Roundshot VR Drive Instruction Manual

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Roundshot VR Drive

Instruction Manual

Firmware version 2.023

23/05/2019Roundshot VR Drive Instruction Manual – Firmware Version 2.023 0

23/05/2019Roundshot VR Drive Instruction Manual – Firmware Version 2.023 1

CONTENTS

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Page

1. System Overview

1.1 Hardware components + accessories 4

1.2 Software components 13

2. First Steps With Your VR Drive

2.1 Setting up the VR Drive hardware 16

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” 17

2.1.2 Attaching y-motor on bottom plate 24

2.1.3 Roundshot VR Drive “turntable” 26

2.1.4 External light meter 28

2.1.5 Radio control unit 30

2.1.6 Wifi router for remote control 33

2.2 Setting up the digital camera 35

2.3 Setting up the VR Drive software 36

2.4 Navigation 38

2.5 Starting/stopping the VR Drive 46

3. Program Management

3.1 Overview 47

3.2 Program Wizard 49

3.2.1 Wizard workflow for quality, speed and HDR modes 50

3.2.2 Wizard workflow for turntable mode 53

3.2.3 Wizard workflow for timelapse and video modes 53

4. Program Editing

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes 55

4.2 Editing in timelapse and video modes 68

4.3 Editing in HDR mode 71

4.4 USB Settings 76

4.5 Auto exposure settings 79

4.6 Settings 80

4.6.1 Settings/general 80

4.6.2 Settings/database 91

4.6.3 Settings/service menu 100

CONTENTS

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Page

5. Workflow

5.1 Nodal point adjustment procedure 101

5.2 VR Drive image capture – speed vs. quality mode 106

5.3 Creating HDRs – quality vs. HDR mode 107

5.4 Roundshot Image Bundler 109

5.5 Extracting xml files manually 112

5.6 Stitching 113

5.7 Masking the nadir 118

5.8 Conversion to web formats 119

6. Tips and Tricks

6.1 Hardware realignment of nodal rail with y-motor 120

6.2 Reducing vibrations: mirror prerelease + Liveview mirror lock-up 121

6.3 Gigapixel photography 122

6.4 Selective image release + program resume: x/y repeat or x/y resume 123

6.4 Creation of object movies 124

6.5 Using long exposure times 126

6.6 Using the VR Drive light meter 127

6.7 Video vs. timelapse mode 131

6.8 Working with presets 135

6.9 Frequently asked questions 136

7. Maintenance & Warranty

7.1 Recharging the VR Drive 139

7.2 Transport & storage 139

7.3 Touch screen calibration 140

7.4 International Warranty 141

7.5 Software update: “Club VR Drive” 142

7.6 Upgrades: Adding new software modes 146

7.7 Return of equipment / recycling 147

8. Technical Data 148

1. System Overview

The Roundshot VR Drive is delivered in a carton box with foam protection or in an optional explorer case and contains the following items:

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VR Drive x-

motor

Universal

charger

(110-220V)

VR L-bracket with VR Drive y-motor (with

nodal rail

clamp) and

nodal rail

VR Drive

release cable

VR Drive

accessories

(connection

cables, tools,

spirit level)

1.1 Hardware components + accessories

Correctly assembled VR Drive with L-bracket:

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

• Camera points in opposite direction of touch screen

• y-motor on the right-hand side

• After turning the VR Drive off, the camera

points into the sky at +90° (zenith)

If the camera points to the ground after turning the VR Drive off, the nodal rail with the camera was attached from the wrong side. This will invert the image capturing sequence with the effect that the xml file for stitching will not be valid.

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Roundshot VR Drive “full”

VR Drive x-motor touch screen on/off button VR Drive y-motor quick adaptor quick adaptor release VR bracket lock VR bracket nodal rail

nodal rail clamp

x-motor cable charging unit release cable USB cable

Ethernet (to connect wifi module)

VR Drive components

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

11 12

19 20

release cable (optional) USB cable for camera control (optional) motor cable x-y spirit level

tripod mount (3/8’’)

VR Drive y-motor cable clips socket for radio control

unit (receiver)+ for light

meter

14 15

cables/plugs

17 18

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Roundshot VR Drive “full” – with bottom plate for fixed centre point (adjustable)

Side cover to protect cables VR bottom plate – adjustable 32-70mm – for fixed centre point Allen key 4mm for attaching/removing camera to nodal rail, attaching/removing y-motor to VR bracket, locking/releasing VR

Drive x-motor on tripod

Allen key 3/16’’ for removing/attaching or fine-tuning y-motor

25 26

In this set-up with special bottom plate, the y-motor is inverted (at the Seitz factory) so that it can be attached on the left-hand side rather than on the right. This has the advantage that all cables can be secured under the side cover and do not pass over the motor. This is a practical set-up for single camera situations where the center point will always be identical.

VR Drive with bottom plate, inverted y-

motor (on left) and with slide cover to protect cables

VR Drive with bottom plate, standard

VR holder and with standard y-motor (on right)

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Roundshot VR Drive “semi” – with x-motor only and manual tilting

y-clamp for manual tilting

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Overview of accessories

Short nodal rail (for fisheye lenses)

Additional VR bracket – for example for

video mode to attach the camera in landscape orientation

Long nodal rail – 220mm (for long +

heavy lenses)

VR bottom plate

adjustable 32-70mm to fix center point

cable clips

to attach cables on VR bracket

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Overview of accessories (continued)

Camera release cables

(please check our website for list of

compatible cameras)

Turntable with 28cm or 50cm diameter

Extension cable (2m) for turntable

USB cables

for USB-compatible cameras (please check our website for list of compatible cameras)

x-y motor cable

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Overview of accessories (continued)

Wifi router – to transfer the contents of

the touch screen on a wifi-connected device (smart phone, tablet, computer)

Radio control unit

Universal charger 110-220V

External light meter – to automate

image-taking process – requires USBcompatible camera

Explorer case 4412 B

Including VR Drive foam insert and explorer foam

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1.1 Hardware components + accessories (continued)

Overview of accessories

linear rail

y-clamp for manual tilting (VR Drive semi)

spirit level

roundshot USB key –

for firmware updates

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1.2 Software components

1.2.1 VR Drive firmware options

The VR Drive quality mode represents the base functionality for panoramas up to 360° (or more). The camera is stopped in every position. This mode is used for panoramas with difficult lighting conditions (indoors) and for bracketing of HDR images.

In speed mode the camera is rotated non-

stop, ideal for moving scenes outdoors. This

fast-release mode requires a fast shutter

speed which is computed by the VR Drive in function of camera/lens, sensor size, focal length and speed of rotation.

In turntable mode the camera captures images of a rotating object on a turntable for object movies. Never miss an image, perfect positioning!

In timelapse mode the VR Drive

releases a sequence of images

which are then composed into a timelapse movie. Three capture formats are possible: 360° rotation,linear movement along a rail or dolly.

In "HDR mode" the camera is controlled by the VR Drive, enabling wider bracketing for 32-bit HDRs. The VR Drive "HDR mode" controls

the camera software directly and allows a virtually unlimited bracketing range. It is an "all-in-one" solution - no additional devices

are needed.

In video mode the VR Drive moves the camera in the x/y space in a linear trajectory. It is possible to control speed, acceleration, duration of the movement and pauses.

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1.2 Software components (continued)

1.2.2 VR Drive firmware upgrades

Click on “key” to display the software key.

Enter the new software key.

Confirm with “OK”.

After entering a valid key, the software displays the available

software modes.

When entering an invalid key, the last valid key will be loaded.

Confirm with “OK”.

Software upgrades can be ordered after initial purchase of your VR Drive from your distributor or directly from Seitz Roundshot on our website www.roundshot.com.

Once your purchase is confirmed, we will send you a 16-digit key by email which is linked to the

unique hardware ID (serial number) of your VR Drive. This key activates the relevant software

modes.

Click on “settings” to access the VR Drive settings menu.

Click on “general”.

Click on “software”.

settings

general

software

key

A98DF1DB3C0D4655

key

The software key is valid. The following

modes are now

available:

quality

speed

turntable

video

To try out a new software mode, request a temporary software key by Roundshot. It

will be valid for a limited time (30 days, 60 days…) and allows non-restricted use of all software functions.

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1.2 Software components (continued)

1.2.3 External software

Roundshot Image Bundler

The Bundler program is a free software tool which is available free of charge from the roundshot “club” as a download. Designed for USB-compatible cameras, it automatically groups images into projects and creates an xml file to support faster and more accurate stitching.

PTGUI Stitching software PTGUI is a stitching software enabling fast GPU-based

processing of spherical and cylindrical panoramas. Thanks to the xml file, it seamlessly integrates with the

VR Drive.

FSP Viewer Once the panorama is rendered, it can be loaded in FSP Viewer for a fast spherical or cylindrical preview.

Pano2VR Pano2VR is a comprehensive software to convert flat

panoramas into interactive virtual tours.

Object2VR

With Object2VR a series of turntable images is converted into an object movie.

KR Pano KR Pano is a web viewer and programming interface to

create virtual tours.

Included in VR Drive product

VR-EASY

Develop 360° tours easily and quickly with VR-EASY. This software is cloud-based, optimised for many devices and

browsers and allows flexible inserting of information,

images and graphics.

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2. First Steps With Your VR Drive

2.1 Setting up the VR Drive hardware

Your VR Drive is delivered in a compact shipping box with foam protection.

The shipping box consists of five compartments:

VR Drive

x-motor

Universal

charger

(110-220V)

VR bracket

with VR Drive

y-motor (or

nodal rail

clamp) and

nodal rail

VR Drive

release cable

VR Drive

accessories

(connection

cables, tools,

spirit level)

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2.1 Setting up the VR Drive hardware (continued)

Assemble your VR Drive “full” in the following way:

Open the quick adaptor release

and turn the VR bracket in position.

Place the VR Drive x-motor on

a tripod with a large (3/8’’) thread. When using a tripod

with small thread (1/4’’) use

an adaptor ring inside the VR Drive motor base.

When the VR Drive locks up very tightly on the tripod, it can be released with the allen key

Slide the VR bracket with

attached y-motor into the

quick adaptor and close the quick adaptor lock tightly.

Close the quick adaptor release

tightly.

