Ambient Recording ACD 201 User manual

CLOCKIT
MASTER SLATE
ACD 201/301
Timecode Slate
1996 - 1999
Ambient Recording GmbH
Konradinstr. 3, D-81543 Munich
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
www.ambient.de
interstage
Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark
Telefon [phone], fax [phone]
www.interstage.dk
-pro audio with a smile

Table of contents
1General information
1.1 Mechanical improvements
1.2 Electrical improvements
2User instructions
2.1 Controls
2.1.1 DIP switches
2.1.2 Brightness control
2.1.3 The ‘RED’ and ‘GREEN’ LED
2.1.4 Low battery warning
2.1.5 Exchanging the batteries
2.1.6 Tuning the Slate
2.2 Check features
2.2.1 Camera speed check
2.2.2 Checks with No external TC connected
2.2.3 External TC framerate identification
2.2.4 EXT TC error check
2.2.5 Framerate identification
2.3 Manual Set Mode
2.3.1 Moving the Cursor
2.3.2 Changing the digit values
2.3.3 Cancelling changes
2.3.4 The cursor ring
2.3.5 Notes on selecting digits
2.3.6 The Aaton configuration
2.3.7 The AMPS configuration
2.3.8 The Time Field
2.3.9 The Frame (FF) Digits
2.3.10 The CD and CT functions
2.3.11 Setting the generator
2.3.12 Setting the Real Time Clock (RTC)
2.4 Jamming the generator from Ext TC
2.5 Setting the generator from ASCII (Aaton protocoll)
3Operating modes
3.1 Generator
3.2 Generator Realtimeclock
3.3 Reader/ Generator
3.4 Reader
4New Features
4.1 James Bond Feature
4.2 Operating Note
4.3 CLOCKIT Radio Slate
4.3.1 Transmitter
4.3.2 Receiver
4.4 Large Writing Sleeve
5 Technical data
5.1 Mechanical specification
5.2 Electrical specification
5.3 Signal specification
4.4 Plug descriptions

1General information
The new version of the Ambient master slate has various improvements in respect to
previous versions due to experience gathered, and in answer to requests by customers
who have sucessfully used the ACD 101 and ACD 201.
1.1 Mechanical improvements
A A new type of mask for the display to improve readability in sunlight. The mask
is laser cut for each segment and implements a dark background and anti-glare
function. The slate does not need any sun shade.
B The housing has been strengthened and made larger. No writing extension
is needed.
C The battery compartment will take up to 9 Penlite cells thus allowing
the use of Nicads which only have 1.2 volts. When using 8 cells a dummy
battery is inserted.
D The writing surface is more durable and white .
E There is an extra timecode in/out socket thus freeing the LEMO interface
socket for checking and setting duties.
F The new electronics can still be fitted in the small housing preferred
by documentary filmers.
1.2 Electrical improvements include
A Display now very bright but still 9 step brightness control.
B Timecode generator cannot crash even though batteries go flat during
slating. Automatic charging of backup battery through separate DC/DC converter.
C Camera speed check , strobe bars flicker at framerate. When viewed through
camera, a bar stays still or moves if there is a difference between camera speed
and framerate.
D Input and ext timecode framerate identified and displayed.
E Timecode error displayed in 1/4 Frame steps up to 2 Frames
F Reader and generator timecode displayed. When slate is opened external
timecode is displayed. When slate is closed the internal generator code is
displayed. Display playback Timecode value at slating moment. Useful when
recording live sound with playback.
G X jam syncing of slate possible. In other words an external 24 frame code
can set a 25 frame slate code. Slate has to be set to the code required. Jamming
from an external source sets the time at the zero frames point. Operators must
know which codes are compatible.
H Optional internal Telemetry UHF receiver for receiving timecode by radio at
little extra cost.
All former clockit features have been retained and operating modes
have changed as little as possible

