DX3A Miniature 4K EO Gimbal Payload Review
Gimbal Pod · Product guide
The DX3A is a 240 g, three-axis electro-optical gimbal payload for UAV operators who need long-range observation without a heavy imaging system. It combines dual 4K sensors, continuous optical zoom, a 1200 m laser rangefinder, stabilization and automatic tracking in a compact CNC-machined metal housing.
Verified specifications
| System weight | 240 g |
|---|---|
| Visible-light resolution | 3840 × 2160 at 30 fps |
| Zoom range | 40× continuous optical; up to 120× hybrid |
| Laser ranging | 1200 m range; ±1 m measurement accuracy |
| Stabilization | 0.1 mrad at 1°/2 Hz, 1σ; angular position accuracy ≤0.3° |
| Video output | IP video over Ethernet using RTSP; H.264 and H.265 encoding; MP4 storage |
| Power | 12–24 V DC; average consumption ≤15 W |
| Control interface | UART, TTL 3.3 V and RS232 protocol |
Imaging Across Wide and Narrow Views
The imaging configuration pairs two high-sensitivity 4K CMOS sensors and records at 3840 × 2160 in 30 fps video. The stated wide field of view is 100° × 68°, while the telephoto view measures 3.3° × 1.9°. These figures indicate the intended transition from broad-area scanning to detailed observation of distant subjects.
Continuous 40× optical zoom allows the operator to adjust magnification without switching between digital magnification stages. The system also supports hybrid zoom up to 120×. Buyers should treat hybrid zoom as an assisted viewing mode and assess legibility at the required working distance rather than assuming it matches the clarity of native optical magnification.
Stabilization, Tracking and Ranging
The three-axis gyro-stabilized platform is specified at 0.1 mrad stabilization accuracy and ≤0.3° angular position accuracy. It also provides a picture-in-picture display and an on-screen display for camera information, target data, coordinates and platform information, giving the operator more context without moving to a separate view.
Built-in algorithms support automatic recognition of vehicles and people, along with selectable automatic tracking for those target classes. An integrated laser rangefinder measures to 1200 m with a stated accuracy of ±1 m. These are confirmed product functions, but recognition performance and tracking reliability in real conditions should be evaluated against representative scenes and operating procedures.
Selecting the Payload for Missions
At 240 g, the DX3A is positioned for small UAVs, drones and compact airborne platforms. Its 63 × 78.43 × 92.94 mm envelope and four Ø2.60 mm mounting holes provide defined mechanical reference points for installation planning. The CNC-machined metal enclosure is described as having an EMC-oriented design.
Supported civilian uses include public-security surveillance, law-enforcement observation, environmental monitoring, forest patrol, infrastructure inspection and long-range target observation. The dual-sensor arrangement, zoom range, ranging and tracking are most useful when one operator must move between situational awareness and detailed subject inspection without changing payloads.
Power and Integration Checks
The gimbal accepts 12–24 V DC and has an average power consumption of no more than 15 W. Video is delivered as IP over Ethernet using RTSP, with H.264 or H.265 encoding and MP4 storage. Control is specified through UART, TTL 3.3 V and RS232 protocol, giving integrators several defined points for connection testing.
Before installation, verify the aircraft's payload allowance, available electrical supply, mounting geometry, clearances and control protocol. Confirm that the intended ground station can receive the selected stream and control the gimbal through the chosen interface. These checks are integration requirements, not a declaration of compatibility with any particular UAV.
- Confirm payload capacity and mounting-hole alignment.
- Validate the aircraft power supply against 12–24 V DC.
- Test RTSP video, selected encoding and ground-station control.
- Review rotation limits and required field of view.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution and frame rate does the DX3A provide?
The visible-light imaging system is specified at 3840 × 2160 in 30 fps using dual 4K CMOS sensors. It supports both a wide 100° × 68° field of view and a narrow 3.3° × 1.9° field of view for different observation distances.
How far can the DX3A zoom and measure?
The payload provides 40× continuous optical zoom and up to 120× hybrid zoom. Its integrated laser rangefinder measures to 1200 m with a stated accuracy of ±1 m. Optical and hybrid views offer different magnification levels and should be selected according to the detail required.
Does the DX3A recognize and track people and vehicles?
Yes. The documented functions include automatic vehicle and human recognition, plus selectable automatic tracking modes for those classes. Field performance can vary with scene conditions, so operators should test the functions with representative targets and workflows before operational deployment.
What should be checked before mounting the DX3A?
Check payload capacity, available 12–24 V DC power, mounting alignment, rotation clearance, Ethernet video transport and the selected UART, TTL 3.3 V or RS232 control connection. Also verify that the ground station supports the RTSP stream, chosen codec and required control functions.
