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Freefly PILOT+MIMIC 770-00052 Operation Manual

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OPERATION
MANUAL
770-00052
|
REVISION A
|
07.30.2017

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Summary of Contents for Freefly PILOT+MIMIC 770-00052

  • Page 1 OPERATION MANUAL 770-00052 REVISION A 07.30.2017...
  • Page 2 To download the most current user manual for the Pilot and all other Freefly products, please visit http://freeflysystems.com/software-manuals @freeflysystems #freeflyers...

  • Page 3: Revision History

    REVISION HISTORY REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION July 2017 Initial Manual Release OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 4 Disclaimer and Warning Limitations of Liability Warranty Introduction Pilot Modules System Diagrams SETTING UP PILOT Getting Started Out Of The Box USING PILOT MIMIC User Interface Using The Mobile App Freefly Controller Ecosystem TROUBLESHOOTING APPENDIX OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 5 TERMINOLOGY 2.4 GHz An industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band (2.4-2.5GHz) that is used for radio control. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a low power and application friendly version of Bluetooth. An acronym referring to a lens's Focus, Iris, and Zoom. Function Side The side of the connector that interfaces with another connector.
  • Page 6 Overview OVERVIEW OP ERATION MA N UA L...

  • Page 7: Disclaimer And Warning

    Freefly Systems reserves the right to revise this Operation Manual and make changes from time to time without obligation to notify any persons of such revisions or changes. In no event shall...
  • Page 8 Freefly Systems, its owners and employees, its distributors, and/or its retailers responsible for any accidents, injury to persons, and property damage. If you do not agree to these conditions, please return Freefly product(s) to the place of purchase in a new and unused condition.
  • Page 9 CHA RG ING PROCED URE S AFETY AN D WARN INGS You must read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging your MIMIC. Freefly Systems is not responsible for any personal injury or property damage incurred » when using external power to power Freefly products.

  • Page 10: Limitations Of Liability

    LIMITED REMEDY. THE LIMITATION SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY WHERE THE DAMAGES ARISE OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT. Freefly shall not be liable for damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of Pilot Controller including, but not limited to, the following situations: Failure of operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings found at www.

  • Page 11: Specifications

    STA N DARD WARRANTY A Standard Warranty is granted to the original purchaser by Freefly for a period of one (1) year, parts and labor. The Standard Warranty covers parts and labor charges for Product that has been returned with shipment to an Authorized Service Center by the Buyer. Service or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Freefly.

  • Page 12: Limitation Of Liability

    Product that no longer qualifies for Warranty Repair may be sent to an Authorized Freefly Service Center subject to an evaluation fee. Freefly will provide a quotation for the repair of the Product. The Customer is responsible for all costs associated with such refurbishment, such as troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, test, calibration, storage, and shipping costs.

  • Page 13: Warnings, Cautions, And Notes

    Whether using the Pilot as a single operator or multiple, the Pilot can adapt. With the introduction of Pilot into the Freefly ecosystem, the Pilot works seamlessly with other MIMIC and MōVI Controllers.
  • Page 14 Freefly’s MIMIC is at the center of the system, providing power to each Module and acting as the primary user interface to quickly navigate through display options. Any Freefly MIMIC can be used to work with your Pilot, just be sure to download v1.3 firmware or later onto your MIMIC (see...
  • Page 15 MIMIC MIMIC has re-shaped the way people capture movement by providing long range bidirectional control of MōVI orientation, settings, camera controls, and real time telemetry. Pilot leverages this technology and expands its features to provide control of FIZ and P/T/R and additional camera controls.
  • Page 16 P ILOT B ACKB ONE The Pilot Backbone features a quick release mechanism to insert/remove your MIMIC, Freefly rosettes to mount modules and a monitor mount with friction hinge mechanism. VI EW 1 V IEW 2 V I E W 3 1.
  • Page 17 P ILOT FOCU S MODULE Smooth, precise Focus/Iris/Zoom control with adjustable viscous damping. The Pilot Focus Module features an ergonomic soft-grip knob and a rotary dial to vary stiffness, a removable marking ring, status LED, indicator dial, 20mm rosette and A/B buttons. This Module can be connected through COM1 or COM2 to your MIMIC.
  • Page 18 P ILOT IRIS/Z OOM M OD ULE The Pilot Iris/Zoom Module can be mapped to Focus/Iris/Zoom as well as Pan/Tilt/Roll functions. This Module features an industry standard precision 2-Axis force joystick, linear slide potentiometer, removable walnut handle, 20mm rosette mount and A/B buttons, and an extra (removable) joystick knob.