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full”

To avoid damage to the VR Drive gears we recommend that you attach the VR

Drive gently by hand and then lock it using the allen key. The same is true when

removing the VR Drive from the tripod.

Do not turn the VR bracket, when the quick adaptor is locked. Due to the high

leverage the VR Drive motor and the gears can be damaged.

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Adjust the height of the y-motor

using the allen key.

Make sure that there is enough

space for large cameras and lenses

when tilting downward -90°.

It is possible to slide the y-motor

up and fix it at the very top.

However, for stability purposes it

is better to keep the y-motor as low as possible.

Now connect the y-motor cable

into the VR Drive x-motor.

Connect the other end of the

cable into the VR Drive y-motor

(front or rear).

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

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Attach your digital camera to the

nodal rail using the allen key.

Make sure that the camera is always attached at

the same position. We recommend sliding the

camera to the very rear (zero position). When attaching the camera at different positions the nodal points in the software will no longer be correct.

If the nodal rail is not long enough (or longer

lenses) use a separate, longer nodal rail (available on request).

Check that the rear of the camera is mounted straight at exactly 90° with the nodal rail:

wrong correct

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

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Slide the camera with the nodal rail

into the nodal rail clamp.

Close the nodal rail clamp lock.

Now check that the camera is exactly

level using the spirit level.

Check if the VR Drive x-motor is level

using the spirit level on the motor.

You can also attach the spirit level at the

side of the x-motor.

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

Connect the release cable and /or the USB

cable into the VR Drive x-motor

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Connect the other end of the cable into

the camera . Push it tightly into the socket.

2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

To use the USB cable for image release, this USB feature needs to be activated in the Program Wizard or in the program edit menu (USB parameters – USB cable connected: on – release with USB cable: on). If not, the images will be released via the electronic release cable.

When to use which cable?

electronic

release cable

USB

cable

• Quality mode

• Speed mode

• Turntable mode

• Timelapse mode

• Video mode

• HDR mode

The USB cable can only be used with USB-compatible cameras. For a list of compatible models

please check our website: www.roundshot.com.

It is also possible to use the USB cable for advanced USB features only and release the

images with the electronic release cable. This set-up is recommended for example when using mirror prerelease in HDR mode.









Attach the cable clips on the VR bracket

to fasten all cables.

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2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

VR Drive full with motor and USB cable

Standard case for controlled image release in quality mode, turntable mode or HDR mode

Advantages:

• USB features (such as “Write IDs”, “release control”, “wait for camera”) can be used

• Roundshot Image Bundler can be used

Disadvantages:

• Slower image release/processing, requires a small pause after image to give camera firmware time for USB processing

• No “mirror prerelease” can be used – but for certain USB-

compatible cameras “permanent Liveview” (“mirror lock-up”)

can be used

VR Drive full with motor and electronic release cable

Used in speed mode for fast image release

Advantages:

• Fast image release

Disadvantages:

• No USB features and no Image Bundler

• “Mirror prerelease” can be used, but no “permanent Liveview”

(“mirror lock-up”)

VR Drive full with motor, USB cable and electronic release cable

Can be used in all modes to combine various features

Advantages:

• Fast image release of electronic cable can be used

• HDR mode or USB features can be used selectively

Disadvantages:

• USB features still require processing time in camera firmware

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2.1.1 Roundshot VR Drive “full” (continued)

When mounting the camera with nodal rail in the opposite direction, the xml file will

not be correct and the stitching will not work. Please also check section “Frequently Asked Questions” for additional information on how to recover an incorrect xml.

Turn the VR Drive off.

If the default parking position has not been changed, the camera should now point +90°

towards the sky (zenith).

If the camera points -90° down to the ground (nadir), you have mounted the camera + nodal

rail in the opposite way on the nodal rail clamp (y-motor).

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2.1.2 Attaching y-motor on bottom plate

VR Drive with bottom plate, inverted y-

motor (on left) and with slide cover to protect cables

VR Drive with bottom plate, standard

VR holder and with standard y-motor (on right)

The VR bottom plate (for fixed camera centre position) can be mounted in two ways:

Requires inversion of y-motor at Seitz factory

These two screws can be

placed in position “A” or

“B”

The VR Drive y-motor is attached on top of

the bottom plate using two screws.

“A”

“B”

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2.1.2 Attaching y-motor on bottom plate (continued)

The bottom plate is attached onto the VR Drive x-motor

using the 3/8’’ screw which is attached beneath the quick adaptor (5).

Center the camera by turning the adjustment screws and by positioning the viewfinder cross

exactly in the middle of the 3/8’’ screw (rotation axis.

When the two screws are attached in position “A” as shown in the above example, read the value on the left the 3/8’’ screw and the “A” symbol.

If position “B” is used, read the value on the right of the 3/8’’ screw and the “B” symbol.

Enter this value in the VR Drive program – as “A value”.

adjustment screws

Using the bottom plate is ideal when always using the same camera. On the other

hand, the VR bracket (L-bracket) is more convenient when flexibility in the choice of camera and/or the vertical position (for example for long lenses/gigapixels) is important.

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Assemble your VR Drive “turntable” in the following way:

2.1.3 Roundshot VR Drive “turntable”

Attach the VR Drive x-motor

upside-down on the tripod.

Attach the 3/8’’ thread.

Attach the quick adaptor.

Lock the quick adaptor release and

remove the quick adaptor from the VR Drive x-motor by turning it anti-clockwise.

Hold the turntable with the allen key without turning the allen key.

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2.1.3 Roundshot VR Drive “turntable” (continued)

Slide the turntable into the quick

adaptor and lock it firmly.

Your VR Drive “turntable” is now

ready.

The turntable is covered with a

protective foil on both sides.

Remove the protective foil

on both sides of the turntable

before use.

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2.1.4 External light meter

The light meter sensor consists of the following parts:

Allen key with screws

Light meter

sensor

Never place the light meter sensor

on the connector pins as they are

fragile.

Socket

for upper screw

Socket

for lower screw

Attach the light meter in the following way:

Insert the light meter

pins into the plug marked with the antenna symbol:

Insert the lower screw

and attach it with the allen key.

Insert the upper screw

and attach it with the allen key.

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Once the light meter sensor is attached, it will be automatically detected by the VR Drive.

If the camera used is compatible with the VR Drive USB control, The program wizard will directly

suggest automatic light metering options.

To manually activate automatic exposure functions

• Open the Edit menu

• Open the menu auto exposure settings

• Set the auto exposure parameter to on

• Set the other automatic exposure parameters (Strategy, ISO/ASA, aperture). More details are

available in the section Tips and tricks -> Using automatic light meter

Please note that the light meter can only be used in combination with cameras compatible with the VR Drive USB control. These cameras are marked in bold in the VR Drive camera compatibility section on our website.

Edit P1 / page 3

lens type

No fisheye

auto exposure

settings

USB settings

settings

Click on “auto exposure” to activate the automatic exposure functionality with light meter sensor.

Auto exposure settings

auto exposure

Variation

strategy

ISO/ASA

100

Aperture

2.1.4 External light meter (continued)

As both the external light meter and the radio control unit use the same connector on the VR Drive, these two devices cannot be used together.

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2.1.5 Radio control unit

The radio control unit consists of the following parts:

Allen key with screws

Radio receiver

(on VR Drive)

Radio sender

(remote)

When separated from VR Drive never

place the radio receiver on the connector pins as they are fragile.

With the VR Drive delivery the radio control

unit is already attached on the VR Drive.

It does not have to be removed.

Socket for upper screw

Socket for lower screw

Red LED

Sync contact

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2.1.5 Radio control unit (continued)

Attach the radio receiver in the following way:

Insert the radio receiver

pins into the plug marked with the antenna symbol:

Insert the lower screw

and attach it with the allen key.

Insert the upper screw

and attach it with the allen key.

Now press a sharp item (for example a

pen) into the sync contact in the middle of the radio receiver.

Then press the “OK” button of the radio

sender. This will synchronise the radio signal between sender and receiver.

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Once the synchronisation process is complete, the red blinking LED turns off.

The radio sender and receiver are now set up for operation.

left right

down

The red LED will turn on when a positioning command is received. The radio control unit

allows to bridge a distance of about 30 metres (100 feet).

Pressing a button continuously will accelerate the positioning speed.

The VR Drive software allows to set certain parameters for the radio control unit in the

settings/general menu:

speed

8/10s

manual movement

In the manual movement menu the

user can set the speed of rotation and the acceleration preferences

when using the radio control unit.

Please consult the settings menu for further information on these two functions.

Position the VR Drive in the X and Y

dimension using the left/right/up/down buttons.

“OK” will start the currently active VR Drive

program.

The VR Drive will start a new program from

the actual x-position set with the control unit.

warning

The battery will

discharge faster when

using this option.

Continue anyway?

manual

movement

remote radio

off

remote radio

speed

8/10s

speed

8/10s

acceleration

50%

2.1.5 Radio control unit (continued)

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2.1.6 wifi router for remote control

The Wi-Fi router consists of the following parts:

Connect the Wi-Fi router with the VR

Drive using a short Ethernet cable.

Switch the wifi router on

Finally attach the Wi-Fi On the back of

the VR Drive

HAME router: YoYo router:

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As a first step assign the following fixed IP to the VR Drive in edit/settings/software/IP:

192.168.169.15 (HAME router) or

192.168.1.15 (YoYo router)

This second step is to connect to the VR Drive Wireless network and

type the password. By default the password is

roundshot

Then you can open any web browser from a smart phone or computer with wifi and type in

the URL : http://192.168.169.15 (HAME) or http://192.168.1.15 (YoYo). You can see now the same screen content as on the VR Drive main unit and all functionalities are identical.

The default IPs can be changed, for example to adapt them to a different network. To do this, access the router software by opening a browser window with the IP

192.168.169.2 (HAME) or 192.168.1.2 (YoYo) and change the IP range in the router. Adapt the IPs in the VR Drive and in the Browser window.

Summary of default IPs:

HAME router YoYo router

Router: 192.168.169.2 192.168.1.2 VR Drive: 192.168.169.15 192.168.1.15 Browser: 192.168.169.15 192.168.1.15

10.0.0.415

192.168.169.15

This VR Drive wifi screen transmission works only with software versions 2.12 or higher. For older software versions please upgrade the software first.

