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Red Hen Systems VMS-333 User Manual

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VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile
User Guide
Version 1.23
October 10, 2017
1
Copyright © Red Hen Systems

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Summary of Contents for Red Hen Systems VMS-333

  • Page 1 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 October 10, 2017 Copyright © Red Hen Systems...
  • Page 2 Visit Red Hen Systems on the World Wide Web at www.redhensystems.com Technical Support Availability: Monday through Friday during business hours Email: support@redhensystems.com Phone: 970-493-3952 Feedback Please email your comments and suggestions about the VMS-333 and documentation to: info@redhensystems.com Copyright © Red Hen Systems...
  • Page 3 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 FCC Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Scenario 2: Connect VMS-333 to DSLR still camera ................24 Scenario 3: Connect flash feedback cable to the DSLR camera PC connector ........26 Scenario 4a: Connect VMS-333 to DSLR camera and Laser Range Finder .......... 27 Scenario 4b: Use the VMS-DMRT ......................28 Scenario 5: Connect VMS-333 to Video Camera and Boreal Laser .............
  • Page 5 Light indicators (LEDs) ......................... 38 Audio indicators ..........................39 7.0 Using an Android Device with the VMS-333 and DSLR Cameras ........... 40 7.1 Connect the Android device to the VMS-333 ................... 40 7.2 Optional: Connect the Android device directly to a Nikon DSLR camera......... 40 7.3 Start up VMS-Mobile and examine the home screen ..............
  • Page 6 Home > Configure > Parameters > Intervalometry Mode > Field of View ........... 113 Home > Configure > Load KML ......................114 Appendix B. Pin-out Diagrams ....................115 B.1 Connectors on VMS-333 ......................... 115 FT ............................... 115 GPS ..............................115 PWR ..............................

  • Page 7: Preface

    Preface Who is this guide for? This User Guide is for anyone who will be installing or using the VMS-333 and VMS-Mobile Android application. If you are reading this, you are probably one of the following types of people: ...

  • Page 8: Section 1. Introducing The Vms-333

    1.1 What is VMS-333 and what does it do? When it comes to right-of-way patrol, whether you are flying over power lines, boating along the coast, or driving along a railroad line, the VMS-333 is the ideal device for geotagging audio and video data in real time.

  • Page 9: What Is The Thisr Family Of Products

    VMS-333 is one type of VMS device; the Digital Mapping Reconnaissance Toolkit (DMRT) is another. With the VMS-333, all peripheral devices are connected by cables and must be held by hand or placed in a car, plane, or helicopter. With the DMRT, all peripheral devices are held within an easy-to-carry, rigid framework.

  • Page 10: Why Use Vms-333 And Vms-Mobile

    Version 1.23 1.4 Why use VMS-333 and VMS-Mobile?  The VMS-333 benefits a wide variety of industries that do right-of-way patrol over highways, gas and oil pipelines, transmission lines, shorelines, and rivers. You may want to use it because: ...

  • Page 11: Section 2. Understanding The Equipment

    Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position when connecting to an external power source. 2.2 Parts Inventory This section identifies all the parts you need to properly operate the VMS-333. Photos of each part appear in Parts Diagrams.
  • Page 12 Flash Hot Shoe to the External Feature Trigger cable. Once connected, this cable provides positive feedback to VMS-333 that the camera has successfully captured a photo. The feedback appears as a large green light on the VMS- Mobile Home screen or on the Android LED...

  • Page 13: Software

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Software If you plan to display the videos and photos collected with VMS-333 on a map, you need Red Hen MediaMapper, which is NOT included with VMS-333. Item Description Operating system Windows XP, Windows 7 Professional and above Red Hen MediaMapper Version 5.3...

  • Page 14: Parts Diagrams

    Version 1.23 2.3 Parts Diagrams This section shows you what each part in the hardware inventory looks like for easy recognition. Primary Parts Red Hen Systems VMS-333 GPS hardware GPS receiver (wired) Cables Flash Feedback cable Computer serial (9-pin) cable Audio cable 3.5mm male-to-male 4"...

