SIYI A8 mini User manual

A8 mini User Manual v1.5
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2023 SIYI Technology Copyright
A8 mini
4K AI MINI ZOOM
GIMBAL CAMERA
USER MANUAL
V1.5
Aug 2023

A8 mini User Manual v1.5
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2023 SIYI Technology Copyright
Thank you for purchasing SIYI product.
A8 mini is a lightweight and elegant gimbal camera, carrying a 4K 1/1.7-inch Sony
starlight sensor, powerful AI identify, smart tracking feature based on neural network
professing unit, max 6X digital zoom. 4K video recording and photography,
abundant gimbal control interface compatible with both SIYI links and third-party
links. High accuracy and high collaboration control algorithms ensure stable
imaging and zooming ability during flight. HDR and starlight night vision extend the
application scenarios to both day and night. In addition, it has CVBS (AV) output for
analog FPV. In a word, A8 mini can be widely used for small-size drones, UGV, USV,
robotics, RC hobby planes.
To ensure you a good experience of the product, please read this manual carefully.
If you encounter any issue using the product, please consult the manual or check
the online pages of this product on SIYI official store (https://shop.siyi.biz). You can
also write an email to SIYI official A/S center ([e-mail]).

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SIYI User Group - Facebook
SIYI Official Store (https://shop.siyi.biz)
SIYI Official AliExpress Store (https://siyi.aliexpress.com)
SIYI YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/SIYITech)

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User Manual Update Log
Version
Date
Updates
1.5
2023.8
1. Trouble shooting for abnormal gimbal attitude.
2. User manual update log.
3. Main firmware update log.
4. SIYI FPV app update log.
1.4
2023.6
1. Instruction for gimbal Mavlink control.
2. Instruction for integrating Mavlink flight attitude data.

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CONTENT
READ TIPS.................................................................................................................................................................1
Icons.........................................................................................................................................................................1
Safety.......................................................................................................................................................................1
Storage/Carrying/Recycling..................................................................................................................................2
1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Product Features.............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Parts..................................................................................................................................................................7
1.2.1 At a Glance...............................................................................................................................................7
1.2.2 Ports on A8 mini.......................................................................................................................................9
1.3 Technical Specification.................................................................................................................................11
1.4 Packing List....................................................................................................................................................13
1.5 Indicator Definition ........................................................................................................................................14
2 GET READY TO USE A8 MINI..........................................................................................................................15
2.1 Installation......................................................................................................................................................15
2.2 Connection and Power.................................................................................................................................16
2.3 Interesting Functions and Cautions............................................................................................................17
3 GIMBAL CONTROL.............................................................................................................................................18
3.1 Control Gimbal Camera from SIYI FPV App or SIYI QGC App on SIYI Handheld Ground Station.18
3.1.1 Preparation..............................................................................................................................................18
3.1.2 Gimbal Pitch and Yaw Rotation...........................................................................................................20
3.1.3 Zoom........................................................................................................................................................20
3.1.4 Take pictures and Record Video.........................................................................................................21
3.2 Control Gimbal through S.Bus Signal (Taking an example of MK15 remote controller)....................21
3.2.1 Preparation..............................................................................................................................................21
3.2.2 Gimbal Pitch and Yaw Rotation (Taking an example of MK15 Dials)............................................24
3.2.3 Zoom (Taking an example of MK15 Switches)..................................................................................25
3.2.4 Take Pictures and Record Video (Taking an Example of MK15 Buttons)....................................26
3.3 UART / UDP Control (through SDK)..........................................................................................................27
3.3.1 SDK Protocol Format.............................................................................................................................27
3.3.2 SDK Communication Commands........................................................................................................27
3.3.3 SIYI Gimbal Camera SDK Communication Interface.......................................................................37

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3.3.4 SIYI Gimbal Camera SDK Communication Code Examples..........................................................37
3.3.5 SDK CRC16 Code.................................................................................................................................39
3.3.6 Advanced Guide for SIYI Gimbal SDK Integration...........................................................................40
3.4 Control SIYI Gimbal Camera in SIYI QGC Windows Software through HM30 Image Transmission
System...................................................................................................................................................................44
3.4.1 Preparation..............................................................................................................................................44
3.4.2 Gimbal Pitch and Yaw Rotation...........................................................................................................46
3.4.3 Zoom........................................................................................................................................................47
3.4.4 Take pictures and Record Video.........................................................................................................47
3.5 Control SIYI Gimbal Camera by the Ardupilot Driver through UART....................................................48
3.6 Control SIYI Gimbal Camera by Mavlink Gimbal Protocol through UART...........................................51
3.7 Integrate Mavlink Flight Controller Attitude to Improve Gimbal Performance While Aircraft Attitude
Is Changing Fast..................................................................................................................................................54
3.8 Necessary Trouble Shooting Steps When Gimbal Attitude Control Is Abnormal................................57
4 VIDEO OUTPUT...................................................................................................................................................59
4.1 Output and Display Video Stream on SIYI Ground Station....................................................................59
4.2 Output Video Stream to Android Device through HM30 Full HD Image Transmission System........59
4.3 Output Video Stream to Windows Device through HM30 Full HD Image Transmission System.....62
4.4 Output Video to Windows Device Directly.................................................................................................62
4.5 Output Video to Third-Party Link.................................................................................................................64
4.6 Output by HDMI.............................................................................................................................................65
4.7 Output by CVBS / AV Signal.......................................................................................................................66
4.8 Solutions to No Image..................................................................................................................................66
4.8.1 Video Output to Android Device..........................................................................................................67
4.8.2 Video Output to Windows Device........................................................................................................69
4.9 Common IP Addresses ................................................................................................................................70
5 SIYI FPV APP.......................................................................................................................................................72
5.1 Settings...........................................................................................................................................................74
5.2 Link Status......................................................................................................................................................75
5.3 Gimbal Camera..............................................................................................................................................76
5.4 About SIYI FPV..............................................................................................................................................78
5.5 SIYI FPV App Update Log...........................................................................................................................79
6 Firmware Upgrade and Configuration...............................................................................................................80

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6.1 Gimbal / Zoom Firmware Update................................................................................................................80
6.2 Camera Firmware Update............................................................................................................................83
6.3 Gimbal Camera Configuration.....................................................................................................................85
6.3.1 Channel Configuration...........................................................................................................................85
6.3.2 Camera Configuration...........................................................................................................................87
6.3.3 Gimbal Calibration.................................................................................................................................87
6.4 Main Firmware Update Log.........................................................................................................................92
7 After-sale Service.................................................................................................................................................94
7.1 Repair Service...............................................................................................................................................94
7.2 Warranty.........................................................................................................................................................95
7.2.1 7-Day Return & Refund.........................................................................................................................95
7.2.2 15-Day Replacement.............................................................................................................................96
7.2.3 1-Year Warranty Repair........................................................................................................................98

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READ TIPS
Icons
Please pay more attention to content indicated with the following marks:
DANGER Dangerous manipulation probably leads to human injuries.
WARNING Warnings on manipulation possibly leads to human injuries.
CAUTION Cautions on what manipulation may lead to property loss.
Prohibited Mandatory Mark
Safety
A8 mini gimbal camera is designed for professional application in specific scenes,
which has been done necessary configuration before delivery, it is forbidden to
disassemble the gimbal or to change its mechanical structure. And don’t add more
payload to the gimbal other than its own camera. Gimbal camera is designed with
very precise structure, users who approach to the equipment should have the basic
knowledge of how to operate it. Irregular or irresponsible manipulations to the
device may cause damage, property loss, or human injuries, and SIYI Technology
is not obliged to any of the damage, loss, or injury. It is prohibited to use SIYI
products for military purpose. Users under 14 years’ old should follow an

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experienced trainer’s guide. Disassembling or modification to the system is
prohibited without permission from its manufacturer, SIYI Technology.
Storage/Carrying/Recycling
When your SIYI products are stand idle, or you are bringing it outdoors, or the
system reached service life, then please do read the precautions below.
CAUTION
Always place your SIYI products at places where babies or kids do not reach.
DANGER
SIYI products should be placed in places with below conditions:
Not too hot (above 60℃) or too cold (under -20℃).
Not under direct sunshine or too dusty or too wet.
Not on an unstable holder which lacks solid supports or may cause vibration.
Not nearby steam or other heat sources.

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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Product Features
Powerful Imaging System
A8 mini carries an 1/1.7-inch Sony image sensor, an 8 megapixels CMOS with
remarkable photosensitivity ability, impressive4K video recording and photography.
Up to 6x digital zoom. The scenery is clear, making it easy to produce grand pictures.
*The images recorded by A8 mini will have GPS location information and time attributes.
Starlight Night Vision
The ultra-sensitive starlight CMOS keep images bright in low light environment.
HDR
HDR (High Dynamic Range) precisely captures good details of highlights and
shadows in dynamic scenes to get true colors and natural brightness.
AI Enhanced Smart Identify and Tracking
Built-in NPU neural network computing unit, combined with SIYI Technology’s self-
developed new AI algorithm, A8 mini gimbal camera will be able to automatically
identify people, vehicles, ships, and other moving targets. And through the
cooperation of the gimbal attitude control and flight control system, it can realize
autonomous identification, positioning, and even continuous tracking. With the
automatic zoom function of the visible light camera, the target will always be in the
center of the screen and maintain a clear and visible screen ratio.
*AI feature is under development and can be supported by upgrade later.

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Incomparable Gimbal Control Interface
SIYI gimbal cameras provide powerful compatibility to contribute to smart robotics
ecology in all dimensions. They can be controlled through traditional S.Bus signal
by switches and dials, or through Ethernet by touchscreen or by UDP based on SIYI
SDK, or through UART by SIYI SDK or popular open-source protocols like Ardupilot
driver and Mavlink.
*Developing on SIYI SDK through Ethernet UDP or UART can control SIYI optical pods by
protocol and acquire relevant data.
*The Mavlink protocol control for SIYI optical pods is in development and will be supported by
upgrade later.
Gimbal Motion Mode
Upside Down Mode
Gimbal automatically activates upside down mode when it is placed upside down,
very convenient to be mounted on multiple kinds of vehicles like UGV, USV, robot
dog, and more robotics.
Follow Mode
Horizontally, gimbal follows when aircraft rotates.
Lock Mode
Horizontally, gimbal does not follow when aircraft rotates.
FPV Mode
Gimbal rotates simultaneously as aircraft rolls to get FPV view, and output
enhanced stable images.

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High Accuracy and High Collaboration Control Algorithms
SIYI has made multiple breakthroughs in control algorithms and stabilization
algorithms.
IMU Calibration Algorithms
Compensate and correct errors of the inertial measurement unit, reduce
interference factors such as zero bias, scale factor, inter-axis error, temperature
drift, noise, etc., greatly improve the measurement accuracy of IMU, and improve
the stability of the gimbal in large temperature differences, wide margin steering,
and strong vibration environments.
Attitude Fusion Algorithms
Comprehensively utilize the data of sensors such as accelerometers and
gyroscopes, obtain the pitch angle, roll angle, and yaw angle of the gimbal through
mathematical models and filtering algorithms, and fuse this information to effectively
improve system performance, stability, and robustness.
Industry-Level 3-Axis Stabilization Algorithms
Deeply integrate and utilize 3-axis gyroscopes, 3-axis accelerometers, PID
controllers, motors, and magnetic encoders to achieve gimbal attitude stabilization
control and continuously output stable high-definition video images during motion.
High-Precision FOC Motor Control Algorithms
Control the current components of the motor to control torque and magnetic field
respectively, thereby achieving decoupling control of the brushless motor and
greatly reducing picture jitter.

