Please check that you are running the latest version of the USB updater application, available to download from the support page on our website (www.timecodesystems.com/support/firmware)

Then attempt the following:  

• Restart the unit and the PC/Mac being used
• Ensure that the unit is switched on and that the computer is connected to the internet for downloading
• Change the USB cable
• Attempt the download from an alternative device

If the issue still persists, please email support@timecodesystems.com 

Recently we changed our phrase of 'Master' and 'Slave' to the below, following a change in terms from wider technology companies. 

RF/TX Master = RF Server
RF Slave = RF Client

We will aim to update our manuals as soon as we can to reflect these changes. 

The UltraSync ONE and UltraSync BLUE are not compatible with the GoPro models of camera as they are unable to provide timecode to them. This includes the newer models of GoPro including the HERO 8, 9 and 10. 

Please raise a support ticket on our website or contact our sales team (sales@timecodesystems.com) if you would like further assistance choosing the correct products for your workflow. 

This table features an easy-to-read list of all of our legacy products, and the differences between them. 

Synchronisation between units is via BLINK RF (our own wireless long-range sync, control and metadata exchange protocol). By using the uncongested long range RF frequencies 865 MHz to 923 MHz, we’re not only able to avoid the overcrowding and unpredictability of Wi-Fi but also the less reliable 2.4-5 GHz range to create a rock-solid timecode sync between units, wherever you are.

All Timecode Systems products come pre-programmed with 14 licence free international channels in the sub-GHz ISM bands.

This frequency band is far less congested than other common frequency bands such as WiFi, Bluetooth and wireless video.

Being a lower frequency, the range is far greater for a similar output power and the lower frequency is better able to cope with obstructions.

Channels for UK/Europe/CEPT countries* 

*Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria ,Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican.

Line of sight we would expect up to 500m for Timcode Systems' units with external antennas and 200m for units with internal antennas. If the slave units do go out of range of their master unit they will start to free run on their own highly accurate internal clock and will then soft lock back in with the master once they are back in range; making sure your workflow doesn't experience any drift.

Sometimes, your receiving slave unit may go out of range of its master. In this situation, the unit recognises that it is no longer receiving timecode from the master and so begins using its own internal clock instead. This is called 'free running'. As all of our units contain highly accurate timecode generators, we would expect to see less than 0.2 frames of drift over 24 hours with no communication with a master unit. When the unit comes back in to range of its master, it will automatically reconnect and 'soft lock' back in with the timecode being transmitted - meaning any drift will be corrected gradually over several frames, and you won't see any jump in the timecode. 

We support all of the SMPTE standard frame rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 29.97DF and 30DF.

Please note that when using the SyncBac PRO (all models), only a maximum of 60 frames per second can be achieved when recording with the GoPro camera. This is due to a restriction with the MP4 file format within the camera. Please click HERE for more information. 

We support all of the SMPTE standard frame rates: 23.97, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 29.97DF and 30DF.

For higher frame rates than this (regardless of the genlock setting), you will have to select a frame rate which is a multiple of the one you are using – so 30fps for 120, 25fps for 50 etc.

When you look at the embedded timecode in post you will then see consecutive frames with the same timecode, depending on how much faster the frame rate is than the multiple. 

For example for 50 fps, you will see each 25fps timecode stamp on 2 consecutive frames. i.e. 1,1,2,2…. 24,24,25,25.

Please note that the SyncBac PRO can only record up to 60fps, this is due to an MP4 file restriction in the camera. 

To create a timecode workflow, you will need to attach a Timecode Systems product to each recording device. To choose the best device for your needs use our Product Finder or follow the steps below.

