Iflight G15 User manual

IFLIGHT G15 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

Last Modified: January 13, 2016

NOTICE

All IFLIGHT warranties, instructional manuals, or any miscellaneous documentation for the IFLIGHT G15 must be speculated.

IFLIGHT does their best to resolve any technical errors in order to increase the overall efficiency of the IFLIGHT G15.

DISCLAIMER

While the IFLIGHT G15 does not require a license to use, please regard this as advanced cinema gear that must be handled with

caution and good judgment. A basic understanding of mechanical functions is needed in order to operate the IFLIGHT G15 safely and

responsibly. Failure to do so could not only result in injury of yourself and others, but irreparable damage to your gimbal.

It is essential to read our User Manual to ensure a safe and smooth experience. Please note that IFLIGHT will not be held responsible

for any contrary interpretation made by the user that is different from what the manual intended. IFLIGHT reserves the right to adjust

the manual when needed and is not responsible to alert any user of such changes.

Package content

QTY 1 x IFLIGHT G15 3 Axis Handheld Camera Stabilizer

QTY 1x Joystick controller

QTY 1x Gimbal Tuning Stand

QTY 1x Battery Pack

QTY 1x Battery Charger

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

CONTENTS

I. WARNING BEFORE USE

II. BATTERY & CHARGER

III. BALANCING YOUR GIMBAL

Horizontal Tilt

Vertical Tilt

Roll Balance

Pan Balance

IV. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

V. PROGRAM MODES

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

GIMBAL TUNING GUIDE

OPERATING POSITIONS

SIMPLE BGC GUI SOFTWARE SET UP

TROUBLE SHOOTINGS

I. WARNING BEFORE USE

Please save the profile before you change any settings

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

After IFLIGHT G15 is correctly balanced with your camera setup, it is ready for use. First, install battery on to handle where the Velcro is. Plug

battery into the power connector,and the gimbal is on,Hold the IFLIGHT G15 still while powering on, as to avoid improper start up.

IFLIGHT G15 comes equipped with 5 modes. The default mode is “Follow Underslung” mode with disable joystick function. The camera follows

heading of the gimbal. The second mode is still “Follow Underslung” mode with activated Joystick function. The third mode is “Lock axis” mode.

The fourth mode is Pan and Pitch Follow".The Fifth mode is"Inverted" mode.

Pan and tilt can be controlled by operating the joystick or using a RC Tx (optional)

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

II.

**Never leave charger unattended, exceed maximum charge rate, charge with non-approved batteries or charge batteries in the wrong mode.

**Always ensure the battery you are charging meets the specifications of this charger and that the charger settings are correct. Not

doing so can result in excessive heat and other related product malfunctions, which can lead to user injury or property damage

PLEASE DO NOT…

…leave the power supply, charger and battery unattended during use.

…attempt to charge dead, damaged or wet battery packs.

…attempt to charge a battery pack

containing different types of batteries.

…allow minors to charge battery packs.

…charge batteries in extremely hot or cold places or place in direct sunlight.

…charge a battery if the cable has been pinched or shorted.

…connect more than one battery pack to this charger at a time

…connect the charger if the power cable has been pinched or shorted.

…connect the charger to an automobile 12V battery while the vehicle is running.

…attempt to dismantle the charger or use a damaged charger.

…reverse the positive and negative terminals.

…

connect battery to AC power.

**Failure to follow the advised steps while using this product will not only result in product malfunction, but can also cause

severe injury and property damage.

Battery & Charger

KEEP IN MIND TO ALWAYS…

…

power on the charger before connecting the battery

…

use only rechargeable batteries designed for use with this type of charger.

…inspect the battery before charging.

…

keep the battery away from any material that could be affected by heat.

...monitor the charging area and have a fire extinguisher available at all times.

…

end the charging process if the battery becomes hot to the touch or starts to change form (swell) during the charge process.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

III.

BALANCING YOUR GIMBAL

We recommend you have your camera and accessories (i.e. filter, batteries, etc.) mounted before balancing the gimbal. If your

lens has an adjustable zoom, set the zoom to the desired position before balancing.

STEP 1: HORIZONTAL TILT/VERTICAL TILT

How to balance and adjust IFLIGHT G15 centre of gravity

The centre of gravity needs to be balance before IFLIGHT G15 can be used. The centre of gravity can be adjusted by moving the camera around

and certain mounting points. Little movements are all that are needed. Proper balancing is essential to correct operation of IFLIGHT G15 gimbal.

When the gimbal is able to never return to the same position after being gently tapped, balancing is complete.

First, the camera itself needs to be adjusted forwards/backwards. Work towards making the camera sit level.

Next, the up/down sliders on the pitch assembly need to be adjusted. Camera should roll without stopping in same position.

forwards/backwards

up/down

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

STEP 2: ROLL BALANCE

Verify the balance by moving your Roll Axis to several locations. If roll stays and does not fall to either side, your roll is balanced.

The roll needs to be adjusted next. There are two options to adjust roll. It can be adjust where the camera mounts or the back mounts on the roll

poll. Sometimes both need adjustment to get correct balance. We prefer that to move camera mount to adjust the camera balance.Lose the quick

release screws under the camera tray,move the camera tray left/right to get balance correct on camera mounts. Pay attention to keep everything

lined up horizontally.

left/right

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

STEP 3: PAN BALANCE

The pan balance is the last axis to balance for the IFLIGHT G15. The Pan Balance will ensure that the entire mass below the pan

motor is balanced on the central axis line of the pan motor. The simplest way to check for your Pan Axis to be balanced is to tilt the

gimbal in the stand and see which way the Pan Axis swings.

front/rear

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

IV. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Bluetooth Module（OPtion to buy）

You can tune your gimbal controller without having to drag along a USB cable or using a computer, download SimbleBGC app on

your phone and enjoy the freedom of wireless.

How to connect using Bluetooth (PC)

1. Open devices and printers from the control panel.

2. Click add device in upper left hand corner.

3. Turn IFLIGHT G15 on. After a few seconds, Bestablecam will be visible.

4. Select

Bestablecam

5. Enter 0000 for the devices pairing code.

After pairing is complete, find the SimplBGC device and right click properties. Go to the hardware tab and look for what COM number you have. (Example

COM4)

6. Open BaseCam software and under connection choose the correct COM# and click connect.

7. IFLIGHT G15 is now connected through Bluetooth. And all of the adjustments can be now done wirelessly.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

How to connect using Bluetooth ((Android))

(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.smartsoft.simplebgc&hl=en)

1. Install SimpleBGC from Play Store.

2. Click SimpleBGC App > Settings > Bluetooth

3. Turn IFLIGHT G15 on. After a few seconds, bestablecam will be visible.

4. Select bestablecam

5. Enter 0000 for the devices pairing code.

6. After pairing is complete, IFLIGHT G15 is now connected through Bluetooth. And all of the adjustments can be now done wirelessly.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

V. PROGRAM MODES

The IFLIGHT G15 has 5 pre-programmed operating modes. These different modes affect how the gimbal controller behaves. These modes

do not affect operating position (i.e. inverted mode, briefcase mode). For more information on operating positions, see section VIII

below.

Default Setting



Mode 1 – Heading Follow Mode

The Camera slowly tracks your movements,the joystick doesn't activate at this time.

To activate mode 1, press down the power switch"ON" and wait 1 - 3 seconds.(default mode)



Mode 2 – Joystick Mode( Still Mode 1 but activated Joystick function)

Press once the mode button to avtivate the joystick mode,you can use joystick to control pan and tilt axis from this step..

To activate mode 2, press the Mode button Twice and wait 1 - 3 seconds.



Mode 3 – Lock Mode

The operator canʻt move any direction and camera stays locked in one position.

To activate mode 3, press the Joystick or Mode button THREE times consecutively and wait 1 - 3 seconds.



Mode 4 – Heading and Pitch Follow Mode

The Camera slowly tracks your movements on pan and tilt axis.

To activate mode 3, press the Joystick or Mode button FOUR times consecutively and wait 1 - 3 seconds.

IFLIGHTSTABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE



Mode 5 – Inverted Mode

An inverted mode can be achieved by flipping the gimbal upside-down in Heading follow mode or you can restart in an inverted mode.

o To get the gimbal into the Inverted Position, long press the Joystick or Mode button until the motors are off,flipping the gimbal upside-down,turn

the camera 180°,then press FIVE times consecutively the Joystick or Mode button,the gimbal start to work in the inverted mode.To get back to the

normal position(under-slung position),long press the Joystick or Mode button to turn the motors off,then flip the gimbal to normal postion,press FIVE

times consecutively the Joystick or Mode button,now it's back to Uder-Slung Position

Note: When powering the gimbal ON and OFF, the gimbal will always default to Mode 1.

Note: DO NOT POWER ON AND USE IN THE NORMAL POSITION(DEAFAULT MODE) WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE GIMBAL

DURING USE THE INVERTED MODE.

Mode operation:

- Turn on the power,the default mode is heading follow mode

- Click the mode button twice, to activate the joystick function,you can manually operate the pan and tilt with a joystick.(Use joystick control from this step)

- Click 3 times continuously, it is in heading lock mode,the operator canʻt move any direction and camera stays locked in one position.

- Click 4 times continuously, it is in heading and pitch follow mode,the camera slowly tracks your movements on pan and tilt axis.

- Click 5 times continuously, it is in inverted mode,it can be achieved by flipping the gimbal upside-down in follow mode or you can restart in an inverted mode.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

VI. OPERATING POSITIONS

The IFLIGHT G15 can operate in many positions, allowing you to get shots from down low and up high or even mount the gimbal to a

tripod or crane. These operating positions can be

changed very quickly by cycling the gimbals power. The gimbal can operate in all five of

the program modes while in any of these operating positions.



Under-Slung Mode

This is the most commonly used mode with the handles up on top and the camera down below. When the gimbal is resting in the tuning stand, it is in the

Under-Slung mode.

Simply power on the gimbal from the tuning stand, or while in your hands, to begin using the gimbal in the Under-Slung Position.



Inverted Mode

Use this mode when you want to get the camera to sit comfortably at an elevated level. You can also hold the gimbal up high to get shots from above.

To get the gimbal into the Inverted Position, long press the mode button,then the motors are off,flipping the gimbal upside-down,then press 5

times the mode button,the gimbal start in the inverted mode.To get back to the normal position(under-slung position),long press the mode

button to turn the motors off,then flip the gimbal to normal postion,press 5 times the mode button,now it's back to Uder-Slung Position

Invert the rubber grip handles 180 degrees.



Briefcase Mode

Use this Position to get shots down low. In this position, you will be holding the gimbal at your side with one hand on the rubber side handle.

To get the gimbal into the Briefcase Position, start by holding the gimbal in your hands in the Under-Slung position with the gimbal motors

are

powered off.

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

VII. SIMPLE BGC GUI SOFTWARE SET UP

Connecting IFLIGHT G15 to computer.

SIMPLEBGC GUI SOFTWARE

Achieve the best shooting stabilizing effect. Using SimpleBGC GUI software for

setting and fine tuning the PID sensitivity, adjust motor power due to the different

camera weights. Best results for the stabilization will be achieved by a good setup.

Download SimpleBGC GUI software from Basecamelectronics.

http://www.basecamelectronics.com/downloads/32bit/#latest

Java Runtime environment is required in order to start the application. Ensure

you have Java Runtime installed, if not download it at www.java.com To

start the application you need to have Java Runtime Environment by Oracle

in your system:http:www.java.com

GUI for Windows:

Simply run SimpleBGC GUI.exe

GUI for MAC OS:

Run SimpleBGC GUI.jar

GUI uses a virtual COM port. Create a lock file to access it:

1.Start terminal (navigate to /Applications/Utilities and double click on Terminal)

2.Make folder “/var/lock” by command: sudo mkdir /var/lock

3.Change permissions by command: sudo chmod 777 /var/lock

4.Allow to run non-signed applications in System Preferences > Security&Privacy > General> Allow

Applications downloaded from: Anywhere

GUI for LINUX

Run run.sh.

Connection for computer

A connection between a controller and a computer can be established via a Micro-USB

You will need to install a driver the first time you establish a connection. If the driver is not

installed automatically. You can download it under follow link:

http://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/pagesusbtouartbridgevcpdrivers.aspx

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

Although the IFLIGHT G15 is tested with a camera before shipping, it does not come pre-tuned or balanced for your specific camera setup. Customers will be

responsible for tuning and balancing their camera. With the help of Bluetooth,we can quickly and simplely tune the gimbal .The following profiles is we tested with

Canon 5D2 camera,suit for camera weight 1.5-1.8kgs.

VIII.GIMBAL TUNING GUIDE

Please save the profile before you change any settings

Basic Setting

For changing camera with different size

and weight,the first step to balance your

camera properly,and then select the

"Basic Setting" tag,and raise or lower

the P.I.D values SLIGHTLY

,see the picture on the left.Just change

the vaules in the red sqaure only,don't try

to change other figures without our

instruction.

DO THIS

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

Although the IFLIGHT G15 is tested with a camera before shipping, it does not come pre-tuned or balanced for your specific camera setup. Customers will be

responsible for tuning and balancing their camera. With the help of Bluetooth,we can quickly and simplely tune the gimbal .The following profiles is we tested with

Canon 5D2 camera,suit for camera weight 1.5-1.8kgs.

VIII.GIMBAL TUNING GUIDE

Don't change setting in the RED Aera

Service Setting

Basic Setting

DON'T DO THIS

IFLIGHT STABILIZED GIMBAL SYSTEMS USER GUIDE

Advanced Setting

P,I,D – PID regulation parameters for all axes.

◦

P – describes the power of disturbance response. Higher values means a stronger response reaction to external disturbance. Raise this value until the stabilization quality of fast disturbances will

be adequate. If the “P” value is too high, oscillations of the axis will start to be present. These oscillations will get worse if there are vibrations that reach the IMU sensor board. If oscillations

occur, raise the “D” parameter by 1 or 2 units, and then try to raise the “P" value again.

◦

D – The “D” value reduces the reaction speed. This value helps to remove low-frequency oscillations. A “D” value that is too high can cause high-frequency oscillations, particularly when the

IMU sensor is exposed to vibrations. In special cases, it may be filtered out by digital filters (see below).

◦

I – The “I” value changes the speed at which the gimbal moves to incoming RC commands and to move the gimbal back to neutral. Low values result in a slow and smooth reaction to RC

commands and to getting back to neutral. Increase this value to speed up the movement.

POWER – maximum voltage supplied to the motors (0 - 255, where 255 means full battery voltage). Choose this parameter according to your motor characteristics. Basic tuning:

Don't change setting in the RED Aera

RC Setting