EN Instruction manual Handheld 3-Axes Stabilizer for Premium Compact Cameras Pilotfly Technology Co. LTD. ■ Jiafeng S. Rd. No.118,2F-2 ■ Zhubei City, Hsinchu County 30271 ■ Taiwan Pilotfly GmbH ■ Wendelsteinstr.12 ■ 86163 Augsburg ■ Deutschland IM_100.CCF.
Imprint Version IM_100.CCF.20170512-EN C45 English, 1st Edition, 05.2017 © Pilotfly Copyright This document is protected by copyright. All rights, including those of the whole or partial photo-mechanical reproduction, duplication and spreading (e. g., by means of data processing, to data carriers and data network works) as well as content and technical changes, are left in the course of constant product improvements. IM_100.CCF.
Dear customer, We thank you for your confidence and wish you a lot of joy and success with your new Pilotfly product. You have decided in favor of a high-quality product with that. The C45 is a revolutionary and genuis gimbal. The Pilotfly C45 is a breakthrough on gimbal technology and the worlds first compact gimbal with direct view to the camera display. The C45 is a gimbal for premium compact cameras like the Sony RX100V, Panasonic LX10, LX100 or similar.
Product Overview Components IM_100.CCF.
Product Overview Fuction keys and LED displays LED display power adapter IM_100.CCF.
Product Overview “Mode” button The respective operating mode of your Pilotfly Gimbal can be set using the mode button. The mode button can be assigned different profiles using the SimpleBGC software GUI.
Product Overview Acoustic signals - Buzzer Action / Event Sound sequence Power on Initialization sound sequence during system boot up and initialisation Initialization in process Be~Bi~Li~Bi~Li Calibrating Dn~Dn~Dn~Dn~Dn~Dn Low battery Continuous cricket sound Use the SimpleBGC 32 Bit Software GUI to change the volume oft he buzzer or to deactivte the buzzer 5.9 Extended settings for advanced users – View Level „Advanced“ 5.12 Buzzer and LED settings.
Product Overview Technical data Technology 32 bit Alexmos with Triple-MCU technology Communication interface Integrated Bluetooth Version 4.0 / 2402 MHz to 2480 MHz Max. transmitting power 2,5 mW/ Range ca. 10 m Operating system Windows, MAC OSX, LINUX and App Android, iOS Number of IMU sensors Integrated Triple-MCUs with 2 IMU sensors Power supply: Integrated battery 4S Li-Po 14.8V / 600 mAh Battery endurance ca.
Table of contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................. 11 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 MEANING OF THE SYMBOLS USED IN THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL........................................................ 11 INTENDED USE ............................................................................................................................... 12 POSSIBLE DANGERS FOR CERTAIN PERSON GROUPS .................................
Table of contents 5.9.6 Monitoring (Real-Time view of the sensors - raw data).............................................................. 40 5.9.7 Hardware (Calibration of the gyrometer and accelerometer) ..................................................... 40 5.9.8 Adjustable Variables ................................................................................................................. 40 5.9.9 Scripting ........................................................................................
Important Safety Instructions Please read these safety instructions attentively before you take your Pilotfly product into operation to avoid damages to the product and prevent possible injuries. Keep these safety instructions available for all persons who will use this product. 1.1 Meaning of the symbols used in this instruction manual Warning notices are mentioned in the following chapters in the context in which a danger can appear. They are highlighted especially in the following chapters.
Important Safety Instructions 1.2 Intended use This product is provided exclusively for video recordings in the private use. It isn't provided for commercial or industrial use. The delivered power adapter is intended exclusively for the use with the Pilotfly Gimbal. Every other use isn't as designated. Prior condition for the use as designated is the attention of the notes of this instruction manual.
Important Safety Instructions 1.5 The use at ceratin places and environmental conditions For a safe use of your Pilotfly C45 you have to pay attention, that … you use the device only at places which are suitable also for your camera. Implicitely follow the instructions within the instruction manual of the camera which you use with the Gimbal. you follow the instructions of restrictions or embargoes for accumulator operated equipment at explosive places.
Important Safety Instructions 1.6 Power supply and operating conditions For a safe use of your Pilotfly C45 pay attention, that … you make sure that the specified voltage data on the rating label are fitting to the specification of the power socket. you never grasp the power adapter with wet hands. If you want to pull the power adapter out of the power socket, you always pull directly at the power adapter. Never pull at the cable, it could be damaged. Furthermore, never transport the device at the cable.
