Ambient Lockit Timecode User manual

experience quality.
Lockit Timecode
MasterLockit
MasterLockitPlus
ACN-ML/ACN-MLP
Rev. 5.10

ACN-ML/ACN-MLP experience quality.
Rev. 5.10
www.ambient.de/en
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Table of contents page
1. Introduction 3
2. Package Contents 3
3. Powering 3
4. Unit Description 4
5. Connectors 4
6. Quick Start Guide 7
7. Web Interface 8
System Menu 9
Tabs of the Web interface 11
Timecode 11
ACN Radar 13
Sound Recorder 15
Clip Metadata 18
Lens Metadata 20
8. Menu Description 21
Main Menu 23
Mode Menu 23
TC Menu 25
Set 25
FPS 25
Jam 25
Level 26
Mute 26
Offset 26
UB 27
Jam 27
Edit 27
Sync Menu 28
Video 28
Audio 28
PPF 28

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Slate Menu 29
Display 29
LEDs 29
Sensor 29
ACN Menu 30
Ant 31
SYS Menu 32
Menu 32
Config 32
Display 32
Ant 33
USB / LemoACN 33
Bat 34
IR 34
Reset 34
Info 34
9. LED Blink Codes 34
10. Application Notes 36
11. Physical Specifications 38
12. ACN Radio 38
13. Timecode, Metadata, and Power Supply Cables 39
ACN-RCP 39
MLC-CL 39
MLC-HID 39
MLC-L1B10 39
MLC-L1B10P 39
AK-HS4 39
AK-HS4-LOB2 40
AK-HS4-PC2M 40
LTC-OUT 40
LTC-OUT/ Epic 40
TC-IO 40
TC-IO-RA 40
LTC-OUT35/35F 40

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1. Introduction
The ACN-ML MasterLockit 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.
2. Package Contents
•ACN-ML MasterLockit
•ACN Antenna (attached to ACN-ML)
•USB WiFi Stick (attached to ACN-ML)
•Manual
3. Powering
The ACN-ML can be powered by 6 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/in charging:
~ 500mA/850mA @ 6V DC
~ 250mA/400mA @ 12V DC
~ 150mA/200mA @ 24V DC
The MasterLockit must only be powered from either of its 4-pin Hirose sockets. The operating voltage
range is 6-24V 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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4. Unit Description
①Configuration wheel (↓push, ↔toggle left/right)
②Status LEDs (see page 26)
③OLED display (see page 14 ff)
④ACN antenna (do not remove, only substitute with original replacement)
⑤ACN A, blue socket (see page 5)
⑥TC, red socket (see page 5)
⑦MasterLockitPlus: ACN B, grey socket with DC through (see page 5)
⑦MasterLockit: DC through port (see page 6)
⑧1/4"/ 3/8” thread mount
⑨Reset button (see page 13)
⑩WiFi adapter, only substitute with original replacement
⑪USB A ports (see page 6)
⑫DC IN (see page 6)
⑬RJ45 Ethernet port (see page 6)

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5. Connectors
⑥
“Red” socket,
SMPTE 12M Timecode in/out
Lemo series FGG/JGG.0B.305 or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: TC in
pin 3: ACC com
pin 4: Reference out, ext DC In 6-18V on ACL204, ACN-TL and ACN-LS
pin 5: TC out (SMPTE 12M)
⑤
“Blue” socket, connect blue coded cables here
SMPTE 12M Timecode in/out
Metadataport for RED cameras and Sound Devices 788T and 6series
Lemo series FGG/JGG.0B.305 or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: TC IN
pin 3: ACN A TX (RS232)
pin 4: ACN A RX (RS232)
pin 5: TC OUT (SMPTE 12M, 3Vpp)
⑦
“Grey” socket, connect grey coded cables here.
SMPTE 12M Timecode out
Metadataport for ZEISS CP.3 XD
Lemo series FGA/JGA.0B.305 or compatible
only available on MasterLockitPlus,
pin 1: GND
pin 2: ext. DC through
pin 3: ACN B TX (RS232)
pin 4: ACN B RX (RS232)
pin 5: TC OUT

