The ACL 204 Lockit is a highly sophisticated, portable, timecode and sync generator, covering all time-code rates and sync formats. The ACN-TL Tiny Lockit offers the same functionality except sync, but adds variable TC output level and conversion, and communication options. They are the first in a new generation of Clockit products which fully utilise the Ambient Clockit Network (ACN) System via an integrated wireless transceiver. Configuration is possible 'on the fly' via an easy to operate, one-finger, navigation system and an intelligent algorithm prevents configuration of improper, mismatched TC and sync rates or unintended alterations to the set-up. Power cycling after adjustment is not required. An OLED display allows instant visual indication of the current configuration and assists while moving through the menu to make adjustments.
Inbuilt temperature-compensating technology ensures a time code with a deviation of less than +/- 0.1 ppm of a given reference over extended periods. All Clockit time-code products can be calibrated in the field by connecting them to the Clockit Controller ACC501 which takes its reference from either a GPS signal, the time code of the master recorder or camera, or a video reference signal generated by the studio or OB-truck synchroniser. Calibration is electronic and accurate and instant, no manual adjustment is required, so drift and resetting is totally avoided.
The ACL 204 and ACN-TL feature an integral wireless-network module and a serial data port, so the status of each unit on set can be monitored and the metadata of the connected devices can be logged, buffered and communicated to the Ambient Clockit Network ACN Master. This provides the stability of a conventional Ambient Clockit Generator with the flexibility of a wireless TC system but without the fear of dropouts. It is also possible, using the ACN Master, to remotely sync the generators and write back metadata to the recorders. The internal 2.4GHz wireless antenna offers a line-of-sight range of up to 50m; an optional external antenna may be added to maintain or even extend the range in 'noisy' environments where other 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and wireless devices are operating. Two antenna versions are available, SMA-M (straight) and SMA-M90 (90 degree) to suit the chosen mounting orientation of the Clockit.
In addition to the functionality of the ACL 204, the ACN-TL Tiny Lockit offers most features of the widely used ALL 601, such as variable time-code output level for recording TC on an audio track and time-code conversion between LTC, MTC and LANC. The second Lemo connector will output TC or may be user-configured as a USB, RS232 or GP I/O communications port.
Both the ACL 204 and ACN-TL allow the user to apply an offset to the TC output to allow for the processing delay in some HD cameras. Additionally, the second output on each and the option to switch the sync output on the ACL 204 to drive dual loads, allows 3D camera rigs to operate from a single unit, reducing weight and complexity.
Powering is by either 5 to 18V DC via the Lemo 'A' socket, 5V DC via the mini USB socket, or two AA size Alkaline, NiMH rechargeable or Li-Ion batteries. Setting the battery type in the configuration menu will give accurate low voltage warning.
The machined, pearl-blasted and anodised aluminium body ensures the Clockit will withstand the rigours of the location and outside broadcast environment.
Supported standards
Time code: SMPTE / EBU (23,976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 fps, 29.97/30 drop frame).
Sync formats: NTSC (59.94i); PAL (50i), 720p (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60), 1080i (50, 59.94, 60) 1080psF (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30) 1080p (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60); Word clock (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz, pull-up / pull-down); Black audio AES3 (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz, pull-up / pull-down)
Full operation and configuration instructions can be found in the user manual, linked from the product page at www.canford.co.uk
Dimensions: 100(w) x 74(d) x 36(h)mm. Weight: 0.25kg, without batteries. Power consumption: 90mA, 3V, typical. Battery life: 30 hours, typical.
Included accessories: LTC-out cable, Lemo to BNC right angle, Sync cable, BNC to BNC right angle, leather pouch.
Dimensions: 78(w) x 20(d) x56(h)mm. Weight: 0.122kg, without batteries. Power consumption: 50mA, 3V, typica). Battery life: 10 hours, typical.
Included accessories: No additional accessories.
Optional Accessories
Quick-release mounting plates, complete with 3/8 inch male thread adapters:
ACM-204 - For ACL-204 Lockit (aluminium case).
ACM-TL - For ACN-TL Tiny Lockit and all other Clockit devices, including the plastic case ACL204.
Spare threaded adapters:
ACM-MS - 3/8 inch male threaded adapter for use with ACM-204 and ACL-TL mounts.
ACM-FS - 3/8 inch female threaded adaptor for use with ACM-204 and ACL-TL mounts.
Antennae:
ANT-2.4-SMA-M external antenna - Straight.
ANT-2.4-SMA-M90 external antenna - 90 degree.
Cables:
LEP - External power cable, Hirose to Lemo 5-pin.
LTC-IN - Lockit/Tiny Lockit time-code input cable, BNC right-angle to Lemo 5-pin.
LTC-OUT - Lockit/Tiny Lockit time-code output cable, Lemo 5-pin to BNC right-angle.
LTC-IN35 - Lockit/Tiny Lockit time-code input cable, 3.5 mm, 3-pole jack to 5-pin Lemo.
LTC-IN35EW - Lockit/Tiny Lockit time-code input cable, screw-lock 3.5 mm, 3-pole, jack to 5-pin Lemo.
LTC-OUT/TA3F - Lockit/Tiny Lockit time-code output cable, Lemo 0B 5-pin to TA3F for Sound Devices 552 TC-IN.
BNC - Lockit sync cable, BNC right-angle to BNC right-angle.
ACN-USB - Tiny Lockit USB cable
Free Time-code Monitoring System for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad
The Ambient Recording Clockit Timecode App is a free download from the Apple App Store. It offers a modular time-code toolbox for Apple mobile devices running iOS 3.x and higher with native iPad screen resolution support. It allows a smartphone or tablet to become a versatile production tool for script, logging and any kind of approximate time-code monitoring. The basic host module features a comprehensive time-code reader which includes level metering, a native waveform analyser and much more.
Accessories: Connection is made between the Apple 3.5mm headphone socket and Ambient devices with an iTC-INL cable assembly. This includes a pad to adjust line to microphone level.