2User Instructions
2.1 Controls & Control elements
Viewing the slate face on you will find the following controls:
Bottom edge ON/OFF switch
Left side 5 PIN Lemo interface socket
Minijack timecode In/Out socket
(ACD 301 only)
Front LED display with Anti-glare mask
RED and GREEN single LED
Writing surface for boardmarker
Between clapstick and body Push button left. ( RED )
Push button right. ( BLUE )
All internal setting functions are carried
out using these two buttons in
combination with the Dipswitches.
Right side ACD 201 one slider which can be
moved either UP to reveal the batteries,
or moved DOWN to give access to the
Dipswitches.
On the ACD 301 you find two sliders
on this side of the slate. The Top slider
exposes the Dipswitches. The Bottom
slider locks the battery contact strip and
allows the exchange of batteries (9 or 8).
Back cover Has a short form instruction
manual laser engraved, it describes the
main functions of the slate.
Note. On delivery of the ACD 301 there is a Dummy cell inside the battery
compartment. This is supplied for the operation with 8 cells only. The dummy is held in
place by a screw in a semi permanent fashion. Batteries ar usualy bought in 4 or 8 packs
and use of rechargeable nicads is very seldom. We think 8 batteries is the best
configuration and have fixed the dummy so that it cannot fall out and get lost.

2.1.1The DIP switches
There are 12 switches and their functions are outlined in this chapter. It is important
to note that changes made to the Dipswitches 1, 2 and 3 are activated only after a
power-down, power-up cycle. Switches 4 through 12 take effect at once.
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Framerate
SW 24 Frs 25 Frs 30 Frs 29.97 Frs
1ON OFF OFF ON
2OFF OFF ON ON
3ON Drop Frame with 29.97 and 30 frames
Note. Drop Frame with 24 is slow 24 (23.98frs!)
Drop Frame with 25 in Reader mode is Enhanced reader
(see section 3.4)
Operating modes
SW Gen Gen/ RTC Read/Gen Read
4OFF OFF ON ON
5OFF ON OFF ON
Display modes
6ON Timecode only displayed.
No transition to userbits when slate closed.
Display userbits with RED button.
OFF Normal Slate function.
Slate open Timecode display.
Slate closed Display userbits for 2 secs,
or userbits with RED button.
7ON Clapped time shown
for 2 mins.
OFF
No clapped time displayed.
8ON Advance display
frames as selected by
switches 9. 10. 11.
OFF Retard display
frames as selected by switches 9.10.11.
Frs 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9 1’s 01010101
10 2’s 00110011
11 4’s 00001111
12 OFF Generator TC output (Pin 5 LEMO) with own Userbits
ON Generator TC output with reader time inserted in Userbit
slot

2.1.2Brightness control
Open the clapstick and hold down one button while incrementing or
decrementing the brightness with the other.
The brightness of the slate can be altered in 9 steps with the Blue and Red
pushbuttons. This optimises film exposure of the display and helps save
batteries. Additionaly, when the brightness is at maximum there is an
automatic control which reduces the brightness in 10 second cycles. When
the slate is closed the internal counter counts back to 0 seconds. The display
will show maximum brightness on opening again.
Due to the increased brightness of the slate, it is necessary to save batteries.
In the clap mode the slate is opened and clapped usually within 10 seconds,
so that this feature does not impair the maximum brightness at slating time.
Note a: When the batteries get low and don't recuperate in the time the
display is off, the processor reduces the maximum brightness until batteries are
changed. If you can't get 9 brightness levels it is time to change the batteries.
(See chapter 2.1.4 and 2.1.5)
Note b: No external timecode should be connected in the generator mode
when changing brightness otherwise the generator could be jammed if the red
button is pressed while holding down the blue. In reader mode changing the
brightness will not influence the generator.
2.1.3 The Red and Green LED
On the top right hand corner of the display are a Green and a Red LED which
indicate the status of the generator and reader.
RED LED blinks at one second intervals. Gen ON and running but hasn't
been set from an external or RTC source.
GREEN LED blinks at one second intervals. Gen ON and has been set from
external source or RTC on start up.
Note. If the generator loses time due to unsuccessful ext. Jam or other problem,
the Red LED will blink instead of the Green.
When the generator is set from an external source while it is running the Red LED
will go on shortly and then the Green LED will blink at 1 sec. intervals.
A full on LED indicates latchup or timecode/noice present at the input. Repeat
jamming process, or turn OFF then ON and reset.
Generator mode When the slate is turned ON, the Red LED will blink at one
second intervals indicating that the generator is running but not set.
Generator RTC mode When the slate is turned ON the Green LED will
blink indicating that the generator has beens set from the internal RTC.
Reader/Generator Mode When the slate is opened and the reader mode is
active the Red LED will be ON if no ext TC is present. The Green LED will be ON
indicating that an external TC is being read successfully.
When the slate switches over to generator on closing the slate the Green or Red
LED will blink as described in the generator mode.
Reader Mode The Red LED is full ON when no Ext TC is present or there
are reading problems.The Green LED will be full ON when an external code is
being read correctly.
Low battery warning When the batteries have gone below a
predetermined value or the batteries are being changed the Red or Green LED will
doubleblink.

