Instalab 360 Installation and Setup Guide

Video tutorial:

Instalab 360 supports GoPro Black 7-13 cameras, except GoPro Black 9.

GoPro Black 9 is not supported.

We recommend using GoPro Black 10, 11, 12, or 13. Before an event, always make a test recording and check that the program sees the camera, starts recording, and receives the video file.

Yes. A Wi-Fi adapter is required for normal operation.

It gives the computer a second Wi-Fi connection. One Wi-Fi connection is used for the GoPro camera, and the other one is used for internet access.

Usually one external Wi-Fi adapter is enough. The GoPro connects to it, while the laptop built-in Wi-Fi connects to the internet.

It is better to use a Wi-Fi adapter that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. A model with an external antenna is also preferable because it usually gives a stronger and more stable signal to the camera.

Most often, the camera must first be activated through the GoPro Quik app on your phone.

Steps:

1. Turn on the GoPro.
2. Open GoPro Quik on your phone.
3. Connect to the camera.
4. Tap Preview so the camera image appears on the phone.
5. Disconnect from the camera on the phone.
6. On the computer, connect to the GoPro Wi-Fi network.
7. Open Instalab 360 and check the connection.

If the GoPro network does not appear, reset the camera connections, remove the old GoPro Wi-Fi network on the computer, and connect again.

A Wi-Fi connection to the camera does not always mean that the program has received a response from it.

Check:

1. The camera is turned on.
2. The camera is in video mode.
3. The computer is connected specifically to the GoPro Wi-Fi network.
4. The correct camera name is entered in the program settings.
5. The camera was previously connected through GoPro Quik.
6. The camera has not gone into sleep mode.
7. There is free space on the memory card.
8. The camera has enough charge.

If the problem continues, remove the GoPro Wi-Fi network on the computer and connect to it again.

This is normal. GoPro Wi-Fi is used only for communication with the camera. Internet access does not work through this network.

To work with the camera and the internet at the same time, you need a Wi-Fi adapter. The camera connects to the external Wi-Fi adapter, and the laptop built-in Wi-Fi connects to the internet.

You can also use these options for internet access:

1. Internet sharing from a phone.
2. A USB modem.
3. Wired internet.

Check the following in order:

1. Connect the camera through GoPro Quik and tap Preview.
2. Remove the old GoPro Wi-Fi network on the computer.
3. Connect to GoPro Wi-Fi again.
4. Check the camera power cable.
5. Check the Powerbank.
6. Try another USB-C cable.
7. Make sure the camera is not overheating.
8. Disable automatic connection to other Wi-Fi networks on the computer.
9. Try switching the camera Wi-Fi from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz or the other way around.

At venues with many Wi-Fi networks, the camera connection may be less stable.

Yes, the camera can be powered from a Powerbank. For stable operation, use a good Powerbank and a good USB-C cable.

Check:

1. The Powerbank provides enough power.
2. The cable supports stable power delivery.
3. The camera is not overheating.
4. The USB-C connector fits tightly in the camera.
5. The Powerbank does not turn off by itself because of low load.

If the camera says there is not enough power, replace the cable or the Powerbank.

This usually means that the camera received the command to start recording, but the connection between the program and the camera was interrupted afterward.

Check:

1. The Wi-Fi connection to GoPro.
2. Camera power.
3. The USB-C cable.
4. The Powerbank.
5. The camera charge level.
6. Whether the computer switched to another Wi-Fi network.
7. Whether the camera went into sleep mode.

After checking, restart the program and make a test recording.

Recommended basic settings:

1. Video mode.
2. 1080 resolution.
3. 120 fps for slow motion.
4. Hypersmooth stabilization disabled.
5. Enough free space on the memory card.
6. The camera is mounted in the required orientation: horizontal or vertical.

If the camera shows 100 fps instead of 120 fps, check the regional settings. For 120 fps, you usually need to switch the frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Most likely, the camera is recording in the wrong mode.

Check that GoPro is set to video mode, 1080 resolution, and 120 fps. If the camera records at 60 fps or in another mode, slow motion may not work correctly.

This is normal. The camera records at a high frame rate so the program can create smooth slow motion. The final file may be saved at 30 fps.

The start of recording depends on the communication delay between the computer and the camera. Sometimes the command reaches the camera faster, sometimes slower.

What you can do:

1. Start the platform from the same position each time.
2. Increase the delay before recording.
3. Check Wi-Fi connection stability.
4. Make sure the camera does not disconnect during recording.

A small shift in the slow motion moment is normal.

Yes, it is better to disable Hypersmooth stabilization.

When the camera rotates, stabilization can distort the image, shift the frame, or make the video look like it is drifting.

If the video shakes too much without stabilization, check:

1. The camera mount.
2. The platform mechanics.
3. The surface where the platform stands.
4. Whether guests are jumping during recording.
5. The source file in the raw folder.

First, check the source video in the raw folder.

If the shaking is visible in the source file, the program is not the cause. Possible reasons:

1. The platform is standing on an uneven surface.
2. The camera is not fixed firmly.
3. Guests are jumping on the platform.
4. The camera mount or stand has play.
5. The platform has become loose.
6. GoPro stabilization is enabled.

If the source file looks fine and shaking appears only after processing, check the video format, overlays, intro files, and codecs.

Usually these folders are used:

1. Source videos from the camera: the raw folder.
2. Videos for reprocessing: C:/instalab360/input.
3. Final videos: the output folder selected in the program settings.

To quickly find a final video, right-click the preview in the program and open the file location.

Yes.

Put the source file into this folder:

C:/instalab360/input

After that, the program will process the video again.

This is useful if you need to replace the frame, logo, music, intro, or effect.

Check:

1. Whether the source file exists in the raw folder.
2. Whether the file is still on the GoPro memory card.
3. The size of the file in the failed folder.
4. Whether there is free space on the computer disk.
5. Whether there is free space on the memory card.
6. Whether the correct recording format is selected.
7. Whether there is an error in the overlay, music, or intro file.

Do not delete files from the GoPro card until you are sure that all videos have been processed and uploaded successfully.

Possible reasons:

1. Unsupported video format.
2. Error in the music file.
3. Error in the overlay.
4. Error in the intro file.
5. Codecs are not installed.
6. The video is too long.
7. The laptop is too weak.
8. Not enough disk space.
9. Hardware acceleration is not working.

Quick check: temporarily disable music, intro, overlay, and effects, then process one test video.

If previews are not displayed in the program, restart the program as administrator.

If previews are visible but the final video does not open when you click the preview, install K-Lite Codec Pack.

Codecs are needed by Windows to correctly play some video files.

Processing speed depends on:

1. The video length.
2. The number of slow motion segments.
3. The final video quality.
4. Processor power.
5. The graphics card.
6. Hardware acceleration availability.

For fast work, we recommend a laptop with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics card that supports hardware encoding.

It is best to use a laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card and NVENC support.

A good reference point for comfortable work is GTX 1650 or better.

On weak laptops and integrated graphics, the program may work more slowly.

This error usually means that the program did not receive a valid server response during authorization.

What to do:

1. Check the internet connection.
2. Disconnect from GoPro Wi-Fi.
3. Connect the computer to normal internet.
4. Try sharing internet from a phone.
5. Run the program as administrator.
6. Check whether the Instalab 360 website opens in a browser.

If the website does not open, the problem is related to the internet connection or network blocking.

Basic setup principle:

1. Left folder: the folder on the server.
2. Right folder: the folder with final videos on the computer.
3. On the server, select the folder for the correct gallery.
4. On the computer, select the Instalab 360 output folder.
5. Do not select the server root.
6. Do not select the thumbnails folder.
7. Run Analyze.
8. Run Sync.
9. Enable auto sync for automatic upload.

Check:

1. Whether the correct gallery is open.
2. Whether the correct server folder is selected.
3. Whether the correct folder with final videos is selected on the computer.
4. Whether videos are being uploaded to an old gallery.
5. Whether GoodSync synchronization is running.
6. Whether internet access is available.
7. Whether the thumbnails folder was accidentally selected.

If old videos appear in a new gallery, GoodSync is using an old video folder on the computer.

Delete unnecessary galleries through the personal account.

After a gallery is deleted, the files are removed from the server and space is freed.

Do not delete files through GoodSync unless you are sure about the synchronization direction. With incorrect settings, you can accidentally delete needed files.

Most likely, the cloud storage is full.

What to do:

1. Open the personal account.
2. Delete old unnecessary galleries.
3. Wait until the space is freed.
4. Run synchronization again.

The QR code leads to the event gallery where all uploaded videos are displayed.

If you need to send one specific video to a guest, find the file on the computer and send it directly by messenger or email.

To find the file faster, right-click the video preview in the program. The file folder will open.

The gallery may not have a separate download all button.

All final videos are already saved on the computer in the output folder. To send all videos to a client, you can archive that folder and send the archive.

The logo is added through an overlay.

Steps:

1. Create a PNG file with a transparent background.
2. Place the logo where you need it.
3. Prepare the file for the required video format.
4. Select this file in the Instalab 360 settings as the overlay.

Recommended sizes:

1. Horizontal video: 1920x1080.
2. Vertical video: 1080x1920.
3. Square video: a square file matching the selected resolution.

The most common reason is a format mismatch.

Check:

1. The correct format is selected in the program: horizontal, vertical, or square.
2. The overlay is prepared for the same format.
3. The overlay size matches the video size.
4. The PNG file has a transparent background.
5. The file name does not contain extra dots, Cyrillic letters, or special characters.
6. The file is not damaged.

If square format is selected, the frame must also be square.

In the program settings, select the intro file and enable the corresponding checkbox.

If the checkbox is disabled, the intro will not be added to the video.

The intro is added at the beginning of the video. To add an ending screen, use a separate editing template or prepare the video manually.

Part of the intro duration may be used for the transition.

If you need the intro to stay visible longer, make it slightly longer or change the transition duration in the settings.

Effects are added through the Effects folder.

Steps:

1. Copy the needed effects into the Effects folder inside Instalab 360.
2. Open the program.
3. Select the required effect in the settings.
4. Make a test processing run.

To disable an effect, remove the effect checkbox in the settings.

Possible reasons:

1. Unsupported audio format.
2. Damaged file.
3. File name is too long or too complex.
4. The file name contains Cyrillic letters, extra dots, or special characters.

What to do:

1. Rename the file using a simple Latin name.
2. Try another music file.
3. Temporarily disable music and process a test video.
4. If processing works without music, the audio file is the problem.

Steps:

1. Physically rotate the GoPro vertically.
2. Select vertical format in the program.
3. Use a vertical camera mount.
4. Prepare intros, frames, and overlays in vertical format.
5. Make a test recording.

The side to which the camera is rotated can matter. If vertical video is not recorded or appears incorrectly, rotate the camera to the other side and test again.

If the program says the video aspect is incorrect, the camera, program, or graphic materials are configured for different formats.

Check the camera regional settings.

If 50 Hz/PAL is selected, the camera may show 100 fps instead of 120 fps.

For 120 fps, switch the frequency to 60 Hz/NTSC.

GoPro Quik may be unavailable in some App Store regions.

Solution:

1. Create or use an Apple ID with a region where the app is available.
2. Sign in to the App Store with that Apple ID.
3. Download GoPro Quik.
4. After installation, you can return to your main Apple ID.

Instalab 360 automatically detects and controls only platforms made by Instalab.

If you have a platform from another manufacturer, this is normal: the program may not see it. In this case, start and stop the platform with its remote control, and you can ignore the platform connection error in the program.