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Various Video Output, Ultra Low Latency
A8 mini gimbal camera provides triple popular video output options, Ethernet, HDMI,
and CVBS (AV). RC plane and FPV drone users can experience very low latency
FPV through CVBS video output and analog image transmission system.
*A8 mini configured as ultra-low-latency mode, CVBS output to analog FPV transmitter, view from
the monitor connected to FPV receiver, the overall latency is 60ms. Direct HDMI output from A8
mini to monitor, the latency is 65ms.

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1.2 Parts
1.2.1 At a Glance

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1.2.2 Ports on A8 mini
Mark
The early manufacturing lots of A8 mini may not support 6S input, please refer to the
product sticker and carefully use.
DP / DM / RX- / RX+ / TX- / TX+ / GND / CVBS / NC
3S-6S / 3S-6S
/ GND / GND

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RX / TX / GND / S.Bus IN / S.Bus OUT

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1.3 Technical Specification
Overall
Video Output Port
Ethernet, HDMI, CVBS(AV)
Control Signal Input
Port
S.Bus, UART, Ethernet UDP
Control Signal Output
Port
S.Bus
High Accuracy
3 Axis Stabilization
Yaw, Pitch, Roll
Working Voltage
11 ~ 25.2 V
(Early manufacturing lots may not support 25.2V, please be
careful)
Power Consumption
Average 5 W
Summit 12 W
Working Temperature
-10 ~ 50 ℃
Dimension
55 x 55 x 70 mm
Weight
95 g
Gimbal
Angular Vibration Range
±0.01°
Controllable Pitch Angle
-135° ~ +45°
Controllable Yaw Angle
-160° ~ +160°
Rotatable Roll Angle
-30° ~ +30°
Camera
Lens
Fixed Focal Length
6X Digital
Equivalent Focal Length
21 mm
Image Sensor
Sony 1/1.7-inch, 8 MP effective resolution

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Aperture
F2.8
FOV
Horizontal: 81°
TF Card Recording
Resolution
4K (4096 x 2160) @ 25 fps
2K (2560 x 1440) @ 30 fps
1080p (1920 x 1080) @ 30 fps
720p (1280 x 720) @ 30 fps
Video Storage Bitrate
12 Mbps (H.265 Codec)
Supported File System
FAT32
Photography File Format
JPG
Video File Format
MP4
Supported TF Card Type
MicroSD Class10, max 128 GB
Still Photography Mode
Single
White Balance
Auto
Mark
To make sure that you get smoothly recorded video, please format the SD card, and make
the minimum storage unit as 64 KB before recording.

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1.4 Packing List
1 x A8 mini Gimbal Camera
1 x MK15 / HM30 Air Unit S.Bus Y Cable
(Connect SIYI MK15 and HM30 air unit’s S.Bus port to acquire control signal, then one connector
of the cable goes to SIYI gimbal, another goes to flight controller)
1 x 3 in 1 Control Cable
(A universal cable for ZT30, ZR30, and A8 mini, it connects SIYI gimbal’s control signal port with
SIYI link and controller, including UART control input, S.Bus input and output)
1 x SIYI Gimbal Power Cable
(Power supply cable for SIYI gimbal)
1 x SIYI Gimbal Ethernet Cable
(A backup cable for customer DIY purpose to connect SIYI gimbal to third-party Ethernet devices)
1 x SIYI Gimbal to SIYI Link Cable
(An all-in-one cable for only touch screen control to SIYI gimbal through SIYI link, it can power
SIYI gimbal and can also transfer video stream and control signal)
1 x SIYI Gimbal Ethernet to RJ45 Cable
(Connect SIYI gimbal with RJ45 device directly)
1 x A8 mini Screw Pack
(Using with the fixing board to mount the gimbal, including 6 x Hex Socket Cap Screw M2.5*5, 10
x Cross Recessed Flat Head Screw M2.5*10, 8 x M2.5 Nut Black)
1 x A8 mini Mounting Board & Damper Pack
(For mounting and fixing gimbal and stabilization)