APS Gimbal Operating Guide

This is a restricted piece of equipment for advanced video students only. Students must be in an approved program for access to this equipment. The gimbal also requires a proficiency.

INTRO

Handheld 3-axis gimbals are used in stabilization systems designed to give the camera operator the independence of handheld shooting without camera vibration or shake. Powered by three brushless motors, the gimbals have the ability to keep the camera level on all axes as the camera operator moves the camera. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) responds to movement and utilizes its three separate motors to stabilize the camera. With the guidance of algorithms, the stabilizer is able to notice the difference between deliberate movement such as pans and tracking shots from unwanted shake. This allows the camera to seem as if it is floating through the air.

CARE

The gimbal at Media Loan is a complicated (and expensive!) piece of equipment that requires special attention and care. If not used and stored properly it can be permanently damaged. These potential damages may lead to accidents and hazards. Please use thorough care with this equipment.

ALWAYS:

Make sure all screws and locks are secured tightly before operation
Store in a cool, dry place
Only use handles to carry gimbal.
Use the stand to set-up the gimbal for use
Make sure that the roll and pitch axis cables do not become tangled

NEVER:

Expose to excessive heat, such as a furnace
Store any items in the case besides those included in the kit
Use excessive force with any of the parts
Use in a location with strong static electricity
Set the gimbal directly on a surface. You MUST use the stand.
Use in the rain or non-dry weather
Pick up the gimbal with any other part than the handles
Force the gimbal to move when locked

BATTERY

Only use the included battery with this equipment
Use only the included charger
Do not overcharge (when fully charged, the indicator light will be solid green)

REMOTE OPERATION

The remote is necessary for operation of the gimbal. The three main functions of the remote are:

Adjusting the desired set-up position of the gimbal
Selecting the operation mode of the gimbal
Performing camera movements (pan, tilt).

To operate the remote, use the power/mode button to turn the remote on/off as well as to select the desired operation mode of the gimbal. Use the joystick to control pitch and yaw of the gimbal for camera tilts and pans.

To turn on/off

Press and the power/mode button for 3 seconds, or until the indicator light turn on/off. A green light means the battery is charged and the signal is normal. A slowly-flashing red light means the battery is getting low, and a quickly-flashing red light means the remote needs to be charged immediately.

Mode Selection

After the remote is on, you can use the power/mode button to set the operational mode for the gimbal.
Before selecting a mode to use, set the gimbal in the desired position (after balancing!). The default position for most shooting situations is completely center and level. You may desire a different effect however, such as a slight tilt up/down. DO NOT CHANGE THE AXIS ADJUSTMENTS TO PLACE THE CAMERA IN AN ALTERNATE POSITION. Use only the remote to make these adjustments so as to not mess up the balance.

After positioning the gimbal, change the mode by pressing the power/mode button the following number of times:

follow pitch, follow yaw. The gimbal will respond and adjust to new pitch and yaw positions as you move. This mode is ideal for a versatile subject/shot that needs quick adaptation.
lock pitch, follow yaw. The gimbal will remain at the set pitch position, but you will will be able to adjust the yaw position as you move. This mode is ideal for a tracking shot around a corner.
lock pitch, lock yaw. The pitch and yaw positions will remain the locked. This mode is ideal for linear tracking shots.

Remote charging

Charge the remote with the included power adaptor and cable. The remote needs 1.5 hours to fully charge and typically lasts for 8 hours.

BATTERY OPERATION

Check the power level: Quickly press the power button once. The light will indicate the power level.
To turn on: Quickly press the power button once, the indicator light will turn on. Press and hold the power button again and the battery will turn on. You'll know it's on when the lights stay lit and the gimbal beeps.
To turn off: Quickly press the power button once, the indicator light will flash. Press and hold the power button again until the lights turn off. You'll know it's off when you can freely move the axis.

TROUBLESHOOTING

You may experience some issues when attempting to operate the gimbal, such as vibration and drifting. The most common cause of gimbal misbehavior is improper balancing. If you're experiencing these difficulties, use the various axis adjustments to properly, and completely, re-balance the gimbal. If the gimbal continues to misbehave, or is having an issue with battery/motor power, please ask for help from APS by stopping in or calling x5506 during open hours.