Ambient Recording ACL 204 User manual

Clockit Time Code
Lockit
ACL 204
Rev. 3.11

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ACL 204
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1. Introduction 5
2. Package Contents 6
3. Safety instructions 6
4. Powering 7
5. Description 8
6. Setup Menu Diagram 9
7. Menu Description 11
MAIN DISPLAY 11
MAIN MENU 11
GEN MENU 12
GEN > JamTC 12
GEN > EDIT 13
GEN > OFFSET 13
GEN > UB 14
JamUB 14
Edit-UB 14
EXIT 14
SYNC MENU 15
SYNC > VIDEO 15
SYNC > AUDIO 17
SYNC > PPF 17
SYNC > OFF 17
TC MENU 18
TC > FPS 18
TC > MTC 18

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SYS MENU 19
SYS > CONFIG 19
SYS > CONFIG>DISPLAY 19
SYS > CONFIG>BNC 20
SYS > CONFIG>USB 20
SYS > CONFIG>BAT 20
SYS > INFO 20
SYS > Factory Reset 20
ACN MENU 21
ACN > JAM 21
ACN > JAM>ANT 21
ACN > JAM>PWR 22
ACN > JAM>SYNC 22
ACN > TX / RX 24
EXIT 24
8. LED Indications 25
9. Firmware Update 25
10. Physical Specifications 26
11. Warranty & Approvals 27

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1. Introduction
The Ambient ACL 204 Lockit box continues the line of our highly accurate portable
synchronizers, which have become an indispensable tool in modern workflows where
multi camera shoots and dual system sound is the rule.
Like its predecessors, it provides time code with a deviation of less than +/- 0.1 ppm of
a given reference and a sync signal locked to this. The Clockit time code products can
be calibrated to this reference in the field using the Clockit Controller ACC501,
providing the same accuracy still after years, compensating the usual aging of the
crystals, and opening possibilities which are unique to the Clockit approach.
What counts on a set is that all recording devices run on the same speed, and with the
Clockit method of being able to tune the devices, this goal can be achieved.
The reference for tuning may be a GPS signal, but just as well the time code of the
master recorder or camera or a video reference signal generated by the studio / OB-
truck’s synchronizer.
In addition to those classical features of the Clockit product range, the ACL 204
features a wireless network module and a serial data port, so the status of each unit
on set can be monitored and metadata of the connected devices can be
communicated to the Ambient Clockit Network ACN Master. ACN also permits to sync
the ACL 204 remotely and write back metadata to the recorders.

ACL 204
©2014, Ambient Recording GmbH
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2. Package Contents
-ACL204 synchronizer
-ACL-T204, protective leather pouch
-LTC-OUT cable, Lemo JGG.305 to BNC right angle connector
-BNC cable, BNC to BNC right angle connector
-Manual
3. Safety instructions
For your own safety and trouble-free use of your Lockit ACL 204 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 supplied
by an authorized dealer. Always observe integrity and the pertinent compatibility with
all units connected to.
Do not perform software updates in situations the integrity of mains supply can not
be granted such as thunderstorms and remove connections from and to all devices
directly or in directly connected to mains.
Only use intended batteries type Mignon AA with 1.5V. Watch correct polarity when
inserting the batteries, instructions can be found in the manual and on the device
itself. Disregard of handling may cause battery leakage or even risk of explosion.
To maintain secure electrical contact the batteries are loaded with high spring tension
and can shoot out of the compartment if opened without attention.
Always secure the outer battery contact and release slowly when accessing the
compartment.