  • Page 15: Adapters And Power

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 3.5 mm male-to-male audio adapter Feature trigger cable LRF cable External feature trigger three-button cable Adapters and Power Cigarette power adapters Wall 120 V wall adapters Battery Battery charger Copyright © Red Hen Systems...

  • Page 16: Accessories

    Video camera-to-video recorder cable  Your camera may use an SDI cable. The camera is not included in the VMS-333 Kit  The ends of this cable are keyed, which means they have a notch in them to ensure ...

  • Page 17: Getting To Know The Controls And Connectors

    3.1 Identify the VMS-333 components The VMS-333 has a variety of buttons and ports on the front and side of it, as well as some adjustable screws on the bottom of it. There are currently two versions of labeling as shown below.

  • Page 18: Side

    C (DSLR/PWR). Port where you plug in the power supply (can handle 12-28 volts) to power the VMS-333 unit. Alternatively, you can also use this port to connect a Nikon DSLR camera with a 10-pin connector to the VMS-333 unit.

  • Page 19: Bottom

    MediaMapper and when you click the icon, you see the associated photo. Note. If the VMS-333 unit is nearby, you can use the FT button instead of the cabled feature trigger. You can even use both, since each will produce a different icon on the map.

  • Page 20: Nanoflash

     Status. Indicates the status of the NanoFLASH.  Audio port. Can be used to test the VMS-333 and NanoFLASH connection (connect this to the headset or speaker to test).  Remote. Connects to a thumb trigger that lets you manually start and stop recording (this is useful if the NanoFLASH box is too far away to press the red button on the side).

  • Page 21: Setting Up Your Gps Receiver

    1. Activate an accompanying Bluetooth GPS Receiver, such as the GlobalSat BT GPS Receiver, in close proximity to your VMS-333. 2. Once the GPS receiver has obtained a GPS fix, the data will be forwarded to the VMS-333, via the Bluetooth connection. A GPS fix will then automatically be established on your VMS-333.

  • Page 22: Setting Up The Vms-333

    Version 1.23 5. Setting up the VMS-333 You’re almost ready to start using the VMS-333. There are just a few more tasks to complete so everything is set up. Note: This section does not apply if your VMS-333 is already part of a Digital Mapping Reconnaissance ToolKit (DMRT).

  • Page 23: Scenario 1: Connect Vms-333 To Video Camera And Feature Trigger

    You may also decide to take audio notes as well. The photo below shows the typical configuration for such a scenario. Note: The values in parentheses ( ) indicate alternative labels that may appear on your VMS-333 unit. Video...

  • Page 24: Scenario 2: Connect Vms-333 To Dslr Still Camera

    This scenario is useful for capturing a series of still images. When connected to a Nikon DSLR camera, the VMS-333 acts as an intervalometer. This means it controls how often, for how long, and how many shots are taken to create a collection of continuous corridor image strips.
  • Page 25 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Note: You can also connect the VMS-333 to the Nikon DSLR via the Red Hen Blue2Can attachment when using the VMS-Mobile application. See the illustration below. Copyright © Red Hen Systems...

  • Page 26: Scenario 3: Connect Flash Feedback Cable To The Dslr Camera Pc Connector

    1. If you use the External Feature Trigger cable for this purpose, you cannot use it to mark features. 2. Additionally, you must configure the VMS-333 for the feedback feature to work. For details on to configure the settings using VMS-Mobile, see Control the way the VMS-333 feature triggers behave: External Feature Trigger—Flash Feedback...

  • Page 27: Scenario 4A: Connect Vms-333 To Dslr Camera And Laser Range Finder

    The photo below shows the typical configuration for such a scenario. Note: If you only need to take still photos and no LRF measurements, you can remove the LRF from the configuration. The values in parentheses ( ) indicate alternative labels that may appear on your VMS-333 MPORTANT unit.

  • Page 28: Scenario 4B: Use The Vms-Dmrt

    If you are performing intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance on foot or by vehicle, you may find it easier to use the VMS-DMRT instead of the VMS-333. This is because the VMS-DMRT has the VMS device and all peripheral devices all firmly positioned within a light-weight, handheld frame, making the devices much easier to carry.

