DJI CP.ZM.000018, CP.ZM.000001, CB.AL.000001, CP.ZM.000077 User manual

Zenmuse Z15 User Manual

V2.0

2013.03.27 Revision

www.dji-innovations.com

Warning & Disclaimer

Z15 Type

Camera Type

Lens Type

Z15-N

Z15-G

SONY

Panasonic

NEX-5N

NEX-7

NEX-5R

GH2

Supported

E 16mm f/2.8(SEL16F28)

Lumix G14 mm/F2.5 Lumix G20 mm/F1.7

Not yet supported

Sonnar T*E 24mm F1.8 ZA

Lumix G 1:2.5 / 14 ASPH

No adjusting or amending is allowed to Z15.

Z15 is specialized for Camera and Lens before it leaves the factory. Please mount your camera to Z15 when get it. No adjusting or amending is allowed to Z15. Do not modify or add any other component/device (such as filter, lens hood, etc.) to the camera; make sure to use the original battery; otherwise it may ends up with worse performance or even internal malfunction. Z15 can only work with Autopilot system specified by DJI Innovations (Ace One/ Ace WayPoint/ WooKong

M), so as to ensure the highest stability and precision.Please download the corresponding assistant software

and upgrade the autopilot system MC firmware, otherwise may lead the Z15 work abnormally.

Make sure the Autopilot system operates in the safest manner when the main power battery is connected. We strongly recommend customers to remove all propellers, use power supply from R/C system or flight pack battery, and keep children away during gimbal calibration and parameter setup. Please strictly follow these steps to mount and connect gimbal on your aircraft, as well as to install the assistant software on your computer. Please respect the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code. As DJI Innovations has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification (including use of non-specified DJI parts i.e. motors, ESCs, propellers, etc.) or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability. DJI assumes no liability for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product. DJI and Zenmuse is registered trademark of DJI Innovations Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and manual are copyrighted by DJI Innovations with all rights reserved. No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent or authorization of DJI Innovations. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or information contained herein.

Note1: Upgrade WooKong M firmware to V5.08 or above, ACE ONE firmware to V4.02 or above, or ACE WayPoint firmware to V4.02 or above. Note2: Specified Camera and Lens Type list for Z15-N and Z15-G.

(Items in gray italics font are not yet supported at present.)

Note3: All diagrams in the manual are for SONY NEX-5N with SEL16F28 unless stated, since different

camera or lens should use special component.

Product Profile

Z15 Working Mode

Orientation-locked Mode

Non orientation-locked

Mode

FPV Mode

(Reset)

Gimbal Pointing

Gimbal pointing moves with aircraft nose direction

Gimbal pointing stays unchanged when aircraft nose moves.

Gimbal pointing stays the same as aircraft nose direction when power up

Gimbal and

Aircraft Nose

Relative Angle

Gimbal pointing keeps the same relative angle with aircraft nose direction

Relative angle between gimbal pointing and aircraft nose direction may change

Zero relative angle between gimbal pointing and aircraft nose

TX Control

Controlled

Not controlled

Attitude stability

YES

Vibration

Reduction

YES

Stick Meaning

ROLL is locked level in

0~2/3 command stick and

rotate in 2/3 ~endpoint;

command stick stands for

rotation angle limited to

+

45o in PAN; command

stick stands for gimbal

rotation velocity in TILT.

Command stick stands for

gimbal rotation velocity，Stick

center position is for 0，its

endpoint is maximum

velocity.

——

Command

Linearity

YES

——

Z15 is an excellent gimbal designed for AP. The gimbal has built-in slip ring in the mechanical structure,

preventing wire rod from winding up. It also has built-in independent IMU module, special servos drive

module, HDMI- AV module, etc. Excellent job can be done by Z15 in any working mode, including Orientation-locked control, Non orientation-locked control and FPV Mode (Reset).

Note1: Gimbal pointing means gimbal PAN rotation direction. Note2: Attitude stability means that gimbal’s ROLL/TILT will not follows the aircraft’s ROLL/PITCH. Note3: Gimbal rotating maximum velocity is corresponding to TX 100%end-point.

In Box

Gimbal ×1

In the mechanical structure, the gimbal has built-in slip rings, preventing wire rod from winding up, which also enables free rotations for the 3 axes rotating rods. The gimbal has built-in Z15 gimbal special servos drive module,

independent IMU module and HDMI－AV module.

Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU)×1

Connect the gimbal controller to the autopilot system by CAN bus. The GCU will control the gimbal’s pan, roll and tilt axes rotation.

Lens Retaining Ring×1, L-Connector ×1(Z15-N)

For fixing the camera lens.

