Lockit Timecode Master Lockit - Ambientambient.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ACN-ML_V4.10_enu...LTC-OUT 46 LTC-OUT/ Epic 47 TC-I/O 47 LTC-OUT35/35F 47 15. Warranty 48 16. Approvals

experience quality.

Lockit Timecode Master Lockit

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10

ACN-ML experience quality.

Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 1

Table of contents page

1. Introduction 4

2. Package Contents 4

3. Safety Instructions 5

4. Powering 6

5. Unit Description 7

6. Connections 8

7. Quick Start Guide 9

8. Web Interface 11

Title Bar 11

Help 11

Firmware Update 12

WiFi Settings 13

System Reset 13

About 13

Reboot 13

Shutdown 13

Tabs of the Web interface 14

Timecode 14

ACN Radar 15

Connected Devices 16

Metadata Live View 18

Metadata Export 19

Remote Control 20

Meters 21

Tracks 21

Current and Upcoming Clip 22

History 22

Creating a Sound Report from the Master Lockit’s web interface 25

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10

©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH 2

9. Menu Description 27

Main Menu 29

Mode Menu 29

TC Menu 31

FPS 31

Jam 31

Output 32

Level 32

Mute 32

Offset 32

UB 32

Jam 33

Edit 33

Sync Menu 34

Video 34

Audio 34

PPF 34

Slate Menu 35

Display 35

LEDs 35

Sensor 35

ACN Menu 36

C-Jam Sync Modes 36

Ant 37

SYS Menu 38

Menu 38

Config 38

Display 39

Ant 39

USB / LemoACN 39

Bat 40

IR 40

Reset 40

Info 40


Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 3

10. LED Blink Codes 40

11. Application Notes 42

12. Physical Specifications 44

13. ACN Radio 44

14. Timecode, Metadata, and Power Supply Cables 45

ACN-RCP 45

MLC-CL 45

MLC-HID 45

MLC-L1B10 45

MLC-L1B10P 46

AK-HS4 46

AK-HS4-LOB2 46

AK-HS4-PC2M 46

LTC-OUT 46

LTC-OUT/ Epic 47

TC-I/O 47

LTC-OUT35/35F 47

15. Warranty 48

16. Approvals 48

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


1. Introduction

The ACN-ML Master Lockit combines the state of the art, high-accuracy Lockit timecode technology by

Ambient with advanced metadata administration and sharing over the Lockit Network.

It implements a dual-system design through a full-featured ACN Lockit circuitry with adapted software

for no-compromise, fail-safe timecode integrity and a powerful multi-core CPU platform for

unsurpassed mobile metadata processing. Providing local and set-spanning, line-level accurate

timecode and metadata over ACN plus WiFi routing for Lockit Network apps and certified devices it can

work both autonomously as hub or satellite in your timecode and metadata network.

An integrated backup cell with automatic charge-when-supplied will keep both systems alive for even

lengthy set reconstructions or breaks and secure a coordinate shutdown on power drain.

2. Package Contents

• ACN-ML Master Lockit

• ACN Antenna (attached to ACN-ML)

• USB WiFi Stick (attached to ACN-ML)

• Manual


Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 5

3. Safety Instructions

For your own safety and trouble-free use of your ACN-ML Master Lockit, please carefully read through

the instructions below. Always keep a copy of these instructions and hand them out with the unit to

other users.

This unit is exclusively intended for indoor use. Keep it safe and away from water, rain and humidity

and dry under all circumstances even when powered off. Clean gently with a slightly moistened cloth

and never let water, detergents or liquids of any kind get into the unit as this will imply the risk of short

circuits and electrical hazard.

Keep distant from sources of heat and never expose to direct sunlight. Admissible ambience

temperature is from +5° to +50° Celsius.

Do not throw or expose to mechanical impact and keep it safe from hard vibrations.

Only use genuine accessories such as cables antennae etc. which have been included with the unit or

supplied by an authorized dealer. Always observe integrity and the pertinent compatibility with all units

connected to.

Powering from external sources is exclusively limited to the use of LPS sources in compliance to part

2.5 of EN 60950-1 with correct polarity, voltage range, and current rating. Disregarding recommended

power requirements may damage the product or even risk explosion of the internal backup cell.

Do not perform software updates in situations in which the integrity of mains supply cannot be granted

such as thunderstorms and remove connections from and to all devices directly or in directly

connected to mains.

When using the wireless connection, place it centrally and keep it distant from sources of possible

interference such as microwaves or electrical devices with large metal surfaces.

Only use the original external antenna directly and firmly attached to the socket. Extension or use of

3rd party accessories is not permissible.

Only use the included WiFi dongle that was carefully evaluated for best performance, and leave it

connected all the time. (Re-) attaching the WiFi dongle during operation will require a system restart.

Never open the unit. Inappropriate and unauthorized access will void the warranty and imply possible

risk of harm to the user.

When disposing the unit, follow the legal requirements for recycling electronic equipment.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


4. Powering

The ACN-ML can be powered by 6 to 24 Volts DC via either indicated Hirose 4-pin connectors, pin 1

carrying GND pin 4 positive voltage. The connectors are configured loop-through. Only apply power

through one socket.

Upon applying external power the internal battery will automatically be charged. The power source

must be capable of supplying 1.5A for charging the internal battery.

While in operation, the active power source is indicated in the upper right corner of the display, EXT

means external power is applied with appropriate voltage and current, whereas INT indicates that the

unit is running on its integrated backup cell.

Typical values in operation with backup cell charged/in charging:

~ 500mA/850mA @ 6V DC

~ 250mA/400mA @ 12V DC

~ 150mA/200mA @ 24V DC

The Master Lockit must only be powered from either of its 4-pin Hirose sockets. The operating voltage

range is 6-24V DC regulated, with pin 1 being GND and pin 4 carrying V+ per the industry standard.

Note: The two power sockets are wired in parallel for loop through of voltage. It is mandatory

that only one socket must carry supply voltage at any given time!

With power applied, red LED over the display will slowly blink to indicate charging of the integrated

backup cell. Fully charged, red and green LED will be lit permanently. The battery will keep the unit

powered for a couple of hours, depending on the processing load of the unit.


Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 7

5. Unit Description

⑬ ⑭

① WiFi adapter, attached to USB A port

② USB A port, not in use

③ DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)

④ Ethernet port for metadata transfer, RJ45

⑤ OLED display (see page 14 ff)

⑥ IR transceiver, communication port for ACC501 controller

⑦ 3-function configuration switch (3-function:↓ pushing in, ↔ toggle left/right)

⑧ Status LEDs (see page 26)

⑨ ACN antenna, SMA type, attached to unit (do not remove)

⑩ Lemo / ACN socket (see page 27)

⑪ Lemo / TC socket (see page 27)

⑫ DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)

⑬ Reset button (see page 13)

⑭ 3/8” thread mount

① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


6. Connections

Lemo connectors are series 0B 5-pin (matching connector FGG/JGG.0B.305.CLADxx)

External Power on ACN-ML is only available through 4 pin HRS, do not connect Lemo cables with power

supply to the ACN-ML.

⑩ “ACN”: “Blue” socket, connect blue coded cables here.

