JLCooper Electronics MMC/9Pin+ Interface User manual

MMC/9Pin+ Interface
MIDI Machine Control to
Sony 9 Pin Interface
Users Manual

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MMC/9Pin Interface and MMC/9Pin+Interface are trademarks of JLCooper
Electronics. All other brand names are the property of their respective owners.
MMC/9Pin+Interface User’s Manual, Second Edition, Part Number 932085
2003 JLCooper Electronics, 142 Arena Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 USA
[phone] ¬[phone] www.jlcooper.com

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................... 4
Unpacking and Setup.................................................................... 5
Connecting the MMC/9Pin+ Interface ....................................... 6
Communications ........................................................................... 6
MMC/9PIN+ Interface Setup ...................................................... 7
NTSC/PAL................................................................................... 7
MIDI Machine ID ....................................................................... 7
Still Timecode.............................................................................. 8
Locate Mode................................................................................ 8
Servo Lock Flag.......................................................................... 9
Fast Wind Mode.......................................................................... 9
Machine Emulation..................................................................... 9
Technical Reference.................................................................... 12
Electrical Connections.............................................................. 12
Additional Technical Notes....................................................... 13
References................................................................................. 14
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 15
Care and Service....................................................................... 15
JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory Warranty.................. 16

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MMC/9PIN+ Interface. This is a
truly unique product, integrating the world of MIDI to the world of
professional video.
This compact unit receives MIDI Machine Control (MMC) and
translates it into Sony 9 Pin / P2 protocol, which is supported by
most professional video recorders and certain audio recorders.
A hardware controller or software application that sends MMC is
connected to the MMC/9PIN+ Interface, which is connected to the
video tape recorder. Now the MIDI device can act as an
“autolocator” for the video tape recorder, sending transport, locate,
and track enable commands.
In addition, the MMC/9PIN+ Interface reads tape position and
video sync, and derives from that information both SMPTE
timecode and MIDI time code. That means that the MMC/ 9PIN+
Interface will produce a SMPTE tone resolved to video, without
the need to stripe a longitudinal timecode (LTC) track. The ability
to output both SMPTE and MTC means that you can synchronize a
sequencer or machine synchronizer to the video without the need
for striping the tape with SMPTE. The MMC/9PIN+ Interface also
features a unique “tapeless” operation mode. In this mode, the
MMC/9Pin+ Interface will generate SMPTE and MTC in response
to an MMC Play command, without any 9 Pin device connected.
The performance of the MMC/9Pin+ Interface depends largely
upon the users knowledge of the software or hardware being used
as the source of MMC, and the 9 Pin device. You will probably
need to be thoroughly familiar with this equipment before
attempting to use the MMC/9Pin+ Interface.

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Unpacking and Setup
When you receive your MMC/9Pin+ Interface, you should receive
the following items:
• MMC/9Pin+ Interface.
• This Users Manual
• 4 adhesive rubber feet
• Warranty Card
Please take a moment to fill out the warranty card and send it in.

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Connecting the MMC/9Pin+ Interface
1. Connect the supplied power supply. The power supply is rated
at 9 volts DC at 500 mA. Center is positive.
2. Connect MIDI In and MIDI Out to the source of MMC
commands. If the source of MMC commands is a computer
software package, connect the MIDI In and MIDI Out to the
computer’s MIDI interface.
3. Connect the 9 Pin connector of the MMC/9Pin+ Interface to
the 9 Pin connector input of the 9 Pin device. Use a standard 9
Pin D-sub connector cable. Do not use a null modem cable.
4. Connect black burst or video sync the BNC connector on the
rear of the MMC/9Pin+ Interface. The unit must have a stable
source of video sync. While a composite video signal may
work, we cannot guaranty that it will work in all cases. This
should not be connected to a source of SMPTE time code.
5. Optionally, connect the SMPTE output of the MMC/9Pin+
Interface to the SMPTE input of additional slave devices. This
connection may be made through a distribution amp if multiple
outputs are needed.
Communications
Apply power to the MMC/9Pin+ Interface by pressing the power
switch. Power is indicated by a lit LED next to the power switch.
The green LED on the right of the front panel indicates sync
activity on the MMC/9PIN+ Interface. If you see the green light,
then your module is transmitting timecode on the SMPTE output.

