Specifications & Information
What is the ION AIR PRO?
The ION AIR PRO HD Sports Video Camera with Wi-Fi PODZ is the first cloud-based, connected action camera that allows users to shoot high-definition video and share it instantly via an iPhone/iPad app. Users can share content with friends and family through email or Face Book using the app, or connect to a computer for additional options.
What is the ION Cloud?
The ION Cloud, hosted by MiMedia, makes it easy to secure, access and share your digital life. Upload your images from your computer, tablet or phone for a secure backup. Access them from anywhere. Share a single image or an entire album with friends and relatives. Visit ion-america.com and select the Cloud tab to register for your 8GB of free storage.
What is a PODZ?
The innovative PODZ system seals the camera from the elements and provides waterproof protection. Current and future interchangeable PODZ accessories provide enhanced features while maintaining the sleek ergonomic size, feel and weight of the AIR PRO camera. PODZ that will enable up to 4 hours of recording time without adding size or weight to the camera.
What is a CamLOCK?
ION's versatile CamLOCK System allows the user to attach the AIR PRO camera to any type of helmet (bike, motorcycle, ski, skydive, etc.) as well as a handlebar mount for attaching the camera to bicycles, jet skis and motorcycles. The CamLOCK comes with the camera - its attached to the camera and holds it in its mount in the display on the box.
What is the silver metal thing that looks like a metal guitar pick?
The "metal guitar pick" is a screwdriver for the CamLOCK screw. Use it to if the screw is too tight to turn by hand. You can also use a coin.
What do I do with the "Fitting Piece" in the Helmet & Bike Kit?
Place the "Fitting Piece" under the helmet mount to create additional stability on a surface that is less curved than the helmet mount alone.
Where is the microphone?
The waterproof microphone is under the two small semi oval openings on the under side of the camera.
Where are the product specs?
Please refer to the User Manual for basic product specifications.
Does the camera have any internal memory?
The camera does not have any internal memory.
What size memory card does the camera use?
The camera supports Micro SDHC cards up to 32GB. We recommend using a Class 6 or Class 10 card.
How much video can I take on a single card?
1080p/30fps video and 720p/60fps use about 1 GB of space in 8 minutes.
720p/30fps uses about 1GB of space in 15 min.
960p/30fps uses about 1GB in 13 min.
A 16GB card will hold about 2 to 2.5 hrs. hrs of 1080p/30fps video.
What kind of battery does the camera have?
The camera has an internal Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion battery.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
The quickest charging is through the AC Power adapter - about 80% capacity after 1 hour and fully after about 1.5 hrs. The battery will reach about 80% capacity after about 2 hours on a computer's USB port and about 3 hours for full capacity. A charge from the Battery Booster will take about 1.5 hrs.
How long can I record on a single full charge?
You can use your camera for about 2.5 hours on a single charge. Using WiFi will decrease this time considerably. Turn WiFi off when not in direct use. The battery may deplete a bit more quickly in a cold environment.
Does the camera have an Auto Power Off setting?
The camera has an auto power off feature that can be set to 1min, 3min and OFF. Auto power off is set to 3min by default. This can be changed through the ION application.
What resolution video can the camera shoot?
The camera can shoot in 1080p/30fps (frames per second), 720p/60fps, 720p/30fps & 960p/30fps.
What is the camera's Field of View (FOV)?
The camera has a 170 degree Field of View (FOV) The FOV or degree of angle of a video will be different depending on the resolution being shot. 1080p/30fps = 127 degree, 960p/30fps = 170 degree, 720p/30,60fps = 150 degree, WVGA 30fps = 150 degree
Why does the camera create 2 files every time I record?
One of the features of our camera it allow you ease of uploading to social media. The camera creates two files by design. The first is the full sized HD video file. The second is a duplicate in a lower resolution suitable for upload to social media sites. The files will have the same name but the smaller one has _thm added. For example IONX0001.MP4 and IONX0001_thm.MP4
Why did the camera create multiple files when I recorded for a long period of time?
