MPH-100 - Tripod Vello - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Motorized Pan Head
Model	MPH-100 (FreeWave Orbit)
Brand	Vello
Dimensions (W x H x D)	5.1 x 2.6 x 4.7 in (13.1 x 6.7 x 12 cm)
Weight (without battery)	Approx. 0.9 lb (0.4 kg)
Power Source (Orbit)	1 x EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Power Source (Remote)	2 x AAA batteries (not included)
Charger	EN-EL3e battery charger included
Camera Mount	1/4"-20 threaded screw
Tripod Mount	3/8"-16 threaded socket (with 1/4"-20 reducer bushing)
Maximum Remote Range	100 ft (30 m)
Wireless Channels	16 (2.4 GHz)
Panning Speeds	3 levels (1 = fastest, 3 = slowest)
Panning Angle Range	5° to 360° (in 5° increments)
Number of Shots	1–200 (Moving Mode); 3,4,6,8,12,24,36,45,60,72 (360° Panorama)
Shutter Control Delay	1–99 seconds (requires camera bulb mode for >1s)
LCD Display	TFT screen with mode, angle, shots, speed, channel, battery status
Ports	USB Mini-B (for firmware upgrades); Shutter trigger port
Included Accessories	Remote control, EN-EL3e battery, charger, carry case, 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 reducer bushing, shutter release cables (2.5mm to 10-pin, 2.5mm to 2.5mm, 2.5mm to 3-pin, 2.5mm to DC2), 8" product stage, user manual
Operation Modes	Moving Mode (variable angle) and 360° Panorama (full rotation)
Buzzer	On/Off for setting changes and cycle end
Reset Function	Restore factory settings

Frequently Asked Questions - MPH-100 Vello

How do I charge the Orbit's battery?

Slide the EN-EL3e battery into the included charger, plug the charger into a power outlet, and wait for the indicator light to turn from red (charging) to green (fully charged).

Can I mount the Orbit on any tripod?

Yes, the Orbit has a 3/8"-16 threaded mount. If your tripod has a 1/4"-20 stud, use the included reducer bushing.

How do I connect my camera to the Orbit?

Attach your camera's tripod mount to the Orbit's 1/4"-20 camera mount and secure it with the locking wheel. For shutter control, use the appropriate shutter release cable (included) to connect the Orbit's shutter trigger port to your camera's remote port.

What is the difference between Moving Mode and 360° Panorama?

Moving Mode lets you set a specific angle (5° to 360°) and number of shots for partial panoramas. 360° Panorama automatically divides a full circle into preset shot counts (e.g., 3 shots at 120° intervals) for complete 360° stitching.

How do I use the remote control?

Turn on the remote, select the desired mode (Moving or 360°) using the Mode button, then adjust speed, shots, and angle with the +/- buttons. Press the Play button to start panning. The remote works up to 100 feet away.

Why isn't my Orbit responding?

Check that the battery is installed correctly and charged. Ensure the power switch is set to ON. If using wireless remote, verify the remote has fresh AAA batteries and is set to the same channel as the Orbit (1–16).

Can I use the Orbit for product photography?

Yes, attach the included 8" product stage to the Orbit, mount your camera on a tripod, connect the camera to the remote's trigger output port via a shutter cable, and set up either Moving or 360° Panorama mode to capture rotating product images.

How do I reset the Orbit to factory settings?

Press and hold the Menu button to enter the settings menu, scroll to 'Reset' using the Select button, set it to 'On', then press and hold Menu/Set to confirm.

What should I do if the Orbit makes unusual noises or smells?

Turn off the device immediately, remove the battery, and contact Vello customer service. Do not attempt to disassemble. Keep away from flammable gases and moisture.

Can I update the firmware?

Yes, use the USB Mini-B port to connect the Orbit to a computer. Check the Vello website for firmware updates and instructions.

USER MANUAL MPH-100 Vello

MOTORIZED PAN HEAD WITH REMOTE

USER MANUAL

VELLO

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING VELLO

The Vello FreeWave Orbit is a programmable motorized pan head that allows you to capture full 360° panorama pictures for photo stitching as well as still or moving product photography. You can adjust degree angles, number of shots, panning speeds, and direction of your panoramic photos. Your camera attaches securely to the Orbit's 1/4"-20 camera mount and is easily affixed to most tripods with 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 mounting options. Wirelessly control the Orbit from up

to 100' (30 m) away with the 2.4 GHz high-frequency remote. Sixteen separate wireless channels minimize interference from other nearby wireless equipment. The Vello FreeWave Orbit is small, lightweight and compact. It's powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable battery, while the remote requires two AAA batteries. The padded case helps protect the Orbit and keeps all of its accessories organized and together in one place.