  • Page 29: Scenario 5: Connect Vms-333 To Video Camera And Boreal Laser

    Scenario 5: Connect VMS-333 to Video Camera and Boreal Laser If you purchased the Pipe-I Kit, you will be using the VMS-333 in conjunction with the Boreal Laser to detect fugitive gas emissions. This means you will connect the VMS-333 to the Boreal laser, via a splitter cable.

  • Page 30: Scenario 6: Hook The Vms-333 To The Nanoflash

    FT button whenever you see an interesting feature. 8. If you are using a headset, plug it into the COM port of the VMS-333, using the COM adapter cable. This allows you to make audio notes and to hear the sounds coming from the VMS-333 when it is recording data.

  • Page 31: Review Hookup Details: Step-By-Step

    BEFORE powering on the system. For example, if you connect a power supply to the wrong port, VMS-333 will not turn on; if you plug the GPS receiver into the wrong port, you will not get any GPS signals and will be unable to geotag the video.
  • Page 32 47-Ohm resistor a. Ground loop filter. Removes low-frequency noise that could be introduced into the recorder. Plug the female end of the filter’s audio cable (input) into the VMS-333 audio port (1-4) and the male end (output) into the Panasonic recorder.
  • Page 33 6. Connect GPS to VMS-333 Always connect the GPS to Port B (GPS). 7. Connect power to VMS-333 The VMS-333 will take power from either Port C (DSLR/PWR) or D (COM), but C is most common. 8. Connect COM to VMS-333.

  • Page 34: Test Your Setup

    Before you begin using the VMS-333, it is best to test your setup. 1. Check the VMS-333 status indicators (data lights, GPS lights, power lights, and sound) to make sure the receiver has a navigational fix and is sending GPS data to the camera. For details, see Attention to Indicators.
  • Page 35 The 3.5mm audio cable takes all the geo-spatial data that the VMS-333 has compiled and records it to the left audio channel, and embeds it into the video. e. Make sure that channel 1 (the left audio channel) is receiving an audio signal. See illustration below.
  • Page 36 2. Operate the video camera according to its User’s Manual and record a minute or two of video outside when the GPS has a fix. The VMS-333 sends GPS data to the video as you record. 3. Play the video. You should hear the “modem” tones that indicate GPS data has been recorded to the camera.

  • Page 37: Using The Vms-333 With Video Recorders

    6.0 Using the VMS-333 with Video Recorders Now that you have tested the setup, it's time to start using your VMS-333 in the air, on land, or at sea. This device is protected against reverse polarity. However, do not drop the device or get it wet.

  • Page 38: Upload Recorded Data To The Computer

    Red Data LED is continuously on There is some kind of serious system error that needs to be resolved. This occurs if the VMS-333 is getting more data than it can put in the audio channel, causing bandwidth overflow. This may be because the data is reported too often or unnecessary strings are being sent.

  • Page 39: Audio Indicators

    A normal GPS fix is obtained by the VMS-333. more than it is off) Blue GPS light is on continuously. A differential GPS fix is obtained by the VMS-333. A differential GPS fix provides better accuracy than the normal GPS fix.

  • Page 40: Using An Android Device With The Vms-333 And Dslr Cameras

    When an Android device, such as a tablet or mobile phone, runs the VMS-Mobile application, you can remotely control the VMS-333 (and in turn, a DSLR camera), no matter where you are. You can also load a map, mark features, control a DSLR camera, and more.

  • Page 41: Start Up Vms-Mobile And Examine The Home Screen

    Top of Screen (cont’d ) The following information appears in the information area at the top of the screen only if the GPS receiver has a current fix and you are connected to the VMS-333 via Bluetooth:  N/S. Latitude ...
  • Page 42 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 K. Speed in knots  C. Magnetic compass direction. This is NOT a True North, declination-adjusted value.   M. Scalar magnetometer field strength in MicroTesla Units. The color of the value indicates the relative strength of magnetic interference: yellow is low/good and red is high/bad.
  • Page 43 Control Camera and LRF. Control a DSLR camera and Laser Range Finder that are connected to the VMS-333.  Mark Features. Mark features of interest. Configure. Configure data, parameters, feature triggers, VMS-333 buttons, and more.  Turn Intervalometry ON/OFF. Turn on and off intervalometry. When ON, photos and Laser ...

