Polaroid Digital Camera
PDC-3000
User’s Guide for PowerMac/PowerPC or
Windows applications
© Copyright Polaroid Corporation 1997.
All rights reserved.
“Polaroid”, “PDC” and “IQA” are trademarks of Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA, U.S.A. All other product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The embedded PDC-3000 compression software is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group. The embedded PDC-3000 file management software is based in part on SanDisk Host Developer’s Tool Kit Ver. 1.1 © Copyright 1996 SanDisk Corp.
7/25/97
Quick startup |
9 |
1 Introduction |
12 |
Typical PDC-3000 workflow |
13 |
System requirements |
14 |
PowerMac or PowerPC systems |
15 |
PC systems |
15 |
Technical assistance |
16 |
Using this manual |
17 |
2 Setting up |
19 |
Unpacking |
19 |
Optional accessories |
21 |
Setting up the PDC-3000 camera |
23 |
Attaching the camera straps |
23 |
Setting the SCSI ID |
24 |
Installing and charging the batteries |
27 |
2
Connecting the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC |
32 |
If the PDC-3000 is the only SCSI device |
34 |
If your PowerMac or PowerPC has other SCSI devices 35 |
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Connecting to an Apple PowerBook |
36 |
Installing PDC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC |
38 |
Verifying camera internal settings from your |
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PowerMac/PowerPC |
42 |
Connecting the camera to your PC |
43 |
If the PDC-3000 is the only SCSI device |
45 |
If your PC has other SCSI devices |
46 |
Installing the PDC software on your PC |
48 |
Verifying camera internal settings from your PC |
52 |
Disconnecting the camera from your computer |
53 |
3 Using the PDC-3000 camera |
56 |
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Getting acquainted |
58 |
LCD panel |
63 |
Viewfinder indicators |
67 |
Sound indicators |
68 |
Camera modes |
70 |
Automatic shutoff |
71 |
3
Taking pictures |
72 |
Inserting a CompactFlash card |
72 |
Removing the CompactFlash card |
73 |
Turning on the camera |
74 |
Setting to stand-alone mode |
75 |
Selecting a picture compression level |
76 |
Selecting Capture mode |
80 |
Setting the camera for current lighting conditions |
81 |
Holding the camera |
82 |
Framing and taking the picture |
82 |
If you see a viewfinder warning |
84 |
Using flash |
86 |
Using Auto Focus |
88 |
Using Focus Lock |
89 |
Compensating for back lighting |
90 |
Labeling pictures |
92 |
Editing the default picture label |
93 |
Editing a single picture label |
97 |
Erasing pictures |
99 |
Erasing a single picture |
100 |
Erasing all pictures |
104 |
Turning sound indicators on and off |
106 |
Choosing LCD panel display options |
108 |
Choosing a distance display mode |
108 |
Choosing the Capture mode display |
109 |
4
4 Using the PDC-3000 with your PowerMac/PowerPC113
The PDC windows |
114 |
Transfer Pictures window |
115 |
Take Pictures window |
116 |
Set Preferences window |
118 |
Working with pictures in the camera |
120 |
Viewing pictures in the camera |
120 |
Selecting thumbnails |
123 |
Previewing pictures |
124 |
Viewing picture information |
126 |
Rotating pictures |
126 |
Editing a picture label |
127 |
Transferring pictures to your computer one at a time 128 |
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Transferring multiple pictures to your computer |
131 |
Choosing IQA processing options |
135 |
Choosing a file format |
139 |
Deleting pictures from the camera |
141 |
Working with PDN pictures saved on your computer |
142 |
Opening a folder |
143 |
Working with pictures on a CompactFlash card |
145 |
Operating the camera from the PowerMac/PowerPC |
146 |
Changing operating preferences |
150 |
Available options |
150 |
Changing the preferences |
153 |
5
Releasing the camera from computer control |
157 |
Releasing the camera |
157 |
Restoring computer control |
158 |
5 Using the PDC-3000 with your PC |
159 |
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The PDC window |
160 |
Take Pictures tab |
161 |
Transfer Pictures tab |
162 |
Set Preferences tab |
164 |
Working with pictures in the camera |
166 |
Viewing pictures in the camera |
166 |
Selecting thumbnails |
169 |
Previewing pictures |
170 |
Viewing picture information |
172 |
Rotating pictures |
173 |
Editing a picture label |
173 |
Transferring pictures to your computer one at a time 174 |
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Transferring multiple pictures to your computer |
