2011 Tachyon XC HD Instruction Manual

Dear Customer,

Thank you for buying the 2011 Tachyon XC HD. The 2011 Tachyon XC HD is the latest generation video and still helmet camera designed for filming extreme action in extreme conditions. It is very rugged and very simple to use, while delivering 30FPS of quality HD 720p video.

The Tachyon XC HD is shockproof, waterproof, and foolproof. Take it anywhere on land, into the sea, and into the air and bring back your stunts, adventures, and bloopers. In cold weather, with Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, it brings home the video from all your extreme winter sports.

The XC HD comes with a remote control and custom-designed mounting accessories. A patented, shock-proof battery system eliminates an all-too-common problem among other action cameras; the loss of power and recorded files caused by the jarring loose of the batteries. This innovation ensures that videos taken in challenging and perhaps impossible-to-repeat situations will not be lost.

And unlike other action cameras which need to rely on an external waterproof case, the Tachyon XC HD’s housing is already waterproof, allowing you to film to a depth of 100 Feet (30.5 meters) when using our patented Dive Lock switch. This waterproofing also protects the camera from adverse elements such as dust, mud, snow and rain.

The Tachyon XC HD makes use of the whole range of SDHC memory card: From 4GB up to 32GB. This can give you over 8 hours of video on a single card.

About Tachyon

Tachyon, Inc. is a company that deals in extremes: we make extremely cool products for extreme people who engage in extreme activities. In order to make the best products, Tachyon, Inc. does not compromise on materials or on the quality of construction. We exceed industrial standards to ensure that our products exceed your expectations.

Please be sure to set up your new action camera using the following instructions. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.

The Management
Tachyon, Inc.

To switch to camera mode so that you can take time-lapse photos, press (but do not hold) the MENU button. When you do, you will see that the movie icon has changed into the camera icon.

To begin taking time-lapse photos, press - but do not hold - the START/STOP button. You will hear a single beep and begin to capture a series of time-lapse photos. One photo will be taken every two seconds. The number that you see displayed on the LCD will be the number of photos remaining until your memory is full. This number will remain at 9999 for a long time, showing that you still have many, many more photos that you can take.

To return to video mode, press (but don't hold) the MENU button again.

• DO NOT mix new and used or different kinds of batteries.
• DO NOT use rechargeable batteries.
• DO NOT try to force your batteries into the Tachyon XC HD if they are not going in easily. You may have inserted them incorrectly, or you may be using batteries that are too thick.

• Always insert the positive end of the battery into the cartridge first.

Energizer® Ultimate Lithium Batteries - should last 6 + hours
Duracell® or Energizer® Alkaline Batteries - may last approx. 2.5 hours (at room temperature - much less when cold)

Tachyon, Inc. is not responsible for the above reference data. Over the life of your camera, battery technology may continue to improve, so you should make use of the most advanced non-rechargeable batteries available.

Notes:
The Tachyon XC HD's auto-save feature was designed for Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. Even though other batteries are still  AA size, they run at slightly different voltages. The Tachyon XC HD was designed around Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries which run at 1.6 volts each.  As the batteries are used and lose power, the voltage drops slightly and the auto-save feature kicks in and saves your file, protecting your footage from being lost.

Batteries such as Energizer Titanium, many types other types of alkaline batteries, and rechargeable batteries run at a slightly different voltage and do NOT always work properly with the camera's auto-save feature.  If you use a different type of battery you run the risk of losing the footage you spent all day recording and you also risk corrupting the SDHC card.  Many times the camera recognizes their different voltage as a problem and shuts down even when the batteries are full.

This is why Tachyon recommends using ONLY Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. Ultimate Lithium batteries last up to six hours in the 2011 Tachyon XC HD.

Below is a detailed explanation of different types of batteries and why we recommend against using them.

ENERGIZER TITANIUM BATTERIES
Energizer Titanium batteries will NOT work with the camera.  The camera will shut off prematurely, even when the batteries are full. In addition, Alkaline batteries do NOT work in the cold weather. They will die in minutes or seconds.