Professional DSLR camera with dual lens and control panel (no visible text or symbols)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Precautions....4 Connecting a Camera....12 Using the Remote....20
Contents....6 LCD Overview....13 Product Photography....23
Overview....7 Menu Settings....14 FCC Compliance....24
Charging the Battery....8 Moving Mode....14 Specifications....25
Installing the Batteries ..... 9 360° Panorama .....16 One-Year Limited Warranty ..26
Mounting the Orbit....11 System Settings....18

PRECAUTIONS

• Please read full manual before using device.
• Do not disassemble or modify this device.
• Should the product break open due to accidental damage, remove the batteries and send it to an authorized repair center.

• Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands, immerse in water, or expose to rain or snow.

• Do not use in the presence of flammable gases. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or explosion.

• Keep out of the reach of children. This product contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, consult a physician immediately.

• Do not expose to high temperatures.

• Should smoke or any unusual smell come from this product, shut it off and remove the batteries immediately. Send it to an authorized repair facility for service.

• Do not leave this product in a closed vehicle in the sun or other area subject to extremely high temperatures.

• Observe precautions when handling batteries.

• Use only the batteries listed in this manual. Do not mix new and old batteries or different brands or types of batteries.

• Batteries may leak when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the batteries if the product will not be used for an extended period of time or if the battery power is low.

• Do not attempt to short-circuit or disassemble batteries.

• Do not put batteries in a fire or apply direct heat to them.

• Do not attempt to install batteries in the reverse direction.

• Should fluid from damaged batteries come into contact with skin or clothing, rinse immediately with fresh water.

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.
• Images are for illustration only.

CONTENTS

• Vello FreeWave Orbit
• Remote
  • EN-EL3e rechargeable battery
  • EN-EL3e battery charger

• Carrying case
  • 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 reducer bushing

• Shutter release cables:
  2.5 mm to 10-pin
  2.5 mm to 2.5 mm
  2.5 mm to 3-pin
  2.5 mm to DC2

• 8" product stage
• User Manual

Product display of a black compact device with various accessories and accessories (no visible text or labels)

OVERVIEW

1. 1/4"-20 camera mount
2. Locking wheel
3. Mode Button
4. ▶ Back Button
5. Power switch
6. TFT LCD screen
7. Nonslip camera pads
8. Ⓧ+ Button
9. ⬆- Button
10. Select Button
11. Menu / Set Button
12. Battery compartment
13. Motorized panning base
14. USB interface
15. Shutter trigger port
16. 3/8"-16 mount

CHARGING THE BATTERY

1. Align the EN-EL3e rechargeable battery's contacts with those on the EN-EL3e battery charger.
2. Slide the battery into the charger so it locks in place.
3. Flip out the foldable plug, and connect the charger to a power outlet. A red indicator light will glow while charging. When the battery is charged, the indicator light will turn solid green.

Close-up of hands holding a black cylindrical device (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of hands holding a black rectangular electronic device with a small clip, against a plain background (no text or symbols visible)

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

Orbit

1. Slide the battery compartment latch in the direction of the arrow, and open the battery compartment door.

2. Insert the battery, with the contacts matching those inside the battery compartment.

3. Close the battery compartment door until it clicks.

Two-step photo showing hands holding a black camera module, no text or symbols visible

Note: When the Orbit's battery level is low, it is indicated on the LCD screen.

Remote

1. Open the battery compartment door by sliding the cover in the direction of the arrow.
2. Insert two AA batteries matching the visual battery guide on the inside of the battery compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment door by sliding it back into place until it clicks.

MOUNTING THE ORBIT

The Vello FreeWave Orbit can be mounted to any 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 mounting stud.

1. Screw the tripod's mounting stud into the threaded mount on the bottom of the Orbit. If you need to mount to a 3/8"-16 stud, remove the 1/4"-20 reducer bushing.

