V1.0 2017.08 3-axis Handheld Stabilizer Gimbal Beholder DS2-A Instruction Manual Before using the product, please read this manual carefully. Be sure to keep this book in a safe place so that you can check it at any time in the future. WARNING: This product comes from the factory tuned and ready to use. It is NOT meant to be user-serviceable. Accessing and changing firmware settings and/or tuning settings will void warranty.
Table of Contents Introduction About the DS2-A 3 Product Description 4 • • What’s Included • Charging the Batteries • Installing the Battery Holder • Camera Installation and Balance 5 7 8 Getting to Know the DS2-A • Powering On 12 • Modes of Operation (Profiles) 12 • OLED Display • Extensions and Extra Features 15 14 Compatible Camera Models • List of Supported Cameras 15 Gimbal Working Angles • Operable Camera Angles 15 Precautions and Safety • Precautions • Safety 16 16
▲ About the DS2-A The Beholder DS2-A is designed specifically for professional filmmakers looking for a single handheld stabilizer for a large range of small cameras weighing up to 4 lbs. The DS2-A features a unique angled roll motor arm, which allows you to have a better view of the camera’s screen while using the gimbal. In addition, the DS2-A also features a 60 second Auto-Sweep mode, which allows you to program a 60 second camera movement.
▲ What’s Included After you’ve received the product and before you use it, please make sure the package contains all the items in the following inventory. If any item is missing, please get in touch with the dealer to resolve the situation. 1. DS2-A Body 2. The Battery Holder 3. 3 x 18650 Battery 4. Camera Quick Release Plate 5. ¼” Screw 6.
▲ Charging the Batteries Battery charging and inserting For best performance, please use Ikan IB-18650-26 batteries. The LED indicator will turn red while charging and green if the batteries are fully charged. Connect the battery holder (Fig. 1) to the USB power supply before placing the batteries in the holder. The LED will turn green to indicate the USB power can be used. Disconnect the battery holder and insert the three batteries. Connect the battery holder to the charger again.
▲ Charging the Batteries Recommendations • • • • We recommend using a dedicated charger like the Ikan ICH-SC4. If the product is not used for a long time, charge the batteries up to 70% of their capacity and store them in a cool, dry place. If you need more batteries, try to purchase Ikan IB-18650-26-3PK official batteries or other reliable batteries with a protection circuit to avoid overcharging and damaging the batteries.
▲ Installing the Battery Holder Instructions to use the battery holder Mount the 18650 batteries with the negative electrode of the battery (-) towards the spring (Fig. 2). Push the three 18650 batteries inward. Fig. 2. Inserting batteries into the battery holder Install the battery holder into the battery compartment with the two electrical terminals toward the direction of insertion (Fig. 3).
Camera Installation and Balance ▲ WARNING Before installing the camera and adjusting the balance, remove the camera lens cover, attach the lens hood, and insert a memory card and camera batteries, as well as any other accessories. The camera should be fully ready to shoot. STEP 1 Mount the camera quick release • Remove the quick release plate from the gimbal. • Attach the quick release plate to the camera (Fig. 4). Be careful not to twist it too tight at this point.
STEP 2 Install the camera on gimbal base • Install the camera with the quick release mounted into the Beholder DS2-A bottom mount base (Fig.5). • Slightly adjust the position of the camera into the base until you find a horizontal balance. • Shift the camera as close to the pitch motor as possible. Use the base plate positioning if needed. • Tighten the thumb screws. • Use a screwdriver to tighten the 1/4 quick release screw.
STEP 4 Adjust the gimbal pitch - up and down balance • Loosen the camera plate M4 thumb screw to adjust the pitch level (M4 thumb screw – in Fig. 7). • Move the camera plate arm up and down, until the camera stays in place at any lens angle. • Tighten the thumb screws. STEP 5 Adjust the gimbal pan– forward and backward balance • Loosen the pan motor left thumb screw. • Tilt the gimbal handle 45 degrees forward.
Recommendations • • • After adjusting the camera installation, check that each knob is fully tightened. Do not overtighten the screw wrench to avoid stripping the screw. For very small cameras and lenses, if you cannot reach the balance as per the steps above, replace the camera or lens. TIP • Before starting the gimbal, make sure the camera is properly mounted on the stabilizer and perfectly balanced.
▲ Power ON Starting the gimbal in default profile • Press the power button for two solid seconds to power the gimbal on. • The gimbal starts in Pan follow mode. (Profile 2) • Use the five-way joystick (Fig. 9 [1]) to control the camera tilt and pan direction. Push the joystick up or down for tilt up and down. Push the joystick to the left or to the right to pan the camera left or right. The OLED shows the current condition.
TIP Any of the profiles can be set to hold a specific angle or position manually. Take the camera with one hand and hold it in the desired position for 2 seconds. The system will automatically save the desired angle.
▲ OLED Display Boot interface with company logo profile1: Press mode button once: Lock mode profile2: Press mode button twice: Pan Follow mode profile3: Press mode button three times: Follow mode profile4: Press mode button four times: 3-Axis Follow mode profile5: Press mode button five times: 60 Second Auto Sweep 1. Position camera at end point. 2. Press the mode button five times. 3. Within 10 seconds, position the camera at the start point. 4.
▲ Extra Features Extensions and extra features • • • • 3/8 standard screw holes (connecting rods 1/4 or 3/8 turn screws sold separately) Mini USB for controlling the gimbal via wired joystick Handle screw for an external monitor and microphone, lights, etc. Genuine universal quick release plate Manfrotto 577 series, such as 501PL, 701,etc. 50mm width Quick Edition ▲ Compatible Cameras Compatible camera models • The Ikan Beholder DS2-A supports cameras up to 1.
▲ Precautions Things to consider before use The Ikan Beholder DS2-A is shipped from the factory with perfect calibration. However, after a long period of unuse or if the temperature difference is too large, it may cause the gyroscope to drift automatically or to tilt during use. Gyro Correction: Place the Ikan Beholder DS2-A horizontally on the table, power on the gimbal and press and hold the menu button for 6 seconds. The system automatically enters the gyroscope calibration mode.
Copyright/Trademark Statement ▲ Copyright/Trademark Statement Beholder® and Ikan® are certified trademarks, which cannot be used without our permission for any other purposes. The product has a number of patents so if copies of the product are found, the perpetrator will hold the relevant legal responsibility. A regular dealer must obtain marketing authorization documents. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase. A list of distributors can be found on the website.
▲ Product Specifications Beholder DS2-A technical specifications Model: Load Capacity: Battery: Battery Operating Time: Battery Charging time: Operating temperature: Working angles: Bottom Mounting Thread Side Mounting Threads Dimensions Weight Camera Support: DS2-A 3-axis single handheld gimbal stabilizer 4lbs (1.8kg) 3 x 18650 3.7v Approx. 8-10 hours Approx. 3-4 hours 14°F to 158°F (-10°C to 70°C) Pan: 360° Roll: 310° Pitch: 310° 3/8"-16 2 x ¼-20" Length 6.89 in. (17.5 cm) Width 7.09 in. (18.
Frequently asked questions and answers 1. How do you charge the gimbal? The Ikan Beholder DSA can be charged in two ways: using the built-in battery holder micro USB or using a separate authorized dedicated charger (recommended) such as the Ikan ICH-SC4. Charging using the battery holder: - Remove the battery cap cover on the bottom of the handle. - Take the battery holder out. - Connect the power cable to the Micro USB. - Connect the other cable end to power supply.