ALKALINE BATTERIES
Some Alkaline batteries will work in the camera but others will not.  Each manufacture and type of batteries run at slightly different voltages.  With so many brands, models, and countries of manufacture, they are all slightly different.  With all of these variables, we recommend not using Alkaline batteries because many will cause the camera to shut off prematurely, even when the batteries are full. In addition, Alkaline batteries do NOT work in the cold weather. They will die in minutes or seconds. Even in warm weather, they won't last very long.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Tachyon recommends NEVER using rechargeable batteries for the following reasons:

1. They lose power abruptly causing SDHC card corruption. When rechargeable batteries run out of power, they die suddenly.  If the camera loses power too quickly, it will not have time to save the file before it shuts off.  If this happens, your file will be corrupt and you run the risk of corrupting the entire SD card and losing your footage.

2. They are too large for our patented shock-proof case. One of the most common, if not the most common complaint in the helmet camera industry is loss of footage due to shock or bumps. Tachyon cameras shock proof case can become stretched out by using rechargeable batteries causing improper battery connection and loss of footage.

3. You run the risk of frying the camera's circuitry. Some rechargeable batteries have voltage that is too high for our cameras. AA and AAA batteries are supposed to run at 1.5 volts but some run at 3.6 volts.  These types of rechargeable batteries will fry the camera's circuitry.

4. They do NOT work well in the cold weather.

● To play back your video or still image files on your XC HD, press, but do not hold, the START/STOP Button.

● When you do you will see one of the two menus below. The one on the top appears when a video file is active, and the one on the bottom appears when a sill photo is active.

● Follow the directions on the menus to view, play, pause, or delete your files.

To return to preview, disconnect your cable and then reconnect.

As with most electronic products, it is better if you take the batteries out if you don’t plan on using them. Leaking or expanding batteries could cause damage to your connections, or even become jammed inside your camera. It is also a good idea to remove the batteries from the cartridge and the cartridge from the camera and leave the back door open.

This will relieve pressure on the springs, contacts, and rubber seal. If you do leave the back door open, it is probably a good idea to keep the camera in a Ziploc bag, to prevent dust or dirt from getting inside.

If using your camera in salt water, be sure to rinse it in fresh water after use. The salt can cause rusting of metal parts. Also be sure to clean any sand from around the seals, as this could allow water to enter the workings.

Store your Tachyon XC HD in a cool dry place.

Windows XP/Vista/7 and Apple Mac OS X

Windows XP is not recommended for video editing.

The Tachyon XC 3D Video Maker program is compatible only with Windows XP/Vista/7, but you will need to convert your .MOV files into .AVI before importing into the program.

See Tachyon XC HD 3D System below for more details.

When editing your .MOV video files in iMovie, some people have reported problems when trying to load the files into the editor. If you have this problem, please try the following:

1. Open the video file in QuickTime and go to Save for Web 2. Choose the Computer tick box then Save. QuickTime will convert your .MOV to a .M4V format video file. 3. Open iMovie and go to File > Import > Movies 4. Find the .m4v that you've converted in QuickTime and import it. iMovie will the convert it again to its own unique format. You should now find your clip at the end of all of your other clips in the Events window.

For technical support, please contact us at support@tachyoninc.com

Tachyon, Inc. will not under any circumstances be responsible for injuries or property damage incurred during the use of any of our products.

Warranty

Tachyon products are covered by a six month limited warranty from the date of purchase from Tachyon, Inc. The warranty covers only defects in workmanship and materials. It does not apply to products which have been damaged due to unreasonable use or by intention nor does it cover
dissatisfaction with the product. This warranty does not cover those products purchased from other individuals & resellers and is not transferable.

Tachyon, Inc.’s warranty policy only covers products purchased directly from Tachyon Inc. or from our authorized resellers. If you purchased the product from our website you will have been given a purchase number with your confirmation email. Please quote this number, along with your name and email address, in your dealings with us.

Customers outside of the United States who have purchased items from authorized resellers or from online resellers such as Amazon.com, and have problems that need to be addressed, please contact them first to see if they can help you. They may be your quickest solution. If they cannot help, please contact us.

This warranty does not cover items purchased from a third party that is not authorized by Tachyon. It is not transferable to online purchases from sites such as ebay or Craigslist.

(a) Tachyon, Inc.’s return policy covers only defective products. All sales are final. Monetary refunds will not be issued for any reason.
(b) Tachyon Inc will only accept returns of defective product within six months of purchase, as stated in the warranty above.
(c) All products will be exchanged for new products, and not for monetary returns.
(d) Before products are exchanged or returned, customer must contact Tachyon, Inc. ,via email or phone. Tachyon, Inc. will help troubleshoot the problem to avoid the unnecessary returns. If it is determined that the camera is defective, Tachyon, Inc. will authorize the return, in writing, via email. Tachyon, Inc. may request sample video clips to be sent to support@tachyoninc.com in order to ascertain the problem/defect.
(e) Customer will pay for one-way shipping to Tachyon, Inc. There is no need to use any express or overnight service. Tachyon, Inc. will pay the shipping costs for the exchange product.
(f) Returns should be sent to: 401 E Corporate Drive, Ste 100 Lewisville TX, 75057 USA

Tachyon, Inc. shall only be liable for:

(a) the replacement of a defective product with a new product.

Tachyon, Inc. shall NOT be liable for:

(a) injury to persons, or damage to property or consequential losses arising from the use of the product.
(b) a product that has been tampered with, altered, or been serviced by an unauthorized agent.
(c) damage due to the use of mounting accessories that were not included with the product or those not sold as optional accessories on our website.
(d) loss of video or still picture files for any reason.

In the event that goods are undelivered to recipient and are returned to Tachyon Inc by post, for any of, but not limited to, the following reasons:

a) the recipient entered his/her address on Tachyon’s order form incorrectly or incompletely,
b)  the recipient refused the package,
c) the recipient did not pick up the package in a timely manner from his/her local post office, customs office, or any other location in which the package was being held,

the recipient will be responsible for covering the shipping costs needed to resend their goods to them. 
The original shipping costs cannot be recovered by Tachyon Inc and will be considered payment for a service already rendered.

In the event that the recipient refuses to have the goods resent and the goods are still in like new condition, Tachyon Inc will not refund shipping costs and will charge a 15% restocking fee.

Tachyon has now introduced a revolutionary new 3D system that can take your videos into a new dimension.

You have probably seen 3D movies at the theater, but have you ever considered filming in 3D yourself?

Why would you want to film in 3D?

Why do you take movies or photographs? If it is because you want to remember what you are seeing and experiencing, 3D will do that much better than 2D, because when you look around, you look with two eyes. And so to truly capture that scene you will need a camera that also has two “eyes”. This is exactly the same concept as when you record stereo sound; you record with two microphones because you have two ears. And doesn’t stereo sound better than mono?

Big name studios such as Pixar, Disney, and SKG, and directors such as Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, George Lucas, and Peter Jackson are getting big into digital 3D. And now the Tachyon XC 3D System gives you the opportunity to make your own 3D video.

If you already have one 2011 Tachyon XC and would like to upgrade to the 3D System, please contact support@tachyoninc.com

Consider sharing one of the XCs with a friend to shoot 2D videos, and then bring the two cameras together to shoot in 3D.

The Tachyon XC 3D System is a modular system that integrates two Tachyon XC HD cameras, a 3D mount, a frame, and the remote control.

The mount will easily connect to any tripod. For action shots, it is shaped to fit securely on the top of your helmet. It will also rest stably on any flat surface.

Innovative 3D video editing software is included with your package, so that the user can edit 3D videos that will play back on any computer. 3D videos can also be uploaded to video sharing sites in exactly the same way as normal video. Be sure to look at YouTube’s 3D videos for some idea on what you will be able to do with the Tachyon XC 3D system.

Check our website for sample 3D videos, as well as tips for better 3D shooting and editing.

This software is compatible with PCs only, and not with the Mac or Linux OS.

You cannot make a 3D system using one 2010 Tachyon XC and one 2011 Tachyon XC 3D. Their field of view and image resolution are different, so the resulting video would not work as 3D.