2. Use your tripod's locking mechanism to secure the Orbit to the mount.

Close-up of a hand holding a black camera with a red laser source, next to a small black electronic device (no visible text or symbols)

Hand adjusting a DSLR camera on a tripod stand (no visible text or symbols)

CONNECTING A CAMERA

1. Make sure your camera and the Orbit are turned off, and then seat the camera's tripod mount onto the 1/4"-20 camera mount of the Orbit.

2. Turn the locking wheel counterclockwise until the camera is secure.

Close-up of a black DSLR camera with attached cable and connector (no visible text or symbols)

Close-up of a hand holding a DSLR camera with lens and screen (no visible text or symbols)

1. Use the appropriate shutter release cable to connect the Orbit's shutter trigger port to your camera's remote port.

2. Turn the Orbit and your camera on.

LCD OVERVIEW

1. Operation mode (Moving or 360^ Panorama)
2. Panning direction
3. Panning angle
4. Number of shots (Moving Mode only)
5. Panning speed
6. Wireless remote channel
7. Number of shots taken/total number of shots
8. Operation status
9. Camera triggering status
10. Sound: On/Off
11. Battery status

MENU SETTINGS

You can access the panning mode settings and system settings menu.

To navigate the menus:

• Menu/Set: Enters menu and confirms changes.
• Select: Selects menus or highlights settings to adjust.
• Back: Returns to the previous screen.
• Increase (+): Increases the value.
• Decrease (−): Decreases the value.

MOVING MODE

Moving Mode allows you to take a series of photos for panoramic stitching, and set an angle of view less than 360^ . For example, you can capture just a cityscape panorama, and not what's behind you, by setting the Moving Mode to capture only 180^ angle of view.

1. Press and hold the Menu button until the Menu screen appears.
2. Press the Select button repeatedly to highlight Moving Mode.

3. Press the Set button to enter Moving Mode.

4. Press the Select button to highlight the settings to adjust. Use the (+) and (−) buttons to change the values.

5. Press and hold the Set button to confirm.

6. Press the ▶ Button to start shooting.

Tip: For best results, set your camera to manual focus and prefocus on your subject. This ensures that what you are trying to capture, stays in focus as the Orbit is panning.

1. Angle: panning angle from 5^ - 360^ , in 5^ increments.
2. Shots: number of shots (1–200)
3. Motor direction: direction of panning (clockwise or counterclockwise)
4. Motor speed: speed of the panning head (1–3, from fastest to slowest)
5. Shutter: control the length of time the shutter is open (1–99 sec., for exposures longer than 1 sec. set your camera to bulb mode and set the Shutter value on the Orbit.)
6. Channel: wireless remote channel (1–16)

360° PANORAMA

360° Panorama mode allows you to take photos for panoramic stitching with a full 360° angle of view. This angle is divided by the number of shots (see table 1a). For example, if you set the Orbit to three shots, it will take a shot every 120° until it completes the 360°. Same for eight shots, one shot every 45°. A smaller number of shots are good for still product photography where you might want to capture different angles. A larger number of shots creates smoother transitions when performing photo stitching for prints, video and VR applications.

1. Press and hold the Menu button until the Menu screen appears.
2. Press the Select button repeatedly to highlight 360° Panorama.
3. Press the Set button to enter 360° Panorama.
4. Press the Select button to highlight the settings to adjust. Use the (+) and (−) buttons to change the values.
5. Press and hold the Set button to confirm.
6. Press the ▶ button to start shooting.

360° Panorama AngleDegree Divisions
Numberof shots Angle
3 120°
4 90°
6 60°
8 45°
12 30°
24 15°
36 10°
45 8°
60 6°
72 5°

Table (1a)

Tip: For best results, set your camera to manual focus and prefocus on your subject. This ensures that what you are trying to capture, stays in focus as the Orbit is panning.

1. Shots: number of shots (3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 45, 60, 72)
2. Motor direction: direction of panning (clockwise or counterclockwise)
3. Motor speed: speed of the panning head (1–3, from fastest to slowest)
4. Shutter: control the length of time the shutter is open (1–99 sec., for exposures longer than 1 sec. set your camera to bulb mode and set the Shutter value on the Orbit.)
5. Channel: wireless remote channel (1–16)

360 Panorama Menu

SYSTEM SETTINGS

1. Press and hold the Menu button until the Menu screen appears.
2. Press the Select button repeatedly to highlight Settings.

