The DJI Ronin is a 3-axis gimbal for DSLR cameras. Quadcopter Dual Axis Gimbal Three Axis Gimbal

Online store "Young Papa" offers to purchase a three-axis gimbal for the DJI 3-axis Gimbal RONIN camera. With built-in balancing adjustment system, there is no need for fit and adjustment. Balancing the Ronin and changing camera settings is quick and easy. This ensures greater efficiency in professional shooting conditions. Built-in Automatically Tune Stabilization (ATS) technology uses intelligent algorithms to automatically configure the Ronin to work with your camera - just press a button.

It is also very important that the Ronin is designed for use with many types of cameras and can be easily configured with any type of equipment: from small Micro 4: 3 cameras to the oversized Red Epic systems.

Another DJI feature is Zenmuse gimbals. Such gimbals became the first systems in the world for professional aerial photography and video filming. The Zenmuse line of hangers is the standard, and other manufacturers are equal to it. The Ronin is designed with the exact same technology and has a variety of control modes and an integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

Features:

Supports cameras weighing up to 7kg
Accuracy: ± 0.02 °
Remote control rotation
Balancing without tools
Assistant app for iOS and Windows
Bluetooth wireless connection for setup
15mm rods + mounting points for accessories
USB and PowerTap outputs
Delivered in a heavy-duty Pelican carrying case

Equipment:

Steadicam
Battery
Charger
Remote control
Stand
Mount
Instructions in Russian

Specifications:

Peripherals

Accessory Power Connectors: Two regulated 12V P-tap inputs, one 500mW USB, one DJI Lightbridge Modem
Gimbal Control Unit Power (GCU: Ronin Battery 4S
Connections: For remote remote control 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth module, USB connector
PC OS requirements for Assistant installation: indows XP SP3; Windows 7; Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit)
Requirements for OS mob. device to install Assistant software: iOS version 6.1 or higher for mobile devices, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 4, iPod touch 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini

Mechanical and electrical characteristics

Operating current: Static current 300 mA (at 16 V), Dynamic current: 600 mA (at 16 V), Locked motor current max. 10 A (at 16 V)
Operating temperature: -15 ° C to 50 ° C (5 ° F to 120 ° F)
Weight: 4.20 kg (9.26 lbs) full load with top handle
Suspension dimensions: 620 x 280-380 x 500 mm
Supported camera dimensions: Maximum depth of the center of mass of the camera base plate: 140 mm, Maximum height, measured from the top of the camera base plate: 225 mm, Maximum width: 195 mm

Performance characteristics

Maximum load (reference value): 7.25 kg (16 lb)
Angle adjustment accuracy: 0.02 °
Max. adjustable pan speed: Pan axis: 90 ° / s, Tilt axis: 100 ° / s, Roll axis: 30 ° / s
Pan Control Range: Pan Axis 360 °, Tilt Axis 45 ° Up to 120 ° Down, Roll Axis ± 25 °

The DJI Ronin is a 3-axis gimbal with electronic gimbal that allows you to shoot smooth, shake-free footage using most DSLRs and small size movie cameras on the market.

Heir to Zenmuse

DJI Ronin is a logical continuation of the company's experience with Zenmuse gimbals for GoPro, DSLR cameras such as Canon 5D MarkII, BMPCC, Panasonic GH3 / GH4, Sony NEX and others. After Zenmuse - a gimbal for quad and multicopters, Ronin inherited excellent stabilization with a three-axis gimbal design, flexible settings and the ability to install a wide range of DSLR cameras and others, from compact Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and Sony NEX to professional RED cameras.

Designed for professionals

The DJI Ronin was developed not only by DJI Innovations employees, but also by leading filmmakers, whose experience was taken into account to create a comfortable handheld gimbal with 3D stabilization. This device is designed to facilitate the work of the operator and the film crew, not only simplifying the handling of the camera, but also significantly expanding the possibilities for shooting (see video). In addition to a comfortable design with multiple rubberized grips, the DJI Ronin is equipped with a secure stand and a removable top handle that allows you to quickly place the gimbal on a shooting crane.

Convenient suspension design

The Ronin's three-axis electronic gimbal system has three grip options - with two grips, with the camera low with the upper handle, and with the camera above the operator's head at the bottom. Aluminum structural elements with the use of carbon parts make the suspension quite light and create almost perfect balance. No dangling cables and a complete design make this electronic steadicam easy to handle every day, allowing you to use it even in adverse weather conditions.

Stabilization and automatic adjustment to the camera

DJI Ronin provides stabilization and smooth video with an accuracy of ± 0.02 °, which corresponds to the current professional level of shooting and eliminates the need for software video stabilization in post-processing. Thanks to the technology inherited from Zenmuse, to get started, you just need to mount a camera from a wide range of compatible cameras and adjust the balance, and the stabilization setting will automatically make software steadicama. The built-in 32-bit processor handles fast initial setup with Auto Tune Stability, just enough to start shooting. More precise settings are made through the appropriate software when the Ronin is connected to a computer.

Remote control and video transmission

Via Bluetooth and the iOS app, you can connect to the DJI Ronin, turning an Apple smartphone or tablet into a second operator's control panel with video viewing and three-axis gimbal control. Also, the gimbal can be controlled in three directions using a complete remote control, similar to the DJI quadcopter controller or Zenmuse gimbal. The first operator of the gimbal can concentrate on camera movement and smooth movements, while the second can follow the framing and focus adjustment.

For Follow Focus systems, a 2x15mm rig is included. In addition, SmootTrack technology will allow one operator to work, making smooth movement of the frame following the movement of the operator. Ronin also supports installation on multicopters with independent gimbal and camera control. And thanks to the support for installing the DJI LightBridge module, you can broadcast video in 1080p resolution in a detuning range of about 1.5 kilometers using the corresponding video link system.

Opening hours and meals

The electronic gimbal is equipped with removable smart batteries similar to those of DJI quadcopters. Supports quick replacement, viewing the level of the remaining charge on the built-in indicators and charging with a complete charger. The system is equipped with two 12V outputs, a 5V USB output, and power supply for the LightBridge module as connectors for power supply. The Ronin gimbal has up to 4 hours of battery life.

New shooting methods

DJI Ronin not only makes the job of the cameraman and crew easier, but also opens up a new approach to filming and techniques. A steadicam with a camera can be moved from the hands of the operator to the camera crane, installed on platforms or take off on a quadcopter, all within one shot! What distinguishes Ronin from other electronic 3D steadicams is its integration with mobile devices, a whole list of supported technologies from DJI out of the box and the ability to flexibly expand functionality using additional modules.

Features:

Three-axis electronic gimbal for handheld, crane or quadcopter shooting
Original design, reliable construction, aluminum and carbon elements
High quality stabilization in three directions
Three grip options for the operator
Quick release handle for crane installation
Rig for Follow Focus systems included
Automatic stabilization for the camera in just 5 minutes
Supports DJI accessories and technologies
Gimbal control panel and second operator app
4 hours of battery life, quick-change

As before, I will try to tell you about the problem that took a lot of my time and energy and about the correct way to solve it.

A little theory about video filming from a quadcopter

During the flight, any multi-rotor aircraft (tricopter, quadrocopter, hexacopter, octacopter, etc.), and hereinafter we will call it conditionally drone) repeatedly tilts and turns the body in different directions. Only due to the tilts of the body, the drone is able to move in a horizontal plane, and in the process of resisting the wind, these tilts become sharper, stronger and more frequent.

In cheap drones, the video camera is rigidly attached to the body. aircraft, sometimes mounted on a vibration damping platform, but in both cases, the camera tilts following any tilt of the drone body. What we have as a result: If the shooting was carried out with a wide-angle lens (for example, as in Action cameras, such as GoPro), then the video looks a little unstable, wobbly, a little imperfect. And if the camera lens is cheap and narrow-angle (as, for example, in the Syma X5C drone), then the instability of the video reaches such limits that after a while of focused viewing, your head starts to spin.

To solve this problem, two- and three-axis camera gimbals have been designed! A gimbal is an electronic device that keeps the camera level and in a certain position (usually horizontal) regardless of any tilt or rotation of the drone.

A little theory about stabilization gimbals

The gimbal is equipped with one or two gyroscope / accelerometer sensors, and two or three brushless electric motors. Sensors provide information about the current location of the drone and the camera in space, and the electric motors tilt the camera to a predetermined position and hold it in it.

The two-axis gimbal is equipped with two electric motors and stabilizes the camera along two axes:

Pitch axis - Pitch - tilt the camera up and down
Roll axis - Roll - tilt (not turn!) The camera to the left and right

Proponents of two-axis gimbals believe that turns around the third axis of rotation can be done by turning the drone itself.

In a three-axis suspension, one more electric motor and one more stabilization axis are added to the above:

Yaw axis - Yaw - rotate the camera to the left and right around the vertical axis.

Choosing a gimbal model

If you do not consider super-expensive professional models, then all optimal choice in the Chinese market comes down to two types of gimbal based on Storm32:

Two-axis suspension for 35-40$ ,
Three-axis suspension for 50-55$ .

Considering the slight difference in price, as well as the widespread opinion that the three-axis gimbal stabilizes the video so well that it can be used without further processing, I of course decided to purchase the three-axis gimbal. HakRC Storm32 .

