Ambient LockitSlate Take 2 User manual

LockitSlate
Take2
Firmware Version 7.01

Table of contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
2. Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
3. LED Blink Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
4. Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
5. Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09
6. Basic Button Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7. Operation Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. LockitToolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9. Useful Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10. Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
02LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

1. Introduction
The LockitSlate Take 2 (ACN-LS2)
Lockit Timecode by Ambient
Since we released the very rst mobile timecode and sync generator ever
already in 1992, our devices became the industry standard for timecode and
synchronization on set. Lockits provide frame-accurate synchronized video
and audio clips for Hollywood blockbusters, TV series and independent
productions.
LED Timecode Clapperbaord
The LockitSlate is a highly accurate smart-slate system that displays time-
code via an LED display. At the same time, it’s a timecode generator providing
all timecode frame rates and full ACN compatibility.
Modular and Bullet-Proof Design
With its modular construction, the electronic section of the LockitSlate can
also serve as a fully functional, compact standalone display for documentary
or desktop use. Housed in a machined, pearl-blasted and anodized aluminum
body, it can easily withstand the roughest production conditions.
Zero Drift (C-Jam)
Lockits are based on a highly accurate temperature-compensated crystal
oscillator. Once set, the Lockit boxes stay on time - and drift less than 1 frame
apart within 24 hours. With active C-Jam (continuous jam) mode via ACN, any
drift is even completely excluded.
TX Mode
Lockits can be started in the so-called TX mode. Then they take over the time-
code of an external source (LTC or Midi) and spread it in the ACN.
This is especially relevant in playback situations like music videos.
03LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Plug & Play
Instead of using the graphical menu of the LockitSlate you can feed in
timecode and frame rate externally. Just plug one Lockit to the TC Out
port of another device (e.g. your sound recorder) and it’s automatically
set and ready to sync – without any additional apps.
LED Menu
No external app needed. Display menu easily operated via buttons.
Wooden Clap Sticks Available
The LockitSlate Take 2 can be ordered or retro-tted with clap sticks
handmade out of Oak Wood.
ACN stands for Ambient Communication
Network and is our own wireless network.
It utilizes an extremely reliable, proprietary 2.4GHz network with
16 selectable channels for communication to minimize lag and
interference with other radio sources. All gathered information
is buered until it is successfully received and stored.
The ACN is used to interchange timecode related information
including time, frame rate and user bits as well as device meta-
data between Lockits or third-party devices with built-in Lockit
Module.
Learn more about the beauty of ACN here:
https://ambient.de/en/acn-technology
04LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

2. Unit Description
Back
4 OLED Display
5 TC Connector
(LEMO-compatible)
6 ACN Antenna,
SMA RP 2.4GHz,
keep attached to unit
7 Green Button
8 Red Button
9 Power Button
10 Battery Compartment (4 AA cells)
Front
1 TC-Display Module
2 Clap Stick
3 Clapper Board
1
98
7
2
10
3
6
5
4
05LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Cleaning the slate board
The ACN-LS is shipped with a slate board equipped with a back printed
sticker which can easily be replaced if needed.
Dry markers can be simply wiped o dry, to remove permanent marker
use alcohol or appropriate solvents. The material of the stickers is resistant
to all usual solvents, also those containing keytones.
Customize your slate board
CAD prints of the slate board are available to allow for personal constructions.
https://manuals.ambient.de/lockitslate-board
06LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

3. LED Blink Code
Mode 1sec 2sec
ACN Jam (C-Jam, TX, Single)
Jam transmitted / sent
Jam received
Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take2,
Lockit+ (in standby) or LockitModule
TC out mute; will start with preference
TC out mute; will start from fallback zero
TC out active
TC out active; output level reduced
TC out active; low battery
Lockit+ with WiFi active
TC out mute; will start with preference
TC out mute; will start from fallback zero
TC out active
TC out active; low battery
TX Mode Warnings
TC out mute; no initial LTC source
TC out active; LTC source lost/stopped
Charging Mode, Unit o
ext. Power, charging
ext. Power, fully charged
blinkash
07LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

4. Powering
The LockitSlate Take 2 can be powered by 4 AA cells or USB C. Battery
telemetry and circuitry are optimized for NiMH chargeables, but you can
run it with alkaline or lithium batteries as well. Applying power over USB will
override internal batteries but not charge them. Only use power sources in
compliance with USB BC1.2 and EN 62368-1.
To replace batteries turn the slate so the backside faces you. Push the slider
on the left side down.
ATTENTION, batteries are loaded under high tension. To avoid injury, keep
the contact ap rmly pressed down and gently release the slider with the
ap held down.
Insert 4 AA cells as indicated on the back panel, press the contact ap down
and close the slider.
1.
2.
08LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

5. Display
456
3
1
2
1 Timecode
2 Project Rate (FPS)
3 Battery Status / Ext. Power
4 Unit ID* / Unit Name
5 ACN Mode
6 ACN Channel
* Note: Unit ID can be set via
the ACN Radar of the Lockit+
09LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

6. Basic Button Operations
Turn On: Press and hold Power until LED lights green to start unit.
Turn O: Press and hold Power for 5 seconds until power o menu
appears. Conm shutdown with Power.
Access Menu: While the unit is running you can access the menu
by pressing Red & Green simultaneously.
There you can easily set:
• Project Rate:
23.98 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 29.97 DROP / 30 / 47.95 / 48 / 50 / 59.94 / 59.94 DROP / 60 FPS
• ACN Channel:
11 – 26 / o
• TC Start Preference:
zero / one / manual
• Show UB on Clap (Userbits):
o / 1s auto / 1s – 20s
• Show Clapped TC:
o / 1s – 20s
• Show Running TC:
o / 1s – 20s / innite
• LED Brightness:
1 – 15
• Auto Power
Tap Red to decrease or Green to increase a parameter value.
Tap Red & Green simultaneously to conrm and proceed.
Tap Power to cancel or to leave the menu.
Applied settings will be persistent over a reboot until reset or changed.
Reset: When switched o, press and hold Red & Green
simultaneously to perform a factory reset of the Lockit Module.
10LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Slate Settings / Clap your Slate
On closing the slate the clapped timecode will be displayed for 1 second,
then userbits for 1 second, and nally the display module shows the clapped
timecode for 5 seconds.
Via the display menu you may customise these parameters to display infor-
mation on clapping your slate (after showing the clapped TC for 1 second).
• Show UB on Clap (default 1s auto)
• Show Clapped TC (default 5 seconds)
• ShowRunningTC(defaulto)
Flash LED
Your LockitSlate Take2 features 2 bright LEDs on the front of the display
module. They may ash on each clap or even on every transition from second
to second. Via the display menu go to "Flash LED" to adjust this setting.
Flashonclapforexampleallowsaclearidenticationinpostproductionofthe
slated frame.
Adaptive Display Brightness
The LockitSlate Take2 oers an all new semi-automatic brightness mode.
If the environment lightning changes the slate will automatically adjust the
brightness in several steps to match the new situation.
To adjust the general brightness
select LED Brightness in the menu.
This will adjust the the brightness of
the timecode display as well.
Flip Sensor
If you ip the slate upside down,
e.g. for a tail slate, the display will
automatically rotate by 180°.
11LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

7. Operation Modes
Within the ACN there is always one Lockit device acting as timecode transmit-
ter, broadcasting timecode and frame rate to the Receivers. You can choose
between C-Jam, TX and Single Jam Mode.
7.1 C-Jam Mode (Continuous Jam)
In C-Jam Mode we utilize our ACN network to completely prevent any drift. In
this mode one Lockit device acts as a C-Jam Master. It sends a pulse through
the ACN every six seconds to constantly align with all other Lockit boxes.
To start the unit as C-Jam Master press and hold Green, then tap Power.
Press and hold Green to conrm the timecode and start the C-Jam.
The icon on the display will switch to M.
All other Lockits (that are on the same ACN channel) will now automatically
follow the C-Jam Master and display an ACN icon at the lower right of the
display.
Since even in C-Jam Mode every unit still uses its own VCO (voltage-controlled
oscillator) to generate timecode (and sync), they don’t necessarily have to be
in range of the C-Jam master constantly to be accurate.
On the display you will see an (M)
appear, indicating that the device
is ready to go.
12LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Lockit devices that are powered up at a later point in time will automatically
follow the C-Jam Master and set their timecode and frame rate accordingly.
Note: Just one unit is allowed to be the C-Jam Master within an ACN channel. A
second master will be blocked and will also automatically follow the C-Jam Master
and display an ACN icon at the lower right of the display.
7.2 TX Mode (Transceiver Mode)
The TX Mode basically works like the C-Jam Mode, with the dierence that
the TX Master receives timecode and frame rate from an external source via
cable. Main use cases are playback situations (e.g. music video shootings).
To start the unit as TX Master press and hold Red, then tap Power.
On the display you will see TX appear.
As soon as the external source sends timecode, the TX Master will broadcast
it via ACN to all other Lockits. They will display an ACN icon at the lower right
of the display.
As soon as the external source stops sending timecode to the TX Master, the
timecode on all Lockits will freeze, and they will start ashing yellow. As soon
as the timecode starts running again, they’ll ash green again.
Note:tomaketheTXModework,allLockitDevicesmustrunonthelatestrm-
ware. (7.xx)
13LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

7.3 ACN Receiving Mode
All Lockit devices that are jammed via a C-Jam or TX Master automatically
switch to ACN Receiver Mode, indicated by the ACN logo in the lower right of
the display.
Lockit devices in ACN Receiving Mode constantly follow the current C-Jam or
TX Master.
To power up just long-press Power.
Lockit devices that are powered up at a later point of time will automatically
switch to ACN Receiver Mode after having received a jam via ACN. Their time-
code and frame rate will be set accordingly.
7.4 Single Jam Mode
In Single-Jam Mode you can send a one-time pulse through the ACN to sync
all Lockit devices. From then on, each Lockit continues to run autonomously.
This is perfectly ne for most occasions, as our Lockit devices are highly
accurate and drift less than a frame within 24 hours.
To power up just long-press Power.
All Lockit devices in this mode can send and receive a Single Jam. Choose
one of your Lockits and press Green for 3 seconds until the green LED
lights up twice.
This way timecode and frame rate gets broadcasted to the other Lockit box-
es in the same ACN channel.
Note:OnceaLockitdeviceisturnedothetimecodegeneratorstops.Afterturning
on again you must perform the Single Jam again.
That’s why we recommend C-Jam Mode over Single Jam Mode, as it
completely eliminates drift and is more convenient to use.
14LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Good to Know: Plug and Play Timecode
Instead of using the graphical menu of the Lockit (pressing
Red &Green simultaneously) – feed in timecode and
frame rate externally. Just plug one Lockit to the TC Out port of
another device (e.g. your sound recorder) and it’s automatically
set and ready to sync – without any additional apps.
Just plug the Lockit to the TC Out port of another device (e.g.
your Sound Recorder) and it will automatically take over time-
code and frame rate.
This only works if no Single Jam has been sent - or a C-Jam / TX
Master is active in the ACN channel. Indicated by the LED ashing
red and green alternately.
If the device is already jammed and you attach an external time-
code source, you can enter the “Compare Screen”. This displays
a potential timecode drift between external source and your
Lockit.
Please check
ambient.de/en/downloads
for new rmware updates.
Firmware Updates are
distributed via the LockitToolbox,
available for Windows or Mac OS.
With the LockitToolbox you can
update your Lockit, set your RTC or
dene basic settings for your Device.
8. LockitToolbox
15LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

•Timecode Cable Guide
https://faq.ambient.de/
hc/en-001/articles/4415083061650-Timecode-Cable-Guide
•ACN Technology
https://ambient.de/en/acn-technology
•Ambient FAQs
https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001
•LockitToolbox and Firmware Updates
https://ambient.de/en/downloads
9. Useful Links
16LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

10. Appendix
10.1 ACN Channel Frequencies
The ACN is designed to allow for friendly coexistence of dierent systems on
the same channel. Still, equivalent ARRI remote focus equivalents listed to fur-
ther help avoiding interferences. The default ACN Channel is 18.
Learn more on https://ambient.de/en/acn-technology
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
17LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

10.2 Connector Pinouts
The connector carries TC in and out as per industry standard.
It accept Lemo FGG.0B.305 compatible push-pull plugs.
LTC Out Impedance 1kΩ
LTC In Impedance 15kΩ
Timecode
1 GND
2 TC in
3 –
4 –
5 TC out
1
5
4
2
3
18LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Safety Instructions
For your own safety and trouble-free use, 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 conditions, even when powered o.
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. Ad-
missible ambience temperature for operation and storage is from +5° to +50°
Celsius. Power down before storing or shipping, detach external power sourc-
es, and, if applicable remove batteries.
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 sourc-
es 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 or
inserted batteries.
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 rmly
attached to the socket. Extension or use of 3rd party accessories is not per-
missible.
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.
19LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |

Warranty
Ambient Recording GmbH warrants this product against defects in materi-
als and workmanship for a period of ONE (1) year from date of original retail
purchase. This is a non-transferable limited warranty that extends only to
the original purchaser. Ambient Recording GmbH will repair or replace the
product at its discretion after evaluation 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 RESPON-
SIBLE 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 prodcut, 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.
https://ambient.de/en/service
20LockitSlate Take2 Users Manual |