Tag Archives: a7rII gimbal stabilizer

How do I know what version software to use with my gimbal?

r p • September 2, 2015

Initially, you can download any version of the SimpleBGC software to connect to your gimbal. After your first successful connection, look at the version of the firmware on the screen (shown in green below).

Once you have verified the firmware version, you can go back and download the correct GUI version to match your firmware.

Typically, you will want the the software version whose number is equal or lower than the firmware version. For example, in the example above, since your gimbal has been programmed with a 2.56 b9 firmware, you will want to find a SimpleBGC software version that is equal or slightly lower than 2.56 b9. In this case, the closest software version available is 2.56 b7. You should always use the same GUI when configuring your gimbal. And most importantly, NEVER upgrade your firmware!!!

Download link for the SimpleBGC GUI software can be found here.

How to change joystick speeds on your gimbal

r p • August 22, 2015

One of the more useful functions of any CAME-TV gimbal is the built-in joystick/remote control feature. Simply enough, the 2-axis joystick essentially allows you to do seemless panning and tilting movements while maintaining smooth and steady shots with the gimbal.

However, all gimbals come with a pre-programmed joystick speed that dictates how fast its movements are. And sometimes this default speed isn't ideal for the shot that you may want to execute. But luckily, speed can easily be adjusted using the SimpleBGC software. Full step-by-step details are shown in the video below.

How to calibrate Joystick Neutral Position to prevent your gimbal from drifting

r p • August 19, 2015

Perhaps one of the more common questions we get from customers is "why is my gimbal drifting when it's powered on?." Obviously, a properly balanced and calibrated gimbal will stay put and only move when (and how) you want it to move.

A likely reason for the drifting is that the RC Sub-Trim settings may be off. The RC Sub-Trim is used to calibrate the Joystick. This is an electro-mechanical control surface that over time may need calibration for it’s true Neutral Position. The most common problem is slow ‘drifting’ of camera position. When the Joystick is not calibrated properly, the gimbal believes that someone is applying Joystick commands and starts to move. The video below will help you properly calibrate your joystick and thus likely eradicate the problem of drifting.

NOTE: If you're using a gimbal with an external wireless remote, then make sure the remote is turned on during this process.

NOTE: After completing this process, if drifting persists on any 1 profile, but is no longer present on either of the 2 Profiles, then you can manually copy the RC subtrim values from the non-drifting profile onto the profile that does drift. In other words, after completing the Auto RC-Subtrim process, if Profile 3 still drifts, but Profile 1 & 2 remains still, then you can manually copy the RC-Subtrim settings from Profile 1 or 2 onto Profile 3. Drifting should then be eliminated from all 3 profiles as a result.

Download the SimpleBGC software here.