The camera starts recording to a new file approximately every 4GB. Subsequent files in a single shoot will be named with the 'NX" replaced by 01, 02 etc. For example if the first file in a 16GB single recording is IONX0001.MP4, the subsequent files will be named IO010001.MP4, IO020001.MP4 and IO030001.MP4. Multiple small/thin files are created as well. 4GB is the maximum file size for the FAT32 file system which is the defacto standard for transferring files between flash memory cards, most personal computers and portable devices. The FAT32 File System is based on 32 bit words. 4GB-1 is the largest number that can be expressed in 32 bits. At the time that FAT32 was invented a 4GB hard disk was rare and most files were measured in KB.
What codecs are used for video files?
The video codec is H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (avc1). The audio codec is mp4a: MPEG-4 AAC LC
What is Auto-Rotation?
Auto Rotation adjusts the orientation of captured video to minimize tilted and inverted videos. Video will be oriented from the perspective of the major axis (90, 180, 270 and 360) of the camera that is closest to the actual rotation of the camera. Orientation is set in the moment before recording begins and does not change while recording is in progress. Auto Rotation is ON by default and can be turned OFF through the Windows & Mac Application Software.
Does auto rotation work for still shots?
Auto Rotations is not currently supported (V1.16) for Still shots or in the small/thin video files.
What resolutions can the camera shoot in for still images?
The camera shoot 5MP, 3MP and 640x480 VGA still shots. It will also shoot 16MP interpolated stills.
What settings are available for Still Images or Shots?
The camera can be set to take a single Still Shot or operate in Burst Mode or Time Lapse Mode.
What is Still Burst Mode?
In burst mode the camera will take 10 shoots in 1 second
Why would I use Burst Mode?
Burst mode is useful to catch a single good shot in a very quick action scene.
What is Still Time Lapse Mode?
In time lapse mode the camera will take 1 shot every 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds until you press the Power button briefly to stop it.
Why would I use Time Lapse?
Time lapse images can be imported into a video editing program and used in quick succession to show change in slower or long term action such as clouds moving overhead or a flower opening in the course of a few hours.
What are the current limits for the camera's waterproofing?
The ION Air Pro is waterproof up to 30 feet / 10 meters with no need for an additional outer casing. A rubber seal on the PODZ forms the waterproof barrier to protect the camera when the PODZ lock is set. This seal must be kept clean as a single strand of hair or a grain of sand can cause a leak into the camera. The camera is meant for fresh or salt water but, after use in salt water, the camera should be rinsed and the seal carefully wiped with clean, fresh water and then dried. Not doing so can cause corrosion or failure of the seal.
What are the minimum/maximum operating temperature tolerances?
The ION Air Pro is an action sports camera designed for use in some extreme environments. We do not have official tolerances but we expect it to operate under most conditions. The battery may deplete more quickly in temperatures below freezing but has been tested to record for about 2 hours at about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Always allow a "frozen" camera to warm up before removing the PODZ so any condensation created as the camera warms does not enter the camera. We do not recommend using the product in environments over 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is the camera USB Plug & Play compatible?
You can connect the camera to any USB 2.0 enabled computer and view/copy the image files as you would the files on any USB Flash Drive. ION applications are available to access the camera's additional features and capabilities.
What Application Software is available to access the camera's additional features and capabilities?
There are eight ways to connect with the camera. USB Plug & Play Connect, Windows Application, Mac Application, WiFi Browser Connect, iPhone App, Android App, iPad App, TV HDMI/Composite Connect. The Remote PODZ, when it is released later in 2012, will add a ninth way to connect with the camera.
What versions of Windows does the Windows Application run on?
The ION Windows Application is certified for Windows XP SP-3, Vista and 7
What versions of the Mac OS does the Mac Application run on?
