PNI Wayfinder V700 Operation Manual

OPERATION MANUAL

V700

DIGITALVEHICLECOMPASS

Making Ordinary Products Extraordinary

1

You have acquired one of the most
sophisticated compasses available for vehicle
or hand use. The Waynder V700
incorporates patented magnetic sensor
technology that was developed to display the
most accurate electronic compass headings
for the U.S. military.

Compass features

• ACCURATE in all types of vehicles: cars,
trucks, SUVs, or RVs.

• ADJUSTABLE CRADLE easily mounts to any
windshield with heavy-duty suction cups
(included).

• COMPASS UNIT easily slides off its cradle
for external use as hand compass.

• FOR HIKING OR DRIVING can be used in two
different magnetic eld environments
(inside or outside the vehicle) without
having to recalibrate every time you
switch from one environment to the
other.

• 3-MODE COMPASS heading is displayed with
a compass rose, 8 cardinal points (N, NE,
etc.) and 5° numeric digits.

• ELECTRONIC CALIBRATION no manual
adjustments are needed. Just hold a

CONGRATULATIONS!

2

button and turn a circle. No need to
repeat until the batteries are removed or
the compass is moved elsewhere.

• HOLOGRAPHIC LCD improves brightness
and contrast while removing glare.

• BRIGHT BACKLIGHT illuminates the LCD
for easy viewing day or night.

• “SMART ” AUTO SHU T-OFF shuts off
automatically to save battery power when
no magnetic eld change is detected for
10 minutes.

• MAGNETIC DISTORTION MESSAGE advises
when magnetic interference from outside

sources affects the accuracy of the
compass.

• BATTERY OR 12-VOLT POWER operates on 2
“AAA” batteries (included) for up to 200
hours or with power cord (included).

• WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE -14°F to 140°F
operating temperature; -40°F to 160°F
storage temperature.

COMPASS FEATURES

3

DISPLAY AND BUTTONS

Distortion Icon

Vehicle Mode Icon

On/Off Button

Press to turn unit and backlight on;

Hold to turn unit and backlight off

Calibrate Button

Press to turn unit and backlight on;

Hold to carry out calibration

Hand Mode Icon

4

Distortion Icon

The Waynder V700 detects when outside
magnetic interference compromises accuracy
by displaying the “DIST” icon on the LCD.
Distortion occurs when a signicant change
in the surrounding magnetic elds occurs,
such as driving underneath an overpass or
over a bridge.

Vehicle Mode Icon

Vehicle Mode displays car icon in bottom
left of display when the unit is positioned
vertically in its cradle in automatic switch
mode, or when the unit is manually placed
and locked into Vehicle Mode (see page 9).

Important: In Vehicle Mode, the compass rose
arrow points in the direction of travel.

Hand Mode Icon

Hand Mode displays hand icon in bottom
right of display when the unit is held
horizontally in automatic switch mode, or
when the unit is manually placed and locked
into Hand Mode (see page 9).

Important: In Hand Mode, the compass rose
arrow points in the direction of NORTH.

DISPLAY AND BUTTONS

5

INSTALLING OR REPLACING BATTERIES

The compass uses two “AAA” size batteries
(provided).

Installing the batteries

Remove the Waynder V700 from its cradle
and place it on a at surface with the LCD
facing down and the back of the compass
facing up.

Slide open the battery cover on the back of
the compass housing by gently depressing
the triangular mark near the base with your
thumb and sliding it outward.

Install the two batteries, following the polarity
instructions inside the battery compartment.

Replace battery cover. The compass will
go through a short self test pattern before
displaying heading information .

6

Notes

• If nothing happens, or if the display
freezes, remove the batteries, wait
approximately one minute, and then
reinsert the batteries.

• Every time the batteries are removed
or replaced, you must recalibrate the
compass.

• The compass has an auto-shut off feature.
When no magnetic eld (heading) change
has been detected for 10 minutes, the
compass automatically switches off. To
turn the power back on, press any
button.

INSTALLING OR REPLACING BATTERIES

7

Mounting guidelines

• Choose a place on the windshield that
will not obstruct the view of the driver
and is within easy reach.

• Mount the compass on the windshield.

• For maximum accuracy, locate the
compass at least 5˝ (12 cm) away from
stereo speakers.

• Once installed, the face of the compass
must face the rear of the vehicle. The
compass can be adjusted up to 20° from
the vertical and remain accurate.

Ensure the suction cups (included) face
outward from the cradle and press the heads
into the base holes through the larger half of
the hole. Then slide them outward until they
t snugly against the outside edge.

