Sony GPS Receiver VGP BGU1 User Manual

Bluetooth GPS Unit  
VGP-BGU1  
Operating Instructions  
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper  
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-  
free vegetable oil based ink.  
2006 Sony Corporation / Printed in Japan  
2-691-136-12 (1)  
 
The shielded interface cable recommended in this  
manual must be used with this equipment in order to  
comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to  
subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
WARNING  
To reduce the risk of fire or  
electric shock, do not expose this  
apparatus to rain or moisture.  
To avoid electrical shock, do not  
open the cabinet. Refer servicing  
to qualified personnel only.  
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications  
not expressly approved in this manual could void  
your authority to operate this equipment.  
For questions regarding your product or for the Sony  
Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in  
the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,  
and (2) this device must accept any interference  
received, including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
The socket outlet shall be installed near the  
equipment and shall be easily accessible.  
Owner’s Record  
The model number and the serial number are located  
on the bottom of the unit. Record the serial number in  
the space provided below. Refer to this number  
whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this  
product.  
FCC Radio-Frequency Exposure  
Statement:  
This equipment complies with FCC radiation  
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled  
environment.  
This transmitter must not be co-located or  
operating in conjunction with any other antenna  
or transmitter.  
Model No. VGP-BGU1  
Serial No. ________________________________  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply  
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant  
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against  
harmful interference in a residential installation. This  
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in  
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communications. However, there  
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment  
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Notes on the unit  
• Do not use or store the unit in locations  
subject to high temperatures or direct  
sunlight. Do not use the unit near a  
heating appliance.  
• If the unit is exposed to excessive heat for  
a long time, the built-in battery may  
explode.  
• Do not use the unit while driving.  
• Make sure to read “Precautions” on page 18  
before using the unit.  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and  
receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit  
different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV  
technician for help.  
2
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION  
BATTERIES  
Table of Contents  
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.  
You can help preserve our environment by  
returning your used rechargeable batteries to the  
collection and recycling location nearest you.  
For more information regarding recycling of  
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-  
Overview ............................................... 4  
Supplied Accessories ............................. 5  
Location ................................................. 6  
To use the strap belt ....................... 7  
Charging the Battery.............................. 8  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking  
Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Connecting the Unit to a Personal  
Computer............................................ 9  
Checking the Current Position............. 13  
GPS ...................................................... 14  
What is a GPS? ............................. 14  
What is positioning? ..................... 14  
System accuracy ........................... 17  
Precautions .......................................... 18  
To remove the built-in battery ...... 19  
Getting Help ........................................ 20  
Specifications ...................................... 21  
Troubleshooting................................... 22  
GB  
Sony, VAIO,  
are trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
, and the Eco Info logo  
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are  
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft  
Corporation in the United States and/or other  
countries.  
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by  
Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by  
SONY is under license.  
All other names of systems, products, and services  
are trademarks of their respective owners. In this  
manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.  
In this manual, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home  
Edition, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional  
and Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center  
Edition are referred to as Windows XP.  
In this manual, Windows Vista™ Home Basic,  
Windows Vista™ Home Premium, Windows  
Vista™ Business and Windows Vista™ Ultimate  
are referred to as Windows Vista.  
3
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Overview  
This unit is a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver for calculating  
your current geographic location.  
This unit’s features the following:  
• When you connect this unit to a personal computer with the Bluetooth  
connection, the present position is displayed on the map of the “Street &  
Trips” software which is preinstalled on the personal computer.  
• If you use the “VAIO Camera Capture Utility” software* which is  
preinstalled to the personal computer, you can mark the location on the  
still image. Furthermore, you can display the still image to be marked on  
the shooting area using the “Street & Trips” software.  
* For details on software on the personal computer, visit the following website:  
What is Bluetooth technology?  
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range wireless technology that  
enables wireless data communication between digital devices, such as a  
personal computer. For details, see the manuals provided with your  
personal computer.  
Compatible personal computers  
Sony VAIO personal computer VGN-UX** series only (“**” is the model  
number.)  
(As of January, 2007)  
For details on computers other than the above Sony VAIO personal  
computers, see the Sony VAIO personal computer catalog, or visit the  
following web site:  
When using the unit for the first time, you need to charge the battery.  
For details on how to charge the battery, see page 8.  
4
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Supplied Accessories  
After unpacking the unit, make sure that the accessories listed below are  
present. If anything is missing, contact the Sony dealer where you  
purchased this product, or a Sony service representative in your area.  
