Freefly Mōvi Firmware 2.3 “Power Surge” Released

Software Update

by Jose PradaDecember 19^th, 2023

Freefly has released an update for their Mōvi models (Pro, Carbon, and XL) with new features like motor power boost, better camera control, and some bug fixes. The Freefly Mōvi firmware 2.3 update is so targeted at improving power management that Freefly has called it ‘Power Surge’. 

Freefly Systems, the company specializing in gimbals, drones, and specialty cameras like the high-speed Ember, is constantly improving its products by launching new firmware updates that add new features and give new value to its products. For free. Wouldn’t it be lovely for us if other companies followed this trend?

Enhanced power and functionality

This Power Surge update gives the Mōvi Pro and Carbon a motor power boost, enhancing camera control in their three Mōvi models. One of the main issues when using systems like the Mōvi during a shoot is waiting between takes while the motors cool down, especially after complicated shots.

The Power Surge update introduces Maniac Mode 2.0, increasing time at peak torque on the three motors, with better recovery time between shots. This improvement is beneficial when executing tricky shots like whip pannings or high-speed situations with a heavy configuration. To make that possible, Freefly has improved the motor temperature estimator, sustaining maximum torque and reducing recovery time between shots. You have to enable Maniac Mode on the app to use it.

Of course, protecting the motors is still the most critical factor, and the new update achieves this by lowering the current as needed. Although cool-down times are still there for physical reasons, Maniac Mode 2.0 reduces them compared to the previous versions. Freefly recommends using batteries that support the current draw on Maniac 2.0, like SL4s or TB50s. 

The Mōvi Carbon increases peak torque by 20% with Power Surge and increases the time at peak torque. This feature is always active with the new update. Freefly gives some best-use recommendations, like preventing the Mōvi from resting against a hard stop. However, if a motor has been stalling for more than 30 seconds, the app gives a temperature warning.  

Enhanced camera controls in the three Mōvi models

Power Surge gives us on-screen control through the Mōvi controller when using Freefly Ember cameras and Panasonic (BGH1 and BS1H) with the Entire Air Commander. These Panasonic cameras will also benefit from a tuning update for improved performance. You must reset your Mōvi Carbon to default settings after updating to use it. 

Finally, Freefly has fixed a bug and now Mōvi restarts where we left it if we lose connection. Besides that, the upcoming Ember Carbon will support ND filter control via the Kippertie Revolva mount.

Price and availability 

To download the Power Surge firmware update, you must install the Mōvi app on your phone (Android or iOS). Then, you need to update to the latest firmware. Your Mōvi Controller also needs to be updated to v4.4.3. You can download it here for Windows and Mac.

What do you think about Power Surge? Will it benefit Mōvi users for an improved experience? Let us know in the comments!