Help for sun printers
Cyan Hour times cyanotype exposures against the real sky, mixes sensitiser and keeps a journal of every print. Answers to common questions are below.
Found a bug, have a question or an idea for a toner we should add? Most answers are below. If something still looks wrong, note your device model and iOS version, then restart the app and try again.
How does the timer estimate exposure?
It calculates the sun's height for your chosen city, date and time, estimates clear-sky UV, then scales a base time for your chemistry by the surface, sky, contact material and your own test-strip calibration. If you own a UV meter you can enter its reading instead.
The timer says the sun is too low or below the horizon.
Early morning, evening and winter sun is weak and uneven. Switch the light source to a UV lamp, or wait for the best window shown on the chart in the Expose tab.
Will I get an alert if I leave the app?
Yes, if you allowed notifications. The countdown keeps running and an alert fires when the exposure and the wash are done. You can check or enable alerts in Studio → Settings.
How do test strips change my times?
Record a strip, set the density of each step and hold the best one. Cyan Hour compares that time with its prediction and stores a correction factor per paper or fabric. The median of your last three strips is applied automatically.
The camera button says no camera is available.
Some devices and the simulator have no camera. Use "Library" to pick an existing photo. If you denied camera access, enable it in the iOS Settings app under Cyan Hour.
How do I change my city?
Tap the pin in the Expose tab or go to Studio → Settings → Location. No location permission is needed.
Is my data backed up or synced?
Everything stays on your device. It is included in your normal device backup if you use one. There is no account and nothing is uploaded.
Are the chemicals safe?
Cyanotype salts stain and are harmful if swallowed. Wear gloves, work in a ventilated space, keep them away from children, food and pets, and follow the supplier's safety data sheet. The mixer's figures are guidance for coating quantities only.
How do I turn off sounds or vibration?
Studio → Settings → Feel lets you switch off the studio music and haptic feedback.
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