Preparation - Before you Set Up your UltraSync ONE

The 'quick set up' instructions are designed to help you get your UltraSync ONE up and running as soon as possible. They assume that you are familiar with the master-slave relationship, the RF network, and know how to navigate through the UltraSync ONE menu. If you need more detailed step-by-step instructions, or extra information about a setting, please refer to the section about that setting.

To get started:

1. Make sure you understand the various modes and network types. To learn about these subjects, see:
   • Master and Slaves
   • Master TX
   • RF Network
   • RF Slave
   • EXT LTC Input.

   When you understand the modes and relationships, you are ready to set up your UltraSync ONE.

2. Refer to the Getting Started section for the mode you want your UltraSync ONE to use. The Getting Started section refers you to the quick set up instructions that relate to your intended use of your UltraSync ONE.
   • Getting Started - Master TX Mode
   • Getting Started - RF Slave Mode
   • Getting Started - EXT LTC Input

Note: If you want to jam your UltraSync ONE to an external device, see Jam UltraSync ONE to a Signal.

Getting Started - Master TX Mode

There are two different ways to set your UltraSync ONE to run as a master:

• Master to RF Slaves and Wired Devices
• Master to Wired Device Only, No RF Slaves.

Please follow the instructions for the setup that meets your requirements.

Note: Your UltraSync ONE cannot be used as a master in a BLINK network, as it has no wi-fi or ethernet capabilities. In a BLINK network, a :pulse or :wave has to be the master.

Getting Started - RF Slave Mode

You can set your UltraSync ONE so that it runs as an RF Slave and synchronises with the timecode of a 'master' Timecode Systems device. The master can be any Timecode Systems product with a master mode, including another UltraSync ONE. However, if you want to be able to view your UltraSync ONE via BLINK Hub, its master must be a :pulse or :wave.

To set your UltraSync ONE to run as an RF Slave, follow the instructions in:

• Run UltraSync ONE as an RF Slave.

To learn about the master-slave synchronisation that occurs when you set your UltraSync ONE up as an RF slave, see:

• How does an RF Slave Synchronise with a Master?.

Getting Started - EXT LTC Input

Your UltraSync ONE can receive timecode, FPS, and user bits data from an external device and then pass this on to other devices. To work in this way, your UltraSync ONE needs to run in EXT LTC Input mode.

There are two different ways of using EXT LTC Input mode. You can set your UltraSync ONE to:

• Receive timecode via the LTC port and then transmit timecode to slaves via radio. Follow the steps in Set UltraSync ONE to use LTC as an Input.
• Receive timecode via the LTC port and then transmit timecode via a wired connection. Follow the steps in Set UltraSync ONE to use LTC as an Input and Send Timecode from a Standalone UltraSync ONE.

 

Master to RF Slaves and Wired Devices

You can set your UltraSync ONE up so that it provides timecode to a device that is wired to the UltraSync ONE, and also to RF slaves. To act as the master and the timecode source, the UltraSync ONE has to be set to run in Master TX mode.

Note: If you want your UltraSync ONE to receive timecode from an external device, and then pass that timecode on to RF slave devices, see Set UltraSync ONE to use LTC as an Input.

To set up your UltraSync ONE as a Master TX:

1. Connect your camera or sound mixer/recorder to your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode via the LTC port, connect your device to the LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode, genlock, or word clock via the SYNC port, connect your device to the SYNC output port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

2. Configure the device that is connected to your UltraSync ONE so that it can receive timecode. See the device manufacturer's instructions for more details.

3. Make sure your UltraSync ONE is switched on (see Switch UltraSync ONE On and Off).

4. Press the Select button.

5. Set the RF Country/Area. You only need to do this step if you are setting up your UltraSync ONE for the first time or are using it in a different area of the world.
6. Set the Timecode Mode to Master TX.
7. Set the RF Channel.

   The RF Channel defines which RF network your UltraSync ONE master will create. To join this network, slave devices will need to use the same channel.

8. If you want your UltraSync ONE to output genlock, word clock, or timecode via the SYNC port, set the appropriate SYNC O/P Mode (see Set the SYNC Output). If you are not using the SYNC output, ignore this step.
9. Use the Set Timecode option to set the clock for your master UltraSync ONE Set the Timecode for the Master.

10. Use the Set FPS Rate option to set the frames-per-second rate to match the FPS of the connected device (see Set the Frame Rate Per Second).

11. Use the Local or EXT U/B option to set your UltraSync ONE to use either local user bits or external user bits (see Set the User Bits). If you choose local user bits, you will also need to set the user bits.

12. Set the output level for the port that is used for the wired connection to your external device. You need to set the level so that the voltage of the signal is appropriate for your device. For more details, see:

    • Set the SYNC Output
    • Set the LTC Level.

Your UltraSync ONE will send timecode, FPS, and user bits data (and possibly word clock or genlock, depending on your selections) to the wired devices. The wired devices receive the data and synchronise with your master UltraSync ONE.

