Blog
GSS Unveils GeoPro Navigation System for Utility Inspection
Your Utility Inspection Solution
has arrived…..
As the Utility Industry confronts new realities for securing highly accurate inspection data, Gyro-Stabilized Systems (GSS) unveils its Utility gimbal series equipped with the proprietary GeoPro Inertial Navigation System providing an effective and impressive solution to meeting industry requirements.
The system offers customers the flexibility of hot-swappable payloads and sensors for a variety of inspection work, power line and pipeline inspection, gas leak detection and more.
The GeoPro Inertial Navigation provides highly accurate data with real-time data stream and external gimbal control. Working like a digital assistant, the software offers auto slewing to KML points, focus using slant range and DTED data, and is fully compatible with most GIS software systems.
Don’t miss the chance to bid on future inspection contracts with the highest performing 5-axis stabilization platform accommodating the most powerful cameras and sensors on the market. Watch this video to view first-hand the Utility series and GeoPro Inertial Navigation System in action!
Flying TV captures the British Grand Prix and Spitfire!
Last month, our client Flying TV prepared 2019 British Grand Prix viewers with incredible footage of classic airmanship. Hosted by Steve Jones with special guests David Coulthard and Mark Webber, legends and former F1 racers, the opening scene of the July 14 race brings speed to the skies alongside the Spitfire.
From the vantage point of a Robinson R44, Flying TV’s Aerial DOP Monica Wyer used a GSS Cinema Pro, a full-size Sony HDC-P50 4K, and Canon 45x9.7 4K UHD Lens mounted on a GSS R44 Single Pole. In coordination with Whisper Films, the footage captures mind-blowing aerial maneuvers highlighted by Britain’s lush, green backdrop around Silverstone Circuit, a former WWII airbase in Northamptonshire.
First held in 1926, the British Grand Prix features 52 laps, and a phenomenal win by now six-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton capped this year’s race. The 34-year-old British racer completed his latest win at 1:21:08.452. Congrats, Lewis! He continues to build his legacy with more World Championship titles and more race victories than any other British F1 driver.
We’re excited to race in with you on your next exciting adventure, Flying TV!
Learn more about the GSS Cinema Pro and it’s capabilities here.
GSS at Cine Gear 2019
Cine Gear 2019 was a success yet again! Paramount Studios was an incredible venue to meet and greet both new and familiar faces. As always, we are so grateful to be part of this talented community. It was such a pleasure to catch up with friends and show off GSS tech in Los Angeles!
We can’t give enough thanks to Nathan Garofalos of Incline Dynamic Outlet, Patrick Longman from Active Camera Systems, and both Rob Drewett and Adam Sculthrop from Motion Impossible for the booth support. There’s nothing like working alongside friends and true experts in the field.
We’ll see you next year!
Into the Wild with Teton Gravity Research
GSS client Teton Gravity Research hit the ground running after their big win in December for the Powder’s Movie of the Year Award, for their film “Far Out.” This year, they continue to create incredible content with their GSS gimbal… Here’s a look into the history of TGR.
Started in 1995 by Steve Jones and Todd Jones, TGR set out to highlight the wildest sports on a global front. From surf to snow and everything in between, TGR wants to push boundaries and capture incredible stunts while also limiting their environmental impact. Through the production of thirty-two films, including their incredible 2018 releases “Ode to Muir,” “Mountain in the Hallway,” “Far Out,” and “Andy Iron: Kissed by God,” TGR has balanced on the edge of extreme with a passion for progress and awe of the world.
One of their coolest projects, “Far Out,” captures the athlete’s intensity to take on the world’s wildest slopes, from the Slovenian Alps, Alaska, Montana and more. Below are some of our favorite pictures and clips from TGR’s adventures.
Take a trip to Montana's Crazy Mountains during shooting for “Far Out.”
Fly over the Chugach Range.
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Aerial Cine Group Showcases Corail Helicopters
Journey to the stunning island of Mauritius in the latest video from Aerial Cine Group. Flying alongside Corail Helicopters, the island-based tour guides in the Caribbean and off the coast of South Africa, Aerial Cine Group explores the lush landscape off the eastern coast of Africa.
The video in this shoot was captured by Aerial Cine Group with our GSS 516 Red Helium and Angenieux Optimo 25-250. The results are phenomenal. This was a great way to market Corail Helicopters.
Aerial Cine Group, the Emmy-winning, Belgium-based aerial filming team, has gone global. You may have seen their work from the Red Bull Air Racing in Abu Dhabi, sailing in Miami, car chasing in Amsterdam, and more.
See more of Aerial Cine Group on Instagram @aerial_cine_group!
The GSS Cinema Pro+ captures United Arab Emirates National Day
Here’s one way to celebrate! In honor of December’s United Arab Emirates National Day and the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, an aircraft formation flew over Dubai in a spirit of unity, captured by a GSS Cinema Pro+!
