FAQs

Q1: Why does my GPS always show the same location with 0m altitude?

If your GPS consistently displays the same location with an altitude of 0m, it is likely retrieving data from its last position memory rather than obtaining a real-time fix. This happens when the GPS is unable to receive a strong satellite signal. To resolve this, ensure that the device is used in an open-sky outdoor location, away from tall buildings, dense tree cover, or metal enclosures. Once a proper signal is acquired, the green LED on the GPS should stay solid, indicating a successful position fix.

Q2: Can I use the GPS inside a fast-moving vehicle?

Yes, you can use the GPS inside a moving vehicle, but it is highly recommended to acquire an initial position fix while stationary in an open-sky outdoor environment before entering the vehicle. If the GPS starts while moving, especially in a metal-enclosed vehicle, it may struggle to acquire satellites and take significantly longer to establish a position fix. Once the initial fix is obtained, the GPS should continue to function normally while in motion.

Q3: Why does my GPS take a long time to acquire a position fix when my camera's Wi-Fi is turned on?

Some cameras emit radio frequency (RF) signals when Wi-Fi is enabled, which can interfere with GPS signal reception. If your GPS is taking an unusually long time to acquire a fix, try turning on Airplane Mode on your camera to disable Wi-Fi and reduce potential interference. Additionally, ensure you are in an open outdoor area for optimal signal reception.

Q4a. My GPS doesn’t document my location information in the photos sometimes, especially after not using the camera / the GPS for a while. Is it the problem of the device?

In order for the device to work properly, as a rule of thumb, both the black GPS icon on the camera (indicating communication between camera and the GPS unit) and the stable green light (indicating GPS signal reception) on the di-GPS should be observed.

When the green light or the GPS icon is still blinking, there is no position fix available and position information will not be registered. Please wait for a couple of seconds under open sky or move to somewhere with fewer obstacles (e.g. tall buildings) until signal acquisition is completed (stable green light) if possible.

If this problem occurs particularly for the first few photos taken after breaks, you may want to check if the “Auto Meter Off” or “Standby Time” function of your camera is on (refer to User Guide – Power Mode Button). This function saves camera battery by turning it off automatically when it is not being used for a stipulated time. As di-GPS switches on and off with the camera by default, signal searching has to be done again every time the camera is reactivated. For convenience sake, you may either switch your di-GPS to the Always-On Mode (Red LED on) by pressing the power mode button (not available for PF-M) or switch off the “Auto Meter Off” or “Standby Time” function.

Q4b. Is there anything I can do to make up for the photos with no GPS data recorded?

If GPS data were recorded in at least some photos, you can paste GPS data from the previous photos with GPS data registered to those without any.

Here is a video tutorial on how to copy GPS information to photo without GPS data.

Q5. Why are the GPS data registered in my photos wrong? What can I do to maximize the accuracy?

Our di-GPS products are capable of describing your position down to 5-meter accuracy. However, error up to about 10 meters can be considered within normal range due to variations in the environment. If the error of the GPS data is more than 10 meters, you may want to check out the following possibilities and adjustments to minimize the error.

Your location is essentially calculated from the positions of the satellites orbiting the Earth and time the signals from these satellites needs to reach the GPS device. Generally, the more accessible the device is to the signals, the more accurate the position data will be.

• Blockage of signals

Tall buildings, valleys, dense trees or any large objects can obstruct signals from the satellites. While signals are seldom completely interrupted (which is still possible if you are indoor or underground), decrease in number and dispersity of satellites that can reach your unit will introduce great error to the calculation of your position. For best performance of the GPS, signal acquisition and usage of di-GPS under open sky is recommended.

• Multipath error

Even if signals can squeeze through the tiny bit of open sky and reach your device, it is likely that they would be reflected and weakened. Signals would bounce between obstacles like rocky mountains or buildings, increasing the distance travelled and time needed get to the GPS. The readings could mislead the device and give rise to faulty calculations. Avoid using di-GPS in confined or enclosed environment to enhance the accuracy.

• Use of last position memory when current position fix is not available (applicable for PF-2, PF-M, PS-2, PS-10M, PS-19M)

Under the circumstances when signals are weak or not received at all, last position memory instead of real-time position information might be used if signals had ever been obtained from the satellites after the GPS is attached to the camera. Last position memory is the position fix of where the GPS last picked up signals and it is used when current location info is not available. The altitude recorded in the photos in which last fixed positions are applied would be 0.00m*. To ensure real-time position data are employed, double-check that the green light on the GPS device is steadily on.

*If you have any doubt as to this is the case, send us the questioned photos at info.dawntech.hk and we are here to check them for you.

Q6. Why do the GPS data show that my pictures were taken in North Pole (N90) while they were actually not?

It is the default data in the memory of the GPS device. This shows that GPS signal acquisition of the device is not completed yet. There are two parts to signal acquisition: time and GPS data. In this case, the GPS unit has synchronized with the clock of the satellites but has not received GPS data. Therefore, with no GPS data available, the unit reports the current time with the last position data, which is N90.

To have the correct GPS data registered to your photographs, please wait for a few seconds until the completion of signal searching (indicated by a steady green light on the GPS device) before you start taking photos.

Q7. The heading information recorded in my photos was not even close to the actual bearings. Is there something wrong with my GPS?

There are two factors that could have affected the readings: the electromagnetic field emitted from the surroundings and the speed of panning.

Just like any conventional compass, digital compasses could be interfered by metal or electronic objects around it. Cellular base stations, buildings (iron in building material), mobile phones, rocks on mountains (the mineral content) or even watches could lead to some error as the digital compass is highly sensitive. You may try removing items that could be affecting the readings or using the GPS elsewhere and see if the accuracy is improved.

Taking photos during panning or immediately after panning your camera would also possibly lead to great errors. The camera only records heading information once every second and the data recorded in the pictures could be the bearings of the camera up to a second ago. This kind of error can be easily prevented by holding the camera still for at least a second before taking photos.

If the above do not seem to work at all, your device might be defective. Contact us at info.dawntech.hk for more assistance and we could arrange for repair if the problems could not be resolved.

Q8. Is there any reseller of di-GPS in Europe?

Yes, here are our resellers in Europe:

• GPS-CAMERA.EU
• Pro! Trade Omnifoto

Q9. Where can I download the user guide?

Click here to download the user guide for your di-GPS model.