BaseCam SimpleBGC 32-bit Tiny Rev. C

This controller is a smaller version of SimpleBGC 32-bit 3-axis stabilization. It is designed for building gimbals for small cameras.

Features

Built-in IMU sensor, can be used as a second frame sensor or as the main sensor.
Has the same set of interfaces as the full-size SimpleBGC 32-bit.
Possibility to connect optional Bluetooth module.

Revision C (active)

Fully compatible with the "Tiny Rev. B" in shape, terminals, and mounting holes.
Dimensions are 25×40 mm, height is 7mm (pin headers are not installed)
Output power capabilities up to 6 times more than in Tiny Rev. A and B, which allows using this board with a wider range of payloads, handling motors from micro-size to 110-size.
High-voltage motor drivers are connected directly to the power supply, giving the following advantages compared to Rev. A, B*:
- overall output current is limited only by the power supply capabilities;
- can handle high-voltage motors and big motors up to 110 sizes;
- better reliability
Motor drivers have better efficiency (less heat emission at the same output power)
MCU with 256k FLASH (2x more than in previous revisions) can support advanced functionality which presents in the "Extended" series of SBGC32 controllers**

* For maximum current capabilities good thermal dissipation should be provided;

** Supported functions depends on the license type. See Version comparison chart

WARNING: drivers in rev.C are more efficient but produce more EM interference compared to Rev. A, B; special actions are required to prevent interference on digital signal lines (I2C or PWM) and nearby electronics:
- installing filters on the power supply cable (several turns on a ferrite ring); limiting its length to 70 cm;

- installing filters on motor outputs and/or shielding the cable:
- LRC-filter (see schematics)
- ferrite ring on the cable

- installing filters on the digital signal lines (several turns on a ferrite ring); using twisted pairs for I2C (SDA+VCC, SCL+GND) and/or shielding them;

Revision A (discontinued), Revision B (not recommended for new design)

For more information on Rev. A and B check their product page

The main difference from revision C:

low-voltage motor drivers (max. 11V) powered from integrated DC/DC converter, where the overall current is limited by the DC/DC converter max. capabilities (about 1A); can handle only low-voltage motors;
MCU with 128k FLASH supports only basic functionality of "Regular" and "Tiny" series;

Revisions A and B may be manufactured in batches by request; we keep a limited number of Rev.B in stock.

The principle of the camera stabilization using brushless direct drive motors

In fact, gimbal based on BLDC motors is very similar to regular gimbal based on hobby servo. The main difference - each axis of rotation passes through the center of gravity (CG) of the "Camera + frame" system and rigidly connected to the BLDC motor. The absence of gear - a fundamental point that lets you use the inertia of the system is not to harm, but for good. In case of ideal balance of the camera, the rotor rotates freely without resistance and even without need of applying extra control force, which allows the camera to unleash from the disturbance from UAV frame. In addition, there is no backlash inherent gears or belts.

To control the motors, a special controller was designed. It receives information from gyroscopes and accelerometers mounted on the camera platform. A standard IMU algorithm is used to define camera inclination angles. With the remote control, operator sets desired tilt angle. PID-controller calculates the amount of compensation and send command to the power unit, which controls the current in the windings and thus the direction of the vector of magnetic field in the stator. Magnetic field moves the rotor to the right position.

Due to using IMU, mechanical part of the system is a very simple. There is no need in complex and expensive high-definition encoders for each axis. Just mount tiny IMU board on the camera platform, connect wires to controller and motors and all done!

It gives impressive quality of stabilization compared with regular servos.

Basic requirements for the mechanical design of gimbal frame

The possibility of precise balancing on three axes. The better the balance, the lower the current need for stabilization.
Mechanical rigidity of bearing elements to prevent resonances from working propellers in flight.
Minimizing friction in the joints. The better the gimbal axis are unleashed from UAV camera platform, the less effort is required from the engine to stabilize
Elimination of vibrations from the main UAV frame. The vibrations have a negative impact on the quality of the video. But another negative effect in this system is that vibration will lead to self-excitation of the closed-loop controller.

Specifications

	Revision B	Revision C

Size of the board:	40×25x7 mm	40×25x7 mm
Weight	5.84 g	5.45 g
Power supply voltage:	3.7–25 V (1s - 6s LiPo)	5–26 V (2s - 6s LiPo)
Maximum motor current:	1A per motor, 1.5A for all	5A peak, ~1.5A continious per motor*
5V converter output:	up to 1A	up to 1A

* Board uses a dedicated PCB layer (almost 100% of its area) for a heat dissipation. The overall current capabilities of 5V regulator and motor outputs are limited by the thermal dissipation; it can be improved installing external heatsink;

Downloads

Tiny Board Connection Diagram (326Kb 24.10.2016) General Connection Diagram for Boards ver.3.0 (97Kb 16.05.2014) Bluetooth Connection for Boards ver.3.0 (50Kb 29.04.2014) 3D CAD files (DWG, STEP, STL) (5Mb 2.02.2021) Case Model for Self-Printing (STL) (62Kb 2.07.2020) More downloads

Support

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USB Drivers for PC Connection

If controller being connected to the USB port, is not recognized as COM-port, most probably you need to install or update drivers for CP210x chip. You can download driver for your OS from the manufacturer of CP210x.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE: The latest version (6.7.4) of driver for Windows may cause problems with delay in data transmission, visible as a big lag of the GUI. In this case, install version 6.7.2 of the driver, which had no such problems. Download version 6.7.2 driver.