Freefly PILOT+MIMIC 770-00052 User manual

OPERATION
MANUAL
770-00052 | REVISION A | 07.30.2017

To download the most current user manual for the
Pilot and all other Freefly products, please visit
http://freeflysystems.com/software-manuals
@freeflysystems | #freeflyers

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REVISION HISTORY
REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION
AJuly 2017 Initial Manual Release

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CONTENTS
3Revision History
4Contents
5Terminology
6OVERVIEW
7Disclaimer and Warning
10 Limitations of Liability
11 Warranty
13 Introduction
14 Pilot Modules
21 System Diagrams
23 SETTING UP PILOT
24 Getting Started
25 Out Of The Box
39 USING PILOT
41 MIMIC User Interface
58 Using The Mobile App
61 Freefly Controller Ecosystem
67 TROUBLESHOOTING
70 APPENDIX

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TERMINOLOGY
2.4 GHz An industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio
band (2.4-2.5GHz) that is used for radio control.
BLE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a low power and
application friendly version of Bluetooth.
FIZ An acronym referring to a lens's Focus, Iris, and Zoom.
Function Side The side of the connector that interfaces with another connector.
GCU Gimbal Control Unit (GCU) refers to the MōVI's central
processor and housing, which is attached to the pan arm.
GPS Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based
navigation system made up of a network of 31 satellites
that can be used to determine global position.
INS An inertial navigation system (INS) is an electronic
device that measures and reports a body's specific
force, position, angular rate, and sometimes the
magnetic field, using a combination of accelerometers,
compasses, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and GPS.
LOS Loss of Signal (LOS) refers to a condition where radio
control inputs or telemetry are not present.
Module Pilot consists of various “modules” which represent standalone
components which can be added/removed to configure Pilot
RCP REDLINK® Command Protocol (RCP) is the unified
command protocol used for the RED EPIC and
SCARLET cameras, regardless of sensor type.
RX RX is an acronym for receive, receiver, or reception.
Solder Side This is the side of the connector where the
wires are soldered to the connector.
TX TX is an acronym for transmit or transmitter.
UART A Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter
(UART) is a block of circuitry responsible for
implementing serial communication.

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Overview
OVERVIEW

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DISCLAIMER AND WARNING
IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review the
Pilot Operation Manual prior to use. If you have any questions, please contact
support@freeflysystems.com prior to using Pilot Controller. You can review the
most current version of this Operation Manual at www.freeflysystems.com/
software-manuals.
By using Pilot Controller, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this
disclaimer. You agree that you are solely responsible for your conduct while using Pilot Controller
and for any direct or indirect consequences that may result from its use.
Freefly Systems reserves the right to revise this Operation Manual and make changes from time
to time without obligation to notify any persons of such revisions or changes. In no event shall
Freefly Systems, its employees or authorized agents be liable for any damages or losses, direct
or indirect, arising from the use of any technical or operational information contained in this
document.
»Always check Pilot Controller, MōVI products and all Freefly hardware prior to operation.
»Always maintain awareness of your surroundings when operating Freefly products.
»It is your responsibility to perform a full system check prior to every use.
»It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate Pilot Controller and MōVI products.
»Pilot Controller is a tuned system with custom components selected for each
application. Modification to, removal, or substitution of Pilot Controller components will
void the warranty.
»It is your responsibility to create shots that amaze the world.
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
The Pilot Controller includes MIMIC, which contains a non-removable internal battery. You must
read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging or using your MIMIC. Failure
to exercise caution while using MIMIC or failure to comply with the following warnings can result
in battery malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat, fire, personal injury, and/or property
damage. For information specific to MōVI Batteries/Chargers please reference the applicable MōVI
manual.
BATTERY SAFETY AND WARNINGS
You must read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging or using Pilot
Controller. Improper use may result in damage to the batteries, severe personal injury, and even
fire.
»Do not leave the MIMIC and charger unattended during use.
»Stop using or charging the MIMIC immediately if the MIMIC appears damaged, starts to

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balloon or swell, leaks, becomes deformed or gives off an odor, exceeds a temperature
of 140ºF (60ºC), or if anything else abnormal occurs. Disconnect the MIMIC (USB) and
observe in a safe area outside of any building or vehicle for at least 45 minutes, as a
damaged battery can experience a delayed chemical reaction that could possibly result
in fire.
»Never disassemble, modify, puncture, shock, crash, short circuit, and/or expose the
MIMIC to a flame. Leakage, smoke emission, ignition, explosion or fire can occur, which
may result in personal injury or property damage.
»Never allow MIMIC or Pilot Modules to come in contact with moisture at any time.
»Never charge or store MIMIC in extreme heat (40ºC) or cold (0ºC). Recommended
temperatures for storage are between 10º-26ºC. High temperatures may cause fire,
even with undamaged MIMICs.
»Never leave MIMIC or any Pilot Modules in an automobile or direct sunlight.
»In purchasing a Freefly product or system, the buyer agrees to bear all responsibilities
of the risks and not hold Freefly Systems, its owners and employees, its distributors,
and/or its retailers responsible for any accidents, injury to persons, and property
damage. If you do not agree to these conditions, please return Freefly product(s) to the
place of purchase in a new and unused condition.
CAUTION
All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly.
Mishandling of MIMIC and its internal battery can
result in fire. By handling, charging, or using the
included MIMIC internal battery , you assume all risks
associated with MIMIC. If you are not prepared to accept
complete liability for the purchase and/or use of the
batteries, you are advised to return them in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase immediately.

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CHARGING PROCEDURE SAFETY AND WARNINGS
You must read these safety instructions and warnings carefully before charging your MIMIC.
»Freefly Systems is not responsible for any personal injury or property damage incurred
when using external power to power Freefly products.
»Never charge or use a MIMIC or Pilot Module that shows any damage or disfigurement
of any kind, as this may be a sign of internal damage. Any damage to the protective
cover or connector is also reason to discontinue use.
»Never charge a MIMIC unattended.
»Always inspect MIMIC and Pilot Modules before charging.
»Never charge near moisture, extreme temperatures, flammable or combustible
materials.
»Always monitor the temperature of the MIMIC while charging. If the MIMIC becomes
hot to the touch or begins to deform, discontinue charging immediately. Disconnect the
battery from the charger and observe it in a safe place for at least 45 minutes.

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LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY SYSTEMS BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER FOR ANY INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OF PRODUCT OR FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR
PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY), EVEN IF FREEFLY
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL
FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER ASSERTED AS A TORT CLAIM, A CONTRACT
CLAIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR SUCH PRODUCT.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR ALL
CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID
BY BUYER TO FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT IN THE LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL
FREEFLY OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR COSTS OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE
GOODS BY BUYER. IN NO EVENT WILL FREEFLY OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF ANY LATE DELIVERY. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL APPLY
TO ALL LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE
LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY
LIMITED REMEDY. THE LIMITATION SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL APPLY WHERE THE
DAMAGES ARISE OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT.
Freefly shall not be liable for damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of
Pilot Controller including, but not limited to, the following situations:
»Failure of operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings found at www.
freeflysystems.com.
»Failure of the operator to understand and operate Pilot Controller within the operating
limitations described in this manual.
»Failure of the operator to follow on-board safety warnings while using Pilot Controller or
Freefly products.
»Failure of the operator to inspect Pilot Controller and its components prior to operation.
»Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service Pilot Controller through an
authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine Pilot Controller parts.
»Use of third-party products on Pilot Controller.
»Use of Pilot Controller in unsafe conditions, including but not limited to, bad or severe
weather, such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms, etc.
»Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using Pilot Controller or
Freefly products.
»Infringement of third party data, audio or video rights recorded when using Pilot
Controller or Freefly products.