APC-R Controller

The APC-R turns a DJI gimbal and a Blackmagic camera into a PTZ head you control over the network. Ethernet, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are all in one aluminium box with two external antennas. It connects to the gimbal with the included 4-pin cable and takes its power through the same cable. You need one APC-R per gimbal, and one computer running Middle Control can drive up to 15.

Before you buy: RS-series gimbals need the APC-R Gimbal Adapter or a DJI Focus Wheel between the cable and the gimbal. Ronin-S, Ronin-SC and Ronin 2 need a DJI Focus Wheel. Neither is included.

What it does

• Ethernet or Wi-Fi — use Ethernet for the lowest latency and best reliability, or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for small venues and studios. If the cable gets unplugged, it switches to Wi-Fi within 5 to 15 seconds.
• Position presets — save pan, tilt, roll and zoom together with iris, ISO, white balance and ND, then recall them from a Stream Deck button or a joystick button.
• Wireless Blackmagic control — pair it with a Blackmagic camera over Bluetooth to adjust shutter, iris, white balance, gain and focus, plus the ATEM colour controls (lift, gamma, saturation, sharpening) through Middle Control.
• DJI Focus Motor and ActiveTrack — calibrate and drive a DJI Focus Motor remotely to zoom the lens, and switch ActiveTrack on or off from the control room (needs the RavenEye or Intelligent Tracking Module).
• External tally — add the Middle Tally on the AUX port: red on Program, green on Preview, brightness adjustable in Middle Control.

Six ways to control it

A USB gaming joystick, the Middle Remote, a Stream Deck with Companion, VISCA over IP (Middle Control Pro), a Blackmagic ATEM Advanced Panel, or your own TCP commands through the SDK. They all work through Middle Control, which is free on macOS and in public beta on Windows. You set the unit up from your phone with the free Middle Setup app (iOS and Android).

Compatibility

Over CANBUS, the APC-R works with the DJI RS line: RS2, RS2 Pro, RS3 Pro, RS4, RS4 Pro and RS5. Ronin-S, Ronin-SC and Ronin 2 connect in SBUS mode, which only gives pan, tilt and roll; presets, focus motor, ActiveTrack and sleep/wake need CANBUS. For cameras and switchers, see the compatibility page.

Want a smaller unit that mounts directly on the gimbal and has a built-in tally? The APC-R Mini and APC-R Mini Lite share the same firmware and workflow. The APC-R is still the one to pick for Ronin-S, Ronin-SC and Ronin 2.