Your UltraSync ONE will also detect any slave devices that are within range and using the same RF channel (as your UltraSync ONE). If a slave is detected, and it is searching for a new master, your UltraSync ONE will connect with it. Your UltraSync ONE will then transmit timecode, FPS, and userbits data to the slaves, so that they can synchronise with your UltraSync ONE (which is the RF network master).

See also:

• Master and Slaves
• Master TX

 

Master to Wired Device Only, No RF Slaves

If you want your UltraSync ONE to only provide timecode to devices that are wired to the UltraSync ONE:

1. Connect your camera or sound mixer/recorder to your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode via the LTC port, connect your device to the LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode via the SYNC port, connect your device to the SYNC output port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide genlock or word clock signals to your device, connect your device to the SYNC output port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

2. Make sure your UltraSync ONE is switched on (see Switch UltraSync ONE On and Off).

3. Press the Select button.

4. Set the Timecode Mode to Master TX.
5. If you want your UltraSync ONE to output genlock, word clock, or timecode via the SYNC port, set the appropriate SYNC O/P Mode (see Set the SYNC Output). If you are not using the SYNC output, ignore this step.

6. Use the Set Timecode option to set the clock for your master UltraSync ONE Set the Timecode for the Master.

7. Use the Set FPS Rate option to set the frames-per-second rate to match the FPS of the connected device (see Set the Frame Rate Per Second).
8. Use the Local or EXT U/B option to set your UltraSync ONE to use either local user bits or external user bits (see Set the User Bits). If you choose local user bits, you will also need to set the user bits.

9. Set the output level for the port that is used for the wired connection to your external device. You need to set the level so that the voltage of the signal is appropriate for your device. For more details, see:

   • Set the SYNC Output
   • Set the LTC Level.

Your UltraSync ONE will send timecode, FPS, and user bits data (and possibly word clock or genlock, depending on your selections) to the wired devices. The wired devices receive the data and synchronise with your master UltraSync ONE.

See also:

• Master and Slaves
• Master TX

Run UltraSync ONE as an RF Slave

To set your UltraSync ONE to run as an RF slave:

1. Connect your camera or sound mixer/recorder to your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode via the LTC port, connect your device to the LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode, genlock, or word clock via the SYNC port, connect your device to the SYNC output port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

2. Position your UltraSync ONE so that it is within range of the master device in your RF network. It is easier to confirm that synchronisation has taken place if you can see the clocks and LEDs of your slave and the master at the same time.

3. Make sure your UltraSync ONE is switched on (see Switch UltraSync ONE On and Off).

4. Press the Select button.

5. Set the RF Country/Area. You only need to do this step if you are setting up your UltraSync ONE for the first time or are using it in a different area of the world.

6. Set the Timecode Mode to RF Slave.

7. Set the RF Channel.

8. Use the Local or EXT U/B option to set your UltraSync ONE to use either local user bits or external user bits (see Set the User Bits). If you choose local user bits, you will also need to set the user bits.
9. If you want your UltraSync ONE to output genlock, word clock, or timecode via the SYNC port, set the appropriate SYNC O/P Mode (see Set the SYNC Output). If you are not using the SYNC output, ignore this step.

10. Set the output level for the port that is used for the wired connection to your external device. You need to set the level so that the voltage of the signal is appropriate for your device. For more details, see:

    • Set the SYNC Output
    • Set the LTC Level.

11. Turn the master and all of the slaves in your network off.
12. Turn the master unit back on.
13. Turn on the slave units, including the slave UltraSync ONE you have set up in this procedure. The slave units will connect to the master.

Note: At the start of a shoot, make sure the master is switched on first and then turn on the slave units. The master needs to be turned on first so that the master and slaves can establish an accurate lock.

To learn about how the master finds your RF slave and synchronises with it, see How does an RF Slave Synchronise with a Master?.

How does an RF Slave Synchronise with a Master?

When you set up an UltraSync ONE to run as an RF Slave, it will 'announce' itself on the network, so that it can be detected by a master (see Run UltraSync ONE as an RF Slave).

If a master is in range of your RF slave, it will detect the slave and will send its timecode, FPS, and user bits data to it. Your slave will synchronise with the master (it may keep its own user bits setting, depending on whether you chose local or external user bits. The slave will stay synchronised with the master until it is powered down or you change its mode or RF channel.

When your slave is synchronised with a master, it can output timecode to an external device. The timecode, FPS, and user bits can be output via the LTC or SYNC port, depending on how you have connected your external device. Your UltraSync ONE can also provide word clock or genlock signals via its SYNC port.

If the master moves out of range, the UltraSync ONE will use its own internal timecode, frames-per-second, and user bits settings until it can receive timecode from a master. This is called 'free running'.

To learn about setting the internal timecode, frames-per-second, and user bits for your UltraSync ONE, see:

• Set the Timecode for the Master
• Set the Frame Rate Per Second
• Set the User Bits.

Set UltraSync ONE to use LTC as an Input

The 'quick set up' instructions are designed to help you get your UltraSync ONE up and running as soon as possible. They assume that you are familiar with the master-slave relationship, the RF network, and know how to navigate through the UltraSync ONE menu. If you need more detailed step-by-step instructions, or extra information about a setting, please refer to the section about that setting.