(With jackscrew ×2)

Lens Retaining Ring Shim×1(Z15-N)

For fastening the camera lens.

Mounting Bracket ×4

For gimbal and bi-pod connection.

Camera Mount Screw×1

For camera mount.

Lens Retaining Ring Screw×1(Z15-N)

For fixing the lens retaining ring to the gimbal.

Hot Shoe ×1(Z15-G)

For fastening the camera to gimbal.

Quick Twist Screw for Hot Shoe ×1(Z15-G)

For fixing the hot shoe to camera.

Quick Twist Screw for Camera ×1(Z15-G)

For fixing the camera to gimbal.

Screw×10(Z15-N) or Screw×8(Z15-G)

For mounting gimbal to aircraft (2.5*8 Head-cup screw×8). (OnlyZ15-N needs)For fixing the lens retaining ring (M2.5*5 Screw×2).

Gimbal Video Power Cable×1

For gimbal controller and Wireless Video Transmission Unit connecting, transmitting AV signal.

Micro-USB Cable×1

For adjusting parameter and upgrading firmware via PC.

CAN-Bus Cable×1

Use CAN-Bus to power and communicate with the autopilot system.

DJI

Spare Package×1

Damping units, Spare Screw, and Mounting Bracket.

Note: there are different between Z15-N and Z15-G.

Matters Need Attention

For safety reasons, please pay serious attention to all following items:

 Ensure nothing blocks the servo driver module rotation, to avoid motor damage.  Camera’s HDMI resolution should be set to 1080i.  Ensure to mount the side of servo driver module1 without ports to the aircraft nose

direction.

 The gimbal center of gravity has been set, whose position directly determine gimbal

performance. Please do not adjust the gimbal center of gravity by yourself.

 The gimbal is a high-precision control device. Do not remove any other screws in the

gimbal, which may result in bad performance or even damage.

 Do not unplug any cable attaching to the gimbal ports, or even change the mechanical

structure.

 Make sure all wiring is correct, otherwise may lead to gimbal abnormal work or even

out of control.

 Make sure to connect Video Transmission Unit to gimbal controller before power on

the system.

 The standard gimbal video power cable is recommended.  Make sure you solder the gimbal video power cable to the wireless video transmission

unit correctly, to avoid the 12V power burn the gimbal or your own device. And ensure the cables are insulated, to prevent from short circuit.

 Ensure the 12V power is safe for you own device when other power cable is used.  Make sure the wireless video transmission module current consumption does not

exceed 1A, to prevent GCU from damage.

 Pay attention to that S800 power supply voltage is within the defined limits (6S), when

using one battery for both S800 and Gimbal power supply.

 Different camera or lens should use special component.  Prevent the Gimbal from the power cable; otherwise it may lead to the short circuit of

the Gimbal.

Gimbal Description

Notices:

 Ensure nothing blocks the servo driver module rotation, to avoid motor damage.  Clear obstacle at once if the rotating gimbal is blocked.

Tips:

 Servo driver module is with two motor command input ports and one encoder private port.  HDMI-AV module converts HDMI video signal to AV video signal with a cable connecting to camera

HDMI port; also transforms TX signal into shutter control signal with a shutter control module.

 (Z15-N)Shutter control module is for camera shutter control using an infrared signal emission head.  Please read the related content according to your product (Z15-N or Z15-G).

Z15-N

(To GCU G6)

Damping Unit

(To GCU G8)

Servo Driver Module Port

Encoder Private Port

Motor Command Input Port

Pan

±360° continuous rotation

Servo Driver Module 3

Cameral Mount Position

Camera Mount　Screw-hole

HDMI-AV Port

IMU Module

HDMI-AV Module

Tilt

±360° continuous rotation

±40°　 (±360° mechanic

continuous rotation)

Roll

Servo Driver Module 2

Shutter Control Module

Servo Driver Module 1

Mounting Bracket

Motor Command Input Port

Port of 8-Pin Cable

Gimbal LED Indicator

Lens Retaining Ring

Lens Retaining Ring Shim

Z15-G

(To GCU G6)

Damping Unit

(To GCU G8)

Servo Driver Module Port

Encoder Private Port

Motor Command Input Port

Pan

±360° continuous rotation

Servo Driver Module 3

Cameral Mount Position

Camera Mount　Screw-hole

HDMI-AV Port

IMU Module

HDMI-AV Module

Tilt

±360° continuous rotation

±40°　 (±360° mechanic

continuous rotation)

Roll

Servo Driver Module 2

Shutter Control Cable

Servo Driver Module 1

Mounting Bracket

Motor Command Input Port

Port of 8-Pin Cable

Gimbal LED Indicator

Hot Shoe

Camera Setup

Sony NEX-5N /7 /5R

Menu

Shot Mode Camera Image Size

Brightness/

Color

Playback Setup

Shot Mode

Manual Exposure

Camera

Drive Mode

Remote Cdr.