Choose the right product:

1. Does the recording device have a timecode input?
   1. Use an UltraSync ONE or :pulse.
   2. Read on
2. Are you using a GoPro HERO4 or GoPro HERO6?
   1. Use the appropriate SyncBac PRO.
   2. Read on
3. Can your device accept timecode over Bluetooth®?
   1. If filming within 10m with an UltraSync BLUE, pair up to six devices with one UltraSync BLUE. For devices more than 10m apart, use one UltraSync BLUE per unit.
   2. Read on
4. No timecode input or timecode over Bluetooth capability?
   1. Use an UltraSync ONE to record timecode on to the audio track, and convert using the Video Tool Shed LTC Convert

Set up your sync workflow:

1. Choose a timecode master generator:
   • Use a :pulse to open up access to the BLINK Hub app for monitoring and control features.
   • Use the :pulse, or UltraSync ONE if an external timecode input is being used.
   • If neither access to the BLINK Hub, nor an external LTC input is required, any Timecode Systems product can act as the master timecode generator and transmitter.
2. Configure your receiving slave units:
   • Set all other Timecode Systems units in to receiving slave mode.
3. Set up your sync:
   • Timecode and FPS are set on the master unit and will be transmitted to all of the receiving slave units over our long-range RF network, giving users accurate and reliable timecode with a range of 200m.
   • Where relevant, genlock and wordclock settings are set on each device (whether in master or slave mode) based on the requirements of the connected external device.
   • Once the green light is flashing and timecode is running on the display, you can focus on capturing great content, confident that sync is one less thing to worry about.

In order to ensure that all devices in your workflow stay perfectly in sync you need to attach one of our devices to each of your cameras/sound recorders on set. All of our devices are compatible with one another, so just pick one as the master transmitter and set the others as receivers.

For advice on which product(s) will work best for your workflow, take a look at our Product Finder. 

Yes, all of Timecode Systems' products can be used with one another, in any combination - including legacy units. All of our products, both old and new, use the same RF protocols to communicate between the master transmitting unit and receiving slave units. You can therefore use our products in any combination, to build the perfect timecode workflow for your environment. 

Yes, on all of our devices (except the SyncBac PRO) the SYNC port can be changed to output LTC rather than genlock/word clock. This can be done in the settings menu of each device, by choosing ‘LTC’ in the output mode of the sync settings menu. Once you have done this, both the LTC and SYNC ports will output LTC simultaneously, and can both be connected to the respective timecode input of two external devices.

The UltraSync BLUE can sync up to six devices simultaneously, if they are able to accept timecode over Bluetooth. You can learn more about compatible devices here.

If a device does not have a dedicated timecode input to allow for embedded timecode then we can use a work around to record timecode on to the audio track.

Select the correct cable:

• If you're using a minitrx+ you will need our custom BNC to Mini-jack cable (TCB-42) to connect to the external device's 3.5mm aux in. 
• If you're using an UltraSync ONE you will need our custom DIN to Mini-jack cable (TCB-52).

Both the TCB-42 and TCB-52 can also be purchased via our web store. 

Configure the unit:

• Ensure that your device is set to the same RF channel as the master transmitting unit (if in RF Slave mode).
• Configure the unit to output timecode at mic level through the following menu settings on your device: System Settings > LTC Output Level > Mic Level.
• Connect the LTC output to the 3.5mm aux in port on the external device.
• Timecode will then be recorded to the audio track of the camera (sometimes referred to as AUX TC) when the camera starts recording.

Decode for post production:

In post production this AUX TC needs to be converted to embedded timecode in the video file.

AVID Media Composer and Black Magic Design's DaVinci Resolve can natively decode AUX TC. However for other NLE’s such as Apple FCP X and Adobe Premiere Pro you will need additional software to decode the AUX TC.

Once the AUX TC has been decoded, you can can start the creative process as normal, using timecode as the sync point, in your preferred editing software. 

Unfortunately we do not currently support NTP timecode with any of our products.

The genlock setting you require is dependent on the camera, and determined by the manufacturer. You should be able to find information about the required setting within the camera's manual.

Below are the required settings for the cameras most frequently requested by our users:

We will add more cameras as they are requested.