2.1.5Changing the batteries
Change batteries when the Red LED doubleblinks. The slate’s internal Nicad
accumulator has a 10
minute Backup time when the batteries have been
removed. The internal data is not lost during battery change.
2.1.6 Tuning the slate
The generator Xtal of all clockit units can be "Tuned" to within +- 0.1 ppm of
the Clockit Controller (ACC 101) or to a fixed offset to match another
machine. Full details of this process will be found in the Clockit Controller
manual.
2.2 Check features
The slate can be used to implement all timecode checking functions required on the
set using the internal clockit generator as a master to check all other timecode
equipment as required. Error checks can be carried out without the slate jamming
from the externally connected timecode.
The following checks can be implemented:
A Framerate ------------------- identification
B Drop, Nondrop ------------- identification
C Error ---------------------------between Slate generator timecode and any
externally connected timecode up to 2
Frames in _ fr steps.
D Camera speed check
2.2.1
Camera speed check ----
vertical bars flicker at fps slate fps
This feature works only when no external TC connected. When viewing the
slate through a camera you will see one vertical stripe. This stripe is
standing still if the camera’s speed matches the slates framerate. If the bar is
moving left then the camera is too slow, if the bar is moving to the right then
the camera is running too fast in respect to the set framerate.

2.2.2Checks with No external TC connected
To temporarily show Userbits.
Press the RED button.
To temporarily show speed and framerate.
Press BLUE button to show the Generator Framerate and strobe bars
for camera speed check.
To latch camera speed check.
Press and hold BLUE button then push the RED button,
hold and release first the BLUE followed by the RED button.
To unlatch the camera speed check.
The speed check will be displayed until you press the BLUE button to
unlatch the speed check again.
2.2.3External TC framerate identification
Press BLUE button to display the Generator framerate and next to it the
external TC framerate. A single bar to left of the framerate indicates the
eventual error in the following ways:
0 1/4 1/2 1 1-1/4 1-1/2 1-3/4 2> if external TC
frames error ext fps slate fps
2.2.4EXT TC error check
Bar full left indicates an error of 0 frames or less the _ frames .
4 bars from left 1 fps error.
Full right indicates 2 or more frames error.
2.2.5Framerate identification
The ACD slate display shows the various framerates in the following way:
Display 24 25 23 29 2d 30 3d
Framerate 24 25 23.98 29.97 29.97 30 30
Drop Drop
Frame Frame

2.3 The Manual Set Mode
To enter the SET MODE press both (RED and BLUE) buttons simultaneously for
appr. 3 seconds until the userbits show (one spacer dot). The left most digit will
blink. You can then release both buttons. The digits can be changed with the
following cursor movements:
2.3.1Moving the Cursor
To move Right Press the BLUE button.
To move Left Hold the BLUE button down and press the RED button.
2.3.2Changing the digit values
Increment value Push RED button.
Decrement value Hold down RED button and decrement
with BLUE.
2.3.3Cancelling changes
Closing the slate stick at any time during the set mode immediately cancels
all the current changes and reverts the slate to the state prior to the set mode.
Note: The generator still counts during set mode so no time is lost by entering
and leaving set mode in the above manner.
2.3.4The cursor ring
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 virtual 9
Diagram of cursor ring
The cursor moves in ring in the following way:
First 8 user digits ( single spacedots) then a position one digit to the right of
the 8 userbits (pos 9) where the single spacerdots blink and the old and new
userbits can be toggled to select. Then on moving the cursor one more step
to the right the time display is entered (double spacerdots). Moving the cursor
to the right leaves the time display through the Toggle position (pos 18) and
reenters the userbit field from the left. The cursor can move in both directions
to reach its required position though the left to right movement is easier to
implement with the push buttons and considering one changes userbits more
often then the time.
Note: The position of the cursor decides which new Data is entered into the
generator.
With the cursor in the userbit or toggle userbit position, only
userbits will be entered into the generator. The time which still runs in the set
mode, will not have been changed.
With the cursor in the Time or toggle time position the selected time
and Userbits will be entered into the generator.
Loading the selected values into the generator is implemented by holding
down both buttons simultaneously till the display runs.