Ensure that the selected section of windshield
is clean and dry, then press the cradle base
rmly against it until the suction cups adhere
securely. A thin layer of petroleum jelly or
similar grease on the surface of the cups will
improve adhesion.

Adjust the angle of the cradle so the face
of the compass points toward the rear of

MOUNTING THE COMPASS

8

the vehicle. If necessary, loosen the screws
with a small Phillips screwdriver, adjust up
or down as required, and tighten the screw.
You are now ready to calibrate your compass.
Calibration allows the compass to distinguish
the earth’s magnetic eld from the one
generated by your vehicle and consequently
provide accurate heading information.

20° maximum up tilt

20° maximum down tilt

Dashboard

Windshield

Horizontal

Plane

MOUNTING THE COMPASS

9

When to calibrate:

• Before rst use in vehicle or in hand mode.
If you plan to use both modes you must
calibrate it in each mode

• If you change the location of your compass
in your vehicle

• When the “DIST” icon displays continuously

• When the batteries are removed or replaced

Calibration guidelines:

Mount the unit on the windshield where
you plan to use it before starting calibration.
Switch the unit on by pressing any button.

If the unit is in a vertical position, it is in
vehicle mode and displays a car icon in the

bottom left corner. If it is horizontal, it is in
hand mode and displays a hand icon in the
bottom right corner.

Mode switching is automatic when the
compass angle reaches about 45°. The unit
can also be manually placed and locked into
vehicle or hand mode regardless of its position
angle. To do so, press and hold both buttons
until the unit switches to vehicle mode (car
icon displays regardless of angle). Press and
hold both buttons again until the unit switches
to hand mode (hand icon displays regardless
of angle). The unit reverts to automatic mode
switching when turned off then back on.

CALIBRATION

10

Calibrating the compass (vehicle mode)

Hold the “CAL ” button. The display will
show “Hold to CAL”. After 2 seconds the
display will ash all elements of the display
and the message “Press CAL” will appear.
This is asking for conrmation to start the
calibration process. Pressing the “On/Off
” button or changing the mode (by changing
angle by more than 45°) at this stage will
cancel calibration and the compass will revert
to normal mode.

Press the CAL button briey. “TURN” will
appear beneath the top arrow element and
“Press CAL when done” will appear in the

center of the display. Drive your vehicle in
a single 360° circle. The size and direction
of the circle do not matter but the circle
should take 15 to 30 seconds. As you turn,
the arrow elements will appear in a clockwise
pattern. When you have turned a complete
circle, press “CAL ” again and the compass
will display “CAL done” for 2 seconds before
reverting to the standard directional display.
You have now calibrated the Waynder V700
for vehicle mode.

CALIBRATION

11

Calibrating the compass (hand mode)

Place the Waynder V700 on its back (face
up) on a at surface. Avoid magnetic surfaces
such as steel tables.

Hold the “CAL ” button. The display will
show “Hold to CAL.” After 2 seconds the
display will ash all segments of the rose
and the message “Press CAL” will appear.
This is asking for conrmation to start the
calibration process. Pressing the “On/Off
” button or changing the mode (by changing
angle by more than 45°) at this stage will
cancel calibration, and the compass will
revert to normal mode.

Press the “CAL

”

button briey. “TURN”

will appear beneath the top arrow element
and “Press CAL when done” will appear in
the center of the display. Rotate the compass
in a single 360° circle. The direction of the
circle does not matter, but the whole process
should take 15 to 30 seconds. Press “CAL

” again and the compass will display “CAL

done” for 2 seconds before reverting to the
standard directional display. You have now
calibrated your compass for hand mode.

You can safely replace the Waynder V700 in
its holding bracket. In the vertical position it
will remember its vehicle calibration details.

CALIBRATION

12

The compass uses an electro-luminescent
backlight to illuminate the display, making it
visible at night. Pressing any button turns the
backlight on or off.

Battery Mode

If your compass is in battery mode and the
light is switched on, it will automatically
switch off after 30 seconds to conserve the
battery.

12 volt Mode

If your compass is in 12-volt mode (with
the power lead connected), the light will
automatically turn on when you switch

the compass on and will remain on until
the compass is turned off (manually or
automatically). If you disconnect the 12-volt
power cord to the unit, the light will
automatically switch off after 30 seconds.

CALIBRATION

13

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the Waynder V700 work?

