Page 1
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 A8 mini 4K AI MINI ZOOM GIMBAL CAMERA USER MANUAL V1.1 Nov 2022 2022 SIYI Technology Copyright...
Page 2
HDMI output feature are compatible with both SIYI link and third-party link. And it supports CVBS (AV) output for analog FPV. A8 mini can be widely used for enterprise drones, UGV, USV, robotics, RC hobby planes and FPV drones.
Page 3
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 SIYI User Group - Facebook SIYI Official Store (https://shop.siyi.biz) SIYI Official AliExpress Store (https://siyi.aliexpress.com) SIYI YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/SIYITech) 2022 SIYI Technology Copyright...
2.1 Installation ..............................14 2.2 Connection and Power ..........................15 3 GIMBAL CONTROL ............................. 16 3.1 Control Gimbal Camera through SIYI FPV App with MK32 / MK15 Ground Station ......16 3.1.1 Preparation .............................. 16 3.1.2 Gimbal Pitch and Yaw Rotation ......................17 3.1.3 Zoom ................................
Page 5
4.3 Output Video Stream to Third-Party Image Transmission Systems ............36 4.4 Output A8 mini’s Video Stream through HDMI ..................37 4.5 Output A8 mini’s Video Stream by AV Signal ................... 37 4.6 Solutions to No Image ..........................38 4.6.1 Video Output to Android Device ......................39 4.6.2 Video Output to Windows Device ......................
Mandatory Mark Safety A8 mini gimbal camera is designed for professional application in specific scenes, which has been done necessary configuration before delivery, it is forbidden to disassemble the gimbal or to change its mechanical structure. And don’t add more payload to the gimbal other than its own camera.
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 Storage/Carrying/Recycling When your SIYI products are stand idle, or you are bringing it outdoors, or the system reached service life, then please do read the precautions below. CAUTION Always place your SIYI products at places where babies or kids do not reach.
*The AI feature is under development and will be supported by firmware update soon. Powerful Imaging System A8 mini gimbal camera comes with a 1/1.7-inch Sony image sensor, a megapixels CMOS with remarkable photosensitivity ability, impressive 4K video recording, and smooth 6X digital zooming.
Page 9
FPV through CVBS video output and analog image transmission system. *A8 mini configured as ultra-low-latency mode, CVBS output to analog FPV transmitter, view from the monitor connected to FPV receiver, the overall latency is 60ms. Direct HDMI output from A8 mini to monitor, the latency is 65ms.
Page 10
3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizing Control Algorithms High-Precision FOC Motor Control A8 mini gimbal camera is applied with industry-level 3-axis stabilizing technology and high-precision FOC control algorithms, which reduces most image shaking and ensure image is always stable even if aircraft or vehicle is vigorously moving.
-135° ~ +45° Controllable Yaw Angle -160° ~ +160° Controllable Roll Angle -30° ~ +30° Camera Lens 6X Digital Focal Length 21 mm Image Sensor Sony 1/1.7-inch, 8 MP effective resolution Aperture F2.8 93° 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 16
Supported File System (exFAT will be supported later by firmware update) Photography File Format Video File Format Supported TF Card Type MicroSD Class10, max 128 GB Still Photography Mode Single White Balance Auto 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
1 x Universal Video Cable 1 x Ethernet to RJ45 Cable 1 x S.Bus Y cable 6 x Hex Socket Cap Screw M2.5*6 10 x Cross Recessed Flat Head Screw M2.5*10 8 x M2.5 Nut Black 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 1.5 Indicator Definition The status indicators on A8 mini gimbal camera use three different colors and different blinking frequencies to indicate the system’s working or abnormal status. Solid Green: Normally working. Slow Green Blinks: S.Bus signal input is normal.
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 2 GET READY TO USE A8 MINI 2.1 Installation Screw Holes’ Position and Distance Mark Welcome to contact SIYI to get the 3D file of A8 mini gimbal camera for pre-installation. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 2.2 Connection and Power A8 mini gimbal camera can be powered in many ways. If you plan to carry A8 mini by your plane and the plane may roll in a wide margin, then please use connect A8 mini’s power port directly by a 3S to 6S power battery, not through power distribution...
