Phoenix A10 User Manual

USER MANUAL V1.00

Phoenix A10 Introduction

The Phoenix A10 is a digitally stabilized camera gimbal system. Phoenix A10 uses brushless DC motors for each axis of pan, tilt, and roll. Stabilization is accomplished by a 3 axis AlexMOS (Basecam Electronics) stabilization controller. The controller receives pitch/roll/yaw attitude data from a triaxial accelerometer/gyro

sensor that is located on the final driven axis of the Phoenix. The controller then processes the data and sends power to each motor as required. This all happens quickly at about 100,000 times a second. The result is a smooth and stable camera platform allowing for shots that have never before been possible with larger, bulkier SteadiCam systems.

Brushless DC Motor Drive Systems

Brushless DC motor drive systems are a relatively new technology as they pertain to small camera gimbal systems.

The first systems were in use around the first part of 2012. Since then great advances in the technology have occurred. The technology is advancing so quickly that what is written in this manual now may be outdated by the time you read it.

What is a ‘brushless DC motor drive’ (BLDC)? BLDC motors are also known as ‘electronically commutated motors’. They differ from brushed DC motors because they do not have carbon brushes that rub against a commutator bar. They are

powered by a DC voltage source run through copper field windings that are switched on/off at high frequencies. The switching of the voltage source is done at precise intervals to create a rotating electromagnetic field (EMF). The rotating EMF causes the magnets on the motor rotor to attract and repel to/from the EMF. This is known as electronic commutation. The result is precise motion of

the motor output shaft/rotor. The advantage of brushless motors over brushed motors is greater power output, higher efficiency, lower electronic noise, ability to precisely commutate, and longer motor life.

Figure 1. Brushless DC Motor Windings & Magnets

BLDC motors are desirable for camera gimbals because they can be precisely driven and fast rotation rates. The motors on the Phoenix A10 can sustain stabilization motions up to 140 degrees per second while maintaining 0.1 degrees resolution. This allows for extremely precise stabilization motion control of the

camera, even in harsh motion environments such as aircraft or offroad vehicle use.

The extreme precision of BLDC motors does come at a cost, however. BLDC motors as they are used in camera gimbals suffer from lack of torque. This means the motors have difficulty in operating in a precise manner if the camera is not precisely balanced in the camera gimbal. A camera that is not properly

mounted in the gimbal can cause the motors to lose their ability to keep the camera in a stable attitude. Any external forces acting upon the camera gimbal such as quick jolts, or fast motions will cause the motors to ‘break loose’ and let the camera swing wildly. Provided the camera is balanced properly in the camera gimbal the low torque issue with BLDC motors is minimized. A properly balanced camera gimbal system can work quite effectively even with low torque BLDC motors.

Phoenix A10 Setup

Camera Size & Weight Limitations

Phoenix A10 is designed to be used with DSLR type cameras up to Canon 5D in size but will work with smaller cameras like Sony NEX5,6,7 or similar.

Total camera weight with lens should be no less than 1.2lb (.68kg) or no greater than 4.75lb (2.1kg) for best performance of Phoenix A10.

Physical size of camera should be limited to 6.5” wide, 5.25” tall, 8” long for best performance. These dimensions can be exceeded

slightly (10% perhaps) but a decreased level of performance may be expected. Keep in mind that most zoom lenses change length considerably as the focal length gets longer. Phoenix A10 works well at focal lengths as long as 200mm.

Figure 2. Camera Size Limitations

Handheld Configuration Assembly

One of the most common configurations for Phoenix A10 is the handheld configuration. Handheld allows Phoenix A10 to be

used in ‘run & gun’ type scenarios as well as used for aerial work from airplane or helicopter. Due to A10 being compatible with industry standard 15mm rod gear, it is easily assembled into handheld configuration.

1) First, attach the 15mm rod mount to the top of the pan axle flange on A10. Use M4x10 allen screws. Figure 4.

2) Next, slide the short 15mm rods through the rod mount. Leave about 30mm of rods exposed on the front side. Figure 5.

Figure 3. A10 in handheld configuration

Figure 4. 15mm rod mount attachment

3) Slide the top handle onto the rods behind the rod mount. Figure 6.

4) Now, slide the cross rod mount onto the front portion of exposed rods. Figure 7.

5) Slide the cross rod through the cross rod mount. Figure 8.

6) install the handles on the ends of cross rod. You may angle the handles to suit your comfort. Figure 9.

Figure 5. 15mm rods installed

Figure 7. Cross rod mount installed

Figure 6. Top handle installed

Figure 8. Cross rod installed

Figure 9. Handles installed

Shoulder Configuration

Shoulder configuration is setup similar to handheld as noted above. The same 15mm rod mount and handles are used along with longer rods. The main difference being the Phoenix A10 is mounted on the

rods inverted, a 15mm rod shoulder pad is installed and a V-mount battery is mounted to the rear of the rods for counter balance. it is important to note that in this mode the yaw axis setting in the software GUI must be inverted. We will discuss that later in the manual.

Figure 10. Shoulder Configuration Assembled

+ 10 hidden pages

Phoenix A10 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual