©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 

ZENMUSE H3-3D Gimbal

User Manual V1.02 

2014.06.09 

www.dji.com
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 

Warning & Disclaimer 

H3-3D gimbal is calibrated before delivery, no adjustment or modification to the 

gimbal is allowed. 

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

H3-3D gimbal is finely calibrated according to the specified camera model and lens before the delivery. User does 

not need to perform extra calibration. Do not attempt to modify the gimbal or mount extra component/device 

(such as filter, lens hood, etc.) to the camera; be sure to use the DJI approved battery; otherwise it may affect the 

performance of the gimbal.

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

Phantom 2 and A2. To optimize the gimbal performance, download the above mentioned Assistant Software and 

upgrade the firmware of the flight control system.

Make sure the flight control system is operating in the safest manner. We strongly recommend customers to 

remove all propellers before powering the aircraft, use power supply from R/C system or flight pack battery, and 

keep children when calibrating and configuration the gimbal. Observe the procedures contains in this manual to 

mount and connect gimbal on your aircraft. User of this product shall respect the AMA’s National Model Aircraft 

Safety Code.

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

parts i.e. motors, ESCs, propellers, etc.) or misuse, 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 H3-3D are registered trademarks of DJI Innovations 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 Innovations 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 Innovations. No patent liability is assumed with 

respect to the use of the product or information contained herein.

Profile 

The H3-3D gimbal offers excellent stabilization features for aerial hobbyist and professional aerial 

photographers. Powered by built-in IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and special servo module, this gimbal 

provide unique stable quality visual experience for the users.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 3

In The Box 

Gimbal×1 

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

stabilization. Integrated bottom damping plate minimizes 

installation time.

Damping Unit×1 

The upper plate of the damping unit connects the gimbal with the 

Phantom 2. Pre-installed vibration absorbers greatly reduce the 

vibrations. 

Gimbal Controller Unit (GCU)×1

Connect gimbal controller to flight control system using CAN-Bus. 

Power GCU and gimbal through 3S~6S power cable.

3

Accessory Pack ×1 

The accessory pack includes: vibration absorbers, securing pins 

and washers, screws and connection cables. 

Accessory Pack – Spare Vibration Absorbers 

x4 

Spare vibration absorbers for damping unit with 40〬of rigidity. 

Accessory Pack – Securing kits x4 

Spare securing kits that are used to secure the upper and bottom 

plate of the damping unit.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 4

Accessory Pack – Camera securing bracket x1 

Camera mounting bracket.

Accessory Pack – Spare Screws ×1 

M2.5x6.3:Mounting camera to gimbal.

M2.5x5:Secure gimbal to damping unit.

M3x8, M3x6.5:Securing gimbal to aircraft.

Accessory Pack – Gimbal Video signal Cable ×1 

For the gimbal controller unit and your wireless video transmission 

module connection, transmitting the video signal.

Accessory Pack – CAN-Bus Cable×1

Use CAN-Bus to connect the GCU with the flight control system.

DJ

D

I

JI

Accessory Pack – 8-Pin Cable×1

Connect to Phantom 2 or G8 port of GCU.

Accessory Pack – Anti-interference boardx1

Serves as the connector board between G8 port on the gimbal 

and 8-pin cable. This board is only available to the H3-3D gimbal 

that does not come with GCU unit. (namely, for Phantom 2 only 

version of H3-3D)
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 5

Table of Content 

WARNING & DISCLAIMER...............................................................................................2

PROFILE..........................................................................................................................2

IN THE BOX.....................................................................................................................3

TABLE OF CONTENT ........................................................................................................5

1 INSTALLATION..............................................................................................................6

1.1 GIMBAL DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................6

1.2 INSTALL H3-3D TO PHANTOM 2.........................................................................................7

1.3 CAMERA INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................9

1.4 FINAL CHECKS .................................................................................................................9

2 GCU CONNECTION.....................................................................................................10

2.1 CONNECT GCU AND FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM ...................................................................10

2.2 VIDEO CONNECTION.......................................................................................................14

3 CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................15

3.1 DRIVER AND ASSISTANT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION................................................................15

3.2 ASSISTANT SOFTWARE GUI..............................................................................................15

3.3 CHANNEL SETTING.........................................................................................................15

3.4 FIRMWARE & SOFTWARE UPGRADE ..................................................................................16

4 TEST FLY.....................................................................................................................17

4.1 CHECK LIST BEFORE FLIGHT .............................................................................................17

4.2 GIMBAL TEST ................................................................................................................17

APPENDIX.....................................................................................................................18

TROUBLE SHOOTING ............................................................................................................18

SETTINGS USING WITH THE A2 FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM............................................................18

SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................20
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 6

1 Installation 

1.1 Gimbal Description

Notes: 

(1) Ensure the gimbal servos are unobstructed, failure to do so may damage the servo. 

