HORITA RLT-50 User manual

HORITA RLT-50
RS 422 to SMPTE Time Code Translator
USER MANUAL
For Models RM-50/RLT, SR-50/RLT
Doc. 071050
Rev. D
Copyright (C) 2018
P.O. Box 3993, Mission Viejo, CA 92690 [phone] www.horit .com

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COPYRIGHT
(C) 2018 HORITA CO., INC. All rights reserved
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without
prior written consent of HORITA CO., INC., P.O. Box 3993, Mission Viejo, CA 92690.
HORITA CO., INC. makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims any
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
HORITA, its logo, and RLT-50 are trademarks of HORITA CO., INC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
1.1 Model Numbers 4
GENERAL CHAPTER 2
4
FEATURES CHAPTER 3
4
CONNECTING CHAPTER 4
4.1 Connecting VIDEO IN and VIDEO OUT 5
4.2 Connecting TIME CODE OUT 5
4.3 Connecting for Stand Alone Operation 5
4.4 Connecting for Operation in an Editing System 5
BASIC CHECKOUT CHAPTER 5
5.1 Local Mode 6
5.2 System Mode 6
5.3 Front Panel LED Indicator 6
SPECIAL TIME CODE OUTPUT OPTIONS CHAPTER 6
6.1 "Direction of SMPTE Time code Output 6
6.2 Bi-Directional Forward/Reverse Time code 7
6.3 Forward Time code Only 7
6.4 Search Offset 7
6.5 Normal Switch Settings 7
PRESETTING THE USER BITS CHAPTER 7
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USING THE RLT-50 IN THE FIELD CHAPTER 8
8.1 Operating From Battery Power 8
MAINTENANCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING CHAPTER 9
9.1 Cleaning 8
9.2 Service 8
9.3 Troubleshooting 8
9.4 General 8
SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 10
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1 INTRODUCTION
This manual provides installation, operation, and troubleshooting instructions for all models of the HORITA RLT-
50 Remote Longitudinal Translator.
1.1 Model Numbers
The RM-50/RLT is the basic model. The other model, SR-50/RLT, differs in packaging only, not in operation.
Because of this, except where noted, they both are referred to as the RLT-50.
2 GENERAL
The RLT-50 outputs a standard SMPTE longitudinal time code (LTC) signal whose time value is obtained from and
matches that present on the DB9 remote control connector of video recorders and other devices that use the Sony
RS422 serial remote machine control protocol.
The SMPTE time code follows the drop/non-drop frame status of the RS422 time code and is genlocked to the video
output from the video recorder or to any other analog composite video reference signal.
The SMPTE time code obtained from the remote connector can be used by other pieces of video and audio
equipment needing standard SMPTE time code to operate.
A special feature of the RLT-50 is that it enables the "user bits" of the SMPTE time code to be individually preset as
desired to add additional information such as production number, date, reel number, etc., when the time code is
copied.
The RLT-50 has controls to permit selection of local and system modes of operation so that it can operate either
stand alone or can connect to an edit controller and become part of an editing system. In addition, the RLT-50 has
controls to select particular options in the format of the SMPTE time code so that it will be compatible with the
widest variety of time code equipment.
3 FEATURES
*Dual DB-9 remote I/O connectors allow RLT-50 to operate stand alone or as part of editing system.
*Translates and outputs drop frame or non-drop frame TIME CODE according to format of time code recorded on
RS422 VCR.
*Simple front panel switch control allows independent presetting of all user bits of the translated SMPTE TIME
CODE.
*Front panel switch allows selection of time code output format such that it is either forward direction only, or is
forward/reverse direction according to VCR tape motion. This insures compatibility with greatest number of
TIME CODE readers, inserters, editing systems, synchronizers, etc.
*TIME CODE output is always play speed only, no matter how fast VCR is moving tape. It can be read frame-by-
frame or at highest search speeds by inexpensive play speed readers and window inserters, such as the HORITA
WG-50.
*Special selectable "-1-frame" search offset mode compensates for the +1-frame "on-time" updating done by many
time code readers. This makes sure translated time code is frame accurate when operating at slow and still frame
speeds.
*Front panel LED indicates power-on, normal translating, input video missing, and user bit preset modes.
*Operates from 9-to-13.5 volts DC. Can be used in the field.
* Provides multi frame rate operation capability of 23.976, 24, 25, and 29.97/30 FPS in DF (drop frame) and
NDF (non-drop frame) formats.

