Nikon WT-3

[drew]

Introduction

The Nikon WT-3/3A is an upcoming transmitter built for the Nikon D200 DSLR. Like its predecessor, the WT-3 uses IEEE 802.11g to automatically upload images to an FTP server as soon as images are shot. In addition to FTP support, it also provides support for the PTP/IP protocol to allow remote control capabilities. Unlike its predecessor, however, the WT-3 also has an Ethernet port for high-speed wired transmission of images.
When coupled with an FTP server such as Pixagent's ITP, the WT-3/3A will move images to a computer so that they can be processed/displayed in parallel with their shooting. This allows the photographer and their clients immediate access to their photographs in order to maximize the speed of their workflow.
[edit]
PTP/IP Support

When used in this mode, the camera will behave as if it were teathered to the computer via a USB cable. As such, users can remotely control the camera (fire the shutter, change settings, etc.) over a wireless (or wired) network. It will also automatically retrieve images from the camera, although the user does lose some granularity over the way they are sent.
[edit]
RF Characteristics

Using information filed with the FCC durring the licensure process, the following tables provide basic information about the RF characteristics of the Nikon WT-3A. Note that these tests were performed on the North American WT-3A variant and may be different than the WT-3 sold in other areas of the world.
[edit]
Basic Information

FCC ID	CGJ1143EA
Frequency Range (WT-2A)	2401MHz-2474MHz
Frequency Range (WT-2)	2401MHz-2522MHz
Adapter Type	Custom (Broadcom-based)
Stock EIRP	17.1-17.4dBm
Antenna Type	Modified RP-SMA

Source: FCC/Testing
[edit]
Transmit Power

Frequency	Power
2412MHz (Ch. 1)	18.6dBm (72.444mW)
2437MHz (Ch. 6)	18.8dBm (75.858mW)
2462MHz (Ch. 11)	18.9dBm (77.625mW)

Source: FCC
[edit]
Antenna Gain

Antenna	Gain
Stock (WA-S1)	-1.5dBi
Optional (WA-E1)	4dBi

Source: Nikon Specifications
[edit]
Design

The WT-3/3A acts as an optional vertical grip for the Nikon D200. It provides the same basic functionality that the existing MB-D200 offers, except that it provides only one battery slot. It communicates with the camera using a USB 2.0 cable teathering it to the data port on the camera, and draws power from the onboard battery (which also feeds the camera). Three LEDs on the rear-left of the unit provide basic information about it's opperation, but most of the controls are performed via menus within the camera.
[edit]
Compatibility

The WT-3/3A is supported by the Nikon D200 at this time and may support future compact DSLRs. Unlike the WT-1 and WT-2, the WT-3/3A will not function with the D2-series cameras.
[edit]
Variants

The WT-3/3A is sold as two basic variants, the Nikon WT-3 and the WT-3A. The later is only sold in North American markets and only has access to channels 1 through 11 of the 2.4GHz WiFi band to comply with local regulations. The former variant is sold in other markets and covers all 13 available channels in the 2.4GHz WiFi band. Other than that, the two transmitters are identical in both functionality and form.
[edit]
See Also

• ITP, FTP server specially designed to work with the WT-3/3A and other wireless transmitters.
• Nikon WT-2/2A, Nikon's second generation transmitter. Provides functionality similar to the WT-3/3A, but for the D2-series of cameras.
• Nikon WT-1/1A, Nikon's first generation transmitter using the slower 802.11b protocol.
• Canon WFT-E1/1A, Canon's first wireless transmitter functions with many of their DSLRs and uses the 802.11g protocol.
• WiPics, An aftermarket transmitter produced by Dice America that works with any camera using Compactflash memory.
• 802.11g, The wireless protocol used by the WT-3/3A transmitter.
• FTP, The protocol used to transfer image files over the wireless or wired network.
• PTP/IP, The protocol used to remotely control the camera over the wireless or wired network.

[edit]
External Links

• FCC Information on WT-3 (Includes draft manual)
• Pixagent ITP 2.0