Z9 GPS (disabling without intervention)

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KurtH

KurtH

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Hello all. I've seen different variations of this topic on other forums with no definitive resolution, so I apologize if I'm duplicating an already hashed out topic.

My Z9 will disable the GPS location setting, seemingly at random timeframes and without notification or warning. The setting I'm referencing is under "Location Data (built in)", then "Record Location Data". I'm on 5.0.

Some others have had this issue, with several forums suggesting a battery correlation (if the battery is removed, if the battery dies, etc.). I haven't been able to replicate/pinpoint that potential cause.

I've been burned a few times, having taken short and long trips only to return with no imbedded location data. My fault for not checking the setting before shooting, and it's not the end of my photography world, but aggravating to say the least.

I've checked the manual, nothing found. Anyone know the cause? Much appreciated, Kurt
 
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Yes, this has happened to me a few times on both of my Z9 bodies. I don't remember if these were all prior to FW 5.0 or not. I suspected it was possibly caused by removal of battery for charging for a long time or perhaps a location with GPS blind spot. Fortunately, GPS loss doesn't happen that often.
 
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Dinusaur said:
Yes, this has happened to me a few times on both of my Z9 bodies. I don't remember if these were all prior to FW 5.0 or not. I suspected it was possibly caused by removal of battery for charging for a long time or perhaps a location with GPS blind spot. Fortunately, GPS loss doesn't happen that often.
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I tested the battery theory (twice) by removing the battery for 24 hours...GPS stayed enabled. I guess I can test longer periods. Thanks!
 
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KurtH said:
GPS module update? Hmmm, I guess I have to look into that one. Thanks!
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With firmware 5.0 there were two updates: one for the camera and one for the GPS module. You had to apply them separately. Once you've done that there will be indicators for C (camera) and G (GPS module) as shown below. L is for the lens attached to the camera.

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JAJohnson said:
With firmware 5.0 there were two updates: one for the camera and one for the GPS module. You had to apply them separately. Once you've done that there will be indicators for C (camera) and G (GPS module) as shown below. L is for the lens attached to the camera.
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Wow, I thought that was going to be the culprit! But apparently, I did the update correctly. And I can't remember how long this has been occurring (i.e., prior to 5.0, or which version may have induced an issue). Thanks for trying, much appreciated.


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I enjoyed this thread because I have a problem with the GPS location on my Z9. I checked, and I am using the Firmware version G 0.17, so that is not the problem. I just returned from a trip to Tanzania and Kenya, and when I opened all my images in Lightroom Classic, the Library Module GPS indicated a location 21 miles from my home. How can I set the Z9 properly to record the location and post it LRC? I usually prepare a travelogue on my photographic trips; an exact location would be advantageous. Thank you.
 
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KurtH said:
Hi RDD. Is the setting under "Location Data (built in)", then "Record Location Data" flipped on?
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Hi Kurth, Thank you for the reminder. Somehow, the Record location data was inadvertently switched off. Now, the only question is whether LRC will read the recorded location. Thank you for your assistance. RDD
 
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RDD said:
Hi Kurth, Thank you for the reminder. Somehow, the Record location data was inadvertently switched off. Now, the only question is whether LRC will read the recorded location. Thank you for your assistance. RDD
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If it was switched off, it did not record any location data. That issue (GPS turns off inadvertently, with no intervention by the user) was the reason I posted this thread.

There have been some good theories on the issue, here and on other forums, but I don't have a resolution yet.
 
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KurtH said:
And I believe when the GPS data is recorded in the camera and imported to LRC, it automatically populates in the MAP module. I've never had to do anything extra for it to show in LRC.
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Thank you for the input, KurtH. I again reviewed Steve Perry's excellent book on setting up the Z9. As indicated, I again set the location data in the Z9 and shot some images in my backyard. Despite my high hopes, when I downloaded the pictures to LRC, the Library Module >GPS reading was fixed in the wrong location. The LRC Map Module indicated they were taken in Fellsmere, FL, where I did some BIF shooting this Spring. I looked at the latitude and longitude readings on the Z9 display for the images I had just taken. The Z 9 correctly identified my location but differed from the location associated with those images in LRC under GPS and Map.

I checked the location identified in LRC for several images I had taken this year in Paula, Hawaii, Africa and Fellsmere, Florida, and they all gave a GPS reading of a wildlife area in Fellsmere, Florida. It seems like LRC is locked onto one location and is not showing the data from the Z 9. I reviewed all the LRC Preferences and saw no reference to GPS or Map information. I would love to fix this problem. How can I get LRC to give me an accurate reading? Thank you for any help on this issue.
 
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RDD said:
Thank you for the input, KurtH. I again reviewed Steve Perry's excellent book on setting up the Z9. As indicated, I again set the location data in the Z9 and shot some images in my backyard. Despite my high hopes, when I downloaded the pictures to LRC, the Library Module >GPS reading was fixed in the wrong location. The LRC Map Module indicated they were taken in Fellsmere, FL, where I did some BIF shooting this Spring. I looked at the latitude and longitude readings on the Z9 display for the images I had just taken. The Z 9 correctly identified my location but differed from the location associated with those images in LRC under GPS and Map.

I checked the location identified in LRC for several images I had taken this year in Paula, Hawaii, Africa and Fellsmere, Florida, and they all gave a GPS reading of a wildlife area in Fellsmere, Florida. It seems like LRC is locked onto one location and is not showing the data from the Z 9. I reviewed all the LRC Preferences and saw no reference to GPS or Map information. I would love to fix this problem. How can I get LRC to give me an accurate reading? Thank you for any help on this issue.
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Could you be applying a metadata preset in Lightroom when you import photos? What happens if you import a photo from a camera that does not have any built in GPS location data?
 
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pe1125 said:
Could you be applying a metadata preset in Lightroom when you import photos? What happens if you import a photo from a camera that does not have any built in GPS location data?
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Eureka! You identified the problem. The Metadata Preset was corrupted because I checked the GPS and altitude boxes. Checking the boxes does not mean recording new information but using preexisting information. Here is the fix: Edit Metadata Presets> Camera Info > uncheck GPS & Altitude.

To confirm the hypothesis, I processed images taken in different locations through LRC; the correct GPS and altitude information is now in the Library Module. This appears to solve a problem that has bothered me for a while, and now, thanks to pe1125, KurtH, and others willing to help in this group, it appears to be resolved. Thank you one and all.
 
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