3.1 Control Gimbal Camera through SIYI FPV App with MK32 / MK15 Ground Station Gimbal camera can connect to air unit directly, then you can control gimbal rotation, gimbal functions, and display video in SIYI FPV app on screen after binding it with the air unit. 3.1.1 Preparation It is necessary to prepare the tools, firmware, and software below before controlling gimbal camera in this way.
3. Update SIYI FPV app. 4. Run SIYI FPV app, go to “Settings – Camera A8 mini”, and select “SIYI Camera 1” (when IP addresses are 192.168.144.25) or “SIYI Camera 2” (when IP addresses are 192.168.144.26), video stream will display. Gimbal motion and camera functions can be controlled by ground station touchscreen.
Touching “Zoom in” or “Zoom out” icon on SIYI FPV app can control camera image zooming, up to 6X digital. 3.1.4 Take pictures and Record Video Touch “Photo” icon once on SIYI FPV app to take a picture. Touch “Record” icon to start video recording. Touch “Recording” icon to stop video recording. Mark Before taking a picture or recording video, it is necessary to insert TF/SD card into the camera.
3.2 Control Gimbal Camera through S.Bus Signal (Taking an Example of MK15) A8 mini can be connected to MK15 air unit for gimbal and camera control through joysticks, dials, switches, and buttons on MK15 remote controller after binding. 3.2.1 Preparation It is necessary to prepare the below tools, firmware, and software before controlling gimbal camera in this way.
Page 25
Steps 1. Power MK15 air unit and bind it with MK15 remote controller. 2. Use SIYI Video Cable to connect MK15 air unit’s video port with A8 mini gimbal camera’s video port. 3. Put the Gimbal Control Signal Cable together with the S.Bus Y Cable by connecting them.
Page 26
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 computer, then run SIYI PC Assistant and go to “Gimbal Config” page. 7. Under “Channel Config” menu, assign remote controller channel 1 to 16 to target gimbal / camera functions according to your requirement. 8. For the assigned channels, operate their mapped joysticks, dials, switches, and buttons on MK15 remote controller to confirm if they are working normally.
⚫ Channel 8 = Right Dial ⚫ Channel 12 = Button D In SIYI PC Assistant, map “Yaw” function to channel 7 and “Pitch” to channel 8, “Center” to channel 12. Then, if you operate the left dial on MK15 remote controller, gimbal will rotate around yaw axis.
⚫ Channel 9 = Button A ⚫ Channel 10 = Button B In SIYI PC Assistant, map “Photo” function to channel 9 and “Record” to channel Then, if you press button A on MK15 remote controller, camera will take a picture.
Before taking pictures or recording video, it is necessary to insert SD / TF card into the camera. 3.3 UART / UDP Control (through SDK) A8 mini gimbal camera provides control and function protocol for all customers, please refer to the below file “SIYI Gimbal Camera SDK Communication Protocol” for secondary development.
Send data format Data Type Data Name Description uint8_t auto_focus 1: Start auto focus for once ACK data format 1: Success uint8_t 0: Fail Manual Zoom and Auto Focus CMD_ID:0x05------Manual Zoom and Auto Focus 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 31
0: Stop zooming in / out (send when int8_t zoom released from control command) -1: Start zooming out ACK data format Current (hybrid) zoom multiples, uint16_t zoom_multiple (zoom_multiple / 10, accurate to one decimal point) 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 32
ACK data format 1: Success uint8_t 0: Fail Center CMD_ID:0x08------Center Send data format Data Type Data Name Description uint8_t center_pos 1: gimbal centers to position 0 ACK data format 1: Success uint8_t 0: Fail 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 33
CMD_ID:0x0B------Function Feedback Information Send data format Data Type Data Name Description ACK data format 0: Success 1: Fail to take a photo (Please check uint8_t info_type if TF card is inserted) 2: HDR ON 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 34
Yaw axis rotation speed int16_t pitch_velocity Pitch axis rotation speed int16_t roll_velocity Roll axis rotation speed int16_t Mark: The above data to be divided by 10 is the actual degree, accuracy in one decimal place. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
55 66 01 01 00 00 00 0c 02 76 ee Rotate 100 100 55 66 01 02 00 00 00 07 64 64 3d cf Auto Centering 55 66 01 01 00 00 00 08 01 d1 12 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 36
Set Video Output as CVBS (Only available on A8 mini, restart to take effect) 55 66 01 01 00 00 00 0c 07 d3 be Turn Off both CVBS and HDMI Output (Only available on A8 mini, restart to take effect) 55 66 01 01 00 00 00 0c 08 3c 4f...
