ZENMUSE H3-3D

User Manual 

V1.04 2014.12
2 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Warning & Disclaimer

The Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal is calibrated before delivery. No adjustment or modification to the 

gimbal is required or recommended.

Ensure the camera is mounted to the gimbal before powering on your aircraft.

The H3-3D gimbal is finely calibrated according to the specified camera model and lens before 

delivery. You do not need to perform extra calibration. Do not attempt to modify the gimbal or 

mount extra components/devices (such as a filter, lens hood, etc.) to the camera. Be sure to use 

a DJI approved battery, otherwise the performance of the gimbal may be affected.

The H3-3D gimbal is compatible with following DJI flight control systems: NAZA-M, NAZA-M V2, 

WooKong-M, Phantom 2 and A2. To optimize the gimbal’s performance, download the relevant 

Assistant for your flight controller and upgrade the firmware.

Make sure to operate your aerial system in the safest manner possible. We strongly recommend 

that you remove all propellers, use a power supply from the R/C system or flight pack battery, 

and keep children away when calibrating and configuring the gimbal. Observe the procedures 

contained in this manual to mount and connect gimbal to your aircraft. Users of this product 

should respect the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.

DJI has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification (including use of non-specified 

DJI parts i.e. motors, ESCs, propellers, etc.) or misuse, and no liability shall be assumed 

nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the 

user accepts all resulting liability. DJI assumes no liability for damage(s), injuries or legal 

responsibilities incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product.

DJI and Zenmuse are registered trademarks of DJI. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing 

in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. 

This product and manual are copyrighted by DJI with all rights reserved. No part of this product 

or manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent or authorization of 

DJI. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or information contained 

herein.

Legend

Important Hints and Tips
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 3

Contents

Warning & Disclaimer 2

Legend 2

Profile	 4

In The Box 4

Installation 6

Gimbal Description 6

Installing H3-3D onto a Phantom 2 6

Final Checks 8

Camera Installation 8

GCU Connection 9

Connecting the GCU and Flight Control System 9

GCU and Flight Control System Connection 10

Video Connection 11

Configuration	 13

Driver and PC Assistant Installation 13

PC Assistant Interface 13

Channel Setting 13

Firmware & Software Upgrade 14

Test Flight 15

Pre-flight Checklist 15

Gimbal Test 15

Appendix 16

Troubleshooting 16

Settings When Using the A2 Flight Control System 16

Specifications	 17
4 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Profile

The Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal offers excellent stabilization features for aerial hobbyists and 

professional aerial photographers. Powered by a built-in IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and 

a special servo module, this gimbal is built to hold a GoPro camera and enables stable, quality 

aerial photography. 

In The Box

Gimbal ×1

Built-in servos and a stand-alone IMU provide yaw, roll, 

and tilt stabilization. An integrated bottom damping plate 

minimizes installation time.

Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU) × 1

Connect the Gimbal Controller Unit to your flight control 

system using CAN-Bus. Power the GCU and gimbal through 

a 3S~6S power cable.

Damping Unit × 1

The upper plate of the damping unit is used to connect the 

gimbal to your aircraft. Pre-installed vibration absorbers 

greatly reduce vibrations. 

Accessories Pack – Spare Vibration Absorbers × 4

Spare vibration absorbers for the damping unit. Use one set 

at a time.

Accessories Pack – Anti-drop Kit × 4

Spare anti-drop kits that are used to secure the upper and 

bottom plates of the damping unit.

Profile
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 5

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

Accessories Pack- Camera Securing Bracket × 1

Camera mounting bracket.

Accessories Pack-Spare Screws × 1

M2.5x6.3: Used to mount your camera to the gimbal.

M2.5x5: Used to secure the gimbal to the damping unit.

M3x8, M3x6.5: Used to secure the gimbal to the aircraft.

Accessories Pack-Gimbal Video Signal Cable × 1

For connecting the gimbal controller unit to your wireless 

video transmission module. Transmits the video signal.

Accessories Pack-CAN-Bus Cable × 1

Use CAN-Bus to connect the GCU to your flight control 

system.

Accessories Pack-8-Pin Cable × 1

For connecting your Phantom 2 to the G8 port of the GCU.

Accessory Pack-USB Video Output Module

Connects to the USB port of your camera, for transmitting video.

