Externally locking the time code

The internal time code generator of the camera can be locked to an external generator. In addition, the time code generator of an external device can be locked to the internal time code generator of the camera.

Example of connections for external locking

As shown in the figure, connect both the reference video signal and the reference time code.

For details on reference signal and generator lock, refer to “Selection of external reference signal and generator lock setting”.

When locking onto an external signal

NOTE

To input or genlock input external time code, set the <IN/OUT> switch to <IN> and select [FREE RUN] in the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [TCG].
You can input Y reference signals of HD and composite video signals as reference videos signals.
When the system mode is 480i (576i) (SD), 1080P, and 720P, input the composite video signal.
When the system mode is 1080/23.98PsF, input the HD-Y signal.
When the system mode is 1080P and 720P, if you input the HD-Y signal, genlock will be applied to the image signal, but the time code may be shifted by one field.
If the genlock input reference signal becomes disrupted, a normal recording cannot be performed and [TEMPORARY PAUSE IRREGULAR FRM SIG] flashes on the viewfinder and LCD monitor, then clips are divided. The synchronization with the time code is not also guaranteed. Recording will be resumed when the signal returns to normal. However, interval recording, one-shot recording, and loop recording are not resumed.

When two cameras are connected and one is used as a reference camera

External lock operation procedure

To externally lock the time code, follow the steps below.

Set [FREE RUN] in the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [TCG].

Display TC with the <COUNTER> button.

Input a reference time code and reference video signal that are in a phase relationship (that conforms to time code specifications) to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal and the <GENLOCK IN/VIDEO OUT> terminal.

The built-in time code generator is locked to the reference time code. When approximately ten seconds has elapsed after locking, the external lock status will be held even if the reference time code from the external device is disconnected.

When the input reference signal of generator lock is disrupted, recording cannot be performed normally. [TEMPORARY PAUSE IRREGULAR SIG] is displayed in the viewfinder screen, and the clip is divided. The continuity of the time code is not guaranteed. Recording resumes when the signal returns to normal. However, during loop recording, recording does not resume.
When the time code is externally locked, the time code is instantaneously locked to the external time code, the same value as the value of the external time code is output to the counter display area. Do not set to the recording mode for several seconds until the sync generator has stabilized. Furthermore, lock the time code to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal signal.
When using the camera with [ON] set in the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [PRE REC], disrupted images or stopped time codes may be recorded if the time code is switched from recording run to free run immediately before recording or an external time code is input to be slave-locked to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal.
If you execute the slave once, even if there is no longer <TC IN/OUT> terminal and <GENLOCK IN/VIDEO OUT> terminal input, the slave status is maintained. However, in the following cases, the slave status will be released.
- When [TC PRESET] is executed
- When the power is turned off
- When switching between [DF]/[NDF] in [DF MODE]
- When [TCG] is set to [REC RUN]
- When switching between [REC FORMAT] and [CAMERA MODE]

Setting of user bits when the time code is externally locked

To lock user bits to the input values from an external source, set [EXT] in the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [UBG MODE]. Regardless of the setting of [REC RUN]/[FREE RUN], it is slaved to user bits values input to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal.

Canceling the external lock

Set [REC RUN] in the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [TCG] after stopping supply of the external time code.

Cautions when switching the power supply from the battery to the AC adaptor while an external lock is active

To keep continuously on the power supply of the time code generator, connect the AC adaptor to the <DC IN 12V> terminal and then remove the battery pack. If the battery pack is removed first, there is no guarantee that the time code will stay externally locked.

External synchronization of the camera unit while an external lock is active

While an external lock is active, the genlock is activated on the camera unit by the reference video signal input to the <GENLOCK IN/VIDEO OUT> terminal.

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