Equipment Setup

Camera Setup

 

Accurate data collection requires approved equipment. Verify your gear against our Katapult Pro Approved Cameras list before proceeding.

Universal Settings (All Approved Cameras)
Set Date and Time: Ensure your camera's date and time are current and accurate.
Select Program Mode: Turn the mode dial on top of your camera to 'P' (Program mode).

Distortion Correction Settings
The distortion correction setting varies by equipment. Follow the instructions for your specific camera and lens combination:
 

Distortion correction is automatically enabled and cannot be disabled
No action required
 

Distortion correction must be manually enabled
Navigate to: Menu → Shooting Settings (first page) → Lens Aberration Correction → Distortion Correction
Set to ON
 

Distortion correction must be disabled

 

The rest of this section will explain where to find these settings. All supplemental visuals used are based on the SL3 SDLR body. To set the date and time, click the menu button on the camera body to open the settings.

This will open on the "Shoot settings." Use the arrows arranged in a circle on the camera body to navigate over to the "Function settings," then click the center button to select the "OK" option.

This will open the Function settings options. Click the right arrow to navigate to page 2 of these options, then click the down arrow to navigate to the Date/Time/Zone option. (For the Canon EOS R100, this will be on the first page.)

On this screen, you'll be able to set the date, time, and time zone.

Next, set your camera to 'P' mode by turning the dial on the top of your camera.

 

For image settings, it should be no Raw and large with a 3:2 aspect ratio. To find these settings, navigate back to the "Shooting settings" from the menu.

Under the first page is the "Image quality" option.

When this is selected, the "RAW" section will have three options. You want to make sure the dash is selected (see above image), which indicates "no RAW." (To change the selection, use the camera's wheel.) The "JPEG" section will have will have several options; make sure the L with the smooth sector (see above image) is selected. (To change the selection, use the camera's arrows.) On the EOS R100, go back to the Shooting settings page and choose the "Still img aspect ratio" option to ensure the 3:2 aspect ratio is selected.

Go back to the first page of the Shooting settings and open the Lens aberration correction option. Find "Distortion correction" here and make sure it is turned "ON."

Summary
Again, for the Canon EOS R100 with the RF24-105mm F4 7.1 IS STM lens, the distortion correction will be automatically enabled and cannot be turned off manually. Distortion correction for the Canon EOS R100 with the RF24-105mm F/4 L IS USM Lens needs to manually be turned ON. Whereas, for the legacy setups, distortion correction should be turned “OFF”.

 

Camera Care

Exercise caution while switching lenses. Putting your lens on quickly and limiting how often you remove your lens prevents dirt from getting trapped between the camera and the lens, which could cause the camera to throw an error. When the lens is removed, the sensor in the camera is exposed and could become damaged by sun, dirt, or air, which can affect the image or even ruin the camera, so use caution.

 

Clean your lens regularly with a microfiber cloth, and avoid touching the lens glass or sensor with your fingers. If you notice specs, blurry spots, etc., in your photos, try cleaning the exterior facing lens glass. Keeping a clean camera not only allows it to last longer, but can help prevent errors and save time in the long run. Use a UV filter and lens hood with your camera to also help with longevity.

 

Stick Calibration

Proper sticker placement is essential for accurate data collection. Your Height Stick includes two types of target stickers:

 

Black & White Target Stickers - They should be applied to the stick first. Place these at 16.5', 14.5', 10.5', 6.5', and 2.5'. Precise placement at these measurements is crucial for data accuracy. When applying these decals, it is recommended to not stretch or create tension, as that can negatively affect data collection.

 

Purple Target Stickers - Apply these stickers after the black & white stickers. Place them at one-foot intervals from 5' to 16'. These serve as backup calibration points when the primary black & white stickers are obstructed. The centroid of each purple target sticker marks a foot on the Height Stick. The centroid of the purple sticker should be exactly 6” apart from the centroid of the Black & White Target Sticker. Placement accuracy of these stickers is crucial.

 

Place 'no tag' and 'no birthmark' stickers on the opposite side of the stick from your target stickers (we recommend slightly below 5').

 

IMPORTANT: Verify all sticker placements to ensure they are precise and accurate. Even small deviations from the specified measurements can compromise your data collection.

Stick Care

It is advised to clean your stick periodically with a hastings wipe. Be sure to replace your stick after heavy usage, or if damaged.

 

Lowering your stick to avoid energized conductors that are around or below 17' is important for personal safety. Lower your stick from the top section down when avoiding power conductors. If a stick is lowered from the bottom section, it will provide inaccurate data as heights are measured from the bottom section upwards. However, to avoid excessive wear on the buttons between the stick sections, keep your stick extended between poles and mid span sections.

 

Safety/PPE

The height stick is not rated for contact with energized conductors or equipment.

 

Always lower your height stick from the top section down near low-hanging conductors to avoid contact.

 

Wear recommended protective footwear, high-visibility vests, eye wear, and hard hats.

 

Use recommended roadside signs and bubble lights for vehicles.