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Proper recycling of used batteries might mandatory be instructed by local law. Please
check for requirements and dispose at foreseen institutions. With regard to
environment only dispose completely discharged batteries.
When powering from external sources remove the batteries and put the power switch
into the "OFF" position. Pay attention to the use of LPS sources in compliance to part
2.5 of EN 60950-1.
When using the wireless connection of the Lockit ACL 204 place it centrally and keep it
distant from sources of possible interference such as microwaves or electrical devices
with large metal surfaces.
If possible always use the integrated antenna. If the application of an external
antenna seems mandatory only use the original part directly attached to the socket.
Extension or use of 3rd party accessories is not licit.
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.
4. Powering
The ACL 204 can be powered:
-by 2 pcs. Type Mignon AA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH rechargeable or Li-Ion). Set
correct battery type in configuration for reliable low voltage warning.
Pay attention to insert with correct polarity as shown on label, insert outer
with “+” first, inner with “-“ first. Push down battery hinge and close slider.
-5 to 18 Volts DC via pin 4 of Lemo “A” socket
-5 Volts DC via the USB socket.
-If powered from external, the power switch is bypassed
-powered from internal battery
-powered from external, Lemo socket A pin 4
-powered from USB
-power present on Lemo and USB
Note: current time code is lost when power is removed. The settings are stored, the
unit will power up with the last configuration used. Should power be removed while in
SYNC menu with invalid settings chosen, the ACL 204 will power up with the last valid
configuration.

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©2014, Ambient Recording GmbH
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5. Description
①Battery compartment slider to be pushed left/right for access to switches or batteries
②USB socket type Mini-B 5-pin
③Configuration switch (further “config switch”, ↓ for pushing in, ↔ for toggle left/right)
④Power switch
⑤IR transceiver, used to set and check the ACL 204 from the ACC501 controller
⑥Display
⑦Signal LEDs
⑧External antenna connector
⑨Sync signal connector
⑩Lemo 5-pin socket “B”: time code in, out / serial port tx-rx / DC-out
⑪Lemo 5-pin socket “A”: time code in, out / ascii / tune signal / DC-in
① ② ③ ④ ⑤⑥⑦
⑧
⑩
⑪
⑨

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6. Setup Menu Diagram
When entering a menu, the active parameter setting is highlighted.
MAIN DISPLAY, showing time code, frame rate, sync rate, jam mode, network channel, battery status
↓push select switch down to enter main menu and to select options, toggle left/right to navigate
↓
GEN
↓
JamTC Edit Offset
↓
JamTC:
AUTO OFF manual/once
↓
Edit:
HH:MM:SS:FF
↓
Offset:
+/- 00.05 frames
↓
UB
JamUB Edit-UB EXIT
↓
JamUB:
normal manual insert
Edit-UB:
00:00:00:FF
EXIT:
back to main menu
↓
SYNC
↓
AUDIO VIDEO OFF
↓
AUDIO:
Wordclock Black Audio
↓
Sample Rate: 32000 … 48000…192000
↓
VIDEO:
PAL NTSC… 1080i…1080psf
↓
Frs: 23.976 24… 59.94 60
↓
OFF:
NO SYNC OUTPUT
↓
TC
↓
FPS MTC
↓
FPS
FPS: 23.976 24 25 29.97 30 29.97D 30D
↓
MTC
MTCout MIDI>LTC LTC>MIDI
↓
SYS
↓
Config INFO Factory Reset
↓
Display BNC USB BAT
↓
Display:
Brightness: 0… 5…10
↓
AutoOff: never 5sec … 5min
↓
BNC:
BNC Load: Single Dual/3D
↓
USB
USB Port: MTC COM
↓
BAT
Battery type: Li Alk NiMH
↓
INFO: displays device information: serial no., firmware version, mac address version,
mac address
↓
Factory Reset: loads default
settings

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©2014, Ambient Recording GmbH
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↓
ACN
↓
MODE
↓
OFF ↔ JAM ↔C_JAM ↔TX ↔RX
↓
↓
MODE↔CHNL↔ANT↔PWR↔SYNC
MODE
Back
one
level to
mode
select
Back one level to mode select
↓
↓
JAM
Mode for remote jamming of ACL 204
CHNL
Select ACN channel 11 to 26
↓
↓
C-JAM
Mode for continuous jam / autosync
ANT
Select antenna internal ↔ external
↓
↓
TX / RX
Mode to transmit external recrun
TC
PWR
Select RF output power 8 to 18 dBm
Mode to receive free- or recrun
TC
↓
SYNC
Send sync broadcast: yes ↔ no
Start continuous jam: yes ↔ no (C-JAM)
(not available in TX / RX)
↓
EXIT
Return to main operation display