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Frame rate detection is accomplished by continuously measuring the vertical sync rate of the composite video
reference input signal and then adjusting operation of the RLT-50 accordingly. The entire FPS detection and
adjustment process follows FPS changes in the composite video signal and is automatic and transparent to the
user.
4 CONNECTING
Figure-1 is a general diagram of how to connect the RLT-50 to a typical video deck with a DB9 remote connector,
in this example a Sony EVO-9800 VCR, an edit controller such as an RM-450, and a HORITA WG-50 time code
window dub inserter to display or make window dubs of the translated SMPTE time code. Note that the RLT-50
does not require use of an edit controller, as it can operate in local stand alone mode.
4.1 Connecting VIDEO IN and VIDEO OUT
The RLT-50 must have a video input from the EVO-9800 so that the SMPTE time code is locked to video and does
not freerun. When locked to video there is one SMPTE time code number per video frame, timed such that the
number does not "straddle" two video frames.
The RLT-50 VIDEO IN and VIDEO OUT connectors are looping type input/output video connections and do not
terminate the video input. For proper operation make sure the video input/output to the RLT-50 is terminated at just
one location at the standard 75-ohm value.
Connect a separate BNC type 75-ohm terminator at the VIDEO OUT of the RLT-50 when using a dedicated
video output from the EVO-9800 to the RLT-50. If looping the video through the RLT-50, make sure one of the
pieces of video equipment connected to the RLT-50 VIDEO OUT terminates the signal.
4.2 Connecting Time Code Out
The SMPTE time code output from the RLT-50 is single ended at a level of 2-volts peak-to-peak (approx 0dB). It is
compatible with most all VCR audio channel or address track levels for recording time code.
The RLT-50 time code output can drive several loads if it's necessary to provide time code to more than one piece of
equipment. The output can be split into two or more signals by using simple passive RCA "Y" type splitters or
cables, rather than using a distribution amplifier.
4.3 Connecting for Stand Alone Operation
In the local stand alone mode of operation, the RLT-50 requests and translates the time code from the EVO-9800
once per video frame.
After connecting video and time code, connect the RLT-50 9-pin connector labeled VCR REMOTE to the EVO-
9800 remote connector labeled REMOTE 1 (9P), using the 9-pin interconnect cable supplied with the RLT-50.
4.4 Connecting for Operation in an Editing System
In the system mode of operation the RLT-50 is passive and translates the time code requested by and sent to the edit
controller. This request is usually at the rate of once-per-video-frame, so that the translated time code is always
updated once each frame.
First connect the RLT-50 to the EVO-9800 as previously described for stand alone operation. Next connect the 9-
Pin cable from your edit controller (or other controller) to the RLT-50 9-Pin connector labeled CONTROLLER.

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EVO-9800
RLT-50
WG-50
MONITOR
RM-450
Video Out
Remote 1 (9P)
In Video Out In Video Out
VCR Remote
TC Out In TC
Controller
In Video
Player (9P)
>
< >
<
>
>
>
>
Note: RM-450 edit controller is not required for operation of RLT-50.
Figure-1, Connecting the RLT-50 to EVO-9800/RM-450 system
5 BASIC CHECKOUT
5.1 Local Mode
After the RLT-50 is connected to your system, switch power ON and set the MODE switch to LOCAL. Place a
previously recorded tape into the EVO-9800 and place into PLAY mode. The power on LED on the RLT-50 should
be flashing rapidly and if viewing the translated SMPTE time code on a window inserter or a time code reader, the
numbers should be counting up in step with the time code numbers on the EVO-9800 LED display.
5.2 System Mode
If connected inline with your editing system, switch the RLT-50 MODE to SYSTEM and verify that your edit
controller still operates the EVO-9800 and that the translated SMPTE time code is still produced.
5.3 Front Panel LED Indicator
The front panel LED flashes to indicate POWER ON, as well as other information as follows:
LED Indication RLT-50 Operation
Rapid flashing Normal operation, video in ok, communicating with EVO-9800
Quick flash on User-bit setup mode
1/2-sec flash Video in ok, no EVO comm
1-sec flash No video in, no EVO comm
Alternate rapid/flash No video in, EVO comm ok slow
6 SPECIAL TIME CODE OUTPUT OPTIONS
The RLT-50 offers two special time code output options to insure compatibility with the greatest variety of SMPTE
time code equipment that may use the RLT-50 time code output. These options are the "direction" of the translated
time code, and incorporation of a one frame "search offset" of the time code number.
6.1 "Direction" of SMPTE Time code Output
The "direction" of the time code output from the RLT-50 can be set for either forward time code only, or
forward/reverse time code. Direction in this context means the change in the sequence of information in the time
code corresponding to tape motion in the forward or reverse direction.
For example, when normally reading SMPTE time code recorded on a standard VCR audio channel or time code
track, the time information is received in the sequence of frames, seconds, minutes, and hours when the tape is

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moving forward, and hours, minutes, seconds, and frames when tape motion is reverse.
6.2 Bi-Directional Forward/Reverse Time code
The direction information contained in the time code may be required by time code based audio synchronizers and
edit controllers in order for them to operate properly.
If your downstream time code equipment reads and processes bi-directional SMPTE time code, the RLT-50 LTC
OUTPUT switch should be set to FWD/REV.
In this position, the RLT-50 outputs "forward" direction play speed SMPTE time code when the EVO-9800 tape is
moving forward, and "reverse" direction play speed time code when the tape is moving in reverse.
6.3 Forward Time code Only
If your SMPTE time code equipment only reads or processes play-speed "forward" direction time code, set the RLT-
50 LTC OUTPUT switch to FWD.
In this position the RLT-50 always outputs time code as though it is coming off tape that is moving in the forward
direction at play speed, even though the actual translated frame number count may be counting down in reverse.
6.4 Search Offset (-1 Frame)
When reading time code at play speed, it takes the time of the entire video frame to read the SMPTE time code
number for that frame of video, and, as soon as the frame number is read, that frame of video is history.
Because of this, most (but not all) SMPTE time code equipment adds one frame count to the time code number read
so that the number of the next frame of video will be known beforehand. This process is generally referred to as "on
time" updating.
However, when the EVO-9800 is in search mode and is still-framed, adding an extra count to the translated time
code number causes the frame number to be ahead by one frame, as compared to the number on the EVO-9800 LED
display.
To compensate for this, the RLT-50 can be set to offset or subtract one frame count from the translated SMPTE time
code when in search mode. Then, when one frame is later added by other equipment, the correct frame number is
produced.
To enable the search offset, set the RLT-50 SEARCH OFFSET switch to ON.
Note:
Although it depends on the characteristics of the other time code equipment you are using with the RLT-50, in
general, it's safest to assume that one frame count will always be added and therefore the RLT-50 SEARCH
OFFSET should normally be set to ON.
If you have a time code reader or other equipment that displays the time code from the RLT-50 and it is one frame
behind, the SEARCH OFFSET should be set to OFF.
In general, search offset is important only if you are concerned with absolute frame accurate correspondence
between the translated SMPTE time code and the time code number indicated on the EVO-9800 LED display.
6.5 Normal Switch Settings
For most applications of the RLT-50 time code output, the LTC OUT switch is set to FWD/REV and the SEARCH
OFFSET set to ON.
7 PRESETTING THE USER BITS
The user bits of the translated SMPTE time code can be preset to add reel number, scene/take number, date,
production number, or other information. This is especially useful when making a copy of the EVO-9800 material
for editing on a different format system.
A SMPTE time code reader that can display the user bits, such as the HORITA WG-50 play speed reader/window
inserter, is required to view the user bits when presetting them.
To preset the user bits first momentarily actuate the RLT-50 USER BITS switch to SEL (select), then release.

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From then on this causes the RLT-50 to ignore the "zero" user bit information from the EVO-9800 and respond to
preset information from the RLT-50 front panel USER BITS SET switch.
When the user bits preset mode is first entered, the left most user bit on the display "flashes" between 0 and 8 about
once per second to indicate the selected user bit character. The front panel LED also flashes at the same rate.
Next, momentarily actuating USER BITS SET causes the selected user bit character to count up in hexadecimal
fashion from 0-9, then A-F, then repeat. When the desired number is set, momentarily switch to SEL to select the
next user bit digit. Repeat this process until all digits have been selected and no user bit characters are flashing.
8 USING THE RLT-50 IN THE FIELD
8.1 Operating From Battery Power
You can operate your RLT-50 from battery power in order to use it in the field.
The RLT-50 operates from 9 to 13.5 volts DC. In general it is recommended operating the RLT-50 from 12-volts
DC, obtained either from a conventional 12-volt video camera battery, or from a battery pack consisting of eight 1.5
volt cells. Either Alkaline or rechargeable Nicad may be used.
You can make a 12-volt battery pack from an eight cell AA battery holder (or two four cell holders), a length of two-
conductor wire, and a 3.5MM mini phone plug, all obtainable from local electronics supply stores such as Radio
Shack. You can also use a single pack of six cells to provide 9-volts, or a single 9-volt battery, but the operating
times will be considerably lower.
HORITA offers the BP-50 battery pack as an economical and convenient means of operating your RLT-50 from
battery power. The BP-50 consists of eight rechargeable AA sized batteries, battery holder, power cable, heavy duty
cloth case with nylon strap, and convenient wall-type overnight recharger with LED.
The BP-50 will typically operate the RLT-50 for 3-to-4 hours.
9 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
9.1 Cleaning
a. Do not attempt to disassemble your RLT-50 to clean it.
b. Clean your RLT-50 using only a damp cloth.
c. NEVER use water or solvents such as alcohol, window cleaner, etc. to clean your RLT-50.
9.2 Service
Do not attempt to disassemble your RLT-50 to service it. There are no user-serviceable parts or adjustments inside.
You can return your RLT-50 to HORITA for service or repair. Please contact HORITA first before returning your
unit.
9.3 Troubleshooting
The following provides a list of the most common items to check if you are having trouble with your RLT-50.
9.4 General
If you suspect your RLT-50 is not operating properly, check the following first:
a. Make sure the video input to the RLT-50 is not "double terminated", that is, there are not two video
terminations on the video input and/or output line from other recorders, monitors, etc.
b. Check all coaxial cables in signal path for opens or shorts.
c. Check for proper installation of the 9-Pin communications cable between RLT-50 and EVO-9800.
d. If using an AC power adapter different from the one supplied with the RLT-50, make sure it supplies the
RLT-50 with at least 9-volts (maximum of 12-volts) when the RLT-50 is switched on.
e. Use the RLT-50 flashing LED indications to help determine presence of video, EVO-9800
communications, etc, as previously described.

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10 SPECIFICATIONS
Power
Operation 9-to-13.5 volts DC, 250 milliampers Connector 3.5MM Mini phone jack
AC Adapter 9-volt, 500 milliampers
Video
Standard NTSC 525 line, 60 field, RS-170A or PAL 625 line, 50field
Input
Level 1-Volt p-p Impedance 100K-Ohm
Output Video loop-through
Connectors BNC
Time code
Format SMPTE 80-bit longitudinal
Drop frame/non-drop frame
Output
Level 1.5 volts p-p
Impedance 1K Ohm
Risetime 25 microseconds, +/-5uS
Connectors RCA
Preset
User bits Hexadecimal 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,
B,C,D,E,F
Switches And Controls
Power ON/OFF
Mode LOCAL/SYSTEM
LTC Output FWD-FWD/REV
Search Offset ON/OFF
User bits SEL/SET
LED Indicator
Power ON - ok Continuous rapid flashing
VCR Comm Alternate slow/rapid flashing
User bit Set Quick flash
Video 1/2-sec flash
No Video 1-sec flash
Environment
Operating 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
Storage -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)
Dimensions
Rackmount 1-3/4" H, 19" W, 5-3/4" D
Shortrack 1-3/4" H, 7" W, 5-3/4" D
Weight
Rackmount 1-1/2 Lbs.
Shortrack 1-3/8 Lbs.