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Below is a list of authorized versions of the SimpleBGC GUI software to use with our CAME-TV gimbals. Instructions for connection and use can be found here. If you are unsure of which version below is appropriate for your gimbal, click HERE.

2.63 b0 Currently available for the CAME-Prophet gimbal only. Contact us if needed.

2.60 b4 Currently available for CAME-Prodigy and newer CAME-Optimus models only. Contact us if needed.

2.56 b7
GUI (Windows, OS X, Linux): SimpleBGC_GUI_2_56b7.zip (8Mb 20.01.2016)
User Manual (English): SimpleBGC_32bit_manual_2_5x_eng.pdf (1Mb 29.06.2016)

2.55b3
GUI (Windows, OS X, Linux): SimpleBGC_GUI_2_55b3.zip (7.95Mb 17.02.2015)

2.50b3
GUI (Windows, OS X, Linux): SimpleBGC_GUI_2_50b3.zip (8Mb 14.04.2015)
User Manual (English): SimpleBGC_32bit_manual_2_50_eng.pdf (1Mb 6.05.2015)

2.43b9
GUI (Windows, OS X, Linux): SimpleBGC_GUI_2_43b9.zip (6Mb 14.04.2015)
User Manual (English): SimpleBGC_32bit_manual_2_43_eng.pdf (813Kb 8.12.2014)

If you are in need of 2.60 b4, contact us first.

SimpleBGC GUI software is developed and provided by BasecamElectronics.com.

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Even though the CAME-Action 2 gimbal for smartphones allows for an easy plug & play setup, like other CAME-TV gimbals, it does require a little bit of balancing for optimal use & stabilization. As shown in the video below, you want to make sure that your smartphone is steadily balanced along both the Roll and Pitch axes.

Once you have a proper balance, then you can commence using smooth gimbal shots with your smartphone.

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Customers of our newer gimbals may have noticed that the battery charger kits for the CAME-Argo and Mini 3 are slightly different from how they used to be. With this slight change, there is an updated process on how to properly charge your batteries for these gimbals. See the video below for a simple step-by-step breakdown.

The blue LED indicator lights on the battery itself will not blink as it is charging. However, you can press the button to see the progress of the charge.

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In general, yes we do sell most spare parts for many (but not all) of our CAME-TV products. For example, if you are in need of parts such as a replacement QR plate for your CAME-TV gimbal, or a spare power adapter for your LED light, then fill out this form and one of our associates will contact you to let you know if your requested part is available for purchase.

Instead of sending a video link as requested on the form, you can send a link to an image for the part that you are in need of. If you are requesting a part that you've lost and cannot take a picture of it to send. Then you can go to that item's product page on our website, download a picture, and simply highlight or circle the specific part that you are in need of. Once you have the image ready, create a shareable link (ex: via imgur, Dropbox) out of it and include it when emailing our technical support staff.

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A few customers have reported that their recently purchased Mini-3 gimbal did not have an instructional manual that came with it. For those who are in need of it, you can find an online version of the manual available for viewing & download here.

Also, below is a video by YouTube reviewer MrCheesycam who does a very thorough overview of the Mini-3.

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We've received a few reports from CAME-Single customers who are experiencing problems pairing their CAME-Single with the wireless bluetooth remote . Please first note that all gimbals leave the warehouse pre-paired, and should NOT require this process. However, for those experiencing the problem of not having their gimbal & remote paired right out of the box, please follow the video below for a few additional steps on how to manually do so.

1. Find a small metal stick like a paper clip to use as your main tool.
2. Make sure your wireless remote receiver is properly installed in your Single.
3. Power on both your Single and remote.
4. Poke the metal stick into the remote's center hole for about 5 seconds.
5. Poke the metal stick into the tiny hole on the Single's handle & hold it there. Move the joystick around and the gimbal should eventually respond to the joystick movements (this could take a few minutes).

If you have a CAME-Argo or CAME-Mini3 with a similar problem, you can follow the steps in the video below:

Lastly, if you have problems pairing the newer CSWR-4 remote, please follow the process shown in the video below to sync it with your gimbal.

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If you are already in contact with a CAME-TV support associate regarding a problem or concern with your product, then we recommend sending videos in 1 of the 4 ways listed below. In the video itself, you can simply shoot it with your smartphone and through your POV (or while mounted on a tripod). It is easiest for us to diagnose and troubleshoot a problem remotely if we see exactly what you see.

(Ex: If you are reporting a problem with a shaking gimbal, shoot the video so we see the gimbal in the shot. Do not send a video from the gimbal camera's point of view).