AF/MF Select

MF

Brightness/Color

ISO White Balance

Not use Auto

Setup

Lens Comp: Shading Off

Off Off

HDMI Resolution

1080i

Lens Comp: Chro.Aber

Lens Comp: Distortion

1/60 F3.5

M

Shutter Aperture

Not use Auto

Panasonic GH2

C

3

C

2

C

1

M

S

A

P

SCN

M

iA

MF

AFC

AFS

Configure your camera by following the settings, meeting the requirements of Z15. Please read the related content according to your product (Z15-N or Z15-G).

 Please set Shot Mode as Manual Exposure M.  Shutter: Value 1/15~1/80 is recommended, do not set it bellow 1/80(like 1/120).  Aperture: According to exposure degree.  Drive Mode: Set as Remote Cdr., so that camera shutter can be controlled by TX.  AF/MF Select: Select MF, otherwise output image would be flashing.  ISO: Please fix a certain value instead of automatically.  White Balance: Please do not set it to auto white balance mode.  Lens Comp: Set Shading/Chro.Aber/Distortion Off.  HDMI Resolution: Should be set to 1080i.

 Please set Shot Mode as Manual Exposure M.  MF/AFC/AFS Select: Select MF。  Using the MOTION PICTURE Mode Menu, set the REC MODE as AVCHD(1080i)。

Tips:

In the Menu settings, the mandatory values are in red italic font while recommended values in blue.

Notices：

Flashing image output may occur if not follow the recommended settings.

Mount

Mount Lens(Z15-N)/ Mount Hot Shoe(Z15-G)

Step1

Step2

Step3

align

Camera

Retaining Ring

Lens

L-Connector

Screw

Jackscrew

Mark

Shim

Step1: Put retaining ring through lens before mounting onto camera, accurate the alignment by matching the mark.

Step2: Slip the shim between lens and retaining ring, fix in (but not tighten) screws (M2.5*5 Screw×2). Step3: The L-Connector is active.

Step1

Step2

Step3

Camera

Hot Shoe

Quick Twist Screw

for Hot Shoe

Step1: Insert the hot shoe into the camera. Step2: Adjust the hot shoe and fix the quick twist screw. Step3: Finished.

Please read the related content according to your product (Z15-N or Z15-G). For Z15-N, please read Mount Lens, otherwise read Mount Hot Shoe for Z15-G.

Mount Lens (Z15-N)

Mount Hot Shoe (Z15-G)

Mount Camera into Gimbal

Please read the related content according to your product (Z15-N or Z15-G).

Z15-N

Retaining Ring Screw

Camera Mounting Screw

Jackscrews and Other Screws

Step4: Mount the camera into the gimbal and tighten the camera mounting screw. Step5: Adjust the L-Connector, and fix the retaining ring screw. Step6: Tighten the jackscrews and other screws.

Z15-G：

Camera Mounting Screw

Quick Twist Screw

for Camera

Step4: Mount the camera into the gimbal. Step5: Adjust the camera and tighten the camera mounting screw. Step6: Tighten the quick twist screw for camera.

Mount Gimbal to Bi-pod

Following diagram shows mounting gimbal to DJI Innovations S800 bi-pod. You may mount the gimbal to a

Camera

Gimbal

DJI S800 Bi-pod

Mounting Bracket

Aircraft Nose

Parallel

X

Y

Z

Screws

Lens

Step7: Install gimbal to a bi-pod with mounting bracket; tighten up screws (2.5*8 Head-cup screw×8) with appropriate screw glue.

Notices:

 Ensure to mount the side of servo driver module1 without ports to the aircraft nose direction.  Make sure the top and bottom plates of damping unit stay parallel when mounting, preventing the

damping units from stretched and distorted.

 Keep overall balance when mounting, in order to make the center of gravity on the red line (Z axis).  The gimbal center of gravity has been set, whose position directly determine gimbal performance.

Please do not adjust the gimbal center of gravity by yourself.

 The gimbal is high-precision controlled. Do not remove any other screws in the gimbal, which may

result in bad performance or even damage.

 Do not unplug any cable attaching to the gimbal ports, or even change the mechanical structure.  Make sure the wiring is correct, otherwise may lead to gimbal abnormal work or even out of control.

bi-pod prepared by you referring to the following diagram.

