Hey Alex, when I physically remove the theta, what I mean is that I unscrew the 4 screws holding the PLANIX top plate and unplug the USB Cable, I keep the Theta in the PLANIX top plate while I hook up a USB cable to my computer to download the DualFisheye files, then I plug in the PLANIX USB cable and screw in the top four screws (carefully so not to strip). Just checking, even though the Z1 stays in the top plate, I still need to do the Lens Alignment?
Yes, the 4 mounting screws for the top plate have some free play that can affect the alignment.
Thanks Alex.
@Alex Question? How can I get the serial # off my Theta to connect standalone without undoing the 4 mount screws and disturbing alignment? Do you keep a record? And can you send? I have played with my old Theta doing multiple exposure brackets and had some phenomenal success. I might want to do that for some exterior shots and add like a drone shot.
Thanks!! Good info!
Survey displays THETA serial # in the Settings menu.
Cool!
Thanks!
Thanks for your feedback. I had asked the question and was told that when you connect the Z1 to the Planix, it disables all the plugins.
I just received my Planix this morning and was doing some tests.
Have noticed a few things.
The HDR mode is not as good as the HDR-DNG files from the DFE especially where there is strong sunlight.
I would like to try using the DFE - I like the idea of using another device - well I have to as I have my iphone for the planix and an android for the DFE.
The mode I used this morning was the 2 shot approach - but noticed in the files when they were packaged for the drafter, that they were the ones that I was in. I am assuming the the rest of the info is elsewhere.
If you took a photo with the planix, disconnected, then connected with the DFE, are you able to replace those panos later before you send them to the drafters ? that just seems a like a lot of work.
I also watched a video where they took the spheres into photoshop - but I don’t have any.
Hi There
I also use 3DVista, but am not sure why you would generate an iGuide version into 3DV - it is like having a tour inside a tour that has just cost you an extra $50 - $80 for processing.
This threw me off as well. I assumed I’d done the two shot incorrectly and did them twice. I believe The correct way is to hide behind the front of the camera (no digital screen) for the first shot and then move around.
Ok I’m probably about to embarrass myself but am I missing something with the DFE installation?
Looks like I have to connect by usb to the Z1 but as it is anchored to the cap of the Planix I’m not able to do that, or am I?
Does disconnecting the camera mess up the lens calibration?
Does it invalidate my warranty?
Should this question be in a support ticket?
Should this question be in a support ticket?
If you want direct answers, yep.
Removing and re-installing Theta will not affect warranty or lens calibration for Planix Pro, but lens alignment to Planix body will need to be performed in Survey from the Settings menu each time Theta is re-installed.
Ricoh plugins cannot be used by Planix due to limitations of Ricoh USB API.
Thanks Alex.
I do understand the USB bit. Just wanted to know if I could get the flexibility for other types of shots.
I’m wondering if there could be an option in the survey app to disable the usb on the Planix by a toggle switch and allow the camera to connect with the Z1 over WiFi to capture a higher quality pano.
Turn off planix. Turn on theta only. Connect to camera using app of choice. This is how I’ve been doing my scans. First the iGuide and then do my zillow 3D tour using same setup but with planix off.
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To summarize some of this thread, am I to understand that there is a way of getting higher quality photos from the Theta than those taken through Planix, and without unscrewing the system?
If someone can lay out a step by step guide to doing this (I’m using an iPhone 11 Pro and no android devices) that would be HUGELY appreciated.
If you enable the WiFi of the Z1, the serial number is in the SSID of the broacasted WiFi signal.
Planix has made such an improvement to my workflow. I’m McLuvinit!
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Alex,
Please investigate this further because the V2 version of the USB API for the Theta Z1 and Z1 51GB does support the control of plugins.
Integrating the the free Theta dual fisheye plugin into your capture process would significantly boost the photo quality of captured images and that would greatly improve the value of your service and further set it apart from your competitors.
For reference the following sections of the API provide the commands needed to start, stop and control plugins like the free Theta DFE plugin.
0x99B9 GetPluginState
api.ricoh/docs/theta-usb-api/operation/get_plugin_state/
0x99AB PluginControl
api.ricoh/docs/theta-usb-api/operation/plugin_control/
I am currently researching this and other alternatives and getting the DFE plugin working with your Planix system would definitely push me towards investing in your product.
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