In a collaboration between Navigation Films and Blue Sky’s Peter Degerfeldt, the plane formation, complete with eleven aircraft from Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia and the Al Fursan Air Display Team, showcased color and teamwork in a course chartered by Sheikh Zayed. From the vantage point of an L39 Jet via the Baltic Bees, the video soared over Dubai and aircraft emblazoned with “Year of Zayed.”
The video, directed by Mike Charlton and produced by Akash Kingston, contains jet footage by Peter Degerfeldt and GSS technician Vicky Degerfeldt. Thanks to the Baltic Bees team members Valery Sobolev, Anatolij LIsenkov and Artyom Soloduha, this incredible fleet came to life.
UAE National Day celebrates the joining of the seven emirates in 1971 and the first president, Sheikh Zayed, typically celebrated with fireworks and air shows.
This was an amazing capture by Blue Sky Aerials and Navigation Films. We are so proud to see our technology used in ways that continue to push and innovate the filming industry!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more.
Award-Winning Teton Gravity Research
Last year, Teton Gravity Research created an awesome new project with their Cinema Pro+ and took home Powder’s Movie of the Year Award.
Their film Far Out goes global, from the Albanian Alps to Girdwood, Alaska. What do the world’s most wild mountain ranges have to offer? More than 30 of the most daring bike, ski and snowboard athletes find out. This epic chronicle took one of the coveted awards during Powder Magazine’s 19th Annual Powder Awards in December, an event which honors the best athletes and artists in the ski community.
Check out the trailer for Far Out below.
We are a proud sponsor of this film. As we have seen time and time again with dozens of the team’s incredible films, TGR never fails to deliver. Our client’s amazing work inspires us to push gimbal technology to new levels so they can achieve new perspectives.
A huge congrats to the TGR crew on this awesome win!
What will TGR create next? Be the first to know by following us on Instagram and Facebook!
2018 With GSS
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Gyro-Stabilized Systems!
Thank you to all of our customers, partners, clients, users, and friends that make up the great GSS community. 2018 was a great year and we are very excited how the ENG, live sports, natural history, production and government markets are all evolving. During the last 12 months we have seen many incredible images captured with GSS systems. From filming the Winter Games and Discovery’s Deadliest Catch to live action aerial news/ENG sequences and SpaceX’s Falcon landing, we are eager to see how GSS gimbals are used to push the limits and find new perspectives in 2019.
Thanks again and best of luck in the New Year to all of our GSS customers, partners, clients, users, and friends worldwide!
Thanksgiving with GSS
Happy Thanksgiving from the GSS family to you! 2018 has been an incredible year for us and the entire gyro-stabilized gimbal industry.
We have accomplished so much this year. After our Cineflex acquisition at the end of last year, we focused on re-branding our look, our gimbal products and sharing these top of the line systems with our community online! We had a fun and successful trip to IFC Amsterdam and also acquired Arctic Built, the best solution to rigging your gimbal to a Robinson helicopter! We are very proud of what this year has brought us and can’t wait to see what 2019 has in store.
Since we started in 2011, it’s been your passion for film and capturing the world that drives us to create the best gimbals in the industry. To all of our clients and supporters, thank you for guiding and encouraging our efforts along the way. Your support means everything to us, and we are so grateful
If you want to learn more about our GSS technologies or have any questions at all, please feel free to call us or message us and we will get back to you as soon as we can! We’re always around 24/7 to answer your gimbal needs.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
The GSS Team
GSS: quality tech, quality service
When you choose Gyro-Stabilized Systems, you’re choosing the leading gimbals in both the production and broadcast markets. Between the best quality and customer service, GSS engineers design unmatched stabilized platform solutions that you can utilize from the air, sea or ground.
Our two series of gimbals averaging 50 pounds without payload, making them easy to ship and reasonable to use. As camera and lens technology advance, so do our gimbals and customizable options. For our broadcast/ENG customers, our broadcast gimbals offer a moving map interface which we developed in-house.
These technologically advanced systems are completely upgradeable and are designed to support interchangeable lens and camera combinations for today’s most popular payloads. Gimbal technology is progressing with no sign of stopping; this means that GSS is committed to ongoing engineer development.
With a year-long warranty and 24/7, high-level customer service, our customers not only have resources for possible issues but an opportunity to build custom parts if needed.
If you are flying smaller helicopters and need your system to be optimized for weight and balance on a smaller helicopter, the R44 and R66 mounts are available in-house.
For complete product specifications and list of features, view our Broadcast and Cinema Series gimbals.
From Old to New: A Look at Stabilized Improvements with Churchill Navigation
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.
The GSS Cinema Pro+
The GSS Cinema Pro+, formerly known as the C520, is the smallest and lightest gimbal in its class and supports the most popular cameras and lenses in the marketplace. This gimbal goes above and beyond competitors with fast installation time, a weather-sealed shell and the ability to house today’s most popular camera and lens configurations.
Weighing in at 85 pounds (without payload) and a width of 20 inches, this gimbal accommodates large cinema cameras and lenses for projects in all environments. The system has been used at sub-freezing temperatures above 24,000 feet in the Himalayas and in the sweltering heat in the Emirati desert. Unlike competitors, the Cinema Pro+ is completely sealed for safe operation in adverse climates.
Like all GSS gimbals, no gimbal tech is required for installation. Save time and money with our interchangeable systems, and swap between cameras like the Arri Alexa 65, Alexa SXT, Alexa LF, Sony Venice (and many others!) with hundreds of lens options within 30 minutes. This package can fly on a single pole mount, which will also save considerable time and money when compared to shipping, installing and using a dual pole mount.
With an expanded elevation of 30° to -205° from horizontal and six-axis of gyro-stabilized movement, the Cinema Pro+ has the most wide-ranging capabilities yet and may be operated in both standard and inverted mode. With VectorSteering™ look-down technology there is no gimbal lock.
Even with its large-scale capabilities, this gimbal still flies conveniently as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions and easily breaks down to 70 lbs/32 kg per box in about one hour.
We have designed our future-proof open architecture systems to be compatible with upgrades as gimbal, camera and lens technologies evolve.
For all of the Cinema Pro+ details, check out the complete specs for more information about its expanded, interchangeable camera and lens options.
Download the complete specs here.
Fitting the DNA of Teton Gravity Research
Earlier this year, GSS client Teton Gravity Research, an action sports media company, shared this custom feature about their journey with GSS their new GSS Cinema Pro +, and we are so proud to see our gimbal in these incredibly versatile projects.
“GSS really fits our DNA. It’s the best five-axis gimbal in the world.”
– TGR Co-Founder Todd Jones
TGR formed more than two decades ago and since created thirty-two sports culture-focused films with no signs of stopping.
Check out how TGR uses their GSS gimbal to capture winter sports across the globe in the video above and learn more about their award-winning films here.
Learn more about the Cinema Pro + and it’s capabilities here.
Aerial Camera Systems meets the Cineflex Pro +
GSS customer Aerial Camera Systems received their first GSS Cineflex Pro + this summer and inaugurated their new gimbal at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
This system is contoured with the Grass Valley LDX-C86N Compact Camera and Canon CJ45 lens. For the first time, the Cineflex Pro + will help capture the legendary hoisted aerial shots of the All England Club in UHD/HDR. GSS’s newest customer has added to their state of the art gimbals and will now have the option of using their GSS Cineflex Pro + or Cineflex gimbals for various broadcast projects.
“We’re delighted to add the Cineflex Pro + to our inventory of stabilized gimbals. We’ve made some significant investments in equipment this year, recognizing the growing demand for 4K UHD formats.”
Operations Director Dave Whitlock
We look forward to the content ACS will release in the future with their new GSS gimbal, which will allow them to take on new payloads and revolutionize camera stability in the European market. ACS plans to use the Cineflex Pro + at upcoming sporting events this August.
Learn more about the Cineflex Pro + and all its capabilities here.
If you’re located in England, rent ACS gimbals and learn more about past projects from the Royal Wedding, Commonwealth Games and more at aerialcamerasystems.com.
The GSS Cinema Pro Gimbal
Formerly the GSS C516, the Cinema Pro handles the most popular medium-sized cinema cameras with ease. Similar to the Cinema Mini, its six-axis look-down extends filming capabilities without gimbal lock. An expanded width of 16 inches allows this gimbal to accommodate larger interchangeable lenses.
For increased precision and accessibility, the Cinema Pro features a geo-pointing option as well as GroundControl™ for wireless, bi-directional gimbal control.
Like the GSS Cinema Mini, this mid-sized, 60-pound gimbal is travel-friendly and still small enough to ship as excess baggage with no ITAR or EAR export restrictions.
Within 30 minutes, interchange lenses from the Canon Cinema Series, Zeiss Master Primes, Optimo wide zooms and more.
Interested in all of the Cinema Pro’s capabilities? Download the complete specs for more information about weight, dimensions, camera options and more.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL SPECS HERE
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE
The GSS Cinema Mini Gimbal
Ideal for today’s most popular payloads, the GSS Cinema Mini is the smallest, lightest gimbal capable of handling the Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon with a lens up to a Canon 50-1000.
Whether your project requires aerial, ground vehicle or marine mount, the Cinema Mini is the most versatile option for your production. Between its six-axes of movement and a weight of only 38 pounds plus payload, this gimbal is small but mighty.
The Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon will shoot flawlessly with the GSS Cinema Mini's stabilized horizon, protected from a variety of environments within the sealed system. Thanks to VectorSteering™, sixth-axis look-down is possible without gimbal lock.
With high-speed fiber optics, wireless capability and metadata outputs, this gimbal is well equipped for the most demanding jobs!
On top of that, the camera and lenses are interchangable within minutes. When it’s time to make a system upgrade, the Cinema Mini is fully upgradable to support your payload needs and changes.
The GSS Cinema Mini is compatible with upcoming new accessories, including the rain deflector and heat dissipating covers.
Looking for more details about the Cinema Mini’s dimensions, lens options and more? Download the full specs below for a complete look at everything it has to offer.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SPECS HERE
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE
The GSS Cineflex Pro Gimbal
Optimized for broadcast use, The Cineflex Pro is the smallest and lightest system in the world, weighing 35 lbs or 15.8 kgs plus payload, that can hold today's most popular Broadcast payloads!
The GSS Cineflex Pro is the only system in the world that can hold the following payloads without having to repackage:
- Sony P43 4K with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- GV c86n 4K with 45-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- Ikegami HDL-F3000 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
- Sony HDCP-1/3 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
(Other camera and lens options are available as well - ask us about yours!)
The Cineflex Pro is just one of the GSS 5-axis gimbals from the Cineflex Broadcast Series. The Cineflex Pro beats out competitors and is ideal for major-market ENG clients and live broadcast applications. Compatible with lighter helicopters like the Bell 505, Robinson R44 and R66, it is fully upgradeable and functions with existing air and ground mounts.
Take advantage of top features including VectorSteering™ look-down with no gimbal lock, isolated electronics for eliminated video noise and optional internal IMU for Geo-pointing with a moving map interface and Virtual Reality Overlays.
Its compact size of 13.8 inches wide and 19 inches tall combined with the small platform size allows this gimbal to be transported as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions, making shipping easily accessible.
To learn more about the Cineflex Pro, click here to download and see the complete specs and features.
If you haven’t purchased yours yet, contact us today for the best broadcast gimbal available.
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.
Cine Gear Expo Recap
Cine Gear Expo was a blast this year. It’s always an exciting time to check out how the production community is evolving and innovating. We had the honor of connecting with old friends and making new ones!
This year, we showcased an Interactive Cinema Pro + Universal Lens Kit and a static display of our Cinema Mini.
We also partnered with our customer, Rogue Aviation as they showcased their aerial cinematography capabilities with a Robinson R66 Turbine Marine Helicopter and a GSS Cinema Pro mounted with an Arctic Built mount.
"It was great to see many GSS customers, users and friends at Cine Gear this year," states GSS Managing Director Jason Fountaine. "Our new Cinema Mini was received well by the production community. The Cinema Mini is an extremely lightweight and small gimbal that includes GSS proprietary 6-axis VectorSteering™ technology. The new Cinema Pro+ Universal Lens Kit was also a hit as it has the ability to integrate hundreds of payload configurations. It was also good timing to be able to introduce our recent acquisition of Arctic Built, specializing in industry standard pole mounts for the Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters. GSS is positioned on the frontline and continuing development for utility camera mounts needed on the smaller helicopters. Our customer, Rogue Aviation’s Robinson R66 helicopter had an Arctic Built pole mounted on it for display. As a fun feature, there was a photo booth that was a highlight for all of the aspiring kids to sit in that want to one day be an aerial director of photograph or film pilot."
GSS Acquires Arctic Built, LLC
This week, GSS acquires Arctic Built LLC, the solution for Robinson R44 and R66 helicopter utility camera gimbal mounts.
With this addition, GSS will be the sole owner of these utility mounts and will further extend aerial cinematography capabilities to the cinema, broadcast and surveillance markets.
The FAA and EASA-approved mounts provide the necessary weight and balance when mounting a gimbal on these lighter helicopters. With a maximum load of 100 and 115 pounds respectively, the R44 and R66 mounts require limited installation time and do not require aircraft modifications.
Both mounts are fitted to the right side of the helicopter and have even weight distribution, so they may remain attached while flying with or without a payload. The mounts are compatible with 360 degree systems and LIDAR mapping. As an added bonus, the R44 mount is portable and separates into three pieces to make shipping easy.
Founded by GSS customer Daniel Zatz of ZatzWorks, Arctic Built has designed, tested and sold utility mounts since 2016. The Alaskan-based company worked alongside ZatzWorks for aerial filming.
“I’ve worked with the GSS team since the day I bought my first GSS and Cineflex and there isn’t a finer group of creative engineers anywhere,” states Daniel Zatz. “I’m extremely happy to transfer Arctic Built to GSS and let them continue to innovate and support the broadcast and production communities.”
We are eager to broaden our aerial cinematography service capabilities with this acquisition and offer Arctic Built mounts to the marketplace.