Timecode and metadata port.

pin 1: GND

pin 2: LTC IN

pin 3: RS232 TX

pin 4: RS232 RX

pin 5: LTC OUT / 3.3 Volts DC OUT

⑪ “TC” Timecode, ext. DC and tune port

pin 1: GND

pin 2: LTC IN

pin 3: ASCII IN / OUT

pin 4: Tune reference out

pin 5: LTC OUT

③ & ⑫ “DC In” 4 pin HRS size 7. ONLY supply power through either socket, use 2nd

outlet

exclusively for power tap.

Pin 1: GND

Pin 2: NC

Pin 3

Pin 4: + 6-24V DC

① & ② “ “ USB A ports, 1 populated with WiFi Stick, 2nd

for future purposes

” Ethernet port, RJ45, metadata interface to ARRI ALEXA ④ “

⑨ “ANT” SMA type F, leave supplied antenna attached, only substitute with original

replacements ANT-2.4-SMA-M(90)


Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 9

7. Quick Start Guide

Prepare for a new project

1. Supply adequate power source. The red LED should blink slowly in a 2 seconds interval. This

indicates charging of the internal backup battery is in progress. If battery is filly charged red and

green LED will come on solid.

2. Switch on the Master Lockit by pressing down the 3-function wheel and holding it until the

OLED display comes on.

3. Wait until the square indicator on the left bottom of the display has become solid blue to

indicate the metadata server has completed booting. Use a smartphone, tablet or computer to

log in to the Master Lockit’s WiFi. The password for log in will be the same as the WiFi name.

The default setting will be displayed in the format ml-rssss (where “r” indicates the hardware

revision and “s” consists of the last 4 digits of the unit’s serial number). This can be changed by

the user.

4. Open a browser and enter http://masterlockit.local respectively http://10.0.0.1. or open the

Master Lockit Web Interface in TonMeister or LockitSCRIPT App.

5. If desired Rename WiFi through the System drop down menu on the right for better

identification. Especially for multi-camera shoots, it is highly recommended to rename the

Master Lockit’s WiFi name to clearly identify its position and determine whether or not the unit

is set to hub mode. You do that in the “WiFi Settings” within

the “Settings” Menu, or by just hitting the WiFi symbol in the header. After hitting reconfigure,

the Master Lockit will reset its WiFi so you will need to log in again with new credentials.

Note: This name must be at least 8 digits long. Names like “soundcart_HUB”, “camera-1”, or

simply ascending numbers can later greatly help to better identify the individual units. This

works well with the option to assign unit names in the ACN radar page of the hub.

As indicated renaming the Wifi requires a reboot which can also be done through the system

drop down menu.

6. Continue with the next Master Lockit – one after another. After that enable Hub Mode on ONE

– and ONLY ONE – of your Master Lockits by switching it to “Hub” on the upper right corner of

the headline. Now the interface will turn from blue to orange.

WARNING: Only one Master Lockit is allowed to be set to hub mode for proper metadata

networking. Also, only one unit must be sending out a C-Jam broadcast. Although not

mandatory, it’s still advised this to be the hub. Make sure that all the others are in “satellite”

mode (blue interface).

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


7. Select the Timecode tab on your Hub. Check the Frame Rate (FPS), Set Timecode manually or

to Time of Day and then enable Master to send out C-Jam broadcasts. All other Lockit devices

on the same channel will jam to the hub’s TC value and framerate. This channel is set to 18 by

default in C-Jam mode, If you change it on the C-Jam master you must also adjust your slaves

accordingly.

8. ACN enabled Lockit devices in range will now appear in the ACN Radar to the right.

Congratulations, you have successfully configured your Lockit Network! All you need to do now

is switch on the units every morning, set TC on your hub, enable C-Jam Master, and look at the

battery status of the remote units within the web interface every so often to know when

replacement is required.


Rev. 4.10

www.ambient.de/en 11

8. Web Interface

The interface of the Master Lockit can be accessed through any WiFi equipped device using a common

browser. Log in to your Master Lockit’s WiFi. The required password always reflects the SSID. Default

SSID follows pattern ml-rssss where “r” indicates the hardware revision and “s” consists of the last 4

digits of the unit’s serial number. This can be changed by the user, a custom SSID must be at least 8

characters.

Title Bar

Color depend on the Master Lockit’s configuration as Satellite or Hub. This also determines available

features on the tab section. While Satellite is basically limited to configuring the nature and access of a

physical connected devices including metadata and remote control functions, a hub is the global

metadata and timecode master. Therefore it is very important only one Master Lockit is configured as

hub, which can be selected upper right. Toggling the mode takes 20 seconds indicated by a countdown

timer.

Left you see the generator’s timecode. In Satellite the generator must be externally jammed manually

or via ACN from a Hub or C-Jam master. Hub lets you edit the TC via the Timecode tab.

Below you can quickly identify the unit you are logged in by its SSID. You can change that in the

System drop down menu to the right.

Help

Clicking here will open this very file ;)

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


System

Gives you access to a drop down menu for maintenance.

Firmware Update

Important: Always make sure your unit is powered from a reliable external source. A brownout

may render your Master Lockit a service case.


Rev. 4.10


Select File (disregard the German babble in the screen) opens your local file browser or drag ‘n’ drop a

file through open explorer/finder. Navigate the update file, then click Upload & Restart. A 5 minute

countdown will initialize after successful upload after which you need to log back in to the WiFi. If the

page doesn’t refresh automatically, hit the reload button on your browser. If the firmware update

involves an update to the Lockit firmware (which will be the case mostly) the unit will automatically

power down after a while. Press and hold the config wheel until the LEDs rapidly flash alternating, then

release and let the Master Lockit boot through.

WiFi Settings

As mentioned you can change the name under which the Master Lockit will be shown when searching

for wireless networks on your accessing device. As per indication the SSID must be at least 8 characters

long due to the WPA protection in use. To apply changes a Reboot of the server is required. You can

trigger this from further below in the System menu and do not need to a full shutdown/boot process.

Note: The password always coincides with the SSID. Make sure you use a name that identifies the unit

uniquely without making you typing in cryptic essays in the morning.

System Reset

This will purge the database, reset the metadata server and restart in Satellite mode. This can be

indicated when the unit needs to be attached to a different camera or was in use before on a different

set. We recommend to do a reset at the start of a project especially when using the metadata network.

Note: This will also reset your WiFi to the default SSID

About

See detailed information of your system environment such as code revisions and the unit’s serial

number. Debug logging below is for diagnostic purposes only, leave disabled unless advised.

Reboot

You can restart the server section of the Master Lockit here. This may become necessary to aplly

changes made to the WiFi SSID otherwise it is a maintanence feature, very much like

Shutdown

Which will disengage the server platform.

Note: this will not power down the unit as such. The timecode section will still be alive and running. To

restart you will need to trigger a complete power off and then restart which both is achieved by to

depressing the navigation wheel on the device itself.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Tabs of the Web interface

Most tabs and or underlying functions rely on the unit being in Hub mode. Satellites purely serve as

metadata collectors/ transceivers and remotely jammed TC slaves. Hence options are restricted to

those features.

Timecode

This tab gives access to timecode relevant settings which, most of all, includes jamming the unit’s TC

generator manually or by the system clock of the device through which you are accessing the interface.

A successful jam will be indicated by a pulsing of the running TC in the upper left corner.

Now you can enable “Master” to send out C-Jam broadcasts and automatically sync up the set.