(2) Clear the obstacles at once if the operating gimbal is being blocked.

(3) Always mount camera before powering on the gimbal.

1.1.1 Rear View 

 

1

12

13

14

16

17

18

15

1. Yaw servo driver module 2. Upper plate of damping unit

3. Vibration absorbers 4. Bottom plate of damping unit

5. Tilt servo driver module 6. Roll servo driver module

7. Camera mount 8. 8 pin connector port(to GCU/Phantom 2)
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 7

1.2 Install H3-3D to Phantom 2

Follow the below instructions to install the H3-3D gimbal to Phantom 2. 

1. Insert the securing pins through the holes on the highlighted diagonal position shown below. Then, attach 

and secure the upper plate of damping unit to the Phantom 2 with four M3x5 screws. 

2. Attach the damping unit bottom plate to upper plate using the four vibration absorbers. Ensure the lip of 

the vibration absorbers are properly inserted through the mounting holes on the bottom plate.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 8

3. Insert washers into securing pins to lock the damping unit in place.

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

board, then connect the H3-3D port on the anti-interference enhancement board with the 8-pin port on 

the gimbal via the supplied 8-pin cable.

Caution: 

(1) Aircraft and accessories are not included with gimbal.

(2) Camera must be aligned with the nose of the aircraft.

(3) Gimbal is calibrated before delivery. Do not attempt to adjust or calibrate it yourself.

(4) Do not attempt to remove screws in the gimbal, which may result in reduced performance or even 

damages.

(5) Do not unplug any cable attaching to the gimbal ports, or change the mechanical structure of the gimbal.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 9

(6) The 8-pin port on the H3-3D gimbal should only be used for connecting to the Phantom 2. Do not 

connect other devices (such as a video downlink transmitter) to this port, otherwise the gimbal may be 

damaged.

1.3 Camera Installation

Follow the below instructions to mount the GoPro camera.

Caution: 

(1) Visit http://www.dji.com/cn/product/zenmuse-h3-3d/video, and watch installation video tutorial before 

you proceed to mount the GoPro camera to the H3-3D gimbal.

(2) Ribbon cable is a delicate item, treat with extreme care. Always check the connection per each flight and 

ensure the ribbon cable connection is secure.

1. Connect the video output board with the connection cable from the gimbal, ensure the connection 

orientation is correct.

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

3. Firmly insert the video output board connector into the mini-USB port on camera to complete the 

installation. 

1.4 Final Checks

Ensure the installed damping unit is aligned parallel with the Phantom 2. 
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 10

2 GCU Connection 

GCU Port Description 

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

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

Connect to PC to upgrade firmware using Assistant Software

Connect to flight control system

Connect to wireless video downlink module

2.1 Connect GCU and Flight Control System

Notes: 

(1) Skip this chapter if you purchase the Phantom 2 version of H3-3D gimbal, as it does not come with GCU.

(2) GCU must be connected to the flight control system before it is powered on.

(3) Be sure to mount the camera onto the gimbal before power on the aircraft and the gimbal. Otherwise it 

might damage the servo due to the incorrect center of gravity setting.

(4) Re-calibrate the remote controller when NAZA-M firmware is upgraded.

(5) Ensure all the connection is correct, otherwise it might causes damage to the gimbal or the flight control 

system.

GCU can either be vertically or horizontally installed on the Phantom 2. Follow the procedure below to complete 

the connection between the GCU and flight control system.

Step 1. Upgrade the firmware of the flight control and the Assistant Software to the latest version (as shown in the 

table below)
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 11

 A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 NAZA-M 

Assistant 

Software

V 1.20 (or higher) V2.00(or higher) V2.12(or higher) V2.12(or higher)

Firmware 

Version

V 2.10 (or higher) V5.22(or higher) V3.12(or higher) V3.12(or higher)

Step 2. Complete the connection on the flight control system (shown as the below table). For NAZA-M user, you 

need a PMU V2 module (accessory of NAZA-M V2) to provide with the CAN port connection. 

 A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 or 

NAZA-M 

(1) Main Controller and 

PMU connection

Connect the X1 port of 

PMU to X1 port of Main 

Controller.

Connect the X1 port of 

PMU to X1 port of Main 

Controller.

Connect the X3 port of 

PMU V2 to X3 port of Main 

Controller.

(2)PMU Power Cable 

connection

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

board if the DJI-multirotor is being used. 

(3) GPS/Compass 

Module and Flight 

Control System 

Connection

Connect to the CAN 2 

port on the A2.

Connect the 

GPS/Compass module 

to spare CAN-Bus port 

on PMU.

Connect the GPS/Compass 

module to the GPS port of 

PMU V2.

Refer to 2.2 GCU and DJI flight control System Connection for more information about the connection. For details 

on the flight control system connection, refer to the corresponding flight control system user manuals.