  • Page 44: Upload New Firmware To The Vms-333

    7.4 Upload new firmware to the VMS-333 The Red Hen Systems Support Team will do this for you. This task involves connecting the VMS-333 to the computer via a USB and then uploading the hexadecimal code to the VMS-333 unit using the Hyper Terminal interface.
  • Page 45 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 3. Next, you must define the area on the screen where you want to download the offline maps. You can either define a rectangular area or a linear area as follows: a. To define a rectangular area, select Define Map Area from the expanded map options menu at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 46 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 c. To define linear areas associated with a previously recorded track log, click Load GPS Data from the expanded map options menu at the bottom of the screen.  A list of track logs appears. Select one of them.
  • Page 47 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 c. As mentioned before, downloading can take some time. It’s a good idea to periodically check the Downloading Maps progress bar by accessing it from the Android pull-down notification bar at the top of the device.

  • Page 48: Work With Offline Maps

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 7.6 Work with offline maps Note: Make sure you pressed Offline Maps from the Home screen and have displayed the expanded map options menu. Once offline maps are downloaded and displayed on your Android device, you can select the following functions from the expanded map options menu.

  • Page 49: Load Kml Files

    Once loaded, the information from KML files is rendered as a custom Map Layer for viewing on Google Earth. Such a map layer is useful for outlining a region over which you are conducting your VMS-333 mission so you know when you have reached the boundaries of that region.
  • Page 50 Photo location indicating where the DSLR camera shutter was triggered. Photo locations are numbered (beginning at 1). They are included in the place mark popup descriptions. Point of interest location where the VMS-333 feature trigger or VMS-Mobile Mark Features button was pressed. The twelve user-customized feature names are present in the placemark pop-up descriptions.
  • Page 51 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 6. If you click a point of interest , you will see additional details:  POI: Custom name of the soft feature trigger, if there was one.  UTC: Time and date the feature was noted.
  • Page 52 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 If you click either ruler icon, you get additional details.  UTC: The time at which the LRF measurement was taken.  Local Date Time: Date measurement was taken.  Altitude: Altitude of LRF.
  • Page 53 VMS-333 to crash. Google is currently fixing these errors. VMS-333 currently supports only a subset of KML elements (XML tags) for lines, polygons, placemarks, and ground overlays. Additional KML elements will be added in the future. The currently supported KML tags include the following: ...

  • Page 54: Mark Individual Features Of Interest And Continuous Conditions/Features

    (continuous) features or conditions. Note: When the VMS-333 is connected to a video camera, features of interest will be noted in the audio track of the video recording. Features of interest are also stored in the VMS-Mobile track log and KMZ files.
  • Page 55 The blinking indicator also provides positive feedback that the VMS-333 is properly receiving and processing these auto-repeating color feature trigger messages. Note: When you press any feature trigger button on this screen, you may optionally hear a female voice say the name of the button.
  • Page 56 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 6. re is an example of what you might see when you view the KMZ file generated by VMS-Mobile in Google Earth.  The individual features are marked with default place marks Custom...

  • Page 57: Load A Feature Definition File

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 7.9 Load a feature definition file Home > Mark Features > Android menu > Load Feature Definition File > Load - OR - Home > Configure > Feature Definitions > Load The buttons you see on the Mark Features screen have been created from a feature definition file. If the buttons are not the ones you need, load a different feature definition file.
  • Page 58 Defining your feature definition files on a PC or laptop helps ensure the same feature definitions are used consistently across many VMS-Mobile devices when your organization deploys and uses multiple VMS-333 devices. For details, see Edit a feature definition file.

