Ambient Master Lockit ACN-ML User manual

Lockit Timecode
Master Lockit
ACN-ML
Rev. 1.3/3.48
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ACN-ML
Version 1.3 / 3.48
Table of contents page
1. Introduction 2
2. Package Contents 3
3. Safety instructions 3
4. Powering 4
5. Description 5
6. Quick Start Guide 6
7. Setup Menu Diagram 10
8. Menu Description 13
8.1 Generator Menu 15
8.2 Sync Menu 18
8.3 Time Code Menu 19
8.4 System Menu 20
8.5 ACN Menu 21
9. LED Indications 25
10. Firmware Update 25
11. Physical Specifications 26
12. Warranty & Approvals 27
13. Recommended accessories 29
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ACN-ML
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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.
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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
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5. Description
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ⑩ ⑪ ⑫
⑬ ⑭
① WiFi adapter, attached to USB A port (do not remove or replace)
② USB A port, not in use
③ DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)
④ Ethernet port for metadata transfer, RJ45
⑤ OLED display (see page 14 ff)
⑥ IR transceiver, communication port for ACC501 controller
⑦ 3-function configuration switch (3-function:↓ pushing in, toggle left/right)
⑧ Status LEDs (see page 26)
⑨ ACN antenna, SMA type, attached to unit (do not remove)
⑩ Lemo / ACN socket (see page 27)
⑪ Lemo / TC socket (see page 27)
⑫ DC IN / through, 4 Pin HRS (see page 4)
⑬ Reset button (see page 13)
⑭ 3/8” thread mount
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6. Quick Start Guide
Prepare for a new project
1. Supply adequate power source. 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 filly charged red and
green LED will come on solid.
2. Switch on the Master Lockit by pressing down the 3-function wheel and holding it until the
OLED display comes on.
3. You can now immediately start to manually set the required timecode frame rate. Manually
enable the ACN by selecting C-Jam and choose an ACN channel.
NOTE: make sure that all your Lockit Devices on set are in the same ACN channel
4. Wait until the square indicator on the left bottom of the display has become solid blue to
indicate the metadata server has completed booting. Use a smartphone, tablet or computer to
log in to the Master Lockit’s WiFi. The password for log in will be the same as the WiFi name.
The default setting will be displayed in the format ML-xxxxx (representing a 5 digit random
phrase). This can be changed by the user.
5. Open a browser and enter http://masterlockit.local respectively http://10.0.0.1. or open the
Master Lockit Web Interface in TonMeister or LockitSCRIPT App.
6. Hit ”System Reset“ in the System Menu. This will clean the Master Lockit from all old clip
metadata and ACN connections for a fresh start.
7. Rename WiFi if desired for better identification. Especially for multi-camera shoots, it is highly
recommended to rename the Master Lockit’s WiFi name to clearly identify its position and
determine whether or not the unit is set to hub mode. You do that in the “WiFi Settings” within
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the “Settings” Menu, or by just hitting the WiFi symbol in the header. After hitting reconfigure,
the Master Lockit will reset its WiFi so you will need to log in again with new credentials.
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 ACN
radar page of the hub.
8. Continue with the next Master Lockit – one after another. After that enable Hub Mode on ONE
– and ONLY ONE – of your Master Lockits by switching it to “Hub” on the upper right corner of
the headline. Now the interface will turn from blue to orange and you should see all other
ACN enabled Lockit devices in range are then displayed in ACN radar.
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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
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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.
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.
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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.
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7. Setup Menu Diagram
This passage will guide you through the menu structure of the Master Lockit as accessible via the three-
function wheel on the top and OLED display. All TC related adjustments such as frame rate, level, and
offset, as well as selecting correct ACN settings, must be performed here.
Main Display will always show jam mode, timecode, frame rate, and power status in the upper section.
Mid-section gives sync info if applicable, lower section displays either ACN related info such as server
status, mode and channel or menu.
↓ push select switch down to enter the main or sub menu and to confirm, ↔ toggle left/right to
navigate or increase/decrease value. ↓ push again to confirm selected value. Default settings are
highlighted.
