RunCam Thumb 2 Camera User Manual

01 Feature Indicators

This section details the various components and indicators of the RunCam Thumb 2 camera.

• Lens Cap [镜头盖]: Protects the camera lens.
• Microphone [麦克风]: Captures audio.
• Button [按键] (Power/Shutter): Used for power control and recording start/stop.
• Indicator Light [指示灯] (Red/Green): Provides status feedback.
• Heat Dissipation Holes [散热孔]: Allows heat to escape during operation.
• Micro SD Card Slot [Micro SD卡槽]: For inserting memory cards.
• Type-C Port [Type-C接口]: For charging and data transfer.
• 1.25mm 3P Connector [1.25mm 3P] (5V/Ground/PWM): For connecting to flight controllers or other devices.

02 Lens Cap Installation

Instructions for attaching the lens cap:

1. Step 1 [步骤1]: Align the lens cap slot with the mounting position [镜头盖卡口对齐安装位置].
2. Step 2 [步骤2]: Rotate the lens cap counter-clockwise to lock it securely [镜头盖向左方向旋转锁紧].
3. Step 3 [步骤3]: Installation complete [安装完成].

03 Installation Direction [安装方向]

Diagram showing two possible mounting orientations for the camera. Ensure the camera is mounted in the desired orientation for your setup.

04 Memory Card [内存卡]

Recommended Card: Use a U3 card for optimal performance, especially for high frame rates like 4K@60FPS, 4K@30FPS, 2.7K@60FPS, and 1080P@120FPS. A U3 or higher specification card is required for these modes.

Maximum Capacity: Supports MicroSD cards up to 512GB.

Important Notes [注意事项]:

• Handle MicroSD cards with care. Avoid contact with liquids, dust, and debris.
• For safety, turn off the camera before inserting or removing the MicroSD card.
• Refer to the MicroSD card manufacturer's instructions for proper usage and operating temperature range.

05 Power Supply Method [供电方式]

The RunCam Thumb 2 supports two power supply methods:

• BEC Power: Connect via the 1.25mm 3-pin connector.
• Type-C Power: Connect via the USB Type-C port.

The camera operates exclusively on DC 5V.

Diagrams illustrate the BEC 5V power connection and the Mobile Power 5V supply connection.

06 Basic Camera Operation [相机基本操作]

Power On/Off [开机/关机]:

• To Power On: Long press the button. The green indicator light [绿灯状态] will flash for approximately 3 seconds, followed by a solid red light [红灯状态].
• To Power Off: Long press the button again. The indicator light will turn off.

Start/Stop Recording [开始/停止录像]:

• With the red light solid, single press the button to start recording. The red indicator light will flash slowly.
• Single press again to stop recording. The red indicator light will return to a solid state.

Mode Switching [模式切换]:

• Double-click the button to enter QR code configuration mode [二维码配置模式]. The green indicator light will be solid.
• Double-click again to exit QR code configuration mode. The red indicator light will be solid.

QR Code Configuration:

• Scan the QR code using the RunCam Legacy App.
• Upon successful configuration, the red indicator light will remain solid.
• Upon failed configuration, the green indicator light will remain solid.

Remote Mode [遥控模式]:

• Connect the RunCam Thumb 2 to the flight controller's PWM pad for remote operation.

Indicator Status:

• SD Card Abnormal [SD卡异常]: Red light flashes continuously.
• Sensor Module Abnormal [Sensor模组异常]: Green light flashes continuously.

07 Camera Parameter Settings [相机参数设置]

Configure camera settings by scanning a QR code generated within the RunCam Legacy App while the camera is in its settings mode.

Note: Screen glare from your phone may interfere with the camera's ability to recognize the QR code.

Procedure:

1. Open the RunCam Legacy App and select "RunCam Thumb 2".
2. Generate a QR code for parameter configuration.
3. On the camera, double-click the button to enter QR code recognition mode (green light will be solid).
4. Point the camera at the generated QR code. The camera will recognize it, and the red indicator light will remain solid upon successful setting application.

The best scanning distance is approximately 25cm [扫描最佳距离25cm].

Example settings that can be configured via QR code include Mode (MS), Normal Recording, Cyclic Recording (LO), Time-lapse Recording (LA), and Resolution (RES).

08 Connecting to a Computer [连接电脑]

Connect the camera to your computer using a Type-C cable. When powered on, the camera will be recognized as a U-disk. A single press of the button allows switching to UVC mode.

Troubleshooting: If the computer does not recognize the camera, ensure a MicroSD card is inserted. If data on the MicroSD card cannot be read correctly, try using a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer.

Diagram shows a laptop connected to the RunCam Thumb 2 via a USB Type-C cable.

09 Firmware Upgrade [固件升级]

To ensure the camera performs at its best, it is recommended to use the latest firmware version. For update instructions, please visit:

https://www.runcam.com/download/Thumb2

During the firmware upgrade process, the indicator lights will flash alternately (red and green). The camera will automatically shut down upon successful completion of the upgrade.

10 Remote Control [远程遥控]

Type-C Control Line Pinout Description:

• Camera Power Input [相机供电输入线]: External power input, supports DC 5V.
• Ground [地线]: Serves as power ground and control signal ground.
• TX [TX]: Can be connected to the flight controller's R3 pad or another available UART for remote camera control.
• RX [RX]: Can be connected to the flight controller's T3 pad or another available UART for remote camera control.

Serial Port Remote Control (Recommended):

Using the SpeedyBee F7 V3 flight controller as an example:

• Connect the RunCam Thumb 2's Type-C control line to the "Speedy Bee F7 V3".
• Wiring: Red wire connects to the flight controller's 5V pad, Black wire to the GND pad, Blue wire to the R3 pad, and Green wire to the T3 pad.

Diagram illustrates the connection between the RunCam Thumb 2 and the SpeedyBee F7 V3 flight controller.

Configuration: Use the BetaFlight Configurator to set the "Speedy Bee F7 V3" flight controller's UART3 to "RunCam Device".

Screenshot of BetaFlight Configurator showing UART3 configured for Camera (RunCam protocol).

Binding Serial Control Function and Channel:

• Within the flight controller's tuning software (e.g., BetaFlight), navigate to the Modes interface.
• Locate "CAMERA CONTROL" and bind it to a specific channel (e.g., channel range 1700-2100).

Remote Control Switch and Channel Binding:

• On your remote control, select your Model, then enter the MIXER menu.
• Bind a remote control button (e.g., the SE button on a RADIOMASTER TX12) to a specific channel (e.g., CH5).

Testing:

• After powering on the RunCam Thumb 2 and the SpeedyBee F7 V3 flight controller:
• If the SE switch is in the middle position, moving it to the bottom position will start recording on the Thumb 2.
• While recording, moving the SE switch to the middle, then quickly to the bottom, and back to the middle will stop the recording.

PWM Remote Control:

Using the SpeedyBee F7 V3 flight controller as an example:

• Connect the RunCam Thumb 2's JST 1.25*3Pin control line to the "Speedy Bee F7 V3".
• Wiring: Red wire connects to the flight controller's 5V pad, Black wire to the GND pad, and Yellow wire to the flight controller's M6 pad.

Diagram shows the PWM connection between the Thumb 2 and the flight controller.

CLI Configuration:

• Configure M6 using CLI:
• Connect to the flight controller's ground station and access the CLI interface.
• Enter the command: resource
• Execute the following commands:

  resource motor 6 none
  resource pinio 2 B05
  set pinio_config = 129,129,1,1
  set pinio_box = 0,41,255,255
  Save

Testing Method 1 (Recommended):

• Remote Control Switch and Channel Binding: On your remote control, select your Model, enter the INPUT and MIXER menus. Bind button A (e.g., SA on RADIOMASTER TX12) to a specific channel (e.g., CH10).
• Configuration Mode: Connect to BetaFlight, open Modes, find USER2, and bind it to AUX6.
• Remote Control Operation:
  • When the Thumb 2 is powered on, a short press of the TX12's SA button will start recording.
  • While recording, a short press of the TX12's SA button, followed by a quick double-press of the SA button, will stop the recording.

Testing Method 2:

• Remote Control Switch and Channel Binding: On your remote control, select your Model, enter the MIXER menu. Bind the joystick SF to a specific channel (e.g., CH7).
• Configuration Mode: Connect to BetaFlight, open Modes, find USER2 and bind it to AUX3.
• Remote Control Operation:
  • If SF is in the middle position, moving it to the bottom position will start recording.
  • While recording, moving SF to the middle, then quickly to the bottom, and back to the middle will stop the recording.

11 APP Download [APP下载]

Download the RunCam app from Google Play or the Apple Store by searching for "RunCam". Alternatively, you can download it from the official page:

http://www.runcam.com/download/Thumb2

QR codes are provided for downloading the APP & Firmware and for Technical Support.

12 Technical Support [技术支持]

Important Note: The camera is designed to automatically shut down at 96°C. For static recordings at 4K@60fps, the camera may shut down automatically due to overheating protection after approximately 10 minutes. For extended recording sessions, it is recommended to use cooling equipment or reduce the resolution. This temperature limit does not apply during flight.

For further assistance, please visit:

https://support.runcam.com/hc/en-us

13 Parameter Table [参数表]