SwellPro GC3-S User Guide
Visit www.swellpro.com for the latest version of this manual and firmware updates for your drone and accessories.
Version 1.0 – June 2021
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing the SwellPro GC3-S gimbal camera. The GC3-S is a waterproof 4K 3-axis gimbal camera designed for the SplashDrone 4, enabling great photography. With its powerful 3-axis gimbal, the GC3-S can capture ultra-smooth videos and crisp photos in the air or underwater. The GC3-S features Pro mode and supports RAW photos. ND filters can also be added for enhanced creative freedom.
Using This Manual
This document is designed to be printed or viewed on a computer or mobile device.
Tutorial Videos
To watch tutorial videos or download the firmware, please visit the SwellPro website at www.swellpro.com.
Precautions
- The GC3-S is a piece of precision electronics constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, allowing its use in harsh marine environments. As with any marine equipment, trouble-free and lasting operations depend on proper attention and maintenance of the equipment.
- When taking off or landing, proceed slowly to avoid damage to the gimbal camera, which can be caused by high-impact contact with surfaces at high speeds. Dropping or crashing directly into water from above will result in significant damage to the drone and the gimbal camera.
- After using the camera in seawater, soak and rinse it thoroughly with clean fresh water before the seawater dries out.
- If seawater or other sediments form on the gimbal camera, soak it thoroughly with fresh water and clean all sediments from the camera and motor before use. For more information, consult the drone's “Maintenance Manual”.
Installation
Install the Gimbal
Follow these steps to install the gimbal:
- Unscrew and remove the gimbal port cover plate using a hex screwdriver (equipped with SplashDrone 4).
- Plug the gimbal connector into the drone's gimbal port and screw it securely in place with a screwdriver. ⚠️ Ensure the rubber ring is attached to the gimbal connector before screwing it in.
- Align the holes on the base of the gimbal with the bottom of the drone, then screw it in to mount the gimbal. Ensure the camera is pointing towards the front of the drone.
[Diagram: Shows the gimbal being attached to the drone. Step 1 illustrates removing a cover plate. Step 2 shows connecting the gimbal connector and screwing it in. Step 3 shows aligning and mounting the gimbal base.]
Install SD Card
- Open the soft rubber seal on the top of the camera. Insert the Micro SD card in the correct direction. Press the Micro SD card until a "click" sound indicates it is properly installed.
- After installing the Micro SD card, securely plug the rubber seal back into place. ⚠️ Make sure the rubber seal is tightly plugged in to ensure waterproofing.
The GC3-S supports Micro SD cards with a maximum capacity of 128GB. For fast reading and writing of high-stream video data, use Micro SD cards with Class 10 or UHS-1 or above. Do not insert or unplug the Micro SD card during aircraft shooting, as data files may be damaged or lost. Once recording is complete, stop recording and save the file. Turning off the power directly before saving files will result in data loss.
[Diagram: Shows the camera's top with a rubber seal being opened, and an arrow indicating the insertion of a Micro SD card into the slot.]
ND Filter
The GC3-S features a waterproof replaceable lens design. A separate SwellPro waterproof ND filter kit is available to expand your photographic possibilities.
To change the waterproof lens, simply unscrew the original lens and then screw the ND filter lens back onto the camera. ⚠️ Ensure the orange rubber ring is attached to the camera when installing ND filters. Ensure proper alignment when installing ND filters, as the screw threads are very thin and can be damaged if not screwed on correctly.
[Diagram: Illustrates the camera lens area, showing the process of unscrewing the original lens and screwing in an ND filter lens.]
After Use Casing
After using the gimbal camera, you can choose to leave it attached to the drone and place it directly into the case. Follow these steps to ensure the gimbal camera is properly secured after casing:
- Remove the double-side-glued pad from the gimbal box and affix the pad into the drone's case as shown.
- After cleaning and drying the gimbal camera and the aircraft, secure the gimbal camera with the fixing case. Then, place the aircraft and other parts into the case. The case is now secure and ready for carrying or transportation.
[Diagram: Shows two steps for casing. Step 1 illustrates placing a pad into the drone's case. Step 2 shows the gimbal camera and aircraft being secured within the case.]
Control
Camera Status Indicator
A camera status indicator on the back of the camera shows its working status, flashing green or red.
| LED Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Solid Green | Ready to shoot |
| Flashing Green | No SD card |
| Flashing Red Once | Taking photo |
| Flashing Red | Video recording |
[Diagram: Shows the back of the camera with an LED indicator.]
Gimbal Control
The remote controller allows for gimbal control:
| Remote Controller Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Tilt: Roll the right gimbal control | Turns the gimbal up or down from 0° to -90°. |
| Pan: Roll the left gimbal control | Turns the gimbal left or right from -25° to 25°. |
[Diagram: Shows the remote controller with joysticks. Lines indicate the direction of movement for Tilt (right joystick) and Pan (left joystick).]
Camera Control
The remote controller also provides camera control:
| Remote Controller Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Photo: Press button 1 | Takes a picture. |
| Video: Press button 2 | Starts recording. Press again to stop recording and save files. |
[Diagram: Shows the remote controller with buttons labeled for Photo and Video actions.]
Calibration
If abnormal movements are observed or the camera is not level, you can recalibrate the gimbal camera to resolve the issue. Gimbal camera calibration is performed in conjunction with aircraft gyroscope calibration. To calibrate the gimbal camera, proceed with the aircraft gyroscope calibration process.
To calibrate the gimbal camera:
- Place the drone on a level surface. Power on the remote controller, then the drone. Wait for the aircraft to connect to the remote controller.
- Hold the left joystick down to its lowest position. Quickly move the right joystick left to right, and back and forth, until the front and rear status indicators flash alternately, or the remote controller screen displays "WARNING aircraft Initializing, Please Wait". The drone will now perform gyroscope calibration. Release the joysticks. This process takes approximately 20 seconds. Do not move the drone during this process.
- When the front status indicators flash red rapidly and the rear status indicators turn solid green, or the "WARNING Aircraft Initializing, Please Wait" prompt disappears, power off and restart the drone. Gyroscope calibration is complete.
⚠️ Do not calibrate the gimbal camera on a boat or other moving platforms.
[Diagram: Shows a drone positioned on a horizontal plane, indicating the calibration environment.]
APP Interface
To access the APP's camera interface: Power on the remote controller, then the aircraft. Connect your phone to the remote controller's Wi-Fi hotspot. Then, tap "Login device".
[Screenshot: Displays the SwellPro app interface on a mobile device, showing a connected drone, status indicators, and a prominent "Login Device" button.]
Camera Interface
The camera interface provides live video feed and controls.
[Screenshot: Shows the camera's live view within the app, including map, flight data (D, H, H.S, V.S), and icons for camera settings, taking photos, recording video, and playback.]
Photo Setting Interface
This interface allows adjustment of photo parameters.
[Screenshot: Displays the photo settings menu, with options such as Photo Size, Burst Mode, Self-Timer, Pro Mode, and Shutter, along with their current settings.]
Video Setting Interface
This interface allows adjustment of video parameters.
[Screenshot: Displays the video settings menu, with options such as Resolution, EIS (electronic image stabilization), and Video Format, along with their current settings.]
Camera Setting Interface
This interface provides access to general camera settings.
[Screenshot: Displays the general camera settings menu, with options such as EV, White Balance, Color, Distortion Correction, Anti-Flicker, and Metering, along with their current settings.]
Specification
Gimbal
| Waterproof rating: | IP67 |
| Stabilization: | 3-axis (tilt, pan, roll) |
| Controllable range: | Tilt: -90° to 0° Pan: -25° to 25° |
| Max control speed: | Tilt: 60°/s |
| Weight: | About 145g |
| Size: | 71*55*65mm |
Camera
| Sensors: | 1/2.3" 12M CMOS |
| Lens: | F4.53mm; f/2.65; FOV: 92.6° |
| ISO range: | 100 - 3200 |
| Shutter speed: | 16 - 1/16000 s |
| Photo size: | 4:3/16:9 12MP |
| Burst mode: | 3/5/10 shoots |
| Video resolution: | 4K: 3840*2160/30P | 2.7K: 2704*1520/60P FHD: 1920*1080 30/60/120p | HD: 1280*720/240p |
| Max data stream: | 64 Mbps |
| Photo format: | JPEG / DNG (RAW) |
| Video format: | MP4, MOV |
| Memory card: | Micro SD card: supports up to 128GB of capacity, write speeds ≥ 60 MB/s, and transfer speed rating of Class 10 or above, or with UHS-1 rating. |
| Working temperature: | -10°C - 40°C |
Version Information
SwellPro products are constantly improving, and so are the product user guides. It is recommended to visit www.swellpro.com to check and download the latest user guide.
Version 1.0: GC3-S User Guide First Edition