2.3.5Notes on selecting digits
Userbit Field
The userbits have 8 digits all of which can be set to numerals 0 to 9 and
various letters. Generally there is no restriction to what one selects but
userbits have been traditionally used to indicate the date and/or production
number, camera number etc.
In addition timecode film cameras expect to find the date in a particular
configuration and may reject a timecode if the date is not written correctly. A
specific configuration is necessary so that a number is recognised for what it
is, for example ‘day of the month’. Obviously if the year was entered into this
slot the reader would reject a day of the month with a value of 96 (the year).
We recommend the following formats for the order of the digits as seen in the
display.
D=Day. M=Month. Y=Year. X=Prod Number. U=Unit (Camera). R= Roll Nr.
2.3.6The Aaton configuration
DD MM YY XX
When working with an Aaton or Aaton system cameras, or setting the Internal
RTC this format must be used
2.3.7 The AMPS configuration
DD MM UR RR
Use this format when more identification numbers are required.
2.3.8The Time Field
The time field has the following fixed configuration:
H= Hours M= Minutes S= Seconds F= Frames
HH MM SS FF
When the display is running the frame field is changing at the framerate. In
the set mode the FF position can contain the following digits and letters
which indicate the framerate selected by the Dipswitches or modes for setting
the RTC.

2.3.9The Frame (FF) Digits
Display 24 25 23 29 2d 30 3d ct cd
Fps 24 25 23.98 29.97 29.97 30 30 set set
Drop Drop RTC RTC from
Frame Frame Gen. TC Manual Displ.
Note: The framerate displayed is an indication of the dipswitch setting and
cannot be changed by the cursor.
2.3.10 The ct and cd functions
The ct or cd function can be selected in the FF position.The slate must also
be in the generator /RTC
mode.
Select ct
When Load is implemented the RTC is set from the generator
time and date.
Select cd
When Load is implemented the RTC is loaded from the current
display time and date. (Set manually)
Select Fps (Dipswitch value shown)
When Load is implemented only the generator is loaded with the
selected data.
2.3.11 Setting the generator
There are three settings of the dipswitches in which the generator is active.
A Generator Mode
B Generator/ RTC Mode
C Reader/ Generator Mode
In Generator Mode
On power-up the generator starts counting from 00.00.00.00 .and the
userbits are 00.00.00.00. The Red LED blinks.
Go to set mode. (See 2.3)
Set user bits as above and move cursor to time frame.
Set time value and verify framerate in last 2 digit positions.
To LOAD press both buttons simultaneously till display runs.
Userbits can be loaded without changing time by selecting the
userbits and loading with the cursor in the userbit display.
In Generator / RTC Mode
On power-up the generator is loaded with the RTC time and date
values. The Green LED blinks.
The framerate is as selected by the dipswitches.
The values entered by the RTC will be overidden by a manual set as
above or by jamming from Ext TC.

In Reader / Generator Mode
The generator cannot be loaded in the Reader/Generator mode.
Select Generator Mode, then Load the generator and change the
dipswitches back to Reader/Generator Mode. (Dipswitch pos 4.5.
goes from Off. Off to On. Off)
When rejamming generator change dipswitches to generator mode,
rejam and change dipswitches back to Reader/Generator.
Note: We recommend that the slate is used as master in this mode. It is easier to
rejam the camera and recorder than changing the slate’s dipswitches each time.
2.3.12 Setting the realtime Clock (RTC)
The RTC can only be set with the slate in generator RTC mode
To enter values from running generator,
Go manual set mode.
Check that userbits have DD.MM.YY.XX format
move cursor to FF position without changing the display.
Select ct.
Load by pressing both buttons till display runs.
To enter values from selected display
Go manual set mode
Enter date
DD. MM. YY.XX XX don't care
Enter time
Move cursor to pos FF select cd
Load by pressing both buttons till display runs
Note. If framerate is selected in the FF pos then only the generator will be loaded.
2.4 Jamming the generator from external TC
The slate must be in the Generator or Generator/RTC mode.
Connect external TC.
Verify framerate and error with the blue button as in 2.2.2 and 2.2.3.
While holding down Blue button tip Red button ON shortly.
Red LED goes on then the Green LED blinks.
Check frame error with Blue button again.
The error bar should be on the far left.
Note1. The generator always runs with the framerate selected by the dipswitches.
Thus X jamming of framerates is possible. In other words a camera
runnning at 24 fps can jam a 30 fps slate.
Note2. The X jamming and the error check takes place at the 00 Frame transition.
Thus the error check works correctly between timecodes of different
framerates. A 24 fps timecode running with a 30 fps timecode will show no
error if the 00 frame points are coincident in time.