Mark The default video output method of A8 mini gimbal is Ethernet. When “Video Output” option is set as “OFF” in SIYI FPV app, A8 mini’s Ethernet video output will get the best performance. 4.1 Output and Display Video Stream on MK15 Smart Controller A8 mini gimbal camera can connect to MK15 air unit directly, then video will be displayed in SIYI FPV app after binding MK15 air unit to MK15 remote controller.
Page 40
⚫ HM30 Full HD Image Transmission System ⚫ A8 mini Gimbal Camera Mark Above products can be purchased from SIYI directly or from SIYI authorized dealers. ⚫ SIYI Video Cable Mark Above tools come with A8 mini package.
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 2. Use SIYI Video Cable to connect HM30 air unit’s video port with A8 mini gimbal camera’s video port. 3. Update SIYI FPV App on your Android device to latest version. 4. Run SIYI FPV app, go to “Settings – Camera A8 mini”, and select “SIYI Camera 1”...
The default video output method of A8 mini is Ethernet. Go to the “Camera A8 mini” settings in SIYI FPV app and switch video output mode to “HDMI”, then A8 mini video stream will go through the Micro HDMI port.
The default video output method of A8 mini is Ethernet. Go to the “Camera A8 mini” settings in SIYI FPV app and switch video output mode to “CVBS”, then A8 mini video stream will output as AV signal through the Ethernet video output port.
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 4.6.1 Video Output to Android Device 1. Input SIYI gimbal camera’s default IP addresses “192.168.144.25” in the “Ping Tools” app and check if the network communication is successful. If there is a response, then check if the RTSP address in the video player is correct.
4.6.2 Video Output to Windows Device 1. Use the “Win + R” key combo to wake up the “Run” program and input the command “cmd”. Successful Network Communication Network Communication Failed 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Mark If you have done investigation by following all steps above, but the reason is still not located, please contact your dealer or contact SIYI Support immediately. 4.7 Common IP Addresses SIYI Gimbal Camera’s Default IP Addresses: 192.168.144.25 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 47
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 SIYI Gimbal Camera’s Default RTSP Addresses: rtsp://192.168.144.25:8554/main.264 SIYI FPV App’s “SIYI Camera 1” IP Addresses: 192.168.144.25 SIYI FPV App’s “SIYI Camera 2” IP Addresses: 192.168.144.26 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 5 SIYI FPV APP SIYI FPV is an Android application developed by SIYI to configure multiple SIYI devices for image transmission settings, camera settings, video stream display, and link status monitor. Mark The manual is edited based on SIYI FPV App v2.5.470.
Page 49
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 SIYI FPV App OSD Information Definition SIYI FPV Camera Function Icon Definition 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
About Settings Camera IP: Select SIYI Camera 1 and SIYI Camera 2, or input camera RTSP addresses manually, or disable image. The “Rotate” buttons can rotate the image in 180 degrees. Cross Sight: Display a cross sight in the center of the image.
Speed Unit: Switch speed unit between meter per seconds and kilometer per hour. Longitude and Latitude: Enable / disable information. 5.3 Gimbal Camera Configure the basic functions for SIYI gimbal cameras and cameras. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 52
⚫ Under Lock Mode, gimbal rotates simultaneously as aircraft rolls to get FPV and output enhanced stable images, compatible with planes and racing drones especially for FPV scenes. ⚫ Under Follow Mode, gimbal follows when aircraft rotates horizontally, compatible with 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 53
Video Output: Switch gimbal camera’s video output method. ⚫ HDMI: A8 mini gimbal camera outputs video stream through the Micro-HDMI port. ⚫ CVBS: A8 mini gimbal camera outputs video stream through the CVBS pin of the Ethernet port by AV signal.
