1. Timecode Systems
  2. FAQs
  3. UltraSync BLUE

UltraSync BLUE FAQ's

  • Is the UltraSync BLUE compatible with Android?

    The UltraSync BLUE isn't currently compatible with Android devices. 

    For the complete list of devices please visit: https://support.timecodesystems.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016285672-What-devices-are-compatible-with-the-UltraSync-BLUE-

     

     

  • Is the UltraSync BLUE compatible with the Tentacle system?

    The UltraSync BLUE is compatible with the following:

    • MAVIS professional camera app
    • Apogee MetaRecorder app and MovieSlate8 app for iPhone
    • Softron MovieRecorder and Multicam Logger software
    • Zoom H3VR Handy Recorder
    • Zoom F3 MultiTrack Field Recorder
    • Zoom F6 MultiTrack Field Recorder
    • Zoom F8 and F8n Field Recorder
    • Zoom F2-BT Field Recorder
    • Tascam Portacapture X8 Audio Recorder
    • All other Timecode Systems devices

    Because our system and Tentacle's operate using different timecode protocols, the only way to integrate the two companies' products together would be to use the UltraSync ONE product to receive LTC from a Tentacle over cable, chase that timecode and transmit to an UltraSync BLUE over long range RF. 

    Find out more about the UltraSync ONE here: https://www.timecodesystems.com/products-home/ultrasync-one-2/  

  • I'm having trouble pairing the UltraSync BLUE to another device, what can I do?

    If your recording device is within range and the UltraSync BLUE cannot pair with it, make sure that you have enabled Bluetooth on your device. If it is already enabled, try disabling Bluetooth and then re-enabling it.

    If the UltraSync BLUE is still unable to pair, select the Bluetooth Pair menu and choose Clear Table, and then Confirm. This clears the UltraSync BLUE's memory of previous pairings. It may also be worth clearing any previous pairings on the other device.

    If this is unsuccessful, perform a factory reset on the UltraSync BLUE. 

    To restore the factory settings of your UltraSync BLUE:

    1. Make sure your UltraSync BLUE is switched on.

    2. Press the Select button.
    3. Choose Power and press Select.
    4. Choose Factory Reset and press Select.

    5. Choose the Confirm option and press Select.

    If you are still unable to pair the UltraSync BLUE with your recording device, please contact the Timecode Systems support team for advice: support@timecodesystems.com 

     

     

  • How does the UltraSync BLUE fit in with the Timecode Systems' workflow?

    The UltraSync BLUE can communicate with any other Timecode Systems' product on our robust, long-range RF network; allowing you to bring any 'timecode over Bluetooth' enabled device in to your existing timecode workflow.

    The following video outlines how the UltraSync BLUE can be used in combination with other Timecode Systems' products to fit the timecode needs of any production:

  • What devices are compatible with the UltraSync BLUE?

    The UltraSync BLUE is compatible with the following:

    • MAVIS professional camera app
    • Apogee MetaRecorder app and MovieSlate8 app for iPhone
    • Softron MovieRecorder and Multicam Logger software
    • Zoom H3VR Handy Recorder
    • Zoom F3 MultiTrack Field Recorder
    • Zoom F6 MultiTrack Field Recorder
    • Zoom F8 and F8n Field Recorder
    • Zoom F2-BT Field Recorder
    • Tascam Portacapture X8 Audio Recorder
    • All other Timecode Systems devices
    • Please note the UltraSync BLUE is not suitable for use with GoPro cameras

    We’re constantly working with manufacturers and app developers to adopt our super accurate timing protocol into their Bluetooth®-enabled products. Keep an eye on the UltraSync BLUE product page for a full list of compatible hardware and software.

    If you would like further clarification about the UltraSync BLUE, please contact the Timecode Systems' support team: support@timecodesystems.com who will be happy to advise further. 

  • How do I setup my UltraSync BLUE with my iPhone?

    UltraSync BLUE

    Using the Mavis App you can pair your UltraSync BLUE with your iPhone. 

    If you have already purchased an UltraSync BLUE you can redeem the Mavis Timecode pack for free. You can claim one Timecode pack per UltraSync BLUE serial number.

     

     

    UltraSync BLUE 

    ScreenCompositFinal.png

     

    Redeeming Timecode Pack with UltraSync BLUE

    If you’ve already purchased an UltraSync BLUE, you can redeem your free Timecode pack from the MAVIS Store. 

     

    1) Tap on the Settings icon at the top left of the screen.

     setting_icon.png

     

    2) Tap the button at the top to load the MAVIS Store.

    access_store.png

     

    3) Tap Timecode product tile to load Timecode product page.

     

    4) Scroll down and tap "Redeem Timecode pack using UltraSync BLUE" button.

     

    5) Turn on the UltraSync BLUE.

    - Press the select button.