The Waynder V700 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 greatest advance in compass technology in
the last 60 years. The earth generates a magnetic
eld, and compass heading is determined
through a mathematical calculation. The
magneto-inductive sensor technology can
electronically distinguish the difference
between the earth’s magnetic eld and your
vehicle’s magnetic field. The unit’s
microprocessor electronically subtracts your

vehicle’s magnetic eld from the overall reading
and displays highly accurate compass readings.
Magneto-inductive sensor technology has
many advantages over other technologies
including better performance, lower power
consumption, and economy. These advantages
have made magneto-inductive sensor
technology the choice for many high prole
compass applications including Chrysler, GM,
and Ford automobiles, Polaris jet-skis, Bayliner
boats, and Timex watches.

14

Where can I use the compass?

The Waynder V700 can be used in any
type of vehicle including cars, trucks, vans,
SUVs, and RVs or outside a vehicle as a hand
compass.

How do I read the display?

The Waynder V700 displays direction in
3 different formats: (1) compass rose, (2)
cardinal points (N, , NE, etc.) and (3) numeric
digits (325°, 330°, etc.) The 8 cardinal points
of a compass (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
give you a general sense of direction. The
numeric digits show a more precise direction
down to the nearest ve degrees.

What is calibration, and why is it necessary?

Calibration is the process whereby the
Waynder V700 distinguishes the earth’s
magnetic eld from externally generated
magnetic elds such as those generated by
a vehicle’s steel body or electronics. Without
calibration, the unit believes the entire
magnetic eld surrounding it is from the
earth and consequently displays inaccurate
compass readings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

15

When do I need to calibrate the compass?

The Waynder V700 needs to be calibrated
when used for the rst time, when used in
an environment with a different magnetic
eld, or when the batteries are removed or
replaced. Using the Waynder V700 in a
different environment includes moving it to a
new position in the same vehicle, installing it
in a different vehicle, or when there has been
a change to your vehicle such as installation
of new electrical equipment such as a stereo
or CD. The Waynder V700 must be hand
calibrated (see page 11) before rst use
outside the vehicle.

What are the benets of Vehicle Mode and
Hand Mode?

The Waynder V700 includes an additional
electronic sensor which allows it to store
two calibration settings: one for use when
the unit is mounted vertically in its bracket
(vehicle mode), the other for use outside the
vehicle in a horizontal position (hand mode).
This allows you to use the compass in two
different magnetic elds (inside or outside
the vehicle) without needing to recalibrate
each time you change environments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

16

What happens if the batteries are removed?

Removing the batteries from the Waynder
V700 erases all the information stored in
memory including the calibration information.
When you replace the batteries, you must
recalibrate the unit.

What is magnetic distortion?

Many things, such as metal objects and
electronics equipment, generate external
magnetic elds that can render a compass
inaccurate when in close proximity. The
Waynder V700 senses when there has been
a signicant change in magnetic elds and
displays the “DIST” message in the top left

corner of the display. This may occur when
driving over a bridge, under an overpass, over
railroad tracks, or within close proximity to
something with a strong magnetic eld such as
power lines. Once the vehicle has moved away
from the source of interference, the compass
will be accurate again. If the “DIST” message
is continuously displayed, it is usually a sign
that there has been a signicant change in
magnetic elds and recalibration is necessary.

Where can I get another copy of this operation
manual?

Copies are available in PDF format on our
web site www.pnicorp.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

17

If I have a problem with my unit, what
should I do?

First call or e-mail our technical service
department at the addresses below. The
phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST (8
hours behind GMT). A trained representative
will walk you through the most common
problems. Usually they can solve about 90%
of problems over the phone or by e-mail.
If this does not solve your problem, we
recommend you contact or return your
compass to the place of purchase for the
fastest service.

If you wish to return the unit for replacement

or repair to PNI, please follow the following
procedures:

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

• By phone: [phone] (toll-free

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

• By fax: [phone]

• By e-mail:

[e-mail]

2. Provide a proof of purchase, such as
a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales
receipt. If you send your original receipt,

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

18

it cannot be returned. Proof of purchase
must show printed date of purchase,
model number, and place of purchase.
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 RMA number you received on
the outside of your package, include your
proof of purchase and a description of
the problem and send to:

PNI Corporation

5464 Skylane Boulevard, 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
for delivery of your replacement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

19

P

NI Co

rporation manufactures its products
from parts and components that are new
or equivalent to new in performance and
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 discretion, 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,

LIMITED WARRANTY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

20

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.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you.

LIMITED WARRANTY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

21

NOTES

PNI Corporation www.pnicorp.com

PN 11396 R02 1000259 VG2-01