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”.

External lock operation procedure

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

Set [TC IN] in the main menu → [IN/OUT SEL] → [TC IN/OUT SEL].

Press the <SETUP> button to display the [SET01:TC/UB] screen of SmartUI.

Press the <COUNTER> button to set the counter display to [TC].

Press the <STOP> button to set [TC_MD] to [F-RUN].

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 <GL 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 genlock is disrupted, recording cannot be performed normally. [TEMPORARY PAUSE IRREGULAR SIG] is displayed in the viewfinder, and the clip is divided. The continuity of the time code is not guaranteed. Recording will be resumed when the signal returns to normal. However, during loop recording, recording does not resume.

  • When external lock is performed, 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, and the [TCG[R]] display is black and white inverted. Do not set to the recording mode for several seconds until the sync generator has stabilized. Also, 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.

  • Once the slave is executed, it will maintain the slave status even if the input to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal or the <GL IN/VIDEO OUT> terminal is lost. However, in the following cases, the slave status will be released.

    • When time code is set on the [SET01:TC/UB] screen of SmartUI

    • When the power is turned off

    • When switching between [DF]/[NDF] in [DF MODE]

    • When [TC_MD] is set to [R-RUN] on the [SET01:TC/UB] screen of SmartUI

    • 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 the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [UBG MODE] to [EXT]. Regardless of the setting of recording run/free run, it is slaved to user bits values input to the <TC IN/OUT> terminal.

Canceling the external lock

After stopping supply of the external time code, set the main menu → [RECORDING SETUP] → [UBG MODE] to other than [EXT].

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

To keep on the time code generator power supply continuously, connect an external DC power supply to the <DC IN> 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

The genlock will be applied to the camera unit by the reference video signal input to the <GL IN/VIDEO OUT> terminal while the external lock is applied.