2.5. Setting the generator from an ASCII source
The Master slate is fully Aaton compatible and can be set by the Aaton
Origen C or by the Ambient Controller ACC 101 using the ASCII
protocoll.
The ASCII protocol enquires the time and userbit values from the slate, it
checks the error and reloads the external time value at the 00 frame
transition point on initialisation.
Connect the ASCII Device
Check error
Initiate reload
Red LED goes ON, then the Green LED blinks.
3Operating modes
3.1 Generator Mode OFF
4 5 ON
The Clockit master master slate contains a very accurate timecode generator
which drives the display. When the slate is synchronised to a film camera or
Nagra recorder, the timecode will not drift off more than 1 frame in 10 hours*.
Other timecode machines which do not have such accurate Timecode
generators such as DATs and video recorders may have to be synchronised
every hour. We recommend the Lockit box as an accurate timecode and
videosync source for Audio or video recorders.
*Note:
Clockit units running together do not drift apart more then 1 frame in 24 Hours.
When Clockit units are used in combination with other timecode equipment
calibration errors can lead to increased TC-drift necessitating rejaming more
frequently.
The Clapping sequence is as follows
Open slate -- The Timecode is displayed
Close slate -- The Timecode is frozen for 3 frames, then the userbits are
displayed for 3 seconds.
When switch 7 is ON the clapped time is displayed for 2 mins at reduced
brightness after the userbits are shown. This value can be logged by the
Continuity/Script person.
Traditionally the timecode in the master slate display is used to represent the
timecode in the Audio machine for syncing purposes. It may or may not have
the same framerate as the Filmcamera. The framerate should be chosen so
that the 00 frame point in Recorder and camera is identical, assuming no
timecode error. See the following table:
Film Camera fps 24 25 23.98 30
Video Camera fps 25 29.97
Master Slate
NTSC Video fps 30* 29.97 30*29.97
PAL Video fps 25 25 25

*Dat recorders Must be "pulled up", in other words run at 30 fps instead of
29.97 fps. The word clock will run faster in the recording process and be
pulled down to 29.97 fps to run in sync with the Telecine which transfers the
film, which was shot at 24 fps at 23.98 fps to be in sync with NTSC colour
video at 29.97 fps.
Note 1: The use of drop frame codes in the recording process is not
recommended.
Note 2: Some filmcameras have a 23.98 fps framerate. Audio recorders can then
use 29.98 fps TC. Recordings can then be synchronized with the Film (shot at
23.98 fps) without the need to pull down during the TeleCine process.
3.2 Generator RTC Mode OFF
4 5 ON
This mode has the same function as the generator-only mode with the
difference that on power-up of the master slate the RTC time and date is
loaded into the Generator.
3.3 Reader/Generator Mode OFF
ON
4 5
In many film situations there is a requirement for 2 timecodes to be displayed.
In the classical situation a playback with timecode is being played in a scene
where at the same time sound is being recorded.
The master slate when opened, displays the Playback timecode (ext TC)
connected by cable or transmitted by radio, thus facilitating syncing playback
to picture. When the slate is closed the generator time is displayed thus
giving a timecode value corresponding to the time on the recorded tape.
Note. When switch 7 is ON the playback time value at the moment of closure of
the slate is displayed for 2 mins after the userbits. This value can be logged by the
Continuity/Script person.
Feature: With dipswitch 12 ON the TC out signal (pin 5 LEMO) contains the
generator time and the reader time in the generator userbit slot.
This TC could be transmitted for logging purposes.
3.4 Reader Mode OFF
ON
4 5
In this mode the slate is a reader only and can be used in conjunction with a
radio link or cable to display Playback timecode in a videoclip or multicamera
shooting situation.
When the slate is opened the timecode is displayed.