Main Menu:
GEN ↔ SYNC ↔ TC ↔ SYS ↔ ACN ↔ EXIT
↓
HH:MM:SS:FF
GEN
↓
JamTC ↔ EDIT ↔ OffSet ↔ UB
JamTC ↓
AUTO ↔ Off ↔ manual/once
Edit ↓
Offset ↓
Offset: + 00.00
+/-10 frames in 0.05 increments
UB ↓
JamUB ↔ EDIT-UB ↔ EXIT
JamUB
normal ↔ manual ↔ insert
EDIT-UB ↓ 00:00:00:00
EXIT ↓ back to main menu
↓
SYNC
↓
PPF ↓
1x ↔ 2x ↔
1-4 Pulses Per Frame, rising/falling edge
↓
TC
OFF ↓
↓
NO SYNC OUTPUT
PPF ↔ OFF
↓
HIGH ↔
FPS ↔ Level
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30D
↓
↓
ACN-ML
FPS ↓
Version 1.3 / 3.48
FPS: 23.976 ↔ 24 ↔ 25 ↔ 29.97 ↔ 30 ↔ 29.97D ↔
↓
SYS
Level
Display
↓
Select TC level: 0 dB to -45 dB
↓
↓
Brightness: 1↔ 3 ↔ 10
↓
AutoOff: never ↔ 5sec ↔ … 5min
INFO ↓
displays device information: serial no., firmware version, mac address
Factory-Reset ↓
loads default settings
↓
ACN
↓
MODE
MODE ↓
ACN: OFF ↔ JAM ↔ C-JAM ↔ TX ↔ RX
JAM
C-JAM
TX
↓
↓
↓
one time jam
continuous jam / autosync
transmit external free or rec run TC
RX ↓
receive free- or rec run TC
↓
Back to ACN
ACN ↓
MODE*
ACN: OFF ↔ JAM ↔ C-JAM ↔ TX ↔ RX
OFF ↓
disables ACN
*Selected mode highlighted
CHNL ↓
select ACN channel 11 to 26
ANT ↓
Select LNA: off ↔ on
PWR ↓
ACN RF power 8 to 18 dBm*
SYNC*
*not available in TX or RX
JAM
C-JAM
↓
Send sync broadcast? yes ↔ no
↓
Start continuous jam? yes ↔ no
Exit
↓
Returns to main screen
Display ↔ Info ↔ Factory-Reset
↓
Select ACN channel: 11 ↔ 20 ↔ 26
MODE ↔ CHNL ↔ ANT ↔ PWR ↔ SYNC*
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8. Menu Description
POWER
The Master Lockit must be powered from either of it’s 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.
To turn on the ACN-ML, press and hold the config switch for four seconds.
The unit will come on showing basic system information such as
model, Serial number and Firmware version.
After boot up has completed you will be greeted by the home screen:
If the unit has not been configured the only additional information will
be a rectangle in the lower left corner indicating the metadata server
status. No icon means server is offline, blank booting, solid online and
ready.
If the unit had been configured, it may display the last settings and
look something like this.
NOTE: After a complete power loss C-Jam broadcast will be suspended and can only be
started after re-jamming the internal generator indicated by a green blinking LED.
To turn off the unit, press and hold the switch for 4 seconds while on the home screen. The display will
show:
To power down confirm by pressing again. Release the button to abort
and the unit will revert to the main screen after 3 seconds.
Note: if the unit becomes stuck displaying “powering down” due to indifferent server status
you may keep the button pressed for 10 seconds (count the LED blinks) until a message
should appear to release the button for a failsafe shutdown. If everything fails, gently pinch
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into the reset hole on the bottom side with a SIM release tool, paperclip or similar. This will
immediately cut the power. Just press gentle and briefly!
MAIN SCREEN
The main screen is displayed during normal operation mode. It
displays the most important status information. These include
following:
The upper left corner indicates the jam mode “A” is for “auto”, “M” for manual / once, while the lock
symbol in this example would indicate “off”, blocking jamming of the internal generator from external.
+03:50 on the top right beside the battery indicates the TC generator to Lemo output offset.
EXT shows that the unit is powered from external. If the external source is switched off or depleted the
integrated backup cell will take over, indicated by “INT”
Note: the cell is automatically charged when external power is applied, regardless of the unit
being switched on. To keep the meta data server running and accessible always make sure
you start your day with a backup fully recharged over night.
25F is the selected frame rate for the timecode generator.
PPF 4x High informs that the sync output on Lemo B is set to 4 pulses per timecode frame with rising
slope.
LNA indicates active Low Noise Amplification of the ACN receiver improving range performance in
critical situations at the sacrifice of increased power drain.
As ACN is switched on this will be reflected accordingly in the bottom line, the rectangular icon next to
it gives information about the server. It will start blank and soon change to solid after boot-up.
C-Jam indicates the selected ACN mode, 11 the radio channel.
If the unit is configured to be the C-Jam master, these indicators will change to sync sent with each C-
Jam broadcast every couple of seconds.
If the display is switched off (power save), pushing the config switch once will turn it on again without
doing any changes. Also, a timecode jam activates the display.
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MAIN MENU
Pushing the config switch briefly will replace the lower line with the
main menu. You can navigate forth and back through the various
sections by toggling the 3 function wheel in the corresponding
direction and select the highlighted sub menu by pushing again.
Pressing the config switch when EXIT is highlighted exits to the main screen. If no action is performed
the unit will revert to the main screen after a few seconds.
GEN MENU
This menu will lead you through a subset of parameters regarding the timecode generator.
GEN > JamTC
First sub-menu is to configure how the generator can be jammed from
external.
AUTO is the default setting. When activated, the screen will display an
A to the left to the running timecode. The generator will automaticaly
jam to externally fed timecode and will not re-jam as it has consistent,
present signal displayed by a lock symbol that has replaced the A. It
will revert to a ready for re-jam when the external TC source stops and restarts for 3 seconds, or is
disattached for the same time.
permanently changed to a lock.
Off defeats the Jam mode completely. The generator will not react to
incomming TC. This is useful to protect your TC master becoming
accidentially misadjusted when using it to jam other equipment with a
bi-directional cable. Note the jam indicator on the main screen is
The manual/once option will let you jam the generator one time only
and is indicated by an M that the unit is ready to accept a TC jam. Once
jammed, the unit will switch “Off” mode with an according lock symbol.
To reopen the input for jamming with present external timecode,
repeatedly press the config switch to toggle through the modes. Of course, you can also change the
mode or reboot the unit.
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GEN > EDIT
This allows manual editing of timecode values.
Decrease or increase by toggling left/right. Hold for fast
forward/backward. Push to select. Pushing while on the frames
position sets time and takes you to the confirm screen.
Per default the cursor sits on old. This prevents resetting your
timecode inadvertently. To keep the previous time just press while the
cursor is on old. To accept the edited TC, move the cursor to highlight
new and press down. Either way will take you back to the main menu.
CAUTION! Resetting the generator will restart the sync signal. Doing
this while recording will result in a corrupted file.
GEN > OFFSET
An offset can be entered between the jammed timecode and the timecode on the output of the ACN-
ML. 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 timecode while the sync
signal stays locked to the frame start of the jammed timecode running in background. The offset has a
range of +/- 10 frames in 0.05 frames steps (equals 2 ms at 25 fps).
GEN > UB
In the UB menu, the user bits are being displayed. The user bits can be
edited manually and the jam behavior managed.
GEN > UB > JamUB
Under JamUB, the jamming behavior is managed.
normal: the user bits are being taken from external timecode.
manual: the user bits are not being overwritten by external timecode.
This mode is to be used if you want a custom entry, such as date and
camera Id.
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-ML will re-jam. If inserting changed user bits after interrupted
timecode, you must also set the ACN-ML to “jam once” or “off” in the
JamTC menu.
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GEN > UB > 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.
When finished, the selected new value needs to be confirmed. Select
new to apply, or the cancel by selecting old.
GEN > UB > EXIT
EXIT takes you directly back to main menu without changes.
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SYNC MENU
The SYNC menu enables setting of the sync signal format, type and
rate. Select the different settings by pushing the config switch.
Navigate by toggling the config switch left or right.
Defaulted Off PPF selects a “pulse per frame” signal. This is used to
trigger certain video cameras. The PPF signal is available on pin 3 of
the Lemo socket.
For the PPF signal, rate (single, double, quad) can be selected, along
with a “high-low” or low-high transition.
Pushing the config serves the function of selecting items or
parameters. If any changes have been selected, you will be asked to
confirm.
If changes have been selected with active sync,you need to reconfirm
before apply.
OFF – deactivates any sync signal. This is the default setting and
should be used if timecode only is required.
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TC MENU
Enter the TC menu to adjust the timecode frame rate timecode output
level for pin 5 Lemo/TC.
TC > FPS
Select TC for adjusting the frame rate.
Adjust by toggling the config switch left/right, push in to select new
frame rate. Available values: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 29.97D, 30D fps
(D = drop frame)
And, again, changes need to be confirmed.
TC > Level
Select Level to adjust output level on Lemo/TC.
The adjustable range is from -45 dB to 0 dB. Default level is 0 dB. This
equals 3 Vpp without load; 1,5 Vpp or 0 dBu into 1 K Ohm.
Select by toggling left/ right, select by pushing in the config switch.
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