1. Unlisted YouTube Video - Please upload a video to YouTube, save it as Unlisted and then send us the link.

2.  DropBox shareable link - Simply upload the video to your DropBox account and provide us with a shareable link.

3. Vimeo Link (Password Protected) - If you have a Vimeo account, you can upload the video and encrypt it with a password for external viewing. You can then send us the video link along with the password that unlocks the viewing restrictions so we can view it on our end.

4. WeTransfer.com Digi-Delivery - If you do not own or have access to any of the accounts listed above, then you can send us your movies for free using WeTransfer.com. You can send multiple files up to 2GB per email for free and no account or membership is needed.

NOTES:

Why do I need to send a video for support?

- First and foremost, by giving our technical staff a first hand look at the issue that you are reporting, they may be able to recognize the problem more easily and in turn provide a timely solution.

- In the past, there have been incidents where customers have presented false claims of product malfunction/defect in order to receive a replacement for their product (which in truth was not defective). Providing a video is a way to show us and confirm that there indeed a manufacturing flaw with an item that is in need of support and/or repair.

Can I just send the video as an email attachment?

- We'd prefer that you DO NOT send videos through email attachments for several reasons.

1) Our support team uses a 3rd party email ticketing/organization system that limits all attachments to only 7mb. Most videos usually are larger in file size and will not be transmitted successfully.

2) Our email software is very sensitive in its security features, and at its discretion, will put suspicious emails with attachments into a spam/junk mail folder, which we likely will not be able to immediately see.

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A very basic, yet common question that we get is "How do I know when my CAME-Single is done charging?" First off, a full charge can typically be accomplished in about 2-4 hours. Keeping it plugged in any longer can run the risk of overcharging your battery, and causing it to go into a protective sleep mode.

However, as a visual indicator of the battery's charge status, you can look no further than the LED indicator light that is on the charging plug.

singal_red_charging

When plugged in, a red light on the plug shows that charging is currently in progress. Once full, the light will switch over to green, indicating the battery is completely charged and the gimbal is ready to use.

single_green_charge

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Many of our newer gimbals such as the CAME-Single, Mini 3, Argo, etc. now come with a wireless remote that allows you to toggle between profiles and control its pan/tilt movements. To charge the remote, you'll simply need a Micro USB cable and plug it into any wall outlet or portable USB charger. These Micro USB cables are very common, as they are the same type that charge many Android smartphones and numerous other mobile accessories.

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Since its release, the CAME-Single has proven to be one of our most popular products. A large reason behind this is its compact form factor, and its ability to stabilize many smaller-to-medium size camera setups. Among these recommended setups are mirrorless cameras such as the Panasonic GH4, BMPCC, and Sony a7r / a7s line. That is, as long as the total payload (with lens & battery) falls underneath 2.6 lbs (1.1kg).

With that said, several potential customers have asked us if their traditional camcorder-style video camera can work with the CAME-Single. Even though most handheld camcorders will have a similar payload offering as the cameras listed above, form factor plays a key reason why we DO NOT recommend these for use with the Single.

First off, the physical design of most camcorders offer a different weight distribution, which can prevent optimal balancing. But more importantly, most (if not all) camcorders have a flip out LED screen on its left side that will be blocked by the Single's Pitch motor (same with Mini 1 & 2). So using the built-in camcorder screen will be null and void for use when mounted on the gimbal. As a work around, however, it is possible to run an HDMI line out of the camcorder and onto an external monitor.

But even with that said, gimbals wouldn't be an ideal recommendation. But if you still wish to provide stabilization to your camcorder, we'd suggest looking into our line of traditional steadicam-style stabilizers.

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A few common questions that we receive from customers regarding our gimbals are (A) Does my camera & lens combo work? and (B) What is the gimbal's maximum payload?

Though this information can be found on all of our gimbals' respective product pages, below you will see a quick index showing the appropriate camera types along with the maximum payloads that each gimbal is designed to support.

CAME-Prophet
Cameras supported - Medium-sized DSLR cameras, including Canon 5D/7D Series, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 6.6 lbs / 3 kg

CAME-8000
Cameras supported - Larger camera setups, including BMCC, CANON C100/C300, RED EPIC, CANON 5D Series/7D Series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 11 lbs / 4.9 kg

CAME-TV Prodigy
Cameras supported -Larger camera setups, including SONY FS7, BlackMagic Design URSA MINI, RED RAVEN, RED EPIC, CANON C100/C300, CANON 5D Series / 7D Series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 15lbs / 7kg.