  • Page 59: Edit A Feature Definition File

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 7.10 Edit a feature definition file Home > Mark Features > Android menu > Load Feature Definition File > Edit - OR - Home > Configure > Feature Definitions > Edit - OR – Transfer these files to your PC or laptop and edit them: VMSMobile/feature_definitions/*.txt) What if you loaded the correct feature definition file, but the buttons on the Mark Features screen need modification? You must edit the feature definition file.
  • Page 60 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 2. If you plan to select and edit the file from your Android device, rather than a PC or laptop, continue with the next steps. Note: You can only edit one feature definition file at a time on your Android device.
  • Page 61 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 6. Now you can return to the Select Feature Definition File dialog and select the edited (or new) file. When you press Load, a new set of buttons will appear on the Mark Features screen.

  • Page 62: About Feature Definition Files

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 7.11 About feature definition files A feature definition file contains the data that determines what buttons appear on the Mark Features screen, which in turn determine what features you can make note of.

  • Page 63: Feature Definition File Details

    For an example of the actual file that you can paste into a text editor, see VMS-Mobile Feature Trigger Button Definition File for VMS-333 / VMS-DMRT As a reminder, a Feature Trigger Button Definition file explains how to define Feature Trigger Buttons that will appear on the Mark Feature screens.
  • Page 64 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23  You can also provide an Icon Image to go with the Text Button. When you do so, the icon will appear on the button instead of the text label and the feature will be marked with the specified Icon.
  • Page 65 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Examples of Actual Button Definitions (12 buttons maximum) #00FF00 GOOD #FFFF00 FAIR #FF8C00 CRITICAL #FF0000 LOST Stop Sign Speed Limit Road Sign Traffic Lights Surface Damage Pot Hole The next page contains a sample feature definition file you can copy and paste from this PDF file into a text editor.
  • Page 66 * ======================================================================== * VMS-Mobile Feature Trigger Button Definition File for VMS-333 / VMS-DMRT * ======================================================================== * This Feature Trigger Button Definition file explains how to define Feature Trigger Buttons that will appear on the Mark Feature screens. These buttons can indicate discrete features or continuous features/conditions.

  • Page 67: Control The Way Feature Triggers Behave

    If you briefly press the feature trigger, nothing happens. c. Mom. FT & Hold Toggle Interval. When you briefly press and release the VMS-333 internal feature trigger, you mark a single feature. However, when you hold down the VMS-333 internal feature trigger for a longer period of time, you turn on intervalometry so photos are taken at regular intervals.
  • Page 68 VMS-333 External Feature Trigger cable to the DSLR camera. d. Take Photo. When you briefly press and release the VMS-333 external feature trigger, you snap a single photo. e. Trigger LRF. When you briefly press and release the VMS-333 external feature trigger, you trigger the LRF to take a measurement.
  • Page 69 DSLR photo EXIF header. 5. Press the Back button to save your choices and return to the Buttons screen. 6. Now when you press the VMS-333 feature trigger, an event occurs according to the option you selected.

  • Page 70: Determine If The Camera Is Running Properly

    In VMS-Mobile, the large green light on the home screen lights up briefly when the VMS-333 receives the flash feedback signal. If the Android screen is turned off, the Android tricolor LED turns green when the camera flashes.
  • Page 71 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 d. Focus and Sutter. Performs the Half-Press ON function followed immediately by the Full-Press ON function. This means it focuses the camera, then takes and stores the photo. This is probably the button you will use most often. Note: This is not a toggle button. It does not stay on and is released when you lift your finger from the touch screen.

  • Page 72: Configure Vms-333 Parameters

    7.15 Configure VMS-333 parameters Home > Configure > Parameters Using VMS-Mobile, you can specify values for various parameters that control the VMS-333, the camera, and the Laser Range Finder (if you are using one). 1. From the VMS-Mobile home screen, press Configure > Parameters and the Configure VMS-333 Parameters screen appears.
  • Page 73 Set Laser Range Finder parameters. b. LRF Data Hold (sec). This defines the number of seconds VMS-333 retains the most recent LRF measurement data when you have configured the VMS-333 for manual photo capture (not automatic). For more details, see Set Laser Range Finder parameters.

