FAQ

+ What are the positives and negatives associated with 5-axis systems?

Positives – 5-axis systems tend to be lighter, smaller, and more robust due to less design complexity. When comparing like systems with like payloads this results in increased ground clearance, better aerodynamics, more internal gimbal trade space for more camera/lens payload configurations, more aircraft mounting options, and ease of shipping systems as excess baggage when required.

Negatives – In a traditional 5-axis system of the past, gimbal lock didn’t allow full freedom of movement of the system. With the engineering advancements and refinements GSS has pioneered with the 5-axis gimbal design, GSS gimbals use VectorSteering with look-down capability and avoid gimbal lock automatically due to a new mechanical and software design. In essence, GSS 5-axis gimbals have the best qualities of both the 5-axis and 6-axis gimbal designs.

+ What are the positives and negatives associated with 6-axis systems?

Positives – 6-axis systems are most known for the ability to look straight down without gimbal lock.

Negatives – At the expense of having increased freedom of movement over older 5-axis gimbal designs, when comparing like systems with like payloads the 6-axis design will result in a larger and heavier system with less ground clearance, worse aerodynamics, less internal gimbal trade space limiting the camera/lens payload configurations, less aircraft mounting options, and more difficulty with shipping as excess baggage when required.

+ How much does the GSS Cinema Pro (C516) Platform weigh?

The GSS Cinema Pro platform weighs about 60 pounds plus the weight of the camera and lens payload choice.

+ How much does the GSS Cinema Pro+ (C520) Platform weigh?

The GSS Cinema Pro+ platform weighs about 85 pounds plus the weight of the camera and lens payload choice.

+ How many days of training does it take to become a GSS gimbal technician?

GSS offers a free GSS User & Maintenance Training Course to all customers. Because of the superior engineering forethought of products, full training to use and perform field maintenance on GSS products is only two days.

+ What camera and lens configurations do the GSS Cinema Pro (C516) accept?

See GSS Cinema Pro Gimbal System Specs.

+ What camera and lens configurations do the GSS Cinema Pro+ (C520) accept?

See GSS Cinema Pro+ System Specs.

+ What are the primary advantages of the GSS Cinema Pro (C516) over the GSS Cinema Pro+ (C520)?

The GSS Cinema Pro is the smallest and lightest system in the industry that integrates the most demanded production and broadcast cameras/lenses. It is a great product for anyone that requires traveling with the system often as excess baggage. The general gimbal performance and functionality of the GSS Cinema Pro and GSS Cinema Pro+ products are the same.

+ What is the advantage of the GSS Cinema Pro+ (C520) over the GSS Cinema Pro (C516)?

The GSS Cinema Pro+ is a great product for the largest camera/lens payload configurations. Currently, the largest payload offered in the GSS Cinema Pro+ is the Sony F55 with Raw Recorder and the Angenieux Optimo 12:1 lens. GSS offers this payload in a 20 inch width gimbal, where typically this payload option would only be available in the very large open-platform systems. The general gimbal performance and functionality between the GSS Cinema Pro+ and GSS Cinema Pro are the same.

+ What are the advantages of the Broadcast Cineflex Series GSS Cineflex Pro (B516) product over the other aerial broadcast systems?

The GSS Cineflex Pro is a fully upgradeable gimbal designed specifically to outperform all current broadcast gimbals in the market. The Cineflex Pro is a small and lightweight system where electrically isolated broadcast camera/lens gimbal payloads are integrated using the manufacturer’s specifications. The Sony HDC-P1 camera when integrated as an option does not require the Sony HKC-T1500 adapter, allowing a full digital HDSDI video signal from the camera to the downlink or recording device. When the preference is shooting with the Sony HDC-2500L camera there is no added visible video noise which is typically most noticeable when shooting at night with other broadcast systems.

+ What is the advantage of the GSS Cinema Pro (C516) over the GSS Cineflex Pro (B516)?

The primary advantage of the GSS Cinema Pro over the GSS Cineflex Pro is that the Cinema Pro platform is designed with interchangeability of both camera and lens payloads, whereas the Cineflex Pro is designed as a fully upgradeable system for cameras and interchangeable for lenses. This keeps the Cineflex Pro as light and compact as possible for broadcast gimbal applications.

+ How long does it take to remove and replace a camera, lens, or entire camera and lens payload? Does the payload require any additional balancing?

It takes approximately 30 minutes to swap out the entire camera and payload, and less than 30 minutes to replace a lens. All GSS integration kits are pre-balanced at the GSS factory reducing system downtime, preventing costly balancing errors, and ensuring repeatable optimum image stability every time.

+ Most systems on the market do not have a high-performance roll-axis horizon reference causing the operator to have to compensate for the gimbals inability to perform this effectively. Do GSS systems have an effective horizon reference?

The horizon reference of all GSS systems is excellent, even when flying very dynamically with sustained hard banking in a helicopter. All current professional grade aerial camera systems should be able to maintain a level horizon reference through all typical aerial shooting scenarios and GSS systems are applauded by the industry for this superior capability.

+ What are some of the advantages that GSS systems have over their competitors?

With like camera and lens payloads in an interchangeable and upgradeable system, GSS systems are lighter, smaller, integrate more payload configurations, rig in 30 minutes, are pre-balanced so don’t require a gimbal tech, have increased ground clearance, are more robust due to less complexity, are easier to ship as excess baggage, have an auto-calibrated horizon reference, and are hand-built by GSS engineers in California, U.S.A.

+ Does GSS provide a recommended spare parts kit?

GSS can provide a recommended spare parts kit quickly and efficiently. Due to our products not being controlled by the ITAR, no licensing through the U.S. State Department is required.

+ Does GSS provide free software upgrades as gimbal technology continues to evolve?

GSS believes in keeping customers at the leading edge of technology with gimbal products. Free software updates are just one of many reasons that the GSS team has the best customer service and technical support in the industry.

+ How long is the standard warranty for GSS products?

The GSS standard warranty for gimbal products is the best in the industry at 1 year. Additional extended warranties can be purchased.

+ Can I plan for maintenance costs and purchase extended warranties?

GSS extended warranties can be purchased in one-year increments so that customers can plan and budget for gimbal maintenance requirements.

+ I have an idea to create a customized gimbal for a new or specific application. Can you help?

The GSS engineering development team creates new and innovative gyro-stabilization technologies based upon customer’s ideas, contact GSS with ideas or for a quote.

+ How do I sign up for the GSS Newsletter?

To sign up for the newsletter, head to the "Sign Up" form in the footer of our website (scroll down to bottom).

+ How do I contact GSS Sales?

To contact GSS Sales email info@gyross.com or call +1 530-264-7655.

+ My GSS product requires repair. How do I contact GSS Service & Support?

GSS provides customers with the best customer service and technical support in the industry 24/7/365. Email info@gyross.com or call +1 530-264-7654.