Important Safety Instructions 1.7 Precautions at handling with Li-Po accumulators Li-Po accumulators require special handling. Improper handling can shorten the life time or lead to fire or explosions, bleeding or overheating. Pay attention, that … you only use the power adapter which is contained in the scope of delivery for charging the accumulator of the Pilotfly C45. Generally, for charging Li-Po accumulators only use battery chargers with a Li-Po charging program and balancer.
Important Safety Instructions 1.8 Safe disposal Endangering health and environment by accumulators and batteries! In the Europian Economic Area this symbol indicates that consumers are required by law to return all waste batteries to either a store or another collection point for waste batteries. Waste batteries should never be placed in the household garbage, or anywhere in the environment.
Setup and operating 2.1 Unpacking Danger Serious danger! Keep packing foils away from children. There is danger of suffocation. Danger Serious danger! Absolutely keep accumulators from children away. If a child swallowed a cell immediately call a doctor to help. Keep the accumulators in a way that no unauthorized persons have access, especially children and animals. Caution Environmental damage! In principle send the device in the original packing so that it doesn't take damage.
Setup and operating 2.2 First steps - charge the accumulator Warning Injury danger! Check the device and the cable before every use. A damaged device may not be used. Warning Injury danger! Do not take the device in operation in explosive surroundings! Follow the safety instructions to this 1.5 The use at ceratin places and environmental conditions. Tip Function! Before the first use, charge the accumulator that the device works optimally.
Set up and operating 2.3 Assembling and adjustment of the camera Warning Injury danger! Implicitely follow the safety instructions and warning notices within the instruction manual of your camera! Caution Property damage! Implicitly do not unscrew the locking screw of the roll axis completely. Otherwise, the camera with L-arm to the pitch motor will drop down and the wiring which is arranged behind will be damaged.
Setup and operating 3. Hold the Gimbal vertical, ideally supported on a table. 4. Balancing the pitch axis. Bend the camera approx. 90 ° forwards or backwards. Loosen the locking screw of the Pitch axis a little bit and push the L-arm in its guidance forwards or backwards, until the camera keeps the position independent again. 5. Tighten the locking screw again. 6. Balancing the roll axis. Align the camera forwards looking again.
Setup and operating 2.4 Switch on and basic operating Warning Injury danger! Before you switch on the device, please read the instruction manual completely and get familiar with all use and safety instructions. Follow the notes and tips so that you can use the device optimally. Tip Function! Druring processing a programmed script, the joy-stick is locked. 1. Power On / Off. Hold the device with an assembled camera upright and slide the switch into the "ON" position.
Setup and operating 2.5 Fine-tuning using the SimpleBGC GUI software Tip Function! Create the best possible stabilisation effect by using the SimpleBGC software 5.Software user surface (GUI). As every camera has a different weight, the settings for the PID controller and the motor output can be individually set and optimized. You can only achieve the best results with regard to stability when using the optimal fine settings. 1.
Making a Bluetooth connection Tip Legal hint! All Pilotfly products are equipped with an active Bluetooth to be able to make a wireless connection with the device and control this via remote control. Probably there are restrictions at certain places for the use of a Bluetooth-capable and wireless equipment. Please, if you aren't sure whether you may use a wireless device in certain surroundings (e. g.
Software Installation All Pilotfly products use the Alexmos Chip and therefore can be used with the SimpleBGC software which is provided by Basecam Electronics. The software can be installed on different operating systems, such as Windows, OSs, Linux and Android App. Tip Compatibility problems! The most actual driver version (6.7.4) for Windows can lead to problems with the connecting or data communication. This is to be seen in a raised reaction of the SimpleBGC software.
Software Installation 4.3 Installation on MAC OS 1. Go to our webseite www.pilotfly.de or www.pilotfly.com.tw on to the support page. 2. Download the most current version of the SimpleBGC software there. 3. Download the most current version of the "CP2102 USBtoUART" driver there. 4. Ensure, that you have installed Java Run Time. 5. Install the driver CP2102 USBtoUART. Tip Function! The software SimpleBGC of Basecam Electronics uses a virtual COM interface.
Software Installation 4.4 Installation of the Android App Tip Function! A new version of the Android App is available soon. You can still use the Android application by downgrading the firmware of your Gimbal to version 2.56b9. Function! Implicitly make a backup of the entire Gimbal settings and save your profiles on a computer before you change the firmware of your Gimbal. Existing data will be deleted 5. Using the Software PC/MAC 5.3 Saving and loading profiles onto the computer and chapter 5.
