CaddxFPV Avatar GM Series Quick Start Guide
Model: V1.0
Introduction
The CaddxFPV Avatar GM Series is a mechanical anti-shake gimbal designed for real-time stabilization and angle adjustment of Walksnail Avatar HD system cameras with a 19mm mounting width. The GM1 offers pitch angle stabilization, the GM2 adds roll angle stabilization, and the GM3 provides stabilization for pitch, roll, and yaw angles. Users are responsible for designing and adapting mounting holes for their vehicles. The gimbal automatically identifies upright and inverted installations.
Camera Installation
- Remove the camera cover using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Use tweezers to detach the coaxial cables from both sides of the camera's coaxial cable interface.
- Connect the gimbal's coaxial cable to the camera.
- Install the camera onto the gimbal, ensuring the coaxial cable is routed through the internal groove.
- Secure the four screws. Check if the camera rotates smoothly to its maximum tilt angle. If resistance is felt, reinstall the camera.
- Installation is complete.
Installation Dimensions
Dimensions are provided in millimeters (mm).
GM1: 32.2 x 38.1 x 20.5 mm
GM2: 46.7 x 41.2 x 26.5 mm
GM3: 46.8 x 46.4 x 53.4 mm
Connection and Use
[1] USB Port Connection: Connect to the USB port of the Avatar V2 VTX. Requires Avatar Goggles that support head tracking for wireless head tracking functionality.
[2] PWM Connections:
- PWM 1 (Working Mode): Selects the gimbal's working mode:
- Pitch and roll keep level, yaw axis follows.
- Pitch axis keeps level, roll and yaw axes follow.
- Three-axis follow.
- PWM 2 (Follow Sensitivity): Adjusts the gimbal's follow response speed. Control this using a knob channel on your remote control.
- PWM 3 (Pitch Axis Control): Controls the gimbal's pitch axis. Use a rotary switch on your remote controller. The controllable angle range can be adjusted by modifying the remote control's channel range.
- PWM 4 (Yaw Axis Control): Controls the gimbal's yaw axis. Use a wave wheel switch on your remote controller. The controllable angle range can be adjusted by modifying the remote control's channel range.
Head Tracking Functionality:
The gimbal supports UART and PWM control protocols for head tracking. UART requires Avatar V2 (Dual) VTX, Avatar V2 VTX, Moonlight VTX, and goggles with Avatar head tracking support. PWM requires a third-party head tracking module connected to the gimbal's PWM3 and PWM4 channels for pitch and direction control.
Setup with Avatar V2 VTX:
- Upgrade Avatar Goggles and V2 VTX to version 38.43.4 or higher. Connect the gimbal's serial port cable to the Avatar V2 VTX as per the wiring diagram.
- In the goggles menu, navigate to Settings > Head Tracking > Gimbal and select 'Gimbal' for head tracking output. The gimbal will now follow the goggles' posture movements. Triple-click the return key to recenter the gimbal.
Goggles Menu Settings:
- Head Tracking: Select 'Gimbal' as the output signal.
- Reset Attitude Angle: Resets the gimbal to its neutral position.
- PTZ Mode: Choose from three working modes:
- Pitch and roll keep level, yaw axis follows.
- Pitch axis keeps level, roll and yaw axes follow.
- Three-axis follow.
- Follow Sensitivity: Adjusts the gimbal's response speed.
- Calibration: Avoid calibration under normal circumstances. If the gimbal exhibits a persistent angle deviation, follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate the gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer.
- Return: Exit the head tracking menu.
Firmware Upgrade
- Connect the upgrade port using the provided upgrade cable to your PC. Download the 'Gimbal Config.exe' software from www.caddxfpv.com.
- Launch the 'Gimbal Config' software and power on the GM gimbal.
- Select the correct COM port, click 'Open Port', and then 'Open Firmware'.
- Choose the appropriate firmware file (e.g., 'CwGimbalZGV2Main_VX.X.cahf') from the same directory.
- Click 'Start Upgrade' and wait for the progress bar to complete.
Note: Ensure the head tracking firmware on the goggles is also upgraded synchronously. Refer to the respective product manuals for upgrade instructions.
Precautions
- Ensure the coaxial cable is not fixed too tightly, allowing free movement within the gimbal's shock absorption range. Prevent the gimbal from colliding with or interfering with other objects during operation.
- When using a Moonlight camera, it must be paired with the Moonlight VTX.
- The gimbal's UART head tracking function is only compatible with Avatar V2 VTX, Avatar V2 (Dual) VTX, and Avatar Moonlight VTX.
- The gimbal bracket must be securely mounted using the provided shock-absorbing balls and carriers, or third-party equivalents.
- UART and PWM control cannot be used simultaneously.
Specifications
GM3
- Camera Compatibility: Avatar 19mm camera
- Image Stabilization: ±0.005°
- Max Controllable Speed: ±1500°/s
- Max Controlled Rotational Range: Yaw: ±160°, Pitch: ±120°, Roll: +60°
- Size: 46.8 x 46.4 x 53.4 mm
- Weight: 46g
- Control Mode: PWM/UART
- Head Tracking Control: Supported
- Voltage: 7~26V
- Static Power Dissipation: 1.5W
GM2
- Camera Compatibility: Avatar 19mm camera
- Image Stabilization: ±0.005°
- Max Controllable Speed: ±1500°/s
- Max Controlled Rotational Range: Pitch: ±120°, Roll: +60°
- Size: 46.7 x 41.2 x 26.5 mm
- Weight: 30g
- Control Mode: PWM/UART
- Head Tracking Control: Supported
- Voltage: 7~26V
- Static Power Dissipation: 1.2W
GM1
- Camera Compatibility: Avatar 19mm camera
- Image Stabilization: ±0.005°
- Max Controllable Speed: ±1500°/s
- Max Controlled Rotational Range: Pitch: ±120°
- Size: 32.2 x 38.1 x 20.5 mm
- Weight: 16g
- Control Mode: PWM/UART
- Head Tracking Control: Supported
- Voltage: 7~26V
- Static Power Dissipation: 1.0W