Camera Wiring/Shutter Control

Camera Wiring

Z15-N

HDMI－AV Interface

Camera HDMI Port

Infrared Signal Emission Unit

Camera

Shutter Control Module

Shutter

Camera Lens

Remote Sensor

Gimbal LED Indicator

HDMI-AV

Module

IMU

Z15-G

HDMI－AV Interface

Camera HDMI Port

Camera

Shutter

Camera Lens

Camera Shutter Control Cable

Gimbal LED Indicator

HDMI-AV

Module

IMU

Step1: Connect the gimbal HDMI-AV module to camera HDMI port with a HDMI-AV connection cable. Step2: For Z15-N, make sure the infrared signal emission unit is aligned to the remote sensor.

For Z15-G, connect the camera shutter control cable to the camera.

Notices:

Connect the camera correctly, since the gimbal works with a HDMI-AV module for converting video signal format and transforming TX signal into shutter control signal. Please read the related content according to your product (Z15-N or Z15-G).

Ensure camera is setup first, and then follow the procedures to connect camera and gimbal.

 When disconnect the cable between HDMI-AV module and camera, dismount the camera, and

unplug the HDMI-AV interface.

 (Z15-N) Make sure the infrared signal emission unit is aligned to the remote sensor.

Shutter Control

Notices:

 Set the camera of Z15-G to “Manual Video”, the shutter can be used to record video. One toggle is

for start/stop recording.

 The video recording of Z15-N is available by setting the AUX3 channel of the GCU. Please refer to

the AUX3 Switch Setup for details.

Tips:

 Following diagram shows how the shutter control works.

 If the shutter control works abnormally, please check each step.

TX

2-Position

Switch

RC Receiver

2-Position

Switch Channel

TX Command

GCU

SHUT

Gimbal

HDMI-AV Module

Wireless

Internal Cable

Camera Shutter Control Module

Infrared Unit

Shutter Control Signal

2-Pins Cable

Camera

Shutter

TX Command TX Command

Wireless

Shutter

Control Signal

3-Pins Cable

Z15-N

Z15-G

Camera Shutter Control Cable

Tx

1

2-Positon

Switch

2

Z15 enables transforming TX command into shutter control signal, please set one 2-position switch/channel for remote shutter control.

For Z15-N, set the Drive Mode as Remote Cdr. in Camera Menu, and make sure the shutter control module is correctly mounted and wired.

For Z15-G, make sure camera shutter control cable is correctly wired.

Whichever 2-position switch on your transmitter selected, wire the right channel of receiver to SHUT port. One switch toggle is for one shooting.

For example, toggle twice will achieve two shootings.

Position-1 Position -2：First shooting Position -2Position -1：Second shooting

Video Signal Transmission

Wireless Video Transmission Module

　Air End

Power(Red:1A@12V) Video Signal(Yellow:AV) GND(Black:　　)

Power

Video Signal

GND

Gimbal Video Power Cable

Video Signal Port

Step1: Respectively solder the Power/Video Signal/GND cables to wireless video transmission module (Air End).

Step2: Plug the gimbal video power cable head into the GCU Video Signal Port.

Notices:

 Make sure to connect Wireless Video Transmission Unit to GCU first, then power on.  Set HDMI Resolution as 1080i for Z15-N; set the REC MODE as AVCHD (1080i) using Z15-G;

otherwise the wireless video transmission module will work abnormally.

 The standard gimbal video power cable is recommended.  Make sure you solder the gimbal video power cable to the wireless video transmission unit correctly,

to avoid the 12V power burn the gimbal or your own device. And ensure the cables are insulated, to prevent from short circuit.

Power Cable(1A @12V)

Video Signal Cable(AV) GND Cable

 Ensure the 12V power is safe for you own device when using other power cable.  Make sure the wireless video transmission module current consumption does not exceed 1A, to

prevent GCU from damage.

Tips:

 Following diagram shows how video signal transit when gimbal working.  If video signal access fails, please check each step.

Camera

HDMI

Gimbal

HDMI-AV module

HDMI signal

GCU

G8

AV signal

Wireless video transmission module

Air end

HDMI-AV cable

8-Pins cable

Gimbal Video Power Cable

Wireless video transmission module

Ground end

Wireless signal

Monitor

AV input

5.8G/2.4G/1.2G

Self-prepared by user

AV signal

A wireless video transmission module is necessary for video signal accessing remotely.

Gimbal Controller Wiring

GCU Wiring

Gimbal Controller (GCU)

RC Receiver

· These are example connections. Prepare 2 TXs, one is for gimbal control, the other one for aircraft control, refer to

2-Pilots Solution for more detail in Appendix.

· If one receiver is used for aircraft and gimbal control at the same time, refer to 1-Pilot Solution for detail in Appendix.

