Ambient NanoLockit User manual

Firmware Version 7.02
NanoLockit
Timecode + Logging

02Lockit Users manual |
Table of contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
2. Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
3. LED Blink Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
4. Basic Button Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07
5. Operation Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08
6. LockitToolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. Logging Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9. Useful Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
10. Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

03Lockit Users manual |
1. Introduction
The NanoLockit (ACN-NL-L)
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,
Highly Accurate Timecode Generator
Ambient Timecode is synonymous with precision and reliability. The NanoLockit
provides all timecode frame rates and full ACN compatibility. All Lockit devices
are based on a highly accurate temperature-compensated crystal oscillator.
Once set, the NanoLockit stays on time - and drifts less than 1 frame apart
within 24 hours.
One Button Syncing
Long-press the green button to send a “Single Jam” into the ACN and all Lockit
devices in the same ACN channel will follow.
Logging Feature
NanoLockits can be both used as Timecode Generators AND as Loggers. By
pressing the green or red button you can mark good and bad takes on set
and display those markers in the editing software.
Plug & Play
Instead of using the LockitToolBox - feed in timecode and framerate exter-
nally. Just plug one NanoLockit 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.
TX Mode
NanoLockits can be started in the so-called TX mode. Then they take over
the timecode of an external source (LTC - longitudial timecode or MTC - midi
timecode) and spread it in the ACN. This is especially relevant in playback
situations like music videos.

04Lockit Users manual |
Sleek Design
NanoLockits are the smallest Timecode boxes of the Lockit Family.
That makes them the go-to solution for DSLR cameras or gimbal rigs.
A NanoLockit ts every camera build.
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

05Lockit Users manual |
2. Unit Description
Front
1 ACN antenna, SMA RP 2.4GHz
2 RGB status LED
3 TC & ACN connector (LEMO-compatible)
4Green button
long press: Send Single Jam
short press: Good Take
5Red button
short press: Bad Take
6Power button
7 Micro-USB socket (Power & Midi timecode)
2
7
1
4
5
6
3

06Lockit 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

07Lockit Users manual |
4. 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.
Reset: When switched o, press and hold Red & Green simultaneously
for 10 seconds to perform a factory reset of the Lockit Module.
Working with Audio Timecode.
Quicktipp: If your camera does not support native timecode
input you may record timecode on a audio track.
Please assure to use line input as the timecode output of the
NanoLockit is amplied on default.
If you need to use a microphone input you can decrease the
level of the timecode output via following button interaction:
Hold Green and
repeatedly press
Red to reduce level.
Hold Red and
repeatedly press
Green to increase level.
h
o
ldh
o
ld
tap
h
o
ldh
o
ld
tap

08Lockit Users manual |
5. Operation Modes
Within the ACN there is always one Lockit device acting as timecode transmitter,
broadcasting timecode and frame rate to the Receivers. You can choose be-
tween C-Jam, TX and Single Jam Mode.
The NanoLockit can act as Single Jam or TX transmitter - and it can recieve a C-Jam
(Continuous Jam) signal by a C-Jam Transmitter (Lockit, LockitSlate or Lockit+).
5.1 Single Jam Mode
On sets where there are only NanoLockit available you can use the Single Jam
Mode for sending a jam to all other NanoLockits on the same ACN Channel.
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 boxes
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.

09Lockit Users manual |
5.2 C-Jam Mode (Continuous Jam)
The C-Jam Transmitter can either be a Lockit, LockitSlate or Lockit+.
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.
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.
On the display you will see an (M)
appear, indicating that the device
is ready to go.

10Lockit Users manual |
5.3 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.
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 rmware. (7.xx)
5.4 ACN Receiving Mode
All Lockit devices that are jammed via a C-Jam or TX Master automatically
switch to ACN Receiving 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.

11Lockit 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.
With the LockitToolbox you can
dene basic settings for your
NanoLockit.
Choose your projectrate for your
next shooting and assure all your
NanoLockits are running on the
same ACN Channel.
Please check ambient.de/en/down-
loads for new rmware updates.
Firmware Updates are distributed
via the LockitToolbox, available for
Windows or Mac OS.
6. LockitToolbox

12Lockit Users manual |
You can use your NanoLockit both as a Timecode Generator AND a Live
Logger. The goal of the Logging feature is to mark good and bad clips
(or several parts of a clip) directly on set. This can save loads of time in
post-production.
Logging basically works by pressing the green or the red button, meaning
“good” and “bad”. The Markers are locally stored on the NanoLockit as a
.markers le that can be downloaded via a USB connection to your computer.
The NanoLockit Logger Software for Windows or Mac OS enables
you to download your logs from the NanoLockit.
Please check ambient.de/en/downloads for the latest version.
Learn more about the logging workow in
postproduction following this link:
https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001/articles/
4415296890642-Logging-in-Post-Production
To learn how to use the NanoLockit as a Logger
on Set please read this FAQ article:
https://faq.ambient.de/hc/en-001/articles/
4415296799634-Logging-on-Set
793_0143.MXF
793_0144.MXF
793_0145.MXF
793_0146.MXF
793_0147.MXF
793_0143.MXF [V]793_0145.MXF [V]
7. Logging Feature

13Lockit Users manual |
8. Powering
Your NanoLockit has an internal battery.
It will last up to 24h while shooting.
A small percentage of the battery is preserved to maintain the RTC
(Real Time Clock) while the NanoLockit is powered o.
RTC is used to start und set the internal generator timecode.
•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 with Firmware Updates and Logger Software
https://ambient.de/en/downloads
• Lockit Family Data Sheet - Compare Lockit Devices
https://manuals.ambient.de/lockitfamily
9. Useful Links

14Lockit 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

15Lockit Users manual |
10.2 Connector Pinouts
Blue ACN Connector
Accept LEMO FGG.0B.305 and compatible push-pull plugs.
Connectors carry TC in and out as per industry standard
and ACN metadata.
ACN
1 GND
2 TC in
3 ACN TX
4 ACN RX
5 TC out
1
5
4
2
3

16Lockit 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.

17Lockit 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

18Lockit Users manual |
Approvals
CE Conformity Statement:
Declaration of Conformity According to ISO/IEC Guide 22
Manufacturer’s Name:
Ambient Recording GmbH
Manufacturer’s Address:
Schleissheimer Str. 181 C, DE – 80797 Muenchen, Germany
declares that this product is in conformity with:
- EN 62368-1
- EN 300 328 V2.1.1
- EN 301 489-1 V1.9.2
- EN 301 489-3 V1.4.10
which is indicated and armed by the applied CE marking.
FCC Statement
The FCC requires that the following statements be
included in this manual:
FCC § 15.19
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
Canada CNR-Gen Section 7.1.3
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:(1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux con-
ditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utili-
sateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si

19Lockit Users manual |
le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
FCC § 15.21
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC § 15.105
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa-
tion. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ICES-003
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.