dji Zenmuse Z15-A7 User Manual
Zenmuse Z15-A7
User Manual
2015.4
V1.0
Warning & Disclaimer
The Z15-A7 gimbal has been calibrated specically for the designated camera and lens before it leaves the
factory. Please mount only the designated camera and lens to the Z15-A7. Do not add any other component/
device (such as lters, etc.) to the camera. Please use the original camera battery, otherwise performance
may be hindered and internal malfunctions or damage may occur.
Only use the Z15-A7 gimbal with Flight Control Systems developed by DJI (such as the A2 or WooKong-M,
and please upgrade to the latest firmware) for the greatest stability and precision. Please download the
corresponding Assistant software and upgrade your Flight Control System’s rmware, otherwise the Z15-A7
may not function properly. When the main battery power is connected, please be careful and operate the
Flight Control System in the safest way possible. It is strongly recommended that you remove all propellers,
use the R/C or flight pack battery power system, and keep children away during gimbal calibration and
parameter setup. Carefully follow the appropriate steps to mount and connect the gimbal to your aircraft. Use
this manual as well as the related Assistant. Please respect the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
As DJI has no control over the 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. Names of products, brands, etc., appearing in this
manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and
manual are copyrighted by DJI 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.
Manual Tips
Legend
Important Tips
Designated Camera and Lens Type for the Z15-A7 Gimbal
Camera Type: Sony ILCE-7S, Sony ILCE-7R
Lens Type: Sony FE 35mm f2.8 ZA
Camera Battery Type for the Z15-A7 Gimbal: NP-FW50 (new version)
Ensure to use the new NP-FW50 battery for the Sony ILCE-7S and Sony ILCE-7R camera, which
has been produced by Sony after Jun 1, 2014. It is all black and weighs 40 g.
The Z15-A7 supports both Sony ILCE-7S and Sony ILCE-7R camera. It has been calibrated for the
Sony ILCE-7S camera by default. Balancing the tilt and pan axis is required if you are using the
Sony ILCE-7R on the Z15-A7.
Firmware versions of supporting DJI Flight Control Systems
WooKong M: V5.26 A2: V2.1 or above
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
2
Contents
Warning & Disclaimer 2
Manual Tips 2
Product Prole 4
In the Box 5
Z15-A7 Diagram 7
Mount 8
Mounting the Sony ILCE-7S Camera 8
Mounting the Sony ILCE-7R Camera 8
Mounting the Gimbal to the Landing Gear 10
Video Signal Transmission 11
A. AV Wireless Video Transmission 11
B. DJI iOSD Mark II and AV Wireless Video Transmission 11
C. DJI Lightbridge Air System 12
GCU Wiring 14
GCU Wiring 14
GCU Ports 15
Working Mode/AUX2 Switch Setup
Working Mode Switch Settings 16
AUX2 Switch Settings 16
Shutter Control 17
Video Recording Control 17
PC Assistant Tuning 18
Installation and Usage 18
Basic Settings 18
Upgrade 19
Info 19
Pre-Flight Checklist 20
Pre-Flight Checklist 20
Flight Test 21
Appendix 22
Attention 22
1-Pilot Solution 22
2-Pilot Solution 23
Port Descriptions 24
Gimbal LED Indicator 24
Troubleshooting 25
Specications 26
16
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
3
Product Prole
The Z15-A7 is a sophisticated gimbal specically designed for aerial creativity. It has a built-in independent
IMU module, special servo drive module, HDMI-HD/AV module, infrared remote control module, and more.
The Z15-A7 performs well in all modes, including Orientation-locked, Non orientation-locked, and FPV (Reset).
Working Modes
Product Prole
Orientation-locked Non orientation-locked FPV (Reset)
Gimbal
Direction
Gimbal and
Aircraft's Nose
Relative Angle
TX Control Controllable Controllable Uncontrollable
Attitude
Stability*
Vibration
Reduction
Stick
Movement
Denition
Linear Control YES YES ——
Gimbal pans with aircraft's nose.
The gimbal direction maintains the
same relative angle to the aircraft's
nose.
YES YES YES
YES YES YES
Roll is locked level in stick
commands from 0-2/3 and rotates
in commands from 2/3-endpoint;
Pan stick commands control the
rotation angle and are limited to
360。; Tilt stick commands control
the rotation velocity of the gimbal.
Gimbal pan and
aircraft's nose move
separately.