    - Click the select button again to 'Run' the device.

    - Click the select button to 'Confirm Above'.

    - You should now see timecode on the LED screen.

    UltraSync_timecode.png

     

    6) Enter Bluetooth Pair. 

    - Click the select button to access the main menu.

    - Click the down button to go to Bluetooth Pair and click the select button to select it.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_pair.png

     

    7) Ensure UltraSync BLUE is <Searching>

    UltraSync_bluetooth.png

     

    8) When UltraSync BLUE shows <Searching>. Tap on the popup within MAVIS to continue process.

     

    9) MAVIS will look for UltraSync BLUE serial.

      

    10) When serial is found, a free In-App Purchase process will start. You may be asked to enter your iTunes Store password.

     

    11) After successfully redeeming the Timecode pack, please register your UltraSync BLUE.

     

     

    Syncing MAVIS with an UltraSync BLUE

     

    1) Tap on the Settings icon at the top left of the screen.

     setting_icon.png

     

    2) Tap on Timecode within the RECORDING section. 

     

    3) Tap on UltraSync BLUE. MAVIS is now searching for the UltraSync BLUE.

     

    4) Turn on the UltraSync BLUE.

    - Press the select button.

    - Click the select button again to 'Run' the device.

    - Click the select button to 'Confirm Above'.

    - You should now see timecode on the LED screen.

    UltraSync_timecode.png

     

    5) Enter Bluetooth Pair.

    - Click the select button to access the main menu.

    - Click the down button to go to Bluetooth Pair and click the select button to select it.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_pair.png

     

    6) Wait for MAVIS device to be found.

    UltraSync_bluetooth.png

     

    7) Select your MAVIS device. 

    - Click the select button to select device.

    - Click the select button to 'Confirm Above'.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_iPhone.png 

     

    8) MAVIS is now paired to the UltraSync BLUE and timecode will run in sync! 

    IMG_601782568D3A-1.jpeg

  • What is Apogee’s Metarecorder app?

    MetaRecorder is a two-channel audio recording app for the iPhone from Apogee. It allows recordings from up to six iOS devices to be linked, tagged and organised, and works alongside a wide range of microphones and other hardware, allowing professional quality sound to be recorded on an iPhone. MetaRecorder is free to download, with various in-app options to add features (free if a compatible microphone device is attached).

     

  • How do I connect the UltraSync BLUE with the Apogee MetaRecorder app?

     

     

    • Download the Apogee MetaRecorder app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
    • To add support for the UltraSync BLUE the 'timecode upgrade' is required. This is an in-app purchase of $2.99.
    • Launch MetaRecorder and select the settings tab.
    • Select Enable Bluetooth Timecode. 
    • Select Pair.
    • On your UltraSync BLUE select Bluetooth Pair from the main menu.
    • UltraSync_bluetooth_pair.png
    • The UltraSync BLUE will now search for compatible Bluetooth® devices.
    • UltraSync_bluetooth.png
    • Once your device has been detected press the select button on the UltraSync BLUE and then confirm above.
    • The app will display the name and frame rate of the paired UltraSync BLUE.
    • Rec/Play tab, the timecode on the UltraSync BLUE will now match the timecode on MetaRecorder and will show as blue in colour.
    • You are now ready to record; select record to start recording. 
    • To export your recorded files select the scenes tab. 
    • Press select on the top right, select the scene you wish to export and press on the upload icon.
    • You can now select how you want to export your recording.

     

  • What is MAVIS app?

    MAVIS is a free professional filmmaking camera app for the iPhone. It offers a range of professional level filming tools (from focus peaking to waveform monitors) that can be purchased in bundles. Once paired with an UltraSync BLUE, the MAVIS timecode bundle is unlocked automatically for free, allowing timecode metadata to be embedded directly into media files generated from video shot on the MAVIS app.

     

  • How do I connect the UltraSync BLUE with the MAVIS iOS video app?

    Using the MAVIS app you can pair your UltraSync BLUE with your iPhone to embed timecode in the footage captured by the MAVIS app. 

    If you have already purchased an UltraSync BLUE you can redeem the MAVIS timecode pack for free. You can claim one timecode pack per UltraSync BLUE serial number.

     

     

    UltraSync BLUE 

    ScreenCompositFinal.png

     

    Redeeming Timecode Pack with UltraSync BLUE

    If you’ve already purchased an UltraSync BLUE, you can redeem your free timecode pack from the MAVIS store. 

     

    1) Tap on the settings icon at the top left of the screen.

     setting_icon.png

     

    2) Tap the button at the top to load the MAVIS store.

    access_store.png

     

    3) Tap Timecode product tile to load the timecode product page.

     

    4) Scroll down and tap "Redeem Timecode pack using UltraSync BLUE" button.

     

    5) Turn on the UltraSync BLUE.