We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our genlock, as shown by the following results, generated by measuring the skew between master and slave or slave to slave in microseconds.

When RF locked to a master transmitting unit there will be no drift at all between units.

Minitrx+/:wave/:pulse – When free running they will, in practice, experience around 0.1-0.2 frames drift in 24 hours.

The approximate charge times (from flat) are shown for each product in the table below. The LED on the unit will turn green when fully charged.

Depending on the mode being used we expect the following battery life from the products:

 Learn more about how to maximise the battery life of your unit here.

Any feature that is not in use can be turned off/down to extend battery life:

Pulse and Wave

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and or Ethernet
2. Set the display to low brightness or even off (screensaver)
3. Sync output can be turned off
4. Reduce Status LED brightness
5. RF can be switched off

TRX+

1. Set the display to low brightness or even off (backlight off)
2. Sync output can be turned off
3. RF can be switched off

SyncBac PRO, UltraSync ONE and UltraSync BLUE

1. Set the display to low brightness or even off (screensaver)
2. Sync output can be turned off
3. Reduce Status LED brightness
4. RF can be switched off

For details on how to adjust each of the above settings please see the manuals on our support homepage.

All of our units are warranted to the original purchaser for one year from the date of original purchase. 

All products sold by TIMECODE SYSTEMS LIMITED. are warranted to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for (1) year from the date of original purchase.
However, this warranty excludes accessories, batteries and cables. Also, this warranty does not apply to any instrument determined by TIMECODE SYSYTEMS LIMITED to have been subjected to customer alteration, modification, negligence or misuse.
In the event of any defects determined to be covered by this warranty, TIMECODE SYSTEMS LIMITED will, at its sole option, repair or replace the defective instrument without charge. 

You can find out more about our repairs process here. 

If you are experiencing problems with any of your TCS devices please either submit a ticket to us directly or contact your local dealer. If your unit requires repairing or servicing we would be happy to help. 

Full Terms of Timecode Systems Ltd Repair and Servicing Policy.

Warranty Repairs

All products sold by Timecode Systems Limited are warranted to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for (one) year from the date of original purchase. This warranty excludes consumables (accessories, batteries, cables etc), cosmetic damage (case scratches/dents, screen/case cracks etc) and does not apply to any instrument determined by Timecode Systems Limited to have been damaged due to accident, abuse, misuse, negligence, fire or liquid contact, customer alteration or modification. In the event of any defects determined to be covered by this warranty, Timecode Systems Limited will, at its sole option, repair or replace the defective instrument without charge. To obtain warranty service the defective instrument must be returned within one year from purchase and will require an invoice as proof of purchase. Units which are returned without proof of purchase maybe subject to delays, and/or our standard repair fees and shipping fees.

Out of Warranty Repairs

Units no longer covered by warranty will be subject to our standard repair fees. If a repair is not possible, an appropriate replacement option will be offered. Should you decide to decline the repair or replacement costs, your unit may be subject to an inspection fee, to cover our engineers’ time.

Please Note

We recommend using a trackable service to return your units to us, and can’t be held accountable for any units lost or damaged in transit. Please ensure that all associated all fees and import duties are paid - failure to do so may prevent your unit from being delivered successfully.

We aim to process all RMAs within 14 working days of receipt (subject to change during busy periods).

Payment of associated RMA costs is required ahead of return shipping. Failure to settle invoices in a timely manner may cause delays and we reserve the right to withhold units pending payment.

We work with a network of dealers across the globe to supply our products to end users. If you are interested in our products and would like to represent us, please visit our stockists page for details of who to contact in your area. 

The available ISM band we can use in the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) is 863 MHz to 870 MHz, please use our CE country frequency profile (865.05 MHz to 868.55 MHz). 

Please note any frequencies in the 900 MHz range are not allowed in the UAE. As a result please ensure you are not using the (FCC/Japan) country frequency profiles.