PNI V2000 OPERATION MANUAL

OPERATION MANUAL

V2000 DIGITALVEHICLECOMPASS

Making Ordinary Products Extraordinary

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have purchased one of the most sophisti­cated compasses available for use in a
vehicle. The PNI V2000 is one of several
models using our latest technology to make
a digital compass easy and fun to use, while
still incorporating patented magnetic sensor
technology to give you accurate compass
headings. PNI’s magnetic sensor technology
electronically measures your vehicle’s mag­netic eld and calibrates for inaccuracies
mathematically with its built-in micropro­cessor. The result is unequaled compass
performance in a vehicle environment.

Features

• Patented magnetic sensor technology
same as the built-in compasses in GM,
Ford, and Chrysler vehicles.

• Bearing point stores one compass heading
at a time in memory to stay on desired
course.

• Inside or outside temperature in either
Fahrenheit or Celsius with temperature
sensor installed.

• ICE alert feature warns the driver to icy
road conditions when the temperature
sensor is installed outside.

1

FEATURES

• Automatic shut-off when no magnetic
eld changes have been sensed for
approximately 10 minutes.

• Programmable automatic backlight shut­off feature.

• Photo diode light sensing feature turns
the backlight on or off depending on the
amount of ambient light when used with
12-volt adapter.

• Distortion warning when magnetic inter­ference from outside sources is affecting
compass accuracy.

• Holographic LCD improves brightness
and contrast while removing glare.

• One-year warranty.

2

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

The manual is designed with procedures
organized in the order that they will be needed.
Additional information about procedures or
compass use can be found in our Frequently
Asked Questions section.

1. The LCD icons are written in capital
letters surrounded by quotes.

2. Buttons are indicated by a graphical icon
of each button, such as

3. Procedures are organized so that the
action to perform follows the step
number and result of that action is
italicized.

.

4. “Press” means quickly press and release a
button in less than two seconds.

5. “Hold” means press and hold the button
for at least two seconds, or until a display
appears.

6. Indicates a warning or important
information.

7. Indicates a feature or optional equip­ment available at additional cost.

3

CONTENTS

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Installing the PNI V2000 . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Windshield installation guidelines . . 8

Windshield mounting . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Installing the 12-volt adapter . . . . .10

Installing the temperature sensor . .11

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bearing point mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Temperature mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

ICE alert feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Backlight mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Photo diode feature . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . 20

Service and replacement . . . . . . . . . . 24

Limited warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4

DISPLAY

“DISTORTION” Cardinal Point Numeric Heading
Icon Readout Readout

Compass Rose Temperature and Buttons
Bearing Point Readout

Compass Front

Battery Photo Diode
Compartment

Temperature 12-Volt Power
Sensor Jack AdapterJack

Compass Back

5

DISPLAY

When turned on, the unit displays heading in
one of 16 cardinal points (N, NNE, NE, ENE,
E, etc.), numeric digits with a resolution of 5°,
and a compass rose at all times. The compass
rose points in the direction displayed on the
cardinal points.

Buttons and icons

Light button

Press to turn the backlight on or off or
hold to set the backlight auto shut-off value.

Cal button

Press or hold
process.

to begin the calibration

Temp button

Press
to program the display of Fahrenheit or Celsius
values.

Point button

Press
or hold to store a new bearing point.

Power button

Press to turn the PNI V2000 on or off.

“Distortion” icon

The “DISTORTION” icon displays when mag-
netic interference is compromising compass
accuracy or when a battery has been installed.

to display the temperature or hold

to display a stored bearing point

6

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

Installing the battery

The unit uses a 3-volt CR123A lithium-type
battery, installed according to the diagram on
the inside of the battery compartment. Push the
battery straight down into the compartment,
not at an angle. Once the battery is inserted,
the unit will cycle through a quality test of
two different displays. The entire test lasts
approximately 10 seconds, then displays heading
information.

be inaccurate until you calibrate.

Note: Heading information will

After installation, you must calibrate the

unit. As a reminder, the “DISTORTION”
icon will display in the upper left corner

until the unit is calibrated.

Every time the battery is removed the PNI

V2000 must be calibrated and all previous
feature settings must be re-programmed.

If any of the two quality test screens

display for more than 30 seconds, remove
the battery, wait for approximately one
minute, and then reinsert the battery.

The PNI V2000 has a programmable

auto shut-off feature. When no mag­netic eld change has been detected for
approximately 10 minutes, the compass
automatically switches off.

7

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

Windshield installation guidelines

Choose a place on the windshield that will
not obstruct the driver’s view and is within
reach so the buttons are easy to push. Make
sure the windshield surface is clean. Once
installed, the face of the compass must be
pointing toward the rear of the vehicle.