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MMC/9PIN+ Interface Setup
NTSC/PAL
The MMC/9Pin+ Interface automatically detects NTSC or PAL
video and configures itself accordingly.
MIDI Machine ID
Most MMC supporting sequencers may have the ability to select a
MIDI Machine ID number. The MMC/9PIN+ Interface may be set
to respond to a specific MMC Machine ID number. From the
factory, the unit has been set to Machine ID 1. To change the ID
number, you can easily access the rear panel to adjust a DIP
switch.
The 9 Pin protocol is a master/slave protocol which does not define
a method of addressing multiple devices. To control more than
one device, you will need a separate MMC/9PIN+ Interface for
each device with each MMC/9Pin+ Interface set to its own unique
ID number. Switches 1 through 3 set the MIDI Machine ID
number as follows:
Switch 3 Switch 2 Switch 1 MIDI ID
Down Down Down 1
Down Down Up 2
Down Up Down 3
Down Up Up 4
Up Down Down 5
Up Down Up 6
Up Up Down 7
Up Up Up 8

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Still Timecode
When this option is enabled, the unit returns MTC (MIDI
Timecode) continuously. Specifically, a burst of 4 MTC messages
are sent one frame apart. This burst of timecode occurs one a
second.
Switch 4
Down Return MTC only when 9 Pin device is in motion
Up Continuously returns last valid timecode
Locate Mode
The MMC/9PIN+ Interface has two locate modes, Standard and
High Speed.
In Standard mode, the reception of an MMC locate command
results in the MMC/9Pin+ Interface sending a 9 Pin locate
command.
In High Speed mode, the reception of an MMC locate command
results in the MMC/9Pin+ Interface sending a 9 Pin Fast Forward
or Rewind command. The MMC/9Pin+ Interface then continually
polls the device, requesting position tally. When the device is
within 1 minute of the locate, the MMC/9Pin+ Interface issues a
STOP and a locate command.
Standard mode will be more compatible and may actually operate
very fast on most devices. Many modern 9 Pin devices have the
capability of setting their chase speeds depending upon how far
away the locate point is from the current tape position. Most
devices will also make a decision to automatically disengage the
tape before a chase to locate occurs.
Switch 5
Down High Speed Locate Mode
Up Standard Locate Mode

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Servo Lock Flag
This option determines if the unit uses the Servo Lock flag from
the device or not. Typically, hard disk devices should be set to
ignore this flag while tape based devices should be set to use this
flag.
Switch 6
Down Use Servo Lock
Up Ignore Servo Lock
Fast Wind Mode
This option determines how the MMC/9Pin+ Interface responds to
Rewind and Fast Forward commands. When the switch is set to
the up position, the MMC/9Pin+ Interface will always send
Rewind or Fast Forward to the 9-pin device in response to an
MMC Rewind or Fast Forward. When the switch is set to the up
position, the MMC/9Pin+ Interface will send a Shuttle command
in response to the first MMC Rewind or Fast Forward command
and then send a Rewind or Fast Forward command in response to
the second MMC Rewind or Fast Forward command.
Switch 7
Down Send Shuttle then Rewind/Fast Forward
Up Send Rewind/Fast Forward
Machine Emulation
When external DIP switch number 8 is up, the MMC/9Pin+
Interface will send SMPTE and MTC in response to an MMC play
command. The starting time is set by first sending the MMC/9Pin+
Interface an MMC locate command. This allows the source of
MMC to remotely start any SMPTE or MTC driven hardware or
software, without requiring a tape to be rolling. When switch 8 is
up, normal MMC to 9 Pin conversion is disabled.
Switch 8
Down Use timecode from 9 Pin device
Up Machine Emulation

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Commands
The MMC/9Pin+ Interface converts the following MMC
commands into 9 Pin commands:
Stop
F0 7F device_ID 06 01 F7 -> 20 00 20
Play
F0 7F device_ID 06 02 F7 -> 20 01 21
Deferred Play
F0 7F device_ID 06 03 F7 -> 20 01 20
Fast Forward
F0 7F device_ID 06 04 F7 -> 20 10 30
Rewind
F0 7F device_ID 06 05 F7 -> 20 20 40
Record Strobe
F0 7F device_ID 06 06 F7 -> 20 02 22
Record Exit
F0 7F device_ID 06 07 F7 ->
Chase
F0 7F device_ID 06 0B F7 ->
Shuttle
Forward
F0 7F device_ID 06 47 03 sh sm sl F7 -> 21 13 n
Reverse
F0 7F device_ID 06 47 03 sh sm sl F7 -> 21 23 n
Note: sh, sm and sl are defined as Standard Speed in the MIDI 1.0
Recommended Practice RP-013.

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Track Arm
Locate using general purpose registers
Locate using information field
Record Mode
Global Monitor
Record Monitor
ID Request
Motion Control Tally
Position
Track Record Ready Status
Signature

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Technical Reference
Electrical Connections
MIDI
The MIDI In and MIDI Out ports follow the MIDI specification.
RS-422
The MMC/9Pin+ Interface “To Machine” connector conforms to
the EIA RS-422A and the Sony Protocol of Remote (9-Pin)
Connector specifications.
Pin Signal
1 Ground
2 Receive A
3 Transmit B
4 Transmit Common
5 not used
6 Receive Common
7 Receive B
8 Transmit A
9 Frame Ground
Video Sync In
The MMC/9Pin+ Interface uses the signal at this connector to
synchronize the MTC (MIDI Timecode) messages and the SMPTE
stream coming out of the MMC/9Pin+ Interface. In addition, it is
used as a reference for internally generated timecode in the
Machine Emulation mode.
SMPTE Out
SMPTE timecode appears at this connection. The timecode is
based on the timecode returned from the device, the last valid
timecode received from the device (Still Timecode mode) or
emulated timecode (Machine Emulation).

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Power
TheMC/9Pin+ Interface requires a 9 volt DC supply capable of
delivering at least 500 milliamps. The MMC/9Pin+ Interface
comes with a power supply appropriate for the country in which
the unit was sold. If you need a power supply specific to your
location, please contact your local distributor or JLCooper
Electronics.
Location JLCooper Part Number
North America PSDC117
Europe PSDC230
JLCooper approved Power Supplies
Warning: Using a power supply other than those specified in the above
table can result in damage to the MMC/9Pin+ Interface and/or other
equipment which is not covered by the JLCooper Factory Warranty.
Additional Technical Notes
About the Implemented Commands
Every attempt has been made to closely match available MMC
command types with equivalent Sony 9 Pin commands. A given
controller (such as a sequencer with an MMC Control Panel) may
or may not implement all of these commands. There is no MMC
equivalent for Jog. MMC “Pause” command is converted to 9 Pin
“Stop”.
About Track Enable
There are two kinds supported, “track record ready” and “masked
write track record ready”. “Track record ready” commands are bit-
mapped representations of the state of every track, while “masked
write track record ready” may be used to set the state of individual
tracks.
About Locates
There are two kinds of MMC locates supported, “Target” and
“Information Field (I/F)”.

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“Target” is a direct locate, like a command to “go to 01:00:03:00”.
It may be used, for example, when the MMC software supports
some means of typing a locate and pressing enter to initiate the
locate.
An “Information Field” locate would be initiated by the user by
selecting a locate number as opposed to a locate time, e.g.,
“clicking on Locate #2” instead of “typing in a locate time of
01:00:30:00”.
Information Field locates are supported by MMC software that
permits storing locate points in advance. The MMC/9PIN+
Interface takes advantage of 4 general purpose registers for locates.
About Tally
There are two kinds supported, “Motion control” and “Positional”.
Motion control tally is response that the device is in given state
such as Play, Fast Forward, Rewind or Stop.
Positional tally is the timecode position of the tape. It is used to
generate MTC and SMPTE timecode.
Update Mode
The reception of an Update (Motion Control, Position, or Track
Arm) command initiates the response of a Tally. Tallies are
thereafter sent automatically whenever there is a change in motion,
position, or track arming status. This eliminates the need of the
master having to continuously poll the MMC/9PIN+ Interface.
References
MIDI Manufacturers Association. MIDI Machine Control 1.0.
MIDI 1.0 Recommended Practice RP-013. www.midi.org
Sony Corporation. Protocol of Remote (9-pin) connector, 2nd
Edition. Sony p/n 9-977-544-18

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Troubleshooting
If for some reason the MMC/9Pin+ Interface does not give you the
expected results, take a moment to do some investigating. The
most important concept is that you have your MMC/9Pin+
Interface connected properly as outlined in Installation and Use.
Take a moment to double check your setup.
A common problem is forgetting to turn the power switch on or
turning the unit on after the software application has launched.
In addition, the JLCooper website (www.jlcooper.com) will
contain up to date information on drivers, applications and
troubleshooting.
If all else fails, you can contact the JLCooper Service Department
at: [email protected].
Care and Service
If properly cared for, your MMC/9Pin+ Interface should provide
years of troublefree performance. While the MMC/9Pin+ Interface
is built in a rugged metal enclosure, please avoid dropping the
MMC/9Pin+ Interface.
Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Do not allow liquids, dust or other
foreign matter to get inside the unit.
There are no user-serviceable parts in the MMC/9Pin+ Interface.
Please refer to the JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory Warranty
on the following page for detailed warranty and service
information.

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JLCooper Electronics Limited Factory Warranty
JLCooper Electronics ("JLCooper") warrants this product to be free of defects in
materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. This
warranty is non-transferable and the benefits apply only to the original owner. Proof of
purchase in the form of an itemized sales receipt is required for warranty coverage. To
receive service under this warranty, customers in the United States should contact the
JLCooper factory at [phone] and talk to a service technician. If necessary, a
Return Authorization number may be issued. For our customers outside the United States,
it is recommended that you first contact your Dealer or Distributor, since they may offer
their own service or support policy. If local support is not obtainable, please send a FAX
to JLCooper's Service Department at [phone] with a detailed description of the
service required. Upon issuance of return authorization, the product should be packed in
the original shipping materials and shipped prepaid and insured to: Service Department,
JLCooper Electronics, 142 Arena Street, El Segundo, CA 90245. Please include the
following: copy of the sales receipt, your name and address (no P.O. Boxes, please), a
brief description of the problem, and any other related items discussed with the service
department and considered necessary to evaluate the product or effect a repair. The return
authorization number must be clearly written on the outside of the package. JLCooper
will at its option, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the defective
part(s) or unit. Shipping costs are not covered by this warranty. JLCooper's normal repair
turn around time at the factory is approximately 15 business days from receipt of product
to shipping. Your actual turn around time will include return shipping. Actual turn around
time will vary depending upon many factors including the repeatability of the customer's
reported complaint, the availability of parts required for repair, the availability of related
products needed to evaluate the product if necessary. Priority services are available at
additional cost. These should be discussed with the service technician at the time the
return authorization is issued. This warranty provides only the benefits specified and does
not cover defects or repairs needed as result of acts beyond the control of JLCooper
including but not limited to: abuse, damage by accident/negligence, damage from using
incorrect power supply, modification, alteration, improper use, rental or for hire use,
unauthorized servicing, tampering, or failure to operate in accordance with the
procedures outlined in the owner's manual; nor for natural or man-made events such as,
but not limited to flooding, lightning, tornadoes, earthquake, fire, civil unrest, war,
terrorism, etc.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR
EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS
WARRANTY HEREIN. JLCOOPER HEREBY EXCLUDES INCIDENTAL AND
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: LOSS OF
TIME, INCONVENIENCE, DELAY IN PERFORMANCE OF THIS WARRANTY, THE
LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR COMMERCIAL LOSS, AND FOR BREACH
OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANT-
ABILITY APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT. JLCOOPER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR DAMAGES OR LOSS RESULTING FROM THE NEGLIGENT OR
INTENTIONAL ACTS OF THE SHIPPER OR HIS CONTRACT AFFILIATES. THE
CUSTOMER SHOULD CONTACT THE SHIPPER FOR PROPER CLAIMS
PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING FROM
SHIPMENT. THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE GOVERENED BY THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA.