Ambient Acn-ls User manual

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Lockit Timecode

Lockit Slate

ACN-LS

Rev. 3.34

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ACN-LS

www.ambient.de/en

Table of contents

1. Introduction 2

2. Package Contents 3

3. Safety Instructions 3

4. Powering 5

5. Description 6

6. Attaching the Handle: 7

7. Setup Menu Diagram 8

8. Menu Description 10

POWER ON / OFF 10

LED DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS 10

MAIN DISPLAY 10

MAIN MENU 11

GEN MENU 11

SLATE MENU 14

TC MENU 17

SYS MENU 18

ACN MENU 20

EXIT 23

9. LED Indications 24

10. Firmware Update 24

11. Physical specifications 25

12. Warranty & Approvals 26

Warranty 26

CE Conformity Statement: 26

FCC Statement 27

13. Recommended accessories 28

ACN-LS

1. Introduction

As all Ambient Clockit devices the LockitSlate provides a rock solid, highly accurate,

temperature compensated time code generator.

The LockitSlate Display Module is built on the proven platform of the TinyLockit with added

slate specific functions and features a new ultra-bright LED display. It is supplied with a

durable polycarbonate slate board and polymer clapsticks with inlaid rhombs. The clapsticks

are also available made of maple wood.

Except for a sync signal output, it comprises the full functionality of the Lockit and TinyLockit,

including ACN (Ambient Clockit Network) support and transfer of the clapped time. These

network capabilities also allow the LockitSlate to be a fully functional, generator buffered time

code transceiver. This provides the stability of an Ambient Lockit Generator with the flexibility

of a wireless TC system but without the fear of dropouts.

In addition, it also offers time code conversion between LTC and MTC and vice versa, so a

playback time code can be displayed, an audio workstation synchronized and the display

module is also suitable for studio use.

Some more great features have been implemented: it has a motion sensor so it flips the

display when the slate is turned upside down for end slates, a sensor for ambient light so the

brightness can automatically adjust, variable offset for the displayed time, a supercap so time

is not lost on battery replacement for some minutes, and of course an enhanced reader that

can display multiple or slow speeds and even backwards.

Super bright flash LEDs help to find slate point on the time line or seconds transitions on

fame 00.

As known from the Lockit and TinyLockit, the user interface is easy and intuitive to use.

Due to its modular concept, the LockitSlate can be equipped with custom slate boards, or the

display module can be used alone.

Thanks to the machined, pearl blasted and anodized aluminum body the LockitSlate can

easily withstand the roughest production conditions.

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2. Package Contents

-ACN-LS Time Code Slate including:

-ACN-LD Lockit LED Display

-ACN-LCP Clapstick POM with inlaid rhombs

-ACN-LB polycarbonate board

-LS-HG detachable handle

-ANT-2.4-SMA-M90 Antenna SMA right angle

-Manual

-Board marker with Velcro

3. Safety Instructions

For your own safety and trouble-free use of your LockitSlate ACN-LS 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, antenna, etc. which have been supplied by an

authorized dealer. Always observe integrity and the pertinent compatibility with all units

connected to.

Do not perform software updates in situations 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.

Only use intended batteries type Mignon AA with 1.5V. Watch correct polarity when inserting

the batteries, instructions can be found in the manual and on the device itself. Disregard of

handling may cause battery leakage or even risk of explosion.

To maintain secure electrical contact the batteries are loaded with high spring tension and

can shoot out of the compartment if opened without attention. Always secure the outer

battery contact and release slowly when accessing the compartment.

Proper recycling of used batteries might mandatory be instructed by local law. Please check

for requirements and dispose at foreseen institutions. With regard to environment only

dispose completely discharged batteries.

When powering from external sources remove the batteries. Pay attention to the use of LPS

sources in compliance to part 2.5 of EN 60950-1.

ACN-LS

When using the wireless connection of the LockitSlate ACN-LS place it centrally and keep it

distant from sources of possible interference such as microwaves or electrical devices with

large metal surfaces.

Use the original antenna directly attached to the socket. Extension or use of 3rd party

accessories is not licit.

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.

CLEANING THE SLATE BOARD:

It is recommended to clean the polycarbonate slate board with alcohol, diluted soap water,

window cleaner or similar.

NEVER USE ACETONE!

Chemical Resistance

Acids –concentrated

Poor

Acids –dilute

Good

Alcohols

Good

Alkalis

Good-Poor

Aromatic hydrocarbons

Poor

Greases & Oils

Good-fair

Halogenated Hydrocarbons

Good-poor

Halogens

Poor

Ketones

Poor

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4. Powering

The ACN-LS can be powered:

-by 4 pcs. Type Mignon batteries (Alkaline, NiMH rechargeable or Li-Ion). Set correct

battery type in configuration for reliable low voltage warning.

No charging function for rechargeable batteries when powered from external.

Pay attention to insert with correct polarity as shown on label, insert outer with “+”

first, inner with “-“ first. Push down battery hinge and close slider.

Or:

-5 to 18 Volts DC via pin 4 of Lemo socket

Or:

-5 Volts DC via the USB socket.

If powered from USB, USB is displayed in the upper

right corner of the display instead of the battery

symbol.

If powered from external on Lemo pin 4, EXT is

displayed in the upper right corner of the display

instead of the battery symbol.

Note: current time code is lost when power is preserved via the backup supercap for about 4

to 5 minutes, depending on setting for the OLED display. The LED display is turned off in

backup power mode. After the supercap has run empty, the LockitSlate turns off and both,

time code as well as stored clap time entries are lost. The settings are stored, the unit will

power up with the last configuration used.

ACN-LS

5. Description

①Battery compartment slider to be pushed down for access to batteries

②Configuration switch (further “config switch”, ↓for pushing in, for toggle left/right)

③IR transceiver, used to set and check the ACN-LS from the ACC501 controller

④Display

⑤Signal LEDs

⑥USB connector

⑦Lemo 5-pin socket: time code in, out / ascii / tune signal / DC-in

⑧External antenna connector

⑨Mounting holes for hand grip

③ ② ④ ⑤

⑥

⑧

⑦

① ②

⑨

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6. Attaching the Handle:

First, bring the small lever into „up“ position.

The slate module has holes which recess upwards. The fittings of

the handle are inserted into the holes so the edge of the handle

has a gap to the module on the lower side.

Now push the handle upwards so the lower edge

is flush with the chassis, and the fittings are held

in the smaller section of the holes. Next, tilt back

the lever so the handle is tightly anchored in the

chassis of the display module.

ACN-LS

7. Setup Menu Diagram

When entering a menu, the active parameter setting is highlighted.

MAIN DISPLAY, showing time code, frame rate, sync rate, jam mode, network channel, battery status

↓ push select switch down to enter main menu and to select options, toggle left/right to navigate

↓

GEN

↓

JamTC ↔Edit ↔ Offset

↓

JamTC:

AUTO ↔ OFF ↔ manual/once

↓

Edit:

HH:MM:SS:FF

↓

Offset:

+/- 00.05 frames

↓

JamUB ↔ Edit-UB ↔ EXIT

↓

JamUB:

normal ↔ manual ↔ insert

Edit-UB:

00:00:00:FF

EXIT:

back to main menu

↓

SLATE

↓

SOURCE ↔ MODE ↔OFFSET ↔ SENS

↓

SOURCE:

GEN ↔ LTC ↔ LTC-VARI ↔ ACN ↔ MTC

↓

MODE:

DIGITS ↔ FLASH-LED

DIGITS

CLAPTIME ↔ UB+CLAPTIME ↔ NO CLAPTIME

FLASH-LED

OFF ↔ CLAP FLASH ↔ CLAP*SECONDS

OFFSET

+/- 00.05 frames

↓

SENS

TILT ↔ BRIGHTNESS

TILT

On ↔ Off

BRIGHTNESS

Man ↔ Low ↔ Med ↔ High

↓

FPS ↔ MTC ↔ Level

↓

FPS

FPS: 23.976 ↔ 24 ↔ 25 ↔ 29.97 ↔ 30 ↔ 29.97D ↔ 30D

↓

MTC

MTCout ↔ MIDI>LTC ↔ LTC>MIDI

↓

SYS

↓

Config ↔ INFO ↔ Factory reset

↓

Display ↔ USB ↔ BAT

↓

Display:

Brightness: 0…↔5↔…10

↓

AutoOff: never ↔ 5sec ↔ … ↔ 5min

↓

USB

USB: MTC ↔ COM

↓

BAT

Battery type: Li ↔ Alk ↔ NiMH

↓

INFO: displays device information: serial no., firmware version, mac address

↓

Factory Reset: loads default settings

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↓

ACN

↓

MODE

↓

OFF ↔ JAM ↔ TX ↔ RX

↓

MODE↔CHNL↔ANT↔PWR↔SYNC

MODE

Back one level to mode select

↓

JAM

Mode for remote jamming of ACL 204

CHNL

Select ACN channel 11 to 26

↓

C_JAM

Mode for continuous jam / autosync

ANT

Select antenna internal ↔ external

↓

TX / RX

Mode to transmit external recrun TC

PWR

Select RF output power 8 to 18 dBm

Mode to receive free- or recrun TC

↓

SYNC

Send sync broadcast: yes ↔ no (JAM)

Start continuous jam: yes ↔ no (C-JAM)

(not available in TX / RX)

↓

EXIT

Return to main operation display

ACN-LS

8. Menu Description

POWER ON / OFF

To turn on the ACN-LS, press and hold the config switch for 4 seconds.

To turn off, press and hold the switch for 4 seconds. The display will show:

Press switch again to power down, toggle left to

cancel.

LED DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS

The brightness of the LED display can be regulated manually by toggling the config switch left

or right without entering the menu at all. Only works when in the home screen.

Manual setting is not available if brightness is in

“AUTO” mode.

Pushing the config switch either way for more than 3

seconds turns off the LEDs. Tipping the switch turns

them on again.

The flash LEDs are set in menu SLATE > MODE > FLASH-LED

MAIN DISPLAY

The main display is the normal operation mode. It

displays the most important status information.

These are the time code momentarily running, source

of the displayed time, time code frame rate, LED

display offset, ACN status, channel and antenna

amplifier if activated.

“A” in upper left corner indicates the jam mode

“auto”, the lock symbol indicates “off” – no

external jamming available, “M” indicates manual /

once.

“+00:00” top right beside the battery indicates time

code offset for the output.

“COM” or “MTC” show the status of the USB port if USB is connected.

If the display is switched off (power save), pushing the config switch once will turn it on again

without doing any changes. Also, a time code jam activates the display.

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MAIN MENU

Pushing the config switch for 1/2 second enters the

main menu screen. The main operation parameters

are further displayed. In this screen, you can select

the different settings by pushing the config switch.

Navigate by toggling the config switch left or right.

Pushing the config switch when EXIT is highlighted exits to the main screen.

If no action is done, the unit will return to the main screen as well.

GEN MENU

In the GENenrator menu, you can edit the jam mode,

edit the time and set an offset of the time code

output against the jammed time.

Under UB, you can display and manage user bits.

GEN > JamTC

In the JamTC settings, you can select from different jam behaviors: Navigate toggling left/right,

push to select.

“AUTO” –the ACN-LS will behave as used to from the

former Lockit boxes. It will jam once time code is

detected, but not re-jam while time code is

continuously present. As long as time code is present,

the “A” mark changes to indicating that the unit is not ready to re-jam. If the time code is

disconnected for 3 or more seconds, the “A” reappears to indicate that the unit will jam again

once time code is received.

“OFF” –the ACN-LS does not jam to external time

code. This setting is useful if you set the unit

manually and not to be jammed by incoming time

code.

The in top left corner shows that the input is locked.

“manual/once” –the ACN-LS jams once to external

time code, but then will not jam again but lock the

jam port. Once jammed, the “M” indicator changes

to signaling that the unit cannot be jammed from

outside. This setting is useful if you want the unit to be jammed from external time code but

then not to be changed by incoming signal anymore. This mode is recommended should a

LockitSlate be used to re-jam cameras in intervals using a bi-directional time code cable. Some

ACN-LS

cameras, like the ARRI Alexa, put out time code permanently even in “ext. TC” mode, which

leads to resetting the ACN-LS if in “AUTO” mode.

To reactivate the jam port, just push the config switch repeatedly going

>GEN>JamTC>manual/once> and exit. The “M” indicator appears again, the unit is ready to be

jammed once again.

CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the signal, doing this while recording

can result in a corrupted file.

GEN>EDIT

In this screen, you can edit a time code value

manually. Decrease or increase by toggling

left/right. Holding left/right is fast backward/ forward.

Push to select and jump to next.

Pushing the config switch while on the frames position sets the time. To avoid inadvertently

changing the time code, you will be asked:

Pushing the config switch while “old” is highlighted

discards the changes and returns to the main menu.

Pushing the config switch while “new” is highlighted

will set the generator to the selected value.

CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the signal, doing this while recording

can result in a corrupted file.

GEN>OFFSET

An offset can be entered between the jammed time

code and the time code on the output of the ACN-LS.

Use this to compensate the processing delay that

some file base cameras produce.

If offset is enabled, it will be displayed in the main

screen. This shifts only the time code, the sync signal

stays locked to the frame start of the jammed time

code running in background.

The offset has a range of +/- 10 frames in 0.05 frames steps (equals 2 ms at 25 fps).

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GEN > UB

In the GEN > user bit menu, the user bits are being

displayed. The user bits can be edited manually, and

the jam behavior managed.

JamUB

Under JamUB, the jamming behavior is managed:

normal: the user bits are being taken from external

time code

manual: the user bits are not being overwritten by

external time code. This mode is to be used if you

want a custom entry, like date and camera Id for

instance.

insert: user bits can be inserted “on the fly”. Note: if

the source time code was unplugged for more than 3

seconds and reconnected, the ACN-LS will re-jam. For just inserting changed user bits after

interrupted time code, you must also set the ACN-LS to “jam once” or “off” in the jamTC menu.

If changed user bits from the master shall be taken over in C-JAM mode, “insert mode” must

be selected.

Edit-UB

In Edit-UB, the user bits can be edited manually.

Decrease or increase by toggling left/right. Holding

left/right is fast backward/ forward. Push to select

value, curser jumps to next digit.

After finishing, selecting the new value needs to be

confirmed –“use new”, or the menu can be left by

cancelling –“use old”.

EXIT

As the user bits are only displayed in this menu, we

added a way to exit without any changes quickly.

ACN-LS

SLATE MENU

The SLATE menu lets you set all slate specific feature

of the LockitSlate, such as source of the displayed

time code, what happens if the clapsticks are closed,

LED time offset, and functions of the sensors.

SOURCE selects what is displayed on the front LEDs.

GEN: the internal generator’s time code is displayed.

ACN: selecting ACN enters the ACN menu. Depending

of what is selected here, source ACN can be:

-the internal generator jammed through ACN in JAM mode,

-the internal generator slaved to ACN in C-JAM mode,

-a time code transmitter of LTC present on the input in record run mode if TX is

selected,

-a receiver of for time code transmitted by another ACN enabled device in TX mode if

RX is selected.

LTC: this displays time code present on the Lemo

socket. It is a convert mode, i.e. the internal generator

is jammed and running, permanently slaved to the

external time code. At the same time, the time code is

put out as MTC via USB. The USB Port is changed to

Audio/Midi device.

MTC: this displays midi time code (MTC) present on

USB. It is a convert mode, i.e. the internal generator is

jammed and running, permanently slaved to the

external time code. The USB Port is changed to

Audio/Midi device. The time code is sent out on the

Lemo socket as LTC.

LTC-VARI: this displays time code present on the Lemo socket. Slow or multiple speeds and

time code running backwards is recognized, but of course also normal speed time code.

The generator keeps on running in background to be able to send time stamped messages

into the ACN. This generator time code is present as LTC on the Lemo socket and MTC over

USB.

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NOTE: If setting back to source GEN while external time code is still connected, the

generator will be jammed!

MODE: settings for the behavior of the digits on

closing the sticks and of the flash LEDs.

Digits: at this time there are three different display

modes.

UB+CLAPTIME: 3 frames flash LED + clapped time > 2

seconds user bits > 10 seconds clapped time.

CLAPTIME (default): 3 frames flash LED + clapped time

> 10 seconds clapped time.

NO CLAPTIME: 3 frames flash LED + clapped time > 10

seconds running time code > off

For the Flash LEDs, there are three different

behaviors: CLAP FLASH lights up the flash LEDS for 3

frames when the sticks are closed.

CLAP+SECONDS: flashes on frame 00 and for 3

frames when sticks are closed.

OFF: deactivates the flash LEDs

OFFSET: Sets the offset for the time code displayed

on LED only. The small flashing LED and the bright

flash LEDs indicate frame 00 and wander with the

offset.

Negative or positive offsets can be set in 0.05 frames

steps.

The offset is displayed in the home screen, and the

small red LED will flash between the green LED every

ACN-LS

4th second on frame 12 so the camera filming the slate sees there is an offset.

SENS: Settings for the tilt and ambient light sensors:

TILT: activates the tilt sensor. If on, the LED digits are

flipped upside down when the slate is turned over.

BRIGHTNESS: Man activates the manual adjustment

of LED brightness via the toggle switch.

Low Med High activate the ambient light sensor on

the front side. This adapts the brightness to the light

intensity from front. Low / Med / High are different profiles for relation of LED brightness to

measured light.

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TC MENU

Enter the TC menu to adjust the time code frame

rate, MIDI time code (MTC) functions and time code

output level for pin 5 Lemo.

TC > FPS

Select FPS for adjusting the frame rate. Adjust by

toggling the config switch left/right, push to select

new frame rate:

Available rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 29.97D, 30D

fps (D = drop frame)

If settings are changed, confirmation is required:

Pushing the config switch while “old” is highlighted,

discards the changes and returns to the main menu.

Pushing the config switch while “new” is highlighted

will set the time code signal to the selected rate and

resets the time code if changing between integer and

non-integer rates (a.k.a. PAL / NTSC Area),

TC > MTC

Select MTC to control the Midi Time Code options:

MTCout: this is the default mode. The ACN-LS always

puts out MTC, unless the USB port is set to COM (see

SYS > Config > USB

The USB Socket activates USB whenever a 5 Volt USB

power is recognized.

Activating below convert modes sets the USB port

to MTC.

MIDI>LTC: MTC received through USB will be

converted into LTC and put out via Lemo socket.

LTC>MIDI: LTC received on Lemo pin 2 will be

converted and put out as MTC via USB.

The above convert modes are identical to the convert modes selected in the slate menu, just a

different shortcut.

ACN-LS

SYS MENU

The SYS menu serves to configure various

parameters, the display behavior, USB port mode

(USB: COM or MTC) and battery type are set. Push the

config switch to enter.

SYS>CONFIG

Enter the configuration by pushing in the config

switch

Navigate to DISPLAY, USB or BAT, push the config

switch to select.

SYS>CONFIG>DISPLAY

Adjust display brightness from 1 to 10 toggling the

config switch left/right. Push in to select value.

The curser will jump to the Auto-off settings:

Select after what time the display shuts off after

entering the main operation display.

Choices are:

Never –5 seconds –30 seconds –1 minute –5

minutes.

Select by toggling the config switch left/right. Push in to select value.

SYS>CONFIG>USB

Select the function of the USB connection:

MTC: this is the default, will be recognized as generic

MIDI interface and deliver or receive time code as

MIDI time code.

COM: select to communicate with computer, for updating software or transferring ACN data.

This mode will appear as a HID in the control panel.

Select by toggling the config switch left/right. Push in to select mode.

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SYS > CONFIG>BAT

Select battery type for correct voltage readout and

low battery warning / flashing.

Li = Lithium-Ion (non-rechargeable batteries!) 1,5V, Alk = alkaline batteries 1,5V, NiMH =

Nickel-Metal-Hydrid rechargeable batteries 1.2 V

SYS > INFO

Select INFO to display information about the ACN-LS:

Serial Number

Main firmware version

Mac address

SYS > Factory Reset

This restores factory defaults: Sync is off, TC is 25 fps,

ACN is off, display brightness at 3, display auto-off 30

sec., TC-offset reset, USB to MTC.

Time code is not lost, battery type not changed, tune

value unaltered.

Table of contents

Ambient ACN-LS User manual

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