ViewLink Windows Version Instruction

Modified time: 2023.07

Developed by Viewpro, ViewLink is a professional and easy-to-operate Gimbal Camera control software. It supports IP (RTSP/UDP/RTMP) and USB connections, automatically optimizing the player for a smooth and delicate viewing experience. The software supports multi-channel streaming, virtual nine grid lines, and balanced picture arrangement. It can control the gimbal camera via Ethernet TCP/UDP or serial TTL, allowing for firmware upgrades, encoder settings, 3D map visualization, handle configuration, OSD settings, remote control settings, file location, extended commands, and common settings.

Software Installation

To install ViewLink, double-click the executable file (e.g., "ViewLink-x.x.xx-windows-xxx.exe"). Follow the prompts to choose the installation location. The default installation is in English, but it can be switched to Chinese within the software. A software restart is required for the language change to take effect. If ViewLink was previously installed, uninstall it before reinstalling.

Installation packages can be obtained from the official Viewpro website (http://www.viewprotech.com/index.php) or a domestic website (http://gofile.me/6Wsd2/chT5klRqT). Alternatively, contact Viewpro for the package.

Connection

Serial Port Connection

Connect the Viewpro Gimbal Camera's serial port to a Windows computer's USB port using a USB to TTL serial cable. The connection method for the Viewpro Gimbal is as follows:

• Black wire: GND
• Green wire: TX
• White wire: RX
• Red wire: 5V (reserved)

After powering on the Gimbal Camera, open the ViewLink software, click "Connect", and select the corresponding serial port (e.g., COM3) from the computer's device manager. The default baud rate is 115200. Click "Connect" again. The control bar for the Viewpro Gimbal Camera model will appear on the right side of the ViewLink interface, enabling control of the gimbal and camera functions.

TCP Control

1. Connect the Gimbal Camera's Ethernet output (RJ45 4-pin cable) to the computer's network port.
2. After powering on the Gimbal Camera (3S~6S stabilized power supply), the computer may display "unidentified network," indicating a normal connection.
3. Configure the computer's IP address to be in the same network segment as the Viewpro Gimbal Camera's IP address. For example, if the Viewpro T series gimbal's IP is 192.168.2.119, set the PC IP Address to 192.168.2.117 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0. The default gateway is 192.168.2.1. Refer to the IP label on the Gimbal for the actual IP address.
4. Open the ViewLink software interface, click "Connect" in the upper left corner. The default IP of the Gimbal model will prevail. For example, if the Viewpro Gimbal Camera IP is 192.168.2.119 and the TCP control port is 2000, click "Connect" on the same line. The control bar for the Gimbal model will appear on the right side of the ViewLink interface, allowing control of the gimbal's rotation and movement.

Net Plotting

In the ViewLink interface, navigate to "Video" -> "Network Video" under "Device Connection." Enter the IP address for network video (e.g., rtsp://192.168.2.119:554). Select the "Network Video" radio button and click "Open Video" to display the screen.

Setting

Firmware Upgrades

This function is used only with a serial port connection. Select the path to the firmware file for the CONN board via the "Upgrade File" option. Click "Open," then "Start" to begin the upgrade. The progress bar will indicate the upgrade status, and a "Upgrade successful" message will appear upon completion.

Encoding Setting

ViewLink supports two types of Gimbal coding settings: one with tracking and without AI recognition, and another with tracking and AI recognition. Encoding settings can only be accessed under Network Control.

Compression Mode Settings

Basic and advanced parameters affect image quality and video stream bitrate. A larger Qp value results in blurrier image quality, while a smaller Qp value yields clearer images.

• Current stream: "Sub Stream" for network push (RTSP, UDP, RTMP); "Mainstream" for SD card storage (not recommended).
• Channel number: Substream has 2 channels; Mainstream has 2 channels.
• Image type: Visible light or Infrared (IR) for dual-light cameras.
• Enable: Activates video streaming, photography, and storage.
• Bitrate mode: CBR (constant bitrate) or VBR (variable bitrate).
• Resolution: Image width and height.
• Bitrate: Encoding bitrate of the video stream.
• Encoding format: By frame (PPS, SPS, IDR in one package) or By slice (SLICE, PPS, SPS, IDR in subpackets).
• Frame rate: Video frames per second.
• Keyframe interval: Frequency of P frames with a keyframe.

Advanced Parameter Settings

These settings affect bitrate mode and QP values. It is not recommended to modify these settings.

• Minimum QP: Range 0-51. Smaller values improve picture quality but increase bitrate fluctuations.
• Maximum QP: Range 0-51. Must be greater than the Minimum QP.
• Minimum I-frame QP: Range 0-51. Should be equal to the Minimum QP.

Enabling code stream smoothing: Stabilizes bitrate fluctuations, potentially sacrificing image quality in complex scenes.

Smoothness: Range 1-100. Higher values weaken the smoothing effect.

Keyframe QP value: Range 0-51 (default 51). Smaller values weaken the smoothing effect.

Movement IP Setting

• Automatically obtain IP: Automatically obtains IP and DNS. Not recommended for this setting.
• Network speed: 100M (10/100M adaptive) or 10M (fixed).
• Local IP: The IP address of the movement.
• Gateway address: The gateway for network connection.
• Mask address: Consistent with computer/video transmission (default 255.255.255.0).
• DNS: Domain name resolution address for internet connection.
• Mac: Physical address (randomly assigned by default).

Example: Changing the camera IP to 192.168.144.119. Restart the device or click "Reboot" for changes to take effect.

Additional Function

• Identification: Human-vehicle identification (available for firmware versions starting with 19).
• Watch dog: Restarts the program if it encounters an issue.
• Log: Records movement logs.
• Read over the network: Enable HTTP service (port 8188 or 8554) to access SD card content via the network. Access files via http://IP:port/download/.
• SMB sharing: Enables access to SD card information via network sharing.

Real-time Video Streaming Mode

Corresponds to "Sub Stream" configuration in Compression Mode.

• Channel number: Substream has 2 channels.
• Image type: Supports visible light, infrared image (dual-light).
• RTSP: The software automatically assigns the viewing address based on the IP address.
• UDP: Supports unicast, multicast, and broadcast.
• RTMP: Requires RTMP server address configuration for public network streaming.
• TS: Enables UDP metadata stream playback.

Note: For RTSP dual video streams, channel 1 is the main stream, and channel 2 is the secondary stream. Ensure "Channel 2" image type is selected and enabled for "Sub Stream" in compression mode settings.

Monitoring Protocol

• Onvif: Enables access to NVRs supporting ONVIF.
• GB28181: Generates configuration files for GB28181 compliance.

Gimbal Camera Data Transmission

Supports controlling the Gimbal Camera via the network port.

• TCP settings: The movement acts as a TCP server, supporting multi-client simultaneous control.
• UDP setting: Supports point-to-point control and client-side port binding.

Example UDP connections: Select UDP Enable, modify the receiver address and port, and the Gimbal's IP address and port. Enter these settings in the "Connection" interface and click "Connect."

Video Storage Capabilities

Video stream recording supports visible light or IR infrared storage. File duration is limited by serial port protocol modification.

• Photo record: Supports saving images in JPG format (1920x1080 2K, 3840x2160 4K) and IR raw format (640x482 IR.raw) for thermal imaging.
• IR thermal image: Saves thermal images in JPG format (640x480 IR.jpg).
• System info: Displays encoding board firmware version.
• Device Configuration: Allows setting Camera IP, Remote IP, UDP TS Port, Camera UDP Control Port, Video Compression Quality (high/medium/low), Save File Type (MP4/TS), HDMI output FPS (30/60), Resolution (720P/1080P), Rtsp Encoder Bitrate, RTMP Server Name, Gateway, Net Mask, Web Port, RTSP Output for image transmission, OSD Srt Set, and Recognition Class (Both/Human/Car).

Joystick Configure

Connect a controller (e.g., Logitech, Beitong) to the PC. Check "Enable Controller," adjust joystick sensitivity, gimbal rotation speed, and yaw/pitch angle reverse settings. Use the drop-down button to configure channel functions. Unconfigured functions will appear as "unspecified." Operated buttons will flash, and the corresponding Gimbal function will respond.

OSD Settings

The OSD settings interface allows configuration of various display elements, including Enable OSD, Center "+", Pitch Yaw Angle, Degrees/Minutes/Second, GPS, Time, VL-MAG, and Large Font Selection. The right column provides options for Time Zone, Time Input, GPS Input, Pitch Yaw Angle Input, and VL-MAG Input Selection. Additional options include magnification, FOV, degrees/Degree/min/sec, and GPS/MGRS functions. After selecting desired OSD settings, click "refresh" and "save." These features are primarily for Al, T series tracking Viewpro Gimbal Cameras.

• Hide all OSD displays: Disable "Enable OSD" to hide all displays. Individual elements can be hidden separately.
• GPS time information: If GPS time is entered incorrectly, select the correct time zone.

OSD1 Introduction

Displays information such as Date + time, Visible light magnification + horizontal field of view, Thermal image electron magnification, distance to Gimbal, Photo/video status, pitch angle, heading angle, and GPS + altitude.

OSD2 Introduction

Displays information such as Date + time, Visible light magnification, GPS + altitude of aircraft UAV, center position GPS + distance, Photo/video status, pitch angle, and heading angle.

Remote Controller

This interface allows setting the S.BUS function or connecting to an open-source flight controller's digital transmission port (Telem). After setting, click "refresh" or "save." The gimbal camera requires up to 7 channels for operation (three-speed switch, joystick, or knob). The 7 channels include Heading Right/Left, Pitch Down/Up, Re-positioning, Speed Adjustment/Zoom Out, Zoom In/Focus-/+, Video/Capture, Multi High/Low.

SBUS control: Select channel mapping via the drop-down menu (channels 1-15). "No control" abandons the channel mapping. After mapping, click "SBUS open" to modify the SBUS interface of the Gimbal Camera serial port, then click "Save" to restart the Gimbal Camera.

File Save

Set the directory for local snapshots and video recordings. You can change the directory or open the selected file using the "Change directory" or "Open file" buttons.

• Local Snapshot: Captures the current video stream. A path prompt appears in the lower right corner.
• Local Recording: Starts recording. A blue video icon flashes in the upper right corner. Click again to stop. A recording path prompt appears in the lower right corner.

Extended Command

ViewLink can be used as a serial command tool to send commands directly to the Gimbal Camera. Type the command on the left side of the send button. The command will appear in the box above upon successful sending.

Common Setting

Theme: Day/Night optional.

Language: Chinese/English optional. A ViewLink reboot is required for the language setting to take effect.

ViewLink Interface

Real Time Information

Click the arrow icon on the left to display real-time data, including Gimbal Camera yaw angle, pitch angle, roll angle, target latitude, longitude, altitude, visible light magnification, and thermal imaging electron zoom.

Function Menu

Menu icons on the right control interface display different buttons based on the Gimbal Camera model. Click these buttons to access desired functions.

Gimbal Movement Control

• Speed Mode Control: Adjust speed using the speed value (1-20°/s) and arrow controls.
• Back to the center: Returns the Gimbal Camera to its initial position.
• Angle mode control: Yaw angle input range ±180°, Pitch angle input range ±90°.

Mouse Operation

Press and hold the left mouse button on the ViewLink screen to drag a small white circle, which controls the Gimbal Camera's lens direction. This feature is not functional in Tracking mode.

The on-screen joystick simulates a physical joystick. Deflecting it controls the Gimbal Camera's pan and tilt. The further the deflection, the faster the movement. Releasing the mouse button stops the command.

• Image: Select visible light, IR thermal image, or PIP for two-light pictures. Choose color schemes (white hot/black hot/color) for thermal images.
• Zoom: Adjust camera magnification using "+" (zoom in) and "-" (zoom out). The digital selection box controls zoom speed. "Zoom to _X" allows direct input of a multiplier. The mouse wheel can also be used for zooming.
• Focus: The camera defaults to auto-focus. Manual focus can be enabled by activating the "manual focus" function. Use "+" and "-" to adjust focus speed.
• Nine-grid view: Toggle the nine-grid display on or off.

Tracking

• Tracking method 1: Click "Start Tracking." A tracking box appears, indicating the object is being tracked. Click "Stop Tracking" to cancel.
• Tracking method 2: Double-click the target object to track it. Double-click again to track a different position.
• Tracking template size: Default is automatic adjustment, or select predefined sizes (32x32, 64x64, 128x128).

For Al series Viewpro Gimbal Cameras, "Turn on vehicle recognition" and "Turn off vehicle recognition" options are available, displaying a marked box around recognized persons or vehicles.

Rangefinder

Select the ranging mode (Continuous/Single/Stop) and click "Send." The LRF screen displays the straight-line distance from the screen center to the lens.

Advanced

• Enable/Disable Follow: Controls whether the gimbal heading follows nose rotation.
• Turn on Motor/Off Motor: Turns all gimbal motors on or off.
• Turn on dehazing/off dehazing: For use in foggy conditions, suitable for cameras with dehazing function.
• Compensation: Options include "Turn off compensation," "only turn on heading compensation," "only turn on speed compensation," and "turn on heading and speed compensation."

Viewpro Gimbal Camera communication receives aircraft attitude and heading angle. Speed compensation addresses roll tilt in fixed-wing UAVs. Heading compensation addresses lens drift in lock mode.

• EO ZOOM: Electronically magnifies the visible zoom camera.
• Thermal image electronic amplification: Use "+" / "-" to amplify thermal images.
• DZoom Max: Sets the maximum limit for visible photoelectron zoom.
• Temp. alarm setting: For thermal images, set the alarm temperature.
• Visibility Enhancement: Brightens darker image areas.
• Noise reduction: Reduces image graininess.
• Wide dynamic: For scenes with high contrast between light and dark.

Target GPS Display Calibration (LRF Gimbal Camera only)

1. Record the GPS latitude and longitude of a target point on the ground.
2. Take off the drone or place it on a roof. Within LRF range, keep the aircraft static and measure the straight-line distance to the target's GPS coordinates.
3. Align the screen center with the target point's GPS coordinates. Enter the target point's latitude and longitude, click the "LRF" button, and input the measured distance.
4. Click "Calib" to complete preliminary calibration.
5. The OSD will display GPS coordinates close to the target's coordinates. Adjust manually using arrow keys (step 0.001° to 0.1°).

Failure Recover

Cannot find Viewpro Gimbal Camera on the network

If directly connected via Ethernet and not recognized, check the network cable, unplug the crystal head, restart the gimbal power supply, and reconnect via Ethernet.

ViewLink connects, but screens are not displayed

• First case: Gimbal Camera does not have network output. The ViewLink interface will not show the screen, but a function menu will appear after connecting via UART.
• Second case: Gimbal Camera with network port output. In the Video menu of the ViewLink Connect dialog box, click "Open Video." If it fails, verify the Gimbal Camera's default IP matches the computer's IP. Disable the PC's "public network" firewall if the issue persists. The default IP is usually labeled on the Gimbal Camera.

Forgot static IP address

Connect via serial port, then use ViewLink: Go to "Settings" -> "Firmware Upgrade" -> "IP Address" to view the IP. This applies to some Viewpro Gimbal Cameras.

Viewlink not fully displayed in full-screen

If the computer resolution is lower than 1920x1080, compatibility issues may arise. Modify ViewLink properties: Right-click the startup icon, select "Properties," go to "Compatibility," choose "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows 8," click "Change high DPI settings," select "Override high DPI scaling behavior," choose "System," and click "Confirm." Restart Viewlink.