Note: Enabling “Master” mandatory requires the generator to be set, which is indicated by a

green flashing LED on the unit itself. This will help to erratically re-jam remote units after an

active C-Jam Master has accidentally run out of power and/or restarted. The unit will then start

in Slave mode. You can simply re-jam the generator by jamming it from any other device either

by cable or single “Jam” (see ACN MENU) and re-activate the C-Jam broadcast on that unit. Never

enable “Master” with units in active record.

Clicking on the pencil beside the userbits allows you to manually edit or automatically insert the date of

the accessing device into the first 3 slots while the last slot can be used to easily tick takes up.


Rev. 4.10


ACN Radar

Lockit devices in C-Jam mode on the same ACN channel in range will appear on this screen.

A green header indicates there is an active connection through ACN while a grey header indicates a unit

is offline.

Note: The hub will list all Lockits ever logged in. Remove any units that are not or no longer in

your active setup by clicking on the trash can.

Timecode frame rate must be consistent on all units on a set. Full Jam will automatically take care of

this on initial jam with the only exception being Lockits with enabled video sync. Still, you can easily

check these units and make changes accordingly. You may also rename the Lockits for clear

identification to ease battery monitoring.

If present units do not show up as expected, check “Master” is active and the ACN channel is identical

on hub and all other units.

Note: Setting the ACN channel on the web interface only affects the channel or this device.

Remote devices must be configured locally by hand.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Connected Devices

The Master Lockit can be configured to connect to a supported camera or recorder with metadata

interface. Select your device type from the drop down list and configure it. As of 4.10 the Master Lockit

supports ARRI Alexa via Ethernet, RED DSMCs via RCP, Sound Devices 788T via C-Link and Sound

Devices 6series via USB. Special cables are required for each unit and physical connection must be

established before the unit will show up active.

Note: The required last 4 digits of the serial number for ARRI ALEXA can be found on top of the

camera as well as within the system menu.

You may also rename the connected unit for better identification.

Note: This name does not synchronize with the manually designated names in the ACN Radar

tab. It is advised to use identical names here.

Beside local devices the “Connected Devices” tab of the hub also will list active metadata

communication channels from units attached to other Lockit devices on the ACN. LockitSCRIPT apps

logged into the hub’s WiFi will also be displayed.

When connected to a Sound Devices 788T or 6series audio recorder you can select a dedicated

“Remote Control” subpage which will offer extensive access for remote rec roll, take history metadata

editing, and sound report export.







Note: The required last 4 digits of the serial number for ARRI ALEXA can be found on top of the

camera as well as within the system menu.

You may also rename the connected unit for better identification.

Note: This name does not synchronize with the manually designated names in the ACN Radar

tab. It is advised to use identical names here.





Rev. 4.10











See “Remote Control” chapter below for details.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Metadata Live View

This tab will show the clips as they get generated and collected to the active units in the network.

Comprehensive metadata information of can immediately be accessed by clicking on the according

area of each clip.


Rev. 4.10


Metadata Export

Here is where you manage the collected clip metadata from all devices in the Lockit Network. The

Master Lockit in hub mode will display all transmitted clip metadata from all data collecting Lockit

devices.

Note: When in “Satellite” mode, the Master Lockit only stores clip metadata from the device it is

physically connected to while simultaneously transmitting it to the “Hub” Master Lockit. To get an

overview of all the clips on set check the hub’s web interface.

The clip contains technical metadata – the amount and specific content is determined by the camera or

recorder type. When the LockitSCRIPT app is connected to the Master Lockit, this technical metadata is

supplemented by the content metadata of this script supervising app.

You are able to filter clips by device, TC or shooting day. Monitor them or export the information in one

of the provided export formats. Sound mixers can also create a dedicated sound report from here.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Remote Control

This special subpage is especially catered to the requirements of a sound mixer, usually the person in

charge of sync and timecode supervision. When working with a supported recorder, this dedicated

interface gives remote control over record start/stop, track management and essential reporting needs

such as preliminary and retrospective scene/slate/take editing, circling or wasting a clip as well as

applying notes. At the same time, critical functions are available through the Timecode and ACN Radar

tabs, so it’s easy to focus on recording audio without losing track of battery status and proper

connection of all Lockit devices on the set. The last tab “Master Lockit Menu” takes you back to the

“Connected Devices” of the main interface.

Note: Options strictly depend on available features of the connected unit and may change with

firmware updates through the recorder’s manufacturer.


Rev. 4.10


Meters

Click on expand to display the track metering on 788T.

Tracks

Arm/disarm and rename tracks for upcoming take on 788T and 6series. When starting a recording the

tracks will become locked and show the order of tracks in the resulting file. E.g. if you disable track 5

track 6 will become 5th

in line.

Note: Sound Devices’ 6series recorders mandatory requires firmware 3.10 for full remote control.

Please visit the appropriate product page and update your recorder.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Current and Upcoming Clip

You can edit metadata for the last recorded (“current”) and next (“upcoming”) take. If you edit the scene

of current, the upcoming information will automatically adapt. Also take count will automatically

increment unless you change the scene for upcoming.

History

During the Master Lockit is connected to recorder all takes created with will be logged and added to the

takes available for sound report. This “History” can be expanded below “Upcoming Clip”

Clicking on any file in the history will open the editing dialogue for this take. You can edit scene, take

and track names, circle it, and add notes.


Rev. 4.10


On connecting, the last 18 takes will be loaded into the history If you need to add more takes that had

been recorded before connection was established these can be imported by picking the desired

number of clips via the “Import more clip metadata…”

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Note: These files will be transferred straight into the “Metadata Export” section and not available for

metadata editing. Selecting a large number of files may lead to sluggish response of the connection

and recorder. Always use with care and enough time for all data to be processed.

At the end of shooting day you can move straight in to the export section through the “Export Sound

Report” link, this will take you out of the Remote Control micro site directly to the Metadata Export tab

of the main interface screen.

Note: If you (un)intentionally have left the Remote Control you will find your way back through

Connected Devices -> Remote Control


Rev. 4.10


Creating a Sound Report from the Master Lockit’s web interface

This will be processed through the “Metadata Export” tab of the main screen. Select your recorder

and narrow in by adding criteria such as shooting day, TC range etc. The selection of files being

exported dynamically adjusts below. When ready hit “Sound Report (Excel)”. The report front page wil

open for filing or edit if you have created one before.

For exporting the final report click “Generate Sound Report” to the lower right which will initialize a

file creation process indicated by a progress bar.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


The resulting .xlsx file will directly downloaded to your accessing device for immediate inspection,

correction, forwarding, or print out.


Rev. 4.10


9. Menu Description

The graphical interface of the Lockit Menu combines ease of use with maximum flexibility for

experienced users and mostly consistent through all devices. Consecutive, interactive menus ease fail

safe configuration, guiding the user step by step through initial configuration.

Each menu pane with submenus features a “Home” symbol which will be preselected, allowing the user

to quickly move up one level when pressing the wheel erratically or just checking the settings.

Complexity of adjustments is defined by a 2 step menu depth which can be set from the System setting

Menu. Additionally you can “Lock” the graphical interface here after setup has been completed. To

unlock, follow the prompt and hold the configuration wheel left for 3 sec until an according message

appears.

Note: Due to the power logic on ACN-TL, ACN-LS, and ACN-ML, this message will also pop up

when shutting down these units with the required long press to the configuration wheel. It is

however not necessary to unlock the menu to power down. Just keep the button pressed for 3

seconds and the unit will shut down as desired.

“Standard” view will show the settings that have proven practical for the majority of productions, so we

highly recommend leaving it sitting here unless you run in apparent limitations to your required

configuration. In the above example of ACL204, when selecting a video sync format the only applicable

TC frame rate will be preselected on the step-by-step configuration and only thing required is to

confirm. When starting with TC frame rate and then moving to Sync and choose Video the first

matching project rate will be suggested for each video format. However, as video is on a higher priority,

changes applied here will result in TC FPS being accordingly adjusted and the new frame rate will be

showed for confirmation.

Note: “Standard” will not allow for TC/video cross rates, each video format will only have 1

matching TC rate which will be preselected. Only exception are NTSC area rates 29.97 and 59.94

which will give you the option between 29.97 (non drop) and 29.97DF (drop frame).

Important: When using 29DF make sure the whole set does. NEVER run a setup with units mixed

on non drop and drop! 29DF will neither sync with 29.97, 30, or any other non drop rate.

“Extended” will grant access to the complete options and allow for the most complex configurations to

suffice even the most avid TC and Sync Supervisor.

E.g. this mode will unlock video and TC being “crossed”, so you can pick 24 fps TC along with video rates

of 25, 50, or 60 fps. However, you still cannot pick invalid settings such as PAL area TC rates along with

NTSC area video formats (23.98, 29.97, 47.95, 59.94) and vice versa. It will also unlock sync output for

3D rigs, more uncommon video and TC rates of 30 and 60 fps, PAL and NTSC SD sync. Additional

options include Audio and PPF sync options, and applying an Offset to the TC output for compensation

of frame processing delay. Clearly, these are options not required for most applications and there will

be hardly reason to unleash this level. “Extended” will disclose additional settings. Values available only

on this level will be marked (E) accordingly in the following description.

Note: Settings are persistent through a level change which allows you to start off with guided

default depth and tweak in “Extended” if required.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


The Lockit Slate menu has been enhanced with a guided Display menu which replaces the rigid presets

of the information displayed on clap on firmware 3.xx. With 4.xx, you can consecutively assign 0-20

seconds to Userbits, Clapped Timecode and the generator’s Running TC to be displayed for after the

late had been hit. Default will be set to ”UB:0s CT:10s TC:0s” which displays the clapped timecode value

and then blanks the LED display which exactly corresponds to the former default “Claptime” setting.

The menu description below will use these conventions:

Underlined: marks a (sub) menu, pressing the navigation wheel will open the next lower level, which

may contain submenus or parameters.

“Quoted Italic”: marks a parameter setting. This is the lowest level of a menu. Depending on the

available options these will be listed visible or can be scrolled (separated by “/” in the explanation

below). Active values will be highlighted. To change use the navigation wheel to select and press to

apply, to keep current settings just press. Both will automatically jump up one menu level with “Home”

selected. So, intentionally or accidentally, you will always quickly find your way back home.

Bold: marks the factory default setting of a parameter, the unit will load these values on performing a

Sys/Reset.

(E): Only available when “Extended” is selected in Sys/Menu.

Some menus, parameters, or settings will also be exclusive to different devices and marked accordingly

(1) ACL204 Lockit, (2) ACN-TL Tiny Lockit, (3) ACN-LS Lockit Slate, (4) ACN-ML MasterLockit


Rev. 4.10


Main Menu

↑ Mode TC Sync (1, E 2) / Slate (3) ACN Sys

Sync menu only available on ACL204 Lockit and ACN-TL Tiny Lockit (“Extended”), Slate Menu only on

ACN-LS Lockit Slate

To open the Main Menu press the 3-directional configuration wheel in home screen, navigate by

toggling left/right. Menus are rotational, so you can go from the first to the last setting by moving left.

Pressing the highlighted selection will open its submenu, pressing the arrow up/house symbol will take

you back again. When there is no further submenu the current active setting will be highlighted. If you

do not want to apply changes just press on the highlighted selection and you will fall back to main

menu without alterations.

Mode Menu

↑ int TC C-Jam TRX ext TC (E ) Reader (3)

Selecting the operation Mode will allow for one step configuration when initializing your Lockits for a

new project. Just pick your application and all necessary adjustments will be performed automatically

under the hood. Together with the “Full” Jam mode and auto frame rate setting there is hardly anything

left to do but choose your sync option on ACL204 if applicable and Jam sync your units via cable or ACN

after having put one unit into C-Jam Master mode. Each mode has a dedicated LED blink code of the

two colored LEDs above the OLED display, which will also show selected mode and active transmission

direction.

“Int TC”: “Classic” Lockit mode, the unit will run on its internal generator with standalone accuracy of

.1ppm, ACN disabled. MIDI timecode (MTC) will be put out over USB (ACL204 and ACN-LS) or Lemo ACN

(ACN-TL).

“C-Jam”: Default, as “Int TC” but with ACN enhancement. This is the recommended setting when

running any combination of ACN ready units. The devices can be jammed and TC framerate applied

over ACN, metadata transfer with a Master Lockit in Hub mode is activated. Additionally the units will

automatically adopt their pace to a “Master” unit for unprecedented zero drift accuracy and divergence

down to 10uS.

On powering up, Lockit devices will generally start up with unset generator and thus in idling slave

mode with a red flashing LED. Then jam one (and only one) deliberate unit to time of day and enable

“Master” in its ACN menu and you never need to worry about TC for the rest of the day as long as the

Master keeps power. This Master will be identified by a dedicated blink pattern and “M” will show up in

the lower right corner of the OLED. The other units will then jam their generators and framerate and

follow as “Slaves” indicated by “S” and an according blink code. The intelligent C-Jam algorithm will

automatically improve the accuracy and establish zero latency, zero drift lock between units within the

ACN.

With an active “Master” already in range “Slaves” will automatically re-jam after powering on or a battery

swap. As ACN broadcasts only happen every 6 seconds, it may take this long for a freshly booted “Slave”

to pull in. If “Slaves” lose connection to a previously present “Master” they will keep their loyalty for 30

seconds and then switch over to “(S)” which means you can move over “Master” to another unit.

Note: Always make sure just one unit is set to “Master”.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


“TRX”: ACN TC radio link. Unit will act as an auto-configuring transceiver. Without TC source the units

will idle slowly blinking red and wait for either physical TC injection or signal via ACN. On detection of

an external SMPTE LTC or MIDI TC source the device will transform into transmitter (indicated by “TX”

on OLED and according blink code) and send status and frame rate to other units (marked “RX”) which

will automatically follow the source. Source detection is fully automated, including bidirectional

MTC/LTC conversion. TC will be displayed on LED display of Lockit Slate, clapped time broadcasted as

metadata.

“Ext TC”: In this mode the device serves as a bidirectional LTC to MIDI TC convertor. TC will be displayed

on LED display of Lockit Slate. Useful in studio environments to sync TC between external equipment

and digital audio workstation where ACN is a not required feature.

“Reader”: Only available on Lockit Slate, this mode allows to visualize external LTC on the slate. No

MTC conversion, no output, no ACN, but the slate will follow TC playback in low or high speed and even

reversed which makes it the preferred mode for special effect shots.

Note: As these modes are not suited for proper synchronization selecting a sync output is not

available in “TRX”, “Ext TC” and “Reader”.


Rev. 4.10


TC Menu

↑ FPS Jam Output UB

FPS

FPS: 23.98/24/25/29.97/29.97 DF/30 (E)

Select timecode framerate, toggle and press. When changing an existing setting you will be asked to

confirm or discard the new selection. If video sync output is already enabled on ACL204 available

values may be limited or even locked depending on menu depth.

CAUTION! Switching between PAL and NTSC or Non-Drop and Drop rates will restart the

generator with the new time base and interrupt the video or audio sync signal, doing this while

recording will result in a corrupted file.

Jam

Full Auto Once Edit Off

Determines how the generator can be jammed over ACN, cable, or IR (only via ACC501 controller).

“Full”: Automatic setting, unit will jam if generator is not set or external TC is different from generator.

Also the unit will apply the external TC framerate via LTC or ACN to its generator with the exception

that video sync output has been enabled on ACL204

In that case the Jam mode will fall back to Auto (see next parameter). Still, jam mode will be kept active,

so if you disable video sync “Full” will be hot again. This will effectively prevent misadjustments during

operation while bringing maximum of ease on initial configuration.

“Auto”: Unit will jam if generator is not set or external TC is different from generator.

“Once”: Unit can be jammed once and then lock inputs (cursor moves to “Off”). Unlock again by

selecting desired jam mode.

“Off”: defeats jamming of the internal generator from external. Still, you can manually edit timecode as

per below.

Edit: Enter TC value manually hh:mm:ss:ff. Toggle to edit blinking value, press to confirm and proceed.

TC generator will start on from selected value after confirmation, so you can exactly trigger a certain TC

start. Editing TC does not change your jam mode in general. However, if edited manually and confirmed

generator will be set and hence “Full” will temporarily fall back to “Auto”.

Note: The active jam mode will be visualized upper left to the running TC on the main screen by

indicating “F” , “A”, “O” or a lock symbol for “Off”.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Output

Level (2) Mute Offset (E)

This menu configures the TC output signal available on both Lemo sockets. If Level is not applicable

and Offset hidden while in “Standard” view, entering Output will directly access the Mute submenu as

only option.

Level

Select TC level: 0/-3/--6/-9/-12/-15/-18/-21/-24/-27/-30/-33/-36/-42 dB

Only available for ACN-TL Tiny Lockit

Adjusts TC level on Lemo B in -3dB steps from 0 to -36dB plus -42dB. Useful when recording TC on audio

tracks of DSLRs or non-TC capable recorders.

Mute

Mute on Gen Not Set: No/Yes

Disable the physical output of timecode in case the generator is not set (flashing red) in int TC and C-

Jam modes. This can be useful to leave the Lockit connected to your audio recorder with a bidirectional

cable and jam it to time of day from the recorder after start up and then seamlessly becoming the

timecode source. Also with no TC output most cameras will display a warning in the viewfinder monitor

which provides immediate visual troubleshooting.

Note: No TC is as good or bad as inconsistent TC, therefore there is no drawback to have the

output muted. Rather, it will give you better indication if setup is not complete/correct.

Offset

Offset: +/-00.00

Extended Setting

Shifts the TC output up to +/- 10 frames in .05 increments on both Lemos and LED display on ACN-LS

Lockit slate against the generator. This allows for compensation of frame processing delay on cameras

and TC offset to 3rd

party equipment (e.g. delayed TC out from audio track on playback).

UB

↑ Show (t) Jam Edit

Show

Toggles userbits to be displayed in main screen, will reduce the font size of TC.


Rev. 4.10


Jam

On Off

“On”: Userbits will be jammed on change. This will happen on TC Jam but also on every change without

the TC generator being interrupted. When C-Jam is enabled this can be used to increment scene/take

on the fly via ACN.

Note: Update will occur with up to 6 seconds delay on the next C-Jam broadcast.

“Off” Userbits will be locked. Use this mode to apply a fixed ID through userbits.

Edit

Allows manual changes to userbits on the fly, enter 8 UB digits with hex-code values 0-F. On changing

existing UB value a prompt will pop up to confirm or discard the new value. This will override the

current value but not change jam mode itself. So, for static ID set Jam to “Off”

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Sync Menu

↑ Video (1) Audio (E 1) PPF (E 1, 2) Off

Sync Menu and output only available on ACL204 and ACN-TL (Extended mode).

Video

480i(E)/576i(E)/720P/1080i/Psf/P 23/24/25/29/30 (E)/59/60(E) Single/Dual/3D(E)

Available only on ACL 204. Selectable frame rates depend on selected video format. (E) only in

Extended mode

Consecutive, interactive menu: “Genlock” video sync output on BNC. Select video line count first and

then choose from matching framerates. In Extended mode you will then be able to select single or dual

camera load (required for 3D rigs).

After setting video sync, the direct matching TC frame rate will be preselected and displayed for

confirmation. “Standard” menu depth only allows this native TC frame rate, if you require cross-sync

rates, valid selections are available in “Extended” view.

This logic effectively inhibits invalid area mixing such as integer TC rates with non-integer video rates

and vice versa.

Note: Genlock and TC output are hard locked against each other. If TC FPS has been set before

entering the sync options, the first matching video frame rate will be preselected. However, there

are multiple video formats applicable for each TC framerate but just one native TC frame rate to

each video format. So, if you need genlock out, it is advised to select the correct format first and

then just confirm the correctly preselected TC rate.

Audio

Wordclock/Black Audio 31968/…/48000*/…/192192

Only available on ACL204 and in Extended mode

Consecutive menu: Choose between “Wordclock” (50% duty cycle clock at SR) or “Black Audio” (AES3

carrier signal with no signal) and then pick sample rate from 32kHz through 192kHz incl. pull up/down

rates.

PPF

1/2/4x High/Low

Only available in Extended mode

Pulse Per Frame) is used to steer industrial cameras. Rarely used, hence Extended. Pick between 1, 2, or

4 pulses per frame with rising (“High”) or falling (“Low”) slope at frame start.

Off

This will reduce current draw, so if not required, disable sync output.


Rev. 4.10


Slate Menu

This menu is exclusive to the ACN-LS Lockit Slate

↑ Display LEDs Sensor

Display

Userbits: 0s...20s → Clapped TC: 0s…10s…20s → Running TC: 0s...20s/inf

Defines the slate displaying on clap. Successively apply 0 to 20 seconds for Userbits, Clapped TC and

Running generator TC. Selecting a time will automatically move on to the next parameter and the

selected value will display in the line above, led by the parameter indicator (“UB”, “CT”, “TC”).

LEDs

Flash LED: Clap/Clap+Seconds/Off

Configures the flash LEDs on front.

“Clap” will light up the 2 bright LEDs only when the slate is operated, allowing for clear identification of

the slated frame.

“Clap+Seconds” also flashes LEDs on every second transition.

“Off” defeats the flash LEDs.

Sensor

↑ Tilt Brightness

Adjusts Tilt and Brightness sensors

Tilt “On/Off” enabling will revert the 7 digit display when the slate is operated upside down for special

markers like end slate e.g.

Brightness, choose between “Man”, “Low”, “Medium” and “High”.

“Manual” lets you adjust the display brightness in 9 steps during operation by flicking the 3-function

wheel. Looking from the back, flicking left will de- and moving right increase brightness.

“Low” enables the environment light sensor with a dim setting usefull for late night shoots. Still, when

light falls on the slate it will increase brightness for better reading and dim down to not interfere with

the shoot.

“Med” is automatic dimming with maximum medium brightness.

“High” is applicable for outdoor shoots in bright light but still with a concern about battery life.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


ACN Menu

↑ Slave Jam Master Ant

Only visible in ACN enabled modes “C-Jam” and “TRX”. “Slave”, “Jam”, and “Master” options are only

available in C-Jam mode

ACN Modes

“C-Jam” is an enhanced multidirectional radio connection between ACN enabled units. Timecode is

continuously jammed via a master without compromising the autonomous accuracy of the Lockit

devices. Also, this mode serves for metadata networking when using a Master Lockit. For more detailed

information please refer to the dedicated ACN background chapter.

“TRX” transforms the unit into an ACN based TC radio link with a twist. Each device is in hybrid mode

and will automatically turn into a transmitter once LTC or MIDI TC is applied. The generator will then

jam sync, follow external timecode on its framerate and transmit timecode, framerate and source

status to the receiving units which again kick in their freewheeling generators to follow: No TC output

with no TC connected or stopped, “standing” TC (repeating frame at frame rate) with standing TC on TX

input and running TC with TC source running. This combines the transparent action of a “classic”

timecode radio link with the drop-out proof concept of a freewheeling generator and the intelligent,

adjustment-free ACN algorithm.

Note: To further ease configuration and to avoid interference when running both modes in one

environment, selecting “C-Jam” and “TRX” have dedicated default channels which will

automatically be applied on switching the mode. Factory defaults are 18 for “C-Jam” and 11 for

“TRX” but you can select custom values for both modes in the Ant menu which will be valid until

a factory reset is performed.

C-Jam Sync Modes

“Slave”: receive mode. This is the default and on power cycling it will fall back to this. If the unit once

had been jammed from a “Master” and initiated the dynamic C-Jam tune this will be indicated by “S” on

the main screen lower right. If that master is lost but C-Jam tune is still in operation “S” will alter to “(S)”.

Keep this mode for all units but the dedicated C-Jam master.

“Jam” fires off a One-Time Jam burst, used best when only setting the free running TC generator is

required. Quite similar to the classic jam using a cable, you will need to re-jam units after battery

change or power cycle. As this is a singular operation the unit will fall back to the “Slave” mode in idle.

“Master”: to enable this mode the generator needs to be set first (indicated by a green flashing LED).

The unit will resend timecode pulses every couple of seconds. “Slaves” will automatically rejam their

generator if not set and dynamically adjust their clock reference to best match the speed of the

“Master”. Thus, an accuracy window of 10us is achieved, reflecting synchronicity on video line level.

After replacing the batteries on either slave it will automatically jam to the set TC.

Note: Although each unit can serve as C-Jam master it is very important that just one is actually

designated as such and sending out broadcasts. All other units just set to C-Jam mode as slaves.

Changing from “Master” to any other mode will immediately stop C-Jam broadcasts from this

unit.


Rev. 4.10


Ant

Select C-Jam ACN channel:18

→ Select TRX ACN channel:11 →

LNA: Off/On →

Ant: Int/Ext (E1, E2)→

Power : 8 dBm

(E , PIN protected)

The Antenna Menu is also available under Sys/Config for configuration when no ACN mode is currently

selected.

Sequentially adjust the ACN RF settings. First, select individual default ACN channels for “C-Jam” and

“TRX” mode. Frequencies refer to channels 11 through 26 of the IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN standard (see

Appendix for details). Afterwards enable the Low Noise Amplifier if required. This will improve the

reception with a slight impact on battery life. In “Extended” menu view on ACL204 and ACN-TL you can

persistently select between internal and external antenna and lastly increase the radiated power. Since

this may not be legal depending on your local regulations the last setting is PIN protected. Please

consult your dealer if in doubt.

Note: Fitting an external antenna will give you the most noticeable range boost of all tweaks and

comes at no cost of battery life. As such, more recent ACN devices such as ACN-LS and ACN-ML

do not offer internal antenna. If you plan on using the ACN intensively, retrofitting an external

SMA antenna to Lockit and Tiny Lockit is highly recommended.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


SYS Menu

↑ Menu Config Reset Info

Menu

Lock/Standard/Extended

Defines the level depth and sophistication of available options.

“Lock” prevents unwanted alterations to the settings. It is recommended to lock the unit after

configuration. To unlock you will be prompted to hold the configuration wheel left for 3 seconds after

which a unlock message will appear.

Note: Due to the power logic on ACN-TL, ACN-LS, and ACN-ML, this message will also pop up

when shutting down these units with the required long press to the configuration wheel. It is

however not necessary to unlock the menu to power down. Just keep the button pressed for 3

seconds and the unit will shut down as desired.

“Standard” will only show valid settings that have proven practical for the majority of productions, so

we highly recommend leaving it sitting here unless you run in apparent limitations to your required

configuration. In the above example of ACL204, when selecting a video sync format the only applicable

TC frame rate will be preselected on the step-by-step configuration and only thing required is to

confirm. When starting with TC frame rate and then moving to Sync and choose Video the first

matching project rate will be suggested for each video format. However, as video is on a higher priority,

changes applied here will result in TC FPS being accordingly adjusted and the new frame rate will be

showed for confirmation.

Note: “Standard” will not allow for TC/video cross rates, each video format will only have 1

matching TC rate which will be preselected. Only exception are NTSC area rates 29.97 and 59.94

which will give you the option between 29.97 (non drop) and 29.97DF (drop frame).

Important: When using 29DF make sure the whole set does. NEVER run a setup with units mixed

on non drop and drop! 29DF will neither sync with 29.97, 30, or any other non drop rate.

“Extended” gives you all available configuration options and reflects the complexity of previous

firmware. This mode will unlock video and TC being “crossed”. E.g. you can pick 24 fps TC along with

video rates of 25, 50, or 60 fps. This will also unlock sync output for 3D rigs, more uncommon video and

TC rates of 30 and 60 fps, PAL and NTSC SD sync. Additional options include Audio and PPF sync

options, apply an Offset to the TC output for compensation of frame processing delay.

Config

Display Ant USB (1, 3) / LemoACN (2) Bat (1, 2, 3) IR (E )


Rev. 4.10


Display

Brightness: 1…3*…10 → AutoOff:5sec…30sec*... never

Consecutively adjusts the OLED in brightness and timeout.

Ant

Select C-Jam ACN channel: 18 →

Select TRX ACN channel: 11

→ LNA: Off/On →

Ant: Int/Ext (E1, E2)→

Power (E , PIN protected)

The consecutive antenna sub menu is restricted to Extended menu and offers sequential tweaks to the

ACN radio.

“LNA: Off/On” enables/defeats the Low Noise Amplifier. This may improve receiving range on the

sacrifice of battery life time, default is “Off”.

“Select ACN Antenna: Int/Ext” this option switches between built-in and the optional available SMA

antenna for increased range (available on Tiny Lockit and Lockit ACL204 in Extended menu only, ACN-

LS and Master Lockit do not have internal antenna).

Note: To accommodate for retrofitting of external antenna this choice will be permanently stored

and be maintained through a factory default restore. Only enable with genuine manufacturer

part firmly attached to unit.

“Select ACN tx power: 8dBm” restricted to Extended mode and additionally PIN protected. As per

default the ACN is set to the globally maximum allowed ERP level for LR-WPAN of +8dBm. Consult your

supplier only if your application legitimizes higher settings up to 18dBm. Increasing output power will

strongly affect battery life time, so even if applicable use with good consideration.

