is not always so!

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  13

Example of 3 hemiphotos taken using auto-exposure bracketing and displayed in Canon’s versatile ZoomBrowser software. Underneath each picture the corresponding brightness histogram (for the whole image) and shooting information are given.

Note the time stamp and the auto-exposure setting changes. Incidentally, the dark evergreen tree (lower left) dominates the dark end of these histograms. Depending on your objectives, you might want to edit it out (in Photoshop, say) before using HemiView.

14  Taking Hemiphotos SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Illustration showing 9 hemi-photos taken automatically (Canon 60D camera and 4.5mm Sigma EXDC fisheye lens, using auto exposure bracketing together with white balance bracketing and with Drive Mode (p.81) set to low-speed continuous shooting.)

Shooting information for the central photo is shown at right. These images are as displayed by the Canon DigitalPhoto Professional software provided with the 60D camera.

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  15

Taking the Picture To ensure the camera is level it is often easiest to use the timer or a remote control to take a picture. The Canon user manual describes a range of suitable remote control accessories which you may wish to acquire. Here we describe two methods you can use if you don’t have a remote control.

Using Timer See Self-Timer Operation in the Canon 50D user manual

1 Press the AF DRIVE button. 2 Look at the LCD panel, rotate the dial Select the two or ten second timer 3 Press the shutter release and move the camera and SLM into place, checking it is as level as possible, and pointing to North. Hold it still until the timer completes. The beeper will sound, the self-timer lamp will blink, and the shot will be taken.

Using PC Image Capture Software The Canon EOS 60D camera comes with a USB serial cable for connecting to a PC and Canon software on CD for acquiring and managing image files from the camera. As an alternative to using the timer you may control the Canon 60D remotely via the USB serial cable connected to a notebook PC This has the advantage of allowing you to immediately inspect the image at high resolution, take another if necessary, and if you wish, analyse the canopy on the spot using HemiView. But to do this we recommend use of a ruggedized notebook or tablet PC.

See the Canon EOS Software Instruction Manual for: • Canon software installation instructions • Instructions on using the USB cable • Instructions of acquiring images from the camera under PC control • Trouble Shooting Canon software

16  Taking Hemiphotos SLM9 User Manual v1.2 This diagram shows an example of the whole image acquisition and analysis process being controlled from a PC in the field, using the Canon EOS Software and then HemiView.

Using a rugged notebook or tablet PC with the Canon 60D, a canopy can be viewed live, camera settings adjusted, image captured and automatically imported into HemiView.

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  17

Use of Canon Remote Controls Provided the camera is within range, a remote control may help eliminate camera shake. The following may be obtained from reputable camera suppliers: Canon Remote Switch types RC-6, RC-1 and RC-5. See Canon 60D User Manual page 126.

Downloading Images to a PC

You are strongly recommended to read the Canon EOS 60D User Manual and the Canon EOS Software (Windows) Instruction Manual for full details.

There are many ways to transfer images out of the camera. Images may be transferred via a USB cable using the Canon software. The flash card may be removed and read by a flash card reader connected to your PC USB port

Note: Images can be opened directly from a memory card in HemiView, but this is not recommended - because HemiView does not store the images themselves, only information about them, so the images will be lost when the memory card is removed.

Trouble Shooting Refer to the Trouble Shooting section of the Canon EOS Software Instructions Manual.

18  Downloading Images to a PC SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Image Alignment in HemiView

In HemiView use File, Open to load an image Align the horizon circle to the shoulders of the two alignment markers, with the pointed marker at the magnetic North point, as shown below. Note: with the SLM9 the camera orientation is fixed All images are aligned with North-South horizontal and North on the left. (Note: earlier versions of the self-levelling mount held directly onto the lens itself and not the camera - and for that reason the camera orientation, and therefore the location of North, was previously undefined in Hemiphotos.) HemiView software needs to be told where North is, by dragging the north indicator to the North marker cone on the left. To define the horizon correctly, drag the white horizon line to intercept the flat top of the rim of each of the North and South markers, as shown.

For full instructions refer to the HemiView manual and its online help.

1 - Select 1 the North Indicator

2 - Drag the North indicator around to align it with 3 the white North marker cone

3 - Drag and 2 position the horizon circle to intersect the top rim of North and South markers

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  19

Setting the Lens Equation in HemiView

If the Sigma EX DC 4.5mm fisheye lens does not appear in the standard list of lenses installed with HemiView, you will have to enter the correct coefficients in HemiView. Create a new lens with the following settings: (Settings, Lens, New) Enter the coefficients in the Lens Properties dialog as shown below. Field of View (deg): 180.0 a1: 0.706900 a2: -0.032900 a3: 0.025600 a4: -0.021097

60D

When you exit HemiView, this lens will be saved in the HemiView lenses.csv file. When using HemiView, specify these lens properties for all hemi-photos taken with Canon EOS 50D or 60D with a Sigma 4.5mm EX DC lens.

20  Trouble Shooting SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Warranty and Service

Terms and Conditions of Sale Our Conditions of Sale (ref: COND: 1/07) set out Delta-T's legal obligations on these matters. The following paragraphs summarise Delta T's position but reference should always be made to the exact terms of our Conditions of Sale, which will prevail over the following explanation. Delta-T warrants that the goods will be free from defects arising out of the materials used or poor workmanship for a period of twelve months from the date of delivery. Delta-T shall be under no liability in respect of any defect arising from fair wear and tear, and the warranty does not cover damage through misuse or inexpert servicing, or other circumstances beyond their control. If the buyer experiences problems with the goods they shall notify Delta-T (or Delta-T’s local distributor) as soon as they become aware of such problem. Delta-T may rectify the problem by replacing faulty parts free of charge, or by repairing the goods free of charge at Delta-T's premises in the UK during the warranty period. If Delta-T requires that goods under warranty be returned to them from overseas for repair, Delta-T shall not be liable for the cost of carriage or for customs clearance in respect of such goods. However, Delta-T requires that such returns are discussed with them in advance and may at their discretion waive these charges. Delta-T shall not be liable to supply products free of charge or repair any goods where the products or goods in question have been discontinued or have become obsolete, although Delta-T will endeavour to remedy the buyer’s problem. Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer for any consequential loss, damage or compensation whatsoever (whether caused by the negligence of the Delta-T, their employees or distributors or otherwise) which arise from the supply of the goods and/or services, or their use or resale by the buyer. Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer by reason of any delay or failure to perform their obligations in relation to the goods and/or services if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond the Delta-T’s reasonable control.

SLM9 User Manual v1.2 Contents  21

Service, Repairs and Spares Users in countries that have a Delta-T distributor or technical representative should contact them in the first instance. Spare parts for our own instruments can be supplied and can normally be despatched within a few working days of receiving an order. Spare parts and accessories for products not manufactured by Delta-T may have to be obtained from our supplier, and a certain amount of additional delay is inevitable. No goods or equipment should be returned to Delta-T without first obtaining the return authorisation from Delta-T or our distributor. On receipt of the goods at Delta-T you will be given a reference number. Always refer to this reference number in any subsequent correspondence. The goods will be inspected and you will be informed of the likely cost and delay. We normally expect to complete repairs within one or two weeks of receiving the equipment. However, if the equipment has to be forwarded to our original supplier for specialist repairs or recalibration, additional delays of a few weeks may be expected. For contact details see below.

Technical Support Users in countries that have a Delta-T distributor or technical representative should contact them in the first instance. Technical Support is available on Delta-T products and systems. Your initial enquiry will be acknowledged immediately with a reference number. Make sure to quote the reference number subsequently so that we can easily trace any earlier correspondence. In your enquiry, always quote instrument serial numbers, software version numbers, and the approximate date and source of purchase where these are relevant.

Contact Details: Tech Support Team Delta-T Devices Ltd 130 Low Road, Burwell, Cambridge CB25 0EJ, UK email: [email protected] repairs: [email protected] web: www.delta-t.co.uk Tel: +44 1638 742922 Fax: +44 1638 743155

22  Service, Repairs and Spares SLM9 User Manual v1.2