3. Press the Set button to enter settings.

4. Press the Select button to highlight the settings to adjust. Use the (+) and (−) buttons to change the values.

5. Press and hold the Set button to confirm changes.

6. Buzzer: A beep will signify any altering of settings or the end of the panning cycle (on or off).

7. Reset: Resets the Orbit to its original settings (on or off).
8. Language: English.
9. Version: The Orbit's current firmware version.

System Settings Menu

USING THE REMOTE

Overview

1. LED indicators
2. Display
3. Button
4. • Button
5. Menu / Set Button
6. Button
7. • Button
8. Mode Button
9. Button
10. Trigger output port
11. Power switch
12. Locking wheel
13. Mounting foot
14. Battery compartment

Top Side

Use the remote to wirelessly access the Vello FreeWave Orbit's panning modes and settings from up to 100' (30 m) away. It has a Ready Mode to run the Orbit in Moving Mode or 360° Panorama, or a Settings Edit Mode for adjusting the angle degrees, number of shots, and panning speeds.

Remote Navigation

• Mode Button:
  Changes between Moving Mode and 360° Panorama (indicated by the green light).
• Button:
  Starts and pauses the Panning Mode cycle.
• and Buttons:
  Press once to nudge the Orbit clockwise or counterclockwise. Press and hold to continuously rotate the Orbit clockwise or counterclockwise.

- Menu/Set Button:

Press and hold the Menu/Set button for approximately two seconds. The display will show the wireless channel number. Press repeatedly to access the different settings (Speed, Shots, Angle) indicated by a green LED. Press and hold the Menu/Set button to confirm the settings.

- + and - Buttons:

Press once to increase or decrease the value of the selected setting.

- Wireless Channel: 1–16.

- Speed: Speed of the panning head (1–3, from fastest to slowest).

- Shots: 1–99 (Moving Mode only). You can set 1–200 shots from the Orbits' menu. See table 1a for 360° Panorama.

- Angle: 1–72 in 5^

increments (Moving Mode only). This will appear as numbers 1–72 on the remote, and in degrees on the Orbit's LCD. For example, 1 on the remote corresponds 5° on the Orbit, followed by 2 and 10°, 3 and 15°, and so on.

Note: After ten seconds of inactivity, the remote will revert to Ready Mode.

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

The Orbit's 8" product plate (available separately or in a kit) allows you to capture stills or add 360° moving imagery to products on display such as jewelry or mobile electronics.

1. Attach and secure your camera to a tripod.

2. Attach the Orbit remote to the camera's hot shoe via the remote's mounting foot, and secure it with the locking wheel.

3. Use a compatible shutter release cable to connect your camera to the trigger output port on the Orbit remote.

4. Turn your camera, the remote, and the Orbit on.
5. Set the Orbit into Moving or 360° Panorama Mode and adjust desired settings. This can be done from the Orbit's LCD screen (see pages 14-17) or from the remote (see pages 21-22).

Hand adjusting a black DSLR camera module with a camera top (no visible text or symbols)

FCC COMPLIANCE

1. Align the threaded 1/4"-20 socket on the bottom of the product plate with the Orbit's 1/4"-20 camera mount.
2. Rotate the product stage counterclockwise until secure.
3. Press the ▶Button to start the panning cycle.

Note: for best results, use manual focus and prefocus on your subject.

Person using a camera to scan a circular object on a wooden table (no visible text or symbols)

Professional camera setup with a DSLR camera on a tripod, a small black object on a white plate nearby (no visible text or symbols)

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum remote range	100' (30 m)
Mounting	3/8"-16, 1/4"-20 with reducer bushing
Camera mount
Ports	USB Mini-B (for firmware upgrades)
Frequency
Wireless channels
Panning speeds
Number of shots
Operation time
Power	Remote: 1500 mAh lithium battery
Remote power
Dimensions (W × H × D)	5.1" × 2.6" × 4.7" (13.1 × 6.7 × 12 cm)
Weight (without battery)

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This VELLO product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty provider's responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider's discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function.

This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty provides you with specific legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.

To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Vello Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Vello along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.

For more information or to arrange service, visit www.vellogear.com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353.

VELLO™ A Gradus Group Brand

Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.

www.gradusgroup.com

VELLO is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.

© 2016 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

www.vellogear.com

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © Copyright 2016 Gradus Group GG1