Free Running and Jamming
If you want to use your :pulse independently or in a third-party system instead of a BLINK network, you will need to set it to run in Free Run/Jam Ext mode. This is because for synchronisation with Timecode Systems products, :pulse uses our proprietary RF protocol and master-slave relationships, and these are not recognised by other systems. In Free Run/Jam-Ext mode, your :pulse can run in a more traditional 'external jamming' workflow, where synchronisation is achieved by connecting devices and jamming to a timecode signal.
To use your :pulse in an external jamming workflow, you need to:
Note: RF is automatically disabled in Free Run/Jam-Ext mode. To preserve battery life, it also makes sense to disable the other features that won't be used in an external jamming workflow, such as Wi-Fi
Set up your :pulse for Free Running and Jamming
To set up your :pulse so that it is ready for free running and jamming:
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Switch on your :pulse unit (see Switch :pulse On and Off).
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Press the control knob.
- Turn the control knob to scroll to Timecode Mode.
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Press the control knob.
- Turn the control knob to scroll to the Free Run/Jam-Ext option.
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Press the control knob to confirm your selection.
Note: Disabling Wi-Fi
When you have your :pulse set to run in Free Run/Jam-Ext mode, your next step is to Jam your :pulse to the External Timecode Source.
Jam your :pulse to the External Timecode Source
When you have your :pulse in Free Run/Jam-Ext mode, you can synchronise it with an external timecode source, such as a camera. To do this, you will need to connect the timecode source to the :pulse via the TC port. You can then set the :pulse to start jamming to the timecode source.
- Connect the external timecode source to the TC LEMO 5 socket on your :pulse.
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Switch on your :pulse unit (see Switch :pulse On and Off).
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Press the control knob.
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Turn the control knob to scroll to the TC Generator option.
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Press the control knob.
- Turn the control knob to scroll to the Jam EXT T/C option.
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Press the control knob.
Your :pulse will now attempt to synchronise with the timecode source by jamming to the signal. You will see Jamming T/C appear on the main screen as the attempt to jam to the signal takes place.
If your :pulse can't synchronise to the signal, the message Jam Failed No Signal is shown. This usually indicates that the timecode source is not connected properly or is not outputting a timecode. Check the connections and make sure the timecode source device is set up to output its timecode.
When the jamming is successful, the :pulse is synchronised with the external timecode source. You can now disconnect the external timecode source. But you will need to re-connect the external timecode source and re-jam at regular intervals (typically 1-2 times per day).