  • Page 19: I/ O Connector Pi Nouts

    I/ O CONNECTOR PI NOUTS All connector pinouts are shown looking into the function side of the connectors on the MIMIC and Pilot Modules, unless otherwise noted. CONNEC TOR : C O M 1 TYPE: JST G H 6 - P IN 1.
  • Page 20 CONNEC TOR : U S B P OR T TYPE: USB T Y P E C D RP ( SO UR CE A ND SI NK 5V ) OP ERATION MA N UA L...

  • Page 21: System Diagrams

    SYSTEM DIAGRAMS P ILOT + MōVI PILOT Gimbal Control Unit Tilt Stage Pan Motor Roll Motor Tilt Motor Unit Focus Iris Zoom RED Camera Motor Motor Motor Control OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 22 MIMIC INPU T PATHS Illustration of available inputs to MIMIC. Gestural PILOT Focus Module PILOT Iris/Zoom Module MIMIC Bush Pilot Gamepad OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 23 Setting Up Pilot SETTING UP PILOT OP ERATION MA N UA L...

  • Page 24: Getting Started

    GETTING STARTED When your Pilot 3-Axis FIZ Controller arrives it will be securely packed along with other contents shown below. This section will guide you through setup, from out of the box to setting up with your MōVI system. PAC KAG E CONTENTS PI LOT 3-AXIS FIZ CONTRO LL ER 1.
  • Page 25 PI LOT I RIS/ ZOOM MODULE V IEW 1 V I EW 2 1. Pilot Iris/Zoom Module 5. Cables 2. Extra joystick knob a. (2x) Pilot COM to COM cable - 200mm b. (2x) Pilot COM to COM cable - 300mm 3.
  • Page 26 PI LOT FOC US MOD UL E VI E W 1 VI EW 2 1. Pilot Focus Module 2. Marking Ring 3. Cables a. (2x) Pilot COM to COM cable - 200mm b. (2x) Pilot COM to COM cable - 300mm c.

  • Page 27: Additional Accessories

    PI LOT BACKBONE 1. Pilot Backbone 2. Quick Release Plug 13mm ADD ITI ONAL ACCESSO RIES 25mm Tube to Rosette Adapter Pilot Marking Ring Offset 25mm Tube to Rosette Adapter Rosette Mount 30mm Tube to Rosette Adapter Dual 13mm Quick Release Mount Offset 30mm Tube to Rosette Adapter These accessories are not included in any of the above but can be ordered separately to be used with Pilot Controller.