The relative angle
between the gimbal
direction and aircraft's
nose is controllable.
Stick commands for
gimbal rotation velocity
are relative to total stick
movement. The stick’s
center position velocity
is 0°/s. Its endpoint is
the maximum velocity.
Gimbal pan and
aircraft's nose are
synchronized.
The relative angle
between the gimbal
direction and
aircraft's nose is 0°.
——
Note*: Attitude stability means that the gimbal’s Roll/Tilt will not follow the aircraft’s Roll/Pitch movement.
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
4
In the Box
Gimbal × 1
The Z15-A7 gimbal includes built-in servo drive
modules, an independent IMU module, an infrared
remote control module and a HDMI-HD/AV module.
Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU) × 1
Connect the GCU to your Flight Control System
using the CAN-Bus cable. The GCU will control the
gimbal’s pan, roll and tilt movements. Connect the
GCU to a video downlink for a video signal.
Mounting Bracket × 4
For mounting the gimbal to the landing gear.
Mounting Board for Receiver × 1
In the Box
For attaching the GCU and providing a convenient
mount for the receiver or other devices.
Camera Mounting Screw × 1
A standard tripod mounting screw.
Screw Package × 1
For mounting the gimbal to your aircraft (M2.5*8 cap
head screw).
10-Pin to 9-Pin Cable × 2
For connecting the GCU to the gimbal.
7-Pin Cable × 1
For connecting the GCU to the Lightbridge air system.
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
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Zenmuse Z15-A7
User Manual
8-Pin to 6-Pin Cable × 2
For connecting the GCU to the gimbal.
Servo Cable Package × 1
For connecting the GCU and the receiver.
AV Video Power Cable × 1
For connecting the GCU and the wireless video
transmission module, and transmitting the AV signal.
iOSD Mark II Cable × 1
For connecting the GCU to the DJI iOSD Mark II.
Micro-USB Cable × 1
For adjusting parameters and upgrading rmware via
a PC.
CAN-Bus Cable × 1
For the CAN-Bus Flight Control System.
Spare Package × 1
Vibration Absorbers, Spare Screws, and Mounting
Bracket
DJ I
DJ I
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
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Z15-A7 Diagram
To avoid motor damage, ensure there is nothing blocking the rotation of the servo drive modules.
Clear obstacles or immediately cut off the power if any blockage occurs.
The servo drive modules have two motor command input ports and one private encoder port.
The HDMI-HD/AV module converts HDMI to HD (or AV) using a cable connected to the camera
HDMI port; it also transforms the TX signal to an infrared remote control module for shutter control
and video recording.
Pan
±360°
Z15-A7 Diagram
Servo Drive Module 1
Damping Unit
Receiver Mounting
Board
Servo Drive Module 3
IMU Module
Camera Mounting
Position
Camera Mounting Holes
Gimbal LED
Indicator
HDMI-HD/AV Module
HD/AV Switch
Tilt +50°/-140°
Arrow represents
the lens direction
Motor lnput Port to
G6 Port of GCU
9-Pin Port to G9
Port of GCU
Roll ±40°
Servo Drive
Module 2
HDMI Cable
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
7
Mount
Power off the camera during the mounting process.
Mounting the Sony ILCE-7S Camera
1. Mount the camera onto the gimbal as shown and tighten the lens retaining ring.
2. Adjust the camera position and tighten the camera mounting screw.
Mount
Mounting the Sony ILCE-7R Camera
If you are using the Sony ILCE-7R camera on the Z15-A7, follow the steps below to mount the camera and
balance the tilt and pan axis.
1. Loosen the screws on the bottom of the gimbal of the positioning board. Slide the positioning board about
1 mm back as shown below and then tighten the screws.
Slide back 1mm
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
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Zenmuse Z15-A7
2. Mount the camera onto the gimbal as shown and tighten the lens retaining ring. Then tighten the camera
mounting screw.
3. Rotate the camera to any tilt angle, if it stays in position, then proper balance has been achieved.
Otherwise adjust the camera’s position by sliding the positioning board until the proper balance is
achieved.
User Manual
Mount
4. Loosen the eight screws on the connection point of the pan axis. Then slide the pan axis forward about
0.5mm and tighten the screws. When the proper balance is achieved, the pan axis will stay in position after
rotating the gimbal 90 degrees. Balancing is complete.
Slide the pan axis forward about 0.5mm
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2015 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
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