Tag Archives: PID Tuning

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Here's a step by step balancing video I shot when the CAME-MINI Gimbal first arrived at the studio. The first camera I attempted to balance was the GH4 + 12-35mm F/2.8 Lens. Without tool-less adjustments and a super compact frame, balancing a camera for the 'first time' may take at least 10-15 minutes.

Now that i've had CAME-MINI Gimbal for more than a week, it's pretty much everything I expected. Feels like great build quality, works very smooth, super portable, lightweight, and compact. But of course with such a compact gimbal, you'll naturally run into limitations of what camera and lens you can actually use. Even though the front mounted frame can be removed to support a slightly taller camera, and a larger lens, this doesn't mean this will be the ideal gimbal for that setup.

CAME-MINI Gimbal
find-price-button CAME-MINI 3-Axis Gimbal GH4/A7s/BMPCC

Now i'm sure there will be people attempting all types of heavy setups, and maybe you can prove me wrong, but my general recommendation is that if you have to use a lens adapter this is probably not going to be a good gimbal for you. If you're working with a GH4 | A7s | BMPCC body with a lightweight native lens (that you don't have to swap often), the CAME-MINI Gimbal makes for a great compact stabilizer.

Unlike the even smaller handheld systems, this is of course a 32 bit Dual IMU Sensor gimbal. So it's got all of the latest and greatest firmware for stability and PID tuning. If you have to travel with a more compact size, the entire top handle can be removed from the lower frame, the top handle can be removed, and the side handles can be removed as well.

A video posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

The system uses 18650 Batteries, and while I thought this might be a task to get spares, I purchased this set of 18650 Ultrafire batteries + 2 chargers, and they work perfectly. The system runs for about 1 hour on stock batteries, but my set of batteries have double the capacity and i'm hoping they will run for about 2 hours.


find-price-button UltraFire 18650 Batteries with Chargers

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A short while ago CAME-TV sent over an upgraded version of their 7800 Gimbal. Now that the gimbal has officially been released on their website, here's a closer look at some of the improvements and optional accessories that now come with the Ready-To-Run 7800 Gimbal Kit.

The 7800 has seen many iterations, and even my last video with a 7800 does not even include half of the changes they've made available now. The 7800 model now comes with a Travel Case and a Gimbal Stand. These may be small items, but essential pieces that you no longer need to buy (or make). You can get started balancing your gimbal and flying as soon as you receive the item.

My obvious favorite is new Black Rubberized Hand Grips. Not only does this feel better but it really steps up the aesthetic of the product making it appear much more professional. The top handle has the same design that is easy to remove with a single socket cap screw, and each side handle is clamped on, and can simply be twisted to release the clamp.

handles gimbal rubberrubber handles gimbal 1 inch clamp tool less
New Rubberized Handles

The biggest addition that many should be excited about, is a tool-less adjustment knob that allows you to easily balance the YAW and another tool-less knob to easily balance the Roll. Combined with the sliding quick release plate in the camera frame, swapping lenses should now take seconds instead of minutes.

tool less adjustment roll bar gimbal
yaw toolless adjustment gimbal 7800
New Tool-less YAW and ROLL Adjustments

So while the system is not 100% tool-less, the areas that do require tools to balance may not be used often once you have the proper alignment for your camera body. Common adjustments when swapping to a longer or short lens will be easier and faster at the Roll, Yaw, and Pitch thanks to the new too-less adjustment knobs. CAME-TV now offers Six (6) Different Gimbal Kits and you can find more information about those products at the website (click here).

CAME-TV 7800 Gimbalcametv came-tv 7800 3 axis gimbal stabilizer
find-price-button New Upgraded CAME-TV 7800 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

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Inverted mode on a gimbal comes in very handy, but it may not be ideal when using cameras with an HDMI Recorder or Monitor. Here's some tips on how I've modified the handles around Tiyaga DIY Mini Gimbal Frame to achieve the same benefits of lowered handles below the camera and built a setup that requires no Gimbal Stand for placement or balancing of the system.

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on

A photo posted by Emm (@mrcheesycam) on


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I'm a fan of working with many of the smaller camera systems like the GH4, Sony A7s, BMPCC, and also a fan of 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizers. Yet when it came to an ultra portable one that offered tool-less adjustments and a full range of pan and tilt, there had been a gap with current products on the market.

Some of you may know that I had been making my own mini custom gimbals out of random parts found online. The small systems make it easier for me to travel and operate handheld for a long long period time without fatigue. As others seemed to be interested in the build, I decided to work with a few friends to make a frame kit available for others to build as well.

This kit which has been a work in progress has been designed to allow small cameras full range of motion, easy to balance, incorporates a camera QR system, and easy assembly disassembly. The frame kit is finally available and here's the latest update video.

Note: The frame has been revised with new motor housings and additional bearings that allow for better support and stability, but here are a few other (older) videos showing some of the features of the mini gimbal.

The 'Tiyaga' is a kit that requires assembly and a few additional parts to finish the build, but what you end up with is an affordable 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for small cameras around 2.5lbs. There is a discount price for Early-Birds, and only a limited amount of kits will be made. You can find additional information over at the website https://MiniGimbal.com.

tiyaga minigimbal frame kitminigimbal
find-price-button MiniGimbal 'Tiyaga' 3-Axis DIY Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras

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Earlier today I had a comment about the CAMETV 7800 Gimbal and how people may want the 'camera over handles' mode. In this mode you don't have to raise your arms very high and will have less fatigue. Not exclusive to the 7800, any 32 bit Alexmos / Basecam gimbal can perform various positions and remain incredibly stable. In this video (below) i'm demonstrating just how stable these gimbals can be with the right configuration.

Now I realize the DJI Ronin is the best bang for the buck and it is an amazing system to carry heavy payloads. The main reason I use other gimbals is because i'm typically working with smaller cameras. I don't need to travel with the bulk, and I don't need to run around with the weight of the Ronin. If you watched the video above, you can see how even me (small guy) can man handle these all carbon fiber gimbals with just one hand [try that with a Ronin]. Even while switching through all of the different positions, the 7800 remained completely stable.

With this stability in a sub $1300 dollar gimbal like the 7800, you can see why it's really hard for me to go with a heavier gimbal like the Ronin. Unless of course there's a need to carry such a heavy payload, i'd rather just borrow a friends or rent one. Otherwise i'm happy to work with a more convenient system. As you can see in my video i'm using a heavier Canon 5D Mark III with Sigma Lens. If you're shooting with a GH4 or Sony A7s, these smaller lighter gimbals should make your life much easier when you have to pack, travel, and shoot all day.

Now the tricks I show on the CAMETV is not limited to nor exclusive to the 7800. Any gimbal running the new 32 bit software that has a properly balanced camera can operate just the same. It's extremely time consuming, but i'll try to do more videos on showing you a step by step process on balancing soon, but if you guys have any questions let me know.

CAME-TV 7800 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
find-price-button CAME-TV 7800 RTR 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

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The bluetooth module for controlling and configuring Basecam Control boards has been available for a while, but something not highly discussed is that the Varavon Birdycam Stabilizer actually ships with a BT module. This was not heavily advertised since the Android Apps (at the time) may not have been stable due to the latest firmware that was installed on the Birdycam2. Today I decided to test things out, and I have to say it's working quite well.

Anyone who has worked with the computer version of the SBGC app will feel at home on the Android App version. The wireless joystick app is perfect for dual operator mode (or when operating the gimbal mounted to a Crane/Jib) without having to invest in expensive RC Transmitters. Keep in mind that this is not limited to just the Varavon Birdycam.

varavon birdycam pre-order
find-price-button Varavon BirdyCam 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

The bluetooth module can be purchased separately and installed with any gimbal Alexmos boards such as the ones in the inexpensive CAME-TV 7000 3 Axis Gimbal.


DIY 3 Axis Gimbal CAME 7000 Calibrate Alexmos
find-price-button CAME 7000 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

All you'll need is the Bluetooth module which can be found for around $16 US dollars (found here).

Alexmos Bluetooth CAM-TV 32 Bit wiring diagram how to
find-price-button Bluetooth Module for Alexmos Basecam Controllers

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Today i've released several videos showing the assembly of the CAME 7000 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer. The videos start from basic assembly to basic PID tuning (very basic), and a few personal tweaks. It's a work in progress but for those who have just decided to pick up a CAME 7000 DIY gimbal kit, it should be a good start.

I've also broken up the videos into several parts, so that it's easier to skip certain sections if you're already half way through your build. As more questions come in, hopefully I will be able to add more and more useful content and refine each of the build instructions.

build gimbal  build came 700 3 axis gimbal  install gimbal joystick  default

In order to keep all of the questions, comments, answers, and other information centralized, i've set up a separate page for the videos and articles at https://gimbal.cheesycam.com.

gimbal cheesycam came 7000 build 3 axis DIY brushless
DIY Build Info 3 Axis Gimbal - visit Gimbal.Cheesycam.com

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