  • Page 28: Basic Setup

    OUT OF THE BOX When your Pilot 3-Axis FIZ Controller arrives, it will be fully assembled with all cables routed and secured to MIMIC and respective Modules. All inputs will be mapped to factory default configuration, but can be customized to control various axes.
  • Page 29 OUT OF TH E BOX WAKE MIMIC FROM TRAVEL M O DE To wake your MIMIC from travel mode simply plug it into a 5V power source and push the ‘On’ button. If your MIMIC has already been taken out of travel mode continue to step 2. Turn on the MIMIC by pushing the Power button.
  • Page 30 Freefly ecosystem. The top level screens enable efficient navigation of frequent interactions, giving you control of Focus/Iris/Zoom or gimbal (Pan/Tilt/Roll). Multi-controller (two or more operators) modes are also possible with Pilot- for more information reference “Using Your Pilot- Freefly Controller Ecosystem”.
  • Page 31 Press the Bind button on the MIMIC within 5 seconds of pressing the Bind button on the MōVI Pro/MōVI XL. The devices will pair automatically. MIMIC uses a very powerful wireless transmitter to control a MōVI; when this transmitter is in close proximity (less than 5–10ft.) to its receiver, the receiver can be oversaturated with input causing unwanted movements or binding issues.
  • Page 32 DEFAULT SETUPS/ CONT ROLS MIMIC and Pilot Modules can be mapped (configured) through the MIMIC user interface to control a variety of outputs/functions. Refer to the "Primary Control" column in the chart below, for default axes configurations. AXIS PRIMARY SECONDARY AUX CONTROL GESTURAL CONTROL...
  • Page 33 Using an M3 hex driver, tighten or loosen the integrated quick release clamp and drop in MIMIC into 13mm pocket in Pilot Backbone The MIMIC quick release mount is compatible with all Freefly 13mm quick release accessories OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 34 ADJUST IN G ANGL E OF PILOT M ODUL ES Using an M4 hex driver, loosen the M4x16 bolt on either side of the Pilot Backbone It is not necessary to fully remove bolt Rotate Module to desired angle and re-tighten M4x16 bolt Be sure 20mm rosettes are fully seated while tightening M4 bolt OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 35 ADJUST IN G VERTICAL PO SI TIO N OF P I LOT MOD ULES The Focus Module has 2 discrete positions for mounting the included 20mm rosette, spaced 25.5mm apart. The Iris/Zoom Module includes provisions for M3 x 8 or M3 x 16 bolt pattern mounting of the included Rosette mount.
  • Page 36 ADJUST IN G A MONITO R TO P I LOT BACKBO NE Using the provided 13mm Quick Release Plug, attach to a monitor with ¼”-20 hex Loosen the M4 Quick Release Lever on the Integrated monitor mount Insert the 13mm Quick Release Plug, attached to monitor, and secure by tightening M4 Quick Release Lever OP ERATION MA N UA L...

  • Page 37: Wire Routing

    CONNECTING MIMIC TO MOD ULES The Pilot 3-Axis FIZ Controller will already have connections made between the MIMIC and Module(s). In case it is necessary to re-attach or remove cables: Plug in UART cable into COM1 or COM2 port on Pilot Module Plug other UART cable end to either COM1 or COM2 port on MIMIC You should see Pilot Module LED startup sequence: One long (half second) and two shorter blinks.
  • Page 38 PLEAS E R EFE R T O T HE MōVI PRO MANUAL FOR FULL I NS TRU CT ION S O N S ET TIN G U P F IZ CO NTR OL AUTO-CAL IBRATING YOUR FI Z M OTORS Be sure to check that all lens motors, rails, hardware and adjustments have been properly verified.
  • Page 39 USING PILOT OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 40 INTRO With MIMIC powering the Pilot Modules, an integrated display guides you through each of the top level screens for quick access to frequent controls and options. Coupled with a mobile app that can assume complete control over the MōVI settings, you can adjust tuning values, FIZ settings, and switch modes on the fly.

  • Page 41: Mimic Screen

    MIMIC USER INTERFACE The Pilot 3-Axis FIZ Controller relies on MIMIC technology as the central user interface. The MIMIC is equipped with an integrated display and navigation system which allows a user to check the system status, make quick adjustments to FIZ controls, MōVI tuning, radio options, and more. MIMIC SCREEN This screen displays the MIMIC’s battery levels and system details including device status and device mode.
  • Page 42 FIZ MA IN SCREEN This screen displays the current status and position of Focus, Iris, and Zoom axes. With both Pilot Modules connected, you will see all 3 axes highlighted on screen with outputs displayed as you toggle any of the inputs. Digital marks set by the Pilot Focus Module (“B” button) are overlaid on its mapped axis.
  • Page 43 FIZ MA IN SCREEN - WI THOUT PI LOT M O DU L E S CON N ECTED This screen displays the current status and position of Focus, Iris, and Zoom axes. As detailed in the “MIMIC Input Devices” section below, a variety of inputs can be connected to MIMIC to control any of these axes.
  • Page 44 FIZ A XIS SCR EEN This screen displays an individual FIZ axis and gives access to its Setup screen. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. FIZ Axis Visual Displays the position of the selected FIZ axis. 2. Select Axis Toggles between FIZ axes. 3.
  • Page 45 FIZ S ETU P SCR EEN This screen displays the position and all settings that can be adjusted for the individual axis that has been selected on the FIZ Axis screen. All settings pertaining to the individual lens motor can be modified here including Motor Model, Motor Direction, Range, and Manual Calibration.
  • Page 46 FIZ S ETT ING S The FIZ Setup Screen contains 10 different settings. Refer to this table for a description of each setting. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Calibrate Gives users the option to do manual or auto FIZ motor calibration on selected axis and guides the calibration procedure.