2.1.6 wifi router for remote control (continued)

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2.2 Setting up the digital camera

Always use manual exposure. With automatic exposure the

images will be differently exposed and the VR Drive can no longer set up the exposure values for automatic exposure.

Always use manual focusing. Use a fast storage card with

enough capacity.

Set the white balance to a

fixed value. When setting the

white balance to “auto”, every

image will have a different tone, making the stitching problematic.

Please make sure that your camera settings correspond to the following:

Set the exposure increments

to 1/3 steps. When selecting

1/2 steps the VR Drive can no longer set the correct exposures.

Turn the “Auto rotate” feature to “off”. When automatically rotating the images the stitching will not perform correctly.

Set the ISO speed setting

increments to 1/3 steps. When selecting 1/1 steps the VR Drive can no longer set the correct exposures.



For bracketing in quality mode, program the desired

bracketing sequence (number of images, Evs); for HDR mode turn it off as the VR Drive will control the camera

 

  

 

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2.3 Setting up the VR Drive software

Press the VR Drive “on/off” button to start the VR Drive:

Now set the year, month, day and time by using the number keypad.

When several entry fields are available, the active one is highlighted in light blue, the inactive one in darker blue. Click on an entry field to activate it.

Confirm the entries with the “next” button.

New VR Drives are delivered

with your language, time settings

and camera favourites already set up.

These steps are only necessary after a

factory reset.

Deutsch

Italiano

Français

Español

English

language

year

2012

[1970..2100]

month

[1..12]

day

[1..31]

hours

[0..23]

minutes

[0..59]

(Press to view settings)

Chinese

Japanese

Português

VR Drive

As a first step, select your language. The options are:

• English

• German

• French

• Italian

• Spanish

• Portuguese

• Russian

• Chinese

• Japanese

Confirm with the “next” button.

Load the cameras that you will be using with the VR Drive from the

data base, selecting the camera brand/type from the list.

These cameras will be loaded into your personal favourites list

which is required to program the VR Drive.

Click on the button to add more cameras from the database.

Additional cameras can be added later in the “settings” menu. If

your camera is not in the list, it can be added manually to the

database.

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2.3 Setting up the VR Drive software (continued)

The camera type (i.e. the sensor size) is required for automatic calculation of

rows/images in the “quality”, “speed” and “HDR” modes. For the “turntable” and “video” modes the camera type is used for information only and has no computation

purpose.

When your selection is complete, confirm with the “next” button.

The set-up wizard is now complete.

A first default program in “quality” mode is displayed which uses

the camera data of the first camera in the favourites list and some

default values: “P1”.

“P1” can later be edited, copied, moved or deleted. It is created

only for setting up the VR Drive at this stage.

quality

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

my cameras / page 1

Nikon

my cameras / page 1

Nikon

Canon

Nikon

Canon

PhaseOne

P65+

Nikon

Kodak

Canon Fuji Finepix

SONY DSC Olympus

Panasonic

Leica

If the HDR mode of the VR Drive is active, an HDR compatible camera needs to be

selected in the favourite list. If it is not the case, the VR Drive will ask you to select one during the set-up process.

x/y

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quality

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

x/y

2.4 Navigation

The VR Drive starts up with the “home menu”:

The “home menu” shows the currently active program. Clicking

on this button will load the program management menu.

active program +

program management

program

down

program up

program

info / edit

battery

charge + time

X/Y position, release, align, repeat, resume

start program

The arrow buttons “program down” + “program up” allow easy

navigation between existing programs.

In the centre of the screen the main program info parameters

are displayed. Clicking in this section will load the program edit menu.

The “start” button enables to launch the active program.

The x/y button allows to reposition the starting point, release images in the

x/y space, realign the nodal rail with the y-motor, repeat any image or resume the program for any x/y position

The battery charge and the current time are displayed with their

respective icons.

When the program sequence is ongoing, this icon will switch to a

red “stop” button.

VR Drive idle VR Drive running

Nikon D3 row : 2/2 position X : 60° position Y : 45° image/row : 2/10 Image/total : 12/20 Repeat : 0 Timer : 0 Remaining time : 0min 36s

stop program pause program

The “pause” button will momentarily interrupt the process;

further options are possible (stop, resume)

quality

x/y

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

white balance

Access the “white balance” USB options with the shortcut symbol.

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

Clicking the “active program + program

management” button opens the “program

management” menu.

In this menu new programs can be created

with the “Program Wizard”, existing programs can be deleted, copied or moved into a different position. The program can also be exported on USB key.

More details about this menu are given in

section “Program management”.

Return to the “home menu” by clicking “X”

(cancel) or “home”.

Click on the “x/y” button to manually control

the position of the VR Drive x and y motors.

Select “x/y position” to define the VR Drive 0

point.

Select “x/y release” to freely position the VR

Drive and release the camera (only with electronic release cable, not with USB cable)

Press “y-align” to realign the nodal rail with the

y-motor, for example after a “transport error”

Use “x-y-repeat” to repeat any image of the

program by selecting its row + position

Use “x-y-resume” to restart a program by

selecting a starting point (row + position)

Move back up to the “home menu” with the

“cancel” button.

new delete

copy move

new delete

copy

move

quality

export P1

Papywizard

export P1

Seitz

x/y

position

x/y

release

Returns to

“home”

Returns

back one level

y-align x/y repeat

x/y-resume

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

“x/y position” sets the starting or “zero”

position for the VR Drive.

“X” sets the angle in horizontal, “Y” the angle

in vertical direction.

Position the VR Drive to the desired position by

using the arrows up/down/left right.

For example, for image sequences which

always start with the sky (zenith) shot, it is possible to define the starting position as X= 0° and Y=90°.

Confirm with the green tick mark or exit by

selecting “home” or “X”.

[1-999.9..999.9]

[-90..+90]

0.0

x/y

position

x/y

release

[1-999.9..999.9]

[-90..+90]

0.0

Rel.

“x/y release” allows to trigger an image from

any position in the x/y space – unrelated to a VR Drive program.

“X” sets the angle in horizontal, “Y” the angle

in vertical direction.

Release the image by pressing “Rel.” or exit by

selecting “home” or “X”.

Releasing images in the x/y space is only possible with the electronic release cable,

not with the USB cable.

0.0

[1.0..999.9]

Clicking on the blue degree field

(X or Y) opens a number pad to enter the desired angle using numbers and decimals.

0.0

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

y-align

Nikon

message

Please align the nodal rail with the y-motor.

[-90..+90]

0.0

Click on “y-align” to realign the nodal rail with the y-motor. This may be

necessary in the following cases:

• after a “transport error” when the nodal rail got blocked

• when the y-motor can no longer initialise when starting up

• when the nodal rail no longer aligns with the y-motor when the VR

Drive is off

To follow this procedure, the VR Drive needs to be turned on and the y-

motor connected with the x-y motor cable.

Use the “up” / “down” buttons to align the nodal rail with the y-motor (zero

position).

Turn the VR Drive off and then turn it back on.

Verify if the y-motor initialises and if the nodal rail is moved to the correct

starting position (normally at 0°).

Another and often more effective technique is to perform a hardware realignment of the nodal rail with the y-motor. For further information please refer to chapter

6.1 – “Hardware realignment of nodal rail with y-motor after “transport error””

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

x/y-

repeat

Click on “x/y-repeat” to repeat any image of the program by selecting its row +

position.

This displays the rows of the active program (ie the last program which was

executed. Select the relevant row (elevation):

After completion of a program it may be necessary to repeat individual images or resume a

program from a certain position. This is particularly relevant for gigapixel projects.

repeat position

elev. : 66 images : 30

elev. : 55 images : 30

rows / page 1

elev. : 66 pos. : 30

elev. : 55 pos : 30

elev. : 44 pos : 30

elev. : 33 pos : 30

elev. : 22 pos : 30

elev. : 11 Pos : 30

position repeat

[1…10] [0…0]

Select the relevant row

(elevation), for example:

elev. : 66 pos : 30

For this row, select the position to repeat.

Press “start”.

The VR Drive will now repeat the selected position of the program.

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

x/y-

resume

Click on “x/y-resume” to restart a program by selecting a starting point (row +

position).

This displays the rows of the active program (ie the last program which was

executed. Select the relevant row (elevation):

repeat position

elev. : 66 images : 30

elev. : 55 images : 30

position repeat

[1…10] [0…0]

For this row, select the position from which the

program should resume.

Press “start”.

The VR Drive will now restart the program from the

selected position.

When using “repeat” and/or “resume” with USB feature “Write IDs”, the Image Bundler will recognise the repeated/duplicated images and will use these images to replace previous images released from the same position.

rows / page 1

elev. : 66 pos. : 30

elev. : 55 pos : 30

elev. : 44 pos : 30

elev. : 33 pos : 30

elev. : 22 pos : 30

elev. : 11 Pos : 30

Select the relevant row

(elevation), for example:

elev. : 66 pos : 30

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

Clicking in the middle of the touch screen

opens the “program edit” menu.

In this menu all program parameters can be

changed.

This menu also allows to access the VR

Drive settings menu.

For more information about the “program

edit” menu please refer to chapter 4.

Return to the “home menu” by clicking “X”

(cancel).

mode

quality

info

Nikon

focal length

24 mm

A/B value

0/0mm

angle mode

cylindrical

360°

73°

Edit P1 / page 1

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

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2.4 Navigation (continued)

The following is an overview of the VR Drive navigation:

Program management

Home Program edit

Program Wizard

Start-up

new

delete

copy

move

turntable

timelapse

video

quality

mode

speedquality

Edit P1 / page 1

(Press to view settings)

mode

quality

info

Nikon

focal length

24 mm

A/B value

0/ 0mm

angle mode cylindrical

360°

73°

HDR

export P1

Papywizard

export P1

Seitz

x/y

VR Drive

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

x/y menuwhite balance

White balance

Auto

Cloudy

Daylight Tungsten

Fluorescent

Shade

Use camera settings

Only accessible if USB cable is

connected

and set to

“on” in USB

settings

x/y

position

x/y

release

y-align x/y repeat

x/y-resume

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In the “Home” menu click on “start” to launch your first VR Drive image sequence:

The VR Drive will start executing the active program – in this example “P1” in “quality mode”.

In this example it will rotate 360° horizontally to take 10 images spaced at exactly 36°.

The VR Drive stops and releases the camera in every position.

While the VR Drive is running, the touch screen display shows the progress of image taking:

• Row

• position X

• position Y

• Current image / images in row

• Current image / total number of images

• Number of times the program was repeated

• Timer

• Remaining time

Stop the program any time by pressing the “stop” button. The VR Drive will return to its initial position and the software

displays the “home” menu with the currently active program.

2.5 Starting/stopping the VR Drive

Pause the program any time by pressing the “pause” button. The VR Drive will pause at its current position.

Once the program is paused, it is possible to

• Completely stop the image sequence by pressing “stop”

• Resuming the image sequence by pressing “start”

• Returning to any image and by pressing “back” and resuming by

pressing “play”

Nikon D3 row : 2/2 position X : 60° position Y : 45° positions/row : 2/10 positions/total : 12/20 Repeat : 0 timer : 0 remaining time : 0min 36s

quality

Nikon D3 row : 2/2 position X : 60° position Y : 45° image/row : 2/10 Image/total : 12/20 Repeat : 0 Timer : 0 Remaining time : 0min 36s

quality

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3. Program Management

3.1 Overview

Click the “program management” button.

Besides creating new programs with the

Program Wizard the program management menu allows to:

• Delete a program

• Copy a program

• Move the ID number of program and the

sequence of programs

• Export a program in Papywizard format.

Used in stitching programs

• Export a program in Seitz format. Used to

back-up program or load it in other units

Clicking the “new” button will launch the Program Wizard to set up new

VR Drive programs using various modes. The program wizard helps to set-up program parameters in a logical sequence, based on the VR Drive mode of operation.

See next section for more details about the workflow for each mode.

When clicking the “delete” button the currently active program will be

deleted. This is the program from which the “program management”

menu has been launched, in this example P1. All subsequent programs

(P2, P3, …) will move up and will get new program numbers assigned (P1, P2, …).

Before deleting the program the program

asks for confirmation.

Cancel with “X”.

Confirm with “OK”.

new delete

copy move

new

delete

copy

move

warning

Do you really want to delete

this program?

quality

new

delete

export P1

Papywizard

export P1

Seitz

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3.1 Overview (continued)

The “copy” command duplicates the currently active program.

This function is helpful when a new program needs to be created that is

very similar to an existing one. After copying the program, simply edit

the relevant parameters in the “program edit” menu.

The “move” command changes the sequence of programs by moving

the currently active program to a new position.

For example, when “P8” is selected and when clicking on “move”, the

program will ask for the new program ID:

After entering the new program number – in this example “7” – all subsequent programs will have a number increased by one, so the

previous “P7” will now become “P8”.

[1..8]

copy

move

export P1

Papywizard

export P1

Seitz

Export a program in Papywizard format. The file will be written on the connected USB stick provided with the VR Drive. You can use this file with stitching software to define image positions and their sequence.

Export a program in Seitz format. The file will be written on the connected USB stick provided with the VR Drive. You can use this file as a program back-up and load it later in any VR Drive unit.

speed

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

x/y

speed

Nikon D3 focal length : 24 mm A: 0mm B: 0mm angle X:360° ° rows : 1

R1°

Duration : 2min 5s

x/y

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3.2 Program Wizard

When creating a new program, the VR Drive will launch the Program Wizard. The program

wizard helps to set-up program parameters in a logical sequence, based on the VR Drive software mode.

As a first step select the VR Drive mode which you would like to use for

the program.

All active modes are displayed in the list.

The navigation for the following steps in the Wizard is:

• “next” for confirming the choice and moving to the next step, or for

displaying more choices

• “confirm” for confirming the choice and moving to the next step

• “back” for undoing the choice and returning to the previous step

• “X” for cancelling the program and exiting the Program Wizard

Give the new program an ID number.

By default the new program will get the next available number after

the last program.

Confirm with “next”.

speed

turntable

timelapse

video

quality

mode

[1..2]

HDR

new

Launch the Program Wizard by clicking on “new”.

The Program Wizard will guide you step by step to set up a new VR

Drive program.

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3.2 Program Wizard (continued)

3.2.1 Wizard workflow for quality, speed and HDR modes

“Quality”, “speed” and “HDR” modes, are used to capture panoramic images. The camera is

placed on the nodal rail and the VR Drive releases the camera at predefined position.

The main differences between these 3 modes are:

• “quality” is the basic mode of the VR Drive. In this mode the VR Drive stops and releases the

camera in every position.

• “speed” mode is an optional mode used for fast image capture. In this mode the VR Drive

releases the camera “on the fly” without stopping in every position. No pause after or before

image taking is possible. This image capture mode is only possible in good light conditions when using fast exposure times on the camera

• “HDR” is an optional mode used for capturing high dynamic range panoramas. It contains a

very advanced bracketing menu and allows the VR Drive to control the exposure time, the aperture and the ISO/ASA settings of the camera through a connected USB cable.

This section presents the wizard workflow when selecting “quality”, “speed” or “HDR” modes.

These modes were grouped in 1 diagram as they have many common parameters. Specific parameters for every mode are shown in the following colours:

Common parameters Specific parameters

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3.2.1 Wizard workflow for quality, speed and HDR modes (continued)

Cylindrical Spherical Manual Visual

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3.2.1 Wizard workflow for quality, speed and HDR modes (continued)

23/05/2019 53

3.2.2 Wizard workflow for turntable mode

In “turntable” mode the camera captures images of a rotating object on a turntable

for object movies. the hardware configuration is totally different from any other mode and therefore the program creation workflow is totally specific.

This section presents the parameter workflow generated by the wizard when

selecting “turntable” mode.

3.2.3 Wizard workflow for “timelapse” and “video” modes

“Video” and “timelapse” modes, are used to move the camera smoothly through a

custom path generating an animated movie.

The main differences between these 2 modes are:

• In “timelapse” mode the VR Drive is used to release the camera and take

pictures every ... seconds or degrees. The images will later be compiled together and accelerated to get a timelapse movie.

• In “Video” mode the VR Drive is used as a pure motorised arm. No image is

captures and the camera needs to be set to capture a video.

This section presents the parameter workflow generated by the wizard when selecting “timelapse” or “video” modes. These mode were grouped in 1 diagram as they have many common parameters. Specific parameters for each mode are shown in the following colours:

Specific parameters

Roundshot VR Drive Instruction Manual – Firmware Version 2.023

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3.2.3 Wizard workflow for timelapse and video modes (continued)

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4. Program Editing

Edit P1 / page 1

Edit P1 / page 2

Edit P1 / page 3

mode

quality

info

Nikon

focal length

24 mm

A/B value

0mm 0mm

angle mode cylindrical

360°

Y 73°

overlap

30% 30%

orientation

portrait

image number

variable

sequence

zig.-zag top

down

speed

10s

pause position

0s 0s

release time

0.1 s

timer

repeat

0°

acceleration

100%

bracketing

manual

off

orientation

CCW

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes

Click on “mode” to change the VR Drive mode.

It is possible to switch from “Quality” to “Speed” mode and

vice-versa.

Changing to “Speed” mode does not change the calculation of

rows (elevation and images) or any other program parameters.

The only difference is that the following parameters will no

longer be accessible in “speed” mode and will therefore be

deactivated:

The “Turntable” mode is an entirely different application. The number of images are not calculated and therefore this mode has different variables. The same is true for the “Video”, “timelapse” and “HDR” mode.

This is why it is not possible to switch to “Turntable”, “timelapse”, “Video”, or “HDR” mode from “Quality” mode.

• Pause before / after image taking

• Acceleration

• Mirror prerelease

• Manual image release

• Bracketing

mode

quality

rows

mirror rel.

speed

turntable

timelapse

video

quality

mode

HDR

pause image

0s 0s

Edit P1 / page 4

lens type

No fisheye

back to start

off

Once a new program is created using the Wizard, it is accessible from the program list in the home menu.

By accessing the “program edit” menu it is possible to edit any of the program parameters individually.

In this section you can find a detailed description of every editable program parameter as well as all the VR Drives predefined settings.

Click in the centre of the touch screen to open the “program edit” menu.

USB settings

settings

floor patch

off

auto exposure

settings

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Click on “text” to change the label of the program.

Enter an alphanumeric/numeric text using the electronic keyboard.

It may be helpful to use a pen or other sharp item when using the keyboard.

Confirm with “OK”.

Click on “camera” to change camera brand/type.

As the sensor size is different from camera to camera, changing the camera will lead to an automatic recalculation of rows (elevation/images) for the program.

In angle mode “cylindrical” and “spherical” the existing rows will be overwritten. In angle mode “manual” the change of camera

has no consequences. Here the rows must be edited manually.

Select the camera that you would like to use for the new

program from your favourites list.

If the desired camera is not in the list, click on to access the

full camera database. Select the camera to be added in the favourite list.

Confirm the choice of camera with “OK”.

The rows (elevation, number of images) will now be

automatically recalculated.

info

Cylindrical 1

info

my cameras / page 1

Nikon

Canon

PhaseOne

P65+

Nikon

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “focal length” to change the focal length of the lens

used for the program.

Changing the focal length will lead to an automatic recalculation

of rows (elevation/images) in angle modes “cylindrical”, “spherical” or “visual”. In angle mode “manual” the change of

camera has no consequences. Here the rows must be edited manually.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Enter the focal length of the camera lens.

This value must correspond with the exact setting on the lens.

It is used – together with the camera sensor size and the vertical

field of view – to automatically calculate the number of rows and images.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

In angle mode “cylindrical” and “spherical” the existing rows will be overwritten. In angle mode “manual” the change of camera

has no consequences. Here the rows must be edited manually.

Click on “A/B value” to change the rotation and nodal point values for the program.

Please make sure that these values are correct. When setting the camera at wrong rotation or nodal points the stitching of images will not work.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

focal length

24mm

focal length

By changing this value you

will overwrite the rows.

Continue anyway?

focal length

[0..999]

A/B value

0/0mm

[1..999]

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “angle mode” to change the way the rows (elevation,

number of images) are calculated.

The options are:

• cylindrical

• spherical

• Manual

• Visual

Changing the angle mode will lead to an automatic recalculation of rows (elevation/images) for the program.

