Before you start #

Tools needed for installation:

• J000 Screw driver
• Hobby scalpel, sharp knife
• Clean suitable workplace
• Patience

Expander v1 vs. Expander v2 There are two versions of LR1 Expander!
Expander v2 includes wire with special connector for switching between Photo and Movie mode. If you install version 1 without wire, simply skip steps with wire installation
You can upgrade from ver1 to ver2 by adding of extension cable with connector, contact us for more infromation!

Important! Installation may void your camera warranty.
We cannot guarantee that sony will not refuse warranty repairs in the event of any future failure.

Important! Make sure you have all screw on safe place and your work table is clean!
The screw that accidentally gets stuck inside the camera body can be difficult to remove due to magnetic parts and may cause permanent damage to the camera! We recommend following the instructional video where the risk of screws getting stuck is minimal.

Camera configuration #

This initial settings is easier to be done before module installation, follow these few steps before you open the camera.

STEP 1 #

• Open camera MENU and navigate to:
  •  SETUP -> Operation Customize -> Custom Key Setting

STEP 2 #

• Under custom key settings configure:
  • 1 – NOT SET
  • 2 – NOT SET
  • 3 – MENU
  • 4 – SHOOT MODE (optional)
    
  • 5 – ISO

STEP 3 #

• Power off the camera by power OFF switch, to save settings
• DO NOT DISCONNECT POWER, otherwise camera will not save new configuration

Installation of the module #

Video is for Rev1 Expander and missing wire connector installation, please check below for wire installation:

STEP 1 #

• Disassemble black screws on the back of the camera
• USE J000 Phillips screwdriver
• Use force to the screw to avoid striping of screws

Put screws aside! Avoid accidental drop to the camera body.

STEP 2 #

• Carefully open back cover of the camera
• Put camera back cover aside to the body as per photo

STEP 3 #

• Use hobby scalpel or sharp knife
• Cut foil at marked place to allow buttons asembly removal

STEP 4 #

• Uncrew marked screws at buttons assembly module
• Take care about main connection cable, do not pull!
• One of the screws is hidden under the foil, leave this one as last
• Last screw (hidden) can be left under the foil to avoid excessive damage of the foil

Put screws aside! Avoid accidental drop to the camera body.

STEP 5 #

• Remove button assembly from the back cover
• Put back cover aside carefully to avoid plastic buttons movement

STEP 6 #

• Remove circular button unit connector
• Use tools to disconnect the connector or slightly pull the cable
  • Be carefull about cable damage!

STEP 7 #

• Thread the black cable connector through the hole
• DO NOT USE FORCE
• Fitting the connector into the space can be tricky, follow the photos to the right.

STEP A

STEP B

STEP C

STEP 8 #

• Connect LR1 Expander module to the flex cable connector
• Use slight force to insert the cable to the connector
• Force needs to be applied to enforced blue portion of the cable

STEP 9 #

• Assembly back the buttons to back cover of the camera
• Insert and tighten silver screws back to the assembly, except screw on bottom right corner (photo on the right)
• MAKE SURE SWITCHES ON THE BACK ARE MATCHING POSITIONS!

STEP 10 #

• Now connect black wire connector assembly
• You have to swipe the connector from the right
• DO NOT USE FORCE!
• When connector is inserted properly, it will clamp from the top of the switch and golden pin will fit perfectly to the right pin of the switch

STEP 11 #

• Screw last silver screw through the connector
• DO NOT TIGHTEN THE SCREW!
• Tighten the screw just very softly to avoid connector deformation over time

STEP 12 #

• Put back camera cover to the camera body
• Be careful about main connector cable!
• Tighten all black screws to the camera
• Do not over-tighten screws to avoid damage!
  
  
• Set shooting mode to MOVIE

SHOOTING MODE Set camera mode to MOVIE mode by default. Expander will than switch PHOTO / MOVIE mode via MavLink commands. In other positions can not Expander control modes.

LED behavior #

• Expander has one blue LED installed in the body
  
  
• After power UP, Expander goes to Bootloader mode for 2 seconds. During this period is LED blinking and Expander is available only for firmware update
  
  
• Once Bootloader period is finished, Expander starts bliniking very shortly with long pause. This meands system is running, however without active Mavlink connection.
  
  
• If MavLink connection is detected, LED lights up steady.
  
  
• If valid command is received via MavLink, Expander turns off LED until command is not executed (delay is depending on command execution time which is different command to command)

Configuration and connection #

• At this point you can proceed to flightcontroller / gimbal connection

1. For ENTIRE R3 + Pixy-LR + Pixhawk + Expander combination:
   • use this manual
2. For Pixy-LR + Pixhawk + Expander only (without the ENTIRE in the system):
   • use this manual