Pioneers in 360 degree photography and video
New User Instructions

Here are some simple instructions for first time users. These few points are where most questions arise:

The first thing to do is to get the optic on the camera with the camera pointing vertically. Most tripods allow you to do this.
Attach camera to tripod, with lens pointing vertically (Up).
Lock the tripod head so that it cannot spin around.
Attach thread adapter (if needed) to camera.
Attach 0-360 to your thread adapter.
<= Proper zoom is important!

The next thing is to properly adjust the camera settings. The User Guide that comes with your Optic will tell you how to set these, or you can refer to your camera's owner's manual. While various cameras have slightly different settings, here are the common ones:
Zoom adjusted to make the 'donut' appear as large as possible, without running off the top or bottom of image frame. See top photo at left.
Aperture Priority mode, usually noted as "A" or "Av". This mode lets you set the aperture of the camera, and it automatically chooses the exposure time based on the image lighting.
Aperture set to F8.0 (F16 or higher for SLR).
Camera set to highest resolution (most pixels).
Camera set to highest quality JPG setting (usually called 'Fine' or 'Superfine').
ISO set to 100 (200 for SLR).
Timer 'On'
Flash 'Off'
For cameras with Vibration Reduction or Image Stabilization, you need to turn that OFF when using a tripod.


Next you want to download and install the UnWrapper:
Get UnWrapper


It is a Zip file. You will need to unZip it, then install it on your hard drive. Note all the files in the download...You will need them later.
Download the images from your camera to your computer.
Open the UnWrapper, then load your photo(s) into it.
It is important to adjust the alignment circles properly at Step 2 of the UnWrapper. You want the inner circle to just cover the inner black circle, and the outer circle to encompass the outer edge of the donut. See example at left.


CREATING YOUR WEB PAGE
(deprecated. Use Tourweaver)
 

(Windows users can skip these next 3 sections. UnWrapper for Windows has the Publisher built-in to its Tour Group section, and puts all the necessary files into a single folder for each tour.)

The UnWrapper gives you the option of exporting a simple html file to preview the virtual tour. If you would like to dress up the tour (e.g. add a control bar, add multiple scenes to the tour, etc.), you can use our Publisher (inside UnWrapper download) to write the html code for you.


NOTE: Make sure you also click the Download Files Needed link. Each tour will need those files.

To use the Publisher, you simply fill in the blanks; it writes all the code for you. In the bottom box of the Publisher appears the html code that you need to Copy & Paste onto your web page, wherever you want the tour to appear. You can Copy and Paste this code to a plain text file, save it with an 'html' extension, and use it as a standalone virtual tour page. (Mac users: If using TextEdit, make sure you use the Format > Make Plain Text option before saving as 'index.html'.)

HINT: It is a good idea to put each tour in its own folder. In that case, name the HTML file you just created 'index.html', and put it into its own folder (directory), along with the UnWrapped JPG images you created. Give the folder an informative name, like the address '123ElmSt' (no spaces!).

TOUR STRUCTURE
(deprecated. Use Tourweaver)


  CREATING THE TOUR DIRECTORY - ('123ElmSt', in this example)

1) The next thing to do is to place all the UnWrapped JPG images (created by the UnWrapper) into the '123ElmSt' directory.

2) Next, Copy & Paste the java helper files into that folder. Here are the files (located in the UnWrapper download folder, and in the 'Download Files Needed' link):
ptviewer.class
menu0360.class  <= exclusively for 0-360 users!
controlimages (a folder with the control buttons in it)
UnWrapperApplets.js


For example, let's say you create a virtual tour for your listing at 123 Elm Street. So, you need to make a new folder called '123ElmSt'. Here is an example of what should be in that '123ElmSt' folder (directory):
ptviewer.class  <= in UnWrapper download folder and in 'Download Files Needed'
menu0360.class  <= in UnWrapper download folder and in 'Download Files Needed'
controlimages  <= in UnWrapper download folder and in 'Download Files Needed'
UnWrapperApplets.js  <= in UnWrapper download folder and in 'Download Files Needed'
index.html  <= you wrote this using the Publisher
Kitchen_0360.jpg  <= images output by UnWrapper
Master_Bedroom_0360.jpg
Living_Room_0360.jpg
Front_Yard_0360.jpg
etc.
Confused? Just use the shortcut in the next section :-)

SHORTCUT
(deprecated. Use Tourweaver)

Here is a sample tour. Unzip this to get the tour folder. Inside the folder will be all the files needed. You can simply Copy/Paste the code you created using the Publisher into the 'index.html' file. Then, replace 'sampleimage1_0360.jpg' and 'sampleimage2_0360.jpg' with your own images.

NOTE: All you need to do is to edit the code in index.html, and add YOUR UnWrapped images. Remove 'sampleimage1_0360.jpg' and 'sampleimage2_0360.jpg', but leave all the other files alone.

UPLOADING

Next, just upload that folder, intact, containing all the files. This is done via normal FTP. Your web host can help you set that up.

You're done! The web address (URL) for that tour would be:

http://www.YourSite.com/123ElmSt

(It should default to opening the 'index.html' page automatically. If not, add '/index.html' to the end of the URL.)

The first tour you make will be a learning process, but after that, it is easy!




THE RED BOX - If you get a red box instead of the virtual tour image, that means the virtual tour viewer cannot find the image specified. Here is what to check for:
Check for a misspelled image name. Java is case-sensitive, so check for Capital letters as well.
Check for a space in the file name. Java cannot handle spaces in file names. Change "Master Bedroom.jpg" to "Master_Bedroom.jpg"
Remove all the local directory path ("C:\Bob\My Documents\vtours\...") etc from the front of the file name. When on the web, they won't be able to find the image on your local hard drive.
Make sure the image is uploaded, and in the proper directory. Typically you want it in the same directory as the web page.


A GRAY BOX - If you get a Gray box instead of the virtual tour image, this is a java error. Here is what to check for:
Make sure you uploaded the java class files (above), and they are in the proper directory (usually the same directory as the web page)
Make sure you have Java enabled in your browser preferences, or go to java.com and install java. It is free.


BURNING TO CD

Putting the tour on CD is very much the same as uploading it to the web. Instead of uploading, just put the required files (including class files) in a folder, and burn that folder to CD.

EMAILING TOURS

In today's virus-filled world, it is not a good idea to send ".exe" or similar files via email. Many email programs will block those from ever reaching the recipient. The best method of sending a tour to a person is to upload it to the web and email them a URL link. They are already on the web checking their email, so it is easy for them to see the tour. If you want to email them the tour separately, place all the required files in a folder, ZIP the folder, and email them the ZIP file. Remind them to UnZip the file first, and double-click on the html file in the folder.



first production image, 0-360 Panoramic Optic (©2002, 3MP Nikon Coolpix 995 camera)