· Setup Aileron, Elevator, Rudder channels on gimbal control TX. Command stick stands for gimbal rotation velocity， center position is for 0，endpoint for maximum velocity(both clockwise and counter clockwise directions). (End Point is 100%)

· Choose one 3-position switch/channel as Z15 working modes switch.(MODE)

· Choose one 2- position switch/channel As camera shutter control switch(SHUT), one for HDMI switch(AUX1), one

for camera lens orientation switch in Reset Mode (AUX2), and also one for Z15-N video control switch(AUX3).

· Please refer to WKM/ACE ONE/ACE Waypoint User Manual for aircraft control setting.

· Connect the receiver to GCU correctly.

Battery

· Connect the XT60 to the GIMBAL on the center frame if DJI S800 used.

· Attention that S800 power supply voltage should be within the defined

limits (6S), when using one battery for both S800 and Gimbal power supply.

· Please refer to S800 User Manual for details.

Battery

(4S~12S)

· M ake sure ports are accessible when installing MC so as to facilitate

wiring and software configuration.

· In 3-pin ports, pins near the nicks are signal pins.

· 6-pin cable for G6, 8-pin cable for G8.

· DO NOT cover the heat sinks, keep them unobstructed.

· The IMU module is NOT water-proof or oil-proof.

Wireless Video Transition Module

Air End

WKM/ACE ONE/ACE Waypoint

Please refer to WKM/ACE ONE/ ACE Waypoint User Manual for all

connection and configuration details.

WKM/

ACE ONE/

ACE Waypoint

Any spare CAN port on

DJI autopilot system

RC Receiver

(Aircraft control)

G8

G6

Or

RC Receiver

(Futaba

/ Hitec)

7

1 2 4

RC Receiver

(JR)

AUX2 RUDD ELEV

AILE

2-Position Switch 2-Position Switch

8-Channel

USB Port

PC connection for configuration and firmware upgrades with an USB cable.

Heat

Sinks

Ensure the side with copper contacts is facing upward towards the heat sinks.

G8

G6

2-Position Switch

S-Bus Receiver

(Futaba)

S-Bus

Or

PPM Receiver

PPM

Or

Turn to next page to obtain the correspondence between t h e GCU channels and S-Bus/PPM channels.

GCU Ports Indication

TX Channels

GCU

Channels

Indications

JR

Futaba/Hitec

AILE 1 ROLL

For roll axis control (left/right). Velocity is zero if disconnection.

ELEV 2 TILT

For tilt axis control. Velocity is zero if disconnection.

RUDD 4 PAN

For pan axis control. Velocity is zero if disconnection.

AUX2 7 MODE

For Working Mode switch.

2-position switch channel

SHUT

For camera shutter control. Off when non-connection and disconnection.

2-position switch channel

AUX1

For HDMI-AV conversion switch. Conversion function is on

while non-connection or disconnection.

2-position switch channel Or Futaba S-Bus channel

AUX2

When AUX2 is connected to a 2-position switch channel, it is used as camera orientation (down or forward) switch in FPV Mode (Reset). The camera orientation is forward while non-connection or disconnection. If S-Bus receiver is used, it should be connected to AUX2 port.

2-position switch channel

Or PPM channel

AUX3

When AUX3 is connected to a 2-position switch channel, it is used for Z15-N video recording control. If PPM receiver is used, it should be connected to AUX3 port.

S-Bus/PPM Channels

GCU Channel

1

ROLL 2 TILT

4

PAN

7

MODE

5

SHUT

8

AUX1

9

AUX2

6

AUX3

Following table shows the GCU channels and TX channels connection.

Following table shows the corresponding relationship between the GCU and the S-Bus/PPM channels.

Working Modes/HDMI/AUX2/AUX3 Switch Setup

Gimbal Working Mode Switch Set

Notices:

 The gimbal will work in Orientation-locked Mode, if not connect to MODE.  Gimbal default works in FPV Mode after power on.  The gimbal will maintain the Working Mode from last moment, if the cable between MODE and RC

receiver is disconnecting while working.

Tips:

 For 3-position switch, you may assign:

Position-1 to Non orientation-locked Position-2 to FPV Mode (Reset) Position-3 to Orientation-locked Position-1 and Position-3 can be reverse assigned.

 One 2-position switch can be assigned for any two of the working modes as you like.

HDMI Switch Set

Notices:

The camera HDIM will be on if AUX1 and RC receiver is disconnected.

Tx

1

2-position

switch

2

Tx

1 2 3

3-Position

Switch

Whichever 3-position switch selected as working mode switch, wire the right channel of receiver to MODE port. At each switch position, use end-point fine tuning, set the channel AUX2(JR) /7(Futaba/Hitec) for the three Working modes.

Orientation-locked Mode MODE channel end-point 60%~90% FPV Mode (Reset) back to center Non orientation-locked Mode MODE channel end-point 60%~90%

HDMI-AV module can be set on/off by TX. Please ensure camera HDMI port is connected to gimbal correctly. Whichever 2-position switch selected as HDMI switch, wire the right channel of receiver to AUX1 port.

You may assign: Position-1 to ON; Position-2 to OFF; or reverse the assignment.

AUX2 Switch Set

Notices:

 This function can only work in FPV Mode (Reset).  When this function is on, if the working mode switch from other modes to FPV Mode (Reset), the

gimbal will force the camera lens to face forward or down depending on AUX2 Switch.

 The camera orientation is forward while non-connection or disconnection.

Tips:

When AUX2 is connected to Futaba S-Bus channel it is used as the S-Bus channel input.

AUX3 Switch Set

Notices:

 Only Z15-N gimbal needs to set the AUX3 channel when using the camera for video recording.  Z15-G gimbal controls the camera to record video by setting the camera to“Manual Video”.

Tx

1

2-position

switch

2

Z15 supports to control the camera lens down or forward in Reset Mode. Please wire the right channel of receiver to AUX2 port. You may assign: Position-1 to DOWN; Position-2 to FORWARD; or reverse the assignment.

Z15-N supports camera video recording. Please wire the right channel of receiver to AUX3 port. Every toggle is for start/stop recording.

Assistant

Install Driver and Software

STEP1: Make sure driver is installed correctly, which has been installed before you use WKM，ACE

ONE or ACE WAYPOINT.

STEP2: Please download assistant software ZenmuseInstaller.exe from DJI Innovations website. STEP3: Double click ZenmuseInstaller.exe file and follow the steps to finish installation. STEP4: Run DJI Zenmuse Assistant.

GUI

1

2

4 3

5

1

DJI

· Tools : Up grad e. F or u pgra ding the gimbal firmware

· Language: 中文or English

· Help: About. For version and SN access

2

Gimbal

· Basic: For Roll/Tilt/Pan/Mode observation

· Function: For Shutter/HDMI/AUX2

observation

Communication indicator

· Blue LED On: Without communication

· Green LED Blink: Communicating with PC

4

· Blue LED On: Disconnected with PC

· Green LED On: Connected with PC

3

Text Description

5

Connection indicator

· Mouse over each item will display the

corresponding content

Connect GCU and PC via USB cable, power on GCU.

Firmware Upgrade

Step1: Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet. Step2: Please close all the other applications during firmware upgrade, including anti-virus software and

firewall. Step3: Make sure the power supply is securely connected. DO NOT un-plug the power supply until firmware upgrade has finished. Step4: Connect GCU to PC with a Micro-USB cable, DO NOT break connection until firmware upgrade has finished.

Step5: Run Software and wait for connection. Step6: Select DJI Tools Upgrade. Step7: DJI Innovations server will check current firmware version, and get the latest firmware prepared

for the unit. Step8: If there is a firmware version more up-to-date than your current version, you will be able to click the Upgrade button.

Step9: Wait until Assistant software finishes reading gimbal and GCU. Step10: Click OK and power cycle the unit after at least 5 seconds.

Notices:

 After firmware upgrade, please re-recognize setup using Assistant software.  If abnormally read or write, close software and power off, and then restart software and power up.  If it is notified that the network or DJI Innovations server is busy, please try again later with above

procedures.

 If firmware upgrade failed, please try again with the above procedures.

Product Information

Please strictly follow the operation procedures for firmware upgrade, otherwise Z15 might not work properly:

You can check the product version via Help  About. This includes Hardware ID，IMU，GCU，Software. SN is a 32 digits authorization code for unit function activations. We had already filled in the authorization code for your unit after manufacture. You might be asking to fill in the new SN in the future if you brought new function upgrades. Fill in the SN and then click Write button. If you filled in an invalid SN over 30 times, your product will be locked and you have to contact our customer support.

Basic

Make sure your setups according to Basic.

Cursor slide right

PAN axis rotation

TILT axis rotation

ROLL axis rotation

Cursor slide left

Cursor slide right

Cursor slide left

Cursor slide leftCursor slide right

Function

ROLL/PAN/ TILT: Push the joystick on TX to obtain the stick direction and the gimbal rotation direction. If you use the DJI iOSD, you may obtain the gimbal attitude information (PAN/ TILT/ ROLL) on the bottom right corner of the display screen. The following diagram shows the gimbal rotation direction and the cursor slide direction on assistant.

MODE: Toggle the 3-position switch, the corresponding slider of cursor will turn red .

SHUT/AUX1/AUX2/AUX3：Toggle the 2-position switch, the corresponding slider of cursor will turn red .

