The DJI FORCE PRO offers motion sensor control for your RONIN 2, INSPIRE 2, and RONIN-S. The FORCE PRO is an intuitive movement and control system that features high precision motion sensors that allow users to remotely pan/tilt and operate their RONIN 2, INSPIRE 2, and RONIN-S. Newsshooter was lucky enough to get an exclusive first look at the DJI FORCE.
This is not the first time we have seen something like this. MōVI showed the Mimic way back in 2015, and since that time they have also released the MōVI Pilot. MōVI Pilot allowed users to control both the MōVI and FIZ outputs, Pilot also incorporates Freefly’s MIMIC technology. This lets users move the Pilot to control where the camera is pointing, as well as make adjustments to the focus, iris, and zoom. With RED RCP support, you can also have complete control of your RED camera from 600+ feet away.
The DJI FORCE doesn’t have FIZ integration, but it does allow you to control all of the parameters of your RONIN 2 gimbal. It features all of the same controls and menus that can be found on the RONIN 2’s remote controller. For all intensive purposes, it’s the same, except with the addition of motion sensors.
Use the FORCE
On the front surface, an entire gimbal adjustment panel allows users to see sensor readings in real time and also adjust gimbal parameters quickly. Four shortcut buttons are allocated around the OLED screen to toggle gimbal modes (top left button), SmoothTrack modes (top right), go back to the upper level of the menu (lower left button), and toggle setting pages (lower right button).
The button with the red dot triggers the camera Start/Stop remotely when a compatible camera is connected to the system (currently DJI support RED, ARRI ALEXA Mini, Sony FS5/FS7, etc.). Press then hold the same button to turn on/off the Force Pro.
There are two customizable buttons (C1 and C2) designed for operators to quickly access favorite features such as Motor Pause.
The FORCE PRO also features a detachable antenna design. The wireless module supports 2.4 and 5.8 Ghz, the frequency band used will be determined by the RONIN setting once the FORCE PRO is bound with the gimbal.
To enable the easiest possible adjustment of the controlling speed, DJI integrated three dedicated speed controlling knobs corresponding to Pan, Tilt, and Roll axis. Knobs for the pan and tilt are on the top of the FORCE PRO, while the knob for roll axis is on the left side.
On the bottom surface, DJI put a DC-IN port (the one on the left) for fast charging, and a DC-OUT port (the one on the right) to allow wired control for compatible Ronin gimbals. When using the wireless method, the FORCE PRO communicates with the gimbal at 100Hz. When the wired method is used, the communication frequency is doubled to 200Hz for lower latency and better interference resistance.
As for packaging, the FORCE PRO comes with a shock-absorbing case which holds the body, 2x dual frequency antennas, 1x L-Bracket, 1x USB-C cable, and some ¼ screws.
The L-Bracket comes with multiple screw holes and through holes, helping the operator to easily mount the Force Pro to platforms such as a tripod or a traditional handlebar.
On the right side of the FORCE PRO, there is a Lock slider which prevents accidental input when slid to the upper stop. Underneath the rubber cover lies the USB-C connector for charging and firmware update.
How is it to use?
The DJI FORCE works best when it is mounted on something like a fluid head tripod. This way it is easy to replicate pan and tilt motions that are a lot smoother than if you try to do it by just holding the force in your hands.
When I tried it out on a fluid head tripod I found that I was able to create very responsive and smooth movement. The FORCE has a lot of fine tuning abilities built-in and you can adjust the speed at which the camera (in this case the ARRI Amira on the Ronin 2) moved. You can also set hard limit parameters so that the gimbal will only move a certain distance left or right, or up and down. This is useful with a larger camera such as the Amira as it would end top hitting the frame of the RONIN 2 if you moved it left or right too far.
THE DJI FORCE is expected to be announced later this month and I’ve been told that the price tag will be very reasonable.