Choose the new “angle mode” by clicking on the button.

The following angle mode modifications are possible:

• from cylindrical to spherical (computes a sphere)

• from spherical to cylindrical (computes one row with vertical FOV

of chosen lens)

• from cylindrical to manual (requires manual programming of rows)

• from spherical to manual (requires manual programming of rows)

The transition from manual or visual to cylindrical or spherical is not possible.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

In angle mode “cylindrical” and “spherical” the existing rows will be

overwritten. In angle mode “manual” the change of camera has no

consequences. Here the rows must be edited manually.

angle mode

cylindrical

angle mode

spherical

visual

manual

cylindrical

change angle

By changing this value

you will overwrite the

rows. Continue anyway?

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “X” or “Y” to change the horizontal or vertical angle for the

program.

Changing the angle will lead to an automatic recalculation of rows (elevation/images) or number of images per row for the program.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Enter the “X” angle (horizontal angle).

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

The number of images per row will now be automatically recalculated.

Enter the “Y” angle (vertical angle).

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

The rows (elevation, number of images) will now be automatically recalculated.

360°

73°

change angle

By changing this value

you will overwrite the

rows. Continue anyway?

360

[1.0..999.9]

[1.0..180.0]

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “overlap” to change the % overlap between images

horizontally and vertically.

Changing the overlap will lead to an automatic recalculation of rows (elevation/images) or number of images per row for the program.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Enter the “X overlap” (horizontal overlap).

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

The number of images per row will now be automatically recalculated.

Enter the “Y overlap” (vertical overlap).

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

The rows (elevation, number of images) will now be automatically

recalculated.

change overlap

By changing this value

you will overwrite the

rows. Continue anyway?

overlap

30/30%

orientation

By changing this value

you will overwrite the

rows. Continue anyway?

orientation

portrait

orientation

landscape

portrait

Click on “orientation” to change the way

the camera is attached on the VR Drive.

Changing the camera orientation will lead

to an automatic recalculation of rows

(elevation/images) or number of images

per row for the program.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Image number

variable

Image number

fix

variable

Click on “image number” to change the way the number of images per

row is calculated. This option is only available when using cylindrical angle mode.

• Select “variable” to allow every row to have a specific number of

images. this option generate the minimum number of images.

• Select fix to have the same number of images for all rows. Select this

option when using vertical sequences to optimize VR Drive movements. However the number of images will be higher.

Continue with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “rows” to create new rows, delete existing rows or edit a row (elevation, number of images).

By changing the rows any previous automatic computation will be overwritten.

By clicking on the button additional rows/images can be added to the program

Select the row by clicking on it.

Select “edit” or “delete”.

When creating a new row or editing an existing one, enter the desired elevation in degrees and the number of images per row.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

rows

rows / page 1

elev. : 1 images : 10

P2P2

edit

delete

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “sequence” to change the order in which the rows of

images are captured.

Select the new sequence.

Click on “next” to see more sequences.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

zig-zag center up: zig-zag center down: zig-zag top down: zig-zag bottom up:

vertical top down: vertical bottom up:

sequence

zig-zag center

down

zig-zag bottom

snake h top

down

snake h

bottom up

snake v top

down

snake v

bottom up

zig-zag top

down

sequence

zig-zag

The sequence of image taking is only relevant for multi-row

panoramas.

It is designed for those situations where the light changes

quickly (for example at sunrise/sunset) or where there is movement in the scene.

If none of the 10 sequence presets are ideal, use the “manual” angle mode. In this

mode the rows (elevation in °, number of images) and their sequence can be customised.

snake h top down: snake h bottom up: snake v top down: snake v bottom up:

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “speed” to change the rotation speed for the VR Drive.

Enter the “X speed” for the horizontal movement.

Enter the “Y speed” for the vertical movement.

The minimum speeds are:

• X: 6 seconds (for a horizontal movement of 360°)

• Y: 10 seconds (for a vertical movement of 180°)

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “release time” to change the duration of the release signal given by the VR Drive to the camera for every image.

The release time corresponds to the duration of the release signal given from the VR Drive to the camera.

Varying the release time is required to optimise the operation of

the VR Drive in “speed” mode.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “pause position” to change the pause at the start or at the end of the capture sequence at 1 position.

The pause start/end position is used to minimise potential

vibrations caused by motor movements.

Click on “pause image” to change the pause before or after every image.

The pause before/after image is only available when more than one image is taken at every position. It is used for example with long exposure times.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

[6..9999]

[8..9999]

release time

0.1s

Pause position

0 s 0 s

release time

0.1..0.9

0.1 s

speed

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

pause before

pause after

[0.0..999.9]

Pause image

0 s 0 s

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “repeat” to program a repetition of the program.

Enter the number of repetitions.

Enter the Offset angle. This will move the starting point of the next repetition in the horizontal direction (X-motor)

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “timer” to program a time delay before the program is launched.

Enter the time delay. This delay is inserted at the beginning of a program (sequence).

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “acceleration” to define the speed adaptation when the VR Drive starts and stops.

The acceleration value is computed when setting up the program in the Program Wizard and depends on the focal length:

• <20mm: 100%

• 20mm to 50mm: 50%

• >50mm: 20%

The acceleration values range from 1% (slow speed adaptation) to 100% (fast speed adaptation).

For programs with heavy cameras and bulky lenses (for example: gigapixel projects) lower the acceleration to avoid vibrations.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

timer

0..9999

0 s

acceleration

1..100

100

repeat

0°

timer

acceleration

100%

When repeat is set to 2, the program will be done 3 times in total (the original program + 2 repetitions)

If the target is to have overall 2 times the program please

set the repeat value to 1.

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

repeat

[0..9999]

[-180..180]

offset

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Click on “bracketing” to program multi-exposures per position.

Bracketing “1” means no multi-exposures – only one image will be released per position.

With bracketing “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, “11” and “13” several images are

released per position.

The bracketing values (number of images, bracketing range in f-

stops, type of bracketing) need to be set in the camera software.

Make sure that the number of images set in the camera software and in the VR Drive software match.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

“Special bracketing” is used with cameras which allow the release and bracketing of several images in multi-shot mode.

Set the bracketing and multi-shot feature on the camera.

Enter the total duration of the “multi-shot” in the VR Drive software. The VR Drive will then give a longer release signal to the camera for the multi-shots.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “manual” to activate or deactivate the manual release of the image in every position:

• Manual “on”: requires releasing every picture manually

• Manual “off”: releases the images automatically

manual

off

bracketing

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

bracketing

special

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

bracketing

special

The bracketing of the camera in “quality mode” is limited to +/- 2 EVs (f-stops). For 32-

bit HDR photography this is insufficient. With the VR Drive “HDR mode” it is possible to eliminate this limitation. In the “HDR mode” the VR Drive controls the camera software

directly, allowing much larger bracketing steps and a larger dynamic range.

HDR bracketing

[0..9999]

2 s

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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Click on “mirror release” to activate the release of the camera

mirror before image taking.

Enter the duration of mirror release.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “orientation” to change the direction in which the VR Drive

turns.

• Orientation“CW”: rotates clockwise

• Orientation“CCW”: rotates anti-clockwise

double

Release

mirror release

Now choose whether to give a single or double mirror release signal.

Typically, Nikon cameras require a single, Canon a double signal.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

mirror rel..

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

mirror rel.

[0.0..999.9]

single

Release

orientation

CCW

lens type

By changing this value

you will overwrite the

rows. Continue anyway?

Lens type

No fisheye

Lens type

No fisheye

Fisheye

To use “mirror release” in HDR mode, it is necessary to release the images with the electronic release cable and not with USB. Please use the USB cable for camera control functions (HDR bracketing) only.

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

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When “floor patch” is set to “on”, the VR Drive will display a

message at the end of the program to move the tripod by

approximately 1m sideways.

After pressing “play”, the VR Drive will then capture one

(bracketing=1) or several (bracketing>1 or HDR mode) images at a predefined angle.

The floor patch feature is only available for quality + HDR modes for

panoramas with angle mode “spherical”.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

When using a horizontal sequence (such as “zig-zac”), the “back to start” option forces the x-motor to return back to its starting

position (for example: by 360°).

This feature can be useful when external devices (for example a charger unit) are connected to the VR Drive x-motor to unwind any cables.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

floor patch

-45.0°

elev.

images

[-90..90]

[1..9999]

floor patch angle

-45.0

[-90.0 .. 90.0]

4.1 Editing in quality, speed and turntable modes (continued)

back to start

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4.2 Editing in timelapse and video modes

The image release mode parameter allows to select the way the

images will be released in timelapse mode. The choices are:

• Seconds to release the images every… seconds

• Position to release the images every… degrees

[-999.9..999.9]

[-90.0..90.0]

start

0/0°

Image release

mode

seconds

Image release

mode

position

Please note that the “Hardware” and “image release mode” cannot be edited in this menu

as these variables creates an entirely different image release or movement behavior. It is possible to select the correct value during the creation of a new program in the wizard.

Click on “start” to change initial position from which the VR Drive

launches the video sweep.

By default, the VR Drive starts from 0° / 0° to reach the first point

defined in the “Program Wizard”.

Enter the “X” and “Y” coordinates of the starting point.

Confirm with “OK”.

The Hardware parameter allows to define the type of hardware

used to generate the time-lapse or the video sequence. As

shown in the “Setting up the VR Drive hardware” section the

choices are:

• 360: when using the standard VR Drive with X and Y motor

• Linear: when the VR Drive is attached to the linear rail

hardware. In this configuration the X motor is used to rotate the camera and the Y motor to slide along the rails

• Dolly: when the VR Drive is attached to the special dolly. In this

configuration the X motor is used to change direction and the Y motor to rotate the front wheel.

Hardware

360

Hardware

linear

Hardware

dolly

The parameters for the video and timelapse modes are very specific. This is why they cannot be

changed into another mode (such as quality, speed or turntable).

In the edit menu, the parameters shared with quality mode can be modified in the same way. For

example, it is possible to change the program info text, the camera, the focal length…

In addition, the video and timelapse modes allows to edit specific parameters. For example the

starting position, points for the video sweep… only these specific parameters are described in this

section.

4.2 Editing in timelapse and video modes (continued)

Click on “point” to edit the points through which the video sweep navigates.

