Frequently Asked Questions

Macintosh Technical FAQs

Windows Technical FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

sunPATH: When will the Sun rise and set over the ocean or other "True Horizon"?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using a Magnetic North calculation. Using the Sunrise/Sunset time and azimuth from the sunPATH report. Set your compass to the azimuth bearing. The time and azimuth position are for the top of the Sun when it rises or sets over the "True Horizon".

2.

sunPATH: When and where will the Sun rise and set over terrain or buildings above the "True Horizon"?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using Magnetic North calculations. Use a clinometer to measure the height (altitude) of the terrain where you estimate the sun will set. Refer to the sunPATH report for the sunset azimuth. Mark the height and azimuth coordinates on your graph. Continue to make estimates of the azimuth position and take height readings until the height and azimuth coordinates intersect the Sun's plot on the graph. This intersection is the center of the Sun at the time it will go behind the terrain. With this position on your graph, you can interpolate the time that the sun will rise or set. Large dots on the graph are 30 minute intervals and small dots are at 15 minute intervals.

3.

sunPATH: When will the Sun go behind or come from behind an object?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using Magnetic North calculations. With your compass take an azimuth reading of the side of the object that will block the Sun. With your clinometer take a height reading of the top of the object at this azimuth. Transfer this coordinate onto your graph. You may wish to draw the shape of your object on the graph, based on your azimuth and height readings. Note where the graphed Sun plot intersects your object. This is the time and coordinates for the center of the sun when it crosses behind the object.

4.

sunPATH: Where will the Sun be at a specific time?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using Magnetic North calculations. Reference the Sun Position Table for the desired time. The azimuth and altitude will be given at 30 or 15 minute intervals, base on your Calculation Preference settings. Use the compass to determine the azimuth position on the horizon. Use the clinometer to determine the altitude (height) position.

5.

sunPATH: When and where will the Sun shine through a window?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using Magnetic North calculations. Position yourself inside the room where you would like to have direct sun. Take azimuth readings with your compass of the left and right window frame. (Beware of compass deviations inside of buildings) With your clinometer take a reading of the top of the open window. With these coordinates draw the window on your graph. If the Sun's plot falls within this area, you will have direct sun at those times.

6.

sunPATH: When will shadows cover a location?
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date using Magnetic North calculations. Position yourself at the place you wish to determine the shadow time. (Remember to be at the same height as your subject.) Use a clinometer to measure the height (altitude) of the terrain where you estimate the Sun will set. Refer to your report for the sunset azimuth. Mark the height and azimuth coordinates on your graph. Continue to make estimates of the azimuth position and take height readings until the height and azimuth coordinates intersect the Sun's plot on the graph. This intersection represents the center of the Sun at the time it will go behind the terrain. With this position on your graph, you can interpolate the time that the shadow will overtake your position.

7.

8.

When will "Magic Hour" start and end?
"Magic Hour" is very subjective and depends on the shot and location. It may start when shadows come over your location, which could be twenty minutes before the Sun actually sets over the "True Horizon." If you are shooting into the sky, it may last twenty minutes after the Sun sets. With sunPATH you can make a "guesstimate" on when you will "lose the light" (no longer have enough light for a "normal" exposure.)
Calculate the sunPATH information for your location and date. The Dawn and Dusk times from the report are "guesstimates" on when you have an f1.3 exposure with an ASA of 500 (incident reading toward a cloudless sky).
This should give you an estimate for planning purposes. Make adjustments for your own photographic style. If it's cloudy, all bets are off.

9.

How do I print one specific day on the report?
Select a date range of only one day. Or select "Print Options" from the "File" menu and choose 1 day per page. A page for each day in the date range will be printed.

10.

I select a day in the Daily Summary list, but the report Graphs another day?
The sunPATH report will graph and make an incremental Sun position list of the middle day of your selected date range. If you select a range from Monday to Friday, sunPATH will graph Wednesday. If your range is from Monday to Wednesday, sunPATH will graph Tuesday. If you wish to graph a particular day, select a one day date range (see FAQ) or select a range that has the particular day in the middle of that range. (A maximum of 7 days can be printed on each page of a sunPATH report.)

11.

How do I get the report to print the shadow information?
You need to print one day per page for the shadow information to be printed. (see FAQ)

12.

The graph is backwards with the Sun rising on the right, what up?
The graph is displayed as if you are facing the Sun at noon. When the Sun is north of your location it rises from the right when you are facing north. (This occurs in the Southern Hemisphere and locations near the equator during the summer.) This makes sense to sunPATH users in the Southern Hemisphere, but is disconcerting to those in the Northern Hemisphere. (In a future version of sP we will make this an option.)

13.

The graph shows abrupt Azimuth changes, why?
When the Sun is at it's high point for the day the azimuth reading may change abruptly. This occurs when the Sun is almost directly overhead. These are correct calculations.

14.

Do I need to make any compensation when I am above Sea Level, as on a Mountain top?
Simple Answer: No compensation is needed for the coordinates (position) of the Sun at any altitude.

But, sunPATH's Sunrise and Sunset TIMES are for the Sun at Sea level only. As with any location, other than the Sun over the ocean, you need to determine your own Sunrise/Sunset times. Using the example of a valley surrounded by hills. You will need to determine with a clinometer, the height of the hills from your position, "your horizon" for this location. On the sunPATH graph or the Sun Position Chart determine the time that the Sun will intersect "your horizon". That time will be your Sunrise or Sunset for this position. Remember that the Sun coordinates are for the center of the Sun. The top edge of the Sun will crest over your horizon a few minutes earlier. If you are on top of a mountain, "your horizon" may be below your current position, a negative height. sunPATH does compute a limited number of negative heights.

Mathematical Answer:
If you were on top of Mt. Everest. Brrr....
You would need to compensate for your height above Sea Level by subtracting 0.00000000132 of a degree from the sunPATH altitude calculation. A big never mind here Boys & Girls.
The Sun is 149,591,000 KM from the Earth. Mt. Everest is "only" 8.848 KM high.
The Trigonometry: TAN A = 8.848/149591000
The Sun is so far away, corrections in its position (coordinates) are not needed.  

You do need to pay special attention to measurements taken on Earthly objects. If you position yourself so that the Sun will set behind an object and then move 6 feet to the right, the Sun will set in a different place in relation to your earth bound object.

15.

sunPATH's predictions appear to be inaccurate, what do I need to check?
sunPATH's database information may be in error. With so many locations errors are bound to happen. Fortunately in the years that sunPATH has been available few database errors have been reported. If you have a discrepancies with the sunPATH report here is a list of procedures that should be checked.

• Sun Position is different then the sunPATH report, check these common errors
	Horizon: If your location's horizon is above or below zero degrees (true horizon) on your clinometer the time and position of Sunrise and Sunset will differ from sunPATH's prediction. sunPATH predicts the Sunrise and Sunset times at the "true horizon" or zero degree horizon, or sea level. See the FAQ for determining the Sunrise or Sunset at the horizon of your location. Compass Deviations: Deviation is a false reading from the compass due to outside forces. Steel and Iron objects as well as electric circuits close to the compass may cause deviation. Large structures like buildings will cause deviation at some distance. When using a compass keep it well clear of metallic objects (knifes, wristwatches, light meters, lighters, steel rimmed glasses, belt buckles and radios); they can all cause serious errors. Click here to read the "On Location" report about shooting in New York City and the troubles caused by compass deviations. Another compass problem is Magnetic Inclination or "Dip" which can occur when using a compass out of the geographic region it was designed to be used. If you use a compass made for the Northern Hemisphere in Australia, the compass will drag giving false readings. See the Compass FAQ page for more information. Position Change: If you take your compass reading from one position and then move even a few feet, the Sun's position will change in relation to earthly objects. The compass azimuth reading of the Sun will remain the same, but the relationships between earth bound objects and the Sun will change. For example if you position yourself so that the Sun will set directly behind a distant tree and then move 2 feet to the right, the Sun will no longer set directly behind the tree but will set to the right of the tree. If precise Sun positioning is desired care must be taken with your compass readings. Magnetic Declination: sunPATH allows you to make reports with our without Magnetic Declination adjustments. If you have set sunPATH (default setting) to adjust for Magnetic North, make sure your compass has not been adjusted for Magnetic Declination. If you have sunPATH set to show the true North readings then you must use a compass that has been adjusted for the Magnetic Declination of the region or you must adjust the calculation yourself. Database Error: Check sunPATH's location coordinates with a GPS or with one of many sites available on the internet. Click here to see a list of sites on our links page.
• Time differences
	Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time: If the time is off by an hour, then the error may be a Time Zone or Daylight Saving Time (DST) error in the sunPATH database. Check with locals regarding the Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time (Summer Time). Click here to see a list of web sites dealing with Time Zones and DST. DST is determined by politicians. It is not governed or monitored by any International body. It can change often. If you are going to a foreign country it is best to check in advance regarding the use of Daylight Savings Time and them make any adjustments in the sunPATH database as needed. (See FAQ on how to edit the sunPATH database) You can also make temporary adjustments to sunPATH's time calculations with a setting available in Preferences in the Edit Menu. Horizon: If your location's horizon is above or below zero degrees (true horizon) on your clinometer the time of Sunrise and Sunset will differ from sunPATH's prediction. sunPATH predicts the Sunrise and Sunset times at a zero degree horizon, or sea level. See the FAQ for determining the Sunrise or Sunset at the horizon of your location. Watch: Check the accuracy of your watch. If you need precision within minutes, make sure your time piece is accurate.

16.

Can I make adjustments for Time Zone or Daylight Savings Time without adjusting the database?
Yes, you can modify the use of Daylight Savings Time (Summer Time) with the Preferences options under the Edit Menu. Any changes you make will affect all sunPATH calculations until you quit the sunPATH program. For permanent changes you must edit the location in the database (see FAQ)

17.

How do I change the Time Zone, Coordinates or Daylight Savings Time for a location in the database?
You may edit any location in the sunPATH database. When you edit original database locations, your edited location is added to the Personal Database with an asterisk * after the location name. A copy of the original unchanged location will remain in the database.
To edit a location: Mac Users -> Hold down the Option key and select Edit a Location... from the Locations Menu. Window's Users select Edit a Location... from the Locations Menu. Now select the location as you normally would from the Locations Menu and database list. Change the items you wish to edit then click on the Add to Database button.

18.

How do I add a new location to the database?
Choose Add a New Location... from the Locations Menu. Select the State or Country from the Locations Menu then enter in your location information. Click on the ? button of the New Location window for more information.

19.

Can I use a GPS system with sunPATH?
sunPATH does not recognize a GPS system attached to your computer. You can use the coordinate provided from a GPS to enter new locations to your sunPATH database (see FAQ).

20.

How accurate do my location coordinates need to be?
If you need highly accurate positioning as when you need to know when the Sun will be behind a tree, then accurate coordinates are needed. If you need a general idea of where the Sun will be by a few degrees or a couple of minutes a nearby location will be sufficient.

For example: Burbank, CA and Long Beach, CA are 30 miles apart. On average the Sunrise times differ by 2 minutes and the Sun positions are less than 1 degree different. Burbank, CA and Santa Barbara, CA are 117 miles apart, on average the Sunrise times differ by 5 minutes and the Sun position by 2 degrees.

Macintosh Technical FAQs

1.

System Requirements for Macintosh
Macintosh with PPC, G3, G4 or G5 processor
MacOS System OS 10.1 - 10.4 Jaguar, Panther & Tiger compatible
256 MB of available RAM
6 MB minimum of available space on a hard drive

2.

Installation Error - "Not enough space available on this volume to expand the archive"
While installing sunPATH from the CD-ROM, you must first select your hard drive. Click on the DESKTOP button to select your hard drive.

3.

sunPATH does not accept my registration code
The registration number consists of 3 letters followed by numbers. The registration number may contain the digits zero or one, it does NOT contain the letters "L" or "O"

4.

sunPATH freezes after starting
You may have a conflicting extension installed in your system folder. Restart your Macintosh with the extensions disabled. If sunPATH works fine with the extensions disabled, then you have a conflicting extension. Use the program "Conflict Catcher" to find which extension is causing the problem.

5. 6.

Printout and screen displays are out of alignment
Date Format is incorrect
If you select a day of the week and a different date is entered and or the ending date of your date range is formatted incorrectly or just wrong. If the printed reports columns are not formatting correctly, then you may have your Macintosh Date Format set to an incompatible format. Open the "Date & Time" control panel. (Apple Menu -> Control Panels -> Date & Time) Click on the "Date Format.." button. Make sure the Date Format is NOT set to custom. sunPATH should work with the USA, French, Canadian, Brazilian, Australian and the European country formats. sunPATH will NOT work correctly with a custom format, Japanese or possible other Date formats.

