Freefly Pilot User Manual

OPERATION
MANUAL

770-00052 | REVISION A | 07.30.2017

To download the most current user manual for the

Pilot and all other Freefly products, please visit

http://freeflysystems.com/software-manuals

@freeflysystems | #freeflyers

REVISION HISTORY

REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION

A July 2017 Initial Manual Release

3| OPERATION MANUAL

CONTENTS

3 Revision History

4 Contents

5 Terminology

6 OVERVIEW

7 Disclaimer and Warning

10 Limitations of Liability

11 Warranty

13 Introduction

14 Pilot Modules

21 System Diagrams

23 SETTING UP PILOT

24 Getting Started

25 Out Of The Box

39 USING PILOT

41 MIMIC User Interface

58 Using The Mobile App

61 Freefly Controller Ecosystem

67 TROUBLESHOOTING

70 APPENDIX

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TERMINOLOGY

2.4 GHz An industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio
band (2.4-2.5GHz) that is used for radio control.

BLE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a low power and

application friendly version of Bluetooth.

FIZ An acronym referring to a lens's Focus, Iris, and Zoom.

Function Side The side of the connector that interfaces with another connector.

GCU Gimbal Control Unit (GCU) refers to the MōVI's central

processor and housing, which is attached to the pan arm.

GPS Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based

navigation system made up of a network of 31 satellites
that can be used to determine global position.

INS An inertial navigation system (INS) is an electronic

device that measures and reports a body's specific
force, position, angular rate, and sometimes the
magnetic field, using a combination of accelerometers,
compasses, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and GPS.

LOS Loss of Signal (LOS) refers to a condition where radio

control inputs or telemetry are not present.

Module Pilot consists of various “modules” which represent standalone

components which can be added/removed to configure Pilot

RCP REDLINK® Command Protocol (RCP) is the unified

command protocol used for the RED EPIC and
SCARLET cameras, regardless of sensor type.

RX RX is an acronym for receive, receiver, or reception.

Solder Side This is the side of the connector where the

wires are soldered to the connector.

TX TX is an acronym for transmit or transmitter.

UART A Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter

(UART) is a block of circuitry responsible for
implementing serial communication.

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Overview

OVERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER AND WARNING

IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review the
Pilot Operation Manual prior to use. If you have any questions, please contact
support@freeflysystems.com prior to using Pilot Controller. You can review the
most current version of this Operation Manual at www.freeflysystems.com/

software-manuals.

By using Pilot Controller, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this
disclaimer. You agree that you are solely responsible for your conduct while using Pilot Controller
and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use.

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
Freefly Systems, its employees or authorized agents be liable for any damages or losses, direct
or indirect, arising from the use of any technical or operational information contained in this
document.

» Always check Pilot Controller, MōVI products and all Freefly hardware prior to operation.

» Always maintain awareness of your surroundings when operating Freefly products.

» It is your responsibility to perform a full system check prior to every use.

» It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate Pilot Controller and MōVI products.

» Pilot Controller is a tuned system with custom components selected for each

application. Modification to, removal, or substitution of Pilot Controller components will
void the warranty.

» It is your responsibility to create shots that amaze the world.

BATTERIES AND CHARGING

The Pilot Controller includes MIMIC, which contains a non-removable internal battery. You must
read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging or using your MIMIC. Failure
to exercise caution while using MIMIC or failure to comply with the following warnings can result
in battery malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat, fire, personal injury, and/or property
damage. For information specific to MōVI Batteries/Chargers please reference the applicable MōVI
manual.

BATTERY SAFETY AND WARNINGS

You must read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging or using Pilot
Controller. Improper use may result in damage to the batteries, severe personal injury, and even
fire.

» Do not leave the MIMIC and charger unattended during use.

» Stop using or charging the MIMIC immediately if the MIMIC appears damaged, starts to

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balloon or swell, leaks, becomes deformed or gives off an odor, exceeds a temperature
of 140ºF (60ºC), or if anything else abnormal occurs. Disconnect the MIMIC (USB) and
observe in a safe area outside of any building or vehicle for at least 45 minutes, as a
damaged battery can experience a delayed chemical reaction that could possibly result
in fire.

» Never disassemble, modify, puncture, shock, crash, short circuit, and/or expose the

MIMIC to a flame. Leakage, smoke emission, ignition, explosion or fire can occur, which
may result in personal injury or property damage.

» Never allow MIMIC or Pilot Modules to come in contact with moisture at any time.

» Never charge or store MIMIC in extreme heat (40ºC) or cold (0ºC). Recommended

temperatures for storage are between 10º-26ºC. High temperatures may cause fire,
even with undamaged MIMICs.

» Never leave MIMIC or any Pilot Modules in an automobile or direct sunlight.

» In purchasing a Freefly product or system, the buyer agrees to bear all responsibilities

of the risks and not hold 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.

All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly.
Mishandling of MIMIC and its internal battery can
result in fire. By handling, charging, or using the
included MIMIC internal battery , you assume all risks

CAUTION

associated with MIMIC. If you are not prepared to accept
complete liability for the purchase and/or use of the
batteries, you are advised to return them in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase immediately.

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CHARGING PROCEDURE SAFETY AND WARNINGS

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.

» Never charge or use a MIMIC or Pilot Module that shows any damage or disfigurement

of any kind, as this may be a sign of internal damage. Any damage to the protective
cover or connector is also reason to discontinue use.

» Never charge a MIMIC unattended.

» Always inspect MIMIC and Pilot Modules before charging.

» Never charge near moisture, extreme temperatures, flammable or combustible

materials.

» Always monitor the temperature of the MIMIC while charging. If the MIMIC becomes

hot to the touch or begins to deform, discontinue charging immediately. Disconnect the
battery from the charger and observe it in a safe place for at least 45 minutes.

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LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY

IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY SYSTEMS BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OF PRODUCT OR FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR
PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY), EVEN IF FREEFLY
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL
FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER ASSERTED AS A TORT CLAIM, A CONTRACT
CLAIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR SUCH PRODUCT.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR ALL
CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID
BY BUYER TO FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT IN THE LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL
FREEFLY OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE
GOODS BY BUYER. IN NO EVENT WILL FREEFLY OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF ANY LATE DELIVERY. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL APPLY
TO ALL LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE
LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY
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.

freeflysystems.com.

» Failure of the operator to understand and operate Pilot Controller within the operating

limitations described in this manual.

» Failure of the operator to follow on-board safety warnings while using Pilot Controller or

Freefly products.

» Failure of the operator to inspect Pilot Controller and its components prior to operation.

» Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service Pilot Controller through an

authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine Pilot Controller parts.

» Use of third-party products on Pilot Controller.

» Use of Pilot Controller in unsafe conditions, including but not limited to, bad or severe

weather, such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms, etc.

» Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using Pilot Controller or

Freefly products.

» Infringement of third party data, audio or video rights recorded when using Pilot

Controller or Freefly products.

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WARRANTY

SPECIFICATIONS

Freefly warrants all products will be of good quality and workmanship and free from material
defects. Upon the expiration of the time periods below, all liabilities of Freefly will terminate. In
no event shall Freefly be liable for consequential damages. Freefly may use refurbished parts
for repairs or replacements. Certain products may be subject to a separate software license
agreement.

STANDARD 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. Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
All warranty returns shall be done in accordance with Freefly’s warranty Return Merchandise
Authorization (“RMA”) policy. Any repaired or replaced Product shall be warranted as set forth in
this section for a period the greater of (a) the balance of the applicable warranty period relating
to such Product or (b) ninety (90) days after it is received by Buyer. Only the components that
were repaired or replaced will be eligible for the 90-day period as set forth above. The Standard
Warranty effective date is the date of “ex works” from Woodinville, Washington.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS

All Freefly warranties do not cover (a) maintenance, repair or replacement necessitated by
loss or damage resulting from any cause other than normal use and operation of the Product
in accordance with Freefly’s specifications and owner’s manual, including but not limited to:
theft, exposure to weather conditions, operator negligence, misuse, abuse, improper electrical/
power supply; (b) alterations, modifications, or repairs by Buyer or unauthorized third parties; (c)
accident, disaster, improper handling or storage, drop, modification, opening sealed components,
use of third party accessories or acts of nature or any other peril originating from outside the
Product; (d) transportation damage, lack of or improper maintenance, defective batteries, battery
leakage; and (e) cosmetic damage or other non-operating parts. Removal or modification of sealed
components, including but not limited to, motors or electronics, voids any and all warranties.
Breaking the seal on any sealed components, including but not limited to motors or electronics,
is prohibited and voids any and all warranties unless otherwise approved by Freefly. Any parts
replaced by Freefly during warranty repair are the property of Freefly and will not be returned to
Buyer. Freefly may use refurbished parts for repairs or replacements.

Freefly products are compatible with Freefly software, Freefly parts and Freefly products only. Use
of any software, parts, or products, other than Freefly or Freefly approved software, parts, and
products, which plug into or directly affect the function or performance of Freefly products voids
any and all warranties.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH ABOVE, FREEFLY AND ITS LICENSORS MAKE NO
WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS OR TERMS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
WHETHER BY STATUTE, COMMON LAW, CUSTOM, USAGE OR OTHERWISE AS TO THE
FREEFLY PRODUCT OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NON­INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS, INTEGRATION, MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY
QUALITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FREEFLY AND ITS LICENSORS DO NOT
WARRANT THE PERFORMANCE OR RESULT OF THE FREEFLY PRODUCT. THE SOLE REMEDY
UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS
AS STATED ABOVE. THIS WARRANTY IS THE SOLE WARRANTY GIVEN BY FREEFLY AND IS IN
LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THIS WARRANTY EXTENDS
TO THE BUYER AND IS NON-TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER THIRD PARTIES. FREEFLY SHALL NOT
BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
SUCH CLAIM IS BROUGHT IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR
ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF FREEFLY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY OF FREEFLY EXCEED THE INDIVIDUAL
PRICE OF THE PRODUCT ON WHICH LIABILITY IS ASSERTED.

THIRD PARTY WARRANTY

Freefly does not honor warranty agreements extended by third parties. Only warranty agreements
granted by Freefly will be honored by Freefly.

NON-WARRANTY REPAIR

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. The evaluation
fee will be applied to the cost of the refurbishment if the cost of the refurbishment is greater than
the evaluation fee. Any repaired or replaced product shall be warranted for ninety (90) days after
it is received by Buyer. Only the components that were repaired or replaced will be eligible for the
90-day period. Any parts replaced by Freefly during non-warranty repair are the property of Freefly
and will not be returned to Buyer. Freefly may use refurbished parts for non-warranty repair.

LAW GOVERNING

These terms are governed by Washington State law (without regard to conflict of law principles or
the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods.) Freefly reserves
the right to change or modify this warranty at any time without notice. For up-to-date warranty
information, visit www.freeflysystems.com.

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INTRODUCTION

The Freefly Pilot 3-Axis Focus/Iris/Zoom Controller is the latest addition to
Freefly’s expansive product offering, bringing you precise control over Focus/
Iris/Zoom, MōVI pointing and MōVI settings wirelessly. By combining industry
standard inputs for Focus/Iris/Zoom controls such as a 2-axis force joystick,
an adjustable Focus knob damping and Freefly’s patented MIMIC technology,
the Pilot provides filmmakers direct and intuitive control of the camera and
gimbal. In addition to its technology, the Pilot offers a compact, modular
design which accommodates a wide variety of setups. 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.

This manual will provide information on how to setup, bind, and use your Pilot
Controller. It will also provide more examples into how Pilot can be used in
single or multi-operator modes as well as a few scenarios to help illustrate
this.

WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES

Throughout the manual, warnings, cautions and notes are used to highlight various important
procedures. These are defined as follows:

WARNING

Warnings are used to highlight

procedures which, if not strictly

observed, may result in personal

injury or loss of life.

CAUTION

Cautions are used to highlight

procedures which, if not

strictly observed, may cause

damage to equipment.

NOTE

Notes are used to highlight

specific operating conditions

or steps of a procedure.

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PILOT MODULES

OVERVIEW

The Pilot 3-Axis FIZ Controller is a compact, modular handheld controller providing filmmakers
with ultimate flexibility of setups. Each Pilot Module has been designed and customized with
specific functionality in mind, but can be easily reconfigured to support a wide variety of lens,
gimbal and camera controls.

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
“Using Your Pilot” for more details on how and where to download). This section is aimed at
familiarizing you with each Module and how it is used within the Pilot 3-Axis F/IZ Controller.