By clicking on the button additional point can be added to the program

Click on a point to edit or delete it.

Delete a point by clicking “delete”.

Edit a point by clicking “edit”.

The parameter of a point are displayed and can be edited one by one.

• Point coordinates (X/Y) (degrees or cm depending on hardware)

• Duration

• Acceleration

• Pause

• Image every … degrees (or seconds) (only for timelapse mode)

points / page 1

point 1

X-45°\ Y45°

point 2

X-88°\ Y13°

edit

delete

point

points

duration

point

-45/45°

pause

acceleration

Image

every …

degrees

Click on “point” to change its X/Y coordinates.

Use the arrow keys to navigate.

The X and Y coordinate can be either degrees or centimeters

depending on the hardware configuration (360, linear or dolly)

Confirm with “OK”.

edit

delete

-45.0

[-999.9..999.9]

45.0

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point

acceleration

pause

speed

point

-45/45°

images

edit

delete

0.0

[-999.9..999.9]

duration

[8..9999]

pause

[0.1...3600.0]

acceleration

[0.1..3600.0]

Click on “duration” to change the time duration of the video sweep from the previous point to the current one.

Confirm with “OK”.

Click on “acceleration” to adjust the velocity at which the speed is adjusted.

Select a low value for slow speed adjustment, a high value for fast adjustment.

Confirm with “OK”.

Click on “pause” to set a pause (in seconds) at the point.

Confirm with “OK”.

One image every … degrees

[1..9999]

In “timelapse” mode the “image release mode” parameter

(seconds or position) sets the VR Drive to release one image every few seconds or degrees.

Enter the number of seconds or degrees at which one image is to be released.

Make sure that the camera has enough time to create the images.

Confirm with “OK”.

4.2 Editing in timelapse and video modes (continued)

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4.3 Editing in HDR mode

Click on “mode HDR” to access all HDR parameters for editing.

mode

HDR

Edit HDR

number of

pictures

exposure reference

sequence

fast-slow

Aperture

steps

HDR steps

aperture

compensation

off

exposure reference

By changing this value

you will overwrite the HDR steps. Continue

anyway?

aperture steps

average exposure

move

edit

All parameters previously set up in the HDR Program Wizard can be accessed and modified.

Click “exposure reference” to move or edit the

reference exposure speed of the HDR table.

Select “move” or “edit”.

Confirm with “OK”.

The parameters for the “HDR” mode are very specific. This is why it cannot be changed into another

mode (such as “quality”, “speed” or “turntable”).

In the edit menu, some parameters shared with “quality” mode can be modified in the same way.

For example, it is possible to change the program info text, the camera, the focal length…

In addition, the “HDR” mode allows to edit specific parameters linked to the bracketing sequence to

be taken at each position. For example the exposure reference, the aperture steps… only these specific parameters are described in this section.

The bracketing of the camera in “quality mode” is limited to +/- 2 EVs (f-stops). For

32-bit HDR photography this is insufficient. With the VR Drive “HDR mode” it is

possible to eliminate this limitation. In the “HDR mode” the VR Drive controls the

camera software directly, allowing much larger bracketing steps and a larger dynamic range.

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4.3 Editing in HDR mode (continued)

Click on “move”.

The function “shift average exposure” will shift the

center exposure of the HDR table.

The values are given in aperture (f-stops).

Confirm with “OK”.

move

edit

shift average exposure

-10..8

exposure reference type

fastest

slowest

average

Click on “edit”.

Select the exposure reference type to be defined (fastest, slowest or average)

Select the exposure speed, on which the HDR bracketing will be built.

Confirm with “OK”.

number of

pictures

By changing this value

you will overwrite the HDR steps. Continue

anyway?

aperture steps

number of pictures

1..94

Click on “number of pictures”.

Enter the number of bracketed images per position.

For example, with 5 images the VR Drive will release one image at

average exposure speed, 2

underexposed and 2 overexposed images.

Confirm with “OK”.

Ø exposure speed / page 4

1/8s

1/10s

1/15s

1/20s

1/25s

1/30s

1/40s

1/13

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4.3 Editing in HDR mode (continued)

Click on “aperture steps”.

Enter the aperture steps

between images.

This corresponds to the

difference in f-stops from one bracketing step to the next.

For example, with 3 aperture

steps there will be a 3 f-stop difference for every image.

Confirm with “OK”.

By changing this value

you will overwrite the HDR steps. Continue

anyway?

aperture steps

1..5

aperture

steps

sequence

slow - fast

middle – slow -

fast

middle – fast -

slow

fast - slow

sequence

Click on “sequence”.

The sequence function defines in which order the

images are released.

For example, “middle-fast-slow” will first release the

image with average exposure, then the fastest, 2

fastest, etc., then the slowest, 2ndslowest etc.

Confirm with “OK”.

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Click on “HDR steps”.

The table displays the exposure speed, aperture

(f-stop) and ISO/ASA for every image released in the bracketing sequence.

Access any HDR step by clicking on it.

HDR steps

Delete any HDR step by pressing “delete”.

Edit any HDR step by selecting “edit”.

HDR steps / page 1

exp.: 2s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/4s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA:100

exp.: 1/250s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/30s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/2000s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

edit

delete

exp.: 2s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

Ø exposure speed / page 2

2.5s

1.6s

3.2s

1.3s

Select a new exposure speed in the list of possible values.

Confirm with “OK”.

Select a new aperture (fstop) in the list.

Confirm with “OK”.

aperture / page 1

f 4

f 5.6

f 11

f 16

f 22

f 8

edit

4.3 Editing in HDR mode (continued)

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Click on “aperture compensation”.

Setting this option to “off” will keep the f-stop for

all images identical.

With aperture compensation set to “on”, the VR

Drive will compensate with f-stops in case an exposure limit is reached (exposure slower than, for example, 30s, or faster than 1/8000s).

Confirm with “OK”.

aperture

compensation

number of pictures

aperture compensation

off

4.3 Editing in HDR mode (continued)

HDR steps / page 1

exp.: 1s aperture: f5.6 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/4s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA:100

exp.: 1/250s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/30s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

exp.: 1/2000s aperture: f8 ISO/ASA: 100

The VR Drive re-computes the HDR stages and displays a new HDR table.

In this example, the first HDR stage is now set to exposure=1s and aperture f=5.6

Confirm with “next”.

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4.4 USB settings

Click on “USB settings” to access the USB settings menu of the VR Drive.

Click on “USB cable connected” to turn on the USB functionalities:

• Release with USB cable

• Check white balance

• White balance

• Wait camera

• Memory check

• Release control

• Check manual mode

• Write identification

Some features might not be compatible

with all cameras!

USB settings

USB cable

connected

release with

USB cable

check

white balance

off

memory check without check

release control

White balance

use camera

settings

release with

USB cable

off

release with

USB cable

Set the “Release with USB cable” to “on” to allow the VR Drive to

release the camera through the USB cable only.

check

white balance

off

check

white balance

Set the “check white balance” to “on” to test the white balance on the camera when starting a program. The VR Drive displays a

warning if the “automatic white balance” is active on the camera.

This avoids color mismatch between images.

The release with the USB cable is not guaranteed under all circumstances. The camera software and communication with the VR Drive, CF card and other factors have an influence on the speed of USB image release.

check manual

mode

off

write ID into

image

USB settings

wait camera

off

Choose from any white balance option in the list to set the white balance on the camera.

White balance

use camera

settings

By default, the images are released automatically by the VR Drive using the camera release cable.

This is the most stable and reliable way to release the images. For the cameras compatible with HDR mode it is possible to use the USB cable for image release and for other useful features.

Liveview

off

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4.4 USB settings (continued)

The “Write identification” tool will edit specific metadata tags on the camera. In

particular:

• Nikon : “User comment” tag

• Canon: “Owner” and “Artist” tags

Any data related to these tags, defined by the user on the camera will be lost. Please make sure to redefine these information on the camera if necessary after using the VR

Drive with “write identification” function active.

check manual

mode

off

check

manual mode

Set the “check manual mode” to “on” to allow the VR Drive to verify if the camera is working in manual mode. If it is not the case it will either change it automatically to manual (whenever possible) or display a warning message.

write

identification

off

write

identification

Set the “write identification” to “on” to allow the VR Drive to write

image position in the image metadata.

Combined with the VR Drive image bundler software, this identification allows an easy image grouping and an automatic image positioning. No need to export any program from the VR Drive. All necessary information is embedded in the images.

The “Write identification” tool will embed specific image position information in the

image metadata. Not all HDR compatible cameras can be used. Please check the camera compatibility list in our website to be sure your camera is compatible.

Check the section dedicated to the VR Drive image bundler software for more details

on the “write identification” tool

release control

off

release control

Set the “release control” to on when a high number of images are

to be captured in a short time. The VR Drive will make sure that every image is released. If not a warning message will be displayed:

“cannot reach exposure time”

memory check without check

memory check stop if full

Activate the “memory check” to avoid losing images when the

memory card is full. Select one of these 3 options

• Without check: no memory check is done

• Stop if full: the program is stopped when the memory card is full

• Check at start: the VR Drive computes the necessary memory for

all images in a program. When starting a program it displays a warning if there is not enough space remaining in the memory card

memory check check at start

wait camera

off

wait camera

Set the “wait camera” to on when using long exposure times. The

VR Drive will wait for the “end of images capture” message from

the camera before releasing the next image.

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4.4 USB settings (continued)

As the camera firmware needs to process all USB commands, this may result in delays and will

require longer pauses (after image).

We therefore recommend to use only those USB features that are essential, for example:

Recommended settings

USB cable

connected

release with

USB cable

release control

White balance

use camera

settings

write ID into

image

For USB release to work reliably, certain cameras require the release control to be set to “on”. These cameras currently include the Canon EOS 80D + Canon EOS 1Dx mk ii.

Liveview

permanent

For selected USB-compatible cameras it is possible to

control the Liveview via USB.

These cameras currently include:

• all USB-compatible Canon EOS cameras

• Nikon D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7000,

D7100, D7200, D7500, D4, D5, D810, D810a, D850

Liveview

off

permanent

Set Liveview to “on” or “permanent”.

Setting Liveview to “on” for a program has the benefit that a visual check of images on the

camera screen is possible.

