Set up an Evertz 5601MSC timecode generator

You can set up the Evertz 5601MSC to provide reference and timecode to both the SDI camera and the Vicon system. The URSA Mini 4K always requires two cables to provide both timecode and sync. The Vicon system requires one cable that can carry both reference sync and timecode. Consequently, at least three connections on the timecode generator are used.

VistaLINK PRO software is used to control the timecode generator.

To set up the timecode generator:

1. Check that the Evertz 5601MSC has a suitable HD or 3G SDI module. These modules are known as +HDTG and +3GTG by Evertz. To check that the correct module is selected:

   • In VistaLink, go to the Status panel and in the Options group ensure that the TG option is HD Present or 3G Present.

     

     If the TG option is Not Valid, upgrade yourEvertz 5601MSC to include the HD or 3G SDI modules.

2. Set the frame rate for the timecode signal (LTC) for the URSA camera. This must be set to the base rate associated with the desired video standard on the camera. For example, for 59.94 Hz video standards, the timecode frame rate is 29.97 Hz.

   

3. Set up the SDI reference signal for the camera. This must be the same as the video standard that is selected on the camera.

   

4. Set up the timecode reference to the Vicon Lock unit. The connection to use depends on your Vicon Lock model:

   • Vicon Lock or Lock+ : Use one of the SYNC outputs from the timecode generator. Lock or Lock+ supports only analog black-burst sync with VITC. This means that only base rates of 25 Hz (PAL) or 29.97 Hz (NTSC) are available (for true 30 Hz, use a Lock Studio). Choose either PAL or NTSC-M, to match the base rate of the SDI video standard.

     

   • Vicon Lock Studio: Use one of the SDI TG-x outputs on the timecode generator. Lock Studio supports HD-SDI with embedded timecode. Ensure that the settings match those you specified in step 2 for the camera.