Gremsy Gimbal Users Guide

Owned by Conor McCaffrey (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Nov 23, 2020
2 min read

General

The SE-8 platform can be equipped with a variety of Gimbals and payloads. The Gremsy T and S series gimbals are a common choice for stabilizing payloads. The v3 version of these series of gimbals have a common quick-release mechanism. This allows an aircraft to be configured to accept multiple payloads with a single quick-release mechanism. A common connection scheme allow the aircraft to interface with the different payloads without altering the connections to the quick-release.

The gimbals can be controlled through one of two methods. The first is a typical S.Bus control method. This allows the gimbal to operate in a relative motion mode that is common for filming use. The second method is to control the gimbal through a serial connection to the flight controller. This allows for absolute angle control of the gimbal, pointing at GPS coordinates, and controlling the gimbal with an automated mission. The gimbal comes pre-configured for serial mode.

Do not connect or disconnect a Gimbal while the aircraft is powered. Disconnect aircraft batteries first.

User Operation

Serial Connection Type

Changing Control Modes

The flight controller has a few modes of gimbal operation. The mode can be changed in the actions tab of mission planner. The drop down menu picture above is used to select a mode. The button “Set Mount” is used to issue the command to change mode to the desired setting.

Retracted: The gimbal is retracted to a predetermined orientation. This is useful if the payload can extend below the lowest point of the landing gear. This mode can be used to retract the payload for landing and prevent impact with the ground.

Neutral: This is the default startup position

Mavlink Targeting: This mode allows the flight controller to set GPS coordinates (Regions of Interest) or set absolute angles for the gimbal to achieve. This is the mode for automated gimbal control.

RC Targeting: This mode allows the pilot to manually control the gimbal with the flight controls.

Gimbal Settings

The gimbal settings can be accessed via a direct USB connection to a computer

  • Download and install the Gremsy GTune software

  • Connect the gimbal to the computer using a USB micro cable

  • Connect power to the gimbal

    • If powering aircraft make sure arms(or propellers) are not attached for safety

  • Open the GTune program

  • Wait for the program to find the gimbal

  • Click connect

 

BFD Systems – 2020