The PTZ Mode controls the gimbal settings, specially the stabilization. Depending on the setting, the XplorerHD gimbal will minimize or increase the amount of stabilization for your needs.
I have added a gif showing a stabilizer for a camera. Notice the camera stays stable as the man is moving the entire camera up and down.
However, there might be issues when using stabilization for R/C applications. For example, if you put it on a crawler going down a steep hill, you would want see the camera pointed towards the bottom so you can navigate the terrain.
With heavy stabilization, the camera will try to point straight ahead and you will be forced to constantly look "down".
This is where the PTZ Mode comes in as you can decrease the up/down stabilization. By keeping your head straight ahead, the camera's angle will be the same as your R/C crawler.
Here is an over exaggerated example. With the correct PTZ setting, the left R/C truck has the camera leveled with the car.
The incorrect setting will level with the "horizon".
With that out of the way, we can now dive deeper into what each settings can do. The gimbal has 3-Axis control and they are Pan (Left to Right sweep), Tilt (Up and Down), and Roll (Rolling, like a fan, Left to Right).
The 3 setting options under PTZ Mode are
Pan Follow
Roll Pan Follow
Three-Axis Follow
The PTZ Mode options can be found in the goggle's menu. (Both the XplorerHD and the Goggles MUST be turned on and bound) The path is: Menu (press down on the toggle switch) -> Settings -> (Then under settings) Device -> Head Tracking.
Once within Head Tracking, you will see PTZ Mode.
*If you do not see PTZ Mode, then please make sure the Head Tracking is on "PTZ"*
Pan Follow Mode
Pan follow will try to keep the camera locked in and point directly ahead. Your head tracking will still be active but as you move your vehicle left to right, it will try to keep the camera towards the center.
The stabilization's strength is increased on the "Pan" axis (Left to Right).
This setting might be best if you are new to FPV in ground vehicles as controlling the camera (using your head) while controlling the R/C might be confusing. This will help with orientation as the camera will try to lock you towards the front to help with orientation purposes.
Roll Pan Follow Mode
The "pan" function under this mode is not the same as above. The stabilization strength is decreased as the camera will not try to lock in as hard as "pan follow only".
However, it will work with the "Roll" axis (Rolling motion) to create the most stable video image.
This setting is best for R/C ground vehicles as you will get the best stabilization possible by trying to compensate for the bumps coming from the ground. It is a double-edged sword as you will have more freedom with the head tracking as you will be able to see more around you without the stabilizer kicking in too hard.
However, for the beginners, this might be confusing at first as you might lose your orientation. (Example: R/C is going straight but you might be looking slightly left, giving a off-trim feeling) Yet, this will give you the best feel with the extra freedom to look around plus the benefits of smooth roll stabilization to decrease the motion sickness.
Three-Axis Following Mode
This mode will decrease the stabilization of all 3 axis but specifically the "Roll" axis.
This application is for R/C's that work in the 3D space, or specifically, R/C planes.
It will be a nightmare when a plane is performing a roll and the camera is fixed to the horizon, it will be basically unflyable!
By decreasing the stabilization and all 3 axis are working together, this will prevent snap back (gimbal trying to fight to "lock" into one position) and give you the smooth flying experience that you may expect. The stabilization is still active to limit the motion sickness but will get the full control of being able to look around while still performing acrobatics if you choose to do so.
Recap:
Pan Follow: For beginner FPV R/C ground
Roll Pan Follow: For more freedom over the head tracking for R/C ground
3-Axis Follow: Flying Applications
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