Overview: Caddx FPV GM1, GM2, and GM3 Digital Camera Gimbals – Setup and Firmware Replacement Guidance

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The Caddx FPV gimbal cameras – GM1, GM2, and GM3 – were specifically developed for use with the Walksnail Avatar Digital FPV system, offering a unique blend of advanced features and high-definition video capture capabilities.

This evaluation aims to demystify the purpose of gimbals, guide you step-by-step through the setup process, and offer practical insights gathered from hands-on experience, empowering you to optimize your setup’s potential.

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The gimbal is offered in three distinct configurations: the GM1, a single-axis model; the GM2, which features dual-axis stabilization; and the GM3, a highly advanced three-axis gimbal. While each mannequin offers distinct levels of motion flexibility, the GM3 stands out as the most advanced and adaptable option, albeit supported by three motors, making it the heaviest in its class.

What’s within the Field:

• GM3 Gimbal
• Person Handbook
• What’s the purpose of these cables?

With head-tracking technology seamlessly integrated with a digital camera gimbal onboard your aircraft, you enjoy precise control over the direction your camera captures, thereby elevating the immersive first-person view (FPV) experience to new heights. While DIY camera gimbals using servos have been employed in first-person view (FPV) applications previously, these setups often present technical hurdles and jerky movement due to the limitations of low-resolution servos.

Caddx introduces the Gimbals, an exceptionally refined and professional-grade offering from the manufacturer. These gimbals are engineered to integrate effortlessly with Walksnail’s Avatar HD goggles, enabling intuitive head tracking and seamless monitoring. The gimbal features an integrated MIPI cable, allowing seamless connectivity with Walksnail’s digicam and VTX components, requiring only simple plug-and-play connections.

With the Walksnail Goggles’ innovative L-head tracker technology, the stabilised gimbal seamlessly responds to every head movement, delivering an ultra-immersive first-person view (FPV) experience that simulates a real-time cockpit perspective. Brushless motors power these gimbals to provide smooth, precise movement, simplifying the setup process by eliminating complex wiring requirements.

Furthermore, the gimbal’s functionality can be seamlessly integrated with PWM signals from compatible third-party devices, such as radios or flight controllers, thereby expanding its versatility across diverse configurations.

With advanced head monitoring, the gimbals further minimize camera shake during flight, resulting in crystal-clear and silky-smooth video performance, regardless of the aerial environment’s turbulence or instability. The soft-mounted design, which incorporates rubber grommets, further minimizes vibrations and thereby optimizes video quality by reducing unwanted motion artifacts.

While digital camera gimbals excel in applications such as aerial filming for cars, planes, and drones equipped with autonomous capabilities, their suitability is highly dependent on the specific type of flight and intended use case.

Freestyle FPV drone pilots often encounter issues when using a gimbal, as it can compromise their ability to precisely control the drone’s angle, adding complexity and difficulty to flight regulation. However, when embarking on extended flights, the performance of gimbals may be compromised if directional antennas are employed in conjunction with your goggles. Carefully adjusting your position to avoid shifting your head could inadvertently misalign the antenna, potentially resulting in signal degradation. While a floor station equipped with the Walksnail VRX on a tripod could potentially mitigate the issue, it’s unclear whether this solution will be feasible in the near future.

Regrettably, the 6-axis head tracker in the Walksnail Goggles X is incompatible with Caddx digital camera gimbals. To achieve seamless VR experiences, a 9-axis head tracker, identical to the one found in Goggles L, is essential. Despite this hurdle, Caddx is poised to debut a cutting-edge head tracker board designed specifically for Goggles X, promising to address these concerns. I’ll swap one in once Goggles X is available.

While the GM1, GM2, and GM3 gimbals generally pair well with most Walksnail VTX models, it’s essential to note that some specific combinations may not be compatible. These gimbals are incompatible with the V1 VTX, Mini 1S, Nano V3, and GT VTX models. Despite their suitability for use with specific VTX models?

• Compatibility: The 19mm FPV digital camera seamlessly integrates with a range of devices, offering users unparalleled flexibility and convenience.
• Picture Stabilization: ±0.005°
• Max Controllable Pace: ±1500°/s
• Max Rotational Speed: ±120° Pitch Variability
• Measurement: 32.2×38.1×20.5mm
• Weight: 16g
• Management Mode: PWM / UART
• Head Monitoring Management: Supported
• Voltage: 7~26V
• Static Energy Dissipation: 1.0W

• Digital Camera Compatibility: Compatible with the 19mm FPV digital camera.
• Picture Stabilization: ±0.005°
• Max Controllable Pace: ±1500°/s
• Rotational Control: Pitch ±120°, Roll ±60° (Managed Max)
• Measurement: 46.7×46.5×26.2mm
• Weight: 30g
• Management Mode: PWM / UART
• Head Monitoring Management: Supported
• Voltage: 7~26V
• Static Energy Dissipation: 1.2W

• Compatibility: The 19mm FPV digital camera seamlessly integrates with a variety of devices to capture breathtaking footage.
• Picture Stabilization: ±0.005°
• Max Controllable Pace: ±1500°/s
• Max Managed Rotational Vary: Pitch ± 120 degrees, Roll ± 60 degrees, Yaw ± 160 degrees
• Measurement: 50×46.5x53mm
• Weight: 46g
• Management Mode: PWM / UART
• Head Monitoring Management: Supported
• Voltage: 7~26V
• Static Energy Dissipation: 1.5W

The GM3 gimbal can be controlled through two distinct approaches:

1. To leverage the Walksnail Goggles’ head monitoring feature, consider utilizing UART technology as a viable solution. Connect the 4-wire cable comprising black, white, pink, and grey wires to the gimbal for this specific configuration.
2. If you want to manage the gimbal via third-party hardware, such as a switch on your radio, you’ll need to use PWM signals. For this project, utilize the eight-wire cable specifically designed for the gimbal to ensure optimal performance and seamless connectivity.

UART and PWM cannot be utilized simultaneously.

Before setting up the gimbal, ensure that your Walksnail VTX and Goggles are running a compatible firmware version of 3.0 or later.

• Begin by carefully removing the four screws located at the rear of the camera, followed by a gentle disconnection of the coaxial cable using tweezers or your index finger.
• Connect the GM3 gimbal’s coaxial cable securely to the digital camera, ensuring a stable and reliable attachment. Secure the digital camera to the stabilizer’s platform, ensuring a snug fit while exercising care to avoid damaging the coaxial cable.
• Remove the quilt plate from the VTX unit and swap its coaxial cable with the gimbal’s corresponding cable.
• :
  • Use a 4-wire cable (black, white, pink, and grey) to connect the gimbal to your VTX for reliable head monitoring.
  • When utilizing pulse-width modulation (PWM) control, utilize an 8-conductor cable for optimal performance.

• Simultaneously power the GM3 gimbal and Walksnail VTX with energy.
• Get ready to flip out with your Walksnail Goggles on!
• Configure the Goggles L settings to enable head monitoring and select the PTZ mode.
• The gimbal should now intuitively track the movements of your head. If the gimbal becomes misaligned, simply press the “Again” button on your goggles three times to initiate recalibration. You’ll also be able to quickly readjust the gimbal by pressing the back button on your goggles three times, a useful feature for making mid-air corrections.

The gimbal’s self-contained firmware can typically be replaced as needed. Despite their effectiveness, the gimbals lack the essential components – a cable and an FTDI adapter – necessary for updating the firmware, which I found slightly inconvenient.

To ensure your gimbal operates at peak efficiency, updating its firmware is crucial. Although Caddx does not provide the necessary cable and FTDI adapter (a USB-to-serial converter), you will need to procure them separately.

1. To secure the cable, connect the improved port to the gimbal, then link the other end to the PC, and navigate to https://caddxfpv.com/pages/download-center/ to acquire the Gimbal Config.exe software application.
2. Once downloaded, extract the extracted data to your designated “Vacation Planner” or “Travel Folder” on your computer’s hard drive. Within the extracted folder, users will find a hierarchical structure comprising various subfolders and files, including a dedicated “Gimbal Config” directory.

To enable communication between your PC and the gimbal, you’ll need a USB-to-TTL (or FTDI) adapter. Here’s the way you do it: Start by preparing your workspace. Ensure that you have a clean and clutter-free area to work in. This will help you stay focused and avoid any distractions. Next, gather all the necessary materials and tools you’ll need for the task at hand. This might include pencils, paper, a ruler, or any other supplies specific to the project.

1. :
   • Connect the bottom pin of the gimbal to the corresponding terminal on the USB TTL module’s underside.
   • Connect the transmit pin (TX) of the gimbal to the receive pin (RX) on the USB TTL module.
   • Connect the receive pin (RX) from the gimbal to the transmit pin (TX) on the USB-to-TTL converter module.
2. The gimbal requires external power during the replacement process.

1. :
   • Connect the USB TTL module to a vacant USB slot on your computer for seamless communication.
   • Restart the gimbal_config.exe A software program that ensures the accurate detection of a COM port.
   • Click the “Open Port” button. It’s essential to verify in real-time the sensor data from the gimbal to ensure a seamless and accurate connection.
2. :
   • Click the “Open Firmware” button and locate the folder where you saved the downloaded firmware file.
   • Which firmware file would you like to improve?
   • Progress bars update in real-time as AI processes your request, currently at 1%. The replacement process is quick, completing in mere seconds.
3. :
   • As soon as the replacement is completed, the status will display “Firmware update complete.”
   • Remove the USB TTL module from both your PC and the gimbal.

The Caddx FPV Gimbals revolutionize FPV flying and RC crawling when paired with the Walksnail Avatar HD system, despite some limitations, including compatibility issues with Walksnail Goggles X and firmware update requirements.

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