When the slate is closed the userbits of the Ext TC are displayed.
This function is like the generator mode only the timecode is coming from an
external source.
Note. The dip switches 1,2 & 3 should be set to OFF, OFF and ON giving a
meaningless setup of 25 fps Dropframe. This setting only has meaning in the
reader mode where the reader will then read forwards, backwards and up to
several times normal speed.
4New Features
4.1 „JAMES BOND“ feature
Due to a request from Chris Munro the sound recordist on „Tomorrow Never Dies“
we implemented the following feature.When the slate is closed the frame freezes
as usual but glows at maximum brightness till the userbits show. The result
is that an additional optical signal is given to indicate clapstick closed, which is
sync with the sound of the slate and can be used for syncing up rushes. If the
clapsticks cannot be seen easily the flash will help find the sync point. This
feature can be turned off by removing the back lid and sliding the
red switch at the top of the printed circuit board to the left. To the
right is on.
Although the flash will render the timecode on the display unreadable at the
moment of closure the timecode will be displayed at selected brightness up to this
time, allowing the timecode value to be read until the slate closes.
4.2 Operating Note
The slate can be used to show the camera the userbits before rolling over. This is
done by pressing the RED button under the clapstick. This will become useful in
the near future to display the Event number which is a unique number for each
audio recording in the userbits. This number can be slated to the camera in
advance thus showing the event number on film like the take number written on
the slate.
4.3 CLOCKIT Radio Slate
The CLOCKIT Radio Slate is a combination of a small UHF telemetry transmitter
powered by a 9Volt battery and a receiver built into the Masterslate. This makes
the unit more compact than external receivers and easier to use. The range can
be up to 200 meters but in difficult conditions it is typically 50 meters.
4.3.1 Transmitter
The transmitter is built into a milled aluminium case which is very strong. A
sliding lid exposes the battery compartment. The battery can be removed
by levering out or shaking. The on/off switch and the antenna socket is on
the other end.The longer the led stays on after switching on the
unit, the lower the battery voltage. The led stays permanently on
when the battery has reached 5 volts. The battery should then be
changed, but the unit may still work.

4.3.2 Receiver
The receiver is built into the slate and can be turned on and off with
the yellow switch under the slider to the right of the dip
switches. The switch removes the supply, and the timecode line from the
TC input when switched off. The reason for this is to remove receiver noise
from the input when the transmitter is not sending timecode.
Note: With the receiver on and the transmitter off there will be noise in the
timecode input line making the led glow red (see 2.1.3). In the
generator mode the radio receiver must be switched off to jam
the generator through the Lemo socket as the noise
otherwise corrupts the incoming timecode signal. Of course the
generator can be set from timecode received by the receiver but not the
socket and the receiver at the same time.
If the timecode transmitter is on but no timecode is being transmitted then
the noise output of the receiver will be much less. Always switch off
the receiver when not in use.
When receiving timecode from the radio link the slate generator also can
be jammed from this timecode or the slate can run in both reader and
reader/generator modes.
Note: Some Steadycam and camera focus remotes use the same
frequency as our timecode module, leading to poor reception and low
range
(interference).
4.4 Large Writing Sleeve
Due to users requests we offer a larger writing sleeve for the ACD master slate.
The width is a standard 11 inches „Fits in a front box“ and the surface is covered
with a non reflective laser engraved label. Standard boxes are etched in the
surface.
Note: The writing surface is similar to Formica and can be dry wiped
clean. If the surface gets grey after frequent use it can be cleaned
occasionally with spirits or acetone.
Note: Too much cleaning with acetone or agressive solvents may
damage the writing surface!!
5TECHNICAL DATA:
5.1 Mechanical Specification
Dimensions ACD 201 250 x 130 x 26 mm
ACD 301 250 x 160 x 26 mm
Weight ACD 201 980 g with 6 batteries
ACD 301 1100 g with 9 batteries
5.2 Electric specification
Current consumption
Display OFF 30 mA
Display level 9 500 mA

