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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

DJI RONIN PRO SUPPORT

Peter Majtan

Peter Majtan

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Hi guys!

DJI's official PRO SUPPORT for the RONIN can be reached at:

PHONE SUPPORT: +1 (818) 235-0789
EMAIL SUPPORT: ronin@dji.com


There is now also a new forum specifically dedicated to all the various gimbals out there, including the Ronin of course...

http://www.gimbaluser.com/forum.php

----------------

If you need anything - follow these steps:


1. Please download and read front-to-back the RONIN USER MANUAL. It addresses most of the questions / issues you might have...:

http://www.dji.com/product/ronin/download

direct link:

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/ronin/en/Ronin_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf

The iOS app itself has an explanation for all the functions - just tap the small question mark in the top right corner of the app UI...


2. Properly setup and balance your gimbal based on the instructions in the user manual. Here is a video to help you along - many thanks to Patrick from AMP!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRjTyNnKzBc


3a. If the question / issue is not addressed in the manual / iOS app help - send email to ronin@dji.com - provide as much details as you can (even better if you have pics or links to video)...
3b. If the question / issue is not addressed in the manual / iOS app help - please post the details here on this thread - provide as much details as you can (even better if you have pics / video). Many fellow users might know the answer / solution and help you out faster...


4. If none of the above helps AND your issue is urgent - contact DJI on the number above, or me directly on peter(at)derylgroup(dot)com. If sufficient - I will reply via email. If needed - I will provide you with my phone number and/or Skype ID for more interactive troubleshooting...


Please do not abuse the 4th option. I will frequently scan this thread and address issues here when I have the time.
Do realise that I am not DJI's employee - I am an independent professional working in our industry - just like most of you are.
I am also based in Tokyo - Japan, so please be mindful of the local time difference. Having said that - if the issue is really urgent and I am not myself busy working - I will answer my phone 24/7...

Cheers

:sifone: Peter
 
Most frequent Q&A's

iOS 8 and/or iPhone 6/6+ connection issues advice:
If you are having issues connecting to the the iOS app on iOS 8 and/or iPhone 6/6+, just turn your phone to "airplane" mode and only enable Bluetooth. This is a temporary workaround until Apple can address this issue...

Q: Can I power my camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin?
A: NO. The P-taps are there to help you power up the accessories like wireless FIZ control and wireless video - not to power camera itself, as that would require much larger current draw and therefore thicker cables. The limit is 3 Amps at 12.8V between the two P-taps combined and this is laser-engraved on the bottom of the power-breakout box bellow the P-taps themselves. RED uses 60W on average - which translates to roughly 4.6 Amps power draw. The 5V USB connection is limited to 500 mW.

Q: Should I balance my camera on the Ronin while the gimbal is powered ON or OFF?
A: To physically balance the camera the gimbal must be powered OFF. Once you have physically balanced the camera (follow the instructions in the user manual) - you can then power ON the gimbal and use the auto functions to tune the gimbal for the given config, or to re-calibrate the gimbal if you notice the gimbal is for some reason drifting without being commanded to do so. You can re-balance the camera (for example if you need to change the lens) with the gimbal powered ON - but make sure to first KILL the motors via the iOS app's "MORE" menu. This allies if you need to physically touch the gimbal for any reason (changing batteries, filters, lenses, etc...). While the gimbal is powered ON - it must have a full unobstructed freedom of movement without anything touching or bumping to it. If you have no choice and need to re-focus your lens - you may do so gently while the gimbal is ON and the motors activated - but this is not recommended practice - you should use wireless follow-focus instead...

Q: My handles sometime slip with heavier camera configurations - what should I do?
A: If you are using heavier camera configurations and/or your handles sometime slip - please fasten the actual alan (hex) bolts inside the wing-nuts with the included alan (hex) key. This will prevent the handles to slip even with the maximum payload on the Ronin. This issue is related to carbon-fiber which is a very slippery material...
 
If you are looking for suggestions on various configurations / accessories - Demetri has an excellent thread on this topic here:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?118815-The-Ultimate-Gimbal-Kit


Lot of question might have already been answered on either of the review threads - please check them before you ask the same questions here...

Ketch's review: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?118216-dji-Ronin-(XL)-Multi-Test-Shoot-Review!
My review: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?118200-DJI-RONIN-independent-review-and-in-depth-test

:sifone: Peter
 
Some users have reported the handles slipping on the CF handle bar with heavier camera setups. This is the reason why the actual gimbal is not made from CF as this slipperiness is common issue with CF. The solution is however present on the standard handles - note that inside the wing-nuts that tighten the handles in place are also standard hex bolts. For heavier camera setups you can tighten these with respective alan key and the handles will not budge. Since I use almost exclusively heavy setups - I do not even tighten the handles with the wing-nuts, I just use the alan key...

:sifone: Peter
 
Peter Majtan said:
Most frequent Q&A's

Q: Can I power my camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin?
A: NO. The P-taps are there to help you power up the accessories like wireless FIZ control and wireless video - not to power camera itself, as that would require much larger current draw and therefore thicker cables. The limit is 3 Amps at 12.8V between the two P-taps combined and this is laser-engraved on the bottom of the power-breakout box bellow the P-taps themselves. RED uses 60W on average - which translates to roughly 4.6 Amps power draw. The 5V USB connection is limited to 500 mW.
Click to expand...
So, as I see - I can power my BlackMagic Production 4K camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin, because BM cameras use external battery only to up-charge internal battery in camera and even maximum written on AC-DC-adapter is only 2.5 Amps ... Would Ronin be so kind to make "P-tap to BMPC4K Cable" for BMCC2.5K and BMPC4K camera users ? :)
 
Sergei Smolovich said:
So, as I see - I can power my BlackMagic Production 4K camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin, because BM cameras use external battery only to up-charge internal battery in camera and even maximum written on AC-DC-adapter is only 2.5 Amps ... Would Ronin be so kind to make "P-tap to BMPC4K Cable" for BMCC2.5K and BMPC4K camera users ? :)
Click to expand...

This would be more of a question for BMD, as on the Ronin side you are provided with industry standard P-tap...
 
Tyler Dreher said:
Peter-
Does the Ronin ship with the latest firmware or will it need updating?
Click to expand...

Ronin ships with the latest firmware available at the time of shipping. But just like RED - new firmware version will become available to improve or add some features. Same goes for the control app...

:sifone: Peter
 
Sergei Smolovich said:
So, as I see - I can power my BlackMagic Production 4K camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin, because BM cameras use external battery only to up-charge internal battery in camera and even maximum written on AC-DC-adapter is only 2.5 Amps ... Would Ronin be so kind to make "P-tap to BMPC4K Cable" for BMCC2.5K and BMPC4K camera users ? :)
Click to expand...

Here you go:
http://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Camera...d=1407085178&sr=8-3&keywords=blackmagic+d-tap

Or search for "blackmagic d-tap" on eBay
 
Sergei Smolovich said:
So, as I see - I can power my BlackMagic Production 4K camera directly from the P-Tap(s) in the camera base platform on the Ronin, because BM cameras use external battery only to up-charge internal battery in camera and even maximum written on AC-DC-adapter is only 2.5 Amps ... Would Ronin be so kind to make "P-tap to BMPC4K Cable" for BMCC2.5K and BMPC4K camera users ? :)
Click to expand...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
 
I have asked this on Ketch's Thread, and will move the further discussion of it here, as Peter kindly asked, and makes more sense.

Issue
When I move the handles rather quickly from side to side in the roll axis, the camera will start to wobble, mostly in the pan axis, left to right. Notice that this happens only with movement in the roll axis, both other axes can be rocked like crazy and it will stay stable. Also, it will happen regardless of follow mode on or off, and regardless of briefcase mode enabled or not.

Notes
I have done very careful balancing in every axis, and double checked it (as a steadicam op I'm familiar with how important proper balance is).
The camera will stay stationary in any position while motors are off and the Ronin is suspended from it's stand.
Ketch advised to check dead center in the sense of center calibration (it is) and do a calibrate system, which I did and nothing changed.

Research

  • Changing motor stiffnes changes the behaviour a bit but doesn't eliminate it.
  • During this sort of quick movement of the handles in the roll axis, curiously the pan motor registers high power levels, and if continued for a few seconds, the motors will shut off for a few moments as described in the manual as the safety stop. The Axis causing issues is the same in Briefcase mode - which means that now the pan axis, which in both other modes is the roll axis will cause wobble and high power levels in the roll axis (which in other modes is the pan axis). Simply said, the motor/axis receiving high power levels and the motor/axis that is being moved are the same, regardless of orientation.
  • My next test was to check balance in other orientations, and curiously, while it is perfectly balanced in underslung mode, and the pan axis balanced in briefcase orientation to ensure proper balance, when I turn the gimbal upside down in upright mode, balance is noticeably off (slightly, but noticeably) on the tilt axis and - either as a result of that or by themselves - on all other axes as well.
    To ensure it is not the camera with any internal weight shift I installed a solid weight block with the same results.
I'm really not sure if I have a faulty unit now, Peter, and others, could you please check rocking the roll axis on yours? No crazy rocking necessary, just rather fast left <-> right moves on the roll.

The balance change when turning it upside down makes me nervous, too - as the only explanation I have left is improperly aligned / uncentered motors and axis mounts. (Please note my carefuly balancing includes making sure the vertical tilt adjustment is the same on both sides as per the manual to avoid motor binding and decentering of course). I don't know if this has something to do with the issue yet, but suspect it could.


Thanks for your replies and all the best
 
Rain, how do we work in rain? :)
 
Frederic Sturm said:
I have asked this on Ketch's Thread, and will move the further discussion of it here, as Peter kindly asked, and makes more sense.

Issue
When I move the handles rather quickly from side to side in the roll axis, the camera will start to wobble, mostly in the pan axis, left to right. Notice that this happens only with movement in the roll axis, both other axes can be rocked like crazy and it will stay stable. Also, it will happen regardless of follow mode on or off, and regardless of briefcase mode enabled or not.

Notes
I have done very careful balancing in every axis, and double checked it (as a steadicam op I'm familiar with how important proper balance is).
The camera will stay stationary in any position while motors are off and the Ronin is suspended from it's stand.
Ketch advised to check dead center in the sense of center calibration (it is) and do a calibrate system, which I did and nothing changed.

Research

  • Changing motor stiffnes changes the behaviour a bit but doesn't eliminate it.
  • During this sort of quick movement of the handles in the roll axis, curiously the pan motor registers high power levels, and if continued for a few seconds, the motors will shut off for a few moments as described in the manual as the safety stop. The Axis causing issues is the same in Briefcase mode - which means that now the pan axis, which in both other modes is the roll axis will cause wobble and high power levels in the roll axis (which in other modes is the pan axis). Simply said, the motor/axis receiving high power levels and the motor/axis that is being moved are the same, regardless of orientation.
  • My next test was to check balance in other orientations, and curiously, while it is perfectly balanced in underslung mode, and the pan axis balanced in briefcase orientation to ensure proper balance, when I turn the gimbal upside down in upright mode, balance is noticeably off (slightly, but noticeably) on the tilt axis and - either as a result of that or by themselves - on all other axes as well.
    To ensure it is not the camera with any internal weight shift I installed a solid weight block with the same results.
I'm really not sure if I have a faulty unit now, Peter, and others, could you please check rocking the roll axis on yours? No crazy rocking necessary, just rather fast left <-> right moves on the roll.

The balance change when turning it upside down makes me nervous, too - as the only explanation I have left is improperly aligned / uncentered motors and axis mounts. (Please note my carefuly balancing includes making sure the vertical tilt adjustment is the same on both sides as per the manual to avoid motor binding and decentering of course). I don't know if this has something to do with the issue yet, but suspect it could.


Thanks for your replies and all the best
Click to expand...

Frederick - I will try to duplicate these results, but I haven't seen this behavior on my unit.
Thank you for the detailed explanation - it will make it easier to analyze.
Will report back...

:sifone: Peter
 
Christoffer Glans said:
Rain, how do we work in rain? :)
Click to expand...

Use umbrella? ;o)

The issue here really is the camera. You could protect the camera by putting it in a water-proof housing, but then it won't fit in the gimbal.
I will check what is the official Ronin's tolerance to rain - I can imagine short time in light rain might be ok as all the ports and motors are sealed, but don't take my word for it. In the meantime I am quite serious about the umbrella. If a client asked me to use the Ronin in the rain tomorrow - I would get one of those larger beach-type umbrellas and ask an assistant to hold it above the Ronin...

:sifone: Peter
 
could you make a video to shop the problem more clear? we will anyway try to help you out!
Frederic Sturm said:
I have asked this on Ketch's Thread, and will move the further discussion of it here, as Peter kindly asked, and makes more sense.

Issue
When I move the handles rather quickly from side to side in the roll axis, the camera will start to wobble, mostly in the pan axis, left to right. Notice that this happens only with movement in the roll axis, both other axes can be rocked like crazy and it will stay stable. Also, it will happen regardless of follow mode on or off, and regardless of briefcase mode enabled or not.

Notes
I have done very careful balancing in every axis, and double checked it (as a steadicam op I'm familiar with how important proper balance is).
The camera will stay stationary in any position while motors are off and the Ronin is suspended from it's stand.
Ketch advised to check dead center in the sense of center calibration (it is) and do a calibrate system, which I did and nothing changed.

Research

  • Changing motor stiffnes changes the behaviour a bit but doesn't eliminate it.
  • During this sort of quick movement of the handles in the roll axis, curiously the pan motor registers high power levels, and if continued for a few seconds, the motors will shut off for a few moments as described in the manual as the safety stop. The Axis causing issues is the same in Briefcase mode - which means that now the pan axis, which in both other modes is the roll axis will cause wobble and high power levels in the roll axis (which in other modes is the pan axis). Simply said, the motor/axis receiving high power levels and the motor/axis that is being moved are the same, regardless of orientation.
  • My next test was to check balance in other orientations, and curiously, while it is perfectly balanced in underslung mode, and the pan axis balanced in briefcase orientation to ensure proper balance, when I turn the gimbal upside down in upright mode, balance is noticeably off (slightly, but noticeably) on the tilt axis and - either as a result of that or by themselves - on all other axes as well.
    To ensure it is not the camera with any internal weight shift I installed a solid weight block with the same results.
I'm really not sure if I have a faulty unit now, Peter, and others, could you please check rocking the roll axis on yours? No crazy rocking necessary, just rather fast left <-> right moves on the roll.

The balance change when turning it upside down makes me nervous, too - as the only explanation I have left is improperly aligned / uncentered motors and axis mounts. (Please note my carefuly balancing includes making sure the vertical tilt adjustment is the same on both sides as per the manual to avoid motor binding and decentering of course). I don't know if this has something to do with the issue yet, but suspect it could.


Thanks for your replies and all the best
Click to expand...
 
Quick update:

The DJI PRO E-MAIL SUPPORT is available now - please send email with as much details as possible to ronin@dji.com

The DJI PRO PHONE SUPPORT will launch the following Monday, the 11th of August - more details to follow...

I have updated the first post accordingly...

:sifone: Peter
 
Peter Majtan said:
Use umbrella? ;o)

The issue here really is the camera. You could protect the camera by putting it in a water-proof housing, but then it won't fit in the gimbal.
I will check what is the official Ronin's tolerance to rain - I can imagine short time in light rain might be ok as all the ports and motors are sealed, but don't take my word for it. In the meantime I am quite serious about the umbrella. If a client asked me to use the Ronin in the rain tomorrow - I would get one of those larger beach-type umbrellas and ask an assistant to hold it above the Ronin...

:sifone: Peter
Click to expand...


It's more that there needs to be solution. There will be times that you want to shoot in super heavy rain for the look of it. With a steadycam you have options for raincover, but there has to be a way of working with the Ronin or any gimbal that support some kind of rain cover. For the camera you can use a small raincover to protect it, but I'm not so sure that the Ronin with it's battery and everything can withstand heavy rain.
 
Hi Christoffer,

I was gonna say you could ask grips to carry a pop up tent for you if an umbrella gets in the way =)
But if for whatever reason you would want to take the Ronin into heavy rain without an umbrella or tent (which I always prefer, as they keep me dry, too) why not try putting some sort of very thin pastic bag or film over it? Attach it to the handles, and if the ronin accepts it to be attached to the lens - perfect. If it is disturbed by it, or just for greater flexibility, you could try building a support structure with very thin carbon rods and attach it to the handles so that the gimbal moves freely. Both options will limit your range of movement a bit though I guess.
 
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