If you have an Instalab platform, check:

1. Platform power.
2. USB cable.
3. Another USB port.
4. Platform driver.
5. Platform ID in the program settings.
6. Running the program as administrator.
7. Restarting the laptop.

If the Instalab platform appears in Device Manager but is not visible in the program, reinstall the driver and check the platform ID.

Check:

1. Platform power.
2. The USB cable between the platform and laptop.
3. Whether the program sees the platform.
4. Whether the driver is installed.
5. Whether the Spin and Record button is active.
6. Whether the USB-RS485 converter is damaged.

If the problem appeared after a power surge or static discharge, the USB-RS485 converter may need to be replaced.

If you have a platform from another manufacturer, start it with the remote control. The program will not be able to start or stop that platform automatically.

Possible reasons:

1. Camera connection was lost.
2. USB connection to the platform was lost.
3. The program froze.
4. USB cable problem.
5. USB-RS485 converter problem.

During an event, you can turn off platform power. After that, check the camera connection, USB cable, driver, and platform connection.

If you have a platform from another manufacturer, the program does not control its start and stop. Use the platform remote control.

The program will not detect a platform from another manufacturer and will not be able to start or stop it automatically.

Instalab 360 can work with any platform as software for recording, processing, and uploading video. However, automatic start and stop are supported only for platforms made by Instalab.

If you have a platform from another manufacturer, use the remote control:

1. Start recording in Instalab 360.
2. Start the platform with the remote control.
3. Stop the platform with the remote control.
4. Then the program will process the video as usual.

Mini checklist:

1. GoPro turns on and records video.
2. GoPro connects through GoPro Quik.
3. The computer connects to GoPro Wi-Fi through the Wi-Fi adapter.
4. Instalab 360 sees the camera.
5. There is separate internet access for video upload.
6. The Wi-Fi adapter works stably.
7. The Powerbank is charged.
8. The camera USB-C cable is working.
9. There is enough space on the GoPro memory card.
10. There is enough space on the laptop disk.
11. If you use an Instalab platform, the program sees and controls it.
12. If you use another platform, check start and stop from the remote control.
13. GoodSync is configured for the correct gallery.
14. A test video is processed.
15. A test video is uploaded to the site.
16. The QR code opens the correct gallery.

Do not delete files from the GoPro card until the event is finished and all final videos have been checked.

No problem. All videos are saved locally on the computer.

If you cannot upload videos to the site gallery during an event, keep recording. Videos can be uploaded later when stable internet is available.

What to do:

1. Check that final videos appear on the computer.
2. If the internet is unstable, temporarily disable auto sync.
3. Continue recording the event.
4. After the event, connect to stable internet.
5. Upload the final videos to the gallery.
6. Check that the QR code opens the correct gallery.

A temporary internet problem does not stop you from recording. The main thing is that videos are saved on the computer.

Yes, Instalab 360 can work without constant internet access.

However, internet is required when starting the program. If you plan to work at a venue without internet, start the program beforehand in a place where internet is available, and do not turn off the computer until the event is over.

Internet is also needed to upload final videos to the cloud gallery. If there is no stable internet at the venue, it is fine: all videos are saved locally on the computer. You can upload them to the gallery later when normal internet is available.

The important thing is that guests keep the gallery link or QR code. After videos are uploaded to that gallery, they will be able to open the link and download their videos.

By default, each user gets 3 GB of cloud storage.

Before each new event, it is better to delete the old gallery and create a new one. This frees cloud storage space, and new videos will upload without errors.

If a large event needs more space, the cloud storage size can be increased for a small additional fee.

The number of files is not limited.

The only limit is the total cloud storage size. By default, each user has 3 GB.

To delete one video:

1. Open Instalab 360.
2. Move the mouse over the preview of the needed video.
3. A cross will appear in the upper-right corner of the preview.
4. Click the cross.
5. The video will disappear from the program.
6. Then open GoodSync.
7. Run Analyze.
8. Run Sync.

After synchronization, the video will be removed from the cloud gallery.