1 2

1. Pilot Iris/Zoom Module

2. MIMIC

3. Pilot Backbone

4. 13mm Quick Release Plug

5. Pilot Focus Module

4

3

5

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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. Your MIMIC will come equipped with a quick release mount (13mm) rigidly attached to
the bottom and a ¼”-20 to accommodate additional mounting options. All MIMIC’s with version 1.3
firmware are compatible with Pilot Modules.

1 2 3

VIEW 1

4 5

1. On/Off Button

2. 4 Display Button

3. 2.4Ghz Antenna (long range wireless)

4. COM1 (UART), COM2 (UART)

5. USB C

6. Quick Release Mount

6

VIEW 2

78 91011

7. 1/4 - 20

8. SD Card Slot

9. Integrated Battery with up to 6 Hour

Run-Time

10. Integrated LCD

11. BLE Connectivity

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PILOT BACKBONE

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.

2

1. (2x) 20mm Rosettes

2. (2x) M4 x 16 Socket Head Cap Screw

3. (1x) M4 Quick Release Lever

4. (1x) 13mm Monitor Mount/Integrated

Friction Hinge

5. M3 Integrated Quick Release Clamp

5 8

VIEW 1

3

VIEW 2

71

6. (1x) 13mm Quick Release Plug

7. (3x) Rubber Gaskets

8. Mounting Options

• M3 x 16 bolt pattern

• 1/4”-20

4

VIEW 3

6

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PILOT FOCUS 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.

VIEW 1 VIEW 2 VIEW 3

5 6

1. A Button

2. B Button

3. (1x) 20mm Rosette

4. COM1 (UART), COM2 (UART)

5. USB C

6. CANbus (Microfit 4-pin)- for

expandability

7. Status LED

1 23

7

8 9104

8. Removable Marking Ring

9. Adjustable Stiffness Dial

10. Mounting Options

• Rosettes attached with (3x) M3 x 8
flat head cap screws

• (2x) Rosette mount options for M4,
spaced 25.55mm apart (center to
center)

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PILOT IRIS/ZOOM MODULE

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. The Pilot Iris/Zoom Module can be connected through COM1 or COM2 to
your MIMIC.

10

VIEW 1

3

1. A Button

2. B Button

3. (1x) 20mm Rosette Mount

4. COM1 (UART), COM2 (UART)

5. USB C

6. CANbus (Microfit 4-pin)- for

expandability

7. Status LED

8. Slide Potentiometer (linear slider)

12

VIEW 2

45 678

VIEW 3

9

9. Removable Walnut Handle

10. (2x) Force Joystick

• Fighter Pilot

• Thumb Pad

11. Mounting Options

• M3 x 16 Bolt Pattern

• M3 x 8 or M3 x 16 Bolt Pattern on
Bottom Surface

11

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I/O CONNECTOR PINOUTS

All connector pinouts are shown looking into the function side of the connectors on the MIMIC and
Pilot Modules, unless otherwise noted.

CONNECTOR: COM 1
TYPE: JST GH 6-PIN

1. GND

2. +5V

3. UARTn_TX

21 3 4 5 6

CONNECTOR: COM 2
TYPE: JST GH 6-PIN

21 3 4 5 6

4. UARTn_RX

5. UARTn_CTS

6. UARTn_RTS

1. GND

2. +5V

3. UARTn_TX

4. UARTn_RX

5. UARTn_CTS

6. UARTn_RTS

CONNECTOR: CAN (CANBUS)
TYPE: MOLEX MICROFIT RA 4 PIN

3 4

21

1. GND

2. +V Ba

3. CAN H

4. CAN L

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CONNECTOR: USB PORT
TYPE: USB TYPE C DRP (SOURCE AND SINK 5V)

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SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

PILOT + MōVI

PILOT

Gimbal Control

Unit

Tilt Stage

Unit

Focus
Motor

Pan Motor

Iris

Motor

Roll Motor Tilt Motor

Zoom

Motor

RED Camera

Control

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MIMIC INPUT PATHS

Illustration of available inputs to MIMIC.

Gestural

PILOT

Iris/Zoom Module

API

PILOT

Focus Module

MIMIC

Bush Pilot

Gamepad

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Setting Up Pilot

SETTING UP
PILOT

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