Ambient Lockit Timecode User manual

experience quality.
Lockit Timecode
Master Lockit
ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
2
Table of contents page
1. Introduction 4
2. Package Contents 5
3. Safety Instructions 5
4. Powering 6
5. Unit Description 7
6. Quick Start Guide 8
7. Menu Description 12
Main Menu 13
Mode Menu 14
TC Menu 15
FPS 15
Jam 15
Level 16
Offset 16
UB 16
Sync Menu 17
Video 17
Audio 17
PPF 17
Slate Menu 18
Display 18
LEDs 18
Sensor 18
ACN Menu 19
Sync 20
Channel 20

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ACN-ML
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SYS Menu 21
Menu 21
Config 22
Display 22
Ant 22
USB / LemoACN 22
Bat 23
IR 23
Reset 23
Info 23
8. LED Indications 24
9. Firmware Update 26
10. Application Notes 27
11. Physical Specifications 30
12. Warranty & Approvals 32
Warranty 32
Approvals 33
13. Recommended Accessories 35

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
4
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.

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ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
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2. Package Contents
ACN-ML Master Lockit
ACN Antenna (attached to ACN-ML)
USB WiFi Stick (attached to ACN-ML)
Manual
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. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
6
4. Powering
The ACN-ML can be powered by 5 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:
~ 500mA @ 5V DC
~ 220mA @ 12V DC
~ 120mA @ 24V DC
The Master Lockit must only be powered from either of its 4-pin Hirose sockets. The operating voltage
range is 5-24V 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.

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5. Unit Description
⑬⑭
①WiFi adapter, attached to USB A port (do not remove or replace)
②USB A port, not in use
③DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)
④Ethernet port for metadata transfer, RJ45
⑤OLED display (see page 14 ff)
⑥IR transceiver, communication port for ACC501 controller
⑦3-function configuration switch (3-function:↓ pushing in, toggle left/right)
⑧Status LEDs (see page 26)
⑨ACN antenna, SMA type, attached to unit (do not remove)
⑩Lemo / ACN socket (see page 27)
⑪Lemo / TC socket (see page 27)
⑫DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)
⑬Reset button (see page 13)
⑭3/8” thread mount
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨⑩⑪⑫

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
8
6. Quick Start Guide
repare for a new project
1. Supply adequate power source. The red LED hould blink lowly in a 2 econd interval. Thi
indicate charging of the internal backup battery i in progre . If battery i filly charged red and
green LED will come on olid.
2. Switch on the Master Lockit by pre ing down the 3-function wheel and holding it until the
OLED di play come on.
3. You can now immediately tart to manually set the required timecode frame rate. Manually
enable the ACN by electing C-Jam and choo e an ACN channel.
Note: make sure that all your Lockit Devices on set are in the same CN channel
4. Wait until the quare indicator on the left bottom of the di play ha become olid blue to
indicate the metadata erver ha completed booting. U e a martphone, tablet or computer to
log in to the Master Lockit’s WiFi. The pa word for log in will be the ame a the WiFi name.
The default etting will be di played in the format ML-xxxxx (repre enting a 5 digit random
phra e). Thi can be changed by the u er.
5. Open a brow er and enter http://masterlockit.local re pectively http://10.0.0.1. or open the
Master Lockit Web Interface in TonMei ter or LockitSCRIPT App.
6. Hit ”System Reset“ in the Sy tem Menu. Thi will clean the Ma ter Lockit from all old clip
metadata and ACN connection for a fre h tart.
7. Rename WiFi if de ired for better identification. E pecially for multi-camera hoot , it i highly
recommended to rename the Ma ter Lockit’ WiFi name to clearly identify it po ition and
determine whether or not the unit i et to hub mode. You do that in the “WiFi Setting ” within
the “Setting ” Menu, or by ju t hitting the WiFi ymbol in the header. After hitting reconfigure,
the Ma ter Lockit will re et it WiFi o you will need to log in again with new credential .

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ACN-ML
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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 CN radar page of the hub.
8. Continue with the next Ma ter Lockit – one after another. After that enable Hub Mode on ONE
– and ONLY ONE – of your Ma ter Lockit by witching it to “Hub” on the upper right corner of
the headline. Now the interface will turn from blue to orange and you hould ee all other
ACN enabled Lockit device in range are then di played in ACN radar.

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
10
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 to be the hub. Make sure that all the others are in “satellite mode”
(blue interface).
9. Enter the tab “Timecode” in your hub’s interface to set TC and enable C-Jam broadcast. All
other Lockit devices on set will switch to the hub’s TC. Now you are ready to shoot.
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 it’s C-Jam transmission, and look at the
battery status of the remote units within the web interface every so often to know when replacement is
required.
Other functions in the Master Lockit Web Interface
Timecode Remote Control (hub mode only)
As you already know, one of the Master Lockits on set is the hub. This will enable the options in the
“Timecode” tab to enter a TC manually, or by the system clock of the device to which you are accessing
the interface. When the Master Lockit has jammed to the desired time, the running TC in the upper left
corner will pulse. Now, you’re set to push the “Start C-Jam Broadcast” and sync up the set.
Note: C-Jam Broadcast can only be triggered after the generator set, which is indicated by a
green flashing LED on the unit. Doing this will help you avoid messing up the timecode when the
C-Jam master has accidentally run out of power and restarted during a camera roll. In this case
you may also re-jam the generator and activate the C-Jam broadcast directly on the Master
Lockit. It is important you only do this with no units in active record.
ACN Radar (Hub mode only)
You can add all ACN enabled Lockit devices to be monitored and controlled by the ACN Radar. Just
make certain the correct timecode rate and sync format (if applicable) of the camera/recorder are
selected, and enable the ACN by selecting the C-Jam mode using the ACN channel used on the hub.
Ultimately, all units should be blinking blink green to indicate correct sync while displaying the same
timecode. At the same time, they will appear on the ACN radar on the hub’s web interface showing you
additional valuable information. The hub will list all Lockits ever logged in.
A green header indicates there is an active connection through ACN while a gray header indicates a unit
is offline.
Note: Remove any units that are not or no longer in your active setup by clicking on the trash
can. You may also rename the remaining Lockits freely or according to their WiFi name - just
make sure you monitor each unit for battery replacement. If the heading is gray, the unit has
lost power.