The PNI V2000 mounting bracket is

designed to allow for the unit to be
easily removed. Removal or replacement
of the compass without disrupting the
bracket mechanism eliminates the need
to recalibrate the compass.

The compass can be tilted up or down

a maximum of 20° from road level and
still maintain accuracy. If tilted more
than 20°, the heading information may
not be accurate (see illustration next

page).

The accuracy of the PNI V2000 will be

diminished by a strong magnetic eld,
such as that found in proximity to an
audio speaker. It is recommended that
the unit be mounted 5 or more inches
away from stereo speakers.

8

20° maximum up tilt

20° maximum down tilt

Dashboard

Windshield

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

Windshield mounting

1. Install the suction cups into the windshield
mounting bracket by sliding them into
their holes (if not pre-installed).

2. Press the bracket rmly against the
windshield until the suction cups hold
securely. If necessary, apply a thin layer
of petroleum jelly to suction cup rim to
improve grip.

3. Slide the PNI V2000 into the bracket,
making sure that the face of the compass is
pointing toward the rear of the vehicle.

Do not leave the PNI V2000 in a parked

vehicle that is likely to be exposed to
extremely hot or cold temperatures.

9

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

Installing the 12-volt adapter

Installing the 12-volt adapter is optional, but
recommended. Insert the small end into the
jack marked “POWER”, located on the back
of the compass and plug the large end into
your cigarette lighter receptacle.

The photo diode feature of the PNI

V2000 is operational only when the
12-volt adapter is plugged in.

Since cars do not always have constant

power supplied to the lighter receptacle,
you must keep a battery in the PNI
V2000 at all times to allow the unit to
keep memory settings.

A hard-wire kit is available at additional

cost. See Optional Accessories.

10

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

Installing the temperature sensor

The included temperature sensor and tether
may be used outside or inside the vehicle.
Sensor placement inside the vehicle should
be somewhere out of direct sunlight and
away from your vehicle’s ventilation system,
where there is natural airow to the sensor.
Sensor placement for outside temperature
should also be away from direct sunlight and
engine heat in a place where there is natural
air ow to the sensor, such as in the grill
area or door jamb. Every vehicle is different,
making it impossible to list all possible sensor
locations.

1. Insert the connector end of the tether
into the jack marked “TEMP” located on
the back of the compass.

2. Before removing the backing tape from
the adhesive surface, make sure the
mounting surface is free of oil and dirt.

3. (optional) Use the included retainer clips
to secure the temperature tether to the
windshield or dashboard.

11

INSTALLING THE PNI V2000

If the temperature sensor is not plugged

in and the
message “PLUG IN THE SENSOR” will
cycle twice in the lower right corner.

Do not leave the PNI V2000 in a parked

vehicle that is likely to be exposed to
extremely hot or cold temperatures.

A temperature sensor tether that is

longer than the one included with your
PNI V2000 is available at an additional
cost. See Optional Accessories.

button is pressed, the

12

CALIBRATION

If you have just installed a new battery, the
“DISTORTION” icon will display in the upper
left corner of the screen until calibration is
completed. To calibrate, do the following:

1. Hold

The message “PRESS AGAIN TO START

OR PRESS LIGHT TO CANCEL” cycles in

the lower right corner for approximately 20
seconds.

2. Press .

At the same time, “TURN ONCE” will
ash on and off in the lower left corner,
and “TURN ONCE THEN PRESS CAL TO

.

END”, cycles in the lower right corner for

approximately 2 minutes.

3. Turn vehicle in one complete 360º circle
in either direction.

Circle size does not matter. Take at least
20 seconds, but less than one minute to
complete the entire circle.

4. Press .

“DONE” displays briey in lower right
corner. The V2000 is now calibrated.

13

BEARING POINT MODE

Bearing point allows one numeric heading to
be stored and displayed for use as a reference
point. If the battery was just installed, 00°
displays in the lower right corner. To enter a
new bearing point, do the following:

1. Align your vehicle so that the numeric
heading to be stored as a bearing point
appears in the right center of the screen.

2. Hold .

The message “PRESS AGAIN TO STORE”,
cycles in the lower right corner.

3. Press .

The stored bearing point appears numer­ically in the lower right corner and as a
ashing arrow on the compass rose. This
bearing point remains in memory until
either another bearing point is stored or the
battery is replaced.

4. Press .

Turns display of stored bearing point on or
off.

14

TEMPERATURE MODE

If the temperature sensor has not been
properly installed prior to pressing

, “PLUG IN THE SENSOR” will cycle

in the lower right corner.

To program temperature display for °C or °F,
do the following:

1. Hold .

The message “PRESS AGAIN TO STEP HOLD

TO SELECT” cycles in the lower right corner.

2. Press .

Either °C or °F ashes in the lower right
corner.