Test

Check Before Flight

Notices:

 Gimbal is installed firmly to bi-pod, and camera mounted correctly and stably.  All cables are in correct connection, without anyone in backwards.  Gimbal video power cable is in good soldered condition if wireless video transmission module used.  Correct TX settings.  Camera shutter control module is correctly mounted.  Correct camera setups.  Correct connection between GCU and RC receiver.  Normal connection between GCU and autopilot system.  Upgrade Autopilot System MC Firmware.

Tips:

 Gimbal LED flashing red quickly when camera and gimbal connection fails.  Gimbal LED stays solid green when camera and gimbal is successful connection.  Please turn to Trouble Shooting in Appendix if abnormal situation occurs.

Test

Step1: Ensure batteries are fully charged for transmitter, GCU and all the other devices on your aircraft. Step2: Make sure all connections and wirings are in good condition. Step3: Switch on the TX. Step4: Power on gimbal and wait for self-testing, whose three axes will rotate quickly at the same time. Step5: After self-testing, camera lens will point to aircraft nose direction, that is, the three axes of gimbal

should be in the condition as the following diagram shows.

Step6: Gimbal goes into initialization, at this time the three axes will rotate very slowly. Step7: Gimbal is at a standstill after initialization, and ready for usage. Step8: Toggle the Working Modes switch on your transmitter, and make sure it is working properly. Step9: Switch the Working Modes to Non orientation-locked, FPV Mode (Reset), Orientation-locked

respectively, and then try to push your sticks lightly in Roll, Tilt and Pan to feel if your gimbal moves to the corresponding direction. If not, go back to Gimbal Working mode Switch Set to correct your settings.

Notices:

If the gimbal is abnormal (unlike the diagram shows) after initializing, please turn to Trouble Shooting in Appendix.

Appendix

RC Receiver

(Futaba)

3-Position Switch 3-Position Switch 3-Position Switch 3-Position Switch

2-Position Switch

Gimbal Control Aircraft Control

Tx

14-Channel

7

1 2

4

3

5 6

(AILE) (ELEV) (THRO) (RUDD) (GEAR)

(Collective Pitch)

(Control Mode Switch)

2-Position Switch

or

1-Pilot Solution

· This is example connection. Prepare one 14-channel TX/RC receiver for aircraft and gimbal control.

· Setup Aileron, Elevator, Throttle，Rudder channels on TX for aircraft roll, elevator, throttle, rudder control,

and TX AUX2 for aircraft control modes(Please refer to Autopilot System User Manual).

· Choose three 3-position switches for ROLL, TILT, and PAN rotation control. Switch center position is 0

velocity and end positions are maximum velocity.

· Choose one 3-position switch/channel as Z15 Working Modes switch (MODE).

· Choose one 2-position switch/channel as camera shutter control switch (SHUT), and one as HDMI

switch (AUX1).

· Connect the receiver to GCU and Autopilot System MC correctly.

2-Pilot Solution

Or

RC Receiver

(Futaba / Hitec)

7

1 2 4

RC Receiver

(JR)

AUX2 RUDD ELEV

AILE

2-Position Switch 2-Position Switch

8-Channel

RC Receiver (JR)

AUX2

RUDD

THRO

AILE

ELEV

AUX2

RC Receiver (Futaba / Hitec)

1 2 3 4 7

Futaba S-Bus

S-Bus

Or

Tx1

Tx2

Rx1

Rx2

Gimbal Control

Aircraft Control

WKM

ACE ONE

RC Receiver (JR)

AUX2

RUDD

THRO

AILE

ELEV

AUX2

RC Receiver (Futaba / Hitec)

5 4 3

2 1

Or

Rx2

7 6

Or

GEAR

AUX1

8-Channel

2-Position Switch

or

ACE Waypoint

S-Bus Receiver

(Futaba)

S-Bus

PPM Receiver

PPM

Or

Prepare 2 TXs and 2 RXs. TX1 and RX1 are for gimbal control. TX2 and RX2 are for aircraft control. Please refer to Gimbal Controller Wiring for more details.

Port Description

Gimbal Controller

ROLL

For roll axis control

TITL

For tilt axis control

PAN

For pan axis control

MODE

For Working Mode switch

SHUT

For camera shutter control

AUX1

For HDMI switch

AUX2

For Gimbal orientation (down or forward) switch in FPV Mode

S-Bus Receiver

AUX3

For Z15-N video recording control

PPM Receiver

To wireless video transmission unit, transmitting AV signal

XT60

To battery (To GIMBAL if DJI Innovations S800 used)

G6

To Gimbal, transmitting motor command

G8

To Gimbal, transmitting video signal

Micro-B USB port: PC connection for configuration and firmware upgrades

CAN-Bus port: Use CAN-Bus to connect GCU to the autopilot system

Gimbal

HDMI-AV Port

To Camera HDMI port

Motor Command

Input Port

To GCU G6

8-Pin Cable Port

To GCU G8

Description

LED Indicator

Camera and gimbal connected

Camera and gimbal disconnected

Camera Type _ Lens Type

　　　NEX5N_16

Camera Type

SONY NEX-5N

Lens Type E 16mm f/2.8(SEL16F28)

For example

Gimbal LED Indicator

Gimbal Label Description

NO.

