GoPro Dual Hero System User Manual

: June 14, 2024
: GoPro

GoPro Dual Hero System User Manual

Dual HERO System
CAPTURE SIMULTANEOUS FOOTAGE + CREATE 3D CONTENT.

Camera Compatibility

The Dual HERO System requires two HERO3+ Black Edition cameras with the latest camera software.
To check for available updates and download the latest software, visit gopro.com/update.

What’s Included

DUAL HERO SYSTEM HOUSING
Holds two cameras for simultaneous or synchronized capture. Waterproof to 197’ (60m).

SYNC CABLE
Connects the cameras and synchronizes their shutters.

STANDARD BACKDOOR
Waterproof housing backdoor

SKELETON BACKDOOR
Open sides allow access to ports for live-feed video, data offload and charging. NOT waterproof.

USB CABLE
Enables simultaneous charging of both cameras in the Dual HERO System.

3D ANAGLYPH GLASSES
View your 3D content on a compatible 3D TV or computer.

CURVED + FLAT ADHESIVE MOUNTS
Mount the Dual HERO System to curved and flat surfaces.

3D ANAGLYPH GLASSES
View your 3D content on a compatible 3D TV or computer.

Features

Note: Each camera requires a fully charged battery and Class 10 microSD™ card with sufficient memory for recording. Always use name-brand microSD cards.

Anti-Fog Insert Slots

Assembling the Dual HERO System

STEP 1
Open the housing backdoor

STEP 2
Insert right (primary) camera right side up into housing

STEP 3
Insert left (secondary) camera upside down into housing.

IMPORTANT: To prevent damage to the Sync Cable, please see REMOVING SYNC CABLE FROM CAMERAS section before attempting to unplug.

STEP 4
Hook the Side (R) edge of the Sync Cable into the primary camera’s right side groove.

STEP 5
Push both Sides (R) and (L) into the HERO Ports of each camera.
Make sure the Sync Cable is fully inserted and lays flush against the back of the cameras.

STEP 6
Close the housing.

Note: Upon insertion of the Sync Cable, the primary (right) camera will automatically set itself to UP mode (right side up), and the secondary (left) camera will automatically set itself to UPd mode (upside down). These settings are required for simultaneous capture, and for recording synchronized footage to create 3D content.

Removing Sync Cable from Cameras

To remove the Sync Cable, grasp Side (L) and remove it from the secondary camera’s HERO Port, then grasp Side (R) and remove it from the primary camera’s HERO Port, unhooking from primary camera’s right side groove. Do NOT pull the cable connecting Sides (L) and (R) as this may damage the Sync Cable.

NOTICE: Do not connect or disconnect the cameras from the Sync Cable while the cameras are recording. Doing so may result in damage to the cameras and/or Dual HERO system.

Using the Dual HERO System

TO BEGIN RECORDING

1. Power ON Dual HERO System by pressing [ ]. Both cameras will power ON.
2. Select desired recording mode by pressing [ ] and choosing one of the options to the right.
3. Press [ ] to start recording.

PRO TIP: The camera’s LCD screens and red LED lights may not blink in sync. This is not a problem and has no effect on whether the cameras are properly synced with one another. Should the battery die or microSD card become full on either camera, both cameras will save the files and stop recording.

MINI-USB PORT ON SYNC CABLE

When using the Dual HERO System with the Skeleton Backdoor, the Mini-USB Port on the Sync Cable will be accessible and support the following:

Dual camera charging
Convenient content transfer
Composite video out (cable required, sold separately)

Note: External mic input is not supported.

WI-FI SUPPORT

The built-in Wi-Fi on your GoPro cameras allows your Dual HERO System to connect to the Smart Remote, Wi-Fi Remote or GoPro App. The Wi-Fi will be accessed through the primary camera only. The Wi-Fi on the secondary camera is not needed and will be disabled, so preview of these files will not be available. To download and install the free GoPro App, visit gopro.com /software-app.

Mounting Configurations

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to use dual Quick Release Buckles for mounting the Dual HERO System whenever possible for maximum stability. Using a single center-mounted Quick Release Buckle is only recommended while using the Suction Cup, Chesty, helmet mounts and other body-worn applications where high vibration or impact is less likely. Use of a single center Quick Release Buckle in high-vibration or high-impact scenarios can result in less stable video compared to using two Quick Release Buckles.

Mounting Configurations

MOUNTING GUIDELINES FOR ADHESIVE MOUNTS

Follow these guidelines when attaching adhesive mounts:

Attach the adhesive mounts at least 24 hours prior to use. Allow 72 hours for complete adhesion.
Adhesive mounts must be mounted only on smooth surfaces. Porous or textured surfaces do not enable a proper bond. When applying the mount, firmly press it into place and ensure full contact over the entire surface.
Apply adhesive mounts to clean surfaces only. Wax, oil, dirt or other debris reduce adhesion, which can result in a weak bond and risk of losing the camera should the connection fail.
Attach adhesive mounts in room temperature conditions. Mount adhesives do not bond properly if applied in cold or damp environments to cold or damp surfaces, or if the surface is not
room temperature.

For more information on mounts, visit gopro.com/support.