177 |
Choosing IQA processing options |
181 |
Choosing a file format |
186 |
Deleting pictures from the camera |
188 |
Working with PDN pictures saved on your computer |
189 |
Opening a folder |
189 |
Working with pictures on a CompactFlash card |
191 |
6
Operating the camera from the PC |
192 |
Changing operating preferences |
198 |
Available options |
198 |
Changing the preferences |
201 |
Releasing the camera from computer control |
205 |
Releasing the camera |
205 |
Restoring computer control |
206 |
6 Maintenance and troubleshooting |
208 |
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Caring for the PDC-3000 camera |
208 |
Caring for the camera batteries |
209 |
Recommended battery types |
210 |
Charging the batteries in the camera |
211 |
Charging the batteries outside the camera |
213 |
Replacing the camera batteries |
218 |
Caring for CompactFlash cards |
219 |
Purchasing additional CompactFlash cards |
219 |
Initializing CompactFlash cards |
219 |
Troubleshooting error messages |
223 |
Troubleshooting SCSI connection problems |
228 |
PowerMac/PowerPC SCSI ID conflicts |
228 |
Windows 95 SCSI ID registry entries |
228 |
7
PDC-3000 full one-year warranty |
229 |
Service |
230 |
Radio and television interference |
231 |
PDC-3000 camera specifications |
234 |
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Required printer settings for IQA |
237 |
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Canon BJC-4100 Printer |
238 |
Epson Stylus Color II Printer |
239 |
HP 680/682 Printer |
242 |
HP 820/850/855/870 Printer |
244 |
Software license agreement |
246 |
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Polaroid Offices and Service Centers |
251 |
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8
For more information, see the page indicated.
Page |
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(PowerMac or |
Page |
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PowerPC) |
(PC/Windows) |
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Steps |
19 |
19 |
1 |
Unpack the PDC-3000 camera. |
24 |
24 |
2 |
Set the camera’s SCSI ID. |
27 |
27 |
3 |
Install and charge the camera batteries. |
32 |
43 |
4 |
Connect the camera to your computer. |
38 |
48 |
5 |
Install the PDC software on your |
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computer. |
150 |
198 |
6 |
Set the camera internal settings (date, |
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time, user name, etc.). |
9
Page |
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(PowerMac or |
Page |
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PowerPC) |
(PC/Windows) |
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Steps |
53 |
53 |
1 |
Disconnect the PDC-3000 camera |
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from the computer. |
72 |
72 |
2 |
Insert a CompactFlash card. |
74 |
74 |
3 |
Turn on the camera. |
81 |
81 |
4 |
Set the camera for the current lighting |
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conditions (daylight, incandescent or |
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fluorescent). |
82 |
82 |
5 |
Frame and take a picture. |
92 |
92 |
6 |
Label your pictures (optional). |
10
Page |
Page |
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(PowerMac or |
(PC/Windows) |
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Steps |
PowerPC) |
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32 |
43 |
1 |
Connect the camera to the computer. |
120 |
166 |
2 |
View thumbnails (small |
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representations) of the pictures stored |
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in the camera. |
127 |
173 |
3 |
Select and transfer the pictures to the |
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computer. |
141 |
188 |
4 |
Delete the pictures from the camera. |
11
The Polaroid PDC-3000 Digital Camera captures highquality color pictures electronically, using a unique, millionpixel CCD (charge coupled device). PDC-3000 pictures contain up to 16.7 million colors and can be saved as high resolution (600x800 pixels) or super-high resolution (1200x1600 pixels) pictures.
The PDC-3000 has all the features of an automatic compact 35mm camera, including automatic exposure, electronic flash and automatic focus. These features produce correct exposure, accurate colors and sharp focus under a great variety of picture-taking conditions. Manual overrides are also provided for unusual conditions.
In its highest quality picture-taking mode, the PDC-3000 camera stores up to 30 pictures on a removeable, matchbooksize, 15-megabyte CompactFlash card. Using the camera’s 10:1 image compression mode, you can store up to 150 pictures on a 15-megabyte card. Additional CompactFlash cards are available in various capacities, and can be purchased separately to provide more storage.
Introduction |
12 |
Using the PowerMac/PowerPC or Microsoft Windows software provided with the camera, you can view the pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera, optimize them for a selected monitor or printer, and transfer them to the computer. You can then use an image-processing application to edit, save and print the pictures.
When the camera is connected to your computer, you can control the camera and take pictures via the computer keyboard and mouse. This is useful when the camera is used in a stationary setup.
To help you understand the full capabilities of the PDC-3000 camera, a typical workflow sequence is presented below. After you become familiar with PDC-3000 features, you can use the camera in other ways to best suit your imaging needs.
1Take pictures with the camera (Chapter 3).
2Connect the camera to your computer (Chapter 2).
3Use your computer to view the pictures stored on the camera CompactFlash card (Chapter 4 for PowerMac or PowerPC, Chapter 5 for PCs).
Introduction |
13 |
4Select the pictures you want to keep and transfer them to the computer (Chapter 4 or 5).
5Edit or enhance any of the pictures using an image-processing application such as Adobe Photoshop. (See instructions with the application.)
6Print the picture or use it in another application, such as a desktop publishing application. (See instructions with the application.)
As an alternative sequence for studio or other stationary setups, you can leave the PDC-3000 camera permanently attached to the computer. With the camera connected to the computer, you can operate the camera controls and take pictures using the computer’s display, keyboard or mouse.
Using the PDC software to view and manipulate pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera requires the following hardware and software. If you do not have the required configuration, contact your Polaroid dealer.
Introduction |
14 |
PowerMac or PowerPC· A PowerMac or PowerPC family computer or compatible systems with a PowerPC processor and 24 megabytes (MB) of RAM.
(32 MB is recommended.)
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· Apple system software version 7.5 or later. |
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· An image-processing application, such as Adobe Photoshop, |
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compatible with Adobe Photoshop plug-in modules, is |
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recommended for working with PDC-3000 pictures. If you |
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do not have such an application, you can use PDC Direct |
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(provided and installed as part of the PDC software) to |
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optimize and transfer pictures from the camera and to |
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control the camera from the computer. |
PC systems |
· An IBM PC or compatible, with at least a 66 MHz Pentium- |
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class processor and 24 megabytes (MB) of RAM (32 MB |
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recommended). |
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· Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT. |
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· An ASPI-compliant SCSI adapter and the appropriate |
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Windows 95 or Windows NT drivers. |
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· A video adapter and monitor capable of displaying 24-bit |
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color (16.7 million colors) is recommended for optimal |
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display of PDC-3000 pictures. (PDC software can be used |
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with adapters and monitors capable of displaying fewer |
Introduction |
15 |
colors, but the quality of pictures displayed on the monitor may not be satisfactory.)
·A TWAIN-compliant image-processing application, such as Adobe Photoshop, is recommended for working with PDC3000 pictures. If you do not have such an application, you can use PDC Direct (provided and installed as part of the PDC software) to optimize and transfer pictures from the camera and to control the camera from the computer.
From within the U.S.A., call Polaroid toll-free at 1-800-432- 5355, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.(Eastern time). Polaroid offers a variety of Customer Support Services; call for details and applicable fees. You can also write to Polaroid Electronic Imaging Technical Support, 565 Technology Square 3B, Cambridge, MA 02139.
In Canada, call toll-free at 1-800-268-6970. Outside the U.S.A. and Canada, please contact the Polaroid office nearest you. See Polaroid Offices and Service Centers on page 251.
Technical support is also available over the Internet. Connect to the Polaroid World Wide Web site at http://www.polaroid.com.
Introduction |
16 |
This book explains how to set up and use your Polaroid PDC-3000 camera. It also includes the procedures for installing the PDC software on your PowerMac or PowerPC computer or PC, and for taking, viewing and saving pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera. To use these instructions, you should be familiar with the operation of your PowerMac/PowerPC computer or PC with the Microsoft Windows 95 operating system.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Quick startup: Summarizes instructions for setting up the PDC-3000 camera and software, and for taking pictures and transferring them to the computer.
1Introduction: Briefly describes the PDC-3000 camera, lists system requirements and explains how to obtain technical assistance.
2Setting up: Explains how to install the camera batteries, install the PDC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC computer or PC, and connect the PDC-3000 camera to your computer.
Introduction |
17 |
3Using the PDC-3000 camera: Explains the PDC-3000 camera controls, and provides instructions for taking and labeling pictures.
4Using the PDC-3000 with your PowerMac/PowerPC: Tells you how to use your PowerMac or PowerPC computer to view pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera, how to optimize and transfer them from the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC, and how to operate the camera from your computer.
5Using the PDC-3000 with your PC: Tells you how to use your IBM-compatible computer and Windows to view pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera, how to optimize and transfer them from the camera to your PC, and how to operate the camera from your PC.
6Maintenance and troubleshooting: Contains battery and CompactFlash card information, solutions to problems that might occur, and warranty and service information.
Appendixes: Contain camera specifications, required printer settings for using the IQA image enhancement features, software license agreements and Polaroid locations worldwide.
Introduction |
18 |
Unpacking
Listed below are the components in the PDC-3000 camera package. If any is missing, contact your dealer immediately.
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01c.CDR
Setting up |
19 |
aPDC-3000 camera with 38mm-equivalent lens
bHand strap
cShoulder strap
dPower adapter/trickle charger: Recharges the NiCad batteries in the camera and provides power for the camera while the batteries are charging.
eCamera batteries: Four “AA” NiCad rechargeable batteries.
fSCSI cable (2 meter) and DB25/50 pin Centronics adapter:
Connect the PDC-3000 camera to a PowerMac/PowerPC computer or PC SCSI port.
gRemoveable CompactFlash card: Stores the pictures taken by the camera. Addional cards can be purchased for increasing storage capacity.
hSoftware diskettes (or CD-ROM): PDC Plug-in software for PowerMac/PowerPC and Windows, TWAIN driver (for Windows 95 and Windows NT only) and Polaroid PDC Direct camera utility software for PowerMac/PowerPC and Windows.
Note: Please be sure to fill out and return the registration card packed with the PDC-3000 camera. As a registered owner, you will be among the first to receive information about PDC software updates and the availability of new PDC-3000 products.
Setting up |
20 |
WARNING: NOTHING INSIDE THE PDC-3000 CAMERA
EXCEPT THE BATTERIES IS USER-SERVICEABLE. TO
AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THE
CAMERA OR VOIDING THE WARRANTY, DO NOT
DISASSEMBLE THE CAMERA.
You may have also purchased one or more of the following optional accessories for the PDC-3000 camera. (Any necessary instructions are packaged with each accessory.)
60mm-equivalent lens: Interchangeable lens for enlarging more distant subjects.
SCSI host adapter: Adapter board for adding a SCSI port to IBM-compatible computers (PCs) for communicating with the PDC-3000 camera and other SCSI devices.
SlimSCSI adapter kit: Adapter, 1-meter cable and software for connecting the PDC-3000 camera to the PCMCIA slot of a PC notebook computer.
CompactFlash card reader kit: Hardware and software for transferring pictures from a CompactFlash card directly to a computer without using the PDC-3000 camera.
Setting up |
21 |
110-volt 5-hour battery charger: Fully charges the PDC-3000 NiCad batteries in 5 hours from AC power.
3-amp power supply: Allows operation of the PDC-3000 camera from AC power with the NiCad batteries removed.
12-volt auto adapter and recharger: Recharges the batteries in the camera and provides power for the camera from an automotive lighter socket.
Studio kit: Camera accessories and software for using the PDC-3000 in a studio setting and manually controlling effective film speed, aperture, shutter speed and focus.