Software Installation 5. Then press on „Bluetooth“ and search for new devices. Enable „Ask on each connect“ and „Connect at startup“. C 6. The Bluetooth window should show you detected devices as shown. D 7. Close the application and start it again while the Pilotfly device is powered on. 8. While starting the application the App tries to connect with the Pilotfly device and will show a Pop-up window with information of proper connetion and current firmware version. 9.
Using the Software PC/MAC - Overview Tip Function! Connect the device via USB cable or Bluetooth 3. Making a bluetooth connection with a PC or MAC to optimize the stabilization settings or to upgrade the firmware. Tip Function! Implicitly make a backup copy of your profiles before you make changes or upgrade the firmware. Additionally, make a backup of the complete Gimbal configuration by using the backup manager.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Connecting The surface is seperated into different functional blocks. Under the main menu point "View" you choose the desired configuration depth (View level). Depending on your user abilities you can set to display more or less functional blocks for various settings. For beginners, we recommend the view "BASIC". If you are already a little bit familiar with the functionality of your Gimbal and the software, you can use the view "ADVANCED" for advanced users.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Profiles 5.3 Saving and loading profiles onto the computer A profile corresponds to a set of predefined settings, as for example different default settings for the follow mode, the rotation speed of the single axes, the orientation of the axes when switching on, time-lapse settings, axis acceleration, control parameters respectively adapted on your camera weight for the optimum reduction of vibrations, parameters for jerk-free operating, etc.). 1.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Backup manager 5.5 Making a backup with the backup manager 1. Making a backup in a file on your computer. Define a name for your backup file and save your backup as a file on your computer or other data storage of your choice. By pressing "Browse" you define the target folder. Press the button "Backup" to confirm the saving of your backup file. 2. Making a backup onto our server. You can save up to three backup files onto our server.
Using the Software PC/MAC - Gyrometer 5.6 Calibrating the Gyrometer Tip Function! Implicitly make a backup copy of your profiles before you make changes or upgrade the firmware. Additionally, make a backup of the complete Gimbal configuration by using the backup manager. Tip Tip! Watch our video on YouTube how to calibrate the gyro- and accelerometer: https://www.youtube.
Using the Software PC/MAC - Accelerometer 5.7 Calibrating the Accelerometer A calibration of the acceleration sensors is necessary for the exact determination of a position change of the camera. Though the sensors are calibrated before delivery, however, in rare cases you must carry out a calibration of the acceleration sensors. These measure linear movements of your camera in the PilotflyGimbal. With the software, a calibration is possible as shown below.
Using the Software PC/MAC - BASIC 5.8 Basic settings for beginners – View level “BASIC” Caution Property damage! The software SimpleBGC offers many versatile possibilities. These extended functions found at view level “EXPERT” and “DEVELOPER” are not within the context of this introduction manual. For the use of this extended functionality we refer you to the software user manual SimpleBGC 32bit 3-Axis.
Using the Software PC/MAC - BASIC RC-Settings (Joystick settings) - Continued Deadband arround center – Set a dead zone around the neutral centre of the remote control or the joystick to eliminate accidentally drifting by shaking or RC inaccuracies. Expo curve – Function provided only with selected speed mode. Higher values slow down movements around the neutral position of the remote control what allows a more exact manual positioning for small movements.
Using the Software PC/MAC - BASIC Follow-Mode - Continued Follow Frame – Here you can set additional criteria, when the roll-axis should be unlocked and should follow the orientation of the Gimbal. Namely as a function of the orientation of the pitch. Follow ROLL start,deg – Set the angle (in degrees) of the camera pitching up or down, where the roll axis enters follow mode. Below this angle, roll is in lock mode.
Using the Software PC/MAC - BASIC 5.8.3 Service (Assigning the Mode-button, Startup behavior) You can make different adaptations for your Gimbal and save your respective setting as a profile 5.3 Saving and loadin profiles on a computer or directly transfer to your Gimbal 5.4 Writing and reading profiles onto/from the Gimbal. Here under the service settings you can assign stored profiles to the Mode-button for a quick access. Our default assignment you will find under Product overview – Mode button.
Using the Software PC/MAC - ADVANCED 5.9 Extended settings for advanced users – View level “ADVANCED” Caution Function! The software SimpleBGC offers further possibilities, which are however not necessary for the use and the adjustment of the Pilotfly Gimbals. Thus, these functions are not described within the context of this introduction manual. For the use of this extended functionality we refer you to the software user manual SimpleBGC 32bit 3-Axis.
Using the Software PC/MAC - ADVANCED 5.9.3 Service (Assigning the Mode-button, Startup behavior) You will find the same settings as described at the basic settings following extended settings: 5.8.3 Service and additionally the Working positions – Frame upside-down auto detection – if enabled, the controller detects startup in the upsidedown mode: if you switch Gimbal ON when frame is turned over by ROLL axes, but camera is not, - system enters upside-down mode automatically.
Using the Software PC/MAC - ADVANCED 5.9.5 Stabilization (Reducing vibrations) If you feel vibrations by using the Gimbal in combination with your camera, you can optimize and stabilize your system by means of the PID-parameter settings 5.13 Fine-tuning by adjusting the PID settings – ADVANCED 5.9.6 Monitoring (Real-Time view of the sensors - raw data) Use the monitoring of each sensor raw-data stream to detect even the finest irregularities of your device.
Using the Software PC/MAC – PID control 5.10 Fine-tuning by adjusting the PID settings – ADVANCED In this chapter, we will show you how to optimally set the Gimbal to your camera weight by adjusting the PID control parameter. Note Tip! We have saved the optimal PID settings for several standard cameras in a database. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9o3W--165qzbnJVMmpQMEthbVk 5.10.1 Manually optimising the PID control settings 1. Manually optimize the PID control settings.
Using the Software PC/MAC – PID control 5. Gradually increase the P value on the axis to be set. As soon as the axis begins to swing independently (see adjacent illustration of “monitoring”), leave the P value for the moment and increase the D value until the axis no longer swings by itself. Tap lightly on the axis and test whether the axis begins to swing as a result of external stimulus. If yes, increase the D value a little.
Using the Software PC/MAC – PID control 10. After you have optimally set the PID parameter for all axes in a static state, move the Gimbal in all directions, as in later real use. If you can still determine vibrations due to the mutual interaction of the three axes in certain positions, reduce the PID values slightly for the axis that is still disruptive.
Using the Software PC/MAC – PID control 5.10.2 Automatically optimize the PID control settings 11. Automatically optimize the PID control settings. Before you start ensure that the Gimbal is stable. For general information on mechanisms of the PID parameter read 2.5 Fine-tuning using the SimpleBGC software 12. Select the setting Gain = 1 (direct multiplier for the P and D value) and the value for Outer P = 100 (speed of angle correction, standard setting Outer P = 100) for all three axes. 13.
Using the Software PC/MAC – PID control 18. Mark the remaining check boxes as shown in the adjacent illustration. You can also have the data entered into a log file during the process. This is called “auto_pid_log.csv”. 19. Press the “Start“ button to begin the automatic fine-tuning process with the PID control parameter. The process takes approx. 1 minute.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Time lapse 5.11 Using the time lapse settings – ADVANCED Your Pilotfly Gimbal supports a time lapse function. You should determine an end point and a starting point for the scenes you wish to capture. The Gimbal then moves the camera at a speed set by you from the starting position to the end point. 1. Select the register “service” and go to the function block “Time lapse parameters”. 2.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Time lapse 7. To use the time-lapse function, first select the time duration by pressing the mode button for the profile number 1 to 4, which you have determined yourself for the respective timelapse time. 8. Now determine the end position for the camera. To do this turn the camera to the last scene you wish to capture. 9. Now activate the time-lapse fuction by pressing the mode button 5 times. An acoustic signal will sound for approx. 10 seconds. 10.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Buzzer 5.12 BUZZER and LED settings – ADVANCED 1. Select the register "Service" and go to the functional block „Buzzer and LED“. 2. Here you can set, when the Buzzer should give an acoustic signal and if the Buzzer shall be deactivated completely. Therefore, deactivate the respective check boxes. 3. Press the button "WRITE" to transfer the settings onto your Gimbal. 26 IM_100.CCF.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Digital Filter 5.13 Using the digital filter (reducing resonance) - EXPERT Warning Risk of injury! Before you switch on the device, please read the instruction manual in full and familiarize yourself with all operational and safety notes. Follow the information and tips, so you can use the device to its full potential. Caution Property damage! Do not change any settings of which you are unsure! 5.13.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Digital Filter 5.13.2 Low-pass filter – Reduce high-frequency vibrations Low pass filters: In particular when you are using a heavy camera, it can be necessary to dampen any emerging resonances with a low-pass filter. As the D factor favours the PID control resonances in connection with heavy cameras at high frequencies, a low-pass filter can dampen the amplification of high frequencies and as such improve the stability of the system.
Using the Software PC/MAC – Digital Filter Note Example for the setting of a notch filter: Assuming that the behaviour of the Pilotfly C45 with camera is stable, but if the camera is inclined to approx. 60° downwards, strong vibrations occur. 1. Firstly find out which axis is causing the most vibrations. To do this go to the register card “Monitoring” on the user surface (GUI) and switch on the following graphics: RMS_ERR_R (ROLL-Axis), RMS_ERR_P (PITCH-Axis), RMS_ERR_Y (YAW-Axis).
Using the Android App Tip Function! A new version of the Android App is available soon. You can still use the Android application by downgrading the firmware of your Gimbal to version 2.56b9. Implicitly make a backup of the entire Gimbal settings and save your profiles on a computer before you change the firmware of your Gimbal. Existing data will be deleted 5. Using the Software PC/MAC 5.3 Saving and loading profiles onto the computer and chapter 5.5 Making a backup with the backup manager.
Using the Android App 6.2 Misc settings 2. In the Misc Settings you are able to change the command of the 4-way-joysticks, change sound commands e.g. for errors or other system hints. G1 G2 IM_100.CCF.
Using the Android App 6.3 RC settings 3. In this area you are able to change the settings of the joystick, change speed and angel of moving area. H1 H2 H3 IM_100.CCF.
Using the Android App Tip Function! If you experiencing any malfunction like that you are unable to control the axes, please ensure that all RC Mode for each axes is set to „Speed Mode“ instead of „Angle Mode“. 6.4 Follow mode 4. The Follow Mode is a special control mode that makes the camera to „follow“ the movements. You are able to change the settings to follow an individual axes or change the speed of the movement (Factor). I 6.5 Monitoring 5.
Using the Android App 6.6 Control 6. The control panel enables you to control each axis while moving the white cursor. In the sub menu „Settings“ you are able to set which axis you want to control on the touch panel or by moving the smartphone (Tilt mode). The touch panel is generally locked and needs to be activated first by pressing the On/Off button on the upper left corner. K1 K2 IM_100.CCF.
Using the Android App 6.7 Settings Tip Function! Although you are able to „RESET“ your Gimbal. Please do not use the „RESET“ Function otherwise you will delete your default profiles which has been individually set by Pilotfly. Please make a backup of each profile and save it to your computer before you change any settings. 5. Using the Software PC/MAC 7. In the “Settings” menu you are able to set general settings. L IM_100.CCF.
Failure / Repair Before you contact the service hotline you can solve the problem by yourself. Warning Pilotfly-Service, please check by using the following table whether Injury danger! Do not carry out any repairs at the device by yourself. Let the repairs at the device or at the cable only carried out by us Pilotfly-Service. Extensive dangers for the user can arise from improper repairs. Roll motor is not horizontal levelled Please make a Gyro & ACC calibration described in the user manual.
Failure / Repair System is flattering in each direction. Wrong motor setup. Hold the Gimbal steady and start “Auto” for the Motors in the Basic Tab of SimpleBGC GUI. Ensure that all motor poles are set to “14”. After that perform a calibration for Camera and Frame IMU sensors. Video: https://youtu.be/IxpdtzvjzoQ System starts beeping continuously. Check battery level. Battery might be exhausted. Charge battery or connect the external battery. System starts beeping and battery is fully charged.
Maintenance and care The device is maintenance-free. In case of a reduction of the accumulator performance you can order a replacement at our service Pilotfly-Service. Follow especially the safety instructions 1. 7 Precautions at handling with Li-Po accumulators! Clean the device with a dry antistatic cloth. Warning Injury danger! Switch off the device and unplug the plug from the power socket before you clean it. Caution Property damage! Never use aggressive cleaning or abrasives.
Service Nevertheless, if you should have problems with your product, please address your enquiry to pilotflyteam@gmail.com (Taiwan) or info@pilotfly.de (Germany). We help you along willingly promptly and give you information about the next steps. Service Adresse Taiwan Service Adresse Germany Pilotfly Technology Co. LTD. Jiafeng South Rd. No.118, 2F-2 Zhubei City, Hsinchu County 30271 Taiwan Pilotfly GmbH Wendelsteinstr.12 86163 Augsburg Deutschland Email: yanherlin@gmail.com Email: marcus.
EU declaration of conformity (DoC) Hereby Pilotfly declares that the Gimbal type C45 and its accessories are in compliance with the relevant harmonisation legislation of the European Union: Directive for radio equipment 2014/53/EU, RoHS-directive 2011/65/EU restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment as well as ERP-directive 2009/125/EU concerning energy related products.
IM_100.CCF.20170512-EN C45 IM_100.CCF.
