Below are the instructions to set up your Arsenal 2. They are fairly intuitive, especially if you set up Arsenal 1, but please note there are camera-specific settings required to use Arsenal 2. If you're having trouble using Arsenal 2, it may be because of these settings. Please check them here and, if you're still having issues, please reach out to our support team.
Table of Contents
1. Set Up Video
*Please note, the charger wall plug is not included.
2. What You’ll Need
These instructions are for supported Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Fuji camera users with an Android running OS 8 or newer. If you use an iPhone, please see the iPhone Set Up Article.
3. What's Included
1 Arsenal 2 or Arsenal 2 Pro hardware device
1 USB cable for connecting your camera
1 USB charging cable
The camera cable you received matches the camera model you specified on your order or pledge manager. You can order additional cables through our website.
4. Check This Setting On Your Phone
We recommend that you turn off the Smart Network Switch/Adaptive WiFi on your phone. This setting allows the phone to automatically switch from WiFi to a cellular network in an attempt to maintain a stable connection to the internet. This can cause the WiFi connection to the Arsenal 2 to be dropped. To turn this off, check your phone's advanced WiFi settings. Locations and names can vary between brands and providers but you'll find a setting with a name that is similar to the following:
Switch to Mobile Data
Auto Network Switch
Automatically Switch Network
WiFi+
Adaptive WiFi
Smart Network Switch
5. Download The App To Your Android Phone
Search for "Arsenal 2" in the Play Store or use this link.
6. Connect Your Phone To Arsenal 2
Now you’ll connect Arsenal 2 with the app on your phone so it can control your camera and send updates to your device.
6.1 Turn on your Arsenal 2. This is done by briefly tapping the power button. You’ll see the blue LEDs animate on the back of the device and then go dark once it has fully booted. The blue power LED on top should still be illuminated. If it's not, you'll want to charge your Arsenal 2.
6.2 Open the Arsenal 2 app on your phone and click the "Continue" button
* We use Bluetooth to identify nearby Arsenal 2 units and the cameras to which they are attached. You won’t actually be connecting over Bluetooth. We connect via WiFi as it offers better speed, bandwidth, and stability.
6.3 If this is your first time connecting, the app will ask you to "Allow Arsenal 2 to access this device's location" Select "Allow only while using app".
If you have trouble linking your phone to Arsenal 2, see App and Phone Troubleshooting.
7. Update Your Arsenal 2
If your app has updated, you'll need to push new firmware to the device. It should automatically start the update, or you can click "Download".
After the transfer is completed, the blue LED bar will turn on and Arsenal 2 will begin installing the firmware updates.
If you do not have auto-updates turned on, on your phone you can always download the latest version from the Play Store.
8. Camera Specific Settings
Please click on your camera brand to check for settings specific to your camera.
9. Attach Arsenal 2 To Your Camera
9.1 Hold the device so that the Arsenal 2 lettering is on top and the blue LED bar is facing the back of your camera.
9.2 Line up Arsenal 2's “foot” behind your camera’s hot shoe (the metal slot on top of the camera). Slide Arsenal 2 into the hot shoe.
9.3 Use the included curly USB cable to connect Arsenal 2 with your camera. Plug the rectangular end of the cable into the port on the side of Arsenal 2. For Arsenal 2 Standard, be sure to orient the teeth of the micro USB cable facing downwards as pictured below. For Arsenal 2 Pro, the USB C cable works with either orientation.
9.4 Plug the other end of the cable into the USB port on your camera.
The USB cable you received matches the camera you selected when placing your order or completing your pledge manager. If the curly USB cable doesn’t fit your camera, please contact our support team.
If you have trouble with your camera cable, please see camera cable troubleshooting.
If your camera is configured and your Arsenal 2 is updated, you can open the app and click Connect. Now you're ready to start shooting with Arsenal 2!
Want to learn more? Check out some of our other support articles!
Troubleshooting Tip
If your firmware update is stalling shortly after beginning, please check to make sure you're not running a VPN on your phone. We have found that some VPNs interfere with your phone staying connected to the Arsenal 2 WiFi. Certain brands will require you to disable the "connect on demand" option. Please contact support if you need assistance.