    - Press the select button.

    - Click the select button again to 'run' the device.

    - Click the select button to 'confirm above'.

    - You should now see timecode on the LED screen.

    UltraSync_timecode.png

     

    6) Enter Bluetooth Pair. 

    - Click the select button to access the main menu.

    - Click the down button to go to Bluetooth Pair and click the select button to select it.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_pair.png

     

    7) Ensure UltraSync BLUE is <Searching>

    UltraSync_bluetooth.png

     

    8) When UltraSync BLUE shows <Searching>, tap on the popup within MAVIS to continue process.

     

    9) MAVIS will look for the UltraSync BLUE serial number.

      

    10) When the serial is found, a free in-app purchase process will start. You may be asked to enter your iTunes store password.

     

    11) After successfully redeeming the timecode pack, please register your UltraSync BLUE.

     

     

    Syncing MAVIS with an UltraSync BLUE

     

    1) Tap on the Settings icon at the top left of the screen.

     setting_icon.png

     

    2) Tap on Timecode within the RECORDING section. 

     

    3) Tap on UltraSync BLUE. MAVIS is now searching for the UltraSync BLUE.

     

    4) Turn on the UltraSync BLUE.

    - Press the select button.

    - Click the select button again to 'run' the device.

    - Click the select button to 'confirm above'.

    - You should now see timecode on the LED screen.

    UltraSync_timecode.png

     

    5) Enter Bluetooth Pair.

    - Click the select button to access the main menu.

    - Click the down button to go to Bluetooth Pair and click the select button to select it.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_pair.png

     

    6) Wait for MAVIS device to be found.

    UltraSync_bluetooth.png

     

    7) Select your MAVIS device. 

    - Click the select button to select device.

    - Click the select button to 'confirm above'.

    UltraSync_bluetooth_iPhone.png 

     

    8) MAVIS is now paired to the UltraSync BLUE and timecode will run in sync! 

    IMG_601782568D3A-1.jpeg

  • How do I connect the UltraSync BLUE to my Zoom device?

    The UltraSync BLUE is compatible with the H3-VR Handy Recorder and the latest firmware updates for the F8 (v6.0) and F8n (v2.0) MultiTrack Field Recorders. It will also be compatible with the new F6 MultiTrack Field Recorder on release.

    Zoom have published supplementary manuals for each of these integrations, outlining how to connect the UltraSync ONE to each device. 

    Please select the device you are using, and follow the link to access the supplementary manual:

  • Why isn't my Zoom device connecting with my UltraSync BLUE?

    Please ensure that you have updated to the relevant firmware version and followed all of the steps in the relevant Zoom Supplementary Manual - available here. 

    If after following these steps your UltraSync BLUE and Zoom device are not communicating over Bluetooth, we would recommend running a factory reset of the Zoom device, and then reattempting to form the connection. 

  • How do I connect my UltraSync BLUE with my iMac / Macbook using the Softron software?

     

     Bluetooth with UltraSync BLUE 

    UltraSync_BLUE.png

    Pairing

    You can pair MovieRecorder with your UltraSync BLUE so it can retrieve the timecode.

    • First select "TCS UltraSync BLUE (Bluetooth)" as your timecode source.
    • Click on "Apply" (the "Pair" button will remain greyed out if you don't).
    • Click on "Pair".
    • Enter pairing mode on your UltraSync BLUE:
      • Press the big button.
      • Go to the menu "Bluetooth Pair".
      • Wait until the name of the Softron application shows up ("MovieRec" for MovieRecorder).
      • Press the big button.
      • Use the top small button to select "Confirm Above".
      • Press the big button.
      • That's it! If successfully paired, MovieRecorder should show something like this (with the name of the device it is connected to, and the fps):MR4.1_TCS_Blue.png

     

    IMPORTANT NOTES:

    1. The FPS information will take a few seconds to update (it will show 29.97 by default).
    2. Once paired and connected, it may take a few seconds to retrieve the TC. During that moment it will show as "Connected", but the TC in the viewers will show: "--:--:--:--".
    3. Also every time your Softron application will start it will take a few seconds before it can have an accurate TC. Until then it will also show "--:--:--:--". You should not start recording before the timecode is properly received (or your files will start at the 00:00:00:00).

     

    Strength of the Bluetooth signal

    On your UltraSync BLUE, you should also see an icon showing that it is connected. The number on there shows the strength of the signal. (7 is the strongest, 1 the weakest).

     

    Unpairing

    To unpair, simply click on "Unpair".

     

    Connection/Disconnection

    The Bluetooth device may show as "Disconnected" if:

    1. The device is too far (distance can vary depending on the place where you are).
    2. The device is powered off.
    3. You have "cleared the table" on the Bluetooth device (see below).

