From Old to New: A Look at Stabilized Improvements with Churchill Navigation

In this clip, we compared the original solution, External Novatel IMU, to the new, GSS Internal IMU. Both flights featured identical paths over Philadelphia and used Churchill Navigation’s BEAR mapping system with a GSS Cineflex series broadcast gimbal. Notice the incredible stabilization improvements; the street names no longer shake or bounce, and instead, glide smoothly.

At GSS, we always look to evolve and improve. At our core, we are engineers that love to create, test and improve our gimbals and technologies to provide the highest quality and latest advancements that integrate with our gimbals. As we analyze old footage, we are proud to see how far our stabilized gimbals have come and are able to offer the best solution for IMU integration.

In this clip, we compared the original solution, External Novatel IMU, to the new, GSS Internal IMU. Both flights featured identical paths over Philadelphia and used Churchill Navigation’s BEAR mapping system with a GSS Cineflex series broadcast gimbal.  Notice the incredible stabilization improvements; the street names no longer shake or bounce, and instead, glide smoothly.
 

What is IMU?

An IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit, detects linear acceleration using an accelerometer and rotational rate using gyroscopes. It reports pitch, roll and yaw status on a continual basis.

We use IMU data as part of an Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). The GSS INS uses the IMU measurements to calculate attitude, angular rates, linear velocity and position relative to a global reference frame. GSS IMU/INS reports the video’s location to Churchill for a live mapping overlay. An accurate IMU data feed results in a stable mapping overlay, as you see in this video.

Learn more about our development of our in-house INS here.

For more information on integrating GSS’s IMU with your system, contact us here.

For more information about our Cineflex Broadcast Series, click here.

GSS Used In The French Rally Championship

This past May, the GSS Cineflex gimbal was used to film the 53rd Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally of the French Rally Championship. More than 170 teams raced cars during the Antibes portion of the championship from May 18 to 20 in Juan-les-Pins.

Mikko of Mikko Aerial operated the gimbal system alongside Pilot, Manuel Benitou. The pair have previously combined efforts for documentaries, movies, advertisements and sporting events.

The team filmed with a RED Helium and a Canon 30-300mm lens, and a Sony HDC 1500 HD with the Fujinon 25-1100mm lens.

Check out the footage Mikko shot with our gimbal here.