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)
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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.
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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
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•
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.
•
•
•
•
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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