The current version of the ION Mac Application runs on Mac OS v10.5.x and higher.
What can I do with the ION Software Application?
The current version of the ION Software Application (Windows & Mac) supports:
1. View and copy the files stored on the camera
2. Change the camera settings
3. Set the camera Date & Time
4. Format the camera's card
5. Link to the ion website and ION/MiMedia cloud service
6. Check/Update the Air Pro firmware
What languages are available for the ION Software Application?
The Windows Application can be set to English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
What devices does the iOS App run on?
The iOS App requires iOS v5.1.x or higher. The App was designed for the iPhone but can also be run on the iPad and iPod Touch.
What can I do with the ION iOS App?
The current version of the iOS App supports:
1. View the photos and videos on your camera. (ION)
2. Save the photos and videos on your camera to an ION Album on your mobile device. (ION/Select)
3. View the progress of a video transfer from your camera to the ION Album (Dashboard)
4. Access your iON Album files to upload to Face Book, attach to Email or save to the iOS Library (Album/Select)
5. Live stream to preview the field of view when attaching the camera to a mount point. (Remote)
Is there an ION iPad App?
The ION iPad App is scheduled for release in mid summer 2012.
Is there an ION Android App?
The ION Android App is scheduled for release in mid summer 2012.
In the meantime you can use the Android browser to access the camera by WiFi.
What can I do through a browser connection?
You can use the browser connection to:
1. Live stream to preview the field of view when attaching the camera to a mount point.
2. View the photos and videos on your camera.
3. Save photos to your computer or mobile device.
4. Change the camera's WiFi SSID (name) and/or password.
What can I do through a TV connection?
When you are connected to a TV you can:
1. Take photos or videos by using your TV as a viewfinder
2. Playback any photo or video files saved in the camera
3. Delete any files saved in the camera
4. Format the MicroSD Card
Which speed/format does the WiFi PODZ use?
The WiFi PODZ is an 802.11 b/g/n access point
What is the range for WiFi operations?
Current WiFi operations have a general range of about 30' . You may find that Live stream Preview will operate up to 60' in good conditions.
Is the live streaming image full size HD, or a smaller format?
The camera currently sends low resolution video over WiFi for Live Streaming.
Is a Software Developer's Kit available?
There is no SDK available for the ION Air Pro at this time. Please let us know if you are interested in a toolkit and what functionality you would expect from the kit.
How Do I
How do I get the Bike Mount over the handle bar?
When you fully loosen the thumb screws, one side of the mount will swing free permitting the mount to be slipped over the bars.
How do I attach the Securing String?
Slide one end of the Securing String through the two small semi oval openings on the under side of the camera then put the other end of the string through the loop and tighter. A pin or paper clip can help to slide the end through the camera's opening.
How do I remove the 3M Double Sided adhesive?
3M Adhesive is meant for permanent attachment. If you need to remove it you may be able to do so by sliding a piece of fishing line or dental floss between the tape and mount surface. Remove the residue with 3M adhesive remover or other acid base solvent such as GooGone. IMPORTANT: 3M adhesive will also come unglued in salt water.
How do I care for or clean the camera?
A rubber seal on the PODZ forms the waterproof barrier to protect the camera when the PODZ lock is set. This seal must be kept clean as a single strand of hair or a grain of sand can cause a leak into the camera. The camera is meant for fresh or salt water but, after use in salt water, the camera should be rinsed and the seal carefully wiped with clean, fresh water and then dried. Not doing so can cause corrosion or failure of the seal.
How do I start recording?
With the camera either on or off, slide the record switch to the ON position. The camera will vibrate once and the LED will briefly turn green then switch to solid red. You can start recording by turning the camera on while the record switch is in the ON position.
How do I stop recording?
Slide the record switch to OFF to stop recording. You will feel two short vibrations and the camera will go into standby. You can also just turn the camera off by pressing and holding the power button.
How do I change the resolution of my videos?