To set your UltraSync ONE to receive timecode via its LTC port:

1. Connect your camera or sound mixer/recorder to your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode via the LTC port, connect your device to the LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to provide timecode, genlock, or word clock via the SYNC port, connect your device to the SYNC output port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

2. Make sure your UltraSync ONE is switched on (see Switch UltraSync ONE On and Off).

3. Press the Select button.

   If you want your UltraSync ONE to send timecode to slave devices (using radio), continue from step 4.

   If you want to connect your UltraSync ONE to other devices and send timecode via a wired connection, ignore steps 4 and 5 and continue from step 6.

4. Set the RF Country/Area

5. Set the RF Channel.

   Your UltraSync ONE needs to use the same radio frequency channel as the slave Timecode Systems devices in your RF network.

6. Set the Timecode Mode to EXT LTC Input.
7. Choose the LTC Input mode:
   • Non-Continuous - If the external device is disconnected from your UltraSync ONE, the UltraSync ONE will stop.
   • Continuous - If the external device is disconnected from your UltraSync ONE, the UltraSync ONE will free run until the external device is reconnected.
8. Set the transmission mode:
   • Choose Tx Off (Standalone) if you want your UltraSync ONE to output timecode via a wired connection only (no radio). Tx Off (Standalone) mode turns off the radio transceiver. This helps to extend the battery life, as radio consumes a lot of battery power.
   • Choose Tx On (Master) to set your UltraSync ONE to output timecode to slaves in an RF network (via radio).
9. Use the Local or EXT U/B option to set your UltraSync ONE to use either local user bits or external user bits (see Set the User Bits). If you choose local user bits, you will also need to set the user bits.

10. If you want your UltraSync ONE to output genlock, word clock, or timecode via the SYNC port, set the appropriate SYNC O/P Mode (see Set the SYNC Output). If you are not using the SYNC output, ignore this step.

11. If you are using the SYNC port to output to a wired device, set the SYNC Level (see Set the SYNC Output). If you are not using the SYNC output, ignore this step.

Your UltraSync ONE will now receive timecode, frames per second, and user bits data from the external device. The UltraSync ONE will then change its internal timecode and frames-per-second settings to match the data from the external device. It may also match the user bits data, but this depends on your choice for the Local or EXT U/B setting.

When your UltraSync ONE is synchronised with the external device, a sync icon is shown on the OLED.

If you have set your UltraSync ONE to use Tx On (Master) mode, it will detect any slave devices that are in range and using the appropriate RF channel. It will connect to the slaves and send the timecode, FPS, and user bits to them via radio.

If you have set your UltraSync ONE to use the TX Off (Standalone) transmission mode, it will not transmit via radio. You will need to set it to output timecode via the LTC port (see Send Timecode from a Standalone UltraSync ONE).

Send Timecode from a Standalone UltraSync ONE

If you have set your UltraSync ONE to use the TX Off (Standalone) transmission mode (see Set UltraSync ONE to use LTC as an Input), there are some extra steps you need to take.

So far, you have synchronised your UltraSync ONE with an external timecode source.

Next, you need to disconnect your UltraSync ONE and use it to send timecode to another device.

To do this, complete the following steps:

1. Disconnect your UltraSync ONE from the device that provided the timecode. Your UltraSync ONE will now free run, using the timecode that was received from the external device.
2. Set your UltraSync ONE to Master TX mode.
3. Connect your UltraSync ONE to a different external device.

   You can connect it via the:

   • LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.
   • SYNC port. Use the red DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.
4. If you connected via the SYNC port, use the Set Sync O/P Mode option to set the UltraSync ONE to output LTC. Ignore this step if you connected via the LTC port.
5. Configure the device that is connected to your UltraSync ONE so that it can receive timecode. See the device manufacturer's instructions for more details.

Jam UltraSync ONE to a Signal

You can connect your UltraSync ONE to an external device and then 'jam' to the external device's timecode. When it has jammed, you can disconnect your UltraSync ONE and then use it to transmit the timecode to other devices.

Note: For more information on the concept of jamming, see Free Running and Jamming.

To jam your UltraSync ONE to an external timecode signal:

1. Connect your external device to your UltraSync ONE's LTC port. Use the blue DIN 1.0/2.3 to BNC cable that is supplied with your UltraSync ONE.

2. Make sure your UltraSync ONE unit is switched on (see Switch UltraSync ONE On and Off).

3. Press the Select button.

4. Set the Timecode Mode to Free Run/Jam-Ext (see Set the Timecode Mode).

5. Press the Select button.

6. Use the Up and Down buttons to scroll to the TC Generator option.

7. Press the Select button.

8. Use the Up and Down buttons to scroll to the Jam EXT T/C option.

Your UltraSync ONE 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 UltraSync ONE cannot 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 UltraSync ONE is synchronised with the external timecode source. You can now disconnect the external timecode source.

To keep your UltraSync ONE synchronised with the external timecode source, you will need to re-connect and re-jam at regular intervals (typically 1-2 times per day).