Setting Liveview to “permanent” means that the mirror will be locked up from the start to the

very end of the program, allowing a significant reduction in vibration. This is particularly practical and important for gigapixel projects with large cameras and bulky lenses with long focals.

Liveview

permanent

As there is a great variety of USB features and the firmware of every camera model

reacts differently to USB commands, we recommend that you carefully test these USB settings for your specific application.

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4.5 Auto exposure settings

Click on “auto exposure settings” to access the automatic exposure settings menu of the VR Drive.

Click on “auto exposure” to activate the automatic exposure functionality with light meter sensor.

Then set the following parameters:

Auto exposure settings

auto exposure

off

Variation

strategy

ISO/ASA

auto exposure

settings

Aperture

Click on “var. strategy” and select the variation strategy

to be used:

• exposure: only the exposure time will change

according to light. ISO/ASA and aperture will be fixed

• exposure/aperture: both exposure and aperture will

change according to light. ISO/ASA will be fixed

• exposure/ISO/ASA: both exposure and ISO/ASA will

change according to light. Aperture will be fixed

• all: The VR Drive will automatically select all three

parameters according to light

Auto exposure settings

var. strategy

Auto exposure settings

exposure /

aperture

exposure /

ISO/ASA

all

exposure

ISO/ASA

aperture

Select a ISO/ASA value to use if the selected strategy is to keep ISO/ASA fixed.

Select an aperture to use if the selected strategy is to keep the aperture fixed.

auto exposure

Variation

strategy

ISO/ASA Aperture

When the VR Drive light meter sensor is connected to the VR Drive, and the camera is compatible

with VR Drive USB control, it is possible to use the VR Drive in a fully automatic way. This option is

only available for “Quality” and “HDR” modes

The VR Drive is able to measure the light before starting the image taking. Then, according to the

selected strategy and options, the VR Drive will set the correct exposure time, ISO/ASA and aperture

on the camera. The image taking process will then start automatically.

This way there is no need to adjust manually the exposure time on the camera or change the HDR

reference exposure time before every project. The image taking process is now fully automatic.

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4.6 Settings

Click on “settings” to access the VR Drive settings menu.

The “settings” menu is divided into 3 submenus:

• general

• database

• service menu

The “general” submenu consist of the following functions:

Click on “general” to access the “general” submenu.

Click on “language” to access the

“language” function.

Select the language of your choice.

Please note that the language will only be

active after closing the “edit program”

menu or after restarting the VR Drive.

Confirm with “OK”.

manual

movement

settings

general

database

service menu

default

movement

manual

movement

off in

Parkposition

yes

hardware id

software

has y motor

yes

aut. turn off

10 min

time

date

general

language

English

general

Deutsch

Italiano

Français

Español

English

language

4.6.1 Settings/general

general

settings

language

English

Chinese

Japanese

Português

Russian

language

exposure

meter

reduce screen

brightness

30s

diameter dolly

Wheels 200mm

rot. direction

linear axis

diameter

linear axis

320mm

manual

movement

Simplified gui

off

general

remote radio

off

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on “date” to access the “date” function.

Set the year, month and day

Confirm every entry with “next” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “time” to set the hours and minutes of your VR Drive.

Enter the hours and minutes.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on “auto turn off” to define the time for automatic shut down

of the VR Drive.

This function is designed to help save battery.

For extended operation times the auto turn off time can be

increased.

Enter the time in minutes.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

year

2012

[1970..2100]

month

[1..12]

day

[1..31]

hours

[0..23]

minutes

aut. turn off

[0..120]

10 min

date

auto turn off

time

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on “has y motor” to activate / deactivate the y-motor.

For VR Drive “full” select “yes”.

For VR Drive “semi” select “no”.

Click on “software” to display information on the software

This function consists of

• key

• version

• IP

software

key

version

software

has y motor

yes

has y motor

Click on „reduce screen brightness“ to change time of non activity

before the VR Drive reduces the screen brightness.

Enter the delay (in s).

If setting this value to 0s the VR Drive will never reduce the screen brightness. This might be useful outdoors, but will use more battery.

The standard value is: 30s

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Beschleunigung

acceleration

reduce screen

brightess

30s

Beschleunigung

reduce screen brightness

[0..60]

30 s

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on “key” to display the software key.

The software key is used to activate the VR Drive modes (“quality”,

“speed”, “turntable”, “video”, “timelapse”, “HDR”).

This key is specific to the VR Drive hardware ID.

It will be delivered with your VR Drive or when upgrading to a new

software mode.

If you received a new key after upgrading, enter it here.

Confirm with “OK”.

After entering a valid key, the software displays the available

software modes.

When entering an invalid key, the last valid key will be loaded.

Confirm with “OK”.

key

A983BB9CD73A98CD

key

The software key is valid. The following

modes are now

available:

quality

speed

turntable

video

version

Firmware : V2.023

(21.12.2018)

Bootloader : V1.02

192.168.1.15

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on “hardware ID” to display the unique hardware

identification number of your VR Drive.

This ID is at the same time the serial number and is stored in the

“Club VR Drive” database.

Together with the software key this hardware ID activates the VR Drive software mode.

The hardware ID cannot be modified.

Confirm with “OK”.

Click on “off in park position” to set the preferences for the VR Drive parking position.

Enter the desired parking position horizontally (“X”) and vertically (“Y”).

For example, to tilt the camera 90° down (for transport), enter:

• X: 0° (or any value)

• Y: 90°

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

hardware id

BC7893A8FF03FA7

hardware id

off in

parkposition

[-999.9..999.9]

[-90.0..90.0]

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Click on „manual movement“ to set the preferences for manual positioning of the VR Drive.

Click on „speed“.

Enter the speed of X / Y movement (in seconds).

The standard settings are:

• X: 10s

• Y: 20s

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on „acceleration“.

Enter the degree of speed adjustment:

• 1%: slow adjustment

• 100%: fast adjustment

The acceleration value is computed when setting up the program in the Program Wizard and depends on the focal length:

• <20mm: 100%

• 20mm to 50mm: 50%

• >50mm: 20%

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

speed

16/20s

acceleration

15%

manual movement

Beschleunigung

X Y

10 20

[6..9999] [8..9999]

The manual movement speed and acceleration parameters are used when the VR

Drive is moved with the remote radio release or with the touch screen unit for point definition (video mode).

4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

manual

movement

speed

16/20s

speed

10/20s

acceleration

10%

acceleration

[1..100]

10 %

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Click on „default movement“ to set the preferences for automatic positioning of the VR Drive.

Click on „speed“.

Enter the speed of X / Y movement (in seconds).

The standard settings are:

• X: 6s

• Y: 10s

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Click on „acceleration“.

Enter the degree of speed adjustment:

• 1%: slow adjustment

• 100%: fast adjustment

The acceleration value is computed when setting up the program in the Program Wizard and depends on the focal length:

• <20mm: 100%

• 20mm to 50mm: 50%

• >50mm: 20%

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

speed

8/10s

acceleration

50%

default movement

Beschleunigung

X Y

ss6 10

[6..9999] [8..9999]

acceleration

The standard movement speed and acceleration is applied when the VR Drive moves

from zero position to start a program, back into zero position after a program or from/into a parking position.

4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

default

movement

speed 6/10s

acceleration

50%

Beschleunigung

acceleration

[1..100]

50 %

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Click on „diameter linear axis“ to change the size of the wheel used on your linear axis.

Enter the diameter (in mm). Please make sure that the entered value corresponds to the real size of the wheel.

The default size is 151mm.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Beschleunigung

acceleration

The linear rail and dolly parameters might change according to the delivered

material. Please make sure to enter the correct values and check with Seitz team if

not sure.

4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

diameter

linear axis

151mm

Beschleunigung

diameter linear axis

[10..1000]

151 mm

Click on “rot. Direction linear axis” to define the positive rotation direction of the main wheel of the linear axis

2 choices are available:

• CW

• CCW

rot. direction

linear axis

rot. direction

linear axis

CCW

Click on „ diameter dolly wheels “ to change the size of the wheels used on your dolly.

Enter the diameter (in mm). Please make sure that the entered value corresponds to the real size of your dolly.

The default size is 200mm.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

Beschleunigung

acceleration

diameter

dolly wheels

200mm

Beschleunigung

diameter dolly wheels

[10..1000]

200 mm

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on „exposure meter“ to set the sensitivity, the measuring

points and the range of exposure values allowed.

exposure

meter

Click on “wake on radio” to activate / deactivate the wake-up function of the radio release unit for the VR Drive remote control.

Deactivate the wake on radio with “no”.

Activate the wake on radio with “yes”.

With the radio receiver deactivated it is possible to turn the VR Drive left/right/up/down and to start a program. It is also possible to turn the VR Drive on even if it is switched off.

This is the reason why the battery discharges faster with the radio receiver activated. The VR Drive displays a warning message.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

remote radio

off

remote radio

warning

The battery will

discharge faster when

using this option.

Continue anyway?

speed

16/20s

acceleration

15%

exposure meter

speed

16/20s

exposure

constant

exposure

sample

speed 16/20s

auto

exposure

ranges

speed

16/20s

exposure

constant

Click on „exposure constant“ to adapt the sensitivity of the light meter on a scale from 1 (least sensitive) to 255 (most sensitive).

The standard value is 25.

Increase this value if the images are consistently too dark.

Decrease this value if the images are consistently too bright.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on „auto exposure ranges“ to define the range of values

allowed when the automatic light meter tool is active.

It is possible to define the maximum and the minimum value for the following parameters:

• ISO

• Aperture, where min = open f-stop, max = closed f-stop

• Exposure, where min = fastest speed, max = slowest speed

This prevents the VR Drive from selecting extreme values to adjust the camera to the current light.

For example, click on „max. exposure“.

Enter the maximum exposure time allowed. (In this example 1s)

In this example the VR Drive will never select an exposure time longer than 1s to avoid too slow image capture.

Confirm with “OK” or cancel with “X”.

speed

16/20s

acceleration

15%

auto. exposure ranges

auto exposure

ranges

speed

16/20s

min. ISO

max. ISO

speed 16/20s

acceleration

15%

speed 16/20s

min. aperture

max. aperture

speed 16/20s

acceleration

15%

speed 16/20s

min. exposure

max. exposure

max . exposure

2.5s

1.6s

3.2s

1.3s

The auto exposure ranges are applied for all automatically computed values. If a parameter is set manually in the VR Drive these limits are not applied.

acceleration

15%

speed

16/20s

exposure

sample

Set the number of light measurements by changing the “exposure

sample” value.

When setting this value to “1”, only one spot measurement will be taken. Setting it to “6”, for example, will measure – for a 360°

panorama – at every 60°.

When starting a program, the VR Drive will create a measurement rotation. For panoramas < 360°, it will center the measurements within the relevant angle of the panorama.

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4.6.1 Settings/general (continued)

Click on “simplified gui” to activate / deactivate the simplified gui screen on the VR Drive

If active, the simplified screen will allow the user only to select a program and to start it. No editing or new program creation is possible

simplified gui

off

(Press to view settings)

When the simplified gui is active it is not possible to access the edit menu to

deactivate it. It is necessary to follow the procedure below:

Restart the VR Drive and

click on the “Press to view settings section”

during start up.

settings

general

service menu

database

Press “general” and

browse the parameter

“simplified gui”

Press “simplified gui” to

turn it “off”

VR Drive

press

manual

movement

Simplified gui

off

general

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4.6.2 Settings/database

Click on “database” to access the database functions of your VR

Drive.

The “database” submenu consist of the following functions:

• my cameras

• presets

• delete all programs

• reset to factory

• Import

• export

Click on “my cameras” to display the list of favorite cameras used with your VR Drive.

Add a new camera by

clicking the button.

For example for Nikon D700:

my cameras

database

my cameras / page 1

my cameras presets

delete all programs

reset to factory

export

import

Nikon

Canon

PhaseOne

P65+

Nikon

Kodak

Canon Fuji Finepix

SONY DSC

Olympus

Panasonic

Leica

Nikon

D700

D1 D1H

D1X

D50

D70s D80

D90

D200

Nikon

D300

Canon

5D mk 2

Nikon

D700

PhaseOne

P65+

my cameras / page 1

database

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

To edit the parameters of a camera, select the camera.

It is possible to edit the sensor size in mm.

Select “X (mm)” and “Y (mm)”.

Enter the new values in mm.

Confirm with “OK”.

To delete a camera from the list, select the camera and click

The camera will still be in the database, but removed from the “favourites” list.

Click

The camera parameters are displayed as follows:

edit

delete

edit

X (mm)

[0.0..400.0]

36 mm

Y (mm)

[0.0..400.0]

23.9 mm

delete

Nikon

X (mm)

36mm

Y (mm)

23.9mm

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

To add a new camera that is not in the database, select any camera in the list and overwrite its

values.

Enter the camera brand, camera type and X/Y (mm).

Confirm with “OK”.

Click

The camera parameters are displayed as follows:

edit

delete

edit

X (mm)

[0.0..400.0]

36 mm

Y (mm)

[0.0..400.0]

23.9 mm

camera

Nikon

type

Nikon

X (mm)

36mm

Y (mm)

23.9mm

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

Click on “presets” to define the parameter preferences of your VR

Drive.

The “presets” are grouped by software mode:

• “quality”

• “speed”

• “turntable”

• “video”

• “HDR”

• “timelapse”

Click on “quality”, “speed”, “turntable”, “video”, “timelapse” or

“HDR” to set up the presets.

Click on the preset to modify, for example:

When always using the same camera, it may be more efficient to set the A-value to a

preset. This way, this value will always be automatically loaded every time a new program is created.

The table on the following pages summarises all program parameters created in the

“Wizard” or loaded as “presets” for the different VR Drive modes.

presets

turntable

video

HDR

speedquality

presets

quality

info

Nikon

focal lenght

24 mm

A/B value

0/ 0mm

angle mode cylindrical

Edit P1 / page 1

[1..999]

info

Nikon D3

focal length

24mm

A/B value

1/1 mm

angle mode cylindrical

Mode

quality

360°

88°

timelapse

4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

units function

speed

turntable

timelapse

video

HDR

info

text

Information on project

✓

✓✓ ✓

✓

camera

text

Camera brand + type; used for automatic calculation

of rows in “quality”, “speed” + “HDR” mode

✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

focal

length

For automatic calculation of rows in “quality” and

“speed” mode

✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

A/B

value

mm Information to determine center and nodal points

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

angle mode

various

Automatic calculation of rows (cylindrical, spherical) ,

manual or visual programming

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

X-FoV

degrees Horizontal angle (field of view)

✓ --✓ ✓ -- ✓

Y-FoV

degrees Vertical angle (field of view)

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

sequence

various

Sets the direction of image release (zig-zag, vertical,

snake, center-up, center-down, top-down, bottomup)

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

speed X/Y

seconds

Speed in x and y dimension from position to position

✓ --✓ ✓ -- ✓

Nb images

fix/var

Use fixed or variable number of images for every row

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

rows

elevation: °

images: #

Position of image release in X/Y dimension

✓ --✓ ✓ -- ✓

pause

position

seconds

Pause before or after reaching positions

✓ ---- ✓ ✓ ✓

overlap

X %, Y %

Overlap between images in x and y dimension

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

orientation

portrait

landscape

Camera orientation

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

pause image

seconds

Pause before or after releasing the images

✓ ---- ✓ ✓ ✓

release

time

seconds

Duration of release signal (electronic cable, not USB)

✓ ---- ✓ ✓ ✓

repeat

X, degree

Number of times a program is repeated with offset

angle

✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Panorama programs

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

units function

quality

speed

turntable

timalapse

video

HDR

orientation

CCW, CW

Direction of rotation – counter-clockwise, clockwise

✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

manual

release

off/on Manual release of camera in every position

-- ---- -- -- ✓

mirror

release

seconds

Time for release of camera mirror prior to image-

taking

-- ---- -- -- ✓

bracketing

1x..9x, special

Number of multiple releases per position; special for

continuous signal

✓ ---- ✓ -- --

lens type

fisheye

non-fisheye

Fisheye or traditional lens (non-fisheye) – to compute

rows

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

floor patch

on/off, °

Optional floor image for spherical panoramas

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

back to start

on/off

Optional return movement for horizontal sequences

to avoid cable damage

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

USB settings

various

USB features for image release, white balance,

memory check, release control, check manual mode, wait for camera, Liveview

✓ --✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

auto exp.

settings

variation

strategy

Select automatic or fixed exposure time, automatic

aperture or automatic ISO/ASA

✓ --✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

timer

seconds

Delay time before a program sequence is launched

✓ ---- ✓ ✓ ✓

acceleration

Degree of speed adaptation (1% slow, 100% fast)

✓--✓ ✓

-- ✓

Panorama programs (continued)

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

units function

quality

speed

turntable

timalapse

video

HDR

aperture

f-stop on the lens used for the HDR exposure

-- ---- -- -- ✓

ISO/ASA

ISO/ASA used for the HDR exposure

-- ---- -- -- ✓

Nb bracketed

images

Number of images released per position/bracketing

for HDR

-- ---- -- -- ✓

aperture

steps

Difference in f-stops from one bracketed image to

the next for HDR

-- ---- -- -- ✓

exp

sequence

various Fast to slow or slow to fast exposure times

-- ---- -- -- ✓

start point

X/Y

degrees

Starting position for video in X/Y dimension

--✓-- --

✓

points

degrees, seconds

For definition of every point in video sweep: X/Y

position, speed between points, acceleration (degree of speed adaptation), pause at every point

--✓-- --

✓

image every

... sec/deg

seconds/ degrees

release of images between points in timelapse mode

-- ---- --

✓

release

mode

second/ position

Defines the way the images will be released in

timelapse mode

-- ---- -- ✓ --

aperture

compensation

off/on

Option to compensate exposure speeds at limit with

f-stop for HDR

------ --

-- ✓

HDR steps

table

Table of exposures, f-stops and ISO/ASA for every

bracketed image

-- ---- -- --

✓

start/end Y

degrees

Vertical FOV to distribute rows in angle mode

“manual”

✓ --✓ ✓ -- ✓

start angle

X/Y

degrees Starting point coordinates in visual angle mode

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

end angle

X/Y

degrees

End point coordinates in visual angle mode

✓ --✓ -- -- ✓

ref exposure

speed

seconds

Average exposure speed on which the HDR table is

built

-- ---- -- -- ✓

Panorama programs (continued)

HDR programs

Timelapse/video programs

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

Click on “delete all programs” to remove all programs from your

VR Drive.

Confirm with “next” or cancel with “X”.

After deleting all programs a default program in “quality” mode will be stored as “P1”.

All settings (general (time settings etc.) and database (camera, presets) will remain unchanged.

Click on “reset to factory” to remove all programs and reload the default factory settings.

Confirm with “next” or cancel with “X”.

After deleting all programs a default program in “quality” mode will be stored as “P1”.

The settings (general (time settings etc.) and database (camera, presets) will be created from factory settings.

delete all programs

delete programs

Do you really want to

delete all programs?

Do you really want

to reset to factory

settings?

reset to

factory

reset to factory

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4.6.2 Settings/database (continued)

import

Import

If a program number already

exists, would you prefer to

overwrite the old one or

append as new?

export

xml type

Data save successful

Export

Seitz

Papywizard

append

overwrite

Click on “import” to load previously backed-up VR Drive programs.

If a program number already exists in the VR Drive there are two

options:

• Overwrite the existing program number with the imported one

• Append the existing program to the VR Drive programs

Confirm or cancel with “X”.

The programs are loaded to the VR Drive.

Click on “export” to export program settings.

The “Papywizard” option exports the exact location (pitch/roll) of

every image released in the program sequence to an xml file in the papywizard standard. This xml file can then be used in the stitching software for accurate allocation of images .

The “Seitz” option exports all programs to back-up files that can be

shared between VR Drives or can be re-imported later, for example after a reset to factory settings.

Which format should be taken

to write the xml files?

For importing and exporting data please connect the original

Roundshot USB stick into the USB slot of the VR Drive.

Important: The USB stick needs to be inserted prior to loading the

import or export commands.

Back up your programs in the Seitz format from time to time. This ensures that no

program data is lost in the case that the VR Drive has to be reset to factory settings.

Papywizard format Seitz format

(for stitching software) (for back-up / can be reimported

into VR Drive)

Roundshot VR Drive Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual