Building a Dual Operator FPV Drone with Hequav G Port Gimbal
They also have a version for cadex, but you can personalize it. You can probably use it. Standalone or what Im thinking put the gimbal on a drone have a camera for flying and have another person controlling the gimbal. So we have a super tiny dual operator.
Unboxing the Hequav G Port Gimbal
Drone lets open the box and lets see if we can do that boom. My God. First of all, there is an instruction manual and boom remove the foam, and you can already see the super tiny gimbal. You get a thin carbon plate as a base for the gimbal screws, connectors and silicon dumping grommets, and this finally, is the gimbal itself. Super tiny, but all made of aluminum 70 gam, I dont, think, were going to be able to build a sub 250 g dual operator drone, but still its going to be small, probably at 3.5 in it doesnt come with the camera. You have to mount it yourself, but you, the plugs already installed so here come goes the camera and on the back, goes the O3 btx unit, basically Im going to discover soon, if I can put it upright because looking at the logo, this is meant to swivel.
Installation and Features of Hequav G Port Gimbal
On the bottom of a drone, but on fpv drones is going to be a little bit exposed, so I wish it can be put like this. Also, this gimbal doesnt seem to spin 360, its limited to like 270 Dees y spin. It pitches down or up.
Configuring the Gimbal
If you are in this configuration like 45 degrees – and it goes all the way at the back – another minus 45 on the other side – probably Im getting all the angles wrong, but you are seeing where it lands and on the roll it goes minus 45. 45.
It has a lot of connectors for radio control. This is sbus, this is pwm, and these two are spare uarts and youre going to be able to control it with esbas, pwm or mavlink. I dont know about the crossfire protocol, which Crossfire and express lrs use. Im going to check it out and see if it works and boom.
Connecting the Gimbal
I know its a big lip forward, but it took me some sometimes to figure everything out. This part connecting the3 super easy, just plug the connector here plug the connector inside the camera. It takes a little bit of feeding but nothing crazy, and there is a bracket to mount the camera with a few screws. The there is a link in the description made from the company itself, so its not hard at all.
Configuring the Express LS
The hard part for me was updating Express LS because I didnt use it in a while and outputting SB through the express LS, which is possible and it works. I burnt a couple of receivers because um yeah, the gimbal, does not output 5 volts and you need a separate sorts for the 5 volts the ground disc on, and then you need to power on the actual gimbal itself once this is on a drone, its going To be much easier and um, you need to program what the gimbal does via the G Port from HQ software and you need to assign you see channel two for peach channel, one for you and channel eight for reset the the gimbal Im going to show you In a second and then mode speed mode, basically going to show you this is the express lrs, radio and its connected to the gimbal.
Setting up the Hequav G Port Gimbal
Look at it. This thing was so hard, but now I figured it out and then, when I press this button it homes wherever it is and this mode you turn and it stays you see, boom Im going to show you also you can select it with camera upwards. Instead of having underling, you can have it uh like this, like this configuration and its super easy, you just select your camera upward or downward Im going to show you the angle mode, what it does right and restart otherwise, okay, its restarting now. Now this angle Mode its weird because uh it always resets and the more you move, you move the stick, the more it moves you see. I dont know why its inverted now but yeah. I dont think this is the I mean if you want to look around and then reenter. I guess its fine, but I need to use it as a gimbal, so Im going to use the speed mode and I guess there is no adjustment for the speed I wish there was, but I guess its fine. You can control the output from the the SBS. So I guess its fine and its low enough. I guess its not going to be a problem and still, wherever you put it, it stabilize that direction. So very, very nice now Im going to put it on a drone and see how it goes and boom. Finally, its ready to fly, it was just a matter of taking everything and building it neatly into the Drone.
Building a Dual Operator FPV Drone
When it came to choosing a drone for my latest project, I decided on the Power 35 for its weight carrying capacity. While I hadn’t yet tested it in flight, the double control system and dual video stream capabilities seemed promising. The dual antennas, positioned at the back and the front, ensure that the FCC maximum power is utilized without interference between the two channels.
Challenges Faced during Build
One challenge I encountered during the build was the wiring setup. The gimbal required a maximum of 24 volts, while the LiPo battery charged up to 25.5 volts. This posed a risk of burning out the gimbal, so I opted for a safer route. I connected the gimbal to five out of the six cells of the 6s battery to ensure it wouldn’t get damaged. While it may be possible to power the gimbal with a 6s setup, I didn’t want to take any chances.
Operational Capabilities
The Power 35 drone can be operated either as a single operator or with a dual operator setup. When using it with just one operator, the drone will stabilize itself in the forward direction, keeping the horizon level. However, for a more dynamic and engaging experience, operating the drone with two operators is recommended.
Chasing Chickens with the Dual Operator Setup
For my latest adventure, I enlisted the help of a skilled FPV pilot, Radiar, to control the camera while I focused on flying the drone. Our mission? To chase chickens around the farm using the dual operator setup. With Radiar controlling the camera movement, we were able to track the chickens’ movements with precision. As the chickens darted to and fro, we adjusted our flight path accordingly, capturing some exhilarating footage in the process.
Finding the Target
Before taking flight with my FPV drone, the first step was to find a suitable target. In this case, I chose a chicken as my subject. The location was beautiful and the build quality of the drone was top-notch, ensuring a successful flight.
Chasing the Chicken
As the drone took off, I had the ability to move the camera to track the chicken’s movements. The drone felt a bit heavy, but the camera remained stable, allowing me to capture clear footage of the chicken as it roamed around the garden.
Losing Sight of the Chicken
Despite my initial efforts to track the chicken, I eventually lost sight of it as it moved out of view. With the help of my partner operating the camera, we were able to locate the chicken again and continue the chase.
Technical Difficulties
Unfortunately, during the flight, I accidentally hit a tree, causing a temporary signal loss. After quickly regaining control of the drone, I was able to reset the camera and continue the pursuit of the elusive chicken.
Introduction:
Are you still able to see yeah yeah yeah? Now I see you perfect, okay, Im landing on this bench. Okay, okay, is amazing. Is it cool? Oh now, youre touching yeah Im touching you. You touch me: okay, okay, reset the camera. Try lets try again. Okay, I see some chicken down there, so maybe we have to change the position. No, because we have two antennas screaming at oh. We have two antennas screaming at each other. Oh my God. Okay, here we are its a little bit unwieldy. Okay, here we are with a very bad start: okay for the chicken okay, we got a chicken down there. Can you see it no Center? The camera Center? The camera yeah okay, now its all up to you, keep the chicken centered while Im flying yeah. Okay, yeah! Oh, can you turn? Are you able to keep the the chicken centered yeah yeah yeah, yeah, Music? Oh it is. I lost the okay, so you cannot go more than um than right or left like you can Center the camera. Sorry guys for the C that Im creating Center the camera. Okay, okay. Okay, can you follow the chicken now now Im? Okay, what if the chicken goes sideways? What happens? Can you follow it? Yeah like this? Oh now, there is also the black one, the brown one, its uh more difficult than uh Applause. Okay, oh, keep it keep it. I mean its its centered, but trying to go.
Building the Dual Operator FPV Drone:
Building a dual operator FPV drone to chase chickens can be an exciting and adventurous project. By utilizing a Hequav G Port Gimbal, you can enhance the stability and control of the drone, making it easier to capture footage of the chickens in action.
Chasing Chickens with Precision:
With the dual operator setup, one person can focus on flying the drone while the other person controls the camera gimbal to keep the chickens centered in the frame. This allows for smooth and precise footage, giving you the best possible view of the chickens as they move around.
Testing the Limits:
As you chase the chickens with your FPV drone, you may encounter challenges such as the chickens moving quickly or changing direction suddenly. Testing the limits of your drone and gimbal setup will help you improve your skills and capture even better footage of the chickens in action.
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Chasing Chicken with a Dual Operator FPV Drone
During a recent flight session, I decided to chase chicken with my newly built dual operator FPV drone. It was a thrilling experience as I tested the capabilities of the drone in tracking and following the fast-moving chickens around the farm.
Exploring Different Camera Angles
As I maneuvered the drone in the air, I experimented with capturing various camera angles to get the best shots of the chickens. I tested the drone’s ability to look up and down, as well as sideways, to capture different perspectives of the chicken’s movements.
Testing the Gimbal Functionality
Using the Hequav G Port gimbal, I was able to control the camera movement smoothly and accurately to track the chickens as they moved around the farm. The gimbal allowed me to capture stable and clear footage, even in challenging flight conditions.
Signal Strength and Battery Life
During the flight, I encountered some signal interference when the drone went too far away or passed through obstacles. This affected the smoothness of the footage and made it challenging to follow the chickens continuously. However, the battery life of the drone held up well during the 5-minute flight session.
Fun Experience Flying the Dual Operator FPV Drone
This thing was definitely a lot of fun for her as well. It felt like piloting a drone with a pilot onboard. At first, it was a bit chaotic as we were figuring things out, but eventually, we got the hang of it. I found myself wishing we could switch roles, with her flying the drone and me testing out the gimbal. Unfortunately, I’m not a skilled pilot, and she isn’t either. Maybe one day she’ll be able to navigate the drone while I focus on the gimbal.
Challenges with the Gimbal Control
Upon reviewing the video footage, I noticed that the gimbal movements were a bit erratic. It wasn’t a fault of the gimbal itself but rather our lack of experience in controlling it smoothly. She struggled with moving the sticks precisely, resulting in jerky movements and moments where the drone seemed a bit lost in the air. She relied on the reset button at times, trying to stabilize the footage. A more skilled camera operator or pilot would definitely be able to achieve much smoother shots.
Lack of Customization Options in the Gimbal
In her defense, I have to mention that the gimbal lacks customizable settings for smoothness or speed adjustments. It would be a great improvement if the software could integrate such features as it is essential for achieving professional-looking footage. Currently, the gimbal operates at a fixed speed, and there is no option for smoothing out transitions between movements. While you can add some expo on the radio sticks to improve control, having these settings directly on the gimbal would be highly beneficial.
Technical Issues with the Gimbal
While testing out the Hequav G Port Gimbal, I experienced some technical issues with the gimbal’s performance. There were instances where the roll was not flat and appeared slightly sideways when the drone was in motion. This led to concerns about the stability of the footage captured by the gimbal. Despite these issues, the gimbal did a commendable job of stabilizing the footage, resulting in smooth and jitter-free videos.
Interference and Horizon Stability
One possible explanation for the issues with the gimbal’s performance could be interference from other components, such as the camera on the back of the drone. This interference may have caused discrepancies in the gyro and affected the gimbal’s ability to maintain a perfectly horizontal horizon. However, despite these challenges, the gimbal managed to stabilize the footage in a satisfactory manner, showcasing its effectiveness in maintaining stability during flight.
Battery Life and Efficiency
One of the key highlights of the Hequav G Port Gimbal is its impressive battery life and efficiency. Despite its compact size and lightweight design, the gimbal offers a longer flight time than expected. With a battery life that exceeded initial estimates, the gimbal proved to be a reliable tool for video production and aerial photography. It demonstrated the ability to capture high-quality footage with stability and precision, making it a valuable asset for content creators.
Future Prospects for the Gimbal
Although the O3 camera included with the gimbal may not offer the best image quality, its modular design allows for potential upgrades in the future. The upcoming release of the O4 camera promises improved image quality and enhanced performance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking higher-resolution footage. The versatility and adaptability of the Hequav G Port Gimbal make it a promising tool for a wide range of applications, from professional video production to recreational aerial photography. With its compact size, lightweight design, and efficient performance, the gimbal is set to become a popular choice among drone enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
Propeller Visibility
Perhaps you have encountered the challenge of the propellers being visible in the footage when flying a drone. This issue is particularly noticeable when using a wide-angle camera. One way to mitigate this is by adjusting the placement of the camera to limit the visibility of the drone in the shot. However, finding the perfect balance between shooting angles can be tricky.
Use Case: Live Streaming
Another interesting application for the Hequav G Port Gimbal is live streaming. With its compact design, this gimbal can be a valuable tool for tracking subjects during live broadcasts. The ability to stream in 1080p resolution while maintaining stable footage can enhance the overall viewing experience for your audience. While using the gimbal on a smaller drone may reduce its size, the tracking capabilities it offers can be a game-changer for live streaming scenarios.
Innovation in FPV Miniaturization
The integration of gimbals in FPV drones introduces a new level of innovation in the field of miniaturized technology. As drones become lighter and more portable, the addition of a gimbal can significantly enhance the quality of aerial footage. While Hequav initially designed the gimbal for larger drones, its compatibility with FPV drones like the one featured in this review showcases its versatility and adaptability to different platforms.
Testing out the Hequav G Port Gimbal
After building a dual operator FPV drone, one of the first things I wanted to test out was the Hequav G Port Gimbal. This gimbal is designed to provide smooth and stable footage while flying, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects like chickens.
Feedback and Suggestions
If you have any feedback on the Hequav G Port Gimbal, feel free to let me know. Whether you like the gimbal, have ideas for improvement, or suggestions on how to use it effectively, your input is always appreciated. I am always looking for ways to enhance my drone operation skills and produce better quality videos.
Training and Preparation
While the first flight with the Hequav G Port Gimbal provided a good initial impression, perhaps some training and practice are needed before attempting another video shoot. Training sessions can help improve gimbal operator skills, resulting in even smoother and more professional-looking footage.
Buying Options
If you are interested in purchasing the Hequav G Port Gimbal or any other related equipment, be sure to check out the links provided in the description below. By using the links, you can support the creators and reviewers who work hard to bring you informative content on drones and related accessories.
The Hequav G Port Gimbal offers unique benefits for drone enthusiasts looking to improve their aerial photography and videography skills. From reducing propeller visibility to enabling smooth tracking for live streaming, this gimbal opens up a world of creative possibilities for drone operators. Whether you choose to mount it on a drone or explore other innovative applications, the Hequav G Port Gimbal is a promising tool for capturing stunning aerial shots.
As always, remember to stay safe and enjoy the thrill of flying drones. Experimenting with different tools and technologies can lead to exciting discoveries and unique opportunities for creative expression. So, keep exploring, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of drone photography and videography.