• Bluetooth GPS unit (1)  
• AC adapter (1)  
• AC power cord (1)  
• Strap belt (1)  
• Operating Instructions (this document) (1)  
• Warranty Card (1)  
5
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Location  
1 GPS status indicator  
Lights up green depending on  
status.  
Lights up: While receiving the  
positioning data  
Flashing: While measuring  
Off:  
GPS functionality is not  
activated.  
2 Battery status indicator  
Lights up red depending on status.  
Lights up: While charging the battery.  
When charging completes,  
this indicator goes off.  
Flashing: Low battery (Remaining  
battery is not enough.)  
Charge the battery of the  
unit (page 8).  
3 Bluetooth status indicator  
Lights up blue depending on status.  
Lights up: Standby  
Flashing: While communicating  
Off:  
The power of the unit is  
turned off.  
4 Power switch  
Turns the unit on or off.  
5 RESET switch  
Deletes all recorded information and  
returns to the default setting.  
When you press the RESET switch,  
use a toothpick, etc. If you use a  
needle or press it strongly, damage  
may result.  
6 DC IN (!) connector  
Connects the AC adapter for  
charging the battery.  
6
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
To use the strap belt  
You can attach the unit the following illustration as below.  
Clasp  
Attach the unit to the belt loop of the bag as follows.  
1 Remove the clasp from the strap belt.  
1
2
2 Attach the unit to the strap belt with touch fastening tape.  
3 Put the belt strap with button face up through the belt loop  
(
) and fasten the button ( ).  
1
2
2
1
7
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Charging the Battery  
You need to charge the battery of the unit when you use the unit at the first  
time, or when the battery status indicator flashes.  
Connect the AC adapter to the DC IN (!) connector of the unit, connect  
the AC power cord to the AC adapter, and then plug the AC power cord  
into an AC outlet. When battery charging starts, the battery status indicator  
lights up red. Battery charging is complete when the indicator goes off.  
To AC outlet  
Note  
While charging the battery, Bluetooth or GPS functionality is not available.  
During normal operation, do not plug the AC adapter to the unit.  
8
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Connecting the Unit to a Personal  
Computer  
Notes  
• Do not use the unit in an airplane as it may interfere with aircraft  
functions.  
• This unit cannot receive GPS satellite signals indoors or in a tunnel.  
• GPS satellite reception is more effective in open areas free of  
obstructions.  
• The maximum available reception distance from the unit to a personal  
computer is approximately 10 m, although this may vary considerably,  
depending on the environment of use.  
If the reception is poor, do the following:  
– Use the unit closer to the connected personal computer.  
– Use the unit as far away as possible from other wireless devices.  
• The illustrations below use VAIO VGN-UX** series as examples.  
1 Turn the power switch to ON.  
The Bluetooth status indicator lights up blue.  
2 Make sure the Bluetooth indicator lights up blue to indicate  
that the Bluetooth functionality of the personal computer is  
activated.  
Set the personal computer to use the Bluetooth functionality. For  
details, see the manuals provided with your personal computer.  
3 Click  
on the task bar.  
The “Bluetooth Settings” screen appears.  
Continued on next page  
9
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
4 Click “New Connection”.  
The “Add New Connection Wizard” screen appears.  
5 Click “Next”.  
The personal computer starts searching for the Bluetooth devices.  
When searching has finished, the “Select a device” screen appears and  
“VGP-BGU1” appears in the device list.  
If “VGP-BGU1” does not appear, click “Refresh” to perform the  
search again.  
10  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
6 Select “VGP-BGU1” and click “Next”.  
The personal computer starts connecting the unit, and then the “COM  
port setting” screen appears. COM port, which is set to the unit,  
appears on the “COM port setting” screen.  
z Hint  
When you use the “Street & Trips” software or the “VAIO Camera  
Capture Utility” software, you need to input the COM port. We  
recommend making a note of the displayed COM port.  
z When the “Bluetooth Security” screen appears  
Enter “2006” in the passkey (PIN code) space, and click “OK”.  
7 Confirm the displayed COM port and click “Next”.  
The “Connection Name” screen appears.  
Continued on next page  
11  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
8 Click “Finish”.  
The “Add New Connection Wizard” screen closes and “VGP-BGU1”  
is registered to the “Bluetooth Settings” screen.  
9 Right-click “VGP-BGU1” and click “Connect”.  
The Bluetooth status indicator and battery status indicator of the unit  
blink together twice.  
12  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Checking the Current Position  
You can check your current position using the “Street & Trips” software on  
your computer.  
1 Click “Start”, "All Programs" and then select “Microsoft Street  
& Trips”.  
The “Street & Trips” main screen appears.  
2 Click “Tools”, “GPS” , and then select “Configure GPS  
Receiver”.  
GPS receiver setting screen appears.  
3 Select the COM port to which Bluetooth GPS is connected  
from the “Available ports” list.  
z To confirm the COM port  
1 Click  
on the task bar.  
The “Bluetooth Settings” screen appears.  
2 Right-click “VGP-BGU1” and click “Details”.  
COM port appears on “Setting information” of the “Details” screen.  
If COM port does not appear, click “scan”. After clicking “scan”, if COM port  
does not appear, do the following:  
1 Close the “Details” screen.  
2 Delete “VGP-BGU1” on the “Bluetooth Settings” screen, and then select  
“New Connection”.  
3 Select “Custom Mode” and set COM port from COM1 to COM9.  
4 Click “OK” in the GPS receiver setting screen.  
5 Click the GPS Task Page mark on the “Street & Trips” main  
screen.  
“GPS Tracking” section appears on the left of the main screen.  
6 Check “Track position”.  
Navigation starts and the current position appears.  
13  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
GPS  
What is a GPS?  
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite system for navigational  
positioning anywhere on the earth. GPS information is derived from 24  
satellites (4 satellites in 6 orbits) at approximately 20,000 km. At least  
3 satellites receive a signal all the time from anywhere (although the  
actual number of satellites in use at any one time varies).  
The GPS receiver obtains and processes the almanac data contained in  
the satellite signal. The receiver also determines current position by  
measuring the time required for transmission of the signal from the  
satellites.  
In usual circumstances, your current position is determined from 4 or  
more satellites. Depending on conditions, however, the GPS may  
calculate from only 3 satellites, but with potentially less accuracy.  
What is positioning?  
The GPS receiver obtains the signal from GPS satellites. We call  
“Positioning” by measuring the current position from the almanac data  
of the satellites and the time required for the transmission of the signal  
from the satellites. At least 3 or 4 active GPS satellites are required.  
Receivable satellites  
Unreceivable satellites  
14  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
When using the unit for the first time  
When you use the unit for the first time, a search for all GPS satellites will  
be performed in order for the unit to recognize available GPS satellites and  
positioning takes time for the first time.  
When the unit cannot receive satellite signals  
If you are in the tunnel or basement and therefore out of the reception area  
for GPS satellites, or near high buildings, trees or other obstructions, no  
signal will be received, or the current location may be inaccurately  
indicated.  
Typical areas of poor/no reception:  
• tunnel  
• Indoors or behind buildings  
• between high buildings  
• narrow road between buildings  
• basement  
• dense trees  
• under elevating structures  
• near electromagnetic sources, such as high-voltage electrical power lines  
• near 1.5 GHz mobile phones or similar frequency devices  
• between heat-reflecting glass  
Notes  
• The unit may take time to positioning or cannot measure the positioning  
depending on the place where you use or depending on the time when  
you use because the location of the GPS satellites is moving constantly.  
Even if enough number (3 or more) of the satellites for positioning are  
activated, positioning may take time longer than usual depending on the  
position of the satellites.  
If you cannot do positioning properly, try changing the place where you  
are using the unit to the broad area.  
• Obstructs from GPS satellites may not only buildings or trees, but also a  
part of your body. If you cannot do positioning properly, keep the  
antenna face of the unit as far away (more than 30 cm) from your body.  
Continued on next page  
15  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Charging the built-in battery  
To shorten the time to position, almanac data or other required data can be  
stored in the built-in memory. When you use the unit for the first time, or  
have not used the unit for a long time, the memory data may be deleted due  
to the battery discharging. In this case, charge the built-in battery using the  
AC adapter.  
About almanac data  
To shorten the time to positioning, the unit memorizes the satellites orbit  
information (almanac data) into the built-in memory.  
Note  
When you use the unit after a long period of time, the unit needs to  
recognize the almanac data from the satellites again. When you turn on the  
unit under the location where the reception condition is good, the unit  
receives the almanac data from GPS satellites automatically.  
