Read on to find out how to fix common problems with the GigaPan EPIC. If you don´t find your solution here, contact technical support at GigaPan.com.
6.1 My photos are blurry
There could be several causes for blurry photos:
1. The moving platform might not have "settled" before the picture is taken.
a. To get around this, turn on your camera´s Self-timer function and set it to 2 seconds.(Several cameras have a 2-sec Self-timer built in).
2. The button-pusher might not be holding down the camera button long enough.
a. Navigate to Options > Expert Options > Button Hold in the GigaPan Menu.
b. Use the directional keys to increase the time that the button-pusher will hold the camera button down.
3. The platform might be moving before your camera has taken and stored the picture.
a. Navigate to Options > Time Per Pic in the GigaPan Menu.
b. Use the directional keys to increase the time that the GigaPan will wait before moving. This is especially useful for night-time panoramas.
6.2 My camera is missing pictures
There are two reasons for your camera to miss pictures:
1. The GigaPan´s platform is moving faster than your camera can take pictures.
a. Navigate to Options > Time Per Pic in the GigaPan Menu.
b. Use the directional keys to increase the time that the Imager will wait before moving.
2. The button-pusher isn´t pushing your camera´s button down long enough.
a. Navigate to Options > Expert Options > Button Hold in the GigaPan Menu.
b. Use the directional keys to increase the time that the button-pusher will hold the camera button down.
6.3 I want to remove the checklist before every panorama
To turn off the checklist before every panorama, navigate to Options > Expert Options > Checklist and use the directional keys to turn the checklist on or off.
6.4 My panoramas are distorted or misaligned
There could be several causes for distorted or misaligned panoramas:
1. Check your setup for errors.
a. Go through the steps in Chapter 2. Note: Remember that you must repeat this every time you change the camera you´re using.
b. Make sure that your camera is tightly mounted on the EPIC unit.
c. Make sure that the EPIC is firmly mounted on your tripod.
d. Make sure that your tripod is on steady ground.
e. Make sure that nothing disturbs the EPIC while it´s taking photographs.
2. Make adjustments for vertical lines in your panorama.
GigaPan Stitch Software aligns the larger elements of photos, and thus might ignore vertical lines such as poles and window frames.
a. Try to avoid taking panoramas with too many vertical lines in the foreground.
b. Try using a third-party tool to stitch your panorama.
3. Check and adjust the platform´s forward-back position.
If you´re taking macro panoramas (that is, really close to the subject), you´ll need to adjust the position of the platform, so that the Imager rotates your camera about its "nodal point").
a. Turn to Chapter 2.8: Finding your camera´s nodal point.
Note: This is a time-consuming process, and should only be used when necessary. However, it may be necessary for panoramas that have subjects that are both close and far away, and macro panoramas.
6.5 My computer freezes while the Stitcher is working
GigaPan Stitch Software needs a lot of processing power to stitch panoramas, and will use up nearly 100 percent of your CPU, leaving little for other programs. In addition, larger panoramas need more power, and take more time. So while it might appear that your computer is frozen, it´s just the GigaPan Stitch software working hard. Ideally, you should avoid work ing on your computer while the GigaPan Stitch software is running.
To monitor the GigaPan Stitch software in Windows, turn on the Task Manager ([Ctrl] + [Shift] + [Esc]). If the GigaPan Stitch software reports "Not Responding" , use the ´report a bug´ feature under the ´help´ tab of the stitching software or contact tech support via GigaPanSystems.com.
On the Mac, you can monitor the GigaPan Stitch software using the Activity Monitor (´Applications´ > ´Utilities ´> ´Activity Monitor)´. If the GigaPan Stitch software reports "Not Responding" , use the ´report a bug´ feature under the ´help´ tab of the GigaPan Stitch software or contact tech support via GigaPanSystems.com.