Step 3. Connect the GCU to flight control system. And then connect the 8-Pin cable of gimbal to the G8 port on

the GCU.

A2 WKM NAZA-M V2 NAZA-M 

(1) GCU and flight 

control System 

connection

Connect to the CAN 

2 port on A2. 

Connect the GCU to the 

spare CAN-Bus port on 

the WKM system.

Connect the GCU to the 

CAN-Bus port on the PMU 

V2 module.

(2) GCU Power Cable 

connection

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

board if the DJI-multirotor is being used.

(3) Gimbal Tilt control 

channel

H3-3D X3 X1

Step 4. Connection finished. Power on the aircraft to launch.

Step 5. To fully utilize the gimbal, you also need to configure the tilt function of the gimbal. Flight control system 
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 12

assigns a specified channel (X3 channel for WKM, X1 for NAZA-M and H3-3D for A2) to control the tilt 

motion of the gimbal. To activate the tilt function, user needs to properly set up the channel in the Assistant 

Software and ensure the connection between the receiver and the main controller is correct. Refer to the 

Gimbal Assistant Software for details. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.2 GCU and Flight Control System Connection 

positive pole(+)

negative pole(-)

Battery

(3S~6S)

Note:

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.)

To Battery Note: 

The PMU and GCU can both connect to 

the same battery of LiPo 3S-6S.

Gimbal TILT Control Control the tilt motion via the X3 channel. 

Properly configure the corresponding 

channel on your remote controller.

Fig.1 WKM Connection Diagram
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 13

Fig.2 NAZA-M V2 Connection Diagram

Leave as-is

To Battery Note: The PMU and GCU can both 

connect to the same battery.

Gimbal Tilt Control Control the tilt motion via X1 channel. Properly configure the corresponding 

channel on the remote controller.

Fig.3 NAZA-M Connection Diagram 
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 14

2.2 Video Connection.

Wireless video transmission transfers video signal from the on-board camera to the GCU via the gimbal video 

signal cable. Follow the figure below to complete the connection. 

Wireless Video 

Transmission Module

Air System

Video Signal Port GND(Black:  )

Gimbal Video Signal Cable

Video Signal

GND

Leave as-i s

Video Signal(Yellow:AV)

Power External power

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

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

Notes 

(1) Ensure to connect the wireless video transmission unit to the GCU before powering on the aircraft.

(2) It is recommended to use standard gimbal video signal cable. Make sure you solder the gimbal video 

signal cable to the wireless video transmission module firmly. Insulated all the cables to prevent short 

circuiting.

Leave as-is

Video Signal Cable(AV)

GND Cable

(3) 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.

Tips: 

(1) The below diagram shows the how video signal flows from the on-board camera to the gimbal.

(2) Should error occurs, examine each checkpoints on the below diagram to locate the source of the 

problem.

Camera

Video Port

Gimbal

Camera Interface

GCU

G8

AV signal

Wireless video 

transmission module

 Air System

8-Pins cable Gimbal Video 

Signal Cable

Wireless video 

transmission module

Ground System

Wireless signal

Monitor

AV input

5.8G/2.4G/1.2G

Supplied by user

AV signal

AV signal

AV signal
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 15

3 Configuration 

3.1 Driver and Assistant Software Installation

Notes: 

(1) The content of this chapter does not apply to the Phantom 2 version of the gimbal. Refer to Phantom 2 

Assistant Software on the DJI website instead. 

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

2. Download the Assistant Software from DJI official website.

3. Launch Assistant Software installer and follow the prompted steps to finish installation.

4. Run the Assistant Software.

3.2 Assistant Software GUI

Connect GCU to the PC via a Micro-USB cable and then power on the GCU.

Communication indicator

 Blue LED On: Lost communication

 Blue LED Blink: Communicating 

 Red LED On: Disconnected from PC

 Green LED On: Connected with PC

Text Description

Connection indicator

 Hover on the area (3) to display the information.

1

2

6

5

1

2

6

5

4

3

4

Language

 中文or English

Menu

 Basic: Basic function setting

 Upgrade: For upgrading the gimbal firmware

 Info: For version and serial number information

3

3.3 Channel Setting

You can adjust the range of camera tilt motion from Assistant Software by sliding the slider in the GUI. 

 
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 16

Fig.1 Tilt Upwards Fig.2 Tilt Downwards 

3.4 Firmware & Software Upgrade

3.4.1 Firmware Upgrade 

Follow the below procedures to upgrade the firmware upgrade, failure to do so might damage the gimbal:

1. Ensure your computer has access to the internet. 

2. Close all the other applications (anti-virus application or firewall) before upgrading the firmware.

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

upgrade completes. 

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

upgrade completes.

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

6. Select UpgradeMain Control, IMU and CMU.

7. DJI Innovations server will check the current firmware version, 

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

automatically. 

9. Wait until the firmware upgrade completes.

10. Click OK and power cycle the system to finish the upgrade process.

Notes: 

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

(3) To eliminate the interference from the master control, it is recommended to disconnect the CAN-Bus 

cable between GCU and master control before you upgrade the IMU or CMU.

(4) Double check the parameters once you have finish upgrading the firmware. 

(5) Repeat (1) to (4) when the DJI server experiences heavy traffics or firmware upgrade fails.

 

3.4.2 Software Upgrade 

Click Info  Software Info, if the latest version is higher than the current version, you are advised to upgrade the 

Assistant Software. 

Obtain the serial number of the gimbal by clicking the “Info”  “SN”. SN is a 32 digits authorization code that is 

used to activate the gimbal. This authorization code has been filled at the manufacturing site when before its 

shipment. You might be prompted to fill a new SN if you purchase a new feature in the future. If you fills an invalid 

SN for more than 30 times, the gimbal will be locked and you have to contact our customer support to unlock the 

gimbal.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 17

4 Test Fly 

4.1 Check List Before Flight

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

(1) Gimbal is firmly installed to aircraft, and camera mounted correctly. Make sure the camera is aligned 

parallel with nose direction of the aircraft. 

(2) All cables are firmly and correctly connected.

(3) Ensure gimbal video signal cable is in solid soldering condition. 

(4) Make sure the wireless video transmission module is connected to GCU before powering on the system.

(5) Transmitter is properly configured. 

(6) Camera connection is correct.

(7) GCU and flight control system connection is correct. 

(8) Flight control firmware version is latest. 

4.2 Gimbal Test

1. Ensure all the batteries are fully charged.

2. Switch on the transmitter.

3. Power on the camera first then power on the gimbal and wait until gimbal self-test completes.

4. Initialization completes, camera lens point to aircraft nose direction, that is, the three axes of gimbal 

should be in the condition as the above diagram shows.

5. Toggle the tilt control switch on your transmitter, and make sure it is working properly. Then try to feel if 

your gimbal moves to the corresponding direction. If not, check your settings.

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

Note: 

 If the gimbal is not working normally, refer to Trouble Shooting for solutions.
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 18

 Place the aircraft on flat surface during the test. When conducting the test while you are holding the 

aircraft by hands, bear in minds not to tilt the aircraft beyond 35°

 Do not land the aircraft with powered-on gimbal on uneven terrain (such as grass lawn or rocky roads), in 

which environment there may have external forces act on the gimbal otherwise the gimbal may enter 

hibernation due to external forces.

 Hibernation mode offers protection for the gimbal. When the gimbal is not mounted with the camera, the 

gimbal enters the hibernation mode. During hibernation, the gimbal does not respond to the 

transmitter’s command. The gimbal quits hibernating and resumes operation when it is mounted with the 

camera.

 Gimbal enters hibernation mode when it detects excessive external force is being applied, only when the 

external force is no longer detected, the gimbal will restore from the hibernation. 

 It’s better to use separate battery pack to test the gimbal at the beginning to ensure functionality before 

making steps to power on of flight controller, gimbal, OSD, FPV gears etc.

Appendix 

Trouble Shooting

NO. Symptom Cause Action 

1

Gimbal keeps drifting

after initialization.

(1) Transmitter trims value is 

beyond the limit. 

(1) Adjust the transmitter trims value.

(2)GCU disconnects from flight 

control system.

(3)Gimbal mounting is not 

aligned with the aircraft.

(2)Connect GCU and flight control

system

(3)Align the gimbal mounting is 

aligned with the aircraft nose.

2

Axis of the gimbal are not 

level. 

Factory calibration error occurs.

Contact local dealer or DJI 

Innovations customer service for 

assistance. 

3

Unable to determine 

gimbal orientation. 

BVR (beyond visual range) flight

Try to use a wireless video 

transmission module.

Settings Using with the A2 Flight Control System

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

Control System. Map the H3-3D channel to a switch on the transmitter. It is recommended to use a knob switch 

channel, which is only used for H3-3D pitch control on the “Channel Map” page (as the following diagram shown).
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 19
©2014 DJI Innovations. All Rights Reserved. 20

Specifications

General 

Built-In Functions (1) 3-axis gimbal

(2) High precision brushless servo control

(3) Aluminum alloy body

(4) Built-in IMU module

(5) Lightweight

(6) A2, WKM, NAZA-M, NAZA-M V2 ,PHANTOM 2 supported

(7) GoPro3 and GoPro3+ supported

(8) Zenmuse technology

 

 

 

Peripheral 

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

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

Assistant Software 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 X 95mm X 73mm

GCU Weight 22g 

GCU Dimensions 42 mm X32 mm X9.3 mm

Working Performance 

Controlled Angle Accuracy 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