16  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
System accuracy  
Accuracy of GPS satellites  
The unit positions automatically when the unit receives the signals from 3  
or more GPS satellites. An error margin of 10 meters is typical, but  
possibly as much as two or three hundred meters, depending on  
circumstances. In this case, the current symbol will differ from the actual  
current location. For the same reason, the current direction indicated on the  
personal computer may differ from the actual current location.  
If you use the unit away from the place where you last used it, such  
discrepancies may occur.  
Differences when receiving signal  
Positioning information accuracy may vary depending on the GPS system,  
environment or time. In this case, even if you follow the proper procedures,  
positioning information may not be accurate, but this is not a malfunction.  
17  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Notes on the Bluetooth devices  
Precautions  
• 2.4 GHz frequency is used for a various  
devices such as a wireless LAN or  
Bluetooth devices.  
Notes on the unit  
For this, Bluetooth devices are designed  
to help minimize interference from  
same-frequency devices. However the  
communication speed or available  
communication distance may vary, or  
communication may be disconnected.  
• Do not place any objects on top of the  
unit.  
• Do not allow objects such as clips to get  
inside the unit.  
• Do not place the unit in locations  
subject to strong vibration or instability.  
• Communication speed or available  
communication distance may vary  
depending on the distance between  
devices, obstructions, reception  
conditions, electro-magnetic radiation,  
static electricity, radio transmissions,  
your software, OS, receiver sensitivity  
of the communication devices or  
antenna performance.  
• Do not use the unit in dusty locations.  
• Do not use the unit in humid locations.  
• Do not use the unit on the seashore.  
This may cause malfunction or  
irreparability.  
• The unit and the personal computer may  
malfunction depending on the location  
of the unit and the personal computer.  
• Use the unit more than 22 cm away  
from a cardiac pacemaker.  
Moisture condensation  
• Do not use the unit in a medical  
institution or near electro-medical  
apparatus.  
Moisture condensation occurs when water  
vapor in the air contacts surfaces cooler  
than the vapor itself, which then liquifies  
and gathers on such surfaces. If the unit is  
brought directly from a cold place to a  
warm place, or when turning on a heater  
in the morning in winter, moisture may  
condense on the unit. In such  
• Do not use the unit in an airplane during  
takeoff or landing.  
• While using the unit, if other devices  
cause electronic interference, etc, stop  
use.  
circumstances, if you continue using the  
unit, malfunction may result. If  
condensation occurs, do not turn on the  
power until the condensation has  
evaporated.  
• Caution should be taken when using the  
unit in a car. Although rare, some cars  
may cause electronic interference.  
• Do not use the unit near automatic  
control apparatus, such as automatic  
doors, fire alarm apparatus, etc.  
18  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
To remove the built-in battery  
Remove the built-in battery in the following way:  
1 Remove the rubber from the bottom of the unit.  
2 Remove the screws from the bottom using a Phillips  
screwdriver.  
3 Remove the cover from the bottom.  
4 Remove the battery.  
For details on the battery after removing from the unit or recycle, see page  
on 3.  
19  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
For customers in Europe  
Getting Help  
VAIO-Link. For addresses and  
numbers, refer to  
For customers in other countries and  
regions  
This section provides information on how  
to get help and support from Sony, and on  
troubleshooting tips for your Bluetooth  
GPS Unit.  
VAIO Website provides Frequently  
Asked Questions and solutions.  
vaio-online.sony.com/  
About Sony’s support  
options  
Sony provides several support options for  
your Bluetooth GPS Unit. When you have  
questions about your unit or the software,  
refer to the following:  
This guide explains how to use your  
unit.  
For customers in the United States  
and Canada  
The Sony Customer Information  
Service Center offers information  
about your notebook and other Sony  
products that work with your computer.  
To contact Sony Customer Information  
Service Center, call 1-888-4SONYPC  
(1-888-476-6972).  
Sony Online Support  
This service provides instant access to  
information on commonly encountered  
problems. Type a description of the  
problem and the Knowledge Database  
searches for the corresponding solutions  
online. You can visit Sony Online  
Support at  
20  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Specifications  
GPS unit  
Reception frequency 1575.42 MHz  
(L1 frequency, C/A cord)  
12-channel all in view  
Reception sensitivity Tracking: -155 dBm  
Acquisition: Approx. 1 second  
Reception method  
Wireless communication  
Communication method  
Bluetooth standard Ver. 1.2  
Output  
Bluetooth standard  
Power Class 2  
Communication distance 1)  
10 m (open view), maximum  
Serial Port Profile  
Bluetooth profile 2)  
Transmission frequency  
2.4 GHz (2.400 GHz to  
2.4835 GHz)  
Power/Other  
AC adapter  
Output  
100-240 V AC, 0.5 A, 50/60 Hz  
5.2 V DC, 2.9 A  
Operating temperature 32 °F to 104 °F  
(0 °C to 40 °C)  
Battery life  
Approx. 10 hours (at 77 °F  
(25 °C))  
Continuous operation. Battery  
life may vary depending on  
the environment of use.  