WARNING: If using your camera with a GoPro helmet mount or strap, always select a helmet that meets the applicable safety standard. Choose the right helmet for your particular sport or activity and make sure that it is the right fit and size for you. Inspect your helmet to ensure that it is in good condition and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions on safe helmet use. Any helmet that has sustained a major impact should be replaced. No helmet can protect against injury in every accident.

MOUNTING WITH CURVED OR FLAT ADHESIVE MOUNTS

Curved Surface Mounting

1. Attach the Extension Arms to the Quick Release Buckles using the Short Thumb Screws.
2. Attach the Extension Arms to the housing using the Long Thumb Screws.
3. Attach the Quick Release Buckles to the Curved Adhesive Mounts.
4. Remote the adhesive backing, align on mounting surface and press firmly for 10 seconds.

Flat Surface Mounting

1. Attach the Quick Release Buckles to the housing using the Long Thumb Screws.
2. Attach the Quick Release Buckles to the Flat Adhesive Mounts.
3. Remote the adhesive backing, align on mounting surface and press firmly for 10 seconds.

PRO TIP: When removing the Quick Release Buckles from the adhesive mounts, push out both Quick Release Buckles evenly to avoid jamming the buckles.

MOUNTING TO HELMET FRONT MOUNT AND CHESTY (CHEST HARNESS)

Helmet Front Mount*

Attach the Helmet Front Mount to the center fingers with the Center Mount Adapter and Long Thumb Screw.
*Sold separately.

**Chesty (Chest Harness)***

Attach the Vertical Quick Release Buckle (and Extension Arms, if necessary, for proper angle adjustment) to the center fingers on the housing using the Center Mount Adapter and Long Thumb Screw.

3D Content Creation

REQUIRES FREE GOPRO STUDIO EDITING SOFTWARE
Using the Sync Cable, the Dual HERO System allows you to record synchronized videos and photos. The Sync Cable enables the cameras to record video and photos much like your eyes see the world—with right and left lenses. While recording in sync, each camera saves the synchronized 2D videos or photos to its individual microSD card. In order to convert the 2D files it a 3D video or photo, you will need GoPro Studio video editing software, available via free download at: gopro.com/software-app.

GoPro Studio makes creating 3D videos and photos easy. Simply import the video or photo files you want to convert to 3D, click a button and the software automatically converts your synchronized 2D files into a single, viewable 3D file. Using the red/blue (anaglyph) glasses included with the Dual HERO System, you can view your 3D videos and photos on your compatible 3D TV or computer.

3D Video Recording Tips

WHEN CAPTURING FOOTAGE TO CONVERT TO 3D, FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES FOR THE BEST RESULTS:

Maintain a distance of at least 3’ (1m) between the camera and subject. Otherwise, it may be difficult to properly merge the files, and could cause eye-strain during playback.
Clean the camera and housing lenses prior to use. Differences in images caused by dust particles or water droplets on the individual lenses may cause eye-strain during playback.

PRO TIP: To prevent fogging when using the Waterproof Backdoor, use GoPro’s Anti-Fog Inserts inside your Dual HERO System by inserting them into the three slots located directly below the secondary camera.

Transferring Video and Photos to your Computer for 3D

There are two ways to transfer files to your computer:

1. Remove both cameras and use the USB Cable included with your camera to plug each camera in one at a time to your computer.
2. Plug the USB Cable into the Mini-USB Port on the Sync Cable and turn ON the Dual HERO System to transfer files simultaneously.

Choose one of the methods above and either press [ ] on the individual cameras, or press [ ] on your Dual HERO System. You will see “Removable Disk” for PC and “NO NAME” for Mac on your computer.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to right-click the device icon and hit “Eject” before unplugging your cameras or the connected USB Cable from your computer. Failing to eject the device may corrupt files or cause other data damage.

ONCE YOUR COMPUTER RECOGNIZES THE CAMERA(S)

1. Double-click the device icon.
2. Double-click the “DCIM” folder icon.
3. Image files captured with the right camera will be stored in a folder named 100G3D_R. Files created during synced recording will start with 3D_R0001.
4. Image files captured with the left camera will be stored in a folder named 100G3D_L. Files created during synced recording will start with 3D_L0001.

Important Safety + Handling Information

WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury or damage to the Dual HERO System or other property.

HANDLING

The Dual HERO System contains sensitive components. Do not drop, disassemble, open, crush, bend, deform, puncture, shred, microwave, incinerate, paint or insert foreign objects into the cameras or Sync Cable. Do not use the Dual HERO System if it has been damaged.

WET ENVIRONMENTS
Do not use the Sync Cable in wet environments when the cameras are not enclosed in the Dual HERO System housing. Do not spill any food or liquid on the Sync Cable. If the Sync Cable gets wet, unplug it from the cameras and allow it to dry thoroughly before using again. Do not attempt to dry the Sync Cable with an external heat source such as a hair dryer. Damage to the Sync Cable caused by contact with liquid is not covered under warranty.

USING CONNECTORS AND PORTS
Never force a connector on your Sync Cable or USB Cable into the HERO Ports of the cameras. If you’re having difficulties inserting the cable, check the HERO Ports for obstructions or debris. Make sure the Side and sync with the primary and secondary cameras respectively.

Learn more about GoPro products at gopro.com