3. Press .

To toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

4. Hold .

Until “DONE” displays, to make Celsius or
Fahrenheit selection.

5. Press .

Temperature display is turned on or off.

The PNI V2000 displays temperature readings
between 1°F and 158°F (-17°C to 70°C).

15

TEMPERATURE MODE

If the temperature falls below 1°F (-17°C), the
display will ash “

-17°C

”) until the temperature rises above the

minimum.

Similarly, If the temperature rises above 158°F
(70°C), the display will ash “PLUS 158°F”
(or “PLUS 70°C”) until the temperature
drops below the maximum.

UNDER 1°F

” (or “

UNDER

ICE alert feature

When the temperature sensor has been
properly installed, the ICE alert feature warns
you if the temperature drops to 35°F (2°C).
When this happens, the PNI V2000 will
automatically switch to temperature mode
and the word “ICE”, as well as the recorded
temperature, will ash in the bottom right
corner until any button is pressed.

This feature will not work if the tem-

perature sensor is not installed or is
installed incorrectly.

16

BACKLIGHT MODE

Press to turn the backlight on or off. To
program the backlight auto shut-off value,
do the following:

1. Hold .

“PRESS AGAIN TO STEP” “HOLD LIGHT

TO SELECT” cycles in the lower right

corner.

2. Press .

To display values of 00, 10, 30, 60, and 180
seconds respectively (the value of 00 disables
the auto shut-off feature).

3. Hold .

To select the interval for the auto shut-off
until “DONE” displays.

4. Press .

The backlight stays on for the selected time,
then shuts off.

If the 12-volt adapter is plugged in or

the hard-wire kit is properly installed,
the photo diode feature disables the
auto shut-off value.

17

BACKLIGHT MODE

Photo diode feature

The PNI V2000 comes equipped with a photo
diode light sensor that turns the backlight on
or off depending on the amount of ambient
light it senses. The backlight turns on when
the unit senses darkness. The backlight turns
off under these circumstances:

• when the unit senses light again.

• when is pressed.

• when no magnetic eld change has been
detected for approximately 10 minutes.

The 12-volt adapter or optional hard-

wire kit must be installed for the photo
diode feature to work.

18

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

A hard-wire kit is available for an addi-

tional charge by calling our customer ser­vice department at [phone] from
anywhere in the U. S. A., [phone],
or e-mail [e-mail]. Please seek
the assistance of a professional automo­tive accessory installer to ensure proper
installation in your specic vehicle.

A 30-foot temperature sensor tether is

available for an additional charge by
calling our customer service depart­ment at [phone] from anywhere
in the U. S. A., [phone], or e-mail
[e-mail].

19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the PNI V2000 work?

The PNI V2000 uses a patented magnetic
sensor technology that was developed by
PNI Corporation for the U.S. military. This
technology is called “magneto-inductive” and
is the largest advance in compass technology
since the ux gate was invented 60 years ago.
The earth generates a magnetic eld, and
through a mathematical calculation, compass
heading is determined. The magneto-inductive
technology is able to electronically sense the
difference in the earth’s eld from your vehicle’s
magnetic eld. The PNI V2000’s microprocessor
electronically subtracts out your vehicle’s

magnetic elds, displaying highly accurate
compass readings. Magneto-inductive sensor
technology has many advantages over other
technologies including better performance,
consuming less power, and being less expensive.
These advantages have made magneto­inductive sensor technology the choice for many
high-prole compass applications including
GM, Ford, and Chrysler automobiles, Polaris
jet skis, Bayliner boats, and Timex watches.

Where can the PNI V2000 be used?

The PNI V2000 can be used in any type of
vehicle including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs,
off-road vehicles, boats, and RVs.

20

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I read the display?

The PNI V2000 displays direction in 3
different formats: 1) cardinal points,

2) numeric digits (325º, 330º, etc.), and 3)

compass rose. The 16 cardinal points of a
compass (N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE,
S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW)
give you a general sense of direction. The
numeric digits show your exact direction
down to the nearest 5 degrees. The compass
rose shows a solid arrow pointing in the
direction you are heading.

What is calibration, and why is it necessary?

Calibration is the process whereby the PNI

V2000 separates the earth’s magnetic eld
from external magnetic elds such as those
generated by a vehicle’s steel body or
electronics. Without calibration, the PNI
V2000 thinks the entire magnetic eld it
is reading is from the earth and therefore
displays inaccurate compass readings.

When do I need to calibrate the PNI V2000?

The PNI V2000 needs to be calibrated when
used for the rst time in a vehicle, when used
in a different location in the same vehicle,
when moved to a different vehicle or when the
battery was removed. The PNI V2000 requires
re-calibration when the “DISTORTION” icon

21

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

displays in the upper left corner or when
there has been a change to your vehicle, such
as the installation of a new stereo.

