ZHIYUN SMOOTH-Q User Manual

Package Contents

The product package includes the following items. If any are missing, contact ZHIYUN or your local sales agent.

• SMOOTH-Q 3-Axis Smartphone Stabilizer
• Micro USB Cable
• Storage Pouch
• Shoulder Strap

Disclaimer and Warning

Thank you for using the ZHIYUN SMOOTH-Q. The information below pertains to your safety and legal rights and responsibilities. Read this document thoroughly to ensure correct setup before using the stabilizer. Failure to read or follow the instructions and warnings in this document may result in significant injury to yourself or others, or damage to the device or property.

ZHIYUN reserves the right to the final explanation of this document and all pertinent documents related to the SMOOTH-Q, and the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Visit www.zhiyun-tech.com for the most up-to-date product information.

By using this product, you acknowledge that you have read this document carefully and that you understand and agree to comply with the terms and conditions herein. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your conduct while using this product, and for any resulting consequences. You agree to use this product only for its intended purposes and in accordance with all terms, precautions, practices, policies, and guidelines that ZHIYUN has made available.

ZHIYUN™ assumes no liability for damages, injuries, or legal liabilities incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product. Users shall practice safe and legal methods, including but not limited to those established in this document.

ZHIYUN™ is the trademark of Guilin Zhishen Information Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "ZHIYUN" or "ZHIYUN TECH") and its affiliates. All product and brand names referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Glossary

The following terms are used throughout the product documentation to indicate the different levels of potential damage when using this product:

• WARNING: Procedures that, if not followed correctly, can cause property damage, severe accidents, or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Procedures that, if not followed correctly, can cause property damage or serious injury.
• NOTE: Procedures that, if not followed correctly, can cause property damage or minor injury.

Safety Guidelines

Warning

Read the ENTIRE user guide to familiarize yourself with the functions of this product before use. Improper use of the product may cause damage to the product or property and result in serious injury. This is a sophisticated product. It must be used with caution and common sense, and requires basic mechanical skill. Failure to use this product safely and responsibly may cause injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not designed for use by children without direct adult supervision. DO NOT use it with incompatible components or in a manner different from that indicated in the product documentation provided by ZHIYUN. The safety guidelines in this document contain safety, usage, and maintenance instructions. It is essential to read and comply with all instructions and warnings in the user guide before assembling, configuring, and using the product, to use it correctly and avoid damage and serious injury.

Precautions for Safe Use

• The SMOOTH-Q is a high-precision control device. If the SMOOTH-Q is dropped or subjected to external forces, it may suffer damage that causes operational failure.
• When powering on the SMOOTH-Q, ensure there are no external forces blocking the rotation of the gimbal axes.
• The SMOOTH-Q is not waterproof. Avoid contact with any liquid or cleaner. It is recommended to use a dry cloth for cleaning.
• Protect the SMOOTH-Q from dust and sand during use.

WARNING

To prevent potential fire, serious injury, and property damage, comply with the following safety guidelines when using, charging, or storing your batteries.

Battery Safety Guidelines

• Avoid contact of batteries with any liquid. Do not expose batteries to rain or near any moisture source. Do not throw batteries into water. If water enters the battery, chemical decomposition may occur, potentially causing fire or explosion.
• If the stabilizer falls into water with the battery inside, immediately remove and dry it in a safe, open-air location. Maintain a safe distance from the battery until it is completely dry. Do not reuse the battery; dispose of it according to the procedure described in the Battery Disposal section.
• If the battery catches fire, use water, sprayed water, sand, a fire blanket, dry powder, or a carbon dioxide extinguisher to put out the fire. Extinguish the fire using one of the recommended methods according to the actual situation.
• Never use a non-ZHIYUN battery. If a battery needs replacement, purchase a new one from the official ZHIYUN website or through official channels. ZHIYUN is not responsible for damage caused by using non-ZHIYUN batteries.
• Never use or recharge swollen, leaking, or damaged batteries. Never use or recharge batteries that smell bad or have overheated (exceeded 160°F / 71°C). If your battery is in an abnormal condition, seek technical assistance from ZHIYUN or an authorized ZHIYUN dealer.
• Use the battery within its operating temperature range, from -10°C to 50°C. Use above 50°C may cause fire or explosion. Use below -10°C may cause significant battery damage.
• Do not use the battery in strong electrostatic or electromagnetic environments, as this may cause the battery's protection circuit to fail.
• Never disassemble or use sharp objects to puncture the battery. Doing so may cause the battery to leak, ignite, or explode.
• Do not strike, crush, or throw the battery. Do not place heavy objects on the battery or charger.
• Battery electrolytes are highly corrosive. In case of accidental contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Do not use a battery that has been dropped or crushed.
• Do not heat the battery or place it in a microwave or pressurized container.
• Do not place the battery on a conductive surface (e.g., a metal table).
• Avoid using cables or metal objects that could short-circuit the battery's positive and negative terminals.
• If the battery terminals are dirty, clean them with a clean, dry cloth. Failure to do so may cause poor connection, resulting in power loss or charging failure.

Battery Charging

• Do not connect batteries directly to a household or car power outlet. Always use a ZHIYUN-approved electrical adapter for charging. ZHIYUN assumes no responsibility if you charge the battery with a non-ZHIYUN charger.
• Do not place the battery or charger near flammable materials or on flammable surfaces (like carpets or wood). To prevent accidents, never leave the battery unattended during charging.
• Do not charge the battery immediately after use, as it may be too hot. Do not charge the battery until it cools down to room temperature. Charging the battery at temperatures above 40°C or below 15°C may cause leakage, overheating, or damage.
• Inspect the charger before use and check for any damage to the casing, cable, plug, or other parts. Never use a damaged charger. Do not clean the charger with any liquid containing alcohol or other flammable solvents. Unplug the charger when not in use.

Battery Storage

• Keep batteries out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not leave the battery near heat sources like ovens or heaters, or inside a vehicle on hot days. Never store the battery in places with temperatures above 60°C. The ideal storage temperature is between 22°C and 28°C.
• Store batteries in a dry environment.
• Do not leave the battery unused for too long after it has been fully discharged to prevent over-discharge, which could cause battery damage and permanent failure.

Battery Maintenance

• Never use the battery when the temperature is too high or too low.
• Do not store the battery in a location with a temperature above 60°C.

Transport Notice

• Discharge the battery to 5% or less before transporting it by air. Discharge the battery in a fireproof location, ideally in a dry, open area.
• Do not store or transport batteries with metallic objects such as glasses, watches, jewelry, etc.
• Do not transport damaged batteries. When transporting batteries, ensure they are discharged to less than 50%.

Battery Disposal

Dispose of the battery in designated recycling containers after completely discharging it. Do not throw the battery in household waste containers. Strictly follow local regulations concerning battery disposal and recycling.

Quick Start Guide

Getting to Know the SMOOTH-Q

Check the product package before use and verify that the following items are included with the product. If any are missing, contact ZHIYUN or your local sales agent.

Diagram Description: The SMOOTH-Q is shown from two angles. The front view displays the mobile clamp, manual adjustment screw for the roll axis, battery level indicator, control joystick, MODE button, Power/Shutter button, and a 1/4" threaded hole. The side view shows the manual adjustment screw for the mobile clamp, micro USB port, and a power port for charging the smartphone.

• Payload: 75 g - 200 g
• Horizontal Arm Adjustment Range: 15 mm (0.6 inches)
• Mounting Clamp Support Range: 58 - 85 mm (2.3 - 3.3 inches)

Charging Guidelines

Charging the Mobile Device

The USB port at the bottom of the stabilizer handle can be used to conveniently charge your smartphone while it is mounted on the stabilizer, ensuring longer operating time for both the stabilizer and the mounted smartphone.

NOTICE

An L-shaped charging connector is required when mounting the smartphone horizontally in the mobile clamp.

Charging the Stabilizer

Connect the micro USB port located on the side of the SMOOTH-Q handle to a power source using the micro USB charging cable for direct charging of the SMOOTH-Q.

App Download and Installation

Downloading and Installing the Application

Download the application from the "Downloads" page on the official ZHIYUN website www.ZHIYUN-TECH.com or by scanning the QR code on the left (requires Android 5.0 or higher or iOS 9.0 or higher). Users can download the application by searching for "ZY Play" on Google Play or the App Store.

The ZHIYUN application is subject to frequent updates; try it now to discover more features.

Smartphone Installation

Installing the Smartphone

Keep the camera clamp open, slide the smartphone inwards until it reaches the tilt axis motor, and close the clamp.

⚠️ Do not turn on the stabilizer until the smartphone is correctly mounted.

Diagram Description: Shows a smartphone being slid into the clamp (arrow 2) and then the clamp closing (arrow 1).

Adjusting Balance

Adjusting the Center of Gravity

If the smartphone does not remain level and continues to tilt after mounting, loosen the manual adjustment screw for the roll axis (Y) to adjust the center of gravity by sliding the horizontal arm (as indicated in red in the figure) until it remains still and vertical on the tilt axis. Tighten the manual adjustment screw after the smartphone is well-balanced to ensure normal operation.

Proper adjustment of the center of gravity ensures power saving during operation. The stabilizer will continue to function well even if the center of gravity is not perfectly configured; however, the motors will consume more energy, significantly affecting the torque.

Changing the Mobile Mounting Direction

Loosen the manual adjustment screw on the back of the mobile clamp and rotate the clamp to the desired direction (horizontal or vertical). Tighten the manual adjustment screw to ensure normal operation.

NOTE: Ensure the stabilizer is turned off before changing the mobile mounting direction.

Getting Started

Control Panel Overview

Diagram Description: Shows the top of the stabilizer handle with labels pointing to: Battery Level Indicator, Micro USB Port, MODE Button, Power/Shutter Button, Status Indicator, Control Joystick, and Slider Lever.

Control Joystick Operation

The control joystick allows movement of the smartphone up/down and left/right.

Powering On/Off

Turn on the stabilizer by pressing the power button for approximately 3 seconds. The power button also functions as the camera shutter when the stabilizer is paired with the mobile app.

Micro USB Port

To charge the stabilizer, connect it to a USB power source using a micro USB cable. For firmware updates and online calibration, connect the stabilizer to a PC using a micro USB cable.

Battery Level Indicator

Illuminates blue when the stabilizer is operating normally. The flashing frequency of the blue light indicates the current battery charge level:

• Group of 4 rapid flashes: 76-100%
• Group of 3 rapid flashes: 51-75%
• Group of 2 rapid flashes: 26-50%
• 1 rapid flash: 1-25%

Slider Lever Operation

When the stabilizer is connected to the smartphone with the app active, press the slider lever up/down to adjust the focal length.

MODE Button

Each time it is powered on, the stabilizer defaults to horizontal tracking (pan) mode. Switch to lock mode by pressing the MODE button once. Pressing the MODE button twice enters tracking mode. Pressing the MODE button again from tracking mode returns to the previous mode.

Status Indicator

• The yellow light indicates the gimbal's power on and off. (On: light flashes rapidly for 3s, stays lit for 1s, then turns off. Off: light flashes rapidly for 3s, then turns off.)
• The yellow light also indicates charging. (Flashes during charging and stays solid when charging is complete.)

How to Power On/Off

Diagram Description: Shows the control panel with the power button circled.

Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn on/off.

Gimbal Control Modes

Mode Selector

Diagram Description: A flowchart showing mode transitions: Horizontal Tracking (default) -> Lock (1x MODE press) -> Tracking (2x MODE press). Returns to previous mode with 1x MODE press. Triple press MODE rapidly rotates the camera 180° horizontally.

Visit ZHIYUN product demonstration videos at www.zhiyun-tech.com for more usage tips.

Gimbal Mode Operation Diagram

Diagram Description: Three diagrams illustrating the three modes:

• Horizontal Tracking (Pan): The smartphone moves left/right following the stabilizer's movement, while the tilt and roll axes remain locked. Use the control joystick up/down to manually control the tilt axis.
• Lock Mode: This mode locks movement on all three axes to keep the camera steady and stable. Use the control joystick up/down and left/right to manually control the tilt and pan axes.
• Tracking Mode: The camera moves horizontally and vertically following the stabilizer's movement. Use the control joystick left/right to manually control the roll axis.

Connection Ports and Other Operations

Micro USB Port

• Use this port for firmware updates and online calibration by connecting the stabilizer to a PC with a micro USB cable.
• Connect the stabilizer to a power source for direct charging. The stabilizer can be used while charging.

Firmware Update

Use this port for firmware updates and online calibration by connecting the stabilizer to a PC with a micro USB cable. The device can also be calibrated via the mobile app.

Visit the official ZHIYUN website: www.zhiyun-tech.com. Click on the "Downloads" page and find the firmware update tutorial package. Download the controller, calibration tool, and the latest firmware for your stabilizer. Update the firmware following the instructions in the firmware update tutorial.

Calibration Method

• Visit the official ZHIYUN website: www.zhiyun-tech.com.
• Click on the "Downloads" page to open it and find the ZHIYUN gimbal tools and online calibration tutorial; OR
• Use calibration in the mobile app by connecting it to your smartphone.

App Operations

Connecting the Stabilizer to a Smartphone

Diagram Description: Shows two screenshots of the ZHIYUN app. The first shows "Activate Bluetooth" and "Confirm". The second shows "Bluetooth off" and "No device found".

• Turn on the stabilizer.
• Activate Bluetooth in your smartphone's settings.
• Tap the ZHIYUN app icon to open it. Tap the signal icon at the top of the app screen to search for nearby signals and select your stabilizer to connect.

How to Take Photos and Record Videos

Diagram Description: Shows two phone screen layouts for Photo and Video modes, with options like Single shot, Panoramic, Long exposure, Slow motion, Time lapse.

Photo/Video Selection Using the Stabilizer

Press the power/shutter button once to take a photo. Press the power/shutter button twice consecutively to start/stop video recording.

Photo/Video Control and Configuration Using the App

• Tap the Photo/Video icon on the left of the ZY app function screen to switch between "PHOTO" and "VIDEO".
• From Photo mode, tap the icon to the right of the app screen to open the menu and select the shooting mode: "Single shot", "Panoramic", and "Long exposure".
• From Video mode, tap the icon to select the recording mode: "Default", "Slow motion", "Time lapse", and "Moving time lapse".
• Tap the icon on the left of the ZY app function screen to switch between the front and rear cameras. A long press on the function button will also switch between the front/rear cameras. A long press on the gimbal slider towards W or T will also change cameras.

How to Adjust Stabilizer Parameters

Diagram Description: Shows a screenshot of the app's settings menu with PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) parameters like Tilt, Roll, Pan, Follow Rate, Control Rate, etc.

Tap the gear icon to open the settings menu and select PTZ. Tap a specific option, then adjust the parameter by increasing/decreasing the value. Tap "Save" to finalize the adjustment.

How to Activate the Manual Adjustment Button

Diagram Description: Shows two screenshots of the app's camera interface, highlighting the manual control options.

• Tap the icon to the right of the app's function screen to activate manual control mode.
• You can make precise adjustments to each option by moving the manual adjustment button up/down.

How to Use Object Tracking

Diagram Description: Shows a phone screen with a person being tracked, with a box drawn around them. An "Exit" button is visible.

• Tap the button in the bottom left of the app's function screen to activate object tracking (the stabilizer automatically enters lock mode when this function is activated).
• Once activated, drag your finger to draw a square around the object to follow and activate automatic tracking.
• Tap "Exit" next to the icon to stop object tracking.

Initialization and Calibration

Initializing the Stabilizer

Diagram Description: Shows the stabilizer in a resting position.

Initialize the Stabilizer

Initialize the stabilizer under the following circumstances:

• Detection of a slight deviation in the camera's tilt angle in the level position after power-on.
• Detection of a slight deviation in the camera's roll angle in the level position after power-on.
• Frequent minor angle corrections are needed when the camera is in the level position while the stabilizer remains still.

Initialization Procedure

• Turn on the stabilizer.
• Press and hold MODE to enter standby mode.
• Place the stabilizer still on a table in any position, wait about 10 seconds, and the stabilizer will automatically complete initialization.

Online Calibration

Calibrate the stabilizer when any of the following circumstances occur:

• Detection of deviation in the smartphone's balance position even after initialization.
• The stabilizer has not been used for a long period.
• The stabilizer has been exposed to significant temperature changes.

Calibration Method

• Visit the official ZHIYUN website: www.zhiyun-tech.com.
• Click on the "Downloads" page to open it and find the ZHIYUN gimbal tools and online calibration tutorial; OR
• Use calibration in the mobile app by connecting it to your smartphone.

Product Specifications

Warranty Card

Warranty Period

• Customers are entitled to free replacement or repair if the product exhibits defects within the first 15 days of receipt.
• Customers are entitled to free repair by ZHIYUN for any product found to be defective in workmanship or material, causing product failure under normal consumer use and conditions, within a 12-month warranty period from the date of delivery.

This Warranty Does Not Apply in the Following Cases

• Products that have been repaired without authorization, misused, dropped, used negligently, soaked, involved in an accident, or altered without authorization.
• Products subjected to improper use or whose safety marks or labels have been removed or altered.
• Products with expired warranty.
• Products damaged due to force majeure, such as fire, floods, lightning, etc.

Warranty Claim Procedure

• If your product fails or presents any problem after purchase, contact your local agent for assistance, or contact ZHIYUN customer service via email at service@zhiyun-tech.com or on the website www.zhiyun-tech.com.
• Your local agent or ZHIYUN customer service will guide you through the entire service procedure regarding the encountered issue.
• ZHIYUN reserves the right to re-examine damaged or returned products.

Contact Information

Customer Information

• Customer Name: [Blank]
• Contact Number: [Blank]
• Address: [Blank]

Sales Information

• Date of Sale: [Blank]
• Product Serial Number: [Blank]
• Vendor: [Blank]
• Contact Number: [Blank]

1st Maintenance Record

• Service Date: [Blank]
• Repairer's Signature: [Blank]
• Cause of Problem: [Blank]
• Repair Result: [ ] Resolved [ ] Unresolved [ ] Return (Replacement)

Contact Details

Tel.: +86-773-2320856

Web: www.zhiyun-tech.com

Email: service@zhiyun-tech.com

Address: Creative Industrial Park, GuiMo Road, QiXing District, Guilin 541004, Guangxi, China.

Quality Certificate

It is certified that this product complies with quality standards and is authorized for sale after strict inspection.

Quality Inspector: [Blank] (Describing the QC PASS stamp with Chinese characters)

Download the latest version from www.zhiyun-tech.com. This document is subject to change. ZHIYUN™ is a trademark of ZHIYUN. Copyright © 2017 ZHIYUN. All rights reserved.