PENTAX GPS UNIT O-GPS2　- 
A handy GPS unit for digital SLR cameras

Featuring convenient, simple-to-use equatorial telescope functions, the O-GPS2 allows easy filing of recorded images using location data such as a shooting location and the camera's direction

Simply by mounting the O-GPS2 accessory GPS unit onto the hotshoe of a PENTAX digital SLR camera, you can record the latitude, longitude, altitude, universal time coordinated (UTC) and aspect of shooting locations onto captured images.
Receiving satellites include GPS, SBAS, OZSS, GLONASS, and Galileo. Image files carrying the location data can be used to track shooting locations and review location data on a computer. The location data stored on these files also makes it much easier to sort and file recorded images.

By coupling location data with the camera's SR (Shake Reduction) system, this GPS unit offers a range of innovative, PENTAX-original applications, including ASTROTRACER, Simple Navigation and Electronic Compass. 

Three innovative feautures to complement standard GPS functions

ASTROTRACER PENTAX-original simplified equatorial telescope function using the camera's SR system The O-GPS2 calculates the movement of celestial bodies using the latitude obtained from the location data and the camera's alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations) detected by the electronic compass and acceleration sensors. It then shifts the camera's image sensor in synchronization with the movement of the objects. This means that stars and other bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures.

Simple Navigation This function linearly navigates you to a desired location by calculating the direction and distance from the current position to the destination.

Electronic Compass This function accurately displays the camera's direction at the time of shooting on the camera's LCD monitor.

ASTROTRACER
For effortless tracing of celestial bodies

When mounted on the supported PENTAX cameras, the O-GPS2 provides the advanced ASTROTRACER function, which couples the unit with the camera's SR (Shake Reduction) system for the effortless tracing and photographing of celestial bodies. The unit calculates the movement of stars and other objects using the latitude obtained from the location data and the camera's alignment data (horizontal and vertical inclinations and direction) obtained from the electronic compass and acceleration sensors. It then shifts the camera's image sensor in synchronization with the movement of these objects. This means that all celestial bodies are captured as solid points rather than blurry streaks, even during extended exposures. It also simplifies the astronomical photography setup, since it requires only a tripod and eliminates the need for an additional accessory such as an equatorial telescope. Illustration: ASTROTRACER Type1

 ○: Supported

 ASTROTRACER: OFF

ATROTRACER; Type1

Shift the camera’s image sensor in synchronization with the movements of stars (diurnal motion) to prioritize the celestial bodies and stars to be captured as solid points

ASTROTRACER: Type2

Shift the camera’s image sensor half the speed of Type 1 in synchronization with the movements of stars to prioritize capturing the landscape and stars in a good balance. *Compatible model: K-3 Mark III

Simplified equatorial telescope function, developed using PENTAX-exclusive technologies

In order to keep accurate track of celestial bodies, the O-GPS2 provides a simplified equatorial telescope function that shifts the camera's SR (Shake Reduction) unit in all directions. Since this advanced function simplifies astronomical photography by automatically tracing celestial bodies using the camera fixed on a tripod, astronomical photographers of all levels — from the inexperienced to the most dedicated — can capture beautiful night skies with great ease.

Calibration

Before each use, the O-GPS2 must be calibrated for optimum results

■What is calibration?

Calibration is a means of properly adjusting the O-GPS2's setup so the GPS unit can obtain accurate location data. The O-GPS2 must be calibrated before shooting images which needs direction information such as Astrotracer.
There are two types of calibration: simple calibration for general use, and "high-precision calibration" for the ASTROTRACER function.

■How to calibrate

Please watch the Video for calibration process

Calibration

Recall the calibration screen from the camera's main menu, and move the camera as instructed in the illustration.

High-precision calibration for ASTROTRACER function

Recall the high-precision calibration screen from the camera's main menu, and move the camera as shown in the illustration.

■Notes 

* Calibration does not require turning the camera in a circular motion while changing hands.

* When calibration is unsuccessful, face in a different direction and/or slightly change the angle of grip, then try again.

* Calibration data is retained even when the O-GPS2's power is turned off. 

* Calibration can be made regardless of GPS signal reception status. 

* At locations that are strongly affected by environmental magnetism, it may be difficult to make a successful calibration, or the O-GPS2 may not point in the proper direction when calibration is completed. The same may result when the O-GPS2 is calibrated indoors.

* At locations affected by geomagnetism, such as in volcanic regions, it may be difficult to make a successful calibration, or the O-GPS2 may not point in the proper direction when calibration is completed.

* When the lens or LCD monitor's angle is changed after calibration/high-precision calibration is completed, the environmental magnetism may be affected and may not point in the proper direction.

* Calibration/high-precision calibration and shooting are recommended when LCD monitor is stored.

Compatible cameras and available functions

Sample Images

 Photo by Ichiro Murata

Photo by Ichiro Murata

Photo by Kiyotaka Kitajima

 Please watch a tutorial "How to use the Astrotracer" here...

Connect with PENTAX users around the world with with dedicated astrotracer hashtags!

Find out more pictures, made by the Astrotracer O-GPS2 #pentax_ogps2 ..(link)

 It will be nice to find also your images.