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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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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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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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
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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.

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Metadata Network
If the Master Lockit is connected to a supported camera or recorder with metadata interface, go to the
“Metadata Network” tab. This is where to select the connected camera from the supported devices. This
version of firmware only supports the ARRI ALEXA. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: The required serial number for ARRI ALEXA can be found on top of the camera as well as
within the system menu.
The “Metadata Network” tab, allows monitoring of proper connections from other Lockit devices to
cameras or recorders if present. LockitSCRIPT or TonMeister apps logged into the hub’s WiFi will also be
displayed.
Metadata Export
The “Metadata Export” tab allows you to watch 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 Lockit
devices connected to a supported camera.
Note: Master Lockits in “satellite mode” stores clip metadata from the camera to which it is
connected while transmitting it to the hub mode enabled Master Lockit as well. To get an
overview of all the clips on set, always check the hub’s web interface.
The clip, contains technical camera metadata –the amount and specific content is determined by the
camera 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 camera, TC or shooting day. Monitor them or export the information in
one of the provided export formats.

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
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7. Menu Description
The menu description will use the following 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.
*: marks the factory default setting on a parameter, the unit will load these settings when resetting via
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
The all new graphical interface has been completely reworked to combine ease of use with maximum
flexibility for experienced users. As such, it now features a “Home” symbol in each menu pane with sub
menus. When entering a (sub) menu the cursor will always default here, allowing the user to quickly
move up one level when pressing the wheel erratically or just checking the settings.
Complexity of adjustments is now defined by a 2 step menu depth which can be set from the System
setting Menu. “Extended” will disclose additional settings. Values available only on this level will be
marked with (E) accordingly.
“Standard”:this 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.

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“Extended”:this will show the complete menu as offered previously 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.
Note: Settings are persistent through a level change which allows you to start off with guided
default depth and tweak in “Extended” if required.
Furthermore, we improved on our fail safe configuration, guiding the user step by step through
configuration. E.g. on Lockit ACL204 you now will be taken automatically from TC to Sync menu and vice
versa when making adjustments to either category, and matching values will be preselected.
The Lockit Slate menu has been enhanced with a new guided Display menu which replaces the rigid
presets of the information displayed on clap. You can now 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 ”UB:0s CT:10s TC:0s” which corresponds to the former “Claptime” setting, on
which the clapped time was displayed for 10 seconds until the display was going dark.
Press the 3-directional configuration wheel in home screen to open the
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
available on ACN-LS Lockit Slate
Navigate the menu by toggling left/right, menus are rotational, so if you want to go from the first to the
last setting just flick the wheel left once. 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.

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
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Mode Menu
↑
int TC*
C-Jam
TRX
ext TC (E )
Reader (3)
This new menu 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 new “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. Default setting. MIDT timecode (MTC) will be put out over USB (ACL204 and ACN-
LS) or Lemo ACN (ACN-TL).
“C-Jam”:int TC with benefits of ACN enhancement. The generator will be jammed over ACN, TC
framerate applied, slaves (identified by “S” in the left ACN status info) will pull in to C-Jam master set to
Continuous sync mode (labelled as “M”) and metadata transfer incl. slate clap time activated. While only
default for master Lockit, this is the recommended setting when running any combination of ACN ready
units. Just jam the C-Jam Master to time of day and enable “Continuous” Sync in ACN/Sync menu and
you never need to worry about TC for the rest of the day.
Note: Just one unit allowed as C-Jam master.
“TRX”: ACN TC radio link. Unit will act as a auto configuring transceiver. On detection of external SMPTE
LTC or MIDI TC source the device will transform into transmitter (indicated by “T” in ACN status) and
send ext TC status and frame rate to other units (marked “R”) which will automatically follow the
source. Source detection is fully automized including bidirectional MTC/LTC conversion. TC will be
displayed on LED display of Lockit Slate, clapped time broadcasted as metadata. As this mode is not
suited for proper synchronisation selected sync output will be defeated on ACL204.
“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 or ACN, but instead the slate will follow TC playback in low or highspeed
and even reversed which makes it the preferred mode for special effect shots.

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TC Menu
↑
FPS
Jam
Level (2)
Offset (E)
UB
FPS
TC/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. Available values may be limited by menu depth and if Video is
enabled for Sync on ACL204.
CAUTION! Switching between PAL and NTSC and Non-Drop and Drop rates will reset the
generator and interrupt the video or audio sync signal, doing this while recording will result in a
corrupted file.
Jam
TC/Jam
Full*
Auto
Once
Edit
Off
Determines how the generator can be jammed from cable, IR, or ACN.
“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 unless one or both of
the following restrictions:
-Timecode generator has been set (indicated by green blinking LED)
-Video has been enabled as Sync on ACL204In these cases the Jam mode will fall back to Auto (see
next parameter). Still, jam mode will be kept active, so if you defeat video sync or repower a device
with no video sync active, “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 (“Off”).

ACN-ML
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Level
TC/Level (2)
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 0to -36dB plus -42dB. Useful when recording TC on audio
tracks of DSLRs or non-TC recorders.
Offset
TC/Offset (E)
Offset: +/-00.00
(E) 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
TC/UB
↑
Show (t)
Jam
Edit
“Show” toggles userbits to be displayed in main screen, will reduce the font size of TC.
TC/UB/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 5 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”

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Sync Menu
Sync Menu and output only available on ACL204 and ACN-TL (Extended mode)
↑
Video (1)
Audio (E 1)
PPF (E 1, 2)
Off*
Video and Audio only available on ACL204, PPF on ACL204 and ACN-TL in Extended mode
Video
Sync/Video
480i(E)/576i(E)/720P/1080i/Psf/P
23/24/25/29/30 (E)/59/60(E)
Single/Dual/3D(E)
Available frame rates depend on selected video format. (E) only selectable in Extended mode
Consecutive, interactive menu: 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 valid TC frame rates will be displayed for selection (cross sync rates only
available in Extended mode). If TC FPS has been set first, the first matching video frame rate will be
preselected, changing to another videoframe rate may readjust and display TC frame rate for
reconfirming.
Audio
Sync/Audio (E)
Wordclock/Black Audio
31968/…/48000*/…/192192
(E) only available on ACL204 in Extended mode
Consecutive menu: Select between “Wordclock” (50% duty cycle clock at SR) or “Black Audio” (AES3
cARRIer signal with no signal) and then pick samplerate from 32kHz through 192kHz incl. pull up/down
rates.
PPF
Sync/PPF (E)
1/2/4x
High/Low
(E) only available in Extended mode
Pulse Per Frame) is used to steer industrial cameras. Rarely used, hence Extended. Pick between 1, 2, or
4pulses 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.

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
18
Slate Menu
This menu is exclusive to ACN-LS Lockit Slate
↑
Display
LEDs
Sensor
Display
Slate/Display
Userbits: 0*...20s →
Clapped TC: 0…10s*…20s →
Running TC: 0*...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
Slate/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
Slate/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.

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ACN Menu
↑
Off*/On
Sync
Channel
Depending on the active Mode this menu will not be fully displayed. Options depend on ACN being
enabled, Sync only appears in C-Jam mode
Off/On
“Off” defeats the ACN transceiver. This can help to save battery power in situations you do not need
the benefits of enhanced ACN features.
“On”enables the ACN radio. The correct settings will automatically applied depending on your selected
primary Mode: “int TC” will change to “C-Jam”, “ext TC” to “TRX”. “Reader” mode on Lockit Slate does not
support ACN.
“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” will automatically preset to ACN channel 18 while “TXRX” will
default to channel 11. So all required to do is set the mode and you’re ready to go. You may tune
this to your requirements at any time in the Channel menu.

ACN-ML
Rev. 2.0/4.00
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
20
Sync
ACN/Sync
Off (*)
Jam
Master
Sync: When in C-Jam mode you can trigger a Jam broadcast. To do so the internal generator must be
set first, indicated by a green blinking LED above the OLED display. You can choose between:
“Off” no broadcast sent. This is the default and when power cycling a unit it will fall back to “off”. If
“Continuous”was enabled previously this will stop C-Jam broadcasts from this unit. Use 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. You may switch off ACN afterwards again to safe on battery life time. Quite similar to the
classic jam using a cable, you will need to re-jam units after battery change or power cycle.
“Master”the magic “set and forget” mode with highest level of sophistication and comfort. The unit will
resend timecode pulses every couple of seconds. C-Jam 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. Also, this mode enables ACN metadata
networking, including clip and slate logging on presence of a Master Lockit.
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 and set to Off
Channel
Lets you pick ACN channels 11 through 26. Frequencies refer to the IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN standard.
See Appendix for details.