  • Page 74: Set Intervalometry Parameters

    Intervalometry parameters are used to trigger camera shots or Laser Range Finder measurements based on time interval, distance traveled, or field of view when the VMS-333 is also connected to a DSLR still camera or a Laser Range Finder. The VMS-333 contains flash memory that “permanently” stores the parameters you set.
  • Page 75 The distance between pictures is specified in meters, where the maximum distance is more than you will ever need—about 2.6 million miles! c. Field-of-View. VMS-333 triggers the camera to take photos at a rate according to the field of view of the camera lens, as well as aircraft speed, aircraft altitude, and ground altitude.
  • Page 76 Filling in the spreadsheet: The vertical and horizontal field of view value is calculated by filling in a special Red Hen Systems spreadsheet that comes with the VMS-333. The spreadsheet produces the value based on the user- entered camera details such as focal length of the lens, the size of the image sensor, and the intended altitude along the flight path.
  • Page 77 To determine above-ground altitude, you can do EITHER of the following:  Use the altitude data from the laser rangefinder if you have one. The rangefinder is attached to the feature trigger port (Port A or FT/LRF) of VMS-333 and set to range periodically in time. - OR - ...

  • Page 78: Set Laser Range Finder Parameters

    On LRF data received. Automatically snap a photo once VMS-333 receives data from the LRF b. LRF Data Hold (sec). This defines the number of seconds VMS-333 retains the most recent LRF measurement data when you have configured the VMS-333 for manual photo capture (not automatic).

  • Page 79: Configure Vms-333 Data

    7.18 Configure VMS-333 data Home > Configure > Data Using VMS-Mobile, you can specify the type of data the VMS-333 sends the camera. 1. From the VMS-Mobile home screen, select Configure > Data. The Configure Data screen appears with a number of switches you can turn ON and OFF, depending on what data you want sent to the DSLR camera.
  • Page 80 VMS-333 and Blue2CAN devices, configure the specific devices for use as follows: 1. Turn off all VMS-333 and the Blue2CAN devices or move out of range of them. 2. Next, turn on only the VMS-333 and Blue2CAN devices you want to connect to.
  • Page 81 The values appear at the top of the map. Test a. Test Comms Link (Red LED). When ON, turns on the VMS-333 red LED to indicate the VMS-333 is operational and connected to VMS-Mobile. 2. To view more advanced configuration settings, press and hold (“long press”) Configure > Data. The Configure VMS-333 Data screen appears with additional Advanced section above the Audio Feedback section at the top of the screen.

  • Page 82: Configure Vms-333 Buttons

    Version 1.23 7.19 Configure VMS-333 buttons You can specify how you want physical button pushes handled on the: VMS-333 (both the buttons on the unit and on the cable), camera, and LRF. For details, see Control the way feature triggers behave.

  • Page 83: Using The Laser Range Finder

    3. The VMS-333 captures the data output by the LRF, as well as the usual GPS data. It presents this data in the proper format for automatic recording as either: (a) part of the audio track of a video recording or (b) in the EXIF metadata stored in the image file of every photo taken by a supported Copyright ©...

  • Page 84: Lrf Operating Procedure

    Press the button on top of the LRF b. Press the button on the cable that connects the LRF to VMS c. Press the red button on VMS-333. This triggers the LRF to take a measurement and triggers the camera to take a photo. For details, see Control the way feature triggers behave.
  • Page 85 4. Manually or automatically take photo. a. By default, VMS-333 gives you a 10-second interval to manually take a photo with the DSLR after the ranged data is received. During that interval, VMS-333 emits a series of high beeps, one per second, until a low beep indicates the end of the time interval.
  • Page 86 AUX Port Baud Rate to 0 (Auto-Baud). For details, see Configure VMS-333 Parameters. Let the VMS-333 use its “auto-baud” system to determine the baud rate. Here is how it works:  When the communication parameters of your LRF do not match the default VMS-333 communication parameters, the first measurement received after power up will be used to determine the correct setting.

  • Page 87: Making Sure Everything Is Working

     VMS-333: Look at the blue LED on the VMS-333: if it is blinking, you have a normal fix (30 m accuracy); if it is solid blue, you have a WAAS fix (3 m accuracy); and if it is not on, there is no fix.

  • Page 88: Configuring Vms-333 Or Vms-Dmrt For Laser Range Finder Intervalometry

    Home > Configure > Parameters Home > Configure > Feature Triggers If you plan to use the Laser Range Finder with the VMS-333 or with the Digital Mapping Reconnaissance Toolkit (DMRT), and you want to manually or automatically take LRF measurements at periodic intervals using intervalometry, you must set up the system appropriately.
  • Page 89 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 3. Some additional configuration is still required to successfully use intervalometry with a Laser Range Finder. a. Return to the Home page and press Configure > Feature Triggers. The Configure Feature Trigger dialog appears.

  • Page 90: Troubleshooting

    “blocked” by another application. 5. If VMS-Mobile will not connect to the VMS-333, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled in the Android System Settings screen. If VMS-Mobile takes a long time to connect to the VMS-333 (more than 30 seconds) try disabling and then re-enabling Bluetooth in the Android System Settings screen.

  • Page 91: Red Hen Systems Support Team

    9.3 Red Hen Systems Support Team If you reviewed the most common fixes, read the instructions in the manual, and still have problems, it’s time to contact the Red Hen Systems Support Team. Before you do so, make sure to write down this information: 3.

  • Page 92: Updating The Firmware And Configuring Parameters

    VMS-333. a. Hold down the built-in red feature trigger on the VMS-333 and then connect the other end of the USB cable to your PC and release the feature trigger button. This ensures that you are in Firmware Load mode.
  • Page 93 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 USB cable, you will see a message pop up in the bottom-right side of the task bar indicating that drivers are installing. You will also see a vertical rectangle with a spinning green circle in the task bar. Wait until the circle stops spinning and a message appears indicating whether or not the driver installation was successful.
  • Page 94 3. You are now ready to connect a terminal emulator to the COM port that was created when you plugged the USB cable into the VMS-333 in Step 2. You must use a terminal emulator to set the VMS-333 connection parameters. The emulator you choose depends on the operating system you are using.
  • Page 95 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 h. If you see multiple ports, you must figure out which one is used by VMS-333. Unplug the USB cable from VMS-333 and plug it in again to see which port disappears and reappears on the Device Manager list –...
  • Page 96  Unplug the USB cable again.  Hold down the built-in red feature trigger on the VMS-333 while you re-plug in the USB cable. This ensures that you are in Firmware Load mode.  When the GPS red light turns on, release the feature trigger so the red light flashes four times.
  • Page 97 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 d. Based on the information, select the appropriate serial port from the Connect To dialog, then click OK to close the dialog. 5. The COM Port Properties dialog appears. a. If you are a System Administrator who will...

  • Page 98: Load The Firmware

    When a menu appears, press L to start the boot loading process. You are then prompted to send a file. Note: Do NOT paste the text you just copied; doing so will lock up the VMS-333. c. When a green indicator appears on the terminal emulator screen, right-click the indicator to start loading the firmware stored in your clipboard.
  • Page 99 7. Once you successfully load the firmware on the VMS-333, the firmware is permanently stored in non-volatile (flash) memory in the VMS-333, ready for subsequent use. You do not need to reload it each time you use the device. VMS-333 permanently “remembers” the firmware, even when the power has been switched off and on.

  • Page 100: Set Connection Parameters For Operation

    Note: When you plug in the USB cable into the VMS-333 USB port, do NOT hold down the red VMS- 333 feature trigger button. This ensures you are now in Command mode. 2. You are now ready to connect a terminal emulator to the COM port that was created when you plugged the USB cable into the VMS-333.
  • Page 101 Steps 2h to  h. When you see multiple ports, you must figure out which one is used by VMS-333. Unplug the USB cable from VMS-333 and re-plug it in to see which port disappears and reappears on the Device Manager list – that is the port associated with the VMS-333.
  • Page 102  Unplug the specified COM port.  Next, do NOT hold down the built-in red feature trigger on the VMS-333 while you plug in the USB cable. This ensures that you are in Command mode. Copyright © Red Hen Systems...
  • Page 103 VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 5. Based on the information, select the appropriate serial port from the Connect To dialog, then click OK to close the dialog. a. The COM Port Properties dialog appears. Set these serial communication values.

