preflight checklist
Deploying the Afidus Time Lapse camera is a process. These handy tips are helpful to ensure and double check the camera has been started for your project.
For drone operators this is right up your ally. A simple checklist for the easiest things to do and be reminded of.
Prior to your first big project, we recommend taking a few days to get used to the system. Proceed with a series of short term, start ups as you get used to this new process. Basically, your training wheels are on.
When you run into questions, give us a call, we're here to help.
1
batts
&
Stats
STEP 1: Check the batts & Stats
Always start your projects off with a fresh set of brand new name brand batteries. Energizer Max are the leading brand we recommend.
Check to make sure your card is freshly formatted and clear of content.
For your first time lapse (and for your regular time lapse project) there is no need to use a different card.
We recommend using the manufactured supplied Sansdisc Ultra
[HC 1] 16GB mSD card. These cameras must use a card with slower write speed.
If it's been a while in the field or resting on the shelf, now is a great time to check for any firmware updates.
2
mount
+
frame
+
FOCUS
STEP 2: mount IT, frame IT, FOCUS IT
mount it securely
Mount in a solid secure location. Duct tape maybe nice but not recommended friends. Zip ties will do in a pinch for short term situations. For the long haul we love using the Clamp Monster.
frame the scene
Frame your shot.
Remember to rotate your mobile device vertically horizontally and pinch zoom. Helpful tip: turn the grid view on and check the wide angle correction to see which appeals best for your scene.
focuS check
For Afidus ATL-200/200S only. Pinch zoom your screen to check the focus.
SNAPSHOT FOR IMAGE ALIGNMENT
Use the snapshot feature within the APP and review the photo saved for focus. Check it. If it’s not clear on your screen it will not be clear on your video. This step doubles as the photo for the image alignment process-which when you service your camera at a later date comes in handy.
3
schedule
+
screenshots
STEP 3: set, take screen shots & start it
set the schedule
If you are using calendar scheduling select the days you wish to record but turning the days ON to blue. Set the working hours you wish to record. Select Set. To confirm them there will be an audible "beep" and check mark that pops up.
TAKE screenshots
Of all setup screens: App screen, Information, Menu screen, and finally (if you didn't do it above to check your focus) take a Snapshot (critical).
Why: because this will help you at the next camera check (within a month) to recall your settings.
Start it
To start your recording select the standard timelapse mode to record in.
Remember, any other recording mode is in the "Creative" recording mode category.
4
DEPLOY
STEP 4:depLOY
Start it
To start your recording select the standard Time Lapse mode to record in.
Remember, any other recording mode is in the "Creative" recording mode category.
5
listen
+
look
STEP 4: listen & look
When you start your recording; Listen for the audible "BEEP-BEEP", Look and confirm the green LED light blinking approximately every 5 seconds.
NOTE: If you do not hear an audible "BEEP-BEEP" this is a false start. Simply long press the power button. Reconnect with WiFi. Start the app and start the record process again. The camera is depolyed when you hear the audible "Beep-Beep", see the checkmark on the confirmation screen, the app closes, and the LED will blink as stated above.
camera
check
6
camera
check
when & what to bring with you
STEP 6: check IT
We recommend taking a few days to get used to the system prior to the start of your project. In your first series of time lapse you are getting used to this new system. Basically, your training wheels are on.
As you get familiar with the system continue with the LED visual checks.
For aggressive projects; "aggressive" meaning any interval duration less than 20 second for more than 8 hours a day we recommend more frequent visual camera checks.
If you are a seasoned pro-user, we especially recommend checking the cameras after inclement weather and on highly active sites.
When you are in the field and on the job-site checking your camera there are a few extra handy items to bring.
These essential items include:
Batteries, Cards, Clamps and mSD cord.
We have outlined these essential and extra items in this article as a just in case.