Accessory Pack-Anti-interference Board x 1

Serves as the connecting board between the G8 port on 

the gimbal and an 8-pin cable. This board is only available 

with the H3-3D gimbal that does not come with a GCU unit 

(namely, the H3-3D specifically designed for a Phantom 2).

In The Box
6 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Installation

Gimbal Description

 Ensure the gimbal servos are unobstructed, otherwise they may be damaged during operation. 

 If the gimbal becomes obstructed during operation, power off and clear all obstructions 

immediately.

 Always mount the camera before powering on the gimbal.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5] [6]

[7]

[8]

[1] Yaw servo driver module 

[2] Upper plate of the damping unit

[3] Vibration absorbers 

[4] Bottom plate of the damping unit

[5] Tilt servo driver module

[6] Roll servo driver module

[7] Camera mount

[8] 8-pin connector port (to GCU/Phantom 2)

Installing H3-3D onto a Phantom 2 

Follow the instructions below to install the H3-3D gimbal onto a Phantom 2. You can also install 

the H3-3D onto other aircraft.

1. Insert the securing pins into the holes on the upper plate of the damping unit as shown 

below. Then, attach the upper plate of damping unit to the Phantom 2 with four M3x5 screws. 

Installation
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 7

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

Installation

3. Cover the securing pins with washers to lock the damping unit in place. Only push the 

washers past the first nut.

4. Plug the 8-pin cable from the Phantom 2 into the Phantom 2 port on the anti-interference 

enhancement board. Then use the supplied 8-pin cable to connect the H3-3D port on the antiinterference enhancement board to the 8-pin port on the gimbal.

2. Attach the bottom plate of the damping unit to the upper plate. To do this, insert the securing 

pins on the tip of the vibration absorbers into the mounting holes on the bottom plate.

Aircraft, camera, and accessories are not included with the gimbal.

Camera must be aligned to face the nose of the aircraft, and the gimbal should be parallel 

with the aircraft itself.

The gimbal is calibrated before delivery. Do not attempt to adjust or calibrate it yourself.

Do not remove any screws in the gimbal, which may result in reduced performance or failure.

Do not unplug any cable attached to the gimbal ports or change the mechanical structure of 

the gimbal.

The 8-pin port on the H3-3D should only to be used to connect the gimbal to your aircraft. 

Do not connect other devices (such as a 5.8G video downlink transmitter) to this port, 

otherwise the gimbal may be damaged.
8 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

Final Checks

Ensure the installed damping unit is parallel with the aircraft. 

Camera Installation

Follow the instructions below to mount your GoPro camera.

Visit http://www.dji.com/product/zenmuse-h3-3d/video/ and watch the installation video 

tutorial before mounting your GoPro camera to the H3-3D gimbal.

The gimbal cables are delicate items, handle with extreme care. Always check all connections 

before each flight and ensure they are secure.

1. Connect the video output board to the gimbal using the connection cable. Ensure the connection 

orientation is correct.

2. Mount the camera onto the gimbal and secure the camera with the camera bracket and screws. 

3. Firmly insert the video output board into the mini-USB port on the camera to complete the installation. 
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 9

GCU Connection 

Skip this chapter if you have the Phantom 2 version of the H3-3D gimbal, as it does not 

come with a GCU.

The GCU must be connected to the flight control system before it is powered on.

Be sure to mount the camera onto the gimbal before powering on the aircraft and the 

gimbal. Otherwise the servos may be damaged due to an incorrect center of gravity.

Re-calibrate the remote control whenever the NAZA-M firmware is upgraded.

Ensure all connections are correct, otherwise damage to the gimbal or the flight control 

system may occur.

GCU Port Description

3S~6S Connect to a battery for GCU or gimbal power.

G8 Connect to the G8 pin port on the gimbal for signal transmission.

Connect to a PC to upgrade the firmware using PC Assistant.

Connect to a flight control system.

Connect to a wireless video downlink module.

Connecting the GCU and Flight Control System

The GCU can be either vertically or horizontally installed on the Phantom 2. Follow the procedure 

below to complete the connection between the GCU and the flight control system.

1. Upgrade the flight controller’s firmware and PC Assistant to the latest version, as shown in 

the table below:

Flight Controller A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 NAZA-M

PC Assistant V1.20 (or higher) V2.00 (or higher) V2.12 (or higher) V2.12 (or higher)

Firmware Version V2.10 (or higher) V5.22 (or higher) V3.12 (or higher) V3.12 (or higher)

2. Complete the connection to the flight control system as shown on the table below. NAZA-M 

users need a PMU V2 module (a NAZA-M V2 accessory) to make the CAN port connection. 

Flight Controller A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 or NAZA-M

Main Controller and 

PMU connection

Connect the PMU’s X1 

port to the X1 port of the 

Main Controller.

Connect the PMU’s 

X1 port to the X1 port 

of the Main Controller.

Connect the PMU V2’s X3 

port to the X3 port of the 

Main Controller.

PMU Power Cable 

connection

Connect the power cable to a connecter, or solder the power cable to the 

central board as required. 

(GPS/Compass 

Module and Flight 

Control System 

Connection

Connect the GPS/

Compass module to the 

CAN 2 port on the A2.

Connect the GPS/

Compass module to a 

spare CAN-Bus port 

on the PMU.

Connect the GPS/Compass 

module to the GPS port of 

the PMU V2.

GCU Connection
10 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

Refer to GCU and Flight Control System Connection for more information about the connection. 

For details on the flight control system connections, refer to the corresponding flight control 

system user manuals. 

3. Connect the GCU to the flight control system. Then connect the 8-Pin cable of the gimbal to 

the G8 port on the GCU.

Flight Controller A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 NAZA-M

GCU and flight control 

System connection

Connect to the 

CAN 2 port on 

the A2. 

Connect the GCU to a 

spare CAN-Bus port on 

the WKM system.

Connect the GCU to the CANBus port on the PMU V2 

module.

GCU Power Cable 

Connection

Connect the power cable to a connecter or solder the power cable to the 

central board as needed.

Gimbal Tilt Control Channel H3-3D X3 X1

4. Connection is complete. Power on the aircraft to launch.

5. To fully utilize the gimbal, you will also need to configure its tilt function. Each flight control 

system assigns a specified channel (X3 channel for WKM, X1 for NAZA-M, and H3-3D for A2) 

to for tilt control. To activate the tilt function, set up the channel in the PC Assistant and ensure 

the connection between the receiver and the main controller is correct. Refer to the gimbal PC 

Assistant for details.

GCU and Flight Control System Connection

2S V-SEN

X1

PW

3V 5V 6S @

(2V@ 6V)

P M U

GPS COMPASS

3SAV

6S

Battery

(3S~6S)

positive pole(+)

negative pole(-)

WKM Connection Diagram

 The PMU and GCU can both connect to the same LiPo 3S-6S battery.

 The GCU can be connected to any CAN ports on the PMU or to the CAN port on the GPS. 

(Any spare CAN port on the WKM system.)

 Control the tilt motion via the X3 channel. Properly configure the corresponding channel on 

your remote controller.

GCU Connection
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 11

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

3S AV

6S

A

E

T

R

U

X1

X2

X3

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

F1

F2

+- -+ LED EXP

2S V-SEN

X3

EXP.

GPS

3V 5V 6S NAZA @

PMU V2V-SEN

2S-6S

LED + -

NAZA-M V2 Connection Diagram

NAZA-M Connection Diagram 

Video Connection

The camera’s video signal is transferred to your wireless video transmission module from the 

GCU by using the gimbal video signal cable. Follow the figure below to complete the connection. 

3S AV

6S

A

E

T

R

U

X1

X2

X3

M1

M2

M3

M4

M5

M6

F1

F2

NAZA

MUTI POTOR V2

+- -+ LED EXP

2S V-SEN

X3

EXP.

GPS

3V 5V 6S NAZA @

PMU V2

DIY power 

connector

 The PMU and GCU can both connect to the same battery.

 Control the tilt motion via the X1 channel. Properly configure the corresponding channel on 

the remote controller.

Power

Video Signal

GND

3SAV

6S

Wireless Video Transmission Module

Air System

Yellow

External Power Gimbal Video 

Leave as-is Signal Cable

Video Signal(Yellow:AV)

Video Signal Port

DIY power 

connector

Leave as-is

GND(Black: )

GCU Connection
12 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

1. Solder the Video Signal/GND cables to your wireless video transmission module (air system).

2. Plug the gimbal video signal cable into the GCU video signal port.

Ensure the wireless video transmission unit is connected to the GCU before powering on the aircraft.

Use of a standard gimbal video signal cable is recommended. Make sure you solder the 

gimbal video signal cable to the wireless video transmission module firmly. Insulate all the 

cables to prevent short circuiting.

The GCU does not provide power to the wireless transmission module. Refer to the wireless 

video transmission module manual for details on the power supply connection.

The diagram below shows the how video signal flows from the camera to the gimbal.

Should errors occur, examine each step to locate the source of the problem.

Supplied by user

Video Port Camera Interface G8

AV Signal

AV Signal

AV Signal

Wireless Signal

AV Signal

8-Pin cable

5.8G/2.4G/1.2G

Camera Gimbal GCU

AV Input

Monitor Wireless Video 

Transmission Module

Wireless Video 

Transmission Module

Ground System Air System

Gimbal Video 

Signal Cable

AV
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 13

Configuration

Driver and PC Assistant Installation

The contents of this chapter do not apply to the Phantom 2 version of the gimbal. Refer to the 

Phantom 2 PC Assistant information in your Phantom 2 User Manual instead. 

1. Ensure the drivers for the flight control system are properly installed. 

2. Download the PC Assistant from the official DJI website.

3. Launch the PC Assistant installer and follow each step to complete the installation.

4. Run the PC Assistant.

PC Assistant Interface

With the PC Assistant running on your PC, connect the GCU to your PC by using a Micro-USB 

cable. Then power on the GCU.

Channel Setting

You can adjust the available range of camera tilt in the PC Assistant by adjusting the slider. 

Tilt Upwards Tilt Downwards 

Configuration
14 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

ZENMUSE H3-3D User Manual

Firmware & Software Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade

Follow the procedures below to upgrade the H3-3D’s firmware. Failure to follow these instructions 

carefully may damage the gimbal.

1. Ensure your computer has access to the internet. 

2. Close all other applications (including anti-virus programs or firewalls) before upgrading the 

firmware.

3. Make sure the power supply is securely connected. DO NOT unplug the power supply before 

the upgrade is complete. 

4. Connect the GCU to your PC through a Micro-USB cable. DO NOT disconnect the cable until 

the firmware upgrade is complete.

5. Launch the PC Assistant and wait until the connection is established.

6. Select “Upgrade” Main Control, IMU and CMU.

7. The DJI server will check the current firmware version. 

8. If a newer firmware is detected, the PC Assistant will download and upgrade the firmware 

automatically. 

9. Wait until the upgrade completes.

10. Click “OK” and power cycle (turn off, then turn on again) the system to finish the upgrade 

process.

CMU stands for “Camera Multi Unit”, which is the management module for the camera. 

To eliminate interference from the main controller, DJI recommends you disconnect the 

CAN-Bus cable between the GCU and main controller before you upgrade the firmware.

Double check your set parameters once you have finished upgrading the firmware. 

Repeat the above steps if the DJI server is experiencing heavy traffic or the firmware 

upgrade fails. 

Software Upgrade

Click Info Software Info. If the latest version is newer than your current version, please upgrade 

your software.

Obtain your gimbal’s serial number (SN) by clicking the “Info” “SN”. The serial number is a 

32 digit authorization code that is used to activate the gimbal. This number is set at the time of 

manufacture, before shipment. You may be prompted to fill in a new SN if you purchase a new 

feature. If you fill an invalid SN more than 30 times, the gimbal will be locked and you will have to 

contact our customer support to unlock the gimbal.
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 15

Test Flight

Pre-flight Checklist

For safety reasons, check all of the following items before each flight:

1. The gimbal is firmly installed onto the aircraft, and the camera is mounted correctly. Make sure 

the camera is aligned facing the nose of the aircraft. 

2. All cables are firmly and correctly connected. 

3. The gimbal video signal cable is firmly soldered in place. 

4. The wireless video transmission module is connected to the GCU before powering on the system.

5. The remote control is properly configured. 

6. The camera is correctly connected to the gimbal.

7. The GCU and flight control systems are correctly connected. 

8. The flight control firmware is updated to the latest version.

Gimbal Test

1. Ensure all batteries are fully charged.

2. Turn on the remote control.

3. Power on your camera, then power on the gimbal and wait until gimbal’s self-test completes.

4. The camera lens should be pointing in the same direction as the aircraft nose. All three axes of 

gimbal should be in the positions depicted in the diagram above.

5. Toggle the tilt control switch on your transmitter and make sure it is working properly. Check that 

the gimbal moves in the correct direction when the switch is toggled. If not, check your settings.

6. When the test is complete, power off the gimbal first, then the camera.

If the gimbal is not working properly, refer to Troubleshooting for solutions.

Place the aircraft on a flat surface during the test. If you choose to hold the aircraft while 

testing, do not tilt the aircraft more than 35°.

Do not land an aircraft with a powered-on gimbal on uneven terrain (such as a grass lawn 

or rocky surface). In such conditions there may be objects that will block the motion of the 

gimbal and force it into hibernation mode.

Hibernation mode offers protection for the gimbal. When a camera is not mounted on the gimbal, 

it will default to hibernation mode. During hibernation, the gimbal does not respond to any 

commands from the transmitter. The gimbal resumes normal operation once a camera is mounted.

The gimbal enters hibernation mode when it detects external objects blocking its range of 

motion. Once such objects are no longer detected, the gimbal will resume normal operation.

Use of a separate battery pack to test the gimbal is suggested before powering on the flight 

controller, gimbal, OSD, FPV gears, etc.

Test Flight
16 © 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Problem Cause Solution

Gimbal keeps drifting 

after initialization.

1. The transmitter trims value is 

beyond the acceptable limit. 

2. The GCU is disconnected from the 

flight control system.

3. The gimbal is not mounted correctly.

1. Adjust the transmitter trims value.

2. Connect the GCU and flight control 

system.

3. Ensure the gimbal is mounted so it 

is parallel with the aircraft, and the 

camera is pointing towards the nose.

The gimbal axes are 

not level. Factory calibration error. Contact your local dealer or DJI customer service for assistance. 

Unable to determine 

gimbal orientation. BVR (beyond visual range) flight. Use a wireless video transmission module.

Settings When Using the A2 Flight Control System

Users should configure the H3-3D’s pitch control in the A2 assistant when using the A2 Flight 

Control System. Map the H3-3D to two channels on the transmitter as shown in the following 

diagram. DJI recommends the use of a knob switch or a stick with spring back function for tilt 

control, and a 2-position switch for MODE. 

Zenmuse Channels

0 REV Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

Unmapped

ROLL

PAN 0 REV

TILT 0 REV

MODE 0 REV

SHUT 0 REV

AUX1 0 REV

AUX2 0 REV

AUX3 0 REV

Appendix
© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved. 17

Specifications

General

Built-in Functions

3-axis gimbal

High precision brushless servo control

Aluminum alloy body

Built-in IMU module

Lightweight

A2, WKM, NAZA-M, NAZA-M V2, PHANTOM 2 supported

GoPro 3 and GoPro 3+ supported

Zenmuse technology

Peripheral

Supported Camera GoPro3, GoPro3+ (black or silver version)

GCU Input Power 3S~6S LiPo (12V~26V)

PC Assistant System Requirement Windows XP SP3; Windows 7; Windows 8

Mechanical & Electrical Characteristics

Working Current Static current: 400mA (@12V)

Dynamic current: 600mA (@12V)

Gimbal Input Power 3S~6S (12V ~26V)

Operating Temperature -10°C ~ 50°C

Gimbal Weight 168g (camera excluded)

Gimbal Dimensions 

(With Damping Unit) 97mm × 95mm × 73mm

GCU Weight 22g 

GCU Dimensions 42 mm ×32 mm ×9.3 mm

Working Performance

Angular Vibration Range Pitch/Roll:±0.02°, Yaw: ±0.03°

Maximum Controlled Rotation Speed Tilt axis: ±130°/s

Controlled Rotation Range Tilt axis control: -130 ~ +45°

Regulatory Approvals

FCC (USA) Yes

CE (EU) Yes

ROHS(EU) Yes

Specifications
The content is subject to change.

http://www.dji.com/product/zenmuse-h3-3d/download

Download the latest version from

© 2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.