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 5.4 About SIYI FPV Displays the software version of SIYI FPV and common contact information of SIYI Technology. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 6 Firmware Upgrade and Configuration SIYI PC Assistant is a Windows software developed by SIYI to configure almost all SIYI devices for remote controller channels settings, firmware update, and gimbal camera configuration. Mark The manual is edited based on SIYI PC Assistant v1.3.2.
Page 56
2. Use the USB-C to USB-A cable to connect Windows device’s USB-A port to gimbal camera’s USB-C port. 3. Run “SIYI PC Assistant” and switch to “Upgrade” page to check gimbal camera’s current gimbal firmware version. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 57
4. If gimbal firmware is not latest, then click the “Select File” button in the “Gimbal” to import the latest firmware. And click “Upgrade” and wait till it is “100%” finished. Mark Before updating any firmware, gimbal camera should be powered. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 6.2 Camera Firmware Update SIYI gimbal camera can be upgraded by SD / TF card for camera firmware. Before upgrading, it is necessary to prepare below tools, software, and firmware below. ⚫ SD / TF card Mark Customers should prepare the above tools.
2. Restart gimbal camera and wait for 3 to 5 minutes. Camera firmware will be flashed automatically. 3. Run SIYI FPV app or SIYI PC Assistant software to check if camera firmware is updated successfully. 6.3 Gimbal Camera Configuration SIYI gimbal camera can be connected to SIYI PC Assistant for channel settings and camera settings.
The “Channel Config” menu under “Gimbal Config” menu can config the below gimbal camera functions to up to 16 channels and an idle channel (disabled). ⚫ Auto Focus ⚫ Zoom ⚫ Manual Focus 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
The “Gimbal Config” menu also supports checking gimbal camera’s current camera firmware, switching camera resolution, and configuring camera IP addresses. ⚫ IP Config ⚫ Gateway Config ⚫ Gimbal Working Mode ⚫ Stream Resolution ⚫ Record Resolution ⚫ Coding Format 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 62
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 ⚫ Video Output Mode ⚫ Low Latency Mode ⚫ Auto Recording 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
⚫ Product Defect ⚫ Product Damage SIYI products under the two situations can be sent back to SIYI for repairing. Defect products with valid warranty can be repaired for free. Defect products without valid warranty or damaged products should be charged of repair fees after repairing.
It is requested beyond seven (7) calendar days of receiving a product. A product sent to SIYI for Return & Refund Service does not include all original accessories, attachments or packaging, or any item is not in new or like-new condition, i.e., with cracks, dents, or scratches.
Damage is caused to the product by uncontrollable external factors, including fire, floods, high winds, or lightning strikes. A product is not delivered to SIYI within seven (7) calendar days after Return & Refund Service confirmation is sent from SIYI.
Page 66
Damage is caused by uncontrollable external factors, including fires, floods, high winds, or lightning strikes. Received product has not been sent back to SIYI seven (7) calendar days after replacement confirmation from SIYI. Proof of damage during transit issued by the carrier cannot be provided.
Charges may apply for services not covered by this Limited Warranty. Please contact SIYI for information specific to your location. Please note that the warranty service is only available in the respective SIYI service regions where you purchased your SIYI product.
Page 68
Damage caused by reliability or compatibility issues when using unauthorized third- party parts. Damage caused by operating the unit with a low-charged or defective battery. Products or parts with an altered identification label or from which the identification label has been removed. 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Page 69
A8 mini User Manual V1.1 SIYI Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd Business Inquiry: info@siyi.biz Phone: +86 400 838 2918 A/S Center: support@siyi.biz 2022 SIYI Technology Co., Ltd, All Rights Reserved...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the A8 mini and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers