A probe pod housing is connected by a cable to an active probe. A connection for a shielded cable with a device to clamp the cable sheath is provided on the circuit board. The apparatus detects the interference of noise, slight motion and partial motion in the field, and correctly determines the film mode of varied images. The central core is axially aligned with the dispensing outlet, such that the central core may be removed through the dispensing outlet and the elongated material may be dispensed through the dispensing outlet. The method includes determining calibration information, inserting a gnomon into a gnomon mount indicator, adjusting the gnomon based on the known calibration information and a time clock calibration, placing the sundial compass such that the true north line indicates one of true north and true south, and determining one of true north and true south.