CAME-7500/7800/ARGO
Cameras supported - Medium-sized DSLR cameras, including Canon 5D/7D Series, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 6.6 lbs / 3.0 kg

Mini 3
Cameras supported - Smaller to medium-sized DSLR and mirrorless cameras, including BMPCC, Panasonic GH4, Sony A7r/A7s series, etc. with lighter lenses.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
Note regarding lens adapters: We strongly suggest that only native lenses be combined with your cameras while being mounted on these gimbals. Lens adapters such as metabones will add excess weight to the setup (plus usually attached to heavier lenses), which will exceed the max payload, and prevent your gimbal from balancing properly.

CAME-Mini 1, Mini 2, Single, Optimus,
Cameras supported - Small mirrorless cameras, including BMPCC, Panasonic GH4/GH5, Sony A7r/A7s series, a6300, etc. with lighter lenses.
Maximum Payload (including lens & accessories): 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
Note regarding lens adapters: We strongly suggest that only native lenses be combined with your cameras while being mounted on these gimbals. Lens adapters such as metabones will add excess weight to the setup (plus usually attached to heavier lenses), which will exceed the max payload, and prevent your gimbal from balancing properly

View CAME-TV's entire line of gimbals here.

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It has been brought to our attention that SimpleBGC GUI version 2.55 b3 is no longer available on the Basecam Electronics website. Since this software is developed externally by a third party company, we have no control over its availability through that site.

However, we know that many of you have CAME-TV gimbals that require this particular version of the software (and associated firmware). So we will provide you with a download link to the 2.55 b3 GUI version by clicking here.

If you are unsure of which software version you should use, then click here.

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Just going to put this out there right now... DO NOT UPGRADE YOUR FIRMWARE, no matter what the SimpleBGC GUI screen tells you. Doing so will completely wipe out your board and can potentially cause irreversible malfunction to your gimbal. And even worse, this course of events runs you the risk of voiding your warranty.

If you are attempting to connect to the SimpleBGC software for the first time, and you receive a pop-up message telling you that you should upgrade your firmware because of a "board vs. GUI mismatch" (as seen below), then it's best that you simply use a different version of the software, rather than upgrade your firmware. When this happens, simply disconnect and then quit out of the current SimpleBGC that you are using and then download the software version that is closest to the firmware version that the pop-up message is recommending.

simplebgc_firmware_screen

So in the case shown above, we connected our gimbal to SimpleBGC GUI version 2.43 b9. However, the gimbal's internal control board has been programmed with a software version using firmware 2.50 b2, which is obviously higher than the GUI software that we are attempting to use (v2.43 b9). So as stated earlier, disconnect & quit out of the 2.43 b9 software, and then download and launch the version of the SimpleBGC GUI that is closest in number to the recommended firmware, which in this case would be 2.50 b3.

simplebgc_gui_versions

You should be able to connect successfully this time around with your settings completely intact.

More SimpleBGC tips can be found here.

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The sounds built into the gimbal serve several key functions - notifying you 1) when your gimbal is powered up, 2) when you've successfully switched profiles, 3) when your battery is running out, or 4) when it senses a general error within the system.

However, when you're right in the middle of a production, there are moments when silence is absolutely necessary - such as a wedding, a film/tv scene with recorded audio, etc. For these situations, it may be necessary to temporarily deactivate (or mute) the sounds coming from your gimbal. Simply connect to the SimpleBGC software, and then go into the Service tab and select which sounds you want to turn off.

You can always re-activate the audio alerts whenever you feel the need to.
service_audio1

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Last month we released a brand new accessory for the CAME-Single, a wireless joystick that allows you to control its pan & tilt movements remotely. It's definitely been a hit with customers so far. However, whether you are a current CAME-Single owner, or if you're looking to one day get one, it's important for us to point out that not all Singles will be compatible with the wireless remote upgrade.
singlejoystick
So how do you know if your Single is capable of the upgrade? The most important thing to note is that ALL CAME-Singles purchased after November 1, 2015 have been modified to contain a brand new circuit board that allows for connection of the wireless joystick receiver. CAME-Singles purchased before November 2015, will not have the same board, and hence are not capable of the wireless joystick upgrade.

single_joystickboard_split

If you do have a newer generation Single with the modified circuit board, then installation of the wireless remote receiver board is easy! Simply open up the handle, connect the receiver board to its corresponding port, and pair the remote. Full instructions can be found in the video below.

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