  • Page 47: Calibrat E Sc Reen

    CALIBRAT E SC REEN This screen allows you to choose between manual or auto FIZ motor calibration. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Previous Screen Button Takes users to the previous screen. 2. Manual Takes users to manual FIZ motor calibration screen. 3. Auto Begins auto-calibrating the FIZ motor for the current axis.
  • Page 48 MAN UAL CAL IBRATIO N SCREEN This screen allows users to perform manual FIZ motor calibration. Users are prompted to start calibration, rotate motors forward with the arrows, set maximum limit, then rotate the motor backward to set the minimum limit. The motor can be stopped by actuating it in the opposite direction.

  • Page 49: Ran Ge Screen

    RAN GE SCREEN This screen allows you to set a tighter range of each axis, providing finer axis control. Follow the prompts on MIMIC screen to define initial/final motor range. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. FIZ Axis Visual Displays the position of the selected FIZ axis.

  • Page 50: Camera Control Screen

    CAMERA CONTROL SCREEN This screen allows you to start/stop recording and change camera settings. Any camera with RED RCP is supported for changing camera settings on the fly via MIMIC display. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Camera Status Display Displays the current status of the connected camera.

  • Page 51: Inp Ut Setu P Scre En

    When a device is connected to MIMIC, it will automatically determine which outputs are acceptable for that specific Module/device. For more details on which devices can be plugged into MIMIC as well as a full list of output options for each device, see Freefly Controller Ecosystem (page 61).
  • Page 52 PI LOT MODUL E SC REE N This screen allows you to choose an input to configure for each Module. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Toggle Toggles between highlighting the available input devices. 2. Select Selects the highlighted module and takes users to its input mapping screen. 3.
  • Page 53 IN PUT MAPPING SCREE N This screen allows you to choose the output that the selected input will be mapped to. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Output Visual Displays the current output that the selected input is mapped to. 2. "+" Button Sets the output to be the one below the current output.
  • Page 54 This screen allows you to connect and control the MIMIC Module with the Gamepad. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Turn On/Turn Off Enables or disables Gamepad control through USB. See Freefly Controller Ecosystem, page 64, for Gamepad setup. 2. Next Screen Button Takes users to the next screen. 3. Previous Screen Button Takes users to the previous screen.
  • Page 55 MōV I TUNING SCREEN This screen allows you to perform manual tuning adjustments to the connected MōVI. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Toggle Toggles through the stiffness and filter parameters for each axis. 2. Select Selects the highlighted parameter and moves to the respective parameter adjustment screen.
  • Page 56 PA RAMETER ADJ US TME NT SCR EEN This screen allows you to adjust the selected parameter. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. Previous Screen Button Takes users to the previous screen. 2. "+" Button Increases the value of the parameter by (1) if pressed and (5) if held. 3.
  • Page 57 Allows the user to bind the MIMIC to a Dual-Op device. 6. Priority Allows the user to set the priority of the MIMIC’s outputs. See Freefly Controller Ecosystem, page 61, for more information 7. Previous Screen Button Takes users to the previous screen.

  • Page 58: Using The Mobile App

    Turn on the MIMIC by pushing the power button and allow it to fully initialize. Open the Freefly MōVI app on an iOS or Android mobile device; you may have to download the app from the respective devices’ app market. Connect to the MIMIC by selecting “Connect”...

