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Set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator

Set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator

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Last updated: Jul 11, 2024 by Andy Roberts (Deactivated)
3 min read

You can set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator to provide references and timecodes to both the SDI camera and the Vicon system. Most SDI cameras require two cables to provide both timecode and sync.

A system with one Ambient Lockit timecode generator requires a tri-level sync splitter and uses linear timecode (LTC). However, if you do not have a tri-level sync splitter, you can use an additional Lockit module per SDI camera in your system, and link them using their radio channels

See the diagrams in the following sections for how to set up either system.

The examples in this section include a Red Komodo SDI camera and a Vicon Lock Studio.

Set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator with a tri-level sync splitter

Use the following system diagram to help you set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator with a tri-level sync splitter.

When setting up the system, check the following requirements:

  • Make sure the timecode generator and camera frame rate match. In Shogun, make sure the frame rate is a multiple of the timecode generator and camera frame rate.

  • Make sure the Blackmagic capture card in your PC is set up correctly and the connection from the camera to the PC is going into an input socket. The capture card can be configured using the Blackmagic desktop application.

  • On the Vicon Lock Studio, add a terminator to the Ref Loop socket that is not in use (See the diagram as an example).

Components

Currently available and suitable for use in this configuration:

Set up an Ambient LockIt timecode generator with no tri-level syncs splitters

If you do not have a tri-level sync splitter available, you can use at least two Ambient LockIt timecode generators instead and synchronize the generators using their radio channels.

The number of cameras in your system determines how many LockIts are required. You will need at least one LockIt and then an additional LockIt for each SDI camera. For example, a system with three SDI cameras requires four LockIts – three for each of the three SDI cameras and an additional LockIt for the system.

Use the following diagram to help you set up a system with just one SDI camera and two Ambient LockIt timecode generators.

When setting up the system, check the following requirements:

  • Make sure the timecode generator and camera frame rate match. In Shogun, make sure the frame rate is a multiple of the timecode generator and camera frame rate.

  • Make sure the Blackmagic capture card in your PC is set up correctly and the connection from the camera to the PC is going into an input socket. The capture card can be configured using the Blackmagic desktop application.

  • On the Vicon Lock Studio, add a terminator to the Ref Loop socket that is not in use (See the diagram as an example).

  • Make sure the two LockIts are synchronized via their radio channels.

Components

Currently available and suitable for use in this configuration:

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