RunCam Thumb Pro Camera Manual

Product Overview

The RunCam Thumb Pro is a compact 4K FPV action camera designed for drone enthusiasts. This manual provides detailed instructions for its operation and integration.

Important Note: Avoid long video recording in high temperatures without ventilation, as it may affect performance and cause abnormal operation.

Function Indication

The camera features indicator lights and buttons for various functions:

• Button (power/shutter button): Controls power and recording.
• Indicator light (Red/Green): Shows operational status.
• MicroUSB: For computer connection and power.
• 1.25mm 4P: For power supply and flight controller connection.

Visual Description: The camera is depicted with its lens protection cover, a button, an indicator light, a Micro USB port, and a 4-pin connector labeled '1.25mm 4P'. It also shows connection diagrams for power and flight controller integration.

Camera Basic Operations

• Power on/off: Automatically turns on when powered; press and hold the button to power off.
• Start/Stop recording: Click the shutter button to start recording (red light flashes slowly); click again to stop (red light is steady).
• Mode switch: Double-click the shutter button to switch between recording mode (red light steady) and parameter settings mode (green light steady).
• Parameter settings: Scan the QR code in the RunCam APP to configure.
• Remote control: Connect Thumb Pro to a flight controller for operations.

Micro SD Card Usage

Recommended: U3 card for 4K@30FPS, 2.7K@60FPS, and 1080P@120FPS recording. Supports up to 256GB microSD cards.

Attention: SD card errors can include being full, slow speed, or damage. Handle microSD cards carefully, avoiding liquids and dust. Turn off the camera before inserting or removing cards. Ensure the card is used within its acceptable temperature range.

Visual Description: Diagrams illustrate the insertion of a microSD card into the camera.

Computer Connection

Connect the camera to a computer via Micro USB. It will be recognized as a U disk.

• If not recognized, ensure a microSD card is inserted and readable. Try a different USB cable or port.
• When connecting to a computer, power the camera only via USB to prevent damage to USB ports or the camera.

Visual Description: An image shows the camera connected to a computer via USB, with the camera recognized as a removable disk.

Firmware Update

Ensure optimal performance by using the latest firmware. Updates can be found at: https://www.runcam.com/download/ThumbPro

Upgrade Status: Red and green lights flash rapidly during the upgrade. The camera automatically shuts down upon completion.

Android and iOS APP

Search for "RunCam" on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or download from the website: http://www.runcam.com/download

Technical Support

For technical assistance, please visit: https://support.runcam.com

Video Bitrate and Codec

Flight Controller UART Control

Preparation:

• Firmware: BetaFlight (≥3.2.0), CleanFlight (≥2.1.0), KISS (≥1.3-RC30), or INAV (≥1.7.3).
• Any available UART interface on the Flight Controller.

Connection and Configuration:

1. Connect the RunCam Thumb PRO to the Flight Controller's UART interface.
2. Configure the Flight Controller to recognize the RunCam Thumb PRO. For example, connect to UART 5, open the Flight Controller configurator (e.g., Betaflight Configurator), select 'Camera (RunCam Protocol)' in the Peripherals column for UART 5, and click 'Save And Reboot'.

Visual Description: Screenshots show the Betaflight Configurator interface, highlighting the 'Ports' tab where UART 5 is configured for 'Camera (RunCam Protocol)' and the 'Modes' tab where camera functions are assigned to transmitter channels.

Function Assignment:

In the Flight Controller Configurator's 'Modes' tab, assign transmitter channels to camera functions:

• CAMERA POWER: Start/stop video recording. In OSD, moves to the next menu item.
• CAMERA CHANGE MODE: Switches between recording and QR code setting modes.

Example Assignment: Assign AUX2 to CAMERA POWER (range 1900-2100) and AUX3 to CAMERA CHANGE MODE (range 1900-2100).

Controller Switch Assignment:

In your radio transmitter's mixer interface, assign channels to switches. For example, using OpenTX 2.2.0, assign CH5 to SA, CH6 to SB, and CH7 to SD.

Visual Description: A screenshot of the OpenTX mixer interface shows channel assignments for Roll, Pitch, Throttle, Yaw, SA, SB, and SD.

Testing:

• Power on the Flight Controller and RunCam Thumb PRO.
• Set SA to the bottom position to start/stop video.
• Set SD to the bottom position to switch between video and OSD setting modes.

Specifications