Dimensions  
Mass  
Approx. 1.8  
(Approx. 44.8  
(w d)  
Approx. 2.8 oz. (79 g)  
(including built-in battery)  
×
0.8  
×
3.6 inches  
×
20.4  
×
90 mm)  
×
h
×
Supplied accessories See page 5.  
1)  
Maximum reception distance may vary  
considerably, depending on obstructions between  
units, reception status, walls, wall materials,  
environment of use, software, etc.  
2)  
These specifications apply to use between  
Bluetooth devices, as set out by the Bluetooth  
standard.  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
21  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Troubleshooting  
If a problem occurs during operation, refer to the information provided in this section and  
in your Sony personal computer documentation. If the problem persists, consult your  
nearest Sony dealer. For contact information, see “Getting Help” on page 20. Also refer to  
the manuals provided with your personal computer.  
Symptom  
Cause/Remedy  
The power of the unit does not  
turn on.  
Even if you turn on the unit,  
power turns off suddenly.  
The remaining battery power is low.  
t Charge the battery. (page 8)  
The power of the unit does not  
turn on.  
• Set the power switch to OFF, and then to ON again.  
• Turn on the unit again after 2 or more seconds after  
turning it off.  
Even if the power switch is set  
to ON, the indicator does not  
light up.  
The remaining battery power is low.  
t If the remaining battery power is low, the indicator  
may not light up. Before using the unit, charge the  
battery.  
The unit is attempting to position in a place where  
signals cannot be received.  
The unit cannot receive  
satellite signals.  
t Avoid using the unit in a tunnel, basement, near  
high buildings, trees or obstructions.  
t Use the unit in an open location.  
Reception of satellite signals  
takes time.  
Positioning may take more time when you use the unit  
for the first time, or depending on positioning  
environment.  
t Change the positioning place and try again.  
The unit cannot receive signals  
in a car, train or room.  
The current position  
• The number of available GPS satellites may decrease  
depending on the unit location.  
• The unit may not be receiving signals because of  
heat-reflecting glass.  
calculation is inaccurate.  
The unit may not receive the signal properly because  
the GPS signals are being reflected by buildings.  
The current position  
calculation is inaccurate in an  
urban location.  
The current position appearing  
on the screen lags behind the  
actual position when you are  
moving.  
Since the unit employs a wireless system, time lag may  
occur in the display.  
22  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 
Symptom  
Cause/Remedy  
The unit cannot communicate  
with a personal computer via  
Bluetooth connection.  
• The maximum Bluetooth communication distance  
may have been exceeded. Move the unit closer to the  
personal computer.  
• The unit may not be registered into the personal  
computer as a Bluetooth communication device.  
Register the unit into the personal computer again.  
• Communication may not activate if the unit is close  
to the part of the body.  
Communication is  
disconnected.  
• Communication may not activate in the metal case  
because the reception is bad.  
• Setting cannot be done.  
Even if the power switch is set  
to ON, navigation does not  
start.  
Positioning information does  
not appear.  
t The unit may not be recognized to the personal  
computer as a Bluetooth device. See page 9 and  
perform the connection to the personal computer  
again.  
t The setting of the “Street & Trips” software may  
not be correct. For details on this setting, see page  
13.  
t Navigation status may be invalid. Go to “Tools,”  
then “GPS”.  
• The unit cannot receive satellite signals.  
t Reception from satellites may vary depending on  
the environment. Change the positioning location  
to avoid high buildings or obstructions, and try  
again.  
t Reception will not occur inside a building or  
tunnel. When positioning, do so outside.  
t The setting of the “Street & Trips” software may  
not be correct. For details on this setting, see page  
13.  
• The remaining battery power is low.  
t When remaining battery power is low, reception  
may fail. Confirm the status of the unit after  
charging. (page 8)  
23  
VGP-BGU1_2-691-136-12(1)  
 

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