  • Page 59: Co Nfig Urations Me Nu

    CO NFIG URATIONS ME NU MIMIC’s settings are accessible through the Configurations menu on the Freefly MōVI Pro App. OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 1. GPS Assist Use this setting when using the MIMIC as a target 2. Orientation Use to change the MIMIC tilt orientation in reference to the connected MōVI (Pro...
  • Page 60 OPTIONS DESCRIPTION 5. Declination Set the declination angle when using the “Compass” Heading Assist mode. A declination angle is used to adjust for the Earth’s magnetic variance due to global position. 6. Calibration Calibrate the compass on the MIMIC to increase the performance of the Compass Heading Assist mode.
  • Page 61 MIMIC (physically or BLE) and MōVI, as well as why each device is assigned a “priority” when multiple devices are connected to a single MōVI. For more information on other Freefly controllers, please refer to respective user manuals.
  • Page 62 Bush Pilot is a compact rotary encoder knob that allows for exact control of any FIZ axis. 4. API Freefly's Application Programming Interface allows anyone to control all axes with a DIY or 3rd party device. 5. PILOT Focus Module...

  • Page 63: Conf I Guring Input D Evi Ces

    CONF I GURING INPUT D EVI CES Inputs on the MIMIC can be mapped to control different axis in real-time (Pan/Tilt/Roll, Focus/ Iris/Zoom). The table below illustrates some of the different mapping options for different input devices to MIMIC. INPUT DEVICE DESCRIPTION MIMIC IMU In MIMIC Main screen, MIMIC mode can...
  • Page 64 MIMIC’s internal battery. It is recommended to turn the mode OFF when not in use to save power. The Freefly API is an application programming interface that allows control of the MIMIC. By including the library in your software project, you can control core features such as gimbal pointing, FIZ motor control, and camera start/stop.
  • Page 65 MULT I CONT ROLLER PRI ORI T I ES Multiple controllers can be connected to a single MōVI at the same time, so the MōVI must determine which controllers have ‘priority’ over the next. By doing this, it prevents multiple controllers fighting to execute control over a given task, such as Focus, Iris or Zoom axes.
  • Page 66 MōV I I NP UT AXIS This table displays which axes the MōVI inputs are capable of controlling. CONTROLLER TILT ROLL KILL FOCUS IRIS ZOOM / AXIS MIMIC 1 • • • • • • • MIMIC 2 • • •...

  • Page 67: Troubleshooting

    Trouble Shooting TROUBLESHOOTING OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 68 SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION MIMIC will not turn on Battery is not charged Plug USB into charger and MIMIC Battery is damaged MIMIC is in shipping mode MIMIC radio will not Radio interference due Try moving further away successfully bind to to high power antennas from MōVI when binding MōVI.
  • Page 69 SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION After copying the firmware Invalid firmware copied Repeat bootloader file and rebooting, green to module storage process again and make LED blink followed by drive. Module firmware sure you copy the a red blink then the was not updated correct firmware file module booted up again...
  • Page 70 AppendixPilot APPENDIX OP ERATION MA N UA L...
  • Page 71 CALIBRATION OF PILOT MODULE INPUTS Your Pilot will arrive fully tuned, calibrated and configured to work with your setup right out of the box. That said, it is possible for any precise system to slightly drift or change over time so it may be necessary to calibrate inputs. KNOB CALIBR ATION (FOCUS MODULE ) Press button B until you see double magenta blink (it will take 10 seconds).
  • Page 72 JOYS TICK CALIBRATI ON ( I RI S/ ZOOM M O DU L E) Press button A until you see double magenta blink (it will take 10 seconds). Move joystick all the way to Y minimum (down) position and hold in this position. Click button A, you will see a single magenta blink.
  • Page 73 FACTORY RESET (BOTH MODULES) In case it is desirable to “reset” your module to factory default settings, the below procedure can be followed. This will reset to factory settings, clearing any custom calibration that has been done on modules. Press both buttons simultaneously. You will see a magenta blink after 10 seconds. If factory reset is successful and EEPROM is erased you will see green LED blink and then the module will restart automatically.
  • Page 74 UPDATING FIRMWARE (BOTH MODULES) When new firmware versions are released, they will be accessible for download on the Freefly Support page on the website. Simply navigate to Pilot Controller→ Software→ Firmware release. More information can be found here: http://freeflysystems.com/support. Hold down button A and plug in your Pilot module USB cable into a PC or MAC.

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