DJI Ronin-S: Tips, Tricks, Controls, and Settings

Update: The Ronin S2 has been launched! Post to follow.


The DJI Ronin-S is a versatile tool and there are lots of hidden features and useful configurations. This rolling post will provide useful info for filmmakers.

Want to contribute? Drop me a comment below.

Rigging

I will update this section soon.

Settings

Example parameter sets coming soon.

Firmware

Latest firmware info.

TYPE NUMBER DATE
Ronin-S v2.0.0.90 2019.09.26
iOS / Android App v1.2.4 2019.09.26

What’s New?

  • • Added ActiveTrack 3.0 (requires Ronin app v1.2.4 or later).
  • • Added Force Mobile (requires Ronin app v1.2.4 or later).
  • • Added quick switch to 3D Roll 360 mode. Press M button three times to enter, and press three times again to exit.
  • • Added Auto 3D Roll 360. When the gimbal is in 3D Roll 360 mode, push the joystick left or right twice to enable Auto 3D Roll 360. The gimbal rotates continuously without needing to hold the joystick. Press the trigger twice to stop Auto 3D Roll 360.
  • • Added video recording, autofocus, and focus pull support for Sony A7R4 cameras with supported E-mount lenses using a Multi-Camera Control Cable (MCC-C). To use autofocus on the A7R4, press halfway down on the camera control button of the gimbal.
  • • Added photo capture, video recording, zoom, and focus pull support for Sony A7R4 cameras using a Multi-Camera Control Cable (Multi USB). To use autofocus on the A7R4, press halfway down on the camera control button of the gimbal.
  • • Optimised 3D Roll 360.
  • • Added Track mode settings for Command Unit.
  • • Optimised follow experience in Flashlight mode.
  • • Optimised the Profile LED display by changing the pulsing frequency when gimbal in sleep mode, and the LED will become red to indicate low battery warning when battery level is less than 20%.
  • • Sleep mode can be enabled by pressing once or twice of the gimbal power button.
  • • Optimised zoom adjustment when using Sony cameras’ multi-port with Power Zoom lens, The zoom speed can be set from 1 to 100 (requires DJI Ronin v1.2.4 app or later).
  • • Fixed other minor bugs

Functions

Listed below is a table full of useful functions.

  • Last Update: 23/01/2019
FUNCTION ACTION BEHAVIOUR1
Recenter
  • Double click trigger -or-
  • Configuration > Settings > Recenter
 Recenters the gimbal.
Sport mode
  • Hold ‘M’ button.
 Enables fast smooth tracking when moving the gimbal.
Sport mode [Lock]
  • Press and hold the ‘M’ button to enter Sport mode.
  • Then press the trigger twice to remain in Sport mode.
  • Repeat the steps to exit Sport mode.
 Locks the Sport mode for fast smooth tracking when moving the gimbal.
3D Roll 360
  • Configuration > Control Settings > 3D Roll 360 > On / Off
 Allows dynamic rolling while moving.
Auto Roll 360
  • In Flashlight mode, assign roll axis control to channel 3.
  • Push the joystick left or right twice to enable Auto Roll 360.
  • Press the trigger twice to stop Auto Roll 360.
 The gimbal rotates continuously without needing to hold the joystick.

It can stop precisely at the start position.

Note: Auto Roll 360 only works when 3D Roll 360 is disabled.
Motor Pause
  • Double click Power button -or-
  • Configuration > Settings > Motor Pause
 Sleeps the gimbal without powering off the battery to save power.

Gimbal motors will be disabled. Indicated by green user profile light pulsing.
Auto Tune
  • Hold trigger and ‘M’ button for 3 seconds.
  • Configuration > Motor Parameters > Auto Tune
 Calibrates the gimbal for optimum use.

Perform when powering on and/or changing lenses, balancing, etc.
Disable Selfie mode
  • Configuration > Settings > More > Disable Selfie Mode
 Disables triple clicking the trigger button to spin the gimbal towards the user.
Motor blocked
  • Alarm tone will sound.
 If any of the gimbal’s motor are blocked or under load, the gimbal will pause its motors if the blocking issue persists for over 30 seconds.
Continuous auto focus
  • Hold the Camera Control Button down halfway.
 Will engage continuous auto focusing on applicable cameras.
Balance Test
  • Configuration > Settings > More > Balance Test
  • Tilt the gimbal sideways when Balance Test is performed for a more accurate result.
 Performs a balance test for all motors. An ‘Excellent’ result across all motors is desired.
Stick calibration
  • Click trigger x4 times and hold down on the fourth click.
  • All three LED lights will flash.
  • Move the joystick in all directions, rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise.
  • Click trigger x4 times and hold down on the fourth click again to save.
 If the gimbal drifts on its own, perform this calibration.
Offset calibration
  • Configuration > Motor Parameters > More.
  • Tap and hold ‘Joint Angle’ for 5 seconds.
  • Offset Calibration dialogue will pop up, do not click OK just yet…
  • Using the joystick, position the gimbal so it’s straight in all axis.
  • When satisfied all axis are level, click OK.
 Calibrates the gimbal if the default pitch / roll / yaw positions are off-center.

Note: you must ensure your gimbal is on a stable and level surface prior to this calibration
  • Header image:  ©2018 Jamie Brightmore

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3 Responses

  1. Carlos Mario

    HI thanks for this guide, is super usefull!
    I’m interested in the Offset calibration. As I’m trying to get my ronin s to do some complex shots in vehicles, sometimes I feel the need to set an irregular center, for instance, pointing to a talent inside the car, that is the reference for the moment I press “Center” the camera comes back to the frame I already set.
    But in the Ronin S forum, a person from DJI advice against using Offset Calibration, unless some creepy error is resulted from a missbalance, not used in a creative way. The question is: is it to difficult to go back to the normal center of the gimbal? What do you think?
    Thanks again, a lot.
    CM.

    Reply
  2. Hans-Günther

    I have a question, If I press M Button – the led is red instead yellow for the sport mode- what is wrong ?
    If I have press the M twice – the gimbal turn 90 degree and the camera move to the top

    Reply