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④
SMA type F, leave supplied antenna attached, only substitute with original
replacements ANT-2.4-SMA-M(90)
⑫
Primary DC port, connect your external power supply here
Hirose HR10-7P-4P or compatible
pin 1: GND
pin 2: NC
pin 3: NC
pin 4: 6 -24V DC
⑦
DC through socket, only available on MasterLockit
Hirose HR10-7P-4P or compatible
Use to daischain recorders and accessories
Unfused and in parallel to DC IN
Warning: always apply power through either socket only!
⑪USB A ports, 1 populated with WiFi Stick, 2nd to download reports and logs
to USB sticks
⑬Ethernet port, RJ45, metadata interface to ARRI ALEXA classic

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6. Quick Start Guide
Prepare for a new project
When preparing for a project with multiple MasterLockits it is advised to start with the unit that is
planned to become the timecode and metadata Master. As only one device is allowed as Master, units
will only allow activation of Master if not receiving C-Jam broadcasts from another device.
1. Supply adequate power source. The internal battery is for backup purpose only and not suited for
operating the unit over longer time. The red LED should blink slowly in a 2 seconds interval. This
indicates charging of the internal backup battery is in progress. If battery is fully charged red and
green LED will come on solid.
2. Switch on the MasterLockit by pressing down the 3-function wheel and holding it until the OLED
display comes on.
3. Wait approx. 40 seconds until the square indicator on the left bottom of the display has turned
from outlined to solid blue to indicate the metadata server has completed booting.
4. Log in to the MasterLockit’s WiFi using a smartphone, tablet or computer. On factory default, this
SSID is in the format ml-rssss (where “r” indicates the hardware revision and “s” consists of the last 4
digits of the unit’s serial number). This can be changed by the user, so your WiFi Name will be
different. However, the password for log is always the same as the WiFi name.
5. Open a browser and enter http://10.0.0.1 (or http://masterlockit.local) in the address bar.
Tip: you may want to create a favorite for this IP or make this your browser’s homescreen.
6. If the unit has been used previously in a project it is recommended to purge the database. Go to the
system menu (gear wheel in the upper right corner) and select “System Reset”. Note that the WiFi
name may now have been changes to default as per 3. Log back in and proceed with 6.
7. Select the Timecode tab. If your unit is new or has been reset it is configured as ACN slave, indicated
by a blue title bar. If this is the device to become your timecode masterclock click on Master. The unit
will change its state and the titlebar will become orange and immediately send out C-Jam broadcasts
with current timecode. Now check the Frame Rate (FPS). If you need to change from current, unlock
by clicking the pencil, select the desired rate from the drop down list and confirm by clicking the orange
OK tickbox. Finally, you may Set Timecode manually or to Time of Day.
Note: the generator will reset when switching between integer (A.K.A “PAL”) and non-integer (A.K.A. “NTSC”)
frame rates. Hence it is advised to select FPS first on a new project before setting the generator.
8. Power on your other Lockit devices. ACN enabled Lockit devices on the same channel will
automatically jam to the hub’s TC value and framerate and listed in the ACN Radar tab for link and
battery status.

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Note: default channel is 18. Slaves will try to follow a channel change of their Master. However, if the
Master’s channel has been changed while Slaves were powered down or out of range you may need to
change their channels manually. Slaves will be loyal to their Master even if another ACN set on the same
channel is in range, so it will be very rarely necessary to go from default to another channel.
9. Congratulations, you have successfully configured your ACN! If you switch on the units every
morning, the Master will remember its state and automatically start to send out timecode. All you
need to do is set TC again to time of day and occasionally monitor the battery status of the remote
units within the ACN Radar to know when replacement is required.
7. Web Interface
The interface of the MasterLockit can be accessed through any WiFi equipped device using a common
browser. Log in to your MasterLockit’s WiFi. The required password always reflects the SSID. Default
SSID follows pattern ml-rssss where “r” indicates the hardware revision and “s” consists of the last 4
digits of the unit’s serial number.
Title Bar: Timecode and System Menu
Color depend on the MasterLockit’s configuration as Slave (blue) or Master (orange). The setting also
determines accessible features of the interface.
While Slaves are basically limited to configuring the nature and access of a physical connected devices
including metadata and remote control functions, a Master additionaly serves as global metadata and
timecode hub to all Slaves. As it is mandatory only one Master is present within an ACN, default setting
is Slave. When changing this to Master, A unit will always remember its state on next boot. So, if
changed to Master, it will become Master again and start sending timecode jams. If another unit is
already present as suchthe status will automatically revert to Slave.

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System Menu
The gear wheel on the right opens a drop down menu for maintenance.
WiFi Settings
If desired you can rename WiFi here for better identification. Especially for multi-camera shoots, it is
highly recommended to rename the MasterLockit’s WiFi name to clearly identify its position and
determine whether or not the unit is set to hub mode. After hitting reconfigure WiFi, the MasterLockit
will immediately apply the new SSID so you will lose connection and need to log in again with new
credentials.
Note: The password always coincides with the SSID. As such, it must be at least 8 digits long. Make sure
you use a name that identifies the unit uniquely. Names like “soundcartHUB”, “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 ACN Radar.
System Reset
This will purge the database, reset the metadata server and restart in Satellite mode with default of 25
FPS and ACN Channel 18. This can be indicated when the unit needs to be attached to a different
camera or was in use before on a different set. We recommend to do a reset at the start of a project
especially when using the metadata network.
Note: This will also reset your WiFi to the default SSID

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Firmware Update
Important: Always make sure your unit is powered from a reliable external source. A brownout may
render your Master Lockit a service case.
Select File through your local file browser or drag ‘n’ drop a file through open explorer/finder. Navigate
the update file, then click Upload & Restart. A 5 minute countdown will initialize after successful
upload after which you need to log back in to the WiFi. If the page doesn’t refresh automatically, hit the
reload button on your browser. If the firmware update involves an update to the Lockit firmware (which
will be the case mostly) the unit will automatically power down after a while. Press and hold the config
wheel until the LEDs rapidly flash alternating, then release and let the Master Lockit boot through.
About
See detailed information of your system environment such as code revisions and the unit’s serial
number. A debug logging is available for diagnostics.
Shutdown
Which will completely shutdown the unit.
Note: thje server will take about 30 seconds to claose the database, leave unit connected to power
until the blink code changes to charge mode.
Help
Clicking here will open this very file

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Tabs of the Web interface
Most tabs and or underlying functions rely on the unit being in Master mode. Slaves purely serve as
metadata collectors/ transceivers jammed and remotely to the master’s TC. Hence options are
restricted to local control.
On mobile devices tabs are replaced by a so called “burger menu” on the outmost left side of the title
bar.
Note: “Lens Metadata“ tab only available on ACN-MLP MasterLockitPlus
Timecode
Note: you can also access this tab by clicking directly on the running timecode in the title bar.

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Most importantly, you can switch the state between Slave and Master. On enabling “Master”, the
generator will be set and the unit will send out C-Jam broadcasts indicated by a green flash on each
second followed by a double blink every 6th second. Please refer to chapter “LED Blink Codes” for
detailed description. A Master will remember it’s state and attempt to retain that state on reboot.
Note: only one unit within the ACN is allowed to be Master. The algorthms of the ACN will assist you to
effectively prevent to enable this on more than one unit, if a Master is detected on boot, the unit will
revert to “Slave” also multiple ACNs can coexist on one channel as Slaves will only listen to their initial
Master as long as receiving it’s C-Jam broadcasts.
“Master” also gives access to setting the Frame Rate (FPS) and manually Set Timecode of the
generator to a deliberate value or automatically Set to Time of Day synchronized by the system clock
of the device through which accessing the interface. Setting to Time Of Day will also insert the current
date in the Userbits and set the realtime clock of NanoLockits on the channel. If using the Userbits for
displaying the date e.g. on a LockitSlate, you can switch here between European (DD.MM.YY.ED) and
American (MM.DD.YY.AD) date scheme. To make any changes, first click on the pencil symbol, apply
desired settings and confirm by ticking the orange mark. The same way you can change the ACN
Channel (also availbale on “Slave”).
Note: When connected Slaves will follow a channel change of their Master, so this will only be required
when connecting to a Master which cannel has been previously edited from default.
Word Clock will switch pin 4 of TC (red) Lemo from Tune to 48KHz when a sound recorder is activated
in ACN Radar Tab. If you want to tune your device via ACC501, disable the sound recordr channel or
switch to Tune here.

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ACN Radar
On Master, this is “ground control”over your ACN and lists all devices within the ACN plus metadata
sources connected locally or remote.
As you can also configure your Local MasterLockit to connect to supported metadata devices this is
logically the only option available in Slave mode.
Add Device:

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Click on the appropriate button and select from drop down list and optionally rename it. Currently,
support is limited to ARRI ALEXA Classic line (ALEXA SXT and ALEXA Mini are not supported yet), RED
DSMC 1 & 2 based cameras, and Sound Devicers’ 788T and 6 series audio recorders. On ARRI ALEXA
you will need to enter the last 4 digits of the serial number found on the top-mounted plate or within
the camera’s system menu.
This will also require special cables to physically link MasterLockit to the respective device, please refer
to chapter 14. for comprehensive listing of available options.
Note: The name assigned on a Slave does not synchronize with the names in the ACN Radar of a Master.
It is advised to duplicate the naming there.
On physical connection the device will now show up active and green on the “Local MasterLockit”
frame.
Note: When connected to a supported audio recorder you can access the “Remote Control” subpage
which will offer extensive access for remote rec roll, take history metadata editing, and sound report
export. This is the same as the “Sound Recorder” menu available through tab or burger menu. See next
chapter.
Other Lockits on ACN Channel XX:
All Lockit devices in C-Jam mode on the same ACN channel in range will automatically appear in this
section. A green header indicates there is an active connection through ACN while a grey header
indicates a unit is offline. You may also rename connected units for better identification.
Note: The hub will list all Lockits ever logged in. Remove any units that are not or no longer in your
active setup by clicking on the trash can.
Timecode frame rate must be consistent on all units on a set. Full Jam will automatically take care of
this on initial jam with the only exception being Lockits with enabled video sync. Still, you can easily
check these units and make changes accordingly. You may also rename the Lockits for clear
identification to ease battery monitoring.
Note: If known present units do not show up, check the Master is actively broadcasting C-Jam and ACN
channel is consistent on all units.

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Sound Recorder
Soundmixers working with either 788T or 6 series recorders from Sound Devices have a convenient
remote control and sound reporting tool with the MasterLockit.
Note: For consistency, the recorder must be set to external timecode and slaved to the MasterLockit. A
respective warning will show if the MasterLockit reads different timecode from the recorder.

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When configured correctly you can prepare and edit scene, take, notes, arm and rename tracks, remote
roll your recorder, circle takes and in the end create comprehensive sound reports without losing
control over your timecode setup.
Note: the available options and behavior strictly depend on the protocol made available by Sound
Devices. E.g. reading meter status is only available for 788T.
Remote Roll
When pressing the REC button its color changes to red and your machine will go into recording.
Information of “Next Clip” will be inserted into the “Recording Clip” and “Last Clip” moved into “Hostory”
Tracks
By expanding this tab you can arm tracks by clicking on the track index and rename them by clicking on
the pencil. On 788T the tracks will also show the current signal level.
Note: Naming tracks will only apply for the “Next Clip” and not be available during record. If
you need to make corrective changes you can do so by editing the take in the “History” after
finishing the recording.
History
In this section you will find previous recorded takes. To edit, click on the pencil icon of the respective
take and apply the changes.

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After finishing your shooting day, you can export your daily sound report by clicking the button at the
bottom. This will automatically take you to the next tab, Clip Metadata and preselect the clips created
by your audio recorder for export.
Note: you can add previous takes recorded without MasterLockit interface to the sound report by
manually importing them through the tab below.

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Clip Metadata
Note: that when coming from “Sound Recorder” tab, the correct files have been preselected. Just pick
your current date or narrow in by timecode and click “Sound report (Excel)” this will open your reports
cover sheet template, where you can fill in the desired information.