There is a switch on the end of the camera that allows you to change between Full HD (FHD) and HD. By default, FHD is 1080p/30fps and HD is 720p/60fps. You can change these defaults to FHD=960p/30fps and/or HD=720p/30fps through the Windows and Mac Application Software.
How do I change the Still Shot or Video Settings?
With the exception of FHD/HD, the camera settings are changed through the Windows or Mac application software.
How do I get the ION Windows Application?
The ION Windows Application comes resident on the camera when you purchase it.
How do I run the ION Windows Application?
1. Insert a Micro SD card with at least 2MB free space into the camera.
2. On a Windows Computer - Open the Start Menu and then Computer
3. Take note of the existing Devices with Removable Storage
4. With the camera On, connect the camera to a USB 2.0 port on the computer.
5. Watch for a new device to be added to the list of Devices with Removable Storage. This is your camera which is now accessible as just another folder on the computer.
6. Double click the camera folder to open it. .
7. Double click the application software program ion.exe to run the software
How do I install & run the ION Mac Application?
1. Visit the ion website (www.ion-america.com) to download the latest Mac software application version from Support/Firmware
2. Insert a Micro SD card with at least 2MB free space into the camera.
3. Press the Power button to turn the camera on.
4. Connect your camera to the Mac via the camera's USB cable.
4. Locate and open the new device "No Name" (You should see a folder "DCIM" and the file ion.exe when you open it.)
6. Drag the downloaded file to the device in the same folder as ion.exe.
7. Double click the newly loaded file to run the Mac Application.
I erased the Windows Application file ion.exe. How do I get it back?
The camera updates and/or replaces ion.exe on your card when the power is turned on.
How do I get the ION iOS App?
1. Search for the "iontheaction" App at the App store.
2. Download and install the ION App to your mobile device.
How do I connect to the camera using the iOS App?
1. Search for the iontheaction App at the App store.
2. Download and install the ION App to your mobile device.
3. Turn on the camera and WiFi PODZ.
4. When the WiFi LED changes to a slow blue flash, go to the network settings of your mobile device and choose WiFi. Search the network, find and click "WiFiPODZ."
5. Enter password "123456789" to connect to your camera.
6. Open the ION App.
How do I view the camera's files through the iOS App?
When you open the App with WiFi Connected to the camera, the App will sync with the files on the camera. Press the "ION" icon at the bottom of the page. Wait for the files to load before using any other operations. Loading files have a rotating symbol over their file thumbnail. Once all files are loaded you can tap any thumbnail to view the video or photo.
How do I view the camera's files through the iOS App?
Using the App for your device, go to the "ION" tab. Press and hold on the thumbnail for the file you want to move until the menu pops up. Tap "Move to Album"
How do I move a file from the camera to my phone/tablet?
Using the App for your device, go to the "ION" tab, tap "Select" in the upper right corner. Tap the thumbnails for the files you want to move. A check mark will be placed in each thumbnail. Then tap "Move to Album"
How do I monitor file transfer from the camera to my phone/tablet?
Once you start a Move in your App, switch to the Dashboard to monitor the transfer. Wait for the transfers to complete before using other App Functions.
Can I rename an existing file so I can move another file of the same name to my phone/tablet?
Rename file is not yet supported. Create a new album for your new files of the same name.
Can I rename an Album?
Rename album is not yet supported. Create a new album with the new name and move the files to the new folder. Delete the old folder if you no longer need it.
How do I move a file from the App Album to Facebook?
From the "Album" tab, locate the file in the correct album. Press and hold on the file thumbnail. Tap Face book
How do I start Live Streaming?
Select "Remote" in the App or Browser. Live streaming should start automatically.
Can I record what I am previewing through the live stream?
You cannot currently record through live streaming. The ION application or web browser connection is used to preview and adjust the field of view for your camera before recording. This feature is set up for you to get the exact shot or field of view that you are looking for. Live streaming will see many enhancements over the coming months.
