hohem iSteady XE Kit Gimbal Stabilizer User Manual

Introduction

The hohem iSteady XE Kit is a lightweight, 3-axis smartphone gimbal stabilizer designed to provide smooth, stable footage for mobile videography. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your iSteady XE Kit, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. It includes a magnetic fill light for enhanced illumination in various shooting conditions.

Description: The hohem iSteady XE Kit, featuring a compact design, is shown with a smartphone mounted and the magnetic fill light attached. The image also displays the included mini tripod, USB-C charging cable, and storage pouch, highlighting the complete package for mobile content creation.

What's in the Box

Upon unboxing your hohem iSteady XE Kit, verify that all components are present:

• hohem iSteady XE Gimbal Stabilizer
• Magnetic Fill Light (included in XE Kit version)
• Mini Tripod
• USB-Type C Charging Cable
• Storage Pouch
• User Manual (this document)

Description: An exploded view diagram illustrating the hohem iSteady XE gimbal, magnetic fill light, tripod, USB-C charging cable, storage pouch, and user manual, representing all items included in the product packaging.

Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components and controls of your iSteady XE Kit.

Gimbal Components:

• Phone Clamp: Securely holds your smartphone.
• Roll Axis Motor: Controls the roll movement of the phone.
• Tilt Axis Motor: Controls the tilt (up/down) movement of the phone.
• Pan Axis Motor: Controls the pan (left/right) movement of the gimbal.
• Handle: Ergonomic grip for holding the gimbal.
• 1/4-inch Screw Hole: Located at the bottom of the handle for attaching the tripod or other accessories.

Controls:

• Power Button: Powers the gimbal on/off.
• Joystick: Controls manual pan and tilt movements.
• Function Button: Switches between gimbal modes and quick roll (landscape/portrait).
• Shutter Button: Triggers photo/video recording via Bluetooth.
• Zoom Slider: Controls digital zoom within the Hohem Joy app.
• Mode Indicator Lights: Display current gimbal mode and battery status.

Description: A visual representation of the hohem iSteady XE gimbal highlighting its three axes of stabilization: Tilt (90°), Roll (320°), and Pan (320°), demonstrating its range of motion for smooth video capture.

Setup

1. Charging the Gimbal

Before first use, fully charge the gimbal. Connect the USB-C charging cable to the gimbal's charging port and a USB power adapter (not included). The indicator lights will show charging status and turn solid when fully charged. Charging typically takes about 2 hours for up to 8 hours of operation.

2. Installing the Hohem Joy App

For full functionality, download the "Hohem Joy" app from your smartphone's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) or scan the QR code provided in the quick start guide.

3. Mounting Your Smartphone

1. Unfold the gimbal.
2. Extend the phone clamp and carefully insert your smartphone. Ensure the phone is centered and securely held. For optimal balance, remove thick phone cases if necessary, as some larger phones or cases might interfere with proper clamping or gimbal movement.
3. Ensure the phone's camera is not obstructed by the clamp.

4. Connecting via Bluetooth

1. Power on the gimbal by pressing and holding the power button.
2. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
3. Open the Hohem Joy app. The app will automatically detect and connect to the gimbal. If not, manually select the gimbal from the device list within the app.

Operating Instructions

Power On/Off

• Power On: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.
• Power Off: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds.

Gimbal Modes

The iSteady XE offers various modes for different shooting scenarios. Press the Function Button to cycle through modes:

• Pan Follow (PF): The pan axis follows your movement, while the tilt and roll axes are locked.
• Pan & Tilt Follow (PTF): Both pan and tilt axes follow your movement, while the roll axis is locked.
• All Lock (AL): All three axes are locked, keeping the camera pointing in a fixed direction.
• POV (Point of View): All three axes follow your movement, providing a dynamic first-person perspective.

Quick Roll Switch (Landscape/Portrait)

Quickly switch between landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) shooting modes by pressing the Function Button once.

Using the Magnetic Fill Light

The magnetic fill light attaches to the top of the phone clamp. It offers three types of light colors (cold, natural white, warm) and 10 brightness levels. It can be rotated 180 degrees to illuminate subjects from various angles, including for front-facing camera use. The fill light can also function independently of the gimbal.

Description: A close-up of the magnetic fill light, illustrating its 180-degree rotatable design, which allows for flexible lighting angles to accommodate both front and rear camera usage.

Description: A visual guide demonstrating the three color temperature options of the magnetic fill light: Cold light for an energized feel, Natural white light for realistic photos/videos, and Warm light for a relaxed and comfortable ambiance, along with a 10-level brightness scale.

Hohem Joy App Features

The Hohem Joy app unlocks advanced features and customization options:

• Object Tracking: Select an object on screen, and the gimbal will automatically track its movement.
• Face Tracking: Automatically keeps a detected face in the center of the frame.
• Motion Time-lapse: Create dynamic time-lapse videos with programmed gimbal movements.
• Zoom Control: Use the gimbal's zoom slider for smooth digital zoom. Adjust zoom speed in app settings for smoother transitions.
• Custom Settings: Adjust motor strength, joystick speed, and other parameters.

Description: A screenshot from the Hohem Joy app demonstrating the face tracking feature, where a green box highlights a detected face, indicating the gimbal's ability to automatically follow subjects.

Description: A screenshot from the Hohem Joy app illustrating the object tracking feature, where a green box outlines a cat, signifying the gimbal's capability to automatically follow and keep non-human subjects in frame.

Maintenance

Cleaning

Wipe the gimbal with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents. Keep the charging port free of dust and debris.

Storage

When not in use, fold the gimbal and store it in the provided storage pouch. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. For long-term storage, ensure the battery is charged to approximately 50% to prolong its lifespan.

Troubleshooting

• Gimbal not powering on: Ensure the gimbal is fully charged.
• Phone not fitting in clamp: Remove thick phone cases. Ensure the phone is centered.
• Gimbal unstable or vibrating: Ensure the phone is properly balanced and securely mounted. Restart the gimbal and app.
• Bluetooth connection issues: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Close and reopen the Hohem Joy app. Restart both the gimbal and your phone.
• App features not working (e.g., gesture control, tracking): Ensure the Hohem Joy app is updated to the latest version. Some features may have specific phone model compatibility requirements.
• Jerky zoom: Adjust the zoom speed setting within the Hohem Joy app to a slower pace.
• Gimbal motors feel weak or unresponsive: Ensure the gimbal is fully charged. If issues persist, contact customer support.
• Gimbal flips phone into weird position: This can occur if the gimbal is used at extreme angles beyond its operational limits. Return the gimbal to a neutral position.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official hohem website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Online Resources:

• Visit the official hohem website for FAQs, firmware updates, and additional resources.
• Check the Hohem Joy app for in-app tutorials and support.