USB / LemoACN

MTC COM

Not available on ACN-ML Master Lockit

Sets the data port mode this is a dedicated USB port on ACL204 and ACN-LS (hence labelled “USB”) and

available on pins 3 & 4 on the Lemo “ACN” connector on ACN-TL, see pin out appendix for reference.

ACN-ML Master Lockit has no USB option for ACN and does not show this menu.

“MTC” puts USB into MIDI mode. Connected to a computer the device will be mounted as a standard

USB audio/MIDI device and recognized by supporting software. No drivers or configuration required on

both, PC or MAC.

“COM” sets the data port to USB serial. This is usually only necessary for updating.

Note: Although the setting is mode dependent and default to “COM” on “C-Jam” and “int TC” for

easy firmware update, you can enable “MTC” in these mode to make the device a MIDI TC

generator. If you want to convert LTC to MTC and vice versa, just select modes “TRX” or “Ext TC”.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


Bat

Li Alk NiMH

Not available on ACN-ML MasterLockit

This menu lets you tweak the battery telemetry read out to the cell type in use. Pick from Lithium,

Alkaline primary cells, and NiMH rechargeables. Readout follows typical discharge curve and accuracy

may vary over different manufacturers and battery types, so take with grain of salt.

IR

Off On

Enables the infrared port above the OLED. Only useful in combination with ACC501 controller.

However, leaving the IR port open increases interference sensitivity and compromise reliability of the

unit in normal operation, so it is off by default and can only be enabled through “Extended” mode.

Reset

Factory Defaults: Yes No*

Resets the devices to factory defaults as marked bold in this description

Info

DEV info Debug1 Debug2 Screen test

First screen will show critical device information for serial number, firmware and FPGA software

revision, and MAC address, followed by 3 debug screens for developer use only.

10. LED Blink Codes

Code Legend

● flash (generator sync)

●● double flash (low batt warning every 2 seconds)

● ● double blink (active ACN transmission)

●-● blink (generator free lock)

●--● long blink (ACN reception)

Red: Generator Not Set, no ext TC present

Green: Generator Set, running ext/ACN TC detected

Red & green simultaneously: standing ext/ACN TC detected


Rev. 4.10


Mode/Seconds 1 2

IntTC/C-Jam

Gen Not Set Mute ●

Gen Not Set Mute, lo Bat ●●

Generator Not Set ● ●

Generator Not Set, loBat ●●

Generator Set ● ●

Generator Set, loBat ●●

Additionally active C-Jam shows the following codes every 6 sec:

C-Jam Master ● ●

C-Jam Slave, Master present ●--●

C-Jam Slave, Master lost ●--●

TRX

no TC ●-● ●-● no TC, loBat ●-● ●● TX (ext. LTC/MTC detected)

TC running ● ● ●

TC running, lo Bat ● ● ●●

TC standing ● ● ● ●

● ●

TC standing, loBat ● ● ● ●

●● ●●

RX (TC over ACN detected)

TC running ●-● ●

TC running, loBat ●-● ●●

TC standing ●-● ●-●

● ●

TC standing, loBat ●-● ●-●

●● ●●

Reader (Ext TC) no TC ●-● ●-●

no TC, loBat ●-● ●● TC running ●--------- ---------● TC running, loBat ●--------- --●●●●-- TC standing (Ext TC) ●---------

●-● ---------● ●-●

TC standing Lo Bat (Ext TC) ●--------- ●---------

--●●●●-- --●●●●--

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


11. Application Notes

Basics of TC, Sync, ACN and their use cases

Please also watch our video tutorials online: www.ambient.de/en/university

and join the Lockit Timecode User Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lockitusersgroup/

Timecode & Sync

One of the most common misconceptions is that timecode is sync and this is simply not true. It is just

one of 2 but both still essential components of synchronization.

“Synchronous” means same time. Now, while timecode is a required information to jam sync several

units together and hence make them synchronous, it will not take care to keep them synchronous over

a longer time as it will not synchronize the internal clocks. This is usually done via a blank SD or HD

video signal, commonly referenced to as genlock. This is why (except for the ARRI Alexa) cameras do

have dedicated inputs for timecode and sync and to achieve proper sync setup one should connect

both signals. The ACL 204 Lockit provides both and contrary to other existing solutions timecode and

sync are always hard locked against each other making it an integral part of the camera.

Choosing the correct video sync format and TC frame rate

Camera market is moving fast and the latest technology of today may be obsolete by tomorrow. Also,

manufacturers frequently update the firmware on their products, so it is nearly impossible to give a

comprehensive and bullet prove advice which setting is 100% correct for a specific production.

As a rule of thumb, it’s always useful to refer to the project frame base. Terms like system rate

may also apply. This is not only the frame rate the camera is internally working at but also post

production and editing will be performed at. It is important that this project rate should not be

confused with the sensor speed/frame rate. Also, e.g. in case of Panasonic, the camera may run at

29.97 system frame rate but still record 23.976 – again, it is the system rate that matters and video sync

and TC should be set accordingly.

TC should always follow the video frame rate. There are very few cases that you really would need

to cross sync a video to a differing TC rate (e.g. apply 30 or 25 fps TC to 24fps video sync).

What lead to some confusion is the fact, that there are no TC framerates higher than 30 fps. This lies in

the specification by the SMPTE. As a result when shooting with “double rates” such as 1080i or P at 48,

50 or 59.94 the correct timecode frame rate will be the according single rate of 24, 25, or 29.97(DF).

To simplify the complex setup the Lockit will preselect the first logical corresponding setting when

making adjustments to either TC or video sync. As one particular video format has exactly one

matching timecode frame rate, but a TC rate may work with multiple video formats it is recommended

to first set the video sync. The correct TC value will automatically be enabled and presented for

confirmation. The only choice you will have in Standard mode is to pick from Non Drop vs. Drop (DF)

when shooting with a TC rate of 29.97.

Note: Do NEVER mix and match DROP with NON DROP or NTSC area with PAL area rates!

To even further ease the setup process we have condensed the following guideline for the most

common camera types. Again, this list does not result in claim or liability to be complete or generality,

so if in doubt, please always refer to the specific camera’s manual. If you find inconsistencies or can

provide additional information, we would welcome your input to further improve this list.

http://www.ambient.de/en/university

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lockitusersgroup/


Rev. 4.10


ARRI Alexa: being the one and only camera on the market that can actually sync its internal clock to TC,

it doesn’t have or require options for external sync. To sync it, set TC to “external regenerate”, attach TC

with project frame rate and leave it permanently attached.

ARRI Amira: use project video format.

Canon: the manuals for EOS cinematic cameras are unfortunately quite sparse about external sync, but

“When a reference sync signal (analog blackburst or tri-level signal) is input through the GENLOCK terminal,

the phases of the camera’s V and H sync will automatically be synchronized to it.“ hint that using the exact

project settings should work. Also, it seems 1080p sync is accepted for shooting in 720p. XF legacy

cameras or mode will require 59.97i/60i when shooting at 23.98/24.

Panasonic: 1080i @ double or single project (system) frame base for 1080P & PsF, follow project

(system) format for 720P or SD.

RED One: set the sync format according to the project frame rate

RED DSMC: always 1080P @ project frame base (23.976/24 on HFR rates), set HDSDI out to auto except

when shooting 47.5/48 HFR select 23.976/24.