What does it mean when the “DISTORTION”
icon displays in the upper left corner?

“DISTORTION” indicates magnetic distortion.
Many things generate external magnetic elds
causing compass inaccuracy, including metal
and electronics. The PNI V2000 senses any
signicant change in magnetic elds.
“DISTORTION” may display briey when
driving over a bridge, under an overpass,
over railroad tracks, or within close proximity
to something with a strong magnetic eld.

Once the vehicle has moved away from the
source of interference, the “DISTORTION” icon
disapears, indicating that the unit will be
accurate again. If the “DISTORTION” icon
is continuously displayed in the upper left
corner, it is usually a sign that there has been a
signicant change in magnetic elds or a new
battery has just been installed, and calibration
is necessary.

How can I improve the calibration process?

It is best to calibrate in conditions similar to
how you will be using the unit. For example,
you should calibrate with the temperature
tether and 12-volt adapter attached to the

22

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

unit (if you intend to use the 12-volt
adapter). If you typically drive with your
headlights and stereo on (or any other
electronic instrument), turn these on prior
to calibration.

How can the bearing point feature help me?

Setting a bearing point to a desired heading or
to a sighted landmark allows you to monitor
and maintain your heading and remain on
course on an unfamiliar road. A bearing
point also allows you to vary your course
then get back on your original bearing path.

23

SERVICE & REPLACEMENT

Customer Service

Please e-mail customer service department
at [e-mail] or call us
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(PST) Monday through Friday, with your
questions.

Warranty Service

For the fastest service, it is best to contact
or return your unit to the place of purchase
within 30 days of the purchase. If you wish to
return the unit for replacement or repair to
PNI Corporation, please follow the following
procedures:

1. Obtain a return merchandise authoriza­tion (RMA) number by contacting PNI
Corporation.

• By phone: [phone] (toll-free

within the U.S.A. only) or at (707)
566-2260

24

SERVICE & REPLACEMENT

• By fax: [phone]

• By e-mail: [e-mail]

2. Provide a proof of purchase, such as
a mechanical reproduction or carbon
copy of a sales receipt. If you send your
original receipt, it cannot be returned.
Proof of purchase must show printed
date of purchase, model number, and
place of purchase. There will be a charge
for repair or replacement if no proof of
purchase is provided or if it is past the
12-month warranty period.

Once you have acquired an RMA number,

pack the unit securely to prevent damage
in transit. If possible, use the original
packing material and box. Be sure to send
the entire product.

3. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a
traceable carrier, such as United Parcel
Service (UPS), Roadway Parcel Service
(RPS), or First Class Mail to avoid loss in
transit.

4. Write the issued RMA number on the
outside of your package and send your
proof of purchase and description of the

25

SERVICE & REPLACEMENT

problem to the following address:

PNI Corporation

5464 Skylane Blvd., Suite A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1084

Type or print your name and address

where the replacement should be
delivered. After receipt of your documents
and unit, a replacement unit will be
sent to you. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks
from receipt of your returned product to
delivery of your replacement.

26

LIMITED WARRANTY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

PNI Corporation warrants to the original
user that this product will be free of defects
in workmanship and materials for one (1)
year from the date of purchase. This warranty
does not cover wear and tear due to normal
use, or damage to the product as the result
of improper usage, neglect of care, alteration,
accident, or unauthorized repair.

If the product is found by PNI to be defective
and you have provided proof of purchase
acceptable to PNI, PNI’s entire liability and
your exclusive remedy for breach of warranty
shall be that PNI, at its option, will replace or

repair the product and return the replacement
or repaired product to you at no charge,
provided that you ship the product to PNI
at your expense. PNI warrants the repaired
or replaced product to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of
the greater of: (i) ninety (90) days from the
date it is shipped to you; or (ii) the period of
time remaining on the original one (1) year
warranty.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN
LIEU OF AND PNI DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS,

27

LIMITED WARRANTY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN
LAW, WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
(1) THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR (2)
THAT USE OF THE PRODUCT WILL BE
UNINTERRUPTED AND ERROR FREE.

PNI shall have no liability for any indirect
or speculative damages (including, but not
limited to, consequential, incidental, and
special damages) relating to the use of or
inability to use this product, whether arising
out of contract, negligence, tort, or under

any warranty theory, or for infringement of
any other party’s intellectual property rights,
irrespective of whether PNI had advance
notice of the possibility of any such damages,
including, but not limited to, loss of use,
revenue, or prot. In no event shall PNI’s
total liability for all claims regarding the
product exceed the price paid for the product.
PNI neither assumes nor authorizes anyone
to assume for it any other liabilities.

28

PNI Corporation www.pnicorp.com

80-1284-0001 Version D1-01