Can I change the camera settings through the App?
The ability to change camera settings will be added to the App later in 2012.
Where do I get the ION Android App?
The ION Android App is scheduled for release in mid summer 2012.
Where do I get the ION iPad App?
The ION iPad App is scheduled for release in mid summer 2012.
How do I connect with the camera through a browser?
1. Turn on the Camera and then the WiFi PODZ.
2. When the WiFi LED changes to a slow blue flash, go to the network settings of your computer or mobile device and choose WiFi. Search the network, find and click "WiFi PODZ."
3. Enter password "123456789" to connect to your camera.
4. Open your Internet browser and enter "192.168.1.2" or "WIFI.PODZ" to connect to your camera.
How do I connect the camera to a TV?
You can connect your camera to a TV or HDTV via the Composite RGB (included) or a mini HDMI cable (not included).
1. Turn the camera on.
2. Connect the cables to the proper input connections..
3. Select the proper input channel on your TV.
How do I turn Auto Rotation Off?
You can turn auto rotation off/on through the Settings tab in the Windows and Mac Application Software.
How do I take a still shot?
When the camera is on and not set to record mode, press the power button very briefly. You will feel a short vibration when the shot is taken.
How do I reset my WiFi PODZ password when I have forgotten it?
The factory default SSID is "WIFIPODZ". The PASSWORD is "123456789" If you lose the password you can return it to the default.
1. There is a file called wifiChange.txt on the camera's root directory.
2. Rename the file to PleaseChangeWIFI.txt.
3. Power cycle the camera.
How do I upload files from my iOS ION App v2.5 Album to the ION Cloud by MiMedia?
With v2.5 of the ION iOS App you will need to use the MiMedia App to upload files from the ION album. Direct upload from the ION App will be implemented later this year.
1. Download the MiMedia App from the App Store.
2. In the MiMedia App, Tap Photos or Videos. This will show you the files stored on your devices main Library.
3. Tap the camera icon in the upper right corner.
4. Select "Choose from Albums"
5. Select the ION Album.
6. Tap the video you want to upload.
7. Tap "Use"
8. The App will compress and upload the file to your ION Cloud/MiMedia storage space. This can take a little while for larger files.
How do I format a memory card?
These instructions describe Format on a Windows computer. This operation will delete all files on your card and return the card to a "like new" condition. We recommend using a high speed USB port for the format. A 16GB card will take about 15-20 min to format on a USB 2.0 port. It will take many times more than that to format on a USB 1.1 port.
1. Open the Start Menu and then Computer.
2. Take note of the existing Devices with Removable Storage
3. With the camera On, connect the camera to a USB 2.0 port on the computer.
4. Watch for a new device to be added to the list of Devices with Removable Storage. This is your camera.
5. Open the folder DCIM/100Media
6. Copy any files you want to keep to another folder on your computer.
7. Go back up to the folder Computer/Devices .
8. Right click on the Camera Removable Device Name.
9. Select the format option.
10. Confirm the format only when you are sure you are working with the camera drive and you have backed up any files you need to keep.
How was the camera attached to the Kite Board in Mike Waltze's video from Maui?
There were several cameras used in the video. Most were rigged from the various parts in the Helmet & Bike Kit, including using the handlebar mount on the kite bar and an adaptation for a head mount (no helmet.) An aftermarket device was used to mount the camera on the middle strings of the kite, about 4 or 5 feet away from the bar. We do not have the name of that product
Trouble Shooting
Why does the LED flash alternating red & green?
A flashing red & green LED means the camera does not detect a Micro SDHC card with at least 2MB free space.
I have a card in the camera with free space available but the LED is still flashing Red & Green?
Make sure the card meets the camera's card specifications, see Specs & General Info. If you are reusing a card from another camera or device try backing up the old images and formatting the card for use in the ION. SD cards may become corrupted if removed from the camera while it is on. Cards are also occasionally susceptible to corruption through normal use with any device.
