Zenmuse Z15-5D
User Manual
V1.02
December 26, 2013 Version
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.
www.dji.com
Warning & Disclaimer
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
No further adjustment or changes are permitted to the Z15.
The Z15 is specifically adjusted to support the Camera and Lens before leaving the factory. Please mount your
camera directly to the Z15 when installing as no further adjustment or changes are necessary or permitted. Do not
modify or add any other component/device (such as a filter, lens hood, etc.) to the camera; make sure to use the
original battery; Failure to follow these guidelines may result in decreased performance or internal malfunction.
The Z15 is only compatible with a flight control system specified by DJI Innovations (A2/Ace One/Ace
WayPoint/WooKong M). To ensure highest stability and precision, download the corresponding assistant software
and upgrade the flight control system MC firmware. Failure to do so may result in the Z15 working abnormally.
Make sure the flight control system is operated in the safest possible environment when the main power battery is
connected. We strongly recommend users remove all propellers, DO NOT use power supply from R/C system or
flight pack battery, and keep children away during gimbal calibration and parameter setup. Please follow the
guidelines in order to correctly mount and connect gimbal to 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 are registered trademarks 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.
Firmware versions of supported DJI Flight control systems
Specified Camera and Lens Type
Z15-5D Mark II
Z15-5D Mark III
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2
Product Profile
Non orientation-locked Mode
Gimbal point stays locked
with aircraft nose direction
Gimbal point stays unchanged
when aircraft nose direction
changes.
Gimbal point stays the
same as aircraft nose
direction when powered
up
Gimbal and
Aircraft Nose
Relative Angle
Gimbal point keeps the
same relative angle with the
aircraft nose direction
Relative angle between the
gimbal point and aircraft nose
direction may change
Zero relative angle
between the gimbal point
and aircraft nose
Command stick stands for
gimbal rotation velocity,
Stick center position is for
0,its endpoint is maximum
velocity.
Command stick stands for
gimbal rotation velocity,Stick
center position is for 0,its
endpoint is maximum velocity.
Z15 is an excellent gimbal designed for Aerial Photography. It has built-in slip rings within the mechanical structure,
preventing the wire rod from entangling. The gimbal has an integrated independent IMU module, a special servos
drive module, etc., which are dedicated to provide excellent performance in any working modes, including
Orientation-locked control, Non orientation-locked control and FPV Mode (Reset).
Note1: ‘Gimbal point’ refers to the
Note2: ‘Attitude stability’ means the
Note3: ‘Gimbal rotating maximum velocity’ is corresponding to the
©2013 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.
gimbal PAN rotation direction
.
gimbal’s ROLL/TILT will not follow the aircraft’s ROLL/PITCH
TX 100% end-point
.
.
3
In Box
The Z15 gimbal has built-in slip rings within the mechanical structure,
which work to prevent the wire rod from entangling and enables
rotational freedom for the 3 axes rotating rods.
The gimbal has special built-in Z15 gimbal servo drive modules and
independent IMU module.
Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU) × 1
Connect the gimbal controller unit to the flight control system with a
CAN–Bus cable. The GCU will control the gimbal’s PAN, ROLL and
TILT axes rotation.
For fixing the camera lens.
For the gimbal and landing gear connection.
Mounting Board for Receiver × 1
For fixing the GCU and providing the mounting position for the
receiver or other device.
For tidying the cables on gimbal.
Gimbal & Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU)
Main Parts Package
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4
Lens Retaining Ring Screw × 1
For fixing the lens retaining ring to the gimbal.
Screws and Cables Package
For mounting the gimbal to the aircraft (M2.5*8 Head-cup screw).
Connect the GCU and Gimbal use the 8-pin cable.
Gimbal Video Signal Cable × 1
For connecting the GCU and Wireless Video Transmission Unit,
transmitting the AV signal.
For the parameter configurations and firmware upgrade via
Assistant Software on PC.
The GCU communicates with the flight control unit via a CAN-Bus.
Damping units, Spare Screw, and Mounting Bracket.
Spares Pack
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5
Contents
WARNING & DISCLAIMER ............................................................................................... 2
PRODUCT PROFILE .......................................................................................................... 3
IN BOX ............................................................................................................................ 4
CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................... 6
GIMBAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 7
CAMERA SETUP .............................................................................................................. 9
MOUNT ........................................................................................................................ 11
CAMERA WIRING/SHUTTER CONTROL ......................................................................... 13
VIDEO SIGNAL TRANSMISSION ..................................................................................... 14
GCU CONNECTION ........................................................................................................ 15
WORKING MODES/AUX2/AUX3 SWITCH SETUP ............................................................ 17
ASSISTANT SOFTWARE .................................................................................................. 18
TEST ............................................................................................................................. 18
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................... 20
IMPORTANT NOTES............................................................................................................... 20
PORT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 21
GIMBAL LED INDICATOR ....................................................................................................... 21
TROUBLE SHOOTING ............................................................................................................ 22
SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................... 23
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6
The Gimbal Description
Notes:
Make sure nothing blocks the servo driver module rotation to avoid motor damage.
Clear the obstacles at once if the rotating gimbal is blocked.
No mechanical and electrical adjustment or change is permitted.
Tips:
Each servo driver module has two G8 ports, which are used to transmit servo and video signals.
Servo Driver
Module 1
Servo Driver
Module 1
360° continuous rotation
360° continuous rotation
±25°
±25°
-120°~+15°
-120°~+15°
Servo Driver
Module 2
Servo Driver
Module 2
Servo Driver
Module 3
Servo Driver
Module 3
8-pin Cable
Connect the
GCU and Gimbal
8-pin Cable
Connect the
GCU and Gimbal
Video Transmission
Cable
To the A/V OUT port
of 5D Mark II
Video Transmission
Cable
To the A/V OUT port
of 5D Mark II
Lens Mount
Position
Lens Mount
Position
Damping Unit
Damping Unit
The Mounting Board
for Receiver
The Mounting Board
for Receiver
IMU Module
IMU Module
Lens Retaining
Ring' s Screw
Lens Retaining
Ring' s Screw
Cable Clamp
Cable Clamp
ROLL
ROLL
TILT
TILT
PAN
PAN
Gimbal status
Indicator
Gimbal status
Indicator
8-pin Port
To the G8 port
of GCU
8-pin Port
To the G8 port
of GCU
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7
Servo Driver
Module 1
Servo Driver
Module 1
360° continuous rotation
360° continuous rotation
±25°
±25°
-120°~+15°
-120°~+15°
Servo Driver
Module 2
Servo Driver
Module 2
Servo Driver
Module 3
Servo Driver
Module 3
8-pin Cable
Connect the GCU
and Gimbal
8-pin Cable
Connect the GCU
and Gimbal
Video Transmission Cable
To the A/V OUT/DIGITAL
port of 5D Mark III
Video Transmission Cable
To the A/V OUT/DIGITAL
port of 5D Mark III
Lens Mount
Position
Lens Mount
Position
Damping Unit
Damping Unit
The Mounting Board
for Receiver
The Mounting Board
for Receiver
IMU Module
IMU Module
Lens Retaining
Ring's Screw
Lens Retaining
Ring's Screw
Cable Clamp
Cable Clamp
ROLL
ROLL
TILT
TILT
PAN
PAN
Gimbal status
Indicator
Gimbal status
Indicator
8-pin Port
To the G8 port
of GCU
8-pin Port
To the G8 port
of GCU
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