XDR locking Timecode release timescale at DVinfo.net

Stuart Nicholls · November 12th, 2009, 12:38 PM

Hi guys at CD,

Just wanted to say how much I'm LOVING using my flash XDR with HD polecam. It really is second to none.

Now my request.... how long until we can get timecode that locks even when we take the timecode signal away.
Its fine when using lockit boxes and the XDR but a lot of the time on location this is not possible.

Its such a chink in the armour of the XDR that I can just stick a bit of timecode in and lock it free running.

Is this a possible option and if so, any idea on a time scale for launching it?

Thanks guys

Dan Keaton · November 12th, 2009, 05:40 PM

Dear Stuart,

Yes, I would like that also.

Some call this "Jamsync".

We expect to have a limited version of "Jamsync".

By limited, I mean that the nanoFlash has to remain powered up,
the camera has to remain powered up,
the camera and the nanoFlash must remain connected,
but the timecode source, the timecode used to "Jamsync" can be removed,
and the timecode source would need to be connected, briefly, to our external "timecode input".

Note, our external "timecode input" (LTC), is via our remote control connector, thus one of our optional cables is required, or you can build your own.

I know that this is "limited", but this is on the way.

The Flash XDR has an external timecode input via a BNC connector and it will support "Jamsync" also.

Aaron Newsome · November 12th, 2009, 07:21 PM

Dan, didn't someone mention using GPS for timecode sync. Wouldn't that be a really low cost way to do multi-camera sync if that option fits the workflow?

Mike Schell · November 12th, 2009, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron Newsome

Dan, didn't someone mention using GPS for timecode sync. Wouldn't that be a really low cost way to do multi-camera sync if that option fits the workflow?

Hi Aaron-
Yes, this is an excellent way to sync up several nanoFlash units. We have this capability in development now. Note this will be an extra cost feature since you must purchase a GPS receiver unit. Price TBD.

Best-

Aaron Newsome · November 12th, 2009, 09:34 PM

Well, I've seen GPS receivers and lockit boxes. Even the most expensive GPS receiver only is no where near the cost of a lockit box. GPS is pretty dang complex too.

If there were ever a case of "economies of scale", this has got to be it!

Dan Keaton · November 13th, 2009, 05:40 AM

Dear Aaron,

I very excited about our upcoming GPS feature.

Just the basic functionality is just great:

1. Set the internal time of day clock very accurately, so all units on-set will have the same time of day.

2. Use it for very accurate Time of Day timecode.

GPS units provide the current time to approximately 1 microsecond accuracy.

We will talk more of the advanced functionality later.

Steve Brown · November 18th, 2009, 06:17 AM

That sounds great, but isn't GPS unreliable indoors? I have three GPS units (all different) and none of them works well indoors.

Dan Keaton · November 18th, 2009, 07:02 AM

Dear Steve,

Yes, GPS indoors is typically unreliable (unable to receive a signal).

And GPS can be unreliable in large cities where the view of the sky is blocked by skyscrapers or other large buildings.

But, one can just a GPS to set the time of day, very accurately in the nanoFlash, then disconnect. Our very accurate internal timer will take over.

November 12th, 2009, 12:38 PM	#1
Stuart Nicholls New Boot Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Hertfordshire, UK Posts: 12	XDR locking Timecode release timescale Hi guys at CD, Just wanted to say how much I'm LOVING using my flash XDR with HD polecam. It really is second to none. Now my request.... how long until we can get timecode that locks even when we take the timecode signal away. Its fine when using lockit boxes and the XDR but a lot of the time on location this is not possible. Its such a chink in the armour of the XDR that I can just stick a bit of timecode in and lock it free running. Is this a possible option and if so, any idea on a time scale for launching it? Thanks guys

November 12th, 2009, 05:40 PM	#2
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Stuart, Yes, I would like that also. Some call this "Jamsync". We expect to have a limited version of "Jamsync". By limited, I mean that the nanoFlash has to remain powered up, the camera has to remain powered up, the camera and the nanoFlash must remain connected, but the timecode source, the timecode used to "Jamsync" can be removed, and the timecode source would need to be connected, briefly, to our external "timecode input". Note, our external "timecode input" (LTC), is via our remote control connector, thus one of our optional cables is required, or you can build your own. I know that this is "limited", but this is on the way. The Flash XDR has an external timecode input via a BNC connector and it will support "Jamsync" also. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 13th, 2009, 05:40 AM	#6
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Aaron, I very excited about our upcoming GPS feature. Just the basic functionality is just great: 1. Set the internal time of day clock very accurately, so all units on-set will have the same time of day. 2. Use it for very accurate Time of Day timecode. GPS units provide the current time to approximately 1 microsecond accuracy. We will talk more of the advanced functionality later. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 18th, 2009, 07:02 AM	#8
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Steve, Yes, GPS indoors is typically unreliable (unable to receive a signal). And GPS can be unreliable in large cities where the view of the sky is blocked by skyscrapers or other large buildings. But, one can just a GPS to set the time of day, very accurately in the nanoFlash, then disconnect. Our very accurate internal timer will take over. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 12th, 2009, 07:21 PM	#3
Aaron Newsome Major Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 590	Dan, didn't someone mention using GPS for timecode sync. Wouldn't that be a really low cost way to do multi-camera sync if that option fits the workflow?

November 12th, 2009, 09:34 PM	#5
Aaron Newsome Major Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 590	Well, I've seen GPS receivers and lockit boxes. Even the most expensive GPS receiver only is no where near the cost of a lockit box. GPS is pretty dang complex too. If there were ever a case of "economies of scale", this has got to be it!

November 18th, 2009, 06:17 AM	#7
Steve Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 96	That sounds great, but isn't GPS unreliable indoors? I have three GPS units (all different) and none of them works well indoors.