We recommend that you regularly backup your images to the ION Cloud, your computer or other media. If your camera no longer recognizes your card, try reading it through a card reader on a computer to backup any images that may be accesible and then do a full format of the card. Format is an operation available through the computer's operating system utilities that erases all data on the card and returns it to a "like new" state. Backup any files you want to retain before formatting a card. See "How To" for instructions on formatting a card.
Why is the LED flashing Green?
A flashing Green LED means the camera's card is full. Delete any files you do not want and/or move some or all image files to another medium such as the ION Cloud, Social Media Site or computer.
Why is the LED flashing Red?
A flashing red LED means the camera has low power. Recharge your camera from a USB 2.0 computer port, the wall power adapter or the ION Battery Booster.
My camera won't stop vibrating, the red LED stays lit when I slide the record switch to off, the camera won't turn off or the camera is otherwise operating
Reset the camera by pressing the Reset button on the end of the camera with a paper clip or other small pointed object.
Common Causes of unusual behavior:
1. Not using a card that meets the camera's card specifications, see Specs & General Info.
2. Pressing or sliding a camera button before the camera turns itself off after disconnecting from a USB connection. The camera should return to normal after the reset.
3. Removing the memory card while the camera is turned on. Your card may have become corrupted and will need to be reformatted. See "How To: Format Memory Card"
4. Not running the latest Camera Firmware. See "How To: Update Camera Firmware"
My computer is not recognizing my camera when I connect it by USB?
Make sure all cables are secure. The camera must be turned on before connecting by USB. The camera requires a USB 2.0 port. Try using a port on the back of your computer. Avoid USB Hubs which may not have enough power, particularly if you have other devices plugged in to the HUB.
My App or Browser is not connecting with my camera's WiFi?
1. Be sure the camera is fully charged. WiFi will drain the battery more quickly.
2. Be sure to select/reselect WIFIPODZ in WiFi settings when turning camera WiFi back on, as the mobile device may have automatically connected with another network service in the time.
3. Did you change the name (SSID) or password for the WiFi PODZ?
4. If the App does not operate correctly after changing modes, try restarting the App and/or using network settings to Forget and re-establish the connection.
The Dashboard status shows "Error" in red when I tried to move a file to my Album?
Tap the word "Error" and follow the on screen directions. Most often you are moving a file of the same name and need to confirm that you want to replace the existing file.
Livestreaming does not start when I press the power icon on the App's Remote screen.
If live streaming or return to file mode does not begin within about 5 seconds, press the power button once quickly to initiate the mode switch.
Why is my video is jumpy or has no sound when I play it back on my computer?
Your PC's video player application probably does not have the proper codecs for the HD video files. Please update your codecs for mp4 video and/or try another video player program.
I'm having trouble uploading my iOS App v2.5 Album files to Facebook.
Facebook video files can be a max of 100MB. Photos can not be larger than 4MB. V2.5 of the iOS App has a 4MB file limit for upload to Facebook. Larger files can be saved to the iOS library and uploaded to Facebook using the Facebook App. An update later in summer 2012 will correct this limitation of the ION App.
My WiFi PODZ won't turn on
Check that the PODZ is fully inserted into the camera. Really - please check again. There is no more than the width of a sheet of paper between the PODZ edge and the camera body when the PODZ is fully inserted.
My Camera flashes red and turns off as soon as I power the WiFi PODZ on.
The camera does not have enough power to run WiFi. Recharge the camera and try again.
I can't view my files from the WiFi Browser connection?
The browser file view has a "Download" button on the right side of the file list which is often not visible without scrolling right. Scroll right and select "Download." Tapping or clicking the file name does not download the file. Android browsers may require you to Press & Hold on Download and then select "Open in new Tab"
The FAQs didn't help solve my problem?
Please contact your local support team for further assistance.
