Quick Start Guide

Buy in Store

For users whose hardware is already assembled and who want to quickly try out the features

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Step 0: Find Available Devices

Before we start, we need to find the correct camera and serial port.

Find an Available Camera

python examples/list_cameras.py

The program lists all available cameras and their indexes; note the index you need (usually 0).

Find an Available Serial Port

python examples/list_ports.py

The program lists all available serial ports — COM3, COM4, etc. on Windows, and /dev/ttyUSB0, etc. on Linux.

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Step 1: Install Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

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Step 2: Run the Step-by-Step Tutorials in Order (Optional but Recommended)

To better understand the system, it is recommended to run these programs in order:

1. 01_camera_only.py - Show the camera feed only, without connecting the gimbal

python examples/01_camera_only.py --camera 0

Purpose: verify that the camera works properly

1. 02_gimbal_only.py - Control the gimbal only, without connecting the camera

python examples/02_gimbal_only.py --port COM3

Purpose: verify that the servos and driver board are connected properly

1. 03_simple_gimbal_camera.py - Camera and gimbal combined

python examples/03_simple_gimbal_camera.py --camera 0 --port COM3

Purpose: control the gimbal manually while viewing the camera feed

1. 04_color_track_simple.py - Simple color tracking (no locking)

python examples/04_color_track_simple.py --camera 0 --port COM3 --color red

Purpose: the most basic automatic tracking demo

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Step 3: Run the Full Program

Once you are familiar with the basic features, run the full automatic tracking program:

python examples/auto_tracking_demo.py --camera 0 --port COM3 --color red

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Full Program Keyboard Shortcuts

Key	Function
1	Switch to face tracking mode
2	Switch to color tracking mode
C	Connect the gimbal
R	Return the gimbal to center
T	Lock / start tracking the target
S	Stop tracking
X	Color mode: red
Y	Color mode: green
Z	Color mode: blue
Q	Quit the program

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Quick Walkthrough

Try Color Tracking

1. Press C to connect the gimbal
2. Press 2 to enter color tracking mode
3. Move a red object (or another color) to the center of the frame
4. Press T to lock the target
5. Move the object and watch the gimbal follow

Try Face Tracking

1. Press C to connect the gimbal
2. Press 1 to enter face tracking mode
3. Place your face in the center of the frame
4. Press T to lock the target
5. Move your face and watch the gimbal follow

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Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: The program says it cannot find the serial port? A: Run list_ports.py to see the available serial ports, then specify one with the --port parameter. Q: The camera will not open? A: Run list_cameras.py to see the available cameras, then specify the index with the --camera parameter. Q: The gimbal does not move? A: Make sure you have pressed C to connect the gimbal and that the servo power supply is switched on. Q: The tracking direction is reversed? A: See the troubleshooting chapter.