    MR4.1_TCS_Disconnected.png

     

    Clear the pairing table of the UltraSync BLUE

    The UltraSync BLUE can be paired to a maximum of 4 other devices at the same time. Once you have reached that number, it will show "Pair Table Full" on the device. You will then have to clear the table to be able to pair again to the device.

    This means that:

    • If other applications were connected to the device they will be disconnected.
    • As there isn't any communication from the device indicating that it was cleared from the table, you will only see that it is disconnected. You will then need to unpair the UltraSync BLUE and pair it again.

     

  • Do I have to pair my device to the UltraSync BLUE every time?

    No - After first set-up, UltraSync BLUE automatically remembers and recognises your device.

     

  • How accurate is timecode over Bluetooth®?

    Thanks to our patented, timing protocol, delivering unparalleled accuracy for the exchange of timecode over Bluetooth®, we can now offer the same level of accuracy over Bluetooth, as we can with our hard-wired solutions.

  • Can the UltraSync BLUE be used as a master unit?

    Yes – as an RF transceiver, it can be used either as the master timecode generator and transmitter, or as a receiving slave unit.

    1. If you require access to the BLINK Hub app in your workflow you will need to use either a :pulse or a :wave as the master unit. If you wish to sync to an external LTC source you will need to use an UltraSync ONE, :pulse or :wave as the master connected to the external source.
  • How many devices can I connect to the UltraSync BLUE?

    You can use a single UltraSync BLUE unit to sync up to six recording devices shooting in close range (up to 10m) over Bluetooth®. For devices more than 10m apart, use one UltraSync BLUE per unit and connect them over our long range RF network.

     

  • Does the UltraSync BLUE support genlock/wordclock?

    The UltraSync BLUE does not offer genlock or wordclock, but it can be used alongside other Timecode Systems products (:pulse and UltraSync ONE) supplying genlock/word clock to their connected external devices as it is all calculated based on the timecode generated by the master unit and received by the slave units.

    Learn more about genlock and its benefits here: https://www.timecodesystems.com/what-is-genlock/

  • Does the UltraSync BLUE work with the BLINK Hub?

    The UltraSync BLUE does not have a built in WiFi connection. A :pulse or :wave master unit is required in your network to connect to BLINK Hub. When in slave mode to a :pulse or :wave, the UltraSync BLUE will appear in the BLINK Hub for status monitoring and control, just like other Timecode Systems’ products.

    Learn more about the BLINK Hub here: https://www.timecodesystems.com/products-home/blink-hub-timecode-app/

     

  • Can I use the UltraSync BLUE with my DSLR?

    Although the UltraSync BLUE has the potential to work with any camera or sound recording device with Bluetooth® capability, before the UltraSync BLUE can communicate with a device, it needs to have our timecode over Bluetooth protocols implemented. 

    Currently, we don't have any DSLR cameras on the list of compatible devices, but we're constantly working with various manufacturers to adopt our new super accurate timing protocol into their Bluetooth®-enabled products. Keep an eye on the UltraSync BLUE product page for a full list of compatible integrations.

  • How do I mount my UltraSync BLUE?

    The UltraSync BLUE is small enough to fit in your pocket and the wireless connectivity removes the need for traditional mounting options. There is however space on the back of the unit to attach Velcro, if you need to.

  • How does the UltraSync BLUE compare to the UltraSync ONE?

    The UltraSync BLUE does not replace the UltraSync ONE. The two products are designed to work alongside each other, enhancing the Timecode Systems ecosystem. Here’s a comparison.

     

    ULTRASYNC ONE

    ULTRASYNC BLUE

    Size (mm)

    55 x 44 x 17mm

    55 x 43 x 17mm

    Weight (oz)

    39 grams

     36 grams

    OLED Display

    Blue 128 × 32 Pixels

    Blue 128 × 32 Pixels

    Battery life

    25 to 40 hours

     20 hours

    Charging time

    3 hours

    3.5 hours 

    External power

    USB-C (5V DC)

    USB-C (5V DC)

    LTC Input/Output

    DIN 1.0/2.3 connector. Input or output, depending on the mode selected.

    Via Bluetooth®, output only.

    Sync Output

    DIN 1.0/2.3 connector. Genlock, wordclock and LTC

    No

    Frame rates

    23.98, 24.00, 25.00, 30.0D (drop frame), 30.00, 29.97D (drop frame), 29.97

    23.98, 24.00, 25.00, 30.0D (drop frame), 30.00, 29.97D (drop frame), 29.97

    Digital RF network

    Yes - 865.050MHz to 923.200MHz

    Yes - 865.050MHz to 923.200MHz

    BLINK Hub

    Yes

    Yes

    Connectors

    Two locking DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors

    Bluetooth®

    Connected External Devices

    One for TC and sync, two for LTC

    Up to six for LTC

    Price

    $299 | £240 | €279

    $179 | £125 | €149
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