Sony: 1080i or PsF @ project frame base, as 1080i double completely corresponds to 1080PsF single

rates you may stick with either (e.g. 1080i 50 for 25 or 50fps, 1080i 29.97 for 29.97 and 59.94 fps).

Note: Sony won’t operate at 24 but 23.98, so always use 1080i 47.95 on cinematic productions.

Panasonic: 1080i or PsF @ project (system) frame base for 1080P & PsF, follow video format for 720P

or SD.

ACN

ACN is a proprietary wireless protocol, specifically engineered for highest reliability, data integrity, and

range. It operates on 2.4GHz using channels 11-26 of the IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN standard.

Aside time code and sync, ACN is the key feature of the current Ambient Lockit range. Building up on

the unrivalled tunable oscillator it can be used to enhance the accuracy from better than frame

accurate down to video line level grade.

All that is needed is an arbitrary number of Lockit devices set to C-Jam mode and one of them

configured to be the C-Jam master. The C-Jam master will then send out broadcast pulses which the

slaves will respond to and in case they detect a discrepancy automatically correct their pace. This will,

however, in no way sacrifice the unparalleled, self-contained accuracy. In case the radio cuts out, all

units will continue to operate as used to.

Note: Only ONE C-Jam master is allowed! Make sure no other unit is set to send sync broadcasts.

Also the ACN can be used to set up a metadata network on the set to collect, con- and distribute

metadata between different units and departments. At the core will be one Master Lockit which is

acting as server and can be used to monitor and control all other ACN enabled devices remotely via a

web interface that is accessible from any modern unit with internet browser.

A second mode, TRX, will allow the units to operate as an enhanced TC radio link. Again, this is not your

ordinary timecode over wireless but instead the transmitter will jam a free running generator in the

receiver(s) to incoming TC with auto frame setting and then send information whether the source is

running, stopping with standing TC or has stopped altogether. The receiving unit will then duplicate the

TC source’s status as it would directly be connected without danger of drop outs compromising the

desired functionality.

On top, this not only works with “classic” SMPTE TC but also MIDI timecode (MTC) with the Lockit device

connected to MAC or PC via USB acting as a USB MIDI interface.

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


As all current products including the Lockit Slate come equipped with ACN transceiver any device can

serve as transmitter or receiver. This dramatically cuts down costs for additional equipment at a

maximum of flexibility.

12. Physical Specifications

Dimensions: (L / W / H): 91 x 64.5 x 33 mm

(overall length with WiFi and SMA antenna detached: 102.5mm)

Weight: 275g

13. ACN Radio

Specification including channel assignment follows IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN Standard on 2.4GHz band.

Equivalent ARRI remote focus equivalents listed to help avoiding interferences.

ACN ARRI EMIP WRS

Channel Center Frequency [MHz] Channel

11 2405

12 2410 0

13 2415 1

14 2420

15 2425

16 2430 2

17 2435 3

18 2440

19 2445

20 2450 4

21 2455 5

22 2460

23 2465

24 2470 6

25 2475 7

26 2480

Antenna socket SMA-F, leave supplied antenna attached. In case of lost only substitute with original

genuine manufacturer replacements parts ANT-2.4-SMA-M (straight) and ANT-2.4-SMA-M90 (angled).


Rev. 4.10


14. Timecode, Metadata, and Power Supply Cables

ACN-RCP

Meta data interface cable for RED cameras for

connecting Lockit Synchronizer to Red Epic camera via

RCP protocol, 5-pin Lemo to 4-pin Lemo, 0.4 m

MLC-CL

Metadata, remote control, and TC connection

to Sound Devices788T

MLC-HID

Metadata and remote control connection

to Sound Devices 6-series, USB A/A adaptor and A/B

Cable required when used directly on recorder,

connects straight through CL-12

MLC-L1B10

Ethernet cable Master Lockit to ARRI ALEXA

RJ45 to Lemo Series 1B 10-pin, 0.5 m

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


MLC-L1B10P

Ethernet cable Master Lockit

to ARRI ALEXA and powering

RJ45 to Lemo Series 1B 10-pin, 0.5 m,

with breakout to Hirose 4-pin for

powering

AK-HS4

DC supply through Hirose 4-pin

AK-HS4-LOB2

DC supply through Lemo 2 pin on ARRI Alexa

AK-HS4-PC2M

DC supply through Anton Bauer D-Tap male

LTC-OUT

Timecode out to BNC


Rev. 4.10


LTC-OUT/ Epic

Timecode out to Lemo 4-pin

to Sync socket on RED DSMC Sync socket

TC-I/O

Timecode out to Lemo 5-pin,

e.g TC to Sound Devices 6 series and ARRI Alexa

LTC-OUT35/35F

Timecode out to TRS-3.5 mm 90 right angle & jack

For feeding timecode to DSLRs, microphone loop

through to left channel, TZC right channel, 20dB pad

ACN-ML

Rev. 4.10


15. Warranty

Ambient Recording GmbH warrants the Master Lockit ACN-ML against defects in materials and

workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail purchase. This is a non-

transferable warranty that extends only to the original purchaser. Ambient Recording GmbH will repair

or replace the product at its discretion at no charge. Warranty claims due to severe service conditions

will be addressed on an individual basis. THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE

EXCLUSIVE. AMBIENT RECORDING GMBH DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,

INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMBIENT

RECORDING GMBH IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

ARISING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. Because some

jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion or limitations set forth above, they may not apply in all cases.

For all service, including warranty repair, please send the ACN-ML, along with proof of purchase date to

your retailer, or, if not applicable, to:

Ambient Recording GmbH

Schleissheimer Str. 181 C

DE – 80797 Muenchen, Germany

Please obtain a return authorization through the contact form on our website before sending in a unit.

16. Approvals

CE Conformity Statement:

Declaration of Conformity

According to ISO/IEC Guide 22

Manufacturer’s Name: Ambient Recording GmbH

Manufacturer’s Address: Schleissheimer Str. 181 C, DE – 80797 Muenchen, Germany

declares that the product: ACN-ML Master Lockit

is in conformity with:

- EN 60950-1:2006 + A11:2009+A1:2010+A12:2011+AC:2011

- EN 300 440-1 V1.6.1

- EN 300 440-2 V1.4.10

- EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2

- EN 301 489-3 V1.4.10

which is indicated and affirmed by the applied CE marking.


Rev. 4.10


FCC Statement

The FCC requires that the following statements be included in this manual for ACN-ML:

FCC § 15.19

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canada CNR-Gen Section 7.1.3

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any

interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts

de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas

produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi,

même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

FCC § 15.21

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could

void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC § 15.105

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,

pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection

against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can

radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may

cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference

will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is

encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver

is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ICES-003

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

March 2015

Updated May 2015, Ambient Recording GmbH, Sebastian Fell

Updated January 2016, Ambient Recording GmbH, Klaus Grosser

Updated July 2016, Ambient Recording GmbH, Klaus Grosser

experience quality.

Ambient Recording GmbH Schleissheimer Straße 181 C | DE – 80797 Munich | vox +49 89 360 55 10-0 | fax +49 89 651 85 58

www.ambient.de | [email protected] © 2016, Ambient Recording GmbH

MADE IN GERMANY

Documents

Lockit Timecode Master Lockit - Ambientambient.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ACN-ML_V4.10_enu...LTC-OUT 46 LTC-OUT/ Epic 47 TC-I/O 47 LTC-OUT35/35F 47 15. Warranty 48 16. Approvals