This article reviews FAQs about TourBuilder Go from downloading the app, tripod assembly, unit prep, and more.
→ Getting Started
Where do I download the TourBuilder Go mobile app?
Apple:
Search TourBuilder Go in the App store, or use the QR Code below to download.
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Android:
Search TourBuilder Go in the Google Play store, or use the QR Code below to download.
How Do I Login to TourBuilder?
Your TourBuilder Go login is the same as your TourBuilder Insights login.
If you do not have a login, please reach out to tourbuildergo@lcpmedia.com
How do I assemble the tripod?
*Remember to always have your phone screen and the Ricoh camera screen aligned to ensure your tours are built correctly.
How do I assemble the tripod with the battery power bank?
Step 1: Screw the tripod legs into the rubber base end of the tripod. If there is a cap at the end of the tripod, take that off first.
Step 2: Move the toggle on the base to the flat position. Press the button on each leg to extend outwards. Next, extend the bottom two columns of the tripod.
Step 3: Attach the phone mount to the tripod right below the top latch of the tripod.
Step 4: Screw on the power bank on top of the tripod. Then, on top of the power bank, screw on the small metal extender found in the accessory box.
Step 5: Attach the Ricoh Theta camera on top of the metal extender.
Step 6: Take one of the charging cords from the accessory box and connect the battery bank to the Ricoh camera for continuous charging.
*Remember to always have your phone screen and the Ricoh camera screen aligned to ensure your tours are build correctly.
*The purpose of the battery bank is continously change the Ricoh camera so that you can capture more tours at a time.
Is there anything I should do to prep the unit?
Yes, check out our full How to Prep an Area For a Virtual Tour Shoot article.
First, plan out your shots. Make a list of all the rooms you want to capture or draw a pathway you will walk when using the TourBuilder Go app. Then, do a quick walkthrough of the unit before you start, and make sure you know where you will place your tripod. This will help you to avoid having to restart in the middle of the tour and know where your next move will be. Here are some things you will want to check when you do your walkthrough:
- All lights are switched on with all bulbs working
- Windows, carpets, and mirrors are cleaned
- Chairs positioned and organized, if applicable
- Tables set, if applicable
- Counters and tables de-cluttered
- Visible areas clear of stray items and personal items
- Garbage bins are empty and out of view
- Cords and wires are hidden
- All fans, TVs, and any other moving objects are off
- All doors between rooms you intended to capture are open
Before you go to your shoot location, remember to:
- Wipe down your camera lens
- Fully charge your phone and camera
Below is a sample pathway to take, keeping the tripod facing the same compass direction with every shot.
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How do I connect the Ricoh Theta camera to the app?
Visit the support article How to Connect the Ricoh Theta 360 Camera to TourBuilder Go
→ Shooting Your 360 Tour
How do I capture a 360 tour?
Watch our How to Shoot Your Virtual Tour Video
Press the “Take Photo” button on the phone screen. You must leave the room during the 360 capture. A five-second countdown will display on your phone screen to leave the room. If you need longer than 5 seconds, hold down the take photo button and a list with varying times will appear. We recommend 10 seconds to avoid getting caught in the photo.
After you capture your scene, swipe the room selector up to view the entire 360 panorama. If you are satisfied with it, swipe the scene sector down, select where the scene was taken, and tap “Looks Good”. If the photo came out blurry, or you got caught in it, then, select “Retake.” Once you’ve approved the 360 scene, walk the tripod to the next location in your virtual tour and repeat the same process.
When moving to the next capture point, remember:
- Line-of-sight - Your next capture point should have a clear view of the previous pano you captured.
- Keep the tripod facing the same compass direction with every shot.
What does “line of sight” mean?
Line of sight means you take a straight and unobscured path when capturing each panorama. This means you should make sure that your 360 scenes will connect without obstruction. Avoid jumping through walls, closed doors or other obstructions like counters and furniture. Position the tripod in a way that you can see the location of the next pano you want to capture.
Where should I start and end my 360 tour?
Start your tour at the front door, before entering a room, capture a 360 pano no more than 3 feet outside of the door. Make sure when taking a 360 inside of a room, that when done capturing your 360 scene, you leave with the tripod the same way you entered. This will ensure that your scenes connect properly. Also, remember to maintain a line-of-sight throughout the process of capturing your tour.
How many 360s Should I Shoot Per Unit/Area?
Take at least one 360 pano for each room and connecting hallway, and shoot from the middle of the space. For larger areas, take two to three 360 scenes from different spots spaced as evenly as you can throughout the room. Make sure you have a clear view of your previous position from each new position. This helps the app to properly stitch your virtual tour together.
How many feet should there be between each 360 shot?
You want to aim at 3 to 4 feet in between each pano so that the app can easily connect the spaces. Keep in mind line-of-sight.Can I Use My Smartphone to Capture 360s?
No, to capture the 360 scenes, you will need to use the 360-degree Ricoh Theta camera supported by TourBuilder Go. You can use your smartphone to capture additional still photos and videos to complement your 360 virtual tour.
How long does it take to capture an average unit?
An average unit with between 1-3 bedrooms takes on average 15 minutes to capture. The larger the space, the more time is required to capture all of the areas.
→ After Capturing Your 360 Tour
How Do I Publish My Virtual Tour with TourBuilder Go?
After you have taken all of your 360 scenes, click "Preview & Publish" on the app. At this point, you can preview all the scenes you have taken for the last time. When you are done capturing all of your 360 scenes, you can add photos and/or videos through your smartphone. These will be added to the carousel menu on your virtual tour. Once you are happy with your content, click "Publish Tour."
The publishing can take a few minutes, depending on how many photos you have taken. Keep the publishing screen on until it reaches 100%. Once a tour is finished, you will see it under the tours section within the app with a "Processing" indicator in the bottom right. Processing can take up to 72 hours, after which you will receive an email confirmation when your tour is available to view.
Once a tour is processed, it will appear on the app as "Published". The tour will also be available on the dashboard to view and share.
Can I Take my Phone off the Tripod?
Be sure to always keep your smartphone on the phone mount attached to the tripod that comes with the TourBuilder Go kit while shooting your virtual tour. Your smartphone needs to remain mounted until you are done capturing all of your 360 scenes. Once all of your 360 scenes are captured and you’re ready to take still photos and videos, then you can take the phone off the tripod.
Be sure that while you are capturing 360 scenes, your phone’s screen is always aligned with the Ricoh screen. The Ricoh screen displays the Wi-Fi signal and the battery life. This ensures that TourBuilder Go can auto-build your tour correctly. Remember to also keep the tripod facing the same compass direction with every shot.
How do I Preview a Tour I Just Created?
After you have taken all of your 360 scenes, tap "Preview & Publish." At this stage, you can preview all the scenes you have taken throughout your virtual tour. When you are done capturing all of your 360 scenes, you can then add photos and/or videos to your virtual tour using your smartphone device. Once you are happy with your content, click "Publish Tour." When a tour has been processed, you can view the complete tour on the Tourbuilder Go app as well as on the Tourbuilder Insighst dashboard.
How do I share a tour I shot?
After a tour is published it will appear on the app under the 'Home" section. To share your tour, click on the thumbnail, then click on the arrow in the upper right corner. From there you have the option to share the tour by copying the direct link or share the tour via any available channels. The unit tours can also be found on your TourBuilder Insights dashboard where you will find the embed code, direct link, and QR code for each unit tour.