First experience of using

Attention! Do not turn on the gimbal without a camera installed on it!

The gimbal started working right out of the box, without requiring additional settings. The power supply of a 3S battery (12 volts) was enough for him and on the table he quickly and clearly aligned the camera when the drone was tilted. A couple more wires, and I could already control the vertical tilt of the camera (pitch axis), and I was already proud of the result! However, the very first flight showed how much I was wrong!

In the first flight, a strong shaking was found along the pitch axis. Unfortunately, I noticed this fact only after landing, when watching the video, when it was already hopelessly spoiled.

It was from this case that my detailed study of the issues of setting up a three-axis suspension began.

Important Steps to Gimbal Setup

Remember that all the gimbal settings you make to work with one specific camera, and the settings are made for its specific weight, size and location! When replacing the camera with another model, you may have to make the settings again!

Experts advise to perform the following steps when setting up:

Inspection and check of the mechanical part of the suspension
Camera installation, balancing all axes
Flashing the controller to the latest firmware version
6-point calibration of both gyro sensors
Executing the Setup gimball wizard
Checking and setting all parameters except PID
PID setting

And to be honest, I did not fulfill points 3 and 4, hoping for the honesty of assembly and configuration in China, and so far everything works. Now let's go over these points in detail:

Mechanics: All parts of the bracket must be tightly connected, must not be deformed, all motors must rotate freely without resistance, nothing must play!
The camera must be balanced on all axes. If you are unable to install the camera in the geometric center of the platform and the platform hangs, say, to the right side, then you need to glue a counterweight on the left side, for example, a few coins.
There is a lot of material on the firmware on the Internet (including video tutorials), which will be more accurate and understandable than my stories, because I haven't done it yet.
You need to calibrate separately the sensor on the board and the sensor on the camera arm, one or six points. The best result is achieved at six points. I will not tell you in detail, but why? See point 3!
The wizard (wizard) allows, with minimal user actions, to adjust the primary parameters of the gimbal, namely: the number of poles of the electric motors, and most importantly: what position of the camera in space is correct and initial, and what position of the gimbal should you strive for! After all, not all gimbals are located below the quadcopter body, some in front or on top, there are people who put the gimbal on a bicycle, and some even convert this device into a handheld stabilizer for a mobile phone!
The rest of the settings are more or less clear, although they are distributed on different pages of the setup program. For example: the way of holding the camera (Hold or Pan), reaction to commands from the Control Equipment, low voltage threshold for switching off the gimbal, etc. etc.
PID tuning is a broader topic that deserves, if not a separate article, then at least a separate section in our article!

PID setting

PID control (proportional-integral-derivative) is a control method, control of some kind of feedback system. In short, the PID system is configured with three parameters, which in a simplified version can be described as follows:

P - How strongly the feedback sensor readings (in our case, the gyro sensor readings) should affect the rotation of the controlled system (on the electric motor)
I - How much should the influence of the feedback sensor increase if the sensor indicates the need for action for a long time
D - How much it is necessary to counteract the consequences of too strong influence of the first two parameters.

Some of the settings in the control of the drone itself are controlled by the same technique, but today we are not considering them. So! There is very little information on the Internet about PID tuning in the suspension and it is very insufficient. And I achieved the best results, following the methodology of Julian from RC SchoolModels, despite the fact that he adjusted the gimbal of another manufacturer in his video. If we adapt his method to our Storm32 gimbal, it will look something like this:

Reset to zero all values \u200b\u200bof the parameters P, I, D, VMax along all three axes. The gimbal will hang without tension.
All the following actions (points 3-7) must be performed in turn for each of the axes, in the following sequence: Roll, Pitch, Yaw:
Adjust VMax (maximum voltage per motor). Increase the parameter from zero until the motor starts to hold the camera in a certain position. Too high value of the parameter can lead to overheating of motors or severe discharge of batteries. The values \u200b\u200b80-110 were enough for me on different axes.
Adjust I. Slowly add the parameter until the gimbal starts moving the camera on its own. In this case, it is not necessary to achieve alignment of the camera, just some independent movement is enough. I had enough values \u200b\u200bfor 1-2 divisions from zero, that is, very few!
Adjust P. Slowly add the parameter from zero until the gimbal starts pulling the camera exactly to its normal (horizontal) position. In this case, you do not need to pay attention to vibration or shaking.
Adjust D. Slowly add this parameter until vibration stops. If the parameter value is too large, high-frequency vibration along the specified axis may start.
If using the parameters P, I, D it is not possible to balance the axes or get rid of vibrations - try to decrease the Vmax parameter along this axis and repeat steps 4-7.
Repeat steps 3-7 for the remaining axes.
Check the operation of all axes, save the settings.

The gimbal configuration software has the ability to save the settings to a file. I advise you to do this before and after any changes.

2-axis gimbals for quadcopters are needed to stabilize the camera and for smooth video shooting. There are different types of gimbals for each type of camera. It should be noted that gimbals are already included in the kits with quadcopters intended for video recording. But if you decide to change the "native" camera of the quadcopter to a more professional one, you will have to buy a gimbal.

At the moment, there are both two-axial hangers and three-axial ones. 2D gimbals stabilize the camera in two directions, while 3D gimbals obviously stabilize the camera in three directions. They work at the expense of balancers made mainly of aluminum. But if you do not know, then we will analyze each of them.

Dual axis gimbal for Cheerson CX-20

Of the two axle gimbals, it is worth noting the Chinese model running on the Cheerson CX20. Designed for any camera with brushless motors. Its weight is approximately 220 grams.

When assembling on some models of copters, the gimbal may press on the chassis and block the USB input. This can be easily corrected by simply sawing the cushion plates.

It is desirable to glue the telemetry module to the side, thereby displacing it to the battery cover. You will have to drill a small hole for telemetry and wires in the body of the copter itself near the battery box. The gimbal kit also includes a JST power wire, which must be soldered to the regulator power wire. Power is supplied from the power module to the copter battery.

It is desirable to place the electronic circuit with the tilt sensor on the other side of the plate, which acts as the base of the camera. Otherwise, you may face the fact that when the camera is oriented downward, the connector with the circuit wire will abut against the nearest plate and jerk the camera.

You can use the gimbal adjustment software SimpleBGC-GUI-2-2b2 to adjust the ESCs. Basically, this adjustment is required when the camera vibrates and the engine squeaks due to excessive tension. All you have to do is connect the gimbal to your laptop and load the ready-made GoPro settings into the gimbal.

Naturally, when installing additional attachments on the quadcopter, its weight increases. This leads to a reduction in flight time by about 15-20%. But the quality of the shooting will be excellent and stable.

DYS BLG2A and Black CNC FPV dual axis gimbal

There is also a DYS BLG2A dual-axis gimbal for GoPro cameras. Supports GoPro2 and GoPro3 camcorders. Has powerful BGM2208-70 brushless motors. Made of aluminum alloy, which is highly rigid and durable for fixing the camera mount. The approximate weight is 240 grams, which is slightly more than the above model.

Quite small dimensions, amounting to 120x70x180 millimeters. The upper dampers provide additional stabilization to the drone when flying. The entire assembly process takes less than 60 minutes. Unfortunately, no controller board is included. But it has a fairly low price and a high-quality device.

Based on forum posts about cheap gimbals, people often buy Black CNC FPV versatile gimbals that go to many popular types of quadcopter cameras. As with the Cheerson CX20 model, it may take a little tinkering if it interferes with the chassis or obstructs the USB connector. But, in general, the main problem for users is a lot of camera shake and increased sensitivity during control.

A similar problem is encountered with gimbals with controllers from BASECAM Electronics. It is solved quite simply, similar to the version with the Cheerson CX20. It is enough to install SimpleBGC_GUI_2_2b2 and load the settings into the board.

Plastic hangers from Walkera manufacturer

In addition to aluminum hangers, there are plastic ones. Walkera, already well-known on the quadcopter market, is actively developing plastic gimbals. They differ in their low price (about 15% lower than their aluminum counterparts) and low weight, which is only 160 grams. The strength of the plastic gimbal, of course, is slightly less than the aluminum one, but if your copter crashes into hard surface and at high speed, which will lead to a breakdown of the suspension, then it can be simply glued with dichloroethane glue without losing its initial strength, but with aluminum it will not work.

3D gimbals for GoPro

Three-axis gimbals have much higher stabilization rates, but their price is obviously higher.

For example, the Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal is designed for fixing GoPro3 cameras, including GoPro3 +, for Phantom 2 drones. The camera fixation accuracy can reach ± \u200b\u200b0.08˚. Also has support for all flight controllers manufactured by DJI Innovations, including helicopter Ace One, Naza H and Wookong H.

It is made of aluminum, which makes the suspension very strong and relatively light. Compatible with Flame Wheel flight platforms. Its dimensions are 97x95x73 millimeters and weighs 168 grams. Maximum speed mining is 130˚ per second.

It also has a built-in control module that allows tilt rotation from -130˚ to + 45˚. New high-precision sensors in the integrated controller, encoders and brushless motor modules provide pixel-level camera stabilization.

It should be noted that a video made with a 3D gimbal camera does not need to be further processed. In addition, gimbals have the ability to control independently from the quadcopter itself.

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