5.3 SIGNAL description:
The ACD 201 / 301 Generates all TimeCodes according to SMPTE /
EBU standards.
TC - IN 0.1 to 5 Volt pp
TC - OUT 1 Volt pp
AATON (ASCII) TTL Level
TUNE OUT TTL Level
5.4 Plug des cription:
LEMO 5 PIN
Pin SIGNAL
1 GND Red dot
2 TC- IN 1
3 ASCII I/O
4 TUNE OUT * 2 5
5 TC- OUT
Note: No external DC input as
indicated on slate back panel 3 4
Front view
MINIJACK SOCKET
Pin SIGNAL
TIP TC - OUT
RING TC - IN
SHAFT GND (SHIELD)
We wish you sucessful shooting and in case you have any
questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

CLOCKIT RADIO SLATE SUPPLEMENT
The clockit radio slate is a combination of a small UHF telemetry receiver
powered by a 9Volt battery and a receiver built into the Masterslate. This makes
the unit more compact than external receivers and easier to use. The range can be
upt to 200 meters but in difficult conditions it is typically 50 meters.
TRANSMITTER
The transmitter is built into a milled aluminium case which is very strong. A
sliding lid exposes the battery compartment. The battery can be removed by
levering out or shaking. The on/off switch and the antenna socket is on the other
end.The longer the led lights on switch on the lower the battery voltage.
The led stays permanently on when the battery has reached 5 volts. The
battery should then be changed but the unit may still work
RECEIVER
The receiver is built into the slate and can be turned on and off with the yellow
switch under the slider to the right of the dip switches. The switch removes the
supply, and the timecode line from the TC input when switched off. The reason
for this is to remove receiver noise from the input when the receiver is not
receiving timecode.
Note. with the receiver on and the transmitter off their will be noise in the
timecode input line making the led glow red. In the generator mode the
radio receiver must be switched off to jam the generator through the
Lemo socket as the noise otherwise corrupts the incoming timecode
signal. Of course the generator can be set from timecode received by the
receiver but not the socket and the receiver at the same time.
If the timecode transmitter is on but no timecode is being transmitted then the
noise output of the receiver will be much less. Always switch off the receiver
when not in use.
When receiving timecode from the radio link the slate generator also can be
jammed from this timecode or the slate can run in both reader modes.
Note some Steadycam and camera focus remotes use the same frequency
as our timecode module leading to poor reception and low range,
(interference). If problems arise frequently the frequency can be changed
LARGE WRITING SLEEVE.
Due to users requests we offer a larger writing sleeve for the ACD master slate.
The width is a standard 11 inches „ Fits in a front box „ and the surface is
covered with a non reflective laser engraved label. Standard boxes are etched in
the surface.

Note. The writing surface is similar to Formica and can be dry wiped
clean. If the surface gets grey after frequent use it can be cleaned with
spirits or acetone occasionally. Note: Too much cleaning with acetone or
agressive solvents may damage the writing surface!!

ATTENTION BATTERY POLARITY Please read carefully
There have been cases of cells leaking in the ACD301. This is due to the cell being
inserted the wrong way round (reversed polarity). As the battereies go down increasing
current is taken by the DC/DC converter.
THIS REVERSE CHARGES THE CELL WHICH GETS HOT AND LEAKS.
CORROSION AND A BIG CLEAN UP ARE THE RESULT!!
Up to now there was no way to check polarity after insertion, except care to make sure
that the cells were in the right way.
Now with the BATTERY VOLTAGE DISPLAY you can be certain that after loading
new batteries The cells are in the right way!!
•LOAD BATTERIES TAKING CARE POLARITY IS CORRECT
•PRESS BLUE BUTTON FOR BATTERY MEASUREMENT
•VOLTAGE MUST BE 12 VOLTS OR OVER
•IF 9 VOLTS SHOW ONE CELL IS REVERSED
•IF 6 VOLTS SHOW TWO CELLS ARE REVERSED
•IF IN DOUBT OPEN BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND RECHECK
!!NO WARRANTY REPAIRS ON LEAKED CELL DAMAGE !!
Ambient Recording Aug 2001. Email [email protected]
interstage
Phistersvej 31, 2900 Hellerup, Danmark
Telefon [phone], fax [phone]
www.interstage.dk
-pro audio with a smile