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7. Menu Description
MAIN DISPLAY
The main display is the normal operation mode. It displays
the most important status information. These are the time
code momentarily running, the sync signal type and rate,
the time code frame rate, and various additional
information:
“X” next to the Fps indication indicates a cross-jam mode,
i.e. the time code rate is not consistent with the sync rate,
but compatible and in sync at each second’s transition.
“A” in upper left corner indicates the jam mode “auto”, the
lock symbol indicates “off” – no external jamming available, “M” indicates manual / once.
“+00:00” top right beside the battery indicates the offset.
“COM” or “MTC” show the status of the USB port.
Information related to ACN will be displayed once it is activated (on above screen shot it is in “Jam”
mode, channel 20, external antenna and LNA activated).
If the display is switched off (power save), pushing the config switch once will turn it on again without
doing any changes. Also, external time code jam activates the display.
MAIN MENU
Pushing the config switch once enters the main menu
screen. The main operation parameters are further
displayed. In this screen, you can select the different
settings by pushing the config switch. Navigate by toggling
the config switch left or right.
Pushing the config switch when EXIT is highlighted exits to the main screen.
If no action is done, the unit will return to the main screen as well.

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GEN MENU
In the GENenrator menu, you can edit the jam mode, edit
the time and set an offset of the time code output against
the jammed time.
Under UB, you can display and manage User Bits.
GEN > JamTC
In the JamTC settings, you can select from different jam behaviors: Navigate toggling left/ right, push to
select.
“AUTO” –the ACL 204 will behave as used to from the
former Lockit boxes. It will jam once time code is detected,
but not re-jam while time code is continuously present. As
long as time code is present, the “A” changes
to indicating that the unit is not ready to re-jam. If
the time code is disconnected for 3 or more seconds, the “A” reappears to indicate that the unit will jam
again once time code is received.
“OFF” –the ACL 204 does not jam to external time code.
This setting is useful if you set the unit manually and not to
be jammed by incoming time code.
The in top left corner shows that the input is locked.
“manual/once” –the ACL 204 jams once to external time
code, but then will not jam again but close the jam
port. Once jammed, the “M” changes to
indicating that the unit can not be jammed from outside.
This setting is useful if the unit is to be jammed from external time code but then not to be changed by
incoming signal anymore. Also can be used should a Lockit box be used to re-jam cameras in intervals
and using a bi-directional time code cable, which would, with some cameras that put out time code
permanently even in “ext. TC” mode like the Alexa, lead to resetting the ACL 204 in “AUTO” mode.
To reactivate the jam port, just push the config switch repeatedly going >GEN>JamTC>manual/once>
and exit. The “M” indicator appears again, the unit is ready to be jammed once again.
CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the video or audio sync signal,
doing this while recording will result in a corrupted file.

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GEN > EDIT
In this screen, you can edit a time code value manually.
Decrease or increase by toggling left/right. Holding
left/right is fast backward/ forward. Push to select.
Pushing the config switch while on the frames position sets
the time. To avoid inadvertently changing the time code, you will be asked:
Pushing the config switch while “old” is highlighted discards the changes and returns to the main menu.
Pushing the config switch while “new” is highlighted will set the generator to the selected value.
CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the video or audio sync signal,
doing this while recording will result in a corrupted file.
GEN > OFFSET
An offset can be entered between the jammed time code
and the time code on the output of the ACL 204. Use this to
compensate the processing delay that some file base
cameras produce.
This shifts only the time code, the sync signal stays locked to the frame start of the jammed time code
running in background.
The offset has a range of +/- 10 frames in 0.05 frames steps (equals 2 ms at 25 fps).
The selected offset is displayed next to the time code in
main window and menus.

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GEN > UB
In the GEN > user bit menu, the user bits are being
displayed. The user bits can be edited manually, and the
jam behavior managed.
JamUB
Under JamUB, the jamming behavior is managed:
normal: the user bits are being taken from external time
code
manual: the user bits are not being overwritten by external
time code. This mode is to be used if you want a custom
entry, like date and camera Id for instance.
insert: user bits can be inserted “on the fly”. Note: if the
source time code was unplugged for more than 3 seconds
and reconnected, the ACL 204 will re-jam. For just inserting
changed user bits after interrupted time code, you must also set the ACL 204 to “jam once” or “off” in
the jamTC menu.
Edit-UB
In Edit-UB, the user bits can be edited manually.
Decrease or increase by toggling left/right. Holding
left/right is fast backward/ forward. Push to select value,
curser jumps to next digit.
After finishing, selecting the new value needs to be
confirmed –“use new”, or the menu can be left by
cancelling –“use old”.
EXIT
As the user bits are only displayed in this menu, we added
a way to exit without any changes quickly.

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SYNC MENU
The SYNC menu lets you set the sync signal format, type
and rate. Select the different settings by pushing the config
switch. Navigate by toggling the config switch left or right.
“VIDEO” –selects a genlock video sync signal. Use this to
clock video cameras (and some advanced audio recorders)
“AUDIO” - selects a wordclock or black audio sync signal.
Use this to clock most professional audio recorders.
“PPF” is a pulse per frame to trigger certain cameras.
“OFF” –deactivates any sync signal generator, reducing the power consumption by almost 50%. Use
this if time code only is required.
SYNC > VIDEO
Pushing the config switch while VIDEO is
highlighted takes you to the genlock settings.
The curser is on the signal type. Change by
toggling left/right. Select by pushing the config
switch.
Types available:
NTSC (480i), PAL (576i), 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 1080PsF
Pushing the config switch selects and takes you to the rates setting.
Rates available:
23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.97, 60
pictures per second. ot all rates are available with all of the
signal types, only those which are specified by SMPTE/ EBU/
ITU.
Pushing the config switch selects. If any changes have
been selected, you will be asked to confirm:
Pushing the config switch while “old” is highlighted
discards the changes and returns to the main menu.
If the selected video format is incompatible to the currently set time code value, a message appears:
You have no choice but to press the config switch and are
automatically taken to the time code rate setting:

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While the time code is inconsistent with the video rate, a
“!” is shown next to the time code Fps indication.
Select a frame rate that matches your video signal.
Again, you will be asked to confirm the new frame rate.
Navigate to “new” and push the config switch. If you do
not adjust the time code rate to a value compatible to the
video signal selected, you will be taken back to the video
sync signal setting.
There is no way out of this loop with an invalid combination!
Note: Any combination of a “PAL-Area” video reference signal with an non-
integer time code (23.976 fps, 29.97 fps) or a ”NTSC-Area” video reference
signal with an integer time code (24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps) is considered invalid as
they will drift against each other and it is not possible to provide a reference
signal locked to the time code.
Cross-jam configurations, such as a 23.976 frames video signal with a 29.97 fps time code are allowed.
An “X” will be displayed next to the Fps indication.
Once a valid combination has been selected and confirmed, you are back in the main menu.
CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the video or audio sync signal,
doing this while recording will result in a corrupted file.

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SYNC > AUDIO
Pushing the config switch while AUDIO is highlighted takes
you to the audio sync settings. The curser is on the signal
type selection. Change by toggling left/right.
Select by pushing the config switch.
Types available:
Wordclock, Black Audio (AES3)
Pushing the config switch selects and takes you to the rates setting.
Sample rates available:
32 KHz, 44.1 KHz, 48 KHz, 88.2 KHz, 96 KHz, 176.4 KHz, 192 KHz and their
respective pull-up/ pull-down rates.
SYNC > PPF
The “pulse per frame” is a trigger for the sensor of certain
cameras. The signal is present on pin 3 of Lemo socket A. 1,
2, 4 periods per frame are available, and selection if the
signal shall start with a rising or falling edge.
As with any change of the sync settings, the user is asked
to confirm.
SYNC > OFF
The FPGA chip is powered off, no sync signal is generated.
Use this in time code only applications to save battery life.
Confirm by navigating the curser to “new”.

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TC MENU
Enter the TC menu to adjust the time code frame rate.
Next is the selection for the TC frame rate and the Midi
Time Code setting:
TC > FPS
Select “FPS”
Adjust by toggling the config switch left/right, push in to
select new frame rate:
Rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 29.97D, 30D fps (D = drop frame)
If settings are changed, confirmation is required: Pushing
the config switch while “old” is highlighted, discards the
changes and returns to the main menu. Pushing the config
switch while “new” is highlighted will set the time code
signal to the selected rate.
If the selected time code frame rate is incompatible to the
currently set video signal type, a warning message appears:
The LED will double flash and “!” is flashing next to the TC
frame rate. You have no choice but to press the config
switch and are automatically taken to VIDEO:
Select a video signal that matches your time code frame
rate. If you do not adjust video signal to a value compatible
to the time code frame rate selected, you will be taken back
to the TC setting.
There is no way out of this loop with an invalid combination!
See above in SYNC > VIDEO.
TC > MTC
Select MTC to control the Midi Time Code options:
Note: selecting a MTC mode will switch the USB port to
Midi/Audio interface.

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MTCout: this is the default mode. The ACL 204 always puts
out MTC, unless the USB port is set to COM (see SYS >
Config > USB).
MIDI>LTC: MTC received through USB will be converted
into LTC and put out on both Lemo sockets, pin 5.
LTC>MIDI: LTC received on Lemo/TC pin 2 will be converted
and put out as MTC via USB.
SYS MENU
The SYS menu serves to configure various parameters, in
this release version the display behavior and the BNC sync
signal impedance are set. Push the config switch to enter.
SYS > CONFIG
Enter the configuration by pushing in the config switch
Navigate to DISPLAY, BNC,USB or BAT, push the config
switch to select.
SYS > CONFIG>DISPLAY
Adjust display brightness from 1 to 10 toggling the config
switch left/right. Push in to select value.
The curser will jump to the Auto-off settings:
Select after what time the display shuts off after entering
the main operation display.
Choices are:
Never –5 seconds –30 seconds –1 minute –5 minutes
Select by toggling the config switch left/right. Push in to select value.

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SYS > CONFIG>BNC
Determine the output impedance for the video sync signal:
Single: 75 Ohms for connecting to one video camera’s
genlock input.
Dual/3D: 37.5 Ohms for splitting to two cameras’ genlock
input.
Select by toggling the config switch left/right. Push in to select mode.
SYS > CONFIG>USB
Default setting is MTC, the ACL 204 is recognized
as Midi/Audio interface when connected to
computer. Set to COM for updating.
SYS > CONFIG>BAT
Select battery type for correct voltage readout and low battery warning / flashing.
Li = Lithium-Ion (non-rechargeable batteries!) 1,5V, Alk =
alkaline batteries 1,5V, NiMH = Nickel-Metal-Hydrid
rechargeable batteries 1.2 V
SYS > INFO
Select INFO to display information about the ACL204:
Serial Number
Main firmware version
FPGA firmware version
Mac address
SYS > Factory Reset
This restores factory defaults: Sync is off, TC is 25 fps, ACN
is off, display brightness at 3, display auto-off 30 sec., TC-
offset reset, USB to MTC.
Time code is not lost, battery type not changed, tune value
unaltered.

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ACN MENU
The ACN menu accesses the Ambient Clockit Network
configuration.
When coming from “off” setting, first the mode must be
selected.
In present firmware version 3.10, new modes have been
added:
Jam –the former “BASIC” used for wireless manual
jamming; C-Jam –the “continuous jam”; TX-RX for
transmitting a record-run time code from external source.
ACN > JAM
The JAM mode allows to send a sync command to other
ACN-TL or ACL 204 devices, or receive sync command from
them. This serves to remotely sync all units on the set.
First, the menu asks to select the wireless channel. The
CHNL setting allows you to select between 16 network
channels within the 2.4 GHz range.
The channel can be changed later.
The settings menu is left upon selection.
Selecting ACN again give access to further options:
ACN > JAM>ANT
Select internal or external antenna and power the low
noise amplifier LNA for the receiver on or off. The LNA
draws power, so it is recommended only should the
reception of data be insufficient without. Default setting is
internal antenna, for activating the external antenna a PIN
code is required.
FFC regulations force us to have the selection of
external antenna code protected. Enter the PIN
code by toggling left / right and select by enter.
Please contact your vendor or Ambient Recording for
obtaining the code.
If the external antenna is activated, the antenna symbol on
the bottom right of the display is shown, as well as
activated LNA, see next page.