1-meter SCSI cable: Maximum recommended length cable for connecting the PDC-3000 camera to Apple PowerBook computers. (The 2-meter cable provided with the PDC-3000 is not recommended for use with PowerBook computers.)
Carrying case: Soft case with shoulder strap for the PDC3000 camera and accessories.
Setting up |
22 |
Attaching the camera A hand strap and a shoulder strap are provided with the straps PDC-3000 camera. To help prevent damage to the camera
and to make camera handling easier, attach one or the other. (You cannot attach both at the same time.)
To attach a strap, connect the ends of the strap to the eyelets on the front and the back of the camera. Slide the plastic sleeve on each hook toward the eyelet until it snaps to lock the strap securely.
|
STRAP2.CDR |
Setting up |
23 |
Setting the SCSI ID The PDC-3000 camera is a Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) device. You can connect up to seven SCSI devices to your computer, one to another in a SCSI chain.
Note: If you are connecting the PDC-3000 camera to an IBM PC or compatible computer, the computer must have an ASPI-compliant SCSI adapter. (See System requirements on page 14.)
The PDC-3000 camera’s SCSI ID is preset to 4 at the factory. You do not need to change this number unless another SCSI device in the chain is already using it. To determine whether 4 is already being used, check the user guides of the other devices or run a SCSI utility program.
WARNING: EACH SCSI DEVICE CONNECTED TO
YOUR COMPUTER MUST HAVE ITS OWN UNIQUE ID
NUMBER SO YOUR COMPUTER CAN DISTINGUISH IT
FROM OTHER ATTACHED SCSI DEVICES. USING TWO
OR MORE DEVICES WITH THE SAME ID NUMBER
CAN CAUSE THEM TO MALFUNCTION. YOU CAN
LOSE DATA AS A RESULT.
If the PDC-3000 is your only external SCSI device or no other device in the chain is using ID 4, skip the rest of this section and go on to Installing and charging the batteries on page 27. If you must change the camera’s SCSI ID, use the following steps:
Setting up |
24 |
1Make sure the camera power is off and the camera is disconnected from the computer. If the camera is on, turn it off by pressing the power button (a).
08b.CDR
Setting up |
25 |
2 Open the connector cover and locate the SCSI ID selector.
03.CDR |
3Insert a small screwdriver into the slot and rotate the selector until the arrow points to the desired SCSI ID.
Note: Do not use 7 or 0, which are customarily reserved for the computer and for PowerMac/PowerPC hard drives. If possible, you should also avoid SCSI ID 3, which is often used for internal CD-ROM drives.
4Close the connector cover.
Setting up |
26 |
Installing and charging The four NiCad “AA” rechargeable batteries packaged with
the batteries |
the PDC-3000 camera are shipped uncharged. To use the |
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camera, you must install the batteries and charge them as |
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described below. |
1 Press the latch on the side of the battery holder, unlatch the holder and remove it from the camera.
|
04.CDR |
Setting up |
27 |
2Unwrap and install the four “AA” NiCad batteries provided, observing the battery orientation label in the battery holder. (Install the two outside batteries first, then install the two inside batteries.)
05.CDR |
Setting up |
28 |
WARNING: USE ONLY THE BATTERIES PROVIDED OR THE “AA” NICAD RECHARGEABLE BATTERY TYPES RECOMMENDED ON PAGE 210. OTHER TYPES, SUCH AS ALKALINE OR LITHIUM “AA” BATTERIES, WILL NOT OPERATE THE CAMERA, AND MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DAMAGE THE CAMERA IF YOU ATTEMPT TO CHARGE THEM AS DESCRIBED BELOW.
3 Engage the battery holder and close it, making sure it latches.
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06.CDR |
Setting up |
29 |
4Open the connector cover and connect the power adapter/trickle charger to the camera and to AC power.
07.CDR
Important: Do not operate the camera until the batteries have charged for about 6 hours. After this 6-hour period, you can use the camera while the batteries continue to charge.
Note: The camera is not operable without the batteries, even if the power adapter/trickle charger is connected.
Setting up |
30 |