  • Page 104: Set Operational Parameters With The Terminal Emulator

    You will see a result like this: $PRHS,VAL,[version#] 4. Enter values for the following four VMS-333 parameters that affect the operation of the DSLR and LFR: s, q, i, e. But before you change any values, make sure to view the current values: a.
  • Page 105 All photos taken during this time interval have the same range and GPS data embedded in them. As long as the VMS-333 continues beeping, GPS data is stored in the EXIF header of the photo.
  • Page 106 6. The parameter values are now set and stored permanently in flash memory. They persist, even when you power down the VMS-333. 7. You can close the terminal emulator window, unplug the USB cable, and disconnect the VMS-333 from your computer.

  • Page 107: Appendix A. Quick Reference For Vms-Mobile Screens

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Appendix A. Quick Reference for VMS-Mobile Screens This appendix serves as a quick reference for the various screens of the VMS-Mobile Android application. The title of each screen tells you what to click to bring up that screen.

  • Page 108: Home > Mark Features (Example)

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Mark Features (example) Home > Mark Features > Android menu Home > Mark Features > Android menu > Load Feature Definitions For details, see: Mark individual features of interest and continuous conditions.

  • Page 109: Home > Configure

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure Home > Configure > Feature Definitions Home > Configure > Feature Definitions > Load Loads a feature definition files and populates the Mark Feature Screen. For details, see Home > Mark Features...

  • Page 110: Home > Configure > Feature Definitions > Edit

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure > Feature Definitions > Edit For details, see Edit a feature definition file. Copyright © Red Hen Systems...

  • Page 111: Home > Configure > Data

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure > Data Home > Configure > Data (long press): Advanced section at top For details, see: Configure VMS-333 data For details, see: Configure VMS-333 data Copyright © Red Hen Systems...

  • Page 112: Home > Configure > Feature Triggers

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure > Feature Triggers For details, see: Control the way feature triggers behave Home > Configure > Feature Triggers > Home > Configure > Feature Triggers > Internal Feature Trigger External Feature Trigger...

  • Page 113: Home > Configure > Feature Triggers > Dmrt Feature Trigger

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure > Feature Triggers > Home > Configure > Offline Maps > Android DMRT Feature Trigger menu For details, see: Control the way feature triggers For details, see: Load offline maps you want to...

  • Page 114: Home > Configure > Load Kml

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Home > Configure > Load KML For details, see: Load KML and KMZ files Copyright © Red Hen Systems...

  • Page 115: Appendix B. Pin-Out Diagrams

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 Appendix B. Pin-out Diagrams B.1 Connectors on VMS-333 Pin # Functional Description Power – Out (12 V) Ground Aux-In (RS-232) Aux-Out (RS-232) FT1 (VCC) Ground Pin # Functional Description GPS In (RS-232) Ground...

  • Page 116: Appendix C. External Gps Receivers

    Note: When using VMS-333 with an external GPS that has a data logger or hand-held computer, the VMS-333 hardware unit is connected directly to the GPS receiver, NOT to the data logger. You will have one receiver port connected to the data logger, and another receiver port used as the data output to the VMS-333 hardware unit’s GPS port.

  • Page 117: Gga. Global Positioning System Fix Data

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 GGA. Global Positioning System Fix Data This string provides the time, position, and fix related data for a GPS receiver. Source: NMEA 0183 – Standard for Interfacing Marine Electronic Devices, Version 3.0, July 1, 2000...

  • Page 118: Rmc. Recommended Maximum Specific Gnss Data

    VMS-333 & VMS-Mobile User Guide Version 1.23 RMC. Recommended Maximum Specific GNSS Data This string conveys the time, date, position, course, and speed data provided by a GNSS navigation receiver. This string is transmitted at intervals not exceeding 2 seconds and is always accompanied by RMB when a destination waypoint is active.

  • Page 119: Appendix D. Vms-333 Warranty

    RED HEN SYSTEMS, LLC, except that RED HEN SYSTEMS, LLC will, at its option, repair or replace the internal GPS card for a one (1) year period following USER’s purchase of the Product; (ii) any Product which has been modified, repaired or altered, except by RED HEN SYSTEMS, LLC;...

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