7.

Type -39 Error
sunPATH's internal data file has been corrupted, possible by improperly quitting the program, as when the computer crashes or you turn off the computer without first quitting the program. Throw the sunPATH folder into the trash along with the sunPATH Prefs file located in the Preference Folder of the System Folder. Now perform a fresh install of the sunPATH program from your installer disk. You will need your Registration code to run the program again. If you continue to receive this error then you have a conflict with an extension and will need to isolate the extension with a program such as "Conflict Catcher."

8.

International locations are unavailable
Make sure that "Use Expanded Database" is checked under the Location's menu. The Expanded Database must be in the same folder as the sunPATH application. The installer will place the database in the correct folder. If you have multiple copies of sunPATH installed on your computer you may also have this problem. Remove all copies of sunPATH from your computer and then reinstall sunPATH from your installation disk. Use the "Make Alias" menu function to have access to sunPATH from other folders in your computer instead of copying sunPATH to each folder.

9.

How do I restart my Macintosh with the extensions off
Under MacOS 9 - Restart your Macintosh while holding down the shift key. You may release the key when you see the startup screen with the words Extensions Disabled. Proceed to test sunPATH.

Windows have a stripped appearance in OS X
You need to reset your Macintosh's Display to Millions of colors.
System Preferences -> Hardware - Displays -> Colors: Millions

11.

Error# -61 sunPATH can not run from the CD
If you get this message and you are NOT running sunPATH from a CD, you are probably running sunPATH from multiple accounts on your OS X computer.
Go to your Administrator Account.
Find sunPATH in the sunPATH Folder in the Applications folder.
Select the sunPATH application.
Menu - File -> Get Info
Select Ownership & Permissions
Open Details
Change Others Access to Read & Write

Windows Technical FAQs

1.

System Requirements for Windows PC
Windows 95, 98, 2000,Me, NT 4.0 and XP
IBM or 100% IBM-compatible microcomputer with a Pentium processor
16 MB of available RAM
10 MB minimum of available space on a hard drive
Microsoft Windows-compatible Super VGA card, 256-color monitor and mouse
Microsoft Windows-compatible printer
    (sunPATH will work with a 486/66 MHz processor, but performance is slow)

Leap Year Date Problem (versions 1.0 - 1.3.3)
The emulator that allows sunPATH to run on PC computers had a bug that did not recognize 29 Feb during Leap Years. All dates after 29 February 2004 will be INCORRECT. You can easily fix this with by replacing 2 files in your sunPATH folder. Click here to request your free Leap Year Fix.

3.

Menus go off the bottom of the screen
Change your screen resolution.

4.

Unable to Print
You must install GNU Ghostscript that was included on the sunPATH installation disk (gsinst.exe). Ghostscript is required to allow printing from the emulator running sunPATH. If you still have troubles after installing Ghostscript, remove the GS folder (Ghostscript) and sunPATH folders. Reinstall from the installation disk per the installation instructions.

5.

Print Spooling Error
You may need to free up disk space. The emulator running sunPATH spools the reports to your hard drive during the printing process. If there is not enough hard drive space then a Print Spooling error appears. You may be able to print one week/page at a time. The error may only appear when you attempt to print more than one page or week at a time.

6.

ESC key does not stop printing
The ESC key will only work while sunPATH is compiling the report, once the emulator and your printing software takes over, the ESC key will no longer interrupt the printing process.

7. 8.

Keyboard menu equivalents are unavailable
Mouse right button does not work
These functions are unavailable because sunPATH for windows uses an emulator that does not support them.

9.

Where is the Close Button [X]?
The close button is now the close box at the upper left of the window frame.

10.

Why use an emulator?
sunPATH was written as a Macintosh program. To quickly meet the demand of Filmmakers and Photographers with Windows PCs we decided to use the emulator to port sunPATH over to a Windows based system. We are currently working on the next version of sunPATH which will run as a native Windows program. (Release date unknown, join our mailing list and you will be notified)