What

Why

How to

1

Gimbal keeps drifting after initialization

(1) TX trims are too much

(1) Adjust the TX trims

(2)GCU and autopilot system is disconnected (3)Z15 mounting direction is disaccording to aircraft nose

(2)Connect GCU and autopilot system (3)Ensure Z15 mounting direction is the same with aircraft nose

2

The gimbal is abnormal after initializing

Abnormal calibration after manufacture

Please contact local dealer or DJI

Innovations customer service

3

Can’t distinguish gimbal pointing when using

BVR flight

Switch to FPV Mode first, then to another Working Mode needed

4

Gimbal LED flashing red

(1) The gimbal and camera disconnected (2)Camera is off (3) Camera setup failure

(1)Make sure cable connected (2)Please power on camera (3)Set HDMI resolution as 1080i

5

Gimbal green LED is on but without video display

(1) Wireless video transmission unit disconnected (2)Wrong power supply for wireless video transmission unit

(1) Check the wireless video transmission unit connection (2) Ensure the power supply for wireless video transmission unit is 12V

Trouble Shooting

Specifications

General

Built-In Functions

 Three Working Modes

 Orientation-locked control  Non orientation-locked control  FPV mode (Reset)

 Built-in independent IMU module

 DJI gimbal special servos drive module  HDMI- AV module

 Wireless video transmission support  Camera shutter control support  Z15-N video recording control support  Wide range voltage input support  S-Bus/PPM Receiver support

Peripheral

Supported Camera

 SONY NEX-5N

 SONY NEX-7  SONY NEX-5R  Panasonic GH2

Supported Lens Currently

 SONY: E 16mm f/2.8(SEL16F28)  Panasonic: Lumix G14 mm/F2.5

Lumix G20 mm/F1.7

GCU Input Power

4S~12S LiPo (Recommend 6S if with S800)

Control Requirement

Four spare receiver channels at least

Assistant Software System Requirement

Windows XP SP3; Windows 7

Mechanical& Electrical Characteristics

Working Current

 Static current: 200mA (@25V)  Dynamic current: 400mA (@25V)  Locked-rotor current: 4A (@25V)

Operating Temperature

-10°C ~ 50°C

Weight

 Z15-N: 1.25Kg  Z15-G: 1.3Kg

Dimensions

200mm ×200mm ×230mm

Frame Dimensions For Camera (Inside)

 Z15-N: 115mm ×75mm

 Z15-G: 142mm ×76mm

GCU BEC Output

10A@12V

GCU Wireless Video Transmission Power

1A @12V

GCU Weight

63g

GCU Dimensions

64.2 mm ×34.1mm ×19.5mm

Working Performance

Load Weight (Reference Value)

336g(@Sony NEX-5N with Lens and Battery) 417g(@Sony NEX-7 with Lens and Battery) 344g(@Sony NEX-5R with Lens and Battery) 489g(@Panasonic GH2 with Lumix G14 mm/F2.5 and Battery) 534g(@Panasonic GH2 with Lumix G20 mm/F1.7 and Battery)

Controlled Angle Accuracy

±0.05°

Maximum Controlled Rotation Speed

Pan axis: ±130°/s Tilt axis: ±130°/s Roll axis: ±30°/s

Controlled Rotation Range

Pan axis control: ±360° continuous rotation Tilt axis control: ±360° continuous rotation Roll axis control: ±40° (±360° mechanic continuous rotation)

Regulatory Approvals

FCC (USA)

Yes

IC (Canada)

Yes

ROHS(EU)

Yes

DJI CP.ZM.000018, CP.ZM.000001, CB.AL.000001, CP.ZM.000077 User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Warning & Disclaimer

Product Profile

In Box

Contents

Matters Need Attention

Gimbal Description

Camera Setup

Mount

Camera Wiring/Shutter Control

Video Signal Transmission

Gimbal Controller Wiring

Working Modes/HDMI/AUX2/AUX3 Switch Setup

Assistant

Test

Appendix

1-Pilot Solution

2-Pilot Solution

Port Description

Gimbal LED Indicator

Gimbal Label Description

Trouble Shooting