RunCam Hybrid 2 User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the RunCam Hybrid 2, a versatile camera designed for FPV (First Person View) and HD recording applications.

Product Overview & Diagrams

Instruction Diagram

The camera features two sides: Side A includes an anti-drop shield, MicroSD card slot, sensor, and connector. Side B has a Power/Shutter button and a Mode Switch button. TX and RX pins are also present for control interfaces.

Lens Module Connection Diagram

The lens module connects via VCC (power input, 5-20V), GND (ground), and a Video output port.

Micro SD Card Handling

To insert or eject the MicroSD card: 1. Gently lift the anti-drop shield upwards. 2. Press the MicroSD card; it will pop out. The card slot supports up to 128GB; U3 speed class is recommended for higher resolutions (2.7K50/1080P120 requires U3 or above; other resolutions require U1 or above). Ensure the card is formatted as FAT32 to prevent errors.

Basic Camera Operation

Powering On/Off

Long press the Power/Shutter button to turn the camera on or off. The Camera Status Light will be solid blue when on.

Standby Mode

In standby mode, the camera status light is solid blue. Long press the Mode Switch button to cycle between recording mode and QR code setting mode.

Video Mode

The camera status light blinks blue slowly (one-second interval) in video mode. Press the Power/Shutter button to start or stop recording. The status light turns green when recording.

QR Code Setting

Use the RunCam App to configure settings and generate a QR code. In QR code setting mode, scan this QR code with the camera. The camera will automatically switch to standby mode after a successful scan.

Status Light Indicators

• Blue LED blinking slowly (1-second interval): Standby Mode
• Green LED solid: Recording
• Green LED blinking slowly (1-second interval): Firmware Update
• Blue LED blinking quickly (0.5-second interval): SD Card Issues
• Green LED blinking quickly (0.5-second interval): SD Card Full

Transmitter Connection

FPV Transmitter Connection

Connect the Video Transmitter to the PDB or flight controller. The RunCam Hybrid 2 connects to the Video Transmitter via its video output. Power is supplied via VCC (+5-20V) and GND. Warning: Ensure Current Input is ≥1A. Do not power directly from a 4S battery or higher, as surges can damage the camera.

FPV Flight Controller Setup

The FPV camera supports both Joystick Control and UART Control. The top-left corner of the screen briefly displays the current control mode. The default is Joystick control.

Switching Control Modes

To switch modes: 1. Short the camera's TX and RX pins. 2. Power on the camera. It will auto-switch between modes and save the selection upon power-off. 3. Remove the shorting cable after switching.

UART Control is compatible with BetaFlight 3.3+, ButterFlight 3.4+, or CleanFlight 2.2+.

Joystick Control & OSD Menu

Status Indicators:

• JOYSTICK CTRL: Indicates active Joystick Control.
• CARD ERROR: Indicates an SD card error or no card inserted.
• CARD FULL: Indicates the SD card is full.
• 4K 30FPS: Displays the current video resolution.

OSD Menu Navigation (using OSD Key-press Board, not included):

• Long press the upper button to enter the menu.
• Press the middle button to switch ON/OFF or confirm selections.
• CLR: Clear the RUNCAM logo or pilot's name.
• POS: Move to adjust the position of on-screen text.
• SHARP VIEW: Enhance image details (may increase noise).
• WIDESCREEN: Switch image ratio between 16:9 and 4:3.
• SYSTEM: Switch between NTSC and PAL video standards (requires reboot).
• EXIT: Save settings and exit the menu.

UART Control Setup

1. Flight Controller Wiring

Connect the flight controller's UART TX pin to the camera's RX pin, and the flight controller's UART RX pin to the camera's TX pin. Ensure a common GND connection.

2. Flight Controller Configuration (Betaflight Example)

In Betaflight Configurator, go to the 'Ports' tab. For the UART port connected to the camera (e.g., UART3), set the 'Peripherals' option to 'Camera (RunCam Protocol)' and click 'Save And Reboot'.

3. Remote Control Operation

When connected via UART, the flight controller buzzer provides feedback: 3 beeps indicate a successful connection, and 2 beeps indicate disconnection. If connected successfully:

• Long press the UP button: Enter OSD menu.
• Press the RIGHT button: Switch preset scenes.
• Press the LEFT button: Calibrate voltage.
• Press the DOWN button: Reset OSD.

Control Modes:

• Mode-2 (American version): Connect -> Operate -> Disconnect.
• Mode-1 (Japanese version): Connect -> Operate -> Disconnect.

HD Flight Controller Integration

Preparation

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

1. Wiring

Connect the RunCam Hybrid to the Flight Controller's UART interface (e.g., UART5). Connect the camera's TX to the FC's RX, RX to the FC's TX, and GND to GND.

2. Flight Controller Recognition

Connect the flight controller to a computer and open its configurator software (e.g., Betaflight Configurator). In the 'Ports' tab, locate the connected UART interface (e.g., UART5). In the 'Peripherals' column, select 'Camera (RunCam Protocol)' and click 'Save And Reboot'.

3. Assigning Functions to Transmitter Channels

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

• CAMERA POWER: Start/stop video recording.
• CAMERA CHANGE MODE: Switch between recording and QR code setting modes.
• Example: Assign AUX2 to CAMERA POWER (range 1900-2100) and AUX3 to CAMERA CHANGE MODE (range 1900-2100).

4. Assigning Channels to Controller Switches

On your remote controller, access the MIXER interface. Assign the designated channels (e.g., CH5 to SA, CH6 to SB, CH7 to SD) to your preferred switches.

5. Testing

Power on the flight controller and camera. Test the assigned switches: Setting SA to its 'bottom' position should start/stop video. Setting SD to its 'bottom' position